Popcorn & Pretzel Easter Chocolate Bark

I've been thinking about how this post should begin since yesterday, we're living in a really strange and isolating time...who would have thought our lives would change so dramatically in the blink of an eye?! Honestly, these days are being a whirlwind of emotions to me and I'm pretty sure a lot of you are feeling the same. I should be talking about Easter, chocolate treats and my plans for the next blog posts but here we are, trying to stay positive and productive in a way or another while the streets are empty and the hospitals are full.

I keep telling yo myself, will this pandemic makes us rethink some values? Will we stop taking things for granted? Are we going to take this as an opportunity to be more aware of how we're treating the planet? I keep reading everywhere how the air pollution has decreased and the water is clearer in some rivers, but sadly this is only temporary. Needless to say the economic consequences of this Covid-19 outbreak will be globally devastating but I truly hope there's a more sense of environmental protection after this period of fear and uncertainty ends. We are the problem but let's never forget we can also be the solution.

I hope all of you are safe and healthy, staying calm and optimistic during these hard times! And while we must stay at home why don't we take this as an opportunity to indulge in sweets and say goodbye to that summer body? ;-p. Jokes aside, Easter is right around the corner and now we have more time to spend in the kitchen so let's have some fun and make a super easy yet delicious vegan dark chocolate bark with white chocolate swirls, mini pretzels and popcorn! Forget about the old Easter chocolate eggs and treat yourself to some real sweet delight.

Anyone can make this recipe, like I said it's ridiculously easy, you won't need any hard-to-find ingredients; of ourse you can throw in whatever nuts, dried fruit or seeds you prefer. I prefer this time to keep it less cluttered so the pretzels and popcorn are the main characters.

It makes a beautiful homemade gift and a better option to give to your little ones.

Here's wishing you a sweet and peaceful Easter! May this chocolate bark sweeten up your lives during these confinement days!

This recipe was originally made for Popcorn Shed, you will find it soon on their website.

¡Receta en español aquí!

Popcorn & Pretzel Easter Chocolate Bark

Ingredients
300 g high-quality dark chocolate.
100 g vegan white chocolate.
Small handful of mini pretzels.
Popcorn Shed's Butterly Nuts gourmet popcorn.*
Popcorn Shed's Mini Pop! Toffee popcorn.

*See 'notes'.

Directions

Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl that sits on top of a saucepan with simmering water. Set aside and repeat the process with the white chocolate.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pour the melted dark chocolate into the sheet. Spread with a heatproof silicone spatula to get an even layer and drop spoonfuls of white chocolate to create little swirls with a fine wooden stick or a knife.

Immediately sprinkle the mini pretzels and popcorn over the chocolate and gently use your hands to press the toppings into the chocolate.

Let it cool at room temperature on a flat surface and then transfer to the refrigerator until completely hardened.

Break the bark using a sharp knife and store in an airtight container at room temperature.

*Notes:

This popcorn flavor is vegetarian-friendly but not vegan since it contains milk. Feel free to use your favorite vegan PB popcorn or a homemade version including roasted peanuts, or even more Mini Pop! Toffee popcorn (this product is vegan).