food and other stuff

Some days Everyday I am craving Chocolate! I try to contain my obsession, but my love for such beloved gift from Nature is deep. Sure, milk chocolate is good, but I do not want all that junk on it every time. I much prefer dark chocolate with little or no sugar, semisweet and bittersweet chocolate. I am also a big fan of Cacao Nibs and Organic and Raw Cacao Powder, and I use it in my smoothies, sauces, and desserts.

Carob is also a good substitute for chocolate. Let me rephrase it, there is no substitute for chocolate. However, if you ever find yourself trying to stay away from chocolate try Carob. It comes from a Mediterranean tree pod and has a naturally sweet taste that “reminds me” of chocolate. It is also low in fat, high in fiber, contains calcium and no caffeine. Enough of Carob, the star here today is Chocolate.

Chocolate is the final product of Cacao Beans (from the Theobroma Cacao Tree)processed with sugar, cacao butter and milk. Cacao Nibs are the roasted seeds with no additives, and when they are dried at a very low temperature they are called Raw. Cacao Powder is made from ground Cacao Nibs.

Cacao Beans are packed with Magnesium (muscle and nerve function), Iron (red blood cells production), Fiber (we need 32 g per day), Antioxidants (fight free radicals which cause damage to the cells), and Anandamides (lipid that has “feel-good” properties).

Today I am sharing an extremely easy, delicious and nutritious recipe I make every time I crave all that goodness. I usually eyeball the measures, because the amount of Honey, Cacao Powder and Milk depends on the texture and sweetness you prefer. Here it it:

Ingredients:

• 4 hass avocados
• 3 Tbsp Raw Organic Cacao Powder (I like Dagoba and Navitas)
• 3 Tbsp Raw Unfiltered Honey or Maple Syrup
• 1 Tbsp Chia Seeds
• 1 1/2 cup Almond/Coconut milk, or whatever milk you prefer
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• A pinch of Pink Himalayan Salt

Method:

In a blender ( I use Vitamix), add the meat of the avocados, and all other ingredients. Pulse (I pulse mine in the Frozen Desserts setting of my Vitamix) until all the ingredients are incorporated and taste it. You might need to add more liquid if the mix is not mixing, please be careful not to burn your blender’s engine. You might need to add more honey or cacao.

Once it has obtained a creamy texture, transfer to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Please keep in mind that the Chia Seeds are going to help thicken the mousse*, so make sure it is not very thick before you refrigerate it.

Add crunchy toppings for texture. My favorites are Toasted Coconut, Ground Nuts, Cacao Nibs, Granola, and Berries.

* Chia seeds contain soluble and insoluble fiber which absorbs liquid creating a thick gel.

Bom Apetite!

Tags: Avocado, Cacao, Cacao Beans, Cacao Nibs, Cacao Powder, Carob, Chia Seeds, Chocolate, Chocolate Mousse, Dairy Free, eating clean, gluten free, Healthy, Lactose Free, milk chocolate, recipe, Sugar Free