Who Wants Some Chocolate?
Valentine's Day is this week and its the time to allow yourself to indulge in some super decadent chocolate! Who says we have to eat chocolate and feel bad?
Chocolate actually has numerous benefits, but only it isn't least refined forms. You want to look for organic, unrefined chocolate made from cacao with ideally less than 5gm added sugar per serving. Use natural sweetening agents such as coconut, nuts, dried cherries and freeze-dried strawberries to add sweetness and tang. Use sea salt to bring out the natural flavor of the cacao. And don't forget the other add-ons you can use to bring extra nutrition and flavor, such as seeds, nut butter, extracts and spices.
I created a recipe below for Dark Chocolate Bark that contains all the benefits of chocolate, along with additional benefits of these other add-ons. You won't feel guilty to indulge in this on Valentine's Day, and you'll hopefully never feel the need to buy those nasty chocolate bars again!
Dark Chocolate Bark
Ingredients:
12 oz bittersweet chocolate, at least 70%
2 TSP coconut oil, extra virgin
2 TBSP hemp seed
2 TBSP pepitas or chopped pistachios
1/2 cup freeze-fried strawberries, unsweetened
1/2 cup dried cherries, unsweetened
Flaky sea salt
Directions:
Using the double-broiler method (simmer water 1/2 full in a saucepan, add heat safe bowl on top, water shouldn't touch the bowl), add chocolate and coconut oil. Stir until melted (may take 5 minutes).
Stir in 1/2 of each ingredient ( 1 TBSP hemp seeds and pepita, 1/4 cup dried strawberries and cherries) NOT salt
Spread on a parchment-lined cookie sheet until 1/4" thick.
Sprinkle with remaining ingredients.
Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt.
Freeze for at least 1 hour, but up to overnight.
Remove from freezer and pull parchment paper up to also pull up the chocolate off the pan. Use your fingers to break apart bark in desired shapes and sizes.
Store in refrigerator and eat cold.
One of my favorite recipes for a sweet, healthy indulgence are these Chocolate Protein Peanut Butter Bars from Ambitious Kitchen. You can make them and freeze them into little sticks or squares (for some reason I like the sticks!) and you can also decorate them for holidays or with different crunchy toppings.
Here is a picture of my version I made with a little pink sprinkle for a Valentine's flair!
Last but not least, I am sharing a quick and easy yogurt bowl that is festive for any holiday, depending on the fruit you use, as well as the add-ons. Use my code for Bomb Co Plant Protein for 20% off your order! https://www.thebombco.com/KAYLA41419
Greek Yogurt Protein Bowl
Ingredients:
1/2 cup blueberries (or you may use tart cherries, blackberries, strawberries or goji)
1-2 drops pure stevia extract OR 1 TSP pure maple syrup
1/2 lemon, squeezed
1 cup plain, non-fat Greek yogurt
1 scoop grass-fed whey protein (I love Earth Fed Muscle or Bomb Co Plant Protein)
1 TBSP Seedy Granola or 1 TSP each of pepitas, oats, cocoa nibs and chopped almonds
Directions:
In a microwave safe bowl, add berries of choice and microwave for 30-40 seconds, until they burst. You may use frozen berries, but you may have to microwave for 60-70 seconds.
Using a spoon or fork, mash until they release the juices. Then add sweetener of choice and lemon and stir.
In a separate small bowl, mix together Greek yogurt and protein powder until mixed.
Add the Greek yogurt on top of your berry mixture and swirl together.
Top with toppings and enjoy immediately, or meal prep and seal for a treat later!
Enjoy these goodies for any holiday! Put your own holiday spin on them for St. Patty's Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Christmas and more!
St. Patty's Day: Use dried kiwi, pistachios, matcha powder, fresh kiwi, honeydew and pepitas for green, festive color and food decor.
Easter: Use dried cherries, cranberries, fresh berries, fresh basil, fresh mint and turmeric for festive pastel colors and food decor.
Fourth of July: Use dried blueberries, dried cherries, coconut, macadamia nut, fresh blueberries and blackberries and more!
Christmas: Use pistachios, cranberries, mint, poppyseed and cinnamon for festive flavors and colors.
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