Calling all chocoholics!
For those of you who particularly appreciate dark chocolate’s bitter tones, cacao (pronounced ca-cow) is your answer to a question you never knew you needed to ask.
Think of cacao as cocoa’s younger sibling; it comes from pressing raw cocoa beans instead of roasting them first, holding in some health-boosting antioxidants. It has four times the antioxidant power of regular dark chocolate, in fact. Plus, plenty of essential minerals such as potassium, magnesium and iron to boost mood and energy! I could go on for days, but if you’re still sceptical, you can read all about it yourself!
Cacao can be sold in various forms: butter, nibs AND powder. But don’t let that confuse you. Many just use it in powder form, as it’s highly versatile and can be added to almost anything (within reason…).
Here are 5 quick ways to make the most out of the cacao powder in your pantry (or soon to be). All suggestions are vegan-friendly but can be adapted to your liking – using your milk of choice!
Smoothies and protein shakes.
There are really no rules here. Simply combine your favourite fruits with some protein powder and milk of choice, and finally add as little or as much cacao powder as you like, and blend to desired consistency. It’s perfect with bananas (and you can freeze them before blending for a cooler, creamier drink).
Hot chocolate
Summer has been mourned, and we can finally embrace sweater weather and maybe-but-not-really have an excuse to get excited for the Christmas season.
> The ultimate hot chocolate combo:
- 1 cup (250ml) milk of choice
- 2 tbsp cacao powder
- 1-2 tbsp agave nectar (One is enough for me, but my mum found it too bitter. So adjust accordingly!)
- Dash of cinnamon
Just mix it all together in a pan and warm gently over the stove for a few minutes. I find cacao makes a much smoother and more satisfying hot chocolate compared to the store-bought stuff, for that extra warmth during the colder months where you constantly feel chilled to the bone!
Porridge
This is your chance to up your breakfast game and become your Pinterest goals. Throw in cacao with oats on the stove and marry it with banana and/or maple syrup, agave nectar or date syrup for contrasting sweetness.
Overnight oats
All those 9am starts can leave you regretting your decisions when you not only have to drag yourself out of bed but also make porridge and (maybe) clean up the carnage afterwards. For those extra stressful mornings, you can combine porridge oats, cacao powder, sweetener (honey, maple syrup or agave nectar), chia seeds (if you fancy an omega-3 boost) and milk in a mason jar and let it infuse into something beautiful overnight in your fridge. Easy peasy!
Desserts and snacks!
Why not finish with possibly the most exciting option? Turns out you can enjoy not-so-guilty pleasures that help boost your mood and health with cacao. Cakes, muffins, bread – anything; it’s your chance to be creative! Why not try these (HYPERLINK: http://simpleveganblog.com/3-ingredient-raw-cacao-bites/) super easy 3-ingredient energy balls for your lunchbox?
That’s all, folks! There’s still lots more to be discovered with cacao, however, so don’t be afraid to experiment. And most importantly, enjoy your even more chocolate-filled life!
Edited by Niamh Perry
All sources (inc. images):
http://simpleveganblog.com/3-ingredient-raw-cacao-bites/
https://iquitsugar.com/raw-cacao-vs-cocoa-whats-the-difference/
http://dailysuperfoodlove.com/2852/21-fantastic-benefits-of-cacao/
http://www.elizabethrider.com/frozen-banana-cacao-smoothie-recipe/
https://gameofthronesaddicted.tumblr.com/post/120598882434/the-nights-king
http://www.yummymummykitchen.com/2014/03/overnight-oats-recipe-vegan.html