Who doesn’t love the delicious taste of nuts coated in rich, dark chocolate? Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Almonds are the perfect snack for anyone with a sweet tooth, and they’re also incredibly versatile in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll share two tasty recipes that you can try using Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Almonds. Whether you’re a fan of sweet treats or savory snacks, we’ve got you covered.
Recipe 1: Dark Chocolate Almond Bark
Ingredients:
- 1 package of Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Almonds
- 12 oz of high-quality dark chocolate
- 1/4 cup of dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup of chopped pistachios
- 1/4 tsp of sea salt
Instructions:
- Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler, stirring constantly.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the melted chocolate onto the parchment paper in an even layer.
- Top the chocolate with the Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Almonds, dried cranberries, chopped pistachios, and sea salt.
- Refrigerate the bark for at least one hour, or until the chocolate has hardened.
- Break the bark into pieces and serve.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 104
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 2g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Equipment:
- Double boiler
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing spoon
Serving Suggestions:
Dark Chocolate Almond Bark is the perfect treat to serve at a party or to give as a gift. You can package the bark in a cute tin or box and tie it with a ribbon for an extra special touch.
Variations:
This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can substitute the dried cranberries and chopped pistachios with any nuts or dried fruit that you prefer. You can also sprinkle the bark with cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices to add extra flavor.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have access to Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Almonds, you can substitute them with regular almonds and dark chocolate chips. You can also use milk chocolate or white chocolate instead of dark chocolate.
Storage:
You can store the Dark Chocolate Almond Bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Tips:
To make the bark easier to break into pieces, score it with a knife before refrigerating. You can also add a teaspoon of coconut oil to the melted chocolate to make it smoother and easier to spread.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use a microwave to melt the chocolate?
A: Yes, you can melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until it’s fully melted.
Q: Can I use different nuts and dried fruit in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use any nuts and dried fruit that you like. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so that they stick to the chocolate.
Recipe 2: Dark Chocolate Almond Trail Mix
Ingredients:
- 1 package of Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Almonds
- 1 cup of unsalted cashews
- 1 cup of unsalted almonds
- 1 cup of unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup of dried cherries
- 1/2 cup of dried blueberries
Instructions:
- Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl.
- Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
- Store the trail mix in an airtight container.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 230
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 15mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 16g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 5g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Equipment:
- Large bowl
- Mixing spoon
- Airtight container
Serving Suggestions:
Dark Chocolate Almond Trail Mix is the perfect snack to take on the go. You can pack it in a small bag or container and enjoy it as a mid-day pick-me-up or a pre-workout snack.
Variations:
This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can substitute any nuts or dried fruit that you prefer. You can also add seeds, such as pumpkin or sunflower, for extra crunch.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have access to Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Almonds, you can substitute them with regular almonds and dark chocolate chips.
Storage:
You can store the Dark Chocolate Almond Trail Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Tips:
Toasting the nuts and coconut flakes before mixing them with the other ingredients will add extra flavor and crunch to the trail mix.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I add spices to the trail mix?
A: Yes, you can add cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices to the trail mix for extra flavor.
Q: Can I make a larger batch of this trail mix?
A: Yes, you can double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch of trail mix.
Personal Thoughts and Conclusion
As a lover of all things chocolate, I was excited to try out these recipes using Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Almonds. The Dark Chocolate Almond Bark was a big hit with my family and friends, and it was surprisingly easy to make. The combination of sweet and salty flavors was perfect, and the addition of dried cranberries and chopped pistachios added extra texture and flavor.
The Dark Chocolate Almond Trail Mix was also a winner in my book. It’s the perfect snack to take on the go, and it’s so easy to customize with your favorite nuts and dried fruit. The addition of coconut flakes and dried cherries and blueberries made this trail mix extra delicious.
If you’re a fan of chocolate and nuts, I highly recommend trying out these recipes using Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Almonds. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while also providing some healthy nutrients. Happy snacking!