For the Love of Chocolate

Who doesn't love chocolate, right?

I certainly do and don't usually deny myself when I'm really wanting some. Sometimes it seems like there's nothing like chocolate when you want something sweet or are trying to beat the blues.

While we don't really celebrate Valentine's Day in a big way around here, it does make me start thinking about chocolate. Mmmmmm... And I'm a believer in "the right kind of chocolate is A-OK in moderation!"

Chocolate gets a bad rap most of the time. And yes, most chocolate is very processed, full of added sugar and other bad stuff so that most of the chocolate you buy is not very close to the original form. Dark chocolate, my absolute fave, is full of antioxidants, that help fight disease and aging. Chocolate can calm stress (ah...thank goodness) and help with blood flow. If you buy organic chocolate bars, which you could probably find in the organic section of your grocery store, get ready for a treat. Ooohhh, it's so good! And would probably have you saying good-bye to Hershey kisses.

When I buy actual chocolate bars, which is pretty rare, I'm rather fond of fair trade chocolate. Fair trade (on any product) means the farmer receives a fair share of wages which in turn, helps his community and helps to decrease poverty. I won't go on and on (at least in this post) about how poor farmers wages are, particulary in other nations, but buying fair trade can help at least a little. Here's a link if you'd like to learn more about fair trade.

Anyway, I thought I'd share a few chocolate recipes, in case you're thinking of trying something new for someone special. The first is one I just tried tonight! It's not the healthiest recipe, mostly due to the sugar and I didn't try a substitute, but it's a good breakfast treat for a special day!

Double Chocolate Banana Muffins

Mix the following in a large bowl:
1-1/2 cups flour (I use freshly ground whole wheat)
1 cup organic sugar
¼ cup baking cocoa (I use a fair trade organic cocoa)
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. baking powder

In a small bowl, combine:
1-1/3 cups mashed ripe banana (2-3 medium)
1/3 cup oil (I use coconut)
1 egg
Stir into dry ingredients until just moistened.

Fold in 1 cup (6 oz.) chocolate chips (I use grain-sweetened)

Bake 350 for 20-25 minutes.

Next would be a triple chocolate bonus for breakfast, if you make the muffins too...homemade hot cocoa! I've tried a few different ones but this is my favorite. My picky hot-chocolate drinking husband actually likes this much better than the powdered stuff...shocking!

Hot Cocoa

In a medium saucepan, boil 1/3 cup water, 1/4 cup cocoa, 1/2 cup rapadura (evaporated cane juice, but you could use the regular white stuff if you're not into healthy sugars yet) and a dash of salt on med/high heat. Boil a few minutes, stirring constantly.

Turn on low and add 5 cups milk (raw is best if you can) and then add 1 tsp. vanilla

We love to make homemade whipped cream to add to the top. Mmmm...maybe I'll go make some right now!

And finally, chocolate cake!! Who doesn't love chocolate cake! And this one is pretty healthy with an added secret ingredient! Don't worry, you don't have to tell.

Secret Chocolate Cake

2 cups beets (cooked, peeled and chopped)
1/2 cup applesauce

Puree in blender until smooth. Set aside.

1 1/2 cups organic sugar (OK, not so healthy, but c'mon, it has beets too!)
1/2 cup oil (try coconut oil)
1/2 cup plain yogurt
3 eggs

Combine in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes.

1/2 cup cocoa, sifted
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Add along with pureed beets. Beat another 90 seconds.

1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup whole wheat flour (I've made it with all whole wheat and with wheat and unbleached white to cut down on denseness. Either way is good)
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon (optional, but I think it adds a little something)

Gradually sift into the batter, mixing it in with a spoon but stirring only until blended.

1/2 cup chocolate chips

Stir in. Pour into greased 9 X 13 pan. Bake at 350 for 40-50 minutes.

Pour yourself a tall glass of milk!!

What's your favorite chocolate indulgence?