Chocolate Bacon Peanut Bark

Chocolate and Bacon was the chocolate trend in 2009. What a great pairing! In 2009 I posted recipes for Chocolate Covered Bacon, Chocolate Bacon Brownies, Chocolate Chip Bacon Cookies and a lot more. I also reviewed several chocolate/bacon foods to buy such as Vosges' Mo's Bacon Bar as well as links to other blogs and recipes. Susan Russo on NPR had a great article last week on different pairings of bacon with different foods, but this was my favorite. It's simple to make.

Chocolate Bacon Peanut Bark adapted from Susan Russo's recipe

8 strips bacon
16 ounces fair-trade organic chocolate 60%-75% cacao (chunks or chips are fine)
1 cup unsalted peanuts

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon, turning several times, until browned and done, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Chop finely.

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Add chocolate to a double boiler (or a saucepan on top of another saucepan). Once the water begins to boil, add the chocolate. Using a spatula, stir continuously, until smooth and creamy.

Stir in the bacon and peanuts. Pour onto the prepared baking sheet and spread to 3/8-inch thickness. Refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour. The bark should be hard and chilled.

Place bark on a cutting board and cut into pieces — any size or shape you'd like. Serve at about room temperature.

Lucy in the Chocolate Factory

I love tours of chocolate factories. My first was as a child at the Hershey Factory in Hershey, PA. As I recall there were open vats. No one fell in, but I didn't think Willie Wonky when it came along was much of a stretch. My company TeamBuilding Unlimited does chocolate tours, as well as lots of chocolate teambuilding. Our latest chocolate teambuilding event is truffle making.

Although Lucy only wraps the chocolates in this clip, it's still one of the funniest chocolate moments on TV.

Lucy in the Chocolate Factory.

Chocolate Sampler: News & Events for the New Year

Chocolate Sampler: A Random Round-up of Chocolate News & Events

Did you know that theobromine, one of the key ingredients in chocolate, is nearly a third more effective in stopping persistent coughs than the leading codeine medicine. And, there are fewer side effects than the conventional treatment... and you're not drowsy. To read the whole story, go HERE.
Chocolate and its Effect on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients. This article in ProHealth.com discusses the potential benefits of dark chocolate on chronic fatigue patients, as well as other benefits.

Evidence of America's Oldest Chocolate Found in St. Augustine, Florida: Chocolate whip found. Read the entire story at Blog About History.

Soaring cocoa prices, at 30-year peaks, could drive confectioners toward milk chocolate from healthier dark chocolate, and to downsize bars and use cheaper alternative ingredients. Yikes! Read the story here.

Chocolate Events and Travel

A Journey to the Origin of Wild Cacao, January 5-10, 2010. Bolivia. Has been postponed until 2011. Gives you plenty of time to plan.

January 16: Chocoholic's Tour of San Francisco. 10:30-5. San Francisco, CA Tour Leader. Lisa Rogovin. Some of the chocolatiers on the tour: TCHO, Fog City News, Poco Dolce, Recchiuti, Neo coca, Coco Luxe.

January 17-19, 2010: Fancy Food Show. San Francisco. This show is filled with chocolate.. everything you can imagine. I'll be there to blog about it.

January 21-24, 2010: Shanghai Chocolate Show Shanghai Exhibition Center.

January 24: Santa Cruz 3rd Annual Chocolate Festival. 1-5 p,m. Cocoanut Grove Banquet & Conference Center

February 5-7: Carolina Chocolate Festival, Morehead City, NC. Chocolate Dinner 2/5. chocolate Festival 6-7.

Send news about your next chocolate event.

Chocolate Labs: White, Chocolate, Dark

I couldn't help but post this for the final post this year! Soooo cute. A different kind of chocolate. Have a wonderful 2010.

New Year's Resolution: Eat More Chocolate. It's good for you!