Chocolate for Health Lovers

WARNING: this post contains chocolate... a lot of chocolate.

I am a health lover and I love chocolate. Always have, always will.  Let's face it, what's not to love. 

Now you may think, Heather, this is a health blog...why are you talking to us about chocolate?! But who says the two can't mix? This post combines a few (plus a bit more) of my favourite chocolate products/ recipes for my fellow health freaks. Enjoy!

.................................................

VEGAN BUTTER BEAN BROWNIES

So rich and chocolatey; these brownies are low fat, low sugar, flour-free and good for you (in moderation, of course)! You would never know they were healthy though...managed to trick a few people! 

YOU WILL NEED:

- 3/4 cup cacao

- 1 tin (1 1/2 cups) rinsed drained white beans

- 2tbsp coconut oil

- 2 flax eggs

- sweetener (I used 2tbsp agave)

- 1.5tsp baking powder

- 1/2 tsp vanilla

- 1/8 tsp salt

- small handful chopped walnuts 

MAKE IT!

1. Combine all the ingredients (apart from the walnuts) in the food processor and process for around 3 minutes until thick, smooth and creamy.  Mix in chopped walnuts and raisins/ chocolate chips if desired.
2. Spread into a greased baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 350F | 175C for 20-25 minutes, or when the edges begin to come away from the tin and the top of the brownie is cracked. Leave for 10 minutes. 
3.  Remove from tin and slice! Enjoy! 

*The amount of sweetener and type of sweetener is completely up to you! I like these rich and chocolatey but if you have more of a sweet tooth, I'd recommend adding up to 1/2 cup honey/agave/brown sugar.

.................................................

THE RAW CHOCOLATE COMPANY

It does what it say on the jar, so to speak ;)

The Raw Chocolate Company produces vegan high quality chocolate with very few added ingredients which just enhances the amazing, rich chocolatey flavour. Another great thing is that, in my opinion, just a few squares curb that chocolate craving and leave you feeling satisfied.

But basically, this stuff tastes amazing. Even my little nephew agrees:

Also, did I mention that there are SIX flavours to choose from?! 

• Orange Raw Chocolate: Chocolate + orange ... 'nuff said.

• Goji Berry + Orange: Chocolate + orange with goji berry pieces for an added superfood burst.

• Mint Raw Chocolate: Like healthier after eights.

• Vanoffee (dark +light): Both SO tasty; I love vanilla in chocolate, it just adds a great hint of sweetness without being too overpowering.

• Pitch Dark: Perfect for when you just want something to kick that chocolate craving!

this one has to be my favourite....creamy and vanilla-ey and sweet but still chocolatey!

Anyway, love declared. There is only so much you can hear about a product....you HAVE to go and try it for yourself! You'll thank me later ;) 

P.S. they also make chocolate mulberries ... the second best combination to chocolate + orange!

.................................................

CACAO NIBS

Nature's chocolate chips.

Cacao nibs are basically peeled and crumbled whole cacao beans. They are crunchy and full of a chocolatey flavour without the sugar or added ingredients. Due to being unprocessed, raw cacao nibs are rich in antioxidants, fibre and minerals (iron + magnesium). They taste amazing as a topping for porridge, frappuccinos or homemade 'nana ice cream, mixed with granola or added to cakes and bakes! Yum!

................................................

RAW CAROB FIGGY BITES

You will need:

- 1 soaked dried fig

- 4 medjool dates

- 10 almonds

- a bit of water

- 2 tbsp rolled oats (replace this with 2tbsp dried mulberries or chopped nuts for fully raw)

- carob/ cacao powder to coat.

1. Process the oats to make oat flour. 
2. Add the rest of the ingredients to the food processor and pulse until combined.
3. Roll into small balls and roll in carob or cacao powder to coat!

.................................................

CHOC SHOT

Is it chocolate sauce? Is it hot chocolate? Is it a spread? 

No... It's all of the above! [ said in a superman type of way... ;) ]

This product is like the holy grail of chocolate. AND it's vegan.

Mix it with yogurt for a fondue dip | Use this in place of some of the cacao in my brownie recipe above | Spread it onto rice cakes and toast with banana | Mix it in with porridge or drizzle on top (preferably both) | Use it in 'Nana ice cream or smoothies | Make hot chocolate or a cold almond milk shake with it .... the possibilities are endless! 

CLEAN WALNUT WHIP BITES

Simply cut bananas into 1 inch slices, core out the centre (leaving a base) and fill with PB, chic shot and top with a bit of walnut! Simple but perfect.

____________________

CHOCOLATE 'NANA ICE CREAM

Blend 2 frozen bananas, 1/2 regular banana, 1tbsp chic shot/ cacao and a bit of water if needed.

____________________

CHOCOLATE ORANGE PORRIDGE

In a pan, add 1/4 cup oats, 2tsp cacao/ choc shot, a bit of orange zest, 3/4 cup water and half a banana (mashed). Bring to the boil then stir for 1 minute. Serve and top with more choc shot, orange zest, seeds, raisins and frozen banana (it literally melts with the heat of the oats... SO delicious).

.................................................

Now, go and eat some chocolate ;)