Chocolates are indulging and very nutritious especially when we choose those with high cocoa content. They are considered super foods for our brain and heart. Cocoa, being the foundation of chocolates is rich in healthy nutrients like magnesium, iron, healthy fats, flavanols, which are a groups of antioxidants that help fight free radicals. Since chocolates are made from already fermented cocoa beans, we get the benefits of the prebiotics and probiotics that help restore healthy bacteria for optimal gut function. Being very selective in our chocolate choices will only guarantee the benefits associated with this superfood. Try my Guilt-free Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups and you might never need to purchase the unhealthy and expensive ones on the store shelf again!
Ingredients:
- 7 ozs Dark Chocolate (at least 70% cacao, broken into pieces)
- 2 tbsps Coconut Oil
- 2/3 cup All Natural Almond Butter
- 2/3 tsp Vanilla Extract (optional)
- 1/8 tsp Himalayan Salt
Directions:
Arrange mini paper baking cups on a plate or a small baking sheet. Set aside.
Set up a double boiler: Fill a medium pot with an inch of water and place a smaller pot or heat-safe bowl on top ensuring the water is not touching the bottom of the smaller pot or bowl. The smaller pot or bowl should rest tightly on top of the pot and any water or steam should not be able to escape.
Bring water to a boil then reduce to lowest heat. Add the dark chocolate and coconut oil to the smaller pot and stir until melted. Remove from heat.
Divide half of the melted chocolate between the paper baking cups. There should be a thin, even layer of chocolate in each baking cup. Freeze for 10 to 15 minutes until solid.
Meanwhile, in a bowl combine the almond butter, vanilla and salt. Stir until smooth.
Divide the almond butter between the baking cups by spooning the almond butter into the center of solid chocolate. Drizzle the remaining melted dark chocolate around and overtop the almond butter.
Return to the freezer for about 30 minutes or until solid. Enjoy!
