Puffed Quinoa Chocolate Bark
Making and enjoying chocolate bark has been an annual Christmas experience in my family. This year, I decided to challenge myself to find a way to give this tradition a healthier makeover. This puffed quinoa chocolate bark adds fiber, protein and a micronutrient bonus to one of my favorite holiday treats!

White Chocolate, Pistachio & Cranberry Chocolate Bark

Ingredients:
1 bag white chocolate chips
½ cup uncooked quinoa
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup pepitas
¼ cup shelled and chopped pistachios
½ tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions:
heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan
add uncooked quinoa into pan at medium/low heat
stir until you hear “popping sounds”
continue stirring until popping slows or quinoa begins to brown
transfer quinoa to a bowl and set aside to cool
melt chocolate with ½ tablespoon of coconut oil
add half of your cranberries, pepitas, and pistachios to the melted chocolate
add quinoa and stir to combine
line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper
pour chocolate on top and spread into an even layer across the sheet
sprinkle the rest of your cranberries, pistachios and pepitas on top
chill until set
break bark into pieces
Dark Chocolate, Pomegranate & Almond Chocolate Bark

Ingredients:
1 bag dark chocolate chips
½ cup uncooked quinoa
1 pomegranate
¼ cup sliced almonds
¼ cup pepitas
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ tablespoon coconut oil
Directions:
remove pomegranate seeds and scatter across paper towels, gently pat with more paper towels and set aside to continue drying
heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan
add uncooked quinoa into pan at medium/low heat
stir until you hear “popping sounds”
continue stirring until popping slows or quinoa begins to brown
transfer quinoa to a bowl and set aside to cool
melt chocolate with ½ tablespoon of coconut oil