Chocolate Seed Bars

A pretty constant obsession of mine is figuring out how to make eating massive amounts of chocolate a healthy endeavor. Whenever my husband sees me reaching for the bag of raw cacao, he whispers, "you know, just because you add a whole bunch of healthy stuff to chocolate, it doesn't mean it's healthy."

Well, I beg to differ. First off, by making it myself, I avoid adding in a ton of processed sugar (I usually sweeten with maple syrup and stevia) and there aren't any fillers or soy products thrown in to try and smooth out the chocolate. It's just simple, healthy ingredients and while it may not be considered health food per se, I'm never, ever, ever going to stop eating chocolate so this is my compromise.

These seed bars, are just that, pumpkin seeds and hemp seeds (I love adding these little guys to chocolate dishes - the protein in them helps slow the absorption of the carbs) and a few other choice ingredients - coconut shavings, coconut oil, maple syrup and of course, raw cacao.

I made a double batch to fill up the tart pan for the photos, but I usually only make one at a time. I just don't trust myself with a big batch of deliciousness laying around the house.

Chocolate Seed Bars

1 cup raw pumpkin seeds

1/2 cup raw cacao powder

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/4 cup coconut shavings

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup hemp seeds

8 drops organic liquid stevia

Starting with the pumpkin seeds, place the first five ingredients in a food processor (through maple syrup) and process until combined, scraping down the bowl as necessary. The mixture can be a little chunky, but you want everything to be fully combined. Add in the hemp seeds and stevia and pulse once or twice just to mix them through.

Dump the mixture out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and press it together into a square about a half-inch thick. You can also press the mixture evenly into a square pan. Chill for 30 minutes, then cut into desired serving size. I recommend 1-inch by 4-inch bars about the size of a small granola bar or square bites to keep in the fridge when you need a quick chocolate boost.

Raw Cacao Bites

It's next to impossible to avoid sweets and temptations this time of year. My solution? Indulge in something delicious that's not as bad for you as those sugar-laden options lurking around the office and waiting for you at holiday parties.

These bites are loaded with healthy fats and the rich flavor from raw cacao will blow your chocolate cravings out of the water. I use coconut flakes because I think they end up blending better. If you use shredded coconut, it may throw off the ratios.

I dare not make more than one batch at a time, but if you have more will power than I do, this recipe is easily doubled.

Raw Cacao Bites

Makes 12

3 cups coconut flakes

3/4 cup raw cacao powder

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 1/2 tblsp coconut oil

Pinch of kosher salt

Place all the ingredients in a food processor and process until well-combined. The mixture will start to form a ball and pull away from the sides of the bowl when it's fully mixed. At this point, scrape down the bowl and process a little longer to be sure the coconut is fully combined. If the mixture looks really oily, place in the fridge to firm up slightly before rolling into balls.

Roll one tablespoon of the mixture between your hands to form a ball. Flatten the orb slightly and make an indent with your thumb. Place in the fridge to harden and keep there until ready to serve.

Superfood Hot Cocoa

Hot cocoa is one of my favorite holiday treats. What I'm not such a fan of is all the processed sugar in your average cup.

In addition to the loads of healthy ingredients that make up this hot cocoa (raw cacao, chia seeds and cacao nibs), it is sweetened with just a bit of maple syrup and some stevia.

Now, I know that any  nutritionist will tell me that a sugar is a sugar is a sugar and that maple syrup has the same impact on my body as other sugars and I'm certain they are correct. However, in my experience, using a reasonable amount of maple syrup does not send me down the sugar craving spiral that other sweeteners do. Additionally, I don't get that weird dehydrated feeling from maple syrup that I do when I eat too much sugar.

I've listed maca powder as an optional ingredient at the end. It adds a grassy flavor to the hot cocoa that a lot of people may not like, but with that flavor you get an added shot of energy. Give it a try if you're up for it, but this drink is even more delicious without it.

One final note - please don't drink this in the evening before you go to bed. You may find you have some trouble falling asleep!

Superfood Hot Cocoa

Makes 2 Servings

2 cups almond milk

1/4 cup raw cacao powder

2 tblsp maple syrup

1 tblsp chia seeds

1/2 tsp cacao nibs

10 drops liquid stevia

1 t maca powder (optional - see note above)

Heat the almond milk on the stovetop or in the microwave and place it in a blender. Add remaining ingredients and blend on high until the chia seeds and cacao nibs are completely blended into the liquid.

Chocolate Recovery Smoothie

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I'm a sucker for anything chocolate. With my (perhaps ever-so-slightly) addictive personality, I think it is safe to call me a chocoholic. That is why, when I finally hit the right combination to make a pile of healthy ingredients taste just like a chocolate milkshake, I did a little happy dance in the kitchen. Okay, maybe it was around the whole house.

The cacao powder really adds a creamy texture so don't leave that out and by all means, please insert your own happy dance.

1 frozen banana

1 to 1 1/2 cups almond milk

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1 tablespoon cacao powder

1/2 tablespoon ground espresso

1 scoop chocolate protein powder

1 tablespoon unsweetened carob chips* (optional)

Place all ingredients in a high powered blender (I use this one) and blend until smooth. If you are making the smoothie ahead of time, you will want to use the additional half cup of almond milk as the smoothie will thicken considerably as it sits.

*I use the carob chips to add a deeper chocolate flavor without bringing refined sugar into the mix. Feel free to leave them out if you are not a fan.