Trader Joe’s Inspired Dark Chocolate Bark with Roasted Coconut Chips

The opening of Trader Joe’s in our town has, of course, been somewhat revolutionary. I would count it among few others that have had such grand opening hype (top was Chick-Fil-A which had a camp out before their first day of chicken sales and future political statements). I’m so getting a new troll over that line.

Anyway, this recipe incorporates one of the most delicious TJs products: Roasted Coconut Chips. The first time I tried them I knew I wanted to figure out a recipe that put them on top of dark chocolate. Sometimes, I’m creative. Sometimes, it’s just a big “duh and why the hell wouldn’t you do that?”

OK, so other TJs products you need to try: Edamame Hummus, Reduced Guilt Spinach and Kale Dip, the frozen Chana Masala and Garlic Naan (both very good for a quick dinner), the little Crunchy Green Beans in the snack section, Cookie Butter (Plain and Crunchy! Swirl it into brownie batter!), the Lentil Soup in the refrigerated section, the Chocolate Truffle Brownie Mix, their pizza dough and even frozen pizzas (way better than most), and Chocolate Covered Edamame (much like chocolate covered peanuts, yet safe for nut allergic families to have in the house).

Here’s the basic recipe. Obviously, nuts/seeds can be swapped as can different kinds of dried fruit.

Trader Joe’s Inspired Dark Chocolate Bark with Roasted Coconut Chips

9 oz. chopped dark chocolate (at least 70%)
Zest of one orange, chopped finely
1/2 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 package of Trader Joe’s Roasted Coconut Chips, roughly crushed so the chips aren’t too big
Fleur de Sel (optional)

1. Melt chocolate and stir in zest of orange. Set aside to cool slightly.

2. Combine pumpkin seeds, cranberries, and coconut chips in a separate bowl. Remove about half of the seed/fruit mixture and stir it into melted chocolate mixture.

3. Spread melted chocolate mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. It will make roughly a 10 inch by 12 inch rectangle. Sprinkle the remaining seed/fruit mixture over top of chocolate. If you like, sprinkle a few grains of Fleur de Sel on top of that.

4. Put in refrigerator to chill thoroughly (or you can quick chill in freezer). When firm, break into pieces.