Chocolate…

Ha! How the heck has it taken me forever to dedicate a blog post to my favorite food… and yes chocolate is it’s own food group / food / amazingness.. there’s everything else and chocolate.. When I turned paleo I actually gave it up because I didn’t want to fall off the wagon { I’m a cookies, cake, frosting lover.. never liked the “candies” you know what I mean?} And I knew if I had chocolate I’d want cake and cookies and blah blah… but I’m over my cake obsession {mostly.. I have to glare a little at birthday cakes when they’re put on the table in front of me to remind me they’re {yummy} evil }

But I love chocolate still.. I think I mentioned the Dagoba brand forever ago.. they’re still my favorite brand.. Just make sure when you buy your chocolate you read the ingredients.. and I always stick to 85% or higher {you could do 80% if you wanted}. Some chocolate brands have soy and other funky ingredients. You want to find the most natural brand possible {that you can afford.. don’t freaking break the  bank for a tiny piece of chocolate}

Now I’ve had to sample a bunch of brands to settle on the few that are my favorite.. you should probably do the same {tough work I know!}.. but once you find your top favorite, I’d start hinting at people.. We’re doing secret stocking santa this year in my family and I made it very very clear I wanted lots of chocolate and red wine.. I even told people the brand and where they could find it… So yes holiday season is approaching.. you might be getting gifts.. you might want to hint that you love chocolate and that they should get you xxx brand..

Yea I’m amazing I know! Now.. what’s even more amazing is what I made the other day when I was bored… I’ve been watching a lot of Jacque Pepin on youtube {whole post on that later}… and he did this with hazelnuts… kind of.. ok so here’s this easy EASY and cheap recipe.. and it can make a lot…

Ingredients:
– Chocolate
– Almonds {you could do cashews or another of your favorite nut}
– Cinnamon
– tsp of butter
Optional:
– Vanilla
– Dried cranberries or Raisins {unsweetened please!}
– Unsweetened coconut flakes {or shredded coconut}

How To:
– Use a double boiler { pot with simmering water, add a bowl on top.. don’t let the bowl touch the water though} and add in your chocolate.. melt it…
*** When it comes to chocolate, do not let water touch the melted chocolate it can seize on you, and it’s not pretty.. trust me.. and don’t let the water boil… low and slow once again burnt chocolate is icky..
– Add the tiniest pinch of cinnamon into your chocolate and your butter and stir.. if you wanted to add some vanilla.. or another flavored extract I’d do it now.
-Dump your almonds in and a cranberries / raisins now if you wanted them in, and stir it so everything is coated in chocolate.
– Use two spoons and scoop little clusters onto a parchment lined something {I used a plate.. but if you’re making a lot use a cookie sheet}. If you’re adding coconut to the top, add that on top now while it’s still wet.
– In the fridge they go.. for a few hours at least..

 

It’s so easy.. and yummy… I mean hi.. chocolate + coconut + almonds… They are addictive but filling at the same time so go easy on them or you’re going to feel like you used to Halloween night.. and no one wants a chocolate- induced can’t move my tummy hurts session anymore.

 

So try this out, experiment with it.. This is a great alternative to leave out for “santa” {or whoever else you might leave something out for} if you and your kids do that.. that way you don’t have to do the traditional.. and your kids won’t think your weird but suggesting something fruit / veggies related.