Follow us on:

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube

Archive -Health

World Chocolate Day … with local pumpkin and a healthy twist |20 July 2018

 

Every year, on July 7, the world enthusiastically celebrates Chocolate Day, an observance dedicated to enjoying one of the world’s favourite treats made from seeds of the cacao tree. The day is said to mark 467 years since chocolate was introduced in Europe, and is celebrated in various ways, from individuals sampling a few pieces, to large-scale festivals.

Earthy Goodness, a blog run by a Seychellois, which talks about the natural goodness stemming from the earth for various nutrition and wellness purposes, as well as healthy baking topics, shares details of this indulgent occasion, and how members of the local population who would still like to celebrate it, can do so in a healthier way.

 

Cacao beans are said to have originated in the Americas and have been consumed by people as far back as 1900 BC. Following the addition of milk and sugar by the Europeans, the Industrial Revolution and mass production led to what we know as chocolate today, in all sorts of flavours.

To make chocolate, cacao beans are roasted to bring out their flavour. The outer shells are then cracked, leaving bitter crushed/broken pieces of the beans called ‘nibs’. The nibs are then crushed into a thick paste called ‘chocolate liquor’ and from here different processes can take place to make a variety of chocolate-based products.

Chocolate can be found as bars and in an abundance of recipes, from beverages like hot chocolate and smoothies, to baked goods like cookies and pies.

 

 Recipe: Chocolate & pumpkin oat cookies (makes 30 cookies)

 

Some health sites claim that as long as you choose the right kind, chocolate can actually fit into a healthful diet. Healthy dark chocolate options with the highest percentage (70 – 85%) of cocoa solids possible is recommended over milk chocolate for obtaining beneficial nutrients, and lower sugar content.

Currently, there is a lot of emphasis on consumption of healthy, local ingredients which are much better for our health and wellbeing.The good thing is that we don’t need to compromise on the comforting, delicious flavours, textures and experiences of food; all it takes is finding the correct balance.

One of the best ways to do this, is to make as much of your snacks and meals at home, and avoid buying ready-made ones in takeaways, restaurants, and shops; this includes your chocolate treats.We can still achieve great satisfaction when it comes to what we eat, by simply incorporating healthier alternatives in good proportions.

Earthy Goodness hopes that locals looking to enjoy some chocolate will celebrate with the blog’s recommended recipe for a healthier baked chocolate good, using our very own local pumpkin and spices, as well as other wholesome ingredients.

 

Equipment:

-           Baking tray; Baking paper; Whisk; 2 Mixing Bowls; Spatula

Ingredients:

-           2 cups instant oats

-           1 ½ cupswhole-wheat flour

-           1 ½ cups pumpkin puree* (to make your own, see below recipe)

-           5 tablespoons crushed dark chocolate (crush this amount from a dark chocolate bar)

-           4 teaspoons cinnamon powder

-           1/2 teaspoon nutmeg powder

-           ½ teaspoon ginger powder

-           2 tablespoons coconut oil

-           ½ cup honey (local honey is best if possible)

-           ½ cup low fat milk

-           3 teaspoons baking powder

-           ½ teaspoon salt

-           2 teaspoons vanilla essence

Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 162 degrees Celsius; line baking tray with baking paper.
  2. In 1 bowl, whisk oats, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, baking powder & salt together.
  3. In 2nd bowl, mix coconut oil, pumpkin puree, honey, low-fat milk & vanilla essence together.
  4. Add in and stir the mixture from Step 2, as well as crushed dark chocolate.
  5. Form 30 balls of dough; place on prepared baking paper, flatten with spatula & sprinkle with crushed chocolate.
  6. Bake for about 10 minutes.
  7. Let cool for about 15 minutes.

 

*Recipe: Homemade pumpkin puree

 

- Preheat oven to 165 degrees Celsius.

- Cut a pumpkin in half (top to bottom); remove seeds & pulp; cover each half with foil.

- Bake, foil side up, for 1 hour or until tender.

- Scrape pumpkin flesh and puree in a blender; strain to remove any stringy pieces.

 

References: Livestrong; Facts about chocolate; Awareness Days; Calendar Labs

 

 

 

 

 

» Back to Archive