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Recipe & Blog post by Chef Lisa of Free Flowing Health
What is raw cacao?
Raw cacao, not to be confused with cocoa, is a natural mood elevating superfood loaded with tons of nutrients and is made by cold-pressing raw cacao beans to help ensure those nutrients are not lost. In addition to containing many essential nutrients, raw cacao is also a rich source of antioxidants for our heart and contains neurotransmitters which contribute to feelings of wellbeing and joy. Adding raw cacao to desserts or smoothies is a great way to satisfy chocolate cravings without any of the refined sugar, preservatives, additives or dairy that is often found in conventional chocolate that has been highly processed.
Raw cacao is the highest plant-based source of iron and one of the highest sources of magnesium. Magnesium is one of the greatest deficiency's in the west and is essential for many bodily functions including, regulating muscle and nerve activity, balancing blood sugar levels and and making protein, bone, and DNA. Magnesium also helps combat depression.
This incredible superfood also has over 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries and more calcium than cow’s milk which many human are allergic to.
So what are you waiting for? Give these guilt-free, plant-based and refined sugar free recipes a try. The whole family will love them!
Ingredients
2 ripe pitted hass avocados, flesh scooped
½ cup (approximately 4.5 oz) vegan semisweet chocolate, melted
¼ cup raw cacao powder
3-4 tbsp non dairy milk
¼ cup liquid sweetener
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt, more to taste
Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Sliced fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
Coconut whipped cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
Place all of the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor or blender and combine until smooth.
Scrape down the sides as needed. Enjoy immediately or set in the fridge to chill for 1-2 hours. Add toppings of your choice before serving.
For a lighter, sweeter consistency, add chocolate mousse and 1-2 tablespoons of coconut whipped cream to a mixing bowl and whisk until the preferred consistency is reached.