This is a recipe I have used for years. I have considered writing it for TNT many times before, but its simplicity always gave me pause. I figured most people would already know how to make these delicious melt-in-your-mouth treats, but then I thought of those who might be missing out. Oh, you poor chocolate-less souls! I dedicate this recipe to you.
Super simple and versatile, these sweets can be made with so many add-ons or substitutions; they can truly be made just for you. They are made with coconut oil, a healthy source of fat known for being a quick source of energy, supporting fat burning, increasing feelings of fullness, and even slightly boosting your metabolism. They also contain cocoa powder, which is packed with polyphenols and flavonoids. Cocoa powder is great for heart health, lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow, and supporting brain function and mood. You can’t eat a ton of these and expect to lose weight, but having a couple every once in a while is definitely an improvement over other processed snacks. Go ahead and stash some in your freezer for your next sweet craving—investing in healthy choices pays off for a lifetime.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup maple syrup, honey, or other sweetener of choice—make them as sweet as you like
- A pinch of salt (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Other optional add-ons: edible flowers, cinnamon, ginger, chia seeds, hemp hearts, puffed quinoa, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, instant coffee, ground coffee, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, almonds, macadamias, cashews, pistachios, dates, goji berries, coconut flakes, freeze dried raspberries or strawberries, candied orange or lemon peel, peanut butter, almond butter, medicinal mushroom powders, matcha powder, banana slices, blueberries, mint, almond, or orange extract, or anything else you can think up!
Chocolate time:
First, you will need to melt the coconut oil in a small pan. Once melted, pour it into a measuring cup with a pouring spout. I find the spout makes pouring the chocolate into molds much easier. Next add in your sweetener of choice. I like to use maple syrup or honey, because using granulated sweeteners can sometimes make the chocolate gritty.
Add the cocoa powder, and stir. Mix until all the clumps are gone, and it is silky smooth. Lastly, if you choose to, add a pinch of salt, and the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
That’s it, you have made the chocolate. All you have to do is choose what mold you would like to use. You can use ice cube trays, or a loaf pan to make a full bar (best to line it with parchment paper, for easy removal), or some fancy molds like mine that I got off of amazon years ago. Gently pour the chocolate mixture into the molds, add any fun and fancy additions, and place them in the freezer until they solidify, about 1 hour.
Once solid you can remove them from the molds, and place them in an airtight container in the freezer, or the fridge. I prefer the freezer, because I like how frozen chocolates can handle being out in room temperature longer. These will eventually melt at room temperature, so beware.
And there you have it—your ticket to chocolate paradise! Whip up a batch of these silky, antioxidant-rich chocolates this week, keep them tucked in your freezer for a quick energy boost, and feel good about your treats. I can imagine serving a couple of bars on beautiful platters, by candle light, to some guests after an elegant meal. Perhaps with edible flowers and freeze-dried raspberries, goji berries, and pumpkin seeds, or one with orange extract, candied orange peels, and hazelnuts, or one with ground coffee, instant coffee, a dash of cinnamon, and almonds, or hemp hearts. Your guest could break off a piece and let it melt in their mouth, while they sip their coffee or tea. How sophisticated. Customize the flavor to whatever you’re feeling like, try something different every time. With so many options, you’ll never get bored. Wishing you good health and good luck on all of your cooking adventures.
