Growing up, one of my favorite treats were the chocolate covered cherries from See’s Candies. I still love them, but since I don’t feel good after eating sugary chocolates anymore, I decided to put my own spin on the classic treat.
I've chosen to use cacao versus chocolate. Raw cacao is naturally high in magnesium, a necessary mineral that promotes relaxation. Much of the chocolate we consume today has been highly processed with sugar, trans fats, and preservatives, therefore lacking these nutrients found in the raw stuff. Additives in processed chocolate don't promote healing. Sticking as close to raw as possible allows the vitamins and enzymes to be more bioavailable, basically helping the body absorb more nutrients.
This antioxidant rich dessert is high in iron and fiber. Cherries help cleanse the bowels, and support healing of arthritis, rheumatism and anemia. They also help combat migraines.
Yields 8-10 servings
Ingredients
5 oz unsweetened chocolate 100% cacao, I used Dagoba brand
1 lb bag fresh, organic cherries, rinsed and dried
2 Tbs coconut oil
3 Tbs maple syrup
pinch of sea salt
Procedure
Sources
Institute of Transformational Nutrition 2015
I've chosen to use cacao versus chocolate. Raw cacao is naturally high in magnesium, a necessary mineral that promotes relaxation. Much of the chocolate we consume today has been highly processed with sugar, trans fats, and preservatives, therefore lacking these nutrients found in the raw stuff. Additives in processed chocolate don't promote healing. Sticking as close to raw as possible allows the vitamins and enzymes to be more bioavailable, basically helping the body absorb more nutrients.
This antioxidant rich dessert is high in iron and fiber. Cherries help cleanse the bowels, and support healing of arthritis, rheumatism and anemia. They also help combat migraines.
Yields 8-10 servings
Ingredients
5 oz unsweetened chocolate 100% cacao, I used Dagoba brand
1 lb bag fresh, organic cherries, rinsed and dried
2 Tbs coconut oil
3 Tbs maple syrup
pinch of sea salt
Procedure
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Boil water in a double boiler or in a large glass bowl that can sit securely over a saucepan.
- Chop chocolate into small pieces and place in double boiler or large glass bowl. Set aside.
- Combine coconut oil and maple syrup in a small bowl and melt together. I'll let it sit on the stovetop while I boil water to melt chocolate.
- Once water comes to a boil, place bowl with chocolate over saucepan. Stir until melted. At this point, you can turn off the heat. Then add liquefied coconut oil mixture. Stir to combine. Finish with a pinch of salt. Remove from heat.
- Holding the stem, dip the cherries into the chocolate sauce until fully coated. For the cherries without stems, use a spoon. Place on parchment to solidify. Continue with remaining cherries. You can put the cherries in the freezer briefly to help harden chocolate coating. Store in fridge for 5 days.
Sources
Institute of Transformational Nutrition 2015