Got The Munchies??

    Since transitioning to Paleo my snack cravings have done a complete 360 back flip! Pre-Paleo era I would crave crunchy, savory salty snacks; not so much the case now! For some strange reason, I'm all about the chocolaty snacks these days. Rich, dark, bittersweet CHOCOLATE. Could it be I'm attracted to its mystery and intrigue? Perhaps it pulls me in with its seductive, intoxicating nature? Or....Maybe the attraction is more pure. Could it be my bodies' inate sensibility begging for the healing properties of chocolate?

    For thousands of years Cocoa has been used by ancient civilizations such as the Aztec and Mayan peoples for it's healing properties. Dark Cocoa contains a high quantity of flavinoids which have been shown to lower blood pressure and prevent hypertension. Raw Cocoa is also a powerful anti-oxidant. One cup of Cocoa contains more anti-oxidant properties than one cup of Green Tea.

Here is one of my favorite Paleo sweet, chocolaty treats.

Cocoa Coconut Macaroons

• 3 Egg Whites
• 1/3 Cup of Raw Honey
• 3 Tbsp Cocoa Powder, unsweetened & dark
• 3/4 Cup Walnuts, chopped
• 11/2 Cups Shredded Coconut, unsweetened

Procedure:

1. Preheat oven to 350F/180C
2. Prechill a large stainless bowl in the freezer for 20 mins
3. Whip egg whites in chilled bowl until firm peaks form.
4. Mix all dry ingredients in a separate bowl
5. Fold half of the dry ingredients into the egg whites with half of the honey. Be gentle and fold in the remaining ingredients.
6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper & form 2 tsp of mixture into small balls, place on the sheet.
7. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned.
8. Let cool on sheet, and store in covered container for up to a week....that is if they last that long!!

Please make sure the Cocoa you buy is Organic and Fair Trade. It's all about quality of food rather than quantity. Become aware of how your food comes to your table. First grow and raise what food you can, second support your local farmers by shopping at the Farmers Markets nearby and lastly, whatever you must buy from the grocery stores; look for Organic and Fair Trade products. Food is much more nourishing when you feel good about where it came from. Realize the food choices we make have a huge impact others.

Hope you enjoy these little bites of heaven as much as we do!