Peanut butter quinoa nut bark

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I LOVE toasted quinoa. I scoop it and just snack on it. Sprinkle it on yogurt, granola or anything that needs a little crunch, I add it. Oh, better yet, coat banana slices in them. I am not a fan of bananas but when they're coated in toasted quinoa, I go bananas! =P How about with chocolate? Yes, please! I've been making these a lot and these are always a hit. It's like a whole lot fancier and healthier substitute for crunch chocolate bar. - Texture feels just like it. 

Toasting quinoa is really simple. Wash quinoa very well, drain and dump them in the skillet and babysit for a little bit until browned. When I make them I make them in large batches so I can fill up a big jar. Each batch takes less than 10 minutes and you will have a versatile crunchy element waiting to be used! 

On Labor day weekend, with our dear friends, we opened up a very good bottle of 14 years old port that we've been saving. Well, technically it's what Steve has been saving because when he bought that wine years ago, I was not even legal to buy alcohol yet. Muhaha! Anyway, the point is, that good port was even more fabulous with this nutty, crunchy, dark chocolate bark. With outdoor fire going, sipping great wine with good friends, eating delicious barks... Totally worth donating some blood to those darn mosquitoes here and there. =)

Peanut butter quinoa nut bark

Printable recipe 

Ingredients :

10 oz Peanut butter chip

14 oz chocolate chip

2/3 cup toasted quinoa(wash the quinoa, drain, toast until browned- no oil necessary) 

2/3 cup mixed nuts, chopped. 

Directions :

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt the peanut butter chip. If using microwave, peanut butter chips are very easy to burn. Melt with 30 second interval method, checking carefully. 

2. Spread melted peanut butter chips on the lined baking sheet, making sure it is thin and even. If PB layer is too thick it's super hard to break when hardened. Place in the fridge for 10 minutes.

3. Melt the chocolate. Add quinoa to chocolate and mix well. Take hardened peanut butter layer out and spread chocolate mixture on it  evenly. Sprinkle chopped nuts. Place back in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. 

4. When ready, either cut the way you like or break them into pieces. And they are ready to go!