Creamy, dreamy and luscious, it’s hard not to fall in love with chocolate. For all those chocoholics out there, rejoice at the fact that chocolate — in moderate amounts — does have health benefits. Whether you prefer dark or milk chocolate with or without extras, there is a chocolate for all taste buds. With Valentine’s Day right around corner, these eight delectable recipes are perfect for the occasion.
1. MATCHA WHITE HOT CHOCOLATE | LOVE AND LEMONS
Green tea and white chocolate are a “matcha” made in heaven. Matcha is made by grinding the whole green tea leaf into a powder. Because you consume it in its entirety, matcha provides more antioxidants and nutrients than simply steeping tea. Share this vibrant green mug of deliciousness — which only requires four ingredients — with anyone who loves rich, creamy white chocolate. Recipe makes 2 servings at 12 ounces each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 176; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 6g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 180mg; Carbohydrate: 20g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 18g; Protein: 2g
2. COCOA AND CHILI RUBBED PORK CHOPS | GIMME SOME OVEN
A simple spice rub coats these these juicy pork chops. The combination of ancho chili powder, cocoa and brown sugar produces a dish with sweet, smoky and subtly spicy flavors. For an easy dinner, pair with sauteéd greens or roasted veggies. Recipe makes 2 servings at 1 pork chop each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 274; Total Fat: 14g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 5g; Cholesterol: 83mg; Sodium: 396mg; Carbohydrate: 7g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 35g
3. VEGGIE QUINOA CHOCOLATE CHILI | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES
Hooray for sweater weather and coming home to warm slow-cooker meals! In this hearty dish, fluffy quinoa and tender veggies drown in a chili-spiced tomato sauce thickened with baker’s chocolate. No slow cooker? No problem — we share instructions for the stovetop, too. Recipe makes 8 servings at 1 1/2 cups each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 263; Total Fat: 5g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 381mg; Carbohydrate: 45g; Dietary Fiber: 12g; Sugar: 9g; Protein 12g
4. “THE ONE” CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE | BUDGET BYTES
Feel like treating yourself? Indulge in this chocolate mug cake perfectly portioned for one. Add a dollop of peanut butter in the center for a ooey gooey treat fit for any special occasion. Recipe makes 1 serving.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 318; Total Fat: 23g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 1mg; Sodium: 101mg; Carbohydrate: 26g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 11g; Protein: 7g
5. CHOCOLATE COFFEE RUBBED STEAK | FOOD FAITH FITNESS
Skip going to the steakhouse with your own just-as-restaurant-worthy dish. This easy steak recipe is packed with complex flavors, thanks to a spice rub made with coffee, cocoa powder and coconut. Recipe makes 2 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 594; Total Fat: 20g; Saturated Fat: 8g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 168mg; Sodium: 497mg; Carbohydrate: 6g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 2g; Protein: 96g
6. DARK CHOCOLATE ALMOND BARK | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES
Celebrate this sweet holiday by nibbling on creamy dark chocolate bark from Dietitian Debbie Dishes. It’s made by melting dark chocolate, then adding in your favorite nuts and dried fruit. These homemade treats are handy to have around, especially when you need a little pick-me-up. Recipe makes 5 servings at 1 (2-inch long) slice each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 202; Total Fat: 16g; Saturated Fat: 9g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 32mg; Carbohydrate: 20g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 12g; Protein: 3g
7. DARK CHOCOLATE AVOCADO MOUSSE | HELLO GLOW
This decadent-tasting dessert will satisfy even the most hard-core chocoholic. Creamy avocado and rich dark chocolate make this vegan mousse luscious but still healthy. Cocoa powder contains antioxidants while avocados are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats. Recipe makes 4 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 80; Total Fat: 6g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 13mg; Carbohydrate: 7g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 2g; Protein: 1g
8. GLUTEN-FREE CHOCOLATE OAT MUFFINS | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES
Simple and easy, these gluten-free chocolate muffins are great to pack for work or the gym. Naturally sweetened with bananas and honey, these muffins are loaded with complex carbs to keep you satisfied longer. Freeze extras for a quick breakfast on crunch-time mornings! Recipe makes 12 servings at 1 muffin each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 250; Total Fat: 10g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 31mg; Sodium: 115mg; Carbohydrate: 37g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 11g; Protein: 7g
