Marble Almond Coconut Bark

My instagram buddie Katie posted her recipe for peppermint bark and it instantly inspired me to create a version using three of my favorite things; chocolate, almonds, and coconut. I will warn you, this little treat is pretty sweet, but absolutely indulgent.

Recipe adapted from Katie's instagram pic

12oz semi sweet chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli)
1lb white chocolate chips
2 tsp coconut extract (I used pure extract but it's tough to find so imitation will work too)
1 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup coconut chips (I purchased these at Trader Joes, but regular plain old toasted coconut will work too)

Line a 9x13 pan with foil.
In a double boiler melt all semi sweet chocolate but leave 3/4cup on the side. When it's smooth remove from heat add the 3/4cup of chips and sir till melted. Add chopped almonds mix well, then add 1 tsp coconut extract.
Spread into the pan nice and evenly. Let the chocolate sit out at room temperature until it's almost hardened. (I waited about 15 min) Repeat with white chocolate, adding 1 tsp extract. Keep mixing then spread on top of semi-sweet chocolate with a spatula. The white chocolate wont spread over too nicely but that's ok, that will create the marble effect. Keep spreading/mixing till it's smooth enough on top. Sprinkle coconut chips on top, and lightly press into the chocolate mixture. Let it sit till it's fully hardened. (I let mine sit over night). Enjoy!

Nutella Oatmeal

Anyone who knows me knows I love sweets. Chocolate being the be all and end all of treats for me. So Saturday and Sunday breakfast when we aren't out for brunch, usually is a staple of Chocolate Chip Pancakes. I've also made Nutella Pancakes (recipe to come next week!) I've mastered the home made pancake. They are way better then the boxed kind. But this Sunday I wanted something that could offer me more nutrients if possible. I've been obsessed with this blog and usually I'm left so unbelievably stumped at what recipe to try BC they all just sound so incredible (I also made these this weekend which were insanely good even John scarfed em down!) When I came across her recipe for this I was set on trying it but then decided pumpkin just wasn't going to do it. I thought Peanut butter! But alas I had just finished off my last bit of Better N' Peanut Butter from Trader Joe's so I settled on the next best (actually BETTER) thing. Nutella!

 (this is the peanut butter I ran out of. It's the BEST)

My Version went something like this:

• 1/2 Cup Oats

• 3/4 Cup Vanilla Soy Milk (I've also used Rice Dream Horchata which is out of this world!)

• 1 tbsp Nutella

• 1 tbsp Flax Meal

• 2 tsp Brown Sugar

Bring milk to a boil then add the oats. Allow it to soak up all the milk then transfer to a food processor and add the rest of the ingredients. Blend just a bit, transfer to your favorite bowl sprinkle with a few chocolate chips, a drizzle of more milk and enjoy!

I also made a mocha version to bring to work with me the next morning. It went something like this:

• 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee

• 1/2 cup Vanilla soy milk

• 2 tsp cocoa powder

• 2 tsp brown sugar

1 tbsp flax meal

Boil coffee and milk, add the oats. Let it soak everything up. Transfer to a food processor add the rest of the ingredients and blend. Delic!!!

 I have a feeling I'll be blending up different variations of oatmeal for many weekends to come. (I see a fruit version in the very near future) I think the key to the flavor is in the blend!

Happy Friday lovelies!!

I'm off to a wedding weekend! Rehearsal and Dinner tonight, wedding tomorrow, Brunch and swimming at my parents on Sunday! Hope you all have an eventful weekend! xoxo M

My sisters fav of my cupcake creations - Dark chocolate cupcake filled with salted caramel topped with salted vanilla/caramel butter cream finished off with drizzled caramel! I promise when I have time I'll post my recipe, its a long one!

3:00 Pick me up!

3:00 again! Need a Treat! Try an interesting twist on chocolate. Chocolate and bacon OH MY!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Vosges chocolates! They are the most delicious, glamorous, and beautiful chocolates ever! (oh and they make great gifts....hint hint). Check out their other great chocolates here. www.vosgeschocolate.com