Aztec Chocolate Bark Recipes

EASY CHOCOLATE BARK

Steps:

• If you have time, toast the nuts/seeds: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Toast the nuts/seeds on a rimmed baking sheet until fragrant and turning lightly golden on the edges, about 6 to 9 minutes. Transfer the nuts to a cutting board and roughly chop them.
• In the meantime, melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring after each one. Don't overdo it. The chocolate is done when it's about 90% melted-keep stirring off the heat and the pieces should completely dissolve. (Alternately, you can use melt it in a heat-proof bowl set over a saucepan of gently simmering water.)
• Cover a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a silicone or rubber spatula to spread chocolate evenly over the center area of the baking sheet-aim for about 1/4″ thickness (it won't reach the edges).
• Sprinkle the nuts evenly over the chocolate, followed by the dried fruit. If you're adding flaky salt, crush it between your fingers as you sprinkle it over the chocolate. Lightly use your palms to press the toppings into the chocolate.
• If you're in a hurry, place the pan on a flat surface in the refrigerator to harden for about 15 minutes. If you're not, let the chocolate cool at room temperature for 2 to 4 hours, until completely hardened.
• Once the chocolate is completely hardened, use your hands to break it into about 25 pieces. Serve immediately, or cover and store at room temperature for up to 1 week.

AZTEC CHOCOLATE BARK

Steps:

• Place the pumpkin seeds in a skillet over medium-low heat. Toast the pumpkin seeds for about 5 minutes, they'll pop and jump a bit as they release their oils and moisture. Allow to cool.
• Melt the chocolate according to manufacturer's directions. Once melted, add the cinnamon, cayenne pepper, ancho chili powder, and most of the pumpkin seeds saving some to decorate the top with.
• Spread onto a flat baking plan lined with a silpat or wax paper. Sprinkle over and press into the chocolate the last few pumpkin seeds and sprinkle on a dash more of the spices for color and taste (if you are daring). Place in the freezer for 5 minutes or until hardened. Break into pieces and serve or store in the fridge in an airtight container. Best consumed in one or two days.

SPICY CHOCOLATE BARK WITH PUMPKIN SEEDS

Steps:

• Toast the pumpkin seeds: Place the pumpkin seeds in a skillet over medium-low heat. Toast the pumpkin seeds for about 5 minutes, they'll pop and jump a bit as they release their oils and moisture. Allow to cool.
• Melt chocolate, stir in spices, pumpkin seeds: Melt the chocolate according to the manufacturer's directions. Once melted add the cinnamon, cayenne pepper, ancho chile powder, and most of the pumpkin seeds saving some to decorate the top with.
• Spread on lined baking sheet and chill: Spread onto a flat baking pan lined with a Silpat or parchment paper. Sprinkle over and press into the chocolate the last few pumpkin seeds and sprinkle on a dash more of the spices for color and taste. Place in the freezer for 5 minutes or until hardened. Break into pieces and serve or store in the fridge in an airtight container. Best consumed in one or two days.

XOCOLATL (AZTEC CHOCOLATE)

Steps:

• Bring 1 1/2 cup water to a boil in a pot; add the chili pepper, seeds included, to the boiling water and cook at a boil for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain the chili pepper and seeds from the water; return the water to the pot. Add 4 cups water to the chili pepper-infused water, reduce heat to medium-low, and bring to a slow boil. Stir the cocoa powder and vanilla extract into the boiling water; cook and stir until the powder dissolves completely, 5 to 10 minutes.