Food of the Gods

I had seen these advertised in a recent health magazine, and was delighted when I came across these in a health food store on the weekend. As you may have guessed, I am a chocoholic, but also interested in health. I believe that chocolate, specifically cocoa, has excellent health benefits, provided one does not overindulge. This is raw chocolate, not really for the casual chocolate eater, as it won't taste like the chocolate you have been used to. It is actual raw cacao nibs, before the cacao is processed into the cocoa and chocolate we are all familiar with. Like all food, the processing, cooking and roasting of the cacao nibs remove a lot of the beneficial properties, and also the delicate, complex flavour. Raw chocolate contains a large abundance of antioxidants, according to the package, 20 times more than red wine, 30 times more than green tea. It also is a source of magnesium, chromium and vitamin C. There are several aspects to this product I like, that it is organic, for one, that it is ethically grown and harvested by raw food enthusiasts paid excellent wages, for another. What to do with them? Use them wherever you use chocolate, in smoothies, on ice cream, instead of chocolate chips in baked goods. I long have wanted to try them, and will add a few to my breakfast tomorrow. I will say that they smell great, on opening the package, just like chocolate.

Here's a recipe that's included on the package for a truly blissful chocolate experience:

Real Chocolate Milk Shake
Milk or almond milk
3-4 heaping Tbsp cacao nibs
3-4 Tbsp of agave cactus nectar or honey
2 Tbsp of maca or carob powder
1 pinch mineral rich sea salt or rock salt

Blend and enjoy!