Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

With all the hype in the news lately about the benefits of dark chocolate, and the fact that it is one of my favorite food groups, I thought it would be a good concept to start this blog with.

Studies show that eating chocolate, primarily dark chocolate, may contribute to improved cardiovascular health. That's because chocolate is full of natural anti-oxidants, falling into the same category as green tea and blueberries. In short-term clinical trials, dark chocolate has reduced blood pressure, improved blood flow, showed mild anti-clotting effects and may help prevent plaque formation in arteries.

Dark chocolate, despite its sweetness, also boasts a low glycemic index, similar to that of oatmeal - meaning it does not send your blood sugar spiking. Of course, this only applies if you're eating it in moderation! Chocolate also contains a wide array of minerals. To read more about each and their benefits, visit http://www.allchocolate.com/health/basics/misc_effects.aspx

Of course, no really good article on chocolate would be complete without a recipe in which to indulge yourself!

Savory Chocolate BBQ Sauce



Rib lovers beware – this barbeque sauce made with premium dark chocolate is not for the faint of heart! Dark, intense, flavorful, with a bite at the end, this sauce is destined to become a family favorite!

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon butter, soft
4 each garlic cloves, minced
½ each Spanish onion, small dice
2 each Roma tomatoes, stem removed, small dice
1 ½ oz. dark brown sugar
4 teaspoons ancho chili powder
4 oz. apple cider vinegar
8 oz. barbeque sauce
14 oz. vegetable stock
¼ teaspoon cumin, ground
¼ cinnamon, ground
1/8 teaspoon cloves, ground
2 oz. SCHARFFEN BERGER 82% dark chocolate
2 tablespoons cilantro, fresh, chopped
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper, fresh ground

Directions:
Melt butter in small sauce pan over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sauté 5 minutes until golden brown. Add tomatoes, stir, and sauté an additional 5 minutes. Add sugar and chili powder, mix well, and cook for 5 minutes. Add vinegar, reduce for 5 minutes, mixture should have a paste consistency. Add sauce, stock, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, salt and pepper. Mix well. Bring to a boil and reduce to a slow simmer for 30 minutes.Add SCHARFFEN BERGER chocolate and cilantro; allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove sauce from heat and let stand for 10 minutes. Puree sauce, transfer to a clean container and cool.
For best results, refrigerate for 12 hours before using.