The BEST Healthy, Protein Packed Chocolate Treats!

# All Good Recipes Start With An Experiment: Healthy Chocolate Treats

I have been experimenting with making healthy chocolate treats for the past two years. My husband, Doug, and I strive to live a healthier lifestyle in our retirement years. The great thing about this recipe is that you can adapt it to use your favorite nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and fresh fruit.

Adapting the Recipe

If you decide to use fresh fruit, limit it to 1/4 cup or less. This is because the treat may crumble due to excessive moisture. You can also add honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that these ingredients will also add moisture. This could lead to the possibility of the treat crumbling while you eat it. I add fruit when I am making it for myself. If I make it for guests, I omit fresh fruit due to the crumbling.

For a variety, you may want to try my previous chocolate treat recipe.

Add More Protein, Omit The Sugar!

Over the years, I have changed the recipe significantly. Now, I want to share the easiest and healthiest version with no sugar added. You will never miss the sugar when you use these ingredients. It's hard to convince others that there is no sugar in it due to the great chocolate, peanut butter, and sweetness from the dried and fresh fruit.

These treats are not only healthier than my previous versions; they are also packed with more protein. They taste so much better without excessive crumbling while eating them. If you do experience crumbling, simply omit the frozen blueberries. I love the flavor and antioxidants provided by blueberries, so I am fine with a little crumble.

Protein Packed Chocolate Treats

Ingredients

• 1 cup Lily's Dark Chocolate 55% Cocoa

• 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil + 1 teaspoon for roasting nuts

• 1/2 cup chopped almonds

• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

• 1/4 cup chopped pistachios

• 1/4 cup Craisins

• 1/4 cup pitted dried chopped dates

• 2 tablespoons Jif Natural Crunch Peanut Butter

• 2 tablespoons PB2 Peanut Butter Powder

• Optional: 1 tablespoon Vital Protein Powder for extra protein

Optional: 1/4 cup fresh blueberries or chopped strawberries (Note: Eat over a plate if you add fruit because it will crumble with fresh fruit, but it is so delicious!)

Directions

1. Melt 1 cup of Lily's Dark Chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a microwave-safe glass measuring cup for 30 seconds. Mix until thoroughly melted. Do not microwave any longer, or the chocolate will clump together.

2. Soak chopped dried dates and Craisins in water.

3. Roast chopped pecans, almonds, and pistachios in 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil over low to medium heat in a skillet for 5-10 minutes until you smell a nutty aroma.

4. Remove the nuts from the stove and stir in the peanut butter, peanut butter powder, and optional Vital Protein Powder.

5. Drain the water from the dried fruit and mix it with the nut mixture.

6. Add 1/4 cup of frozen blueberries.

7. Combine the nut mixture and fruit mixture together.

8. Drop 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate into a silicone mini muffin pan. Add 1 tablespoon of the nut/fruit mixture and top with more melted chocolate.

9. Place the mini muffin pan in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to allow it to harden.

10. Remove from the muffin pan and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a quick snack or simple dessert with meals.

Enjoy Dessert Again!

If you have been avoiding dessert to lose a few pounds, this is a great treat for the end of a meal when you want something sweet!

Quick Pick Me Up Between Meals

This healthy chocolate treat is a fantastic pick-me-up between meals. When you need just a little something to carry you to your next meal, these treats are perfect. With the added protein, your blood sugar will be stabilized, and you will not suffer the ups and downs of sugar.

Build Good Health and Strong Bones

Prevent osteoporosis and keep your body strong and healthy by eating natural foods. These foods contain vitamins, minerals, and protein. Instead of reaching for sugar and salt-packed processed foods or so-called protein bars loaded with unpronounceable ingredients, choose healthier options. I believe that most of those ingredients remain stored in your body as fat because our bodies cannot process them effectively. Additionally, processed foods can harm your digestive system as it works hard to break down unnatural ingredients.

If you try this recipe, please leave a review. We would love to know if you enjoyed it! Even better, is this a recipe that may help you achieve your healthy goals? Please follow along at www.journeywithodells.com for more recipes and adventures.