Dive into Decadent Chocolate for National Chocolate Day

Did you know that approximately 90 million pounds of chocolate are bought the week of Halloween? This is not surprising considering how popular of a holiday Halloween has become! Grab a bar of your favorite chocolate before it’s too late to celebrate National Chocolate Day this October 28th.

Chocolate’s popularity comes not only from its delectable taste but also from its numerous health benefits. Research has shown that when eaten in moderation, cocoa can be part of a well-balanced diet. As if you needed more reasons to eat chocolate!

While there is no wrong way to consume chocolate, there are some techniques that you can use to enhance your chocolate-eating experience. Properly baking with chocolate can be a science, however, it doesn’t have to be hard with some tips and tricks.

Healthy Eating with Chocolate

Chocolate and health are two words you properly didn’t think go together, however, chocolate can be part of a healthy lifestyle! Dark chocolate is preferable over milk in terms of health benefits due to its antioxidant content and reduced added sugar content. Here are just a few more reasons to eat chocolate:

Immune Health: The high concentration of antioxidants in dark chocolate fights off free radicals and protects your cells from damage. This helps boost your immune health!

Brain Function: Preliminary data suggests that the flavonoids in chocolate can help retain memory and improve brain function. Research has also shown that chocolate can improve brain blood flow, oxygen levels, and nerve function.

Heart Health: Flavonoid intake has also have been linked to a decrease in LDL, bad cholesterol, and an increase in HDL, the good cholesterol. Improvement in these two levels can improve overall heart health.

Cooking with Chocolate

The best desserts often involve chocolate, however baking them is not always easy. Chocolate can easily burn, which ruins the whole dish. Baking and cooking with chocolate don’t have to be hard. Here are some tips and tricks:

Start Slow: When heating chocolate it’s better to melt it slowly to avoid burning. Be sure to chop up the chocolate into smaller pieces for a more even melt.

Check the Package: Not all chocolates are created evenly; recipes will often require a specific type of chocolate. Purchase the right type of chocolate to make sure that your dish comes out exactly how it’s supposed to.

Use Dry Utensils: Moisture on utensils that handle chocolate can cause it to clump up. Wipe off all surfaces that the chocolate is going to touch beforehand.

Add Coffee: A small amount of coffee can enhance the flavor of the chocolate, making it taste richer.

Now that you know the tips and tricks, it’s time to start baking. The best chocolate recipes are just a few clicks away, check out my most recent cookbook, Enjoying Food Peace: Recipes and Intuitive Eating Wisdom to Nourish Your Body and Mind, which you can purchase here if you haven’t already.

Your Turn to Take Action: What is your favorite way to eat chocolate? Let me know in the comments below.