salty & seedy chocolate bark

A couple times a week I teach English for ten hours straight, with a Zumba class in between. It is on those days that I must arm myself with an arsenal of energizing (and comforting) snacks, like this bark. This week, it got me through eight hours of teaching Little Red Riding Hood at school (my wolf voice is pretty awesome now) and countless hours of I am, you are, he is, she is, it is, etc. during my private lessons. Here's the thing though, I'd be lying if I said my job wasn't fun. Obviously there are times when I'm annoyed, tired and sick of the repetition, when I just want an adult job with benefits, or a nice relaxing one at a desk. But then the next minute I'm dancing to Barbie Girl with a third grader while her mom's in the kitchen making us hot chocolate. And I wouldn't trade that for anything. Not even a 401K.

Salty & Seedy Chocolate Bark

(based on this recipe)

6 oz. dark chocolate, chopped

1/4 cup almonds

1 1/2 tbs sunflower seeds

1/4 tsp salt

In a pan over medium high heat, toast the almonds and the sunflower seeds, stirring constantly for about a minute. Set aside in a bowl and sprinkle with the salt. In the same pan, melt the chocolate. Pour it onto a sheet pan covered with parchment paper and spread. (It won’t cover entirely.) Sprinkle with the almond, seed and salt mixture. Let cool for at least two hours and break into pieces. Store in an airtight container. 

I'm all about the simple pleasures in life, and at work, so there's nothing that a little bark can't fix; a disagreement with a co-worker, an impending deadline, a dreary day. Pack some bark next week and see how it can help. Hey, if it can get me through doing a wolf voice for hours, then consider it magical! 

Here are some other favorite work or everyday snacks: Roasted Salty Almonds, Baked Apple Chips, Date Nut Bars, No Bake Energy Balls