The Healthy Chef – Teresa Cutter

Now and then, when you feel like a little chocolate therapy, go ahead and surrender to that velvety indulgence. There’s no need at all to feel guilty – you’re actually doing yourself a favour. Research suggests that eating chocolate can make you happier and healthier.

Chocolate contains compounds believed to boost serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain. Among them are theobromine and caffeine, which can increase alertness and trigger a pleasurable feeling similar to the natural high after exercise. Another group of compounds, called flavonoids, has been found to benefit heart health. Studies suggest they improve blood flow by relaxing the blood vessels. A typical 50g chocolate bar has about 15g of fat and, as long as you don’t eat one daily, it can be part of a healthy diet.

When drinking hot chocolate, it’s important to drink out of a large mug or bowl because your senses pick up every aroma coming out from the steaming hot milk – The taste and smell of vanilla bean, cinnamon and cacao nourish your soul and warm the body.

Serves 2

250 g your choice of milk – dairy, almond, seed, coconut
250 ml hot water
60 g good quality dark or milk eating chocolate
1 tablespoon cacao powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Heat milk and water in a saucepan without boiling then add the cocoa powder, vanilla and cinnamon
Remove from the heat and stir in the dark eating chocolate until mixed through.If you have a hand blender, it’s nice to aerate the mix before serving.
Pour into drinking bowls or cups and serve.
Enjoy immediately.

NB: for those who are lucky enough to have your own cappuccino machine at home, just mix the milk, water and chocolate together in a jug and heat with the steam wand and lovely and creamy.

NB: for a DAIRY FREE hot chocolate I use LOVING EARTH brand of chocolate and combine with hot almond milk.

Nutrition per serve – using reduced fat organic milk

Protein:  7.6 g
Total Fat: 8.3 g
Saturated: 4.9 g
Carbs: 27 g
Calories: 207
Kilojoules: 868

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