New Years Eve Bites + White Chocolate Coconut Pistachio Bark
Pretty, isn’t it? I’d like to say I whipped up this white chocolate bark for a holiday gathering this year, but the truth is… I made it last year. We were packing up, getting ready to move at this time last year, and I missed getting this posted. It’s a shame because it’s one of the most delicious, unique barks I’ve ever eaten. Not only does it have pistachio chunks, but it has toasted coconut, clementine zest, and lavender.
The photos really don’t do it justice. The colors are beautiful as well.
Before I give you the recipe, I’d like to share a few New Years Eve nibble ideas. These are some of my favorites!
If you’re into vegetable platters, try making some Bakery-Style Rosemary Flatbread to go along with it. I did a tutorial for the Tasty Kitchen Blog a year ago, so if you click over you can see how truly easy this is. Don’t forget the hummus.
If you’re a dipping oil type of person you really should try my Roasted Garlic & Balsamic Dipping Oil. For an herb-y type of oil, try the Carrabba’s knock-off recipe.
These Itty Bitty Burgers are so cute I can hardly stand it.
For something on the lighter side (without sacrificing flavor) try some Warm Spinach and White Bean Dip. I love the citrus in this dip — it’s so bright and perky. Unlike the weather outside.
Change things up and make a big sushi platter! Or have a sushi-making bar and have your guests roll their own! I’ve always wanted to do that. Rolling sushi is easier than it sounds. There’s a whole step-by-step tutorial on this post, along with photos of my bald little helper.
If the holidays haven’t completely ruined your sweet tooth, you should really try some Toasted Coconut Cheesecake Cups.
This is kind of a random group of snacks, but such are the cravings of a pregnant blogger. Just humor me, OK?
One resolution (dare I call it that and jinx myself?) I’ve decided to set for this year is to entertain more. I think having an arsenal of delicious bites will help with that.
So does a home with more elbow room.
What are some of your goals for 2012?
White Chocolate Coconut Pistachio Bark
Yield: 1 10x8 inch slab
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
2 3 1/2-ounce bars high quality white chocolate or almond bark
3 T flaked, sweetened coconut
2 T salted pistachio nuts, chopped
1 tsp dried lavender
1 T clementine or tangerine zestDirections:
Lay a 8 x 10 inch piece of aluminum foil or parchment on a tray.
Toast the coconut by spreading it on a baking sheet and toasting it in a 400 degree oven for just a few minutes. Keep an eye on it. It burns quickly. Coconut should be golden brown in spots. Remove and set aside to cool.
Cut the chocolate into small chunks and melt it in a bowl set over barely simmering water. Keep the heat low and scrape down the chocolate as it melts.
Spread the melted chocolate thinly over the foil. Sprinkle on the toasted coconut, nuts, lavender, and citrus zest. Lightly press everything in. Refrigerate until set -- this should only take a few minutes.
Break into pieces and store in an airtight container in a cool place for a few weeks.
adapted from Seasonal Fruit Desserts by Deborah Madison
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Nicole — December 29, 2011 @ 4:15 pm
Your photography is amazing! Not to mention, the food looks delicious!!
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Natalie replied: — December 29th, 2011 @ 4:57 pm
Thanks Nicole! How nice of you to say so :)
Leigh H. — December 29, 2011 @ 4:55 pm
you had me at “white chocolate” then lost me at “coconut”.. so close, so close. :P
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Natalie replied: — December 29th, 2011 @ 4:58 pm
Sad day, Leigh… Just leave off the coconut!
Heidi @ Food Doodles — December 29, 2011 @ 5:24 pm
Mmm, that bark looks so pretty. I’ve been crazy for coconut lately :D I’m going to go check out your sushi post now – I have made it in the past(read:waaay too long ago) but I’ve been itching to try some new flavors. That’ll be a great refresher for me :D
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Natalie replied: — December 29th, 2011 @ 6:40 pm
Good luck Heidi! It’s been a while for me, too… over a year at least. That’s way too long to go without making sushi :)
DancingMooney — December 29, 2011 @ 7:21 pm
Everything looks delish! And hey, I know that green plate from somewhere… hehee! Happy New year Natalie! ♥
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Natalie replied: — December 29th, 2011 @ 7:22 pm
Yes! The plate! I just unpacked it the other day. I really missed it :)
Lauren — December 29, 2011 @ 9:21 pm
Loving your new design! And, I’m the only one in my family who likes white chocolate. Glad you like it too!! Happy New Year! xoxo
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jennifurla — December 30, 2011 @ 1:05 am
It does look pretty, I would love to try this – good departure from the normal flavored bark.
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Joanne — December 30, 2011 @ 1:41 am
One of MY goals is to cook more of my favorite bloggers’ recipes…like yours! There are so many that I meant to make this year that just fell by the wayside. Not this year!
This bark sounds amazing! I love how it strays from the norm in such delicious ways.
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Natalie replied: — December 31st, 2011 @ 10:30 pm
Joanne, what a great goal! I was thinking about that recently… how I don’t make many recipes from blogger’s blogs. I may add that to my list, too :)
DessertForTwo — December 30, 2011 @ 4:36 am
I’m loving the new look, Nat! And omg yay I can comment like normal!!!!!!
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Natalie replied: — December 31st, 2011 @ 10:30 pm
Thanks! I KNOW! You’re in now! Out of all of the changes, I’m most grateful for the easier commenting.
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) — December 30, 2011 @ 5:28 pm
Wow – what a spread!!! That hummus is so perfectly presented!
Happy New Year to you and your family :-)
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Natalie replied: — December 31st, 2011 @ 10:29 pm
Thanks Jolene! Happy New Year to you, too!
Cara — December 30, 2011 @ 8:14 pm
I totally thought about making sushi for NYE, but got lazy and decided to order out ;) Happy New Year!
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Ella — December 30, 2011 @ 10:37 pm
My goal is to be way more organized this year, and to finally decorate the apartment I moved into at the beginning of the summer! And also to learn to eat out less and spend more time making delicious and healthy meals at home.
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Natalie replied: — December 31st, 2011 @ 10:28 pm
Decorating is definitely on my list of things to do, too! AND eating out less. We’ve fallen into bad habits lately and need to save money for… decorating. ;)
Laurie {Simply Scratch} — December 31, 2011 @ 7:06 am
I love all this snacky food! Happy New Year Natalie!
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Krista — December 31, 2011 @ 7:12 pm
I love the bark! Those itty bitty burgers!? Oh my goodness. I need that delicious cuteness.
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Culinary Collage — January 2, 2012 @ 5:10 am
These recipes are beautiful…….Happy New Year!!
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Ann — January 2, 2012 @ 3:20 pm
LOVE the burgers! What a great idea! The bark is stunning! Happy New Year, my friend!
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