Think dark chocolate, and you might envision a guilty pleasure. But pause that thought—this Valentine’s season, let’s reveal the story of dark chocolate, a delight that’s not only for romantic gestures but also a boon to your health, according to Dr. Nooristani, MD and CEO of Balance7.
Dark Chocolate: A Treat with Heart
As we celebrate love and togetherness, let’s not forget the heart-friendly and health-boosting qualities of dark chocolate. It’s a thoughtful, health-conscious gift, offering joy and benefits in each bite. But let’s balance it with a healthy lifestyle. This Valentine’s Day, enjoy dark chocolate not just for its rich taste, but for the many ways it cares for our health – it’s a gift to your heart, body, and soul.
Heart Health and Dark Chocolate: More Than Just A Treat
Dark chocolate isn’t just for satisfying sweet cravings; it’s a boon for your heart. It’s got a secret ingredient: epicatechin. Found in cacao, this compound is like a mini spa for your blood vessels, helping them relax, which is great for preventing heart issues and strokes. Plus, it’s a boost for your heart cells’ energy factories!
Regularly enjoying dark chocolate can also mean a little nudge down in blood pressure. And, it works on your cholesterol, lowering the bad and upping the good. There’s more – it even battles inflammation, a sneaky trigger for heart problems.
The Bigger Picture: Dark Chocolate In Your Diet
Dark chocolate is more than a fleeting pleasure; it’s a bundle of mood-boosting, stress-busting benefits. To get the most out of it, pick bars with at least 70% cocoa and enjoy in moderation – think one or two ounces at a time. But remember, too much can lead to extra weight.
Caffeine, Storage, and Safety: The Practical Side of Dark Chocolate
If you’re sensitive to caffeine, keep an eye on your dark chocolate intake. Store it right – in a cool, dry place, not the fridge – to keep it in top shape. And a heads-up: some brands might have traces of heavy metals, so it’s wise to choose those tested for lower levels.
Here’s the perfect treat for Valentine’s Day Treat from World Renowned Chef Ryan Rondeno:
Dark Chocolate Tart, Citrus Caramel, Sea Salt
Makes 1 8 inch tart or 4 individual tartlettes
For the Crust
1½ cups gingersnap cookies,
6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Chocolate Filling
- ounces Guittard dark chocolate
- oz heavy whipping cream
½ cup milk
¼ granulated sugar
2 eggs
Pinch of salt
For the Citrus Caramel
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup grand Marnier or triple sec
1/2 Orange, juiced
2 tablespoons Heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Garnish
Maldon Sea Salt Flakes
For the Crust
Preheat oven to 350F.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter at medium low heat. In a bowl, add the gingersnaps, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Pour in butter and mix until combined. Press into 4 tartlet pans.
Bake in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove and allow to slightly cool.
For the Filling
In a 2 quart sauce pan, add the heavy cream, milk, salt and granulated sugar in a pan. Heat at medium low heat until it lightly simmers. Pour in the chocolate. Whisk until smooth. Remove the mixture from the heat. Whisk the eggs in a bowl and pour into the chocolate mixture. Stir until combined. Pour the chocolate mixture into the cool tartlet pans. Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the set. Remove from the oven and allow the tart to cool.
For the Citrus Caramel
In a 1 quart sauce pan, add the sugar and the water. Bring the mixture to a boil at high heat. Cook until the sugar starts to turn an amber color, about 265 to 270 degrees. Remove the caramel from the heat and slowly add the orange juice, Grand Marnier, and heavy cream. Whisk until combined.
Once the mixture is combined, add back to the heat to cook at medium heat for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and whisk in the butter. Whisk until smooth. Set it aside.
For the Finish
Place tart on the plate. Drizzle with caramel sauce. Garnish with sea salt.
About Chef Ryan Rondeno:
Chef Rondeno has dazzled the palates of numerous celebrities with his culinary masterpieces. His client list reads like a Who’s Who of Hollywood, including names like Will Smith, Diddy, Tyrese Gibson, and more. Now, you can get a glimpse of the culinary delights that have graced these star-studded events.
Tap into check out more from Chef Ryan Rondeno: https://www.rondenoculinarydesigns.com/