By Brandon McDearis
It’s not really news these days that dark chocolate, especially that which is high in cocoa, has quite a few health benefits. After years of being told that every guilty pleasure that we enjoy is slowly killing us, it is a relief to know that small amounts of some our favorite treats, such as chocolate and red wine, can provide us with some healthful advantage. While these chocolate truffles should still be considered a treat, due to their sugar and fat content, just a small amount can be a healthy addition to the diet. A small amount of cocoa contains a high level of antioxidants that studies have shown to have heart-healthy effects, such as lower oxidation levels of bad LDL cholesterol and higher levels of HDL cholesterol. Other studies have also shown that cocoa in dark chocolate may reduce blood clotting, stabilize arterial plaque, and keep arteries more flexible, while increasing blood flow, which can have a positive effect on blood pressure and help reduce risk of heart attack and stroke.
Prepare these chocolate truffles as a treat and find comfort in the fact that you may be doing something for your health as well.
Ingredients:
8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (high quality, 62 percent or higher cacao), chopped into small pieces
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
or
1-2 teaspoons Amaretto (optional)
or
1 tablespoon almond extract (optional)
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup chopped almonds (optional)
Preparation:
In a small, heavy saucepan bring the heavy whipping cream to a simmer.
Place the chocolate in a separate bowl. Pour the cream over the chocolate, add the vanilla, Amaretto or almond extract, and allow to stand for a few minutes. Then stir until smooth. You have now prepared the chocolate base referred to as ganache.
Allow to cool and then place in the refrigerator for two hours. Remove from refrigerator and with a tablespoon roll out balls of the ganache. Roll in your hands quickly, so not to melt, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place back in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours.
Roll in cocoa powder or chopped nuts and serve. Keep refrigerated.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 120 / Fat: 4g / Saturated Fat: 2g / Carbohydrates: 18 / Fiber: 1g / Protein: 1g
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Brandon McDearis is a personal chef working in the Charlotte area. He currently owns and operates Your Way Cuisine, www.yourwaycuisine.com. In addition to his culinary training, Brandon also holds a bachelor of science degree in foods and nutrition, with a concentration in dietetics. He primarily focuses on healthy cooking and addressing specific dietary needs of everyone from professional and amateur athletes to busy families and elderly people. Brandon is also one of the board of directors for Wellspring International Outreach (www.wellspring-outreach.org) and works with a group of others to raise money for the abandoned children of Peru.
