Showing posts with label chocolate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chocolate. Show all posts

Cinnamon, Cocoa and Cardamom Truffles {Paleo-friendly, Adaptable Vegan & Gluten-free}





Around this time of year, I really try to slow down and take stock of what I am grateful for in life. Sweet and spunky Evelyn, health, friends and family. Nothing overly shocking here. But I have to confess, I am outrageously grateful for organic dark chocolate. Really. Not that I am more appreciative of chocolate than say, my daughter, but it does hold a special place for me -- infusing a truly delicious quality into life. Dark chocolate is actually a health enhancing food when savored in moderation and with intention. Find out how it sharpens the mind here or wards off cancer along with other disease here. Even the ancient Aztecs recognized the benefit of chocolate on well- being, both emotionally and physically.

Chocolate Trumps Fluoride in the Fight Against Tooth Decay


Imagine using chocolate to remineralize tooth enamel while discouraging cavities. Sound too good to be true? A researcher at Tulane University has come close with a non-toxic chocolate extract that outperforms fluoride. Taking into account the dangers associated with fluoride, and its presence in commercial toothpastes, a chocolate-based replacement offers a palatable solution.

Cacao: An Ancient Medicine Validated By Modern Science



Legendary cacao has a long history of medicinal use throughout Mesoamerica and South America. Today, science confirms chocolate has many favorable qualities that support health and psychological well-being. The benefits of this magical bean are magnified when the cacao is high-quality, raw and organic.

Top Ten Healthy Reasons To Eat Chocolate


Good news for all you chocolate lovers out there, new research has found this divine food has even more health boosting advantages than previously recognized. Not only does it enhance both cardiovascular and mental well-being, but it also lowers body mass index (BMI) and insulin resistance. However, before consuming chocolate with wild abandon, it's important to discern between the different varieties - and choose only superfood grades for ultimate benefit.

Divine Brain Food - Sharpen Your Thinking With Chocolate



Most people don't need an excuse to eat chocolate -- its creamy texture and delicious taste are reason enough. Yet, here is another compelling reason to savor chocolate: it helps your brain work better. Flavonols present within chocolate may be the key to this enhanced cognitive functioning. But we are not speaking of a Hershey bar here -- only high quality, extra dark varieties will improve brain function and sharpen the mind.

Thrive Short Order | DIY Nutella {minus the health-harming ingredients}

This recipe is in honor of a friend of mine. She's a serious Nutella fan. I'm talking eating directly out of the jar with a spoon over the kitchen sink kind of enthusiast. Since I am concerned she might incur serious health issues from the poor quality oil, processed sugar and conventionally grown ingredients (which most likely contain GMOs), I decided a healthy alternative was in order. Namely, one that would not turn into an ordeal. What we needed was a lightening quick recipe with easily assessable ingredients. Not to mention it had to be convincingly delicious. I think this one fits the bill.

Thrive Short Order | Paleo Black Forest Breakfast Bars {Gluten-Free, Vegan, No-Bake}

I don't know about you, but I find most mornings in my household to be just short of a circus act. Between caring for a rambunctious three-year-old, working and tending to the nitty- gritty details of the home, sometimes I feel a sense of complete overwhelm - as I am sure many do. Yet, as with most things in life, daily chaos is also fertile ground for inspiration along with one of my all time favorite topics: chocolate.

Recently I was pondering the amazing health benefits of this delicious food and realized it could easily be transformed into a stellar breakfast meal. With a little creativity and plenty of superfood caliper additions, chocolate could be a near perfect beginning to any day for the reasons found here. Hemp seed adds protein, coconut flour a good dose of sugar balancing fiber and cherries are a powerhouse in their own right. The end result also had to be effortless in preparation and something that is grab and go. And since I need all the help I can get with clarity of thought in the morning, the bar absolutely had to support brain function in a serious way. Walnuts fit the bill nicely with an abundant dose of mind boosting omega-3 fats. Drop me a line and let me know if you give these a try.

Chocolate-based fuel and plant fiber car - A new wave of eco-friendly innovation


A team of scientists in Britain have harnessed the unlikely fuel source of waste caramel and nougat from chocolate manufacturer Cadbury Schweppes. As part of the experiment, Escherichia coli bacteria were fed the sweet left-overs from the factory. The bacteria then belched out hydrogen gas after a process of sugar fermentation and conversion of formic acid. This surprising source of hydrogen was subsequently used to power a small fan via fuel cell technology. As a highly efficient source of energy, fuel cells have a zero emission rate when used with hydrogen. Continue »

Valentine Scones with Cacao Nibs and Dried Cherries

Saint Valentine's Day is almost upon us and a flurry of associations come to mind. The latent sugar-enthusiast remembers fondly the days of childhood when the heart-shaped box of chocolates would magically appear from my parents. My joy of the impending sugar rush was palatable. Later, as I became more aware of the world in general, I veered into the opposite direction by turning my nose up at the whole commercialism of it all and went on a 'Valentine's Day Fast' for over fifteen years. Then I had an epiphany a few years back and realized: what would be a more spectacular opportunity to live with more love, joy and gratitude than Saint Valentine's Day? Forget the superficial stuff and really delve into a day (and hopefully a full-time orientation) of appreciating those we love while aligning myself with a more heart-centered life.

As sweet treats reflect the 'sweetness of life', these heart-shaped scones are the perfect symbol to share with those you love and even those who look as though they need more love in their lives. Imagine baking up several dozen of these little hearts and passing them on to coworkers, friends, family, possibly even strangers. With the intention of loving-kindness?

If all of this is a little too idealistic, focus on the scones themselves. Good for your heart (no bad fats here) while not pushing one over the edge with sugar overload. Coconut oil replaces the butter, smart sweeteners like evaporated cane juice or coconut sugar add a subtle sweetness. This along with spelt pastry flour for those who are sensitive to standard wheat and the tangy zest of dried cherries to create a bit of balance. And do not forget the incredible cacao nib which is a tremendous source of antioxidants, micronutrients, as well as theobromine, one of the feel-good elements in chocolate.

I used a deep, 2-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter for this recipe. If you find it difficult to locate the cherries, dried cranberries make a nice substitute. Since the cacao nibs are unsweetened, a slight bitterness complements the mild sweetness of the scone. A high-quality, organic dark chocolate chip can be used if one needs less bite.

Wishing all a very loving and joyful Saint Valentines. Bon Appétit.

*Organic ingredients are always best for health, quality, and taste.

2 cups spelt pastry flour*
1/3 cup evaporated cane juice crystals or coconut sugar granules
1 1/2  teaspoons non-aluminum baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons solid coconut oil
1 1/2 teaspoons grated orange peel
3/4 cup raw cacao nibs or semi-sweet dark chocolate chips
3/4 cup coarsely chopped dried cherries
1/3 cup full-fat yogurt whisked with 1/3 cup almond milk (For vegans: substitute this mixture with 2/3 cup coconut milk)
1 egg or flaxseed egg substitute
1 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract

Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add coconut oil and orange peel; using a pastry cutter or your hands, mix until coarse meal forms. Fold in cacao nibs and dried cherries. In a small bowl, whisk yogurt-almond milk mixture, egg or flaxseed substitute, and both extracts; add to dry ingredients and mix with a fork until dough comes together in moist clumps. Form into a ball and press out on lightly floured surface to 3/4-inch thickness. Using a 2-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out the scones. Transfer to oiled baking sheet and space 1-inch apart. Repeat process with remaining dough.

Preheat oven to 400ºF. Bake until scones are crusty on top and toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, about 15 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

*for increased digestibility, decrease spelt flour to 1 cup and soak overnight with 1 1/2-cups water and 1/4-cup plain, unsweetened yogurt. Omit the yogurt-almond milk mixture. Mix soaked flour with wet ingredients and continue with recipe.