Friday, December 19, 2008

Last minute Christmas gifts - pistachio and cranberry chocolate bark


I am still frantically trying to finish off my Christmas gifts before we leave for Melbourne tomorrow (yay!), so I knew I wanted something quick and easy to make for my husbands and my work colleagues, but still nice enough to give away as a present.

This 'bark' definitely filled those criteria - it was extremely quick to make. I didn't use a recipe - so I can't give you exact measurements - but it won't matter because it is so simple!

Pistachio and Cranberry Chocolate Bark

1 pack of chocolate melts, or 1 block of chocolate - I used white chocolate because I thought it would be a nice contrast to the other colours - but you could use any chocolate you like, or even swirl together white and dark/milk chocolate too
a couple of handfuls of shelled, unsalted pistachios
a couple of handfuls of dried cranberries

Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper

Melt the chocolate in a bowl over hot water or in the microwave. Allow to cool a little.

Meanwhile, place pistachios in a plastic bag and lightly crush with a rolling pin

Mix half the pistachios and half the cranberries into the white chocolate.

Spread the chocolate mixture on the baking tray. Then sprinkle with the remaining pistachios and cranberries. Using a spatulata, lightly press the nuts and fruit into the chocolate so that when it sets they won't fall off.


Place tray in the fridge and allow chocolate to set.

Break 'bark into pieces, wrap it up and present it to your friends (or eat it yourself!)


I also got another present finished last night - some recipe cards to go with another larger present for the kitchen!


Thankfully there's not many left to finish now as we leave very early tomorrow morning!
And - a big Hello to anyone who has made it here from Rachael's gorgeous blog "Four Wise Monkeys ". I hope you enjoy my blog.

Have a great weekend everyone!

8 comments:

Simone de Klerk said...

I LOVE your recipe cards! And no, I visit your blog once in a while, because you have so many nice things to look at. Come and have a look at mine (O:

Annie said...

You are killing me! I can only hope that something you are making on here is my present! At the very least, I expect to be helping eat the Christmas Cake when it is finally ready!

Renee said...

T%hanks Simone :) I definitely wander past your blog often!

Renee said...

Only one day to go now Annie - you just might find something under the tree for you from me

Christine said...

Your chocolate bark looks wonderful. Bet it tasted so good.
Christine

Anonymous said...

I really like your choice of ingredients for the chocolate bark. The colors are perfect :). They sound like they're the perfect homemade treat!

Jo in TAS said...

mmmmm, that looks so yummy, I'm going to have to make that!

Renee said...

Hi Christine, Sophie and Jo! Thanks for coming past. The chocolate bark was definitely a hit with my DH's workmates and it was SO SO easy to make. You should definitely try it