cocoa Archives - Jackie Newgent

fruit-sweetened dark cocoa smoothie

by Jackie Newgent | March 28, 2019 | 1 Comment

One of my favorite things to enjoy after a long power walk is a smoothie. And when it comes to whirled up beverages, there’s no better flavor in my book than chocolate … the darker the better! So, meet my dark chocolatey smoothie. You only need three ingredients to make it—fat-free milk (preferably organic), unsweetened cocoa powder and, for sweetness, California prunes. Yep, you read that right … prunes! In the culinary sense, these dried fruits (dried plums, to be precise) enhance chocolatiness. They provide sweetness in a no-sugar-added manner. Plus, they’re beneficial for gut and bone health! In other words, that’s a win-win-win-win!

spicy dark chocolate “gelato” {recipe redux}

by Jackie Newgent | February 22, 2015 | 11 Comments

What’s your favorite chocolate pairing? Maybe chocolate and strawberries? Or perhaps chocolate and peanut butter? There are so many pairings I adore, it’s difficult to choose. Chocolate and mint is definitely one of them. I’m a lover of chocolate with spice and “crave” chocolate with salt, too. This month’s Recipe Redux theme was to highlight a chocolate match. Since I couldn’t decide on just one, I picked three: bananas, jalapeño, and sea salt! Yes, it’s a bit unique. But trust me when I say the combination in this inspired “gelato” truly tastes exotic. The banana is the base of this ice cream-like treat instead of rich milk or cream—making it extra calorie-friendly, yet still super creamy and comforting. You’ll grill...

chocolate zucchini bread with pistachios

by Jackie Newgent | July 13, 2014 | 1 Comment

I don’t do much baking in the summertime. But there’s always one thing that finds its way into my oven in July; that’s zucchini bread. This season I changed up tradition to create a chocolaty concoction. The result: it’s a keeper! Calories saved: 70 Why it’s better for you? Whole grains and cocoa! Disclosure Note: I’m on the Pistachio Health consumer advisory board. I’m not paid for this posting. All recipe choices and opinions are my own.

fair trade cocoa shake

by Jackie Newgent | October 13, 2012 | 1 Comment

(Click on photo for full-size image!) Makes 1 serving: 1 cup each I’m firmly in support of food enjoyment. And that means sometimes you just gotta have dessert! So here’s a shake to make when in need of a chocolate fix (or a chocolate-mint fix!)—any time of the year. It seems super decadent, but it’s actually about half the calories of a traditional shake … and 100% tasty. When whirling it up, be patient with it rather than adding more milk for the thickest, richest-tasting result. It’s a real treat. Kids will love it, too! Calories Saved: 220

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