Nourishing Chocolate?

With Valentine's Day coming up, I wanted to share one of my favorite chocolate recipes.  I'm not talking about the super sugary Hershey's or See's Candies type chocolate, I'm talking a medicinal grade chocolate treat that is absolutely delicious as well as nourishing.  Interestingly, in Chinese Medicine, the bitter flavor (a flavor that real cacao certainly embodies) corresponds to the heart and the fire element~ the element that governs connection and intimacy.  It's no wonder that this naturally bitter food is associated with Valentine's Day! Cacao is also a great source of magnesium, a mineral in which most people are deficient, and contains antioxidants. The chia seeds are what makes the pudding consistency in this recipe.  Chia seeds are an excellent fiber source, and contain omega-3 fatty acids.  Put cacao and chia together, along with the super healthy fat from coconut milk, and you have a delicious and nourishing Valentine's Day Treat!  This recipe is super simple to make:

Creamy Chocolate Chia Pudding
2 cups coconut milk
1/3 cup chia seeds
8-10 dates, pitted
¼ cup raw cacao powder
1 tsp. vanilla extract
pinch of sea salt


Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth. Pour into medium bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least three hours, until a thick, pudding-like consistency is achieved. Serve in small dessert bowls, topped with fruit (raspberries are divine with this!).  Serves four.