Orange Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark

Gluten-free, low sodium

Both dark chocolate and nuts are especially heart-healthy. This simple dessert is perfect to serve to guests after dinner with tea and coffee.

Serves 8

13/4 cups dark chocolate pieces (You can use chopped chocolate bars or packaged chips. I use dark chocolate chips, which are 60 percent cacao, and one 10-ounce bag is about 13/4 cups.)

1 teaspoon canola oil (Almond, walnut, hazelnut, or extra-virgin olive oil is fine.)

1/2 cup crushed unsalted pistachios, raw

The zest of one medium orange

1. Pour the chocolate pieces into a medium-sized microwave-safe mixing bowl.

2. Add oil and stir it into the chocolate pieces.

3. Place bowl in microwave and heat on high for no more than 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each time, until chocolate is melted. Do not burn chocolate.

4. Pour onto a cookie sheet or baking pan that has been fitted with a silicone baking mat or nonstick parchment paper. Spread the chocolate out so that it’s about 1/8" thick.

5. Sprinkle crushed nuts and orange zest over, and set pan in a cool place until bark is hardened.

6. Break into irregular pieces. Bark will last a few days wrapped in plastic or wax paper.

Per serving: Calories: 220 | Fat: 16.6g | Saturated Fat: 8.9g | Protein: 3.3g | Sodium: 5mg | Carbohydrates: 20.7g | Fiber: 5.2g | Sugars: 15.2g | Iron: 3mg | Potassium: 213mg