DARK CHOCOLATE COVERED WALNUTS

Dark chocolate is a health food, will sound like music to a chocolate lover's ears. Just imagine if the dark chocolate is covering the walnuts, it will be a match made in heaven.  Besides being satisfying to the last bite, both the ingredients have innumerable health benefits.

Let's take the dark chocolate first.  Dark Chocolate is rich in antioxidants, soluble fiber and many essential minerals like, Iron, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese etc.  The bioactive compound in cocoa can improve the blood flow in the arteries and can help lower the blood pressure to a certain degree.   The dark chocolate lowers the susceptibility of LDL or bad cholesterol by increasing HDL or good cholesterol and improving insulin sensitivity.  It is plausible that regular consumption of dark chocolate can reduce the risk of heart diseases.  Dark chocolate can improve the blood flow to the skin and keeps it hydrated thus protecting against the sun induced damage.  The dark chocolate may help the cognitive functions in the elderly with mental impairment.

Among all the nuts, walnuts may be called the king of nuts.  Mother Nature has crafted walnuts with perfection.   They are full of proteins, healthy fats, fiber, anti oxidants, and many vitamins and minerals.  Eating just seven shelled walnuts a day may be all it takes to benefit from the healthy properties of walnuts.  

Walnuts help in reducing the risk of prostrate and breast cancer.  Taking just one ounce of walnuts a day may decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases.  Walnuts contain unique and potent anti oxidant powers which can even improve the lipid profile and reduce inflammation without gaining any weight.  Walnut consumption can help in the brain health, diabetes and male fertility.

So I decided to make walnuts covered with dark chocolate to eat as my after dinner dessert.  It made me feel less guilty in loving chocolate.  Here is the easy recipe:

Ingredients:

2 cups Dark chocolate chips, 2 cups shelled walnuts, 1/2 tsp vanilla essence, 1 tsp olive oil, parchment  or waxed paper 

Method:

In a double boiler on the low heat  melt the chocolate chips.   As they begin to melt, add vanilla and olive oil. Turn off the heat and stir the melted chocolate very well a couple of times. Leave for three four minutes so it begins to thicken. Add walnuts and mix gently so that all walnuts get covered with chocolate.  Line the baking sheet with a parchment paper and place every piece of walnut separately with a fork.  Put the sheet in the freezer for five minutes and then put in the refrigerator for half hour till firm.  Remove the excess chocolate and store in a airtight container on the counter top. Enjoy.