Oh, bark. How I love you.
This is the chocolate month, the time when everyone forgets their healthy resolutions, turning straight to the chocolate lava cake. It’s only human nature. We can’t be deprived for extended periods.
So if you’re gonna do the chocolate, make bark. It’s a cheap and easy gift for a loved one, or you can eat it all yourself. I have a video tutorial below plus a step-by-step recipe, so keep reading!
I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but 95% of all diets fail. America is a country ruled by diets and a thriving fitness industry, and yet we’re in a health crisis. How is that possible?
Simple, really. When you try and sustain impossible behavior, it all comes crumbling down. Dieting at its core is all about the word “no.” Diets focus on what you can’t eat: dairy, or carbs, or sugar, or anything a caveman didn’t eat, or all of the above. Who wants a voice in their head constantly telling them that what they’re doing is wrong?
Seriously, if people talked to one another the way that their inner voices talk to them sometimes, they’d get slapped. We’ve somehow been taught that self-shaming isn’t just acceptable: it’s desirable. That, my friends, is a load of garbage. When did deprivation become a virtue? When did dieting become a way of life? Because here’s the thing. You ready?
If you’re dieting all the time, it’s probably not working. Seriously. It’s one thing to live with a healthy mindset and goals and quite another to base life upon what you will not let yourself have, and to constantly go back and forth with those arbitrary rules. I’m not a fan.
Message? Stop dieting. Start eating bark. Always works for me!
Bark is easy to put together, makes a great gift, and can be customized to any holiday or occasion. It takes just a few minutes (plus a half hour of chill time) to get it going. Take a look!
When all’s said and done, wouldn’t you rather spend time engaging in self-love and acceptance? Denial is never good, in life or in food. So say yes to yourself today, and say yes to some bark!
Ingredients
Instructions
Summer’s over. I’ve finally accepted it. But I’m not quite ready to let go.
You see, summer comes with wonderful desserts. And ice cream. Have I mentioned ice cream?
This past week, I made a fantastic poke cake. It was so delicious. And the photos were a complete #epicfail. So instead of hanging my head in shame, I’m going to share my favorites with you from this past summer!
I’m in the land of the stomach virus. Again.
If you read my blog with any regularity, you know that my children are constantly infecting me with diseases. I can’t seem to make them stop. And while I’ve grown reconciled to the common cold, I wish that stomach viruses could stop being the number one thing my kids transmit on a regular basis.
Last week, Kenny and I had a mini-getaway to Hershey, PA. A lot of people were confused about our choice of location since we went without our kids, but if you know me, it’s not confusing at all.
For one thing, it’s close to home so if there’s a kid emergency, we can get back fast. The resort is super fabulous. I mean, there’s a chocolate spa. And best of all, there is chocolate everywhere.
Haha that works for me too. 🙂 LOVE this, it’s so pretty!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted…Oreo Truffle Dipped Strawberries
I’m a big fan of the pretty!
This bark is SO pretty, Mir! I would gladly reach for this over the chocolate lava cake. Love how festive it is. And your video is great, too! Such a fun and easy treat for Valentine’s Day!
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Banana Kiwi Green Smoothie Bowl
Yeah, I can do chocolate lava at a restaurant. This is good home eating!
As always, I love how you look at things, and I’m 100% positive that I would love this bark!!
Kate @ Framed Cooks recently posted…Chicken Butternut Soup
Thanks, Kate! I’ve been eating this bark a lot. It’s pretty addictive!
Mir, oh my gawd girl .. yes . . I always say don’t deny yourself because then one day, you’ll go crazy and eat all the chocolate. . almost everything in moderation and don’t go overboard. . but treat yourself and LOVE yourself! and EAT this bark! Happy early Valentine’s Day!
Agreed. All people who diet think about is what they can’t have. It’s a totally unhealthy approach! Happy early Valentine’s to you too!
That is why I don’t diet, as I don’t have anything to fail at when I indulge in something like this. This looks so pretty and what a lovely gift to give to people too.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Win This Health and Fitness Bundle by Joy B
Yeah, setting yourself up for failure is just not the way to live!
I’m all about Valentine’s Day. The colors and hearts are so fun! I’m a sucker for celebrations, even when it’s just with myself … what can I say. Love this bark! Also, lol, heck yea, February (chocolate month) is after January (salad month) for a reason!
Mary Frances recently posted…The Best Fruit Salsa
Oh, I don’t even like the word “diet” any more! I love chocolate! This bark looks beautiful, perfect for chocolate month!
mira recently posted…Avocado And Shrimp Crostini Recipe
It’s a bad word, Mira!
Lol, I don’t do diets either, Mir! I think life is about living! Plus I am not a fan of hearing the word no. 😉 LOVE this festively fun bark, chicka! I have a bark recipe coming up, but of course it’s not as beautiful as yours AND I don’t have a fantastic video, so now I’m feeling all sorts of inadequate! Boy would devour this bark, girlfriend… 2 seconds flat! Cheers, to banning diets and enjoying life!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary recently posted…Blood Orange Bars {with Bourbon Vanilla Bean}
I think we’re all doing bark, and I’m sure yours will be gorgeous. Come on over and I’ll show you how to make a video. Anytime, girl! Feel like journeying a few states north?
I guess are always co-ordinate when it comes to posting bark recipes 😉 haha I posted a Valentines Day bark too! Your is way prettier, love all the pretty candies!
Manali @ CookWithManali recently posted…Valentine’s Day Chocolate Bark
Thanks, Manali. We should definitely talk more before we post. But great minds think alike and all that!
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Love the colours! Looks really good ♥
summerdaisy.net
Thanks, Summer! I do love pink. 🙂
Your videos are the best, Mir! Just sayin’. Now let’s turn our attention to diets. I couldn’t agree with you more! We try to follow a generally balanced lifestyle around here. We’re not into fad diets and completely eliminating sugars, breads, etc. from our lineup. Just take everything in moderation! Except when it comes to this bark. I refuse to take this in moderation because I want it all. Every last crumble. Thanks! 🙂
David @ Spiced recently posted…Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Aww, thanks! I kind of like doing videos better than pics. They’re fun!
Say it loud! Say it loud! Say it proud! Sorry, my inner cheerleader decided to join the party! I am with you – “Everything in moderation…including moderation.” (Thank you for that, Julia!) Which means…no moderation where this bark is concerned! Bring it!!
annie@ciaochowbambina recently posted…Italian Tater Tots
That’s the best Julia quote!
This bark looks incredible. I swear I’ve been meaning to try to make bark. I just haven’t decided what I want to put in my bark. I love all the candies you put into this one! So cute for Valentine’s Day!
Michele @ Alwayzbakin recently posted…Valentine Slice and Bake Sugar Cookies
It’s easy, Michele! Give it a shot!