Want to make the most delicious chocolate, ever? You'd be surprised at this - it's got dark chocolate, sea salt (naturally), candied ginger, and... pomegranate?! Yes! I, too, was skeptical when I first saw this recipe at the New York Times food section (I've adapted their recipe, in this article). One bite, though, and I was hooked - this is the best chocolate I've ever had. The sea salt and fresh pomegranate seeds match the chocolate perfectly. Each bite is a taste sensation. And, it's extremely easy to make!

One caveat: it  only lasts a day or so before the pomegranate seeds start weeping. Not that you'll have a problem eating it all up by then...

First things first. You'll need to peel and seed your pomegranate. And some people can't imagine eating the seeds, since there's a little crunchy bit inside. It's So good, though.

About the Pomegranate

Did you know that pomegranates are an ancient and venerated fruit? The Pomegranate is the symbol for prosperity, ambition, abundance, fertility, and good luck, and is native to Persia.

It was the fruit that led Persephone to spend half a year down in the Underworld with Hades; her mother, Demeter (Goddess of the Harvest) is so sad that when Persephone is gone from Earth, she goes into mourning and we experience winter. Hera, the Queen of the Greek Gods, is often shown with a Pomegranate. A Pomegranate was found in the tomb of Queen Hatshepsut’s butler!

A note about which chocolate to use

Now, the chocolate. It is important that you use stuff you love. I had a half bar of ginger dark chocolate, but also some other options. If you prefer chocolate chips, use those. Our daughter loves it made with milk chocolate. It's all up to you! Remember, use the best quality chocolate you can find.

How to Peel a Pomegranate

1. With a sharp knife, cut a circle around the top of the Pomegranate

Peel the lid off

Pick out the middle core from the top

Slice the peel along the membrane lines, just a little ways in

Slowly, pry it open

For each section, push it from the back and pop the seeds out

Pry any remaining seeds out

Pick any little bits of membrane out of the seeds

Dark Chocolate Pomegranate Bark Recipe

Ingredients

5 oz Dark Chocolate
1 Pomegranate, seeded (should be 1 cup or more)
3 T finely minced candied ginger
2 teaspoons sea salt (the best you have)

Directions:

Melt chocolate (on a double boiler or in the microwave)

Stir in ginger and half of the pomegranate seeds

Spread on parchment paper, about ¼ inch thick

Firmly press remaining pomegranate seeds into the chocolate

Sprinkle sea salt on top

Chill. Break into pieces, enjoy!