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Our Favorite Chocolate Treats
These not-too-decadent chocolate treats hit the spot every time.
These recipes were chosen to showcase the benefits and deliciousness of dark chocolate and to add a little sweetness to this wintery month. Please, be mindful that less is more and it is indeed a treat (so not too much all at once.) That said, these recipes are filled with whole food ingredients, limited sugar, and are offered to give you some light during the dark winter. So, please choose your favorite and enjoy it fully!
Hazelnut Brownies
Very simple; a true luxurious chocolate snack or dessert.
Modified from Half Baked Harvest
1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (I use the Whole Foods brand. Apparently, the Nutella brand has some iffy ingredients)
2 large eggs
4 tbsp salted butter, melted
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup flour (I use a gluten-free flour blend such as King Arthur)
¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips – set aside a small amount to sprinkle on top
Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 8X8 baking dish with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together hazelnut spread, eggs, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Add flour and mix until well combined. Fold in chocolate chips. Spread mixture into prepped baking dish. Top with the last of the chocolate chips. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
Chocolatey Orange Energy Bites
A great sweet treat snack with a different taste profile and just enough chocolate chips to satisfy cravings.
Makes 10 balls
1 cup oats, dry
1/2 cup peanut butter, all-natural
2 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoon coconut flakes
1 tablespoon orange juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoon orange zest
1 cup dark chocolate chips
Zest orange. Place all ingredients except the chocolate into a large bowl. Mix until combined. Roll the mixture into 10 balls. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Next, melt the chocolate in the microwave on 50% power until liquid. Drizzle over the balls. Return them to the refrigerator for 10 minutes and enjoy! Store in the refrigerator.
Chocolate Avocado Pudding
Velvety, chocolatey and very satisfying because of the avocado.
Modified from Sweetashoney.com | Makes 8 little bowls or ramekins
4 avocados
1 1/3 cups coconut milk
1/3 cup maple syrup
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt
Chopped nuts to top
Scoop avocado flesh out of shells and into a food processor or blender. Remove all black parts. Add remaining ingredients except the chopped nuts. Blend for about a minute and then scrape down the sides. Blend again until silky smooth. Adjust sweetness. It should be sweet, but not overly. Serve with chopped nuts on top. Store in the refrigerator.
Amazing + Healthy Dark Chocolate Fudge Truffles
Beautiful, rich throw-together chocolate treats that everyone loves.
1 cup coconut oil, melted
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup maple syrup (to taste)
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix coconut oil, cocoa powder, and maple syrup and cinnamon together in a bowl until evenly combined. Roll into balls. Place in refrigerator to harden. You want a hard truffle and fudge-like consistency. NOTE: Because coconut oil has a low melting point (76 degrees F/24 degrees C), truffles will harden a lot in the fridge.
Always a Winner
A tried and true chocolate treat favorite, dip organic strawberries into melted dark chocolate. Then refrigerate until hard. So good. Every time.
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