Vegan, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free Friendly

This Valentine’s Day, I teamed up with My July, a non-toxic, plant-based, skincare company that aims to embrace the harmonious bond between nature and humans by way of natural yet effective skincare. While nutrition is paramount, so is taking the time to care for and nurture yourself. Without taking these pauses, nutrition and other wellness practices will only get you so far.

This recipe was developed with food and beauty in mind. Food is medicine, and one of my favorite ways to care for my skin is by consuming an abundance of micronutrients and antioxidant-rich foods. Our nutrition is greatly tied to not only our health but our skin. This beauty bark features 70% dark chocolate, an array of mixed freeze-dried berries (helping to preserve its nutrition), and buckwheat groats for an extra antioxidant boost. All of which pairs extremely well with My July’s Jar of Cozy Body Butter. Use my code ALEXANDRIA15 for 15% off your first order of $25 or more site wide.

Beauty Ingredient Breakdown:

Dark Chocolate Benefits:
Known for providing powerful health benefits like protecting against heart disease. Dark chocolate and cocoa are rich in polyphenols, which act as antioxidants in the body, helping fight against free radicals and oxidative stress. All of which help protect the skin from sun damage and help slow skin aging. However, not all chocolate is created equal. To maximize the benefits, opt for a 70% or higher cocoa content with little to no added sugar.

Freeze-Dried Mixed Berry Benefits:
Berries are chock-full of antioxidants and are known for having strong anti-inflammatory properties. All of which help protect the skin and prevent rapid aging. Using freeze-dried berries help to preserve the integrity and nutrition of the plant.

Buckwheat Groat Benefits:
Rich in various antioxidants and provides the highest amounts compared to any other cereal grain. Is gluten-free, high in fiber, and easily digestible. It’s particularly high in rutin, a bioflavonoid plant compound that’s also high in antioxidants and enables the body to promote collagen production while aiding the body to use vitamin C properly.

Ingredients

Makes around 20 pieces
10 ounces (283g) 70% dark chocolate chips of choice, or use a bar and finely chop

1⁄2 cup (14g) freeze-dried berries
1⁄4 cup (50g) buckwheat groats, toasted
1 tsp (4g) vanilla extract
1⁄2 tsp (2g) almond extract
Flaky sea salt

Method

In a small pan on low heat, toast the buckwheat groats. Set aside.

Line a 9x12 baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

Melt your chocolate of choice in a double boiler. To create one, simply fill a pot halfway with water, and place a glass Pyrex mixing bowl on top. Turn the heat to medium and wait for the water to boil. Once boiling, add in the chocolate and slowly melt. Adjust the heat accordingly and continue to gently stir. Or, place in a microwave-safe bowl and melt in 30-second increments until the chocolate is completely melted.

Once the chocolate is melted, add the vanilla and almond extract. Gently stir to combine. Pour melted chocolate onto the lined parchment paper and evenly spread.

Sprinkle the toasted buckwheat groats, freeze-dried berries, and flaky sea salt on top of the melted chocolate. Gently press the ingredients onto the melted chocolate, ensuring it adheres.

Place the baking tray in the freezer for a minimum of an hour. For best results, leave overnight.

Once hardened, remove the bark from the parchment paper and break it into pieces. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for a few weeks or in the fridge for a week.