So, it’s Monday, but here’s some good news…It’s National Chocolate Week! From 12th – 18th October 2015, it’s about celebrating everything to do with the addictive, comforting and satisfying flavours of chocolate.
Whether dark, milk, white or raw, there are so many ways in which we enjoy it all over the world. Personally, I absolutely love using raw organic cacao (Kaizen Living, of course) in many of my healthy recipes and creations, so I can still indulge in ‘chocolate’ tasting treats and desserts to satisfy my sweet tooth. In fact, I recently wrote a post about how cacao can help to beat sugar cravings – it’s so good for you!
I thought I’d pull together some of my favourite healthy chocolate recipes I’ve spotted from some of my favourite health food bloggers. Prepare to drool, folks!
Nadia’s Healthy Kitchen – Fudgy Tahini Brownies
Nadia’s vegan brownies, free from gluten, dairy and refined sugar, sound absolutely delicious. Using honey and chopped dates for natural sweetness and to achieve the caramel flavour, I love the addition of nutty, creamy tahini and of course, using cacao and nibs for extra crunch!
Delicious Duo – Millionaire’s Shortbread Peanut Butter Cups
A ‘biscuit’ base, smooth and creamy peanut butter filling and a rich and decadent chocolate topping…OH MY. I actually wanted to lick my screen when I saw this creation from the Delicious Duo girls, Beki and Vian. One of my favourite combinations, when I get round to making these, I know it’s going to be hard not to eat the whole batch!
Hedi Hearts – Clean Banana Chocolate Bread
‘What could be a better combination than lovely sweet bananas with some dark chocolate?’ Well Hedi, your clean banana chocolate bread sounds like the perfect way to enjoy this combo, in this treat packed with fibre, healthy fats and protein. What’s not to love? I can’t wait to give it a go!
Kaizen Living – Apricot, Pistachio & Rose Petal Chocolate
Ok so I’m kind of cheating a bit here, as it’s my own recipe for Kaizen Living, but honestly, making your own healthy, raw chocolate is SO satisfying. Easy peasy to make, feel free to swap the apricots, pistachios and rose petals for any combination of nuts, seeds and other flavours like cinnamon, ginger etc. Go crazy and experiment!
Greens of the Stone Age – Raw Choc Chip Mocha Cookie Dough Protein Bars
According to Georgie aka Greens of the Stone Age, this is her ‘ultimate post workout treat’. Babes, you got my attention just from the title! With the addition of cacao nibs and coffee, this also adds a caffeine and antioxidant boost – sounds perfect to me!
I Am Into This – Chocolate Protein Bounty Cake
I’ll be honest, I could have included about 5 chocolate recipes for this feature just from Sam and Teresa’s site, but I was strict with myself and nailed it down to this gluten-free, dairy-free and paleo friendly Chocolate Protein Bounty Cake. SAY WHAT. Just look at the photo…In fact don’t, it’s just making me want it like NOW.
Charley’s Health – Chocolate Hazelnut Overnight Oats
I’ve grown to love overnight oats, and always seeking out interesting combinations of things to mix into my jar the night before. I love Charley’s chocolate flavoured recipe, which includes crushed hazelnuts which ‘provide a crunchy texture’ and ‘a slight nutella like flavour’. Sounds right up my street!
Rebel Recipes – Banana, Cacao & Buckwheat Cookies
Moist and crunchy cookies packed with healthy ingredients are naturally gluten-free – Niki aka Rebel Recipes, it’s like you read my mind. I love the sound of the tahini caramel sauce too, adding a natural sweetness and nuttiness to these tasty looking treats.
Minimalist Baker – Dark Chocolate Breakfast Quinoa Bowl
Seven ingredients, 30 minutes and one pot = all that’s needed to create Dana’s absolutely STUNNING, indulgent breakfast bowl made using nutrient-dense quinoa. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and rich with antioxidants from the cocoa powder, I’m so excited to recreate this as soon as I can.
Christine Bailey – Paleo Chocolate & Coconut Waffles
A delicious paleo recipe using coconut flour, Christine’s chocolate and coconut waffles look just divine. I’m gutted that I don’t have a waffle maker – but she suggests using the batter to make pancakes or blinis instead, phew! Served with berries and coconut yogurt, I can’t think of a better way to start the day.
STILL hungry and craving chocolate? Check out some of my own #IndulgingInnocently creations and be inspired!