With Easter approaching it’s hard to escape the temptation of chocolate. During this time of year, all you see is pretty pastel-colored Easter sweets and treats, and chocolate is everywhere you look. We know the temptation is hard, but before you buy that delicious looking chocolate Easter bunny, make sure that it contains at least 70% cocoa. The reason for this? Well, believe it or not, there are health benefits of dark chocolate. In fact, dark chocolate is rich in zinc and magnesium, minerals that play a critical role in protecting your overall health and relieving stress. Not only do these minerals help boost your immune system and keep your body healthy, but they also can help preserve your hearing.
Don’t feel bad about indulging in some dark chocolatey treats this Easter, since it can protect your hearing. However, it is important to always aim for high-quality dark chocolate, and make sure you keep it in moderation. Remember, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing, so make sure you practice some restraint when it comes to those delicious Easter eggs. Luckily nowadays it is much easier to find dark chocolate that is on the healthier side at your local grocery store. Just make sure you read the label and stay away from ones that include unnecessary ingredients. You can also create your own indulgent, healthy version at home.
If you are looking for an alternative to store-bought chocolate, check out this healthy Easter egg recipe.
Raw Chocolate Easter Egg Recipe
Recipe Courtesy of Saskia Gregson-Williams at hipandhealthy.com
Makes 1 Large Easter Egg
Ingredients
For the chocolate:
• 1 avocado (for the mold)
• ½ cup of coconut oil (melted)
• 2 tbsp. of maple syrup
• ¼ cup of cacao powder
For the “icing”:
• 1-2 tbsp. of cacao powder
• 2 tbsp. of coconut oil (melted)
• ¼ cup of cashew nuts
• 3 medjool dates
Directions
1. Take the avocado and slice it in half, remove the pit and the flesh. You do not need the flesh for this recipe, just the skin, so just go ahead and eat it!
2. Make the raw chocolate by mixing the melted coconut oil, maple syrup and cacao powder together.
3. Pour the chocolate mixture into each half of the avocado skin. Place in your freezer for 10 minutes to harden.
4. While the chocolate is hardening, take all of the ingredients for the “icing” and blend until smooth in a food processor.
5. Pull out the hardened egg halves out of the freezer, and peel away the avocado skin.
6. Spread about two tablespoons of the “icing” onto one half evenly across, and then stick both halves together.
7. Use the remaining “icing” mixture to coat the sides with and stick back into the freezer until you are ready to eat!
Click here to view the original recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa is important because it contains higher levels of beneficial minerals like zinc and magnesium. These minerals contribute to overall health by boosting the immune system, relieving stress, and even helping to preserve hearing. Avoiding chocolates with lower cocoa content ensures you get these health benefits.
Dark chocolate is rich in minerals such as zinc and magnesium, which help protect your overall health. These minerals boost immunity, relieve stress, and may help preserve your hearing. Therefore, moderate consumption of quality dark chocolate during Easter can be a healthier treat option.
To choose a healthy dark chocolate, look for products with at least 70% cocoa content and minimal unnecessary ingredients. Avoid chocolates with added sugars or artificial additives by carefully reading the label. Opting for high-quality dark chocolate or making your own homemade version can also help you enjoy a healthier treat.
Yes, indulging in dark chocolate treats during Easter is fine as long as it is done in moderation. Eating high-quality dark chocolate in reasonable amounts can provide health benefits without the negative effects of overconsumption. Practicing restraint ensures you enjoy the treats without compromising your health.
Absolutely! The page provides a recipe for a raw chocolate Easter egg using natural ingredients like avocado skins, coconut oil, maple syrup, cacao powder, cashew nuts, and dates. This homemade version is a nutritious alternative to store-bought chocolates and allows you to control the quality of ingredients.
The raw chocolate Easter egg recipe uses avocado skins as molds, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, cacao powder for the chocolate, and for the icing, cacao powder, coconut oil, cashew nuts, and medjool dates. These ingredients combine to make a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional chocolate eggs.
To prepare the raw chocolate Easter egg, mix melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and cacao powder and pour into avocado halves to freeze. Blend the icing ingredients until smooth, then spread the icing on one half of the hardened chocolate and assemble the halves. Finally, coat the sides with the remaining icing and freeze until ready to eat.
