Raw Chocolate

Holistic Nutritionist, Amy Michelle Weiss, shows you how to make a simple Raw Chocolate. Eat this simple recipe as is or use it as a base recipe for other chocolate treats. 

1. Base Recipe (Vegan)

Raw chocolate 

10 dates

4 tbsp Cacao Powder

1 tbsp Cinnamon

1 tsp Vanilla Extract 

2 tbsp Honey

Put all ingredients into food processor and blend until it forms a log. Break off chunks and roll into balls or shape into brownie squares. Serve plain or  Roll/top in coconut shreds, nuts, cacao nibs or goji berries. 

This simple 5 ingredient Raw Chocolate Recipe packs a powerful punch of nutrients and minerals while satisfying the deepest chocoholics chocolate dreams. This recipe is low fat, raw, vegan, gluten free, chemical free with no GMO's and can be eaten in abundance as a superfood that's incredible for your health. Yum! 

2. Balanced

10 dates 

4 tablespoons cacao powder

1/2 teaspoon lemon zest or extract 

1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean or extract

Dash Black Pepper

Dash Cayenne Pepper  

2 tablespoon honey

1/2 teaspoon coconut oil 

Put all ingredients in a food processor and pulse and grind until it forms a log. 

Break off chunks and roll into balls or shape into brownie squares. Serve plain or  Roll/top in coconut shreds, nuts, cacao nibs or goji berries

Adding coconut oil adds fats to the recipe. It's still raw, vegan, chemical free with no GMO's. Due to the fat you need to eat this version of Raw Chocolate in Moderation. 

3. Splurge

10 dates 

4 tablespoons cacao powder

1/2 teaspoon lemon zest or extract 

1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean or extract

Dash Black Pepper

Dash Cayenne Pepper  

2 tablespoon honey

2 tablespoons coconut oil 

Put all ingredients in a food processor and pulse and grind until it forms a log. 

Break off chunks and roll into balls or shape into brownie squares and place on wax paper. Place in freezer for 1 hour. Serve plain or top with coconut shreds, nuts, cacao nibs, salt or goji berries

Adding the extra coconut oil will turn this simple Raw Chocolate into a smooth chocolate raw mouse cheesecake but will load this treat with fat. Although this recipe is still raw, vegan, chemical free, gluten free with no GMO's the high fat content makes it a splurge you should eat on occasion 

Health Benefits:

1. Cacoa -

 Cacao powder is an unfiltered and more nutritious version of cocoa! Cacao is a super food that has dietary fiber, polyphenols and Magnesium! Polyphenols in Cacao help reduce cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, metabolic disorders, and is used for cancer prevention. Their antioxidant properties may be responsible for many of their pharmacological effects, including the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and the protection of LDL-cholesterol against oxidation, and increase resistance to oxidative stress. The phenolics from cacao also modify the glycemic response and the lipid profile, decreasing platelet function and inflammation along with diastolic and systolic arterial pressures, which, taken together, may reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality. Cocao polyphenols can also reduce and improve digestion.  Cacao protects against diseases which oxidative stress is a contributor to, such as cancer.

2. Dates: 

The significant amount of minerals found in dates make it a super food for strengthening bones and fighting off painful and debilitating diseases like osteoporosis. Dates contain selenium, manganese, copper, and magnesium, all of which are integral to healthy bone development and strength, particularly as people begin to age and their bones gradually weaken. They also increase your sex drive

3. Honey - 

Possesses antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Honey has been known to help heal wounds, control acid reflux, reduce stomach inflammation and reduce allergy symptoms. (*studies are still being conducted to scientifically show the benefits on a molecular level but historically honey has been known to benefit the aforementioned ailments)

4. Cinnamon- 

Cinnamon may reduce inflammation, have antioxidant effects, and fight bacteria. Lab studies have found that cinnamon may lower blood sugar and help reduce cholesterol levels. It's has also been used as an appetite suppressant as well as a  natural sweetener to replace refined sugar or artificial sweeteners. 

Conclusion:

By learning how certain ingredients can change the health benefits of a dish, we can vary the ingredients to insure we are balanced in our eating. Making the vegan option more often for health centered meals, adding a little something extra for a balanced meal and going all out for a splurge by making educated cooking choices. That's how you create a lifestyle you can live with. Enjoy!