Herbal Chocolates
Chocolate is a decadent treat, but did you know it’s also full of amazing benefits? Dark chocolate is any chocolate that contains at least 50% cocoa solids, usually with cocoa butter and sugar. Unlike milk chocolate, dark chocolate isn't made with milk, though it could have trace amounts from cross-contamination during manufacturing. Lower-quality dark chocolate also could have oils, butter fats, and artificial flavors. However, dark chocolate has magnesium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, and copper, as well as antioxidants and flavanols that have been shown to have so many benefits. But I also want to share with you a recipe (and a few variations) that can be delicious and beneficial. Herbal chocolates.
Ingredients:
1 cup Cocoa Butter (you can substitute this with coconut oil, but the chocolates should definitely be housed in the fridge if you choose to use coconut oil, otherwise they will likely melt at temperatures higher than 75 degrees)
1 cup Cocoa Powder
½ – ¾ cup Honey or Maple Syrup (or sweetener of your choice)
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract*
a pinch of Salt
*Herbs and other flavors can be used in place of the vanilla extract (see below for different blends)
Directions:
Using a double boiler, melt the cocoa butter and remove from the heat.
Very, very slowly pour in the honey or maple syrup while vigorously whisking (If your cocoa butter is too hot and you pour the honey in too fast, it will separate with the honey sinking to the bottom).
Whisk in the rest of the ingredients (including any herbs or flavors) and whisk until the mixture reaches a pudding-like consistency. This may take a minute or two max. Be sure to get absolutely no water in the chocolate, as this will make the chocolate have a mealy texture. If your chocolate is too thick, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or cocoa butter at a time until the mixture thins out.
Spoon your chocolate into molds.
Put your chocolates into the fridge or freezer to harden up over a few hours before enjoying! You can also then melt these herbal chocolates down and use them to dip fruit for a really decadent treat.
Herbal Blends:
Mayan Chocolate:
¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
¼ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1 dash Ground Nutmeg
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Only For Lovers:
1 teaspoon Damiana Leaf, powder
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
½ teaspoon Rose Extract
Spiced Kava Chocolate:
1 teaspoon Kava, powder
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
¼ teaspoon Ground Cloves
¼ teaspoon Ground Cardamom
¼ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
Berry Hearty Chocolate:
½ teaspoon Hawthorne Berry, powder
½ teaspoon Rose Hip, powder
½ teaspoon Hibiscus Flowers
1 teaspoon Strawberry Extract
¼ teaspoon Ground Ginger
