Chocolate lovers come nigh!
I have made a chocolate recipe that I LOVE!
I have made a chocolate recipe that I LOVE!
It's rich, dark, and decadent, and you won't believe it's good for you!
Raw cocoa butter
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GPB8SI/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00
I really like this cocoa butter. It is good quality and will make your chocolate SO good! A little goes a long way, so don't be scared by the price. I would keep it in the freezer for long storage.
Coconut oil
I did not put this in the recipe before, but I now believe it is necessary for a smoother chocolate. If you like your chocolate a little harder just stick with the cocoa butter. Amazon is a great resource for coconut oil. Health food stores always have it on hand as well.
Cocoa powder
Buy something good quality. I would recommend an organic variety and something that is free trade. Amazon is another great resource for this. I bought mine through a local food coop.
Raw honey
I sweetened my chocolate with raw honey. Filtered or unfiltered will work. Make sure it is raw for max nutritional benefits. Usually found at a local grocery store or health food store. Local honey is great for allergy suffers. What better way to have some, then through chocolate!
Vanilla( optional)
Just make sure it isn't that awful imitation stuff. We are going for superior flavor in our chocolate!
Essential oils (optional) or other natural flavorings
This is for different flavors. The oil distributes beautifully because you are mixing it into an oil.
Only a few drops are needed. I would recommend Nature's Alchemy as a good resource for quality oil. You want something pure and not diluted.
Try- Orange, lemon, peppermint, or lavender
Toppings( optional)
Nuts
Chopped dried fruit
Chopped herb
Let's get started.
What you need
Pot
Whisk
Measuring devices
Parchment paper/wax paper
Cookie sheet or other shape for molding
Recipe- this makes quite a bit. It will last you for a while, or maybe it won't ;-)
1 cup cocoa butter
1-3 T of coconut oil(makes a creamier/smoother chocolate)
1 1/2 cups cocoa powder ( I would start with 1 1/4 cups and work up, you don't want it too thick)
2/3 cup raw honey
1/2- 1 tsp of vanilla
Take parchment paper and line a small to medium sized cookie sheet(with edges) It is best if the paper goes up on the sides. You could use a bread pan to make a thick bar, or use candy molds for small shapes.(no paper needed for the molds)
Melt cocoa butter in small- medium sized pot. Use low to medium-low heat so the cocoa butter is not damaged. ( if adding coconut oil do it now)
Once melted remove from heat. Whisk in cocoa powder. Once incorporated add honey and vanilla. Keep whisking till it slightly thickens and becomes shiny.
At this time you could flavor your chocolate with essential oil of choice or extract of choice.
I decided to pour half of my mixture and then do a different flavor for the second half.
Poor chocolate onto cookie sheet and add any toppings at this time. Put in the fridge for about 30mins to 1 hour. Take your chocolate out and snap into pieces or release from mold. In the summer it should be stored in the fridge to keep firm. The cocoa butter will become soft at warmer temperatures.
ENJOY! You will be so glad you made this. It's as simple as 123! Super healthy, and super good!
Please share any flavor combos you come up with!!
note: Stevia extract can be used. The proportions would need to be changed( something I have not yet tried)
