Peanut bark

If you have a real desire for chocolate, but the cost, Calories, and sodium are a concern, here is a recipe that will quiet the need for the fix. While it is not really huge in Calorie reduction, it is a huge reduction in sodium, and it will help you enjoy a holiday "fix," while enjoying a really great treat. It costs about 80% less than a similar tasting candy bar as well.

The versions of bark I use comes in a package with 12 blocks with nearly 4 tbsp in each block. Each tbsp is 80 Calories, 4 mg sodium, 24 oz per package. I find them in the baking isles section in the store.

Peanut bark candy bar recipe

mg	Calories	qty	unit	ingredient	pct vol
0	100	2	tbsp	peanuts - unsalted	20%
0	320	1	block	white chocolate bark	40%
0	320	1	block	regular chocolate bark	40%
Label compare ingredients: chocolate, peanuts Makes about 4 servings. This recipe makes about 8 oz of treat, that, when broken into four parts, means each 2 oz treat is 160 Calories, 8 mg sodium. Compares to 1.5 almond chocolate bars of 240 Calories, and 150 mg sodium, according to the store label.

Place a wax paper shield and separation medium on a large plate. Spry lightly with a vegetable spray on center area. Place peanuts in single layer in center. Place 1 block white and 1 block normal on top of the peanuts. Microwave until soft, for 1-2 minutes according to wattage of microwave. Spray back of large metal spoon with vegetable spray. Using back of spoon, press bark mixture into peanuts and using back of spoon mix bark types. Spread evenly to a thickness of about 1 peanut. Chill for 10-20 minutes. Then separate from wax paper and break the treat into serving portions, place into a plastic bag and refrigerate, or serve immediately as desired.


At the price I have been obtaining the bark and peanuts at the store in November 2012, each treat costs about 20 cents as compared to similar candy bar at one dollar. That is an 80% reduction in cost. The difference in chocolate type makes for a more attractive treat, and I think, better taste.

Remember to use unsalted peanuts. You are unlikely to taste the difference and it makes a big effect in the sodium reduction.