"So let’s look at the healing part here–chocolate as medicine that is! From enhancing one’s mood to protecting the heart to getting an ample amount of antioxidants to neutralize free-radical damage to improving glucose metabolism (diabetic control), and so much more–a daily bit of high quality raw or dark chocolate has now been proven to have tremendous health benefits. The cocoa bean is well known for its high level of antioxidants, specifically resveratrol (part of the family called polyphenols). Resveratrol can cross the blood-brain barrier to help protect your brain and nervous system and has been found to protect cells from free-radical damage, keep your heart healthy, lower blood pressure, inhibit the spread of cancer (especially prostrate cancer) and normalize our body’s anti-inflammatory response. There’s also evidence that resveratrol can slow down the signs of aging and help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. The cocoa bean also contains up to 2.2 percent phenylethylamine, the “love drug,” and is one reason chocolate is thought to be an aphrodisiac. Then there’s the high level of potassium and magnesium, a natural muscle relaxant, as well the “good” fats that can enhance brain function, help prevent cardiovascular disease, suppress appetite, stimulate metabolism, and boost immunity. All combined, thee ingredients are what create the well-known chocolate effect.

Now mind you, we’re not speaking of the typical commercial candy bar here–highly processed with heat as well as large amounts of refined sugar, processed dairy, chemicals, waxes, an such. We’re speaking of raw, organic, unprocessed chocolate (and sustainable, please!) made from the cocoa bean. The closer the chocolate is to its original state, the better it is for you. With the news of dark chocolate’s health benefits, 70 percent or higher cocoa bars have swept the marketplace, be aware that many of these are still heavily processed–and with this lose a large amount of their beneficial constituents. Some are better than others. Become a discerning label reader.

So how much chocolate should we eat for its healthful benefits? Researchers recommend eating a precise amount of chocolate –6.7 grams a day–for the best health benefits, especially its protective effect against inflammation and cardiovascular disease. This amounts to a small square of chocolate per day."
From Jody - Can you do that?

I also read about these Saintly Sins chocolates from Xan Confections in Clean Eating Magazine. I obviously have not tried them but they got a good write up! This link takes you to the Saintly Sins group which are 29 calories, 1g of fat & 5g of carbohydrates each. They have the regular stuff too & their home page is Xan Confections. The Saintly Sins look like this:

WAIT, back to recipes!!!!

Chili Chocolate Sauce (from Muscle & Fitness Hers & sounded interesting to me)- Serves 8 - leave out the chili powder or substitute if you want.

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ cup sugar
½ Tbsp. cornstarch
1 cup evaporated skim milk
2 oz. bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
2 tsp. vanilla
½ tsp. cinnamon
1 ½ tsp ancho chile powder
Dash salt

Directions

1. Combine cocoa powder, sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Whisk in evaporated milk. Bring to a simmer over medium heat; reduce heat to low and simmer two minutes or until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add chocolate. Let sit three minutes; whisk until smooth.

2. Stir in vanilla, cinnamon, chile powder and salt. Serve warm or at room temperature; It will keep in refrigerator for one month.

NUTRITION FACTS (per serving): 96 calories, 3 g protein, 17 g carbs, 2.5 g fat, 1.5 g fiber, 14 g sugar, 38 mg sodium


Low Fat Peanut Butter Yogurt - Add in chocolate protein powder if you prefer that!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup plain nonfat yogurt
• 1 tbsp all-natural peanut butter
• 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder
• 1 tsp sucanat

INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix or whisk all ingredients together to remove all lumps.

NUTRIENTS PER SERVING:
Calories: 360, Total Fat: 10 g, Sat. Fat: 3.5 g, Trans Fat: 0 g, Cholesterol: 20 mg, Sodium: 270 mg, Total Carbs: 24 g, Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 19 g; Protein: 43 g; Iron: 0.56 mg