Salted Dark Chocolate & Fig Bark

I know everyone is obsessed with date and chocolate bark right now. But after December — all the baking, all the sugar, all the ovens working overtime — I think most of us are just tired. A little burnt out. I know I am. I’m not really in the mood to step into the kitchen, or even think about turning the oven on anytime soon.

So for this one, I went with the trend, but only halfway. No planning, no overthinking — just using whatever was already sitting in my fridge and pantry. Dried fruit. A few bars of dark chocolate. Things that have been waiting patiently.

In my case, it was a bag of dried figs. They’ve been there for a while now, quietly peeking at me every time I open the fridge, as if asking to finally become something. I also had a couple of dark chocolate bars that I knew would just keep living there if I didn’t do anything with them.

My figs were a bit dry, which really depends on the variety. If that happens, just soak them in boiling water with a teaspoon of baking soda for about 20 minutes, until they soften a little. Then you’re good to go.

I finished mine with sea salt and sesame seeds, but use whatever you like. Just remember to keep it in the fridge — figs, unlike dates, tend to spoil faster.

Ingredients

• 300 g figs

• 300 g dark chocolate

• Sea salt, sesame seeds, or any seeds you like (optional)

Method

Line a small square pan (about 9 × 9 inches) with parchment paper, leaving some overhang so it’s easy to lift later. You can use a sheet pan if you like, but I prefer something neat and contained.

Arrange the figs in an even layer in the pan, then gently smash them using the bottom of a glass until they come together into a single layer.

Melt the dark chocolate and pour it over the figs, spreading it gently to cover. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt, sesame seeds, or whatever seeds you have on hand.

Place the pan in the fridge for about an hour, until firm. Lift it out, slice, and share.