Homemade Chocolate Bars with Nuts
Chocolate, a true comfort food and a moment of delight when enjoyed in moderation! And right there lies the danger.
For many of us, especially around the Christmas season, consuming chocolate is a balancing act between desire and health. That's why my heart leans towards the darker side of chocolate - the kind with a proud 90% cocoa content.
But why opt for so much cocoa? The answer is simple: health benefits. Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content offers a plethora of health benefits.
The high cocoa content means less sugar and milk, which automatically reduces the calories. Moreover, dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which protect the blood vessels, regulate blood pressure, and can promote heart health. It may even help improve mood and reduce stress - perfect for soul soothing after a long day!
Now, let’s talk about the crowning glory - the taste! I admit, 90% chocolate is not for everyone. It is strong, intense, and has a bitter note that may not appeal to everyone at first. Therefore, the mix makes it perfect: refined with dried fruits, nuts, and creamy nut butter.
Indulge in this little luxury pleasure and make your moments of enjoyment special. Because sometimes less is indeed more, especially when it comes to chocolate!
Interested in making conscious chocolate yourself?
Ingredients: 200 g almonds
180 g pumpkin seeds
13 - 15 dried figs (alternative: dates)
150 g 90% cocoa chocolate
50 g baking chocolate
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp nut butter (e.g., peanut)
Salt
Dried raspberries for garnishing
Servings: 4 servings
Effort: Low Relatively quick to prepare in about 20-30 minutes, before it sets in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Value: Medium - Strong This chocolate not only offers a taste explosion but also the health benefits of dark chocolate, rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy flavonoids.
Michaela's Opinion: This homemade chocolate is my personal favorite as it strikes the perfect balance between intense flavor and health consciousness.
Instructions:
1) Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Place the almonds and pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet and roast for about 15 minutes in the oven until they are lightly golden brown and wonderfully aromatic.
Make sure to turn the nuts occasionally to ensure they roast evenly.
2) Meanwhile, melt the (baking) chocolate together with the coconut oil and nut butter in a heat-resistant container over a water bath. Stir occasionally until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
3) Press the dried figs flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Distribute the roasted nuts over them and pour the chocolate into the mold.
4) Adding a pinch of salt intensifies the flavor. For the final touch, sprinkle the dried raspberries over the chocolate and press them lightly.
5) Place the mold in the refrigerator and let the chocolate set for at least 3 hours before cutting it into pieces. Then you can fully enjoy your homemade chocolate with nuts and dried fruits!
Michaela's Tip: When melting the chocolate over the water bath, make sure no water gets into the chocolate as it can cause it to seize. Adding some baking chocolate greatly facilitates the process.