Mermaid Bark
Impossible to have just one piece. It is irresistible and beautiful.
Sweet and crunchy, tart and salty, this candy hits all the pleasure centers.
Yet, so simple that even beginners can say to amazed tasters,
"Oh, i made it myself."
Sweet and crunchy, tart and salty, this candy hits all the pleasure centers.
Yet, so simple that even beginners can say to amazed tasters,
"Oh, i made it myself."
Getting Started
A combination of fine white chocolate sprinkled with sea salt, toasted pecans, and dried tart cherries that adds up to more than the sum of its parts.
Ingredients
One pound of premium white chocolate such as four - 4 ounce bars of Ghirardelli White Chocolate, 1 pound total.
1 cup of whole pecans, toasted in the oven at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, then broken with fingers as chopping creates unattractive nut dust.
1/2 cup of dried cherries, chopped to 1/4 inch pieces
Sea salt to taste. I like chunky sea salt with large crystals. I sprinkle about one teaspoon to one and a half teaspoon over the batch before the nuts and cherries.
Tools
Chopping knife
Measuring cups and spoons
4 quart Pyrex measuring cup
Spatula
Jelly roll pan 10 1/2 by 15 inches
Parchment paper
Ingredients
One pound of premium white chocolate such as four - 4 ounce bars of Ghirardelli White Chocolate, 1 pound total.
1 cup of whole pecans, toasted in the oven at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, then broken with fingers as chopping creates unattractive nut dust.
1/2 cup of dried cherries, chopped to 1/4 inch pieces
Sea salt to taste. I like chunky sea salt with large crystals. I sprinkle about one teaspoon to one and a half teaspoon over the batch before the nuts and cherries.
Tools
Chopping knife
Measuring cups and spoons
4 quart Pyrex measuring cup
Spatula
Jelly roll pan 10 1/2 by 15 inches
Parchment paper
Chop Chocolate and Melt
Chop all of the white chocolate into 1/4 inch bits.
Melt one half of the chocolate in a heat resistant measuring cup in the microwave.
Start with one minute at 50 percent power, Stir, and repeat. Repeat until this half of the chocolate chocolate is entirely melted. This is a critical part of this simple candy. Watch the melting, stir frequently and do not over heat.
Melt one half of the chocolate in a heat resistant measuring cup in the microwave.
Start with one minute at 50 percent power, Stir, and repeat. Repeat until this half of the chocolate chocolate is entirely melted. This is a critical part of this simple candy. Watch the melting, stir frequently and do not over heat.
Add Unmelted to Melted and Stir
Add the second half of chocolate to the melted part and stir without returning to the microwave, all the chocolate will melt.
This tempers the chocolate. Do not return to microwave. Over heating at this point will cause chocolate to lose its glossy surface. It will still taste good but it won't be as pretty.
This tempers the chocolate. Do not return to microwave. Over heating at this point will cause chocolate to lose its glossy surface. It will still taste good but it won't be as pretty.
Spread Into a Luscious Layer
Pour and spread melted chocolate on a parchment lined jelly roll pan to 1/4 in thickness.
It should about cover the flat surface of the pan.
It should about cover the flat surface of the pan.
Sprinkle Sea Salt
Sprinkle sea salt evenly over the surface.
Sprinkle toasted and broken pecans and chopped cherries evenly over the surface clear to the edges.
Press down gently to embed chunks into the cooling surface.
Sprinkle toasted and broken pecans and chopped cherries evenly over the surface clear to the edges.
Press down gently to embed chunks into the cooling surface.
A Gift Fit for All Mythical Creatures
Cool and break into irregular shapes. Serve on silver platter or box as a gift.
This homemade candy rivals expensive gourmet chocolates In taste and appearance.
This homemade candy rivals expensive gourmet chocolates In taste and appearance.