Chocolate Heart Cut-Out Decorations with Pretzels and Cacao Nibs

Ingredients

• 1 ½ ounces dark chocolate, half of a bar, I use "Endangered Species" 88% dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 tablespoon crushed pretzles
• 1 tablespoon cacao nibs

Instructions

1. Melt chocolate a microwave until almost melted. Stir with a spoon until fully melted.
2. Add to a parchment lined sheet pan, smoothing with an off set spatula to 4" x 8 " rectangle. Sprinkle evenly all over with pretzels and cacao nibs. Place in the refrigerator until just set, about 5 minutes only.
3. Place on the countertop and make hearts using a 1" heart metal cookie cutter. Press down to make the form, continuing all over the slab. Will make about 10 hearts. Place back in the refrigerator to get very firm.
4. To use: Lift up the paper and pop out the hearts - use immediately as decoration, or keep refrigerated in an airtight container.
5. Great with my: Black Bottom Chocolate Tarts with Caramel Pretzle Crust.

This recipe may not be reproduced without the consent of its author, Karen Sheer.