Olive Oil & Sea Salt Brownie Cookies

Hello Everyone! Are you in the mood for something intensely chocolatey? I discovered this recipe for Olive Oil & Sea Salt Brownie Cookies on Oprah.com. Baking with olive oil is a joy because there’s not much fuss. Also, olive oil makes these cookies lighter than if they were made with butter. Thank you Katie of Butterlust for giving us this to die for dark chocolate cookie recipe. The cookies remain soft if kept in an air tight container. I can't seem to resist them for breakfast with a good cup of coffee. This recipe is a keeper! 

Healthy Mexican Cocoa

I've partnered with Uncommongoods to review some of their delicious and unique products. I've been a customer for years. 

Today I'm sharing honey with you. Bees Knees Spicy Honey is infused with a bit of chili. The heat sneaks up on you in a very good way. There's just the right amount of spice to balance the sweet. I love this honey. I've been eating it straight with a spoon (don't judge). It's that good. 

This honey is wonderful in my morning Mexican Cocoa (recipe below). The cocoa has a a dash of cinnamon and a spicy hit from the honey. Keep this cocoa recipe in your repertoire for brisk fall mornings and chilly winter afternoons. After a day spent skating, skiing or sledding, it's a cozy pick-me-up. I enjoy the cocoa year round. It's loaded with antioxidants and omega-3s. 

Healthy Hot Cocoa

I'm sipping my usual healthy morning hot chocolate and stitching my next pattern. It has roses and butterflies. 

But, let's talk about the frothy cocoa recipe. Yes, it's possible to have a rich, intensely-flavored cup of hot cocoa that's healthy and crave-worthy. This one is brimming with antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamins and minerals. 

Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

Oh these muffins! They have a deep, double-chocolate, sinfully good flavor, with melty chocolate chips and a moist texture. They're a chocolate lovers dream because not only do they taste rich and scrumptious, they're made with Greek yogurt, zucchini and unsweetened applesauce. 

PB&J Granola

Made with creamy peanut butter, a hint of honey and a sprinkle of sea salt, this tasty and filling granola is a good way to start the day. It's not too sweet. You could add a few spoonfuls of sugar to the recipe to make it sweeter. But, I was after something more natural. Raisins give it a PB&J-vibe. Sea salt enhances all the flavors. With cold milk, it's delicious. Your kitchen will smell divine as it bakes. 

This granola keeps for weeks in an airtight container. It's easy too. I usually make it on a lazy Sunday afternoon, mixing everything directly on a large baking tray and popping it in the oven. Turn it into trail mix by adding some chocolate chips, banana chips and peanuts, great for long hikes and summer camping trips. Get your crunch on!

Tiny Thai Chocolate Truffles with Coconut Milk

I'm sharing another chocolate truffle recipe with you...'tis the season after all. This time, the truffles are infused with tropical flavors and a little heat.They're easy to make. Creamy coconut milk, warm ginger, cozy cinnamon and bright lime make them sophisticated and special. They're finished with a final rolling in coarse raw sugar for crunch. I'm taking them with me to a Christmas party soon.  

Chocolate Coconut Truffles

Miniature-melt-in-your-mouth sweet and spicy confections are just the thing. They're spiked with a wee bit of chili pepper, smoked paprika and a teeny bit of sea salt. The salt enhances the flavor of the dark chocolate. The chili pepper and smoked paprika sneak up on you, hitting your taste buds when you least expect it, sending some heat and smokiness to your palate. Roll them in coconut, cinnamon or cocoa powder as a finishing touch.

Healthy Weekday Morning Hot Chocolate

This hot cocoa is not too sweet. Deep, rich chocolate flavor is the star. The cinnamon and chili are supporting actors. The sugar is kept at a minimum.

Did you know that the Victorians loved hot chocolate too? They would consume large amounts of it throughout the day, believing in its health benefits. The Victorian version of hot cocoa was often made with cinnamon, vanilla and chili. The first recipe for "chocolate drink" was published in 1644. It was served in fancy demitasse cups and pretty chocolate pots.

Healthy Hot Chocolate Cereal

It's only natural that a serious chocolate addict would find a way to use it in her morning cereal. Velvety cocoa powder is stirred into simmering cereal. The result is a warm bowl of chocolaty goodness. Cocoa is high in antioxidants. You can feel good about eating this. It'll keep you full for hours.  

Instant Chocolate Pudding

I love chocolate desserts, especially creamy ones like custard and pudding. Pudding is a childhood favorite that makes me think of sitcom TV. With all-natural ingredients, a luxurious texture and rich chocolate flavor, this foolproof recipe solves my dilemma of wanting it immediately. The pudding is made in the microwave in minutes. It’s best served warm, right after it’s made. It’s super easy. It tastes like a ultra-creamy fudgesicle. I enjoy it with a swirl of peanut butter. If you're imagining how good that tastes, you're right on target. 

French Hot Chocolate

I found this recipe in Michael Turback’s book Hot Chocolate. He writes that Caffe Florian, in Italy, is the home of decadent hot chocolate. Waiters dressed in white jackets serve it with lots of freshly whipped cream. Sounds right up my alley!  

This hot chocolate is an utterly luxurious experience. Rich, chocolately and creamy, it reminds me of Parisian hot chocolate. There's a little secret to making it come out just right. 

Coconut Milk Chocolate Mousse

In search of a creamy, dreamy, non-dairy version of chocolate mousse? Look no further. Smooth and chocolaty with a light texture, it rivals the real thing. But, it’s not as heavy as traditional mousse because it’s made with coconut milk.