For the Chocolate Lover

This is a Christmas present for you Chocolate lovers. Everything in this recipe is good for you. 

1/2 cup Coconut oil offers antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti-cancer properties. It improves digestion, nutrient absorption and intestinal health. It provides cardiovascular benefits and helps manage Type 2 Diabetes. Coconut oil promotes kidney and liver health and supports the immune system. It also benefits metabolism, energy, and weight management.

1/2 cup Raw Cacao Powder (not the roasted, processed cousin known as cocoa),  has nutritional benefits, from reducing cataracts to improving heart function to alleviating stress and preventing cancer. I also add a Tablespoon of Cacao Nibs for an extra crunch.

1/2 cup Natural Peanut Butter (as in peanuts ground with a little salt) makes a very healthy fat, that is high in nutrients, fiber and protein.

1/4 cup Raw Honey (honey that has not been filtered, strained or heated above 115 degrees Fahrenheit), has many health benefits such as: energy boost, excellent source of antioxidants, supports good bacteria, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties and slows aging.

1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract has a few health benefits with many vitamins in trace amounts. One little known fact is vanilla extract is good for nausea. Add a few drops to a glass of water and sip on it to relieve nausea. Vanilla has also been known to reduce stress and anxiety.

Alternate flavoring: Substitute about 1/2 teaspoon mint extract flavoring (or to taste) instead of the peanut butter for a chocolate mint candy. Or a fun festive thing would be to add crushed candy cane. 

All these ingredients can be found at Whole Foods Market or most health food stores. 

Directions: Prepare a mini muffin pan with liners. Put all ingredients in the bowl of your food processor. Pulse a few times until everything is smooth and nicely combined (it will be very liquid-y). Don't overmix. Pour the liquid fudge into the prepared muffin liners dividing evenly between them. There will be about half an inch of fudge in each muffin liner.  Place the muffin pan in the refrigerator or freezer until the fudge has hardened (10 to 30 minutes). Remove the muffin liners from the pan and enjoy your delicious, healthy fudge! Store in the refrigerator. It will melt quickly at room temp. If you don't have a muffin tin you can pour the whole batch into a shallow tupperware. To remove just place your warm hands on the bottom to release the fudge. Cut into small bites and return to refrigerator.

This recipe comes with a warning: It is VERY habit forming! If you like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, this is a healthy alternative. Remember that anything in excess will cause weight gain, however for that Chocolate "fix" to help you through the holidays, this one is easy to make and even easier to eat! Enjoy!