Marbled Bacon Walnut Bark

A Sweet, Savoury and Sustainable Dessert

Cooler weather can force people indoors, but it can also encourage more eco-friendly and cost-saving practices like eating in. Next time you want to cozy up with your special someone, consider adding this sweet, savoury and eco-friendly dessert to your date night menu. This recipe can also be made in bulk so you can share the love with friends and family and “upcook” your leftover ingredients in tomorrow’s date-night snack.

Marbled Bacon Walnut Bark

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 + 30 minutes chilling
Makes: 12-20 pieces

Ingredients:

• 6 slices of Maple Leaf Original Bacon
• 1 250 g bag good quality bittersweet chocolate chips
• 1 225 g good quality pure white chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) toast walnuts or pecans, finely chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay six slices of bacon flat. Cook on centre rack of oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until completely crisp and golden brown. Remove onto a cooling rack and blot bacon with paper towel completely on both sides. Set aside to cool.
3. Pour bittersweet chocolate and white chocolate into two separate microwavable glass bowls. Set aside white chocolate for later. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Microwave bittersweet chocolate for 35- to 40-second intervals, stirring each time until chocolate has melted. Be careful not to overheat and burn the chocolate during the last interval – reduce time to ensure smooth melted chocolate.
4. Using a rubber spatula to pour the chocolate onto prepared a baking sheet.
5. Using an offset spatula, spread the chocolate into the shape of a square, being careful not to spread it too thin.
6. Repeat heating steps for white chocolate.
7. Spoon dollops of white chocolate all over the bittersweet chocolate. Drag your rubber spatula in a zig-zag pattern across the chocolate.
8. On a clean surface, chop cooled bacon into fine pieces and immediately sprinkle evenly over marbled chocolate. Sprinkle the nuts over the top and softly press down any toppings that do not adhere to the chocolate bark with the back of a clean spoon.
9. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Once completely chilled, use a butter knife to crack the bark into the desired number of pieces. Enjoy right away or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week.

Source and Photo. (NC) www.newscanada.com