We know that the Mayans not only called cacao the “Food of the Gods”, but they also used chocolate as a means to enlightenment. Raw cacao is loaded with Anandamide, the “bliss” chemical, and PEA, the “love” molecule. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that is released naturally in the brain when we are feeling happy, and is contained in raw cacao. And, PEA is the neurotransmitter produced when we fall in love!
Raw Cacao contains both magnesium and tryptophan, precursors to serotonin. So raw chocolate will help boost your natural production of serotonin, increasing your mood and your body’s reaction to stress. Tryptophan is heat-sensitive and therefore does NOT exist in cooked chocolate or a cooked food diet, making raw chocolate one of the best ways to obtain dietary tryptophan.
So it’s no wonder so many of us swoon over decadent, creamy, delectable raw chocolates. We almost always have some form of raw chocolate in the Rawganic house, either tempered chocolates with reishi and dried fruit, raw chocolate pudding or mousse, raw chocolate ice cream, and in cooler weather, warmed raw chocolate chipotle drinks!
Raw cacao frosting bites are particularly near and dear to my heart. They are the perfect mix of deep and intense, sweet and creamy, with a touch of saltiness which I love in my chocolate. You can serve these on mini spoons for a party, sprinkled with some chopped nuts and fruit, or just store in a jar in the refrigerator and spoon out as you go!
2 ripe avocados
1/2 cup raw cacao powder
1/2 tsp Himalayan salt
3 tbsp cacao butter, melted *(if you don’t have cacao butter, you can substitute with coconut oil)
1/2 cup maple syrup
Place all ingredients into a food processor. Process until smooth, scraping down a couple of times. Chill for 2-3 hours and then spoon some out! Enjoy.
