Wasabi Peanut Chocolate Bar is dark chocolate, paired with wasabi covered peanuts for a treat to satisfy both your sweet and spicy tooth.
Happy first day of fall, friends! Except for a wet, dreary Saturday this past weekend, the weather here has been fantastic! Summer turned up the heat for her farewell and it looks like she plans to ride it out to the weekend. But, enough weather talk. Let’s talk chocolate - as in these Wasabi Peanut Chocolate Bars!
Those who know me well are fully aware of my addiction to wasabi covered peanuts. Given my aversion to spicy food, one would think that I wouldn’t get anywhere near wasabi, much less enjoy it. But such is the confusingly double life of a gemini.
A few years back when I was in school, I learned that the prettily piped green stuff that was served alongside my sushi-to-go lunch wasn't authentic wasabi. WHAAAA! Instead, it's horseradish mixed with Chinese mustard and green food colouring. But, not having had the real deal I went along with the impostor, half enjoying, half despising it.
I had my first taste of the real deal a couple years later, when a friend gifted me some premium semi-aquatic wasabi straight from his homeland. I get good tingles just thinking back to my first whiff and taste - earthy, deep, rich with that distinctive heat. It was a real experience!
I was a poor student at the time, so once that supply ran out, it was back to the best impostor crap I could afford.
One such impostor came in the form of 'wasabi-flavoured' peanuts - the inspiration for this Wasabi Peanut Chocolate Bar. I still semi-secretly enjoy the store-bought ones, but have never been completely comfortable with the ingredient list.
So with a little basic panning skills under my belt and a batch of grossly over-priced freeze-dried wasabi, I set out to create my own wasabi peanut snacks. It took me a few expletive-filled, muscle-burning attempts, but I did it!!!
What's your favourite snack that you would like to see paired with chocolate?
Ingredients
- 300 grams dark chocolate
- 50 grams wasabi peanuts
Instructions
- Pre-crystallize (temper) the chocolate according to the instructions provided with your chocolate of choice.
- If using a mold, prepare the mold by buffing with cotton or cheesecloth and warm the mold.
- Pour the chocolate into the mold and tap a few times to release any air bubbles. Scrape off excess chocolate.
- Crush some wasabi-covered peanuts and sprinkle over the bars. Allow to set at room temperature for a few minutes, then pop them in the fridge for about 10 minutes. (setting time is dependent on the temperature in your home)
- Remove from fridge and let stand a couple minutes at room temperature. Invert the mold and lightly tap on the counter to release the bars.
- If you are not using molds, line a sheet pan with parchment paper and pour the precrystallized chocolate onto the parchment and use an angled spatula to spread an even layer, or tap the pan on the counter to level the chocolate out.
- Sprinkle with topping and you can leave to set, then break into pieces, or allow to set partially and use a pastry cutter in a shape of your preference to cut the bark. Allow to set completely, then remove the shaped pieces.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry says
Wow, now that does sound interesting, a taste sensation I bet
I Sugar Coat It! says
Soooo, very good!! The burn, the sweet, the nutty...YUM!
Nayna Kanabar says
What a very innovative idea to create such a combination. I am intrigued to find out how it tastes.
I Sugar Coat It! says
Thank you! The wasabi pairs nicely with the chocolate I've used - a nice balance of not too sweet, smooth, nutty notes with a bit of heat.
Sara says
This sounds fantastic! I love sweet and salty treats!!
I Sugar Coat It! says
Then you would love this!! 🙂
Sarah says
What an awesome way to add some heat to dessert! Those wasabi peanuts have my name written all over them and...well...my middle name is chocolate. 😉 Thanks for sharing!
I Sugar Coat It! says
WHAAAT? Your middle name is my first name! 😉 The wasabi peanuts are addictive!
Sarah @ Champagne Tastes says
I LOVE wasabi but can't find the real deal locally. This looks amazing! I'll have to keep an eye out for those peanuts
I Sugar Coat It! says
The good stuff costs a pretty penny, but totally worth it! Just checked and you can find the peanuts on Amazon!! Be sure to get the best quality you can and check the ingredients. Happy snacking!
Lisa | Garlic + Zest says
These are gorgeous bars and what a great idea with the wasabi peas! I really like non-traditional pairings like this one and I definitely want to try it. I'll be on the lookout for a cool chocolate mold like yours!
Platter Talk says
We are going to try this out for sure! What a kick- can't wait to taste. Thanks.
sue | theviewfromgreatisland says
This is the most exotic candybar I've ever seen, it would make great gifts!
Mahy says
WOW what a fabulous combination! I'm craving to taste this right now--I bet it's amazing! Will absolutely make those soon!