So, I adore chocolate. I mean, really, who doesn’t? And the holiday season was brimming with multitudes of chocolate, cake, cookies, bars, truffles, you name it; and I admit, I overindulged. However, my new year’s resolution was to go vegan, and that, coupled with a need to eat some chocolate that wasn’t completely unhealthy (after indulging all of December), meant that when my friend brought me to this raw chocolate recipe, it was fate. While this recipe may be for the dark chocolate that doctors say is actually a health benefit, it is also extremely delicious, and you won’t believe it’s actually good for you. So, indulge in something delicious and healthy, and make yourself some of this. Seriously, do it. You won’t regret it. Better yet, share with your friends; these make great gifts.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cocoa butter
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup agave nectar or liquid honey
- ½ tsp vanilla or half of the seeds from a vanilla pod, for a raw-food choice
- Pinch of salt
- Ice cube tray or silicone mould
Melt cocoa butter in a double boiler and then remove from heat. Pour the melted cocoa butter into a bowl, add cocoa powder and sweetener, and whisk until smooth.
It is very important not to let any water enter the mix, as it will change the texture. All utensils must be thoroughly dried before using.
Once smooth, pour into moulds, and move to refrigerator to harden.
Additions and Substitutions:
*Coconut oil can be used in place of cocoa butter as another dairy-free alternative.
*While mixing in the cocoa powder, add in additional flavours, such as orange or mint extract, chopped nuts, dried berries, or chili powder.
*If you don’t have a double boiler, a glass bowl in a pot of boiling water will work. (Remember to be careful not to let any water get in!)
Decorate these chocolates as you like, and feel free to experiment with flavours and additions, and most of all, enjoy your delicious creations.
