Originally posted by Dr. Davis on 2017-02-07
on the Wheat Belly Blog,
sourced from and currently found at: Infinite Health Blog.
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Chocolate For Adults Only
Chocolate for Adults Only!
I call this Chocolate For Adults Only
because it is certain to leave young, sugar-craving palates unsatisfied.
But rest assured, it is appropriate for the most serious chocolate craving!
This is a way to obtain the rich flavors and
textures of cocoa, the health benefits (for example, blood pressure
reduction and anti-oxidation) of cocoa flavonoids, while obtaining
none of the sugars/carbohydrates . . . and certainly no
wheat or grains!
It is easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients,
a few steps, and a few minutes. Set aside and save some for an indulgence,
e.g., dip into natural peanut or almond butter.
Variations are easy too: a few drops of
orange extract and orange zest, a few drops of peppermint extract, some
unsweetened dried berries, and a few drops of berry extract, among others.
Regardless of which variation you choose to make,
be sure to taste your mixture before allowing to solidify. Desired sweetness
can vary widely, thus, you may wish to add more sweetener to suit your
individual taste.
Makes approximately 24 2-inch pieces.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces 100% unsweetened chocolate
- 5 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- ½ cup dry roasted pistachios or other chopped nuts
- ¼ cup whole flaxseeds or chia seeds
- Sweetener equivalent to ½ cup sugar
(e.g., 2 tbsp. Virtue Sweetener)
Directions:
Using double-boiler method, melt cocoa.
Alternatively, melt cocoa in microwave in 15-20 second increments.
Stir in coconut oil, nuts, and flaxseed or chia seeds. Stir in
sweetener gradually, mixing thoroughly; adjust sweetener to taste.
Lay a sheet of parchment paper out on a large
baking pan. Pour chocolate mixture slowly onto paper to create one large
continuous chocolate, tilting the pan carefully to spread evenly until a
thickness similar to thick cardboard obtained. Alternatively, pour out
to make 2-inch rounds. Place pan in refrigerator for 20 minutes.
Remove chocolate and break by hand into pieces of desired size.
BONUS:
If your chocolate ambitions include peanut butter,
then you will also love the Wheat-Free Market recipe for Chocolate-Peanut
Butter Brownies, a healthy grain-free version of brownies that fit into
your Wheat Belly lifestyle, while still great for children and grandchildren too.
Five good reasons to consume dark
chocolate and cocoa.
- It may have a positive effect on blood cholesterol
levels because it consists mainly of stearic acid and oleic acid. Unlike
most saturated fatty acids, stearic acid does not raise blood cholesterol
levels. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fat that also does not raise
cholesterol and may even reduce it.
- Contains flavonoids (procyanidins and epicatechins).
These are part of a group of powerful antioxidants known as polyphenols. They
are found in a variety of foods including dark chocolate, tea, red wine, and
various fruits and vegetables.
- May improve mood and pleasure by boosting serotonin
and endorphin levels in the brain. Cocoa beans also contain dopamine,
phenylethylamine and serotonin, which are compounds that are known to
enhance mood and promote feelings of well-being.
- Regular consumption may be associated with
better cognitive performance in the elderly.
- Contains numerous minerals, including calcium,
magnesium, and potassium.
Yours in grainless health,
Dr. William Davis
