Superfood Chocolate Quinoa Bark w/ Nuts & Seeds

June 01, 2016

Superfood Chocolate Quinoa Bark w/ Nuts & Seeds

What is a superfood anyway?

In my world superfoods are definitely avocados; berries; nuts; sardines (does herring count?); leafy greens and quinoa.

I eat a lot of those things everyday (I eat a lot of everything, unfortunately).

These foods promote good health; reduce cancer risks and taste good! The wine and ice-cream I eat probably negate the goodness of the superfoods, but whatever.

I have no idea why I was attracted to this recipe. Perhaps it is my love for granola bars.
I love a nutty crunchy salty bar w/ a bit of chocolate while I am driving in the car, to chase away my hunger pangs.....usually getting bits of chocolate or seeds stuck in the leather seats of my car.

I don't suggest you eat these while driving, they are too crumbly/crunchy.
I made the recipe as per the instructions, but accidentally threw in some chopped chocolate (not such a bad accident).

The author used hemp seeds (what are those anyway?), flax seeds and chia seeds, none of which I have on hand....so I used sesame and toasted sunflower seeds with great results.

My edges came out a little too well done, and I only baked mine for 20 minutes....so I think next time I will turn the temperature down to 325F (I have a hot oven). I don't like burnt cookies or burnt toast, though you may.

These are best cooled and set in the fridge for an hour before breaking into squares.

These are a nice healthy snack and with the interesting element of espresso powder, a nice pick me up too!

Chocolate Quinoa Bark w/ Nuts & Seeds (adapted from Half Baked Harvest):

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules or espresso powder
good pinch of flaky sea salt (Maldon is best)
1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed & dried
1/2 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
1/2 cup raw cashews, roughly chopped
1/2 cup mixed raw seeds, (I used sunflower and sesame seeds)
12 ounces dark chocolate, chopped

Preheat oven to 350F (see baking notes above).

Line a baking sheet w/ parchment paper.

In a large microwave safe bowl, heat the honey or maple syrup w/ the coconut oil for 1 minute until melted.
Add in the vanilla and coffee granules and stir.

Next, add in the quinoa, nuts and seeds and mix together w/a pinch of salt.

Spread out on the parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes (keep an eye on the pan after 15 minutes to make sure nothing is burning).

Everything should be a nice golden color.
Melt the chocolate in either a double boiler or the easy way, in the microwave for 50 seconds.

Stir the chocolate until smooth and drizzle or pour over the cooked quinoa bark. Decorate however you like. The author sprinkled rose hips on top! Nice touch.