These little chocolate bites are not only festive but are filled with antioxidants. They are great to keep around the house or gift to friends and family. Buzzfeed posted an article that inspired this chocolate goodness. I used organic ingredients and added a holiday twist by strategically placing the cranberries and pumpkin seeds to make a mistletoe (or at least my version of one).
A “bite” about dark chocolate
Dark chocolate is filled with antioxidants. Antioxidants protect against free radicals, which can cause everything from aging to cancer. The balance between your intake of antioxidants and exposure to free radicals determines not only you’re your overall health but your longevity. What else is great about dark chocolate? It increases blood flow to both your heart and your brain and contains phenylethylamine (PEA). PEA is the chemical your brain creates when you feel like you're falling in love. It encourages your brain to release endorphins, so eating dark chocolate will make you feel happier.
A “bite” about nuts
Nuts have an array of health benefits form increased cognitive function to heart health and protection against diseases like Alzheimer’s. According to a study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, people who eat a lot of nuts might have a lower risk of developing chronic diseases, including respiratory disease, neurodegenerative disease, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
So with out further ado here is the simple recipe for these holiday treats!
Ingredients:
Dark chocolate (3 oz bar or chips)
Mixed nuts (of choice)
Pumpkin seeds
Dried cranberries
Instructions:
Melt the dark chocolate on the stove (or in a microwave).
Lay out wax paper and place dime to quarter size circles on the paper using the melted chocolate. Take the nuts, seeds and dried cranberries and place them on the circles of chocolate.
Place in the fridge for 30 minutes and viola! Adorable, festive, and super healthy treats without the guilt this holiday!
I also covered the nuts themselves in dark chocolate and popped some organic popcorn to create healthy little goodie bags.
ENJOY!
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