Wine Tasting Night: Chocolate Bacon Bark!
Last night I did something unthinkable. I cooked 12 courses for 12 friends and family members! I know this sounds ridiculous and in many ways it was but the idea of the evening was to match the food to the 12 wines we had available to taste.
A crisp champagne was first up with hibiscus flowers dropped in the glass for added flavour and to pair with that I went for something a bit left field in the form of bacon covered chocolate.
Now I know what you're thinking... Bacon? Chocolate? Seriously? But you have to trust me on this one, it is truly delicious! Salty and sweet have always gone together hand in hand and this is no exception. The quality of the dark chocolate is of course important, as is the crispiness of the bacon.
These little shards of loveliness will provide at the very least a talking point at any dinner party. They also make great gifts and can be made in bulk and in advance. Certainly an experiment worth trying!
Chocolate Bacon Bark
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200g good quality dark chocolate
6 rashers of dry cured back bacon
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminium foil and set aside for now
Grill the bacon until really crisp. Don't be afraid to let the bacon almost burn, blackened bits can be removed.
Chop incredibly finely until the bacon resembles 'bacon bits'.
Break the chocolate into a microwavable dish and heat in the microwave in one minute long bursts, stirring between, until melted.
Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, stir in the remaining two-thirds of the chopped bacon, and stir until the bacon bits are well-incorporated.
Pour the chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet, and with an offset spatula or a knife, spread it into a thin layer about 0.25 inch/0.5 cm high. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the top evenly with the reserved chopped bacon and press down gently to adhere it to the surface.
Refrigerate the bacon bark to set the chocolate, about 30 minutes. Once set, break it into small uneven pieces by hand, and serve immediately. Chocolate Bacon Bark can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
.JPG)
Now I know what you're thinking... Bacon? Chocolate? Seriously? But you have to trust me on this one, it is truly delicious! Salty and sweet have always gone together hand in hand and this is no exception. The quality of the dark chocolate is of course important, as is the crispiness of the bacon.
These little shards of loveliness will provide at the very least a talking point at any dinner party. They also make great gifts and can be made in bulk and in advance. Certainly an experiment worth trying!
Chocolate Bacon Bark
.JPG)
200g good quality dark chocolate
6 rashers of dry cured back bacon
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminium foil and set aside for now
Grill the bacon until really crisp. Don't be afraid to let the bacon almost burn, blackened bits can be removed.
Chop incredibly finely until the bacon resembles 'bacon bits'.
Break the chocolate into a microwavable dish and heat in the microwave in one minute long bursts, stirring between, until melted.
Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, stir in the remaining two-thirds of the chopped bacon, and stir until the bacon bits are well-incorporated.
Pour the chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet, and with an offset spatula or a knife, spread it into a thin layer about 0.25 inch/0.5 cm high. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the top evenly with the reserved chopped bacon and press down gently to adhere it to the surface.
Refrigerate the bacon bark to set the chocolate, about 30 minutes. Once set, break it into small uneven pieces by hand, and serve immediately. Chocolate Bacon Bark can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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