When I’m craving something rich and chocolatey, but don’t have time (or am feeling too health-conscious) to whip up a batch of brownies or cookies, I simply melt dark chocolate in the microwave, mix in almonds or toasted hazelnuts, sprinkle with sea salt, spread on wax paper, and break into pieces once cooled. This dark chocolate concoction has all the flavors of a decadent brownie, without the extra fat and refined carbs. (Though be careful, it’s hard to resist polishing off an entire batch in one sitting!) It’s a versatile dessert too, simple enough to prepare quickly on a whim, but impressive-looking enough to serve to guests or give as gifts.
Ingredients:
- 1 bar of high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa content or higher)
- Handful of almonds, cashews, walnuts, toasted hazelnuts, or toasted shredded coconut
- Pinch of sea salt
- Shredded coconut and finely chopped nuts, for sprinkling on top
Directions:
1)Break chocolate into pieces and place in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until chocolate is almost completely melted, about a minute. Stir in any partially melted pieces; they should fully melt. (Be careful not to microwave the chocolate for too long.)
2)Mix in nuts or coconut; add as much or as little as desired.
3)Spread mixture onto wax paper, sprinkle sea salt and either coconut flakes or finely chopped nuts on top.
4) Place in the fridge to cool. Once chocolate mixture has hardened, break into pieces and let sit at room temperature for a few minutes, until slightly softened, before serving.
Liana’s Kitchen is a new column by Astoria-based chef and foodie Liana Grey. Stay tuned for more of her fabulous recipes!
