It's October, and you know what that means: Halloween! Loosen your belt buckle, drape your self in a ghost-like sheet, and get ready because it's candy-eating season! But don't worry. There's no need to be riddled with guilt come Nov. 1. Just opt for a moderate amount of dark chocolate (the darker the better). Not only is it delicious, but it's also nutritious!
Did you know that a 1 1/2-ounce square of chocolate contains health-promoting antioxidants? Studies suggest that eating dark chocolate may provide protection against heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. In addition, it contains essential trace elements and nutrients such as iron, calcium and potassium, and vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E, and it's a lot tastier than boring old vitamin pills.
Keep in mind that the darker chocolate, the more beneficial it is, and - of course - don't forget that just two ounces of dark chocolate has been proven to provide health benefits. There's no need to eat an entire pound!
Dark Chocolate Hot Chocolate(servings: 1 cup)
1 Cup skim milk1-inch cinnamon sticks2 Tbsp dark, unsweetened chocolate2 tsp warm water1/4 tsp pure vanilla extractmini marshmallows In a mug, combine the cocoa powder, sugar, and water. Heat the milk and the cinnamon stick until slightly bubbling. Remove the cinnamon stick and add the milk to the mug. Combine and add the vanilla extract and slight dash of chili. Top with mini marshmallows.
Dark Chocolatey 'Nola Bars
1/4 Cup sugar or Splenda1/4 Cup molasses1/4 Cup honey2 Tbsp peanut butter1 egg white1 Tbsp evaporated milk1 tsp vanilla extract1 Cup whole-wheat flour1/2 tsp baking soda1/2 tsp cinnamon1/4 tsp allspice2 Cups old fashioned oats1 1/2 Cups crisp rice cereal1/3 Cup dark chocolate1/4 Cup dried cranberries1/4 Cup chopped walnuts
Combine first 7 ingredients, and then combine next 4 ingredients, add to sugar mixture. Add remaining ingredients and press into a 13x9 inch pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes. Score surface with shallow cuts to make 24 bars. Cool on wire rack.
Laura Nichole Heverling is completing a dual-masters program in Clinical Nutrition and Nutrition Communication at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. She has a BS in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the University of Florida.
