Who doesn’t love chocolate? This sweet item is probably your go-to snack when you want to feel better, when you’re celebrating a special occasion, or when you want to show someone love and affection. You can enjoy chocolate in a variety of ways, but did you know that you can add this treat into any meal? Here are some sneaky ways to add chocolate to your favorite meals.
1. Use its butter.
Many have used cocoa butter to achieve supple skin, but it’s also a prime ingredient to use in a delicious, guilt-free dessert. Cacao butter is ideal to use if you’re vegan, follow a plant-based diet, or on the Keto diet. It’s high in “healthy” fats, which are antioxidants that your body needs and is an antioxidant. As a matter of fact, the professionals at Santa Barbara Chocolate believe that all-natural cocoa butter is one of the tastiest ingredients you can add when you bake or cook. You can use cocoa butter to make homemade truffles, serve it along with nuts or dates to as “energy bites,” or include it in shortbread or gingersnaps.
2. Make a breakfast wake-up call.
We’re all adults here, so we can certainly enjoy some chocolate for breakfast. Grate some dark chocolate onto your morning oatmeal or add three spoonfuls of high-quality cocoa powder to your bowl of porridge. You can also blend dark chocolate into your morning smoothie, adding a spoonful of cocoa powder or some pieces to your favorite fruit. Add a spoonful of powder to your morning latte or homemade blended Frappuccino for an extra kick, too. You can also consider making your own homemade granola bars with dark chocolate bits and your fruit of choice for a fabulous wake-up call.
3. Make tasty snacks and salads.
Chocolate is the perfect ingredient to add to snacks on the go or lunchtime salads. Cacao nibs are the ideal guilt-free topping for any crunchy salad because they are pure and low-calorie. You can also create a homemade cocoa vinaigrette to complement your salad. Just add 1 spoonful of unsweetened cocoa powder to red wine or balsamic vinegar, sugar, and salt. For a delicious snack, nibble on cacao nibs or pieces along with your favorite fruit and cheese.
4. Create savory delights.
This might surprise you, but including chocolate in savory meals can be absolutely delicious. In Latin American cuisine, cooks everywhere almost always pair the sweet treat with beef or pork. Cocoa powder is the perfect addition to any marinade or rub. It can also be added to beef stew or chili for an extra punch of flavor. Even chicken mole, also a famous Mexican dish, includes melty dark chocolate and cinnamon in its gravy sauce.
5. Enjoy guilt-free desserts.
It’s practically a no-brainer: Chocolate desserts are the best. But if you don’t want a heap of guilt about the extra calories, there are a ton of guilt-free, chocolatey desserts you can try. Mix dark chocolate with bananas and freeze to make a tasty ice cream. Dip fruit or dates in melted dark chocolate if you want a lighter dessert. You can even make your own low-calorie mousse.
When you have a passion for cooking or just a love for eating, then you’re well aware that chocolate is an amazing final touch to any dish. Adding chocolate to your savory meal s offers a world of flavors. Furthermore, eating this decadent treat doesn’t mean weight gain, as long as you eat it in its purest form and include it in healthy recipes. If you’re a true chocolate lover, you’ll find plenty of creative ways to incorporate your favorite food into your favorite dishes!
Feature Image by Israel Peni on Unsplash
