9 Amazing Things You Can Make With Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the most versatile and delicious ingredients in the culinary world. The history of chocolate, and its creation from the beans of the cacao tree, can be traced to the ancient Mayans and Aztecs who called their chocolate drink, the gift from the gods. Besides it’s fabulous flavor, chocolate is a source of antioxidants. Chocolate has been found to help lower blood pressure and even increase “good” cholesterol. Darker chocolate is also known to have anti-inflammatory qualities as long as you’re enjoying it in moderation. That’s the difficult part, enjoying it in moderation. WebMD has an informative article on the health benefits of chocolate. One fact is clear for chocolate: the purer and darker the chocolate, the greater your health benefits. Raw chocolate or minimally processed dark chocolate high in cocoa solids is healthier than milk chocolate and white chocolate. Check the amount of chocolate in your chips as some are as low as 29%.  Look for chips with a high amount of chocolate like  Enjoy Life semisweet dark chocolate chips which are close to 70% cacao.  I like that the chips are soy free, nut free, gluten free, dairy free, Non GMO, vegan, and paleo.    When eaten in moderation, semisweet chocolate can keep your brain sharp, your blood flowing and your heart healthy.   

There are endless possibilities when creating chocolate dishes. It can be melted and used as a sauce or topping for waffles, pancakes, popcorn, and pretzels. It can also be used as an ingredient in smoothies, salads, and other savory dinner recipes. And, of course, chocolate can be enjoyed on its own as a candy or bar. From popcorn and salads to sirloin steak and smoothies, there is something for everyone. So whether you are looking for a simple recipe or something a little more elaborate, here are some ideas.

  1. Mozzarella Strawberry Salad With Chocolate Vinaigrette

When you hear the word chocolate, what do you immediately think of? For me it brings images of ice cream, candy bars, cakes, cookies – desserts of course. Taste of Home‘s post with 25 non-dessert recipes that call for chocolate may change your mind. They offer a delicious collection of savory main courses, sides, stews, snacks—even salads—that call for chocolate. Those of you who visit often know I love a good salad. I am totally intrigued with the sweet-tart chocolate balsamic vinaigrette used in this winter salad with the salty prosciutto and mellow mozzarella.

  1. Cocoa Rubbed Baby Back Ribs

Warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and ginger get a depth charge from cocoa powder and bit of heat from fiery mustard powder. Prepare the meat a day ahead of time and then bake until meltingly tender. They’re a perfect weeknight meal that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

  1. Chocolate Almond Smoothie Bowl

If you love smoothies but crave a thicker breakfast, try making a frosty smoothie thick enough to eat with a spoon and bowl.  This tasty treat is a Chocolate Almond Smoothie Bowl with almond milk, coconut flakes, chocolate protein powder, nuts, and fresh and frozen fruit. All you need is a blender or food processor and a few minutes to collect the ingredients and blend it smooth. It is also great as a snack or dessert.

  1. Chicken Mole

If you’re not familiar with chicken mole (pronounced mo-LAY), let me introduce you to a versatile Mexican sauce. For lovers of spicy cuisine, mole is a great sauce to experiment with, and remember you can control the heat.

Taste of Home Chicken Mole
  1. Cacao Nib Pesto 

I was looking at savory chocolate recipes, when I was totally surprised to find a cacao nib pesto recipe. Adding cacao nibs to traditional basil pesto gives your dishes a smoky dimension. Try it on pasta or your favorite crusty bread with Italian cheeses for a healthy appetizer.

All Recipes Cacao Nib Pesto
  1. Sachertorte 

I can’t really write a post about chocolate without a few ideas for desserts. Sachertorte is a traditional Austrian cake known for its dense and moist texture. It was invented by Franz Sacher in 1832 for Prince Metternich in Vienna. It is one of the most famous Viennese culinary specialties.  This delectable dessert is made with layers of chocolate cake and apricot jam, covered in a rich chocolate glaze.

Photo Epicurious
  1. Strawberries & Chocolate Ganache 

In two weeks it will be Valentine’s Day, and love will be in the air. If you are looking for the perfect romantic or delectable treat, let’s talk about strawberries and chocolate. The rich flavor of chocolate with the sweetness of fresh strawberries make it a perfect pairing for any occasion. If you’ve ever had trouble coating strawberries with chocolate, you must try it with chocolate ganache. Melting 70% dark chocolate and heavy cream to mix together for the easiest decadent chocolate dip. The rich taste of the chocolate with strawberries will leave your family and friends wanting more. See Food Network for instructions.

  1. Roasted Strawberry, Brie & Chocolate Grilled Cheese

This sandwich blew my mind.

First I must say I know this probably is loaded with calories, but sometimes you just want to be decadent. This sandwich takes some preparation roasting strawberries, but I can’t get over the idea of the taste combination. It’s truly amazing

  1. Easy Chocolate Ricotta 

Chocolate Ricotta pudding is a rich, creamy dessert. People of all ages can enjoy it. The creamy texture of the pudding makes it a perfect way to end any meal. When you want an easy way to make a quick dessert try my recipe for Easy Chocolate Ricotta. In less that 7 minutes, it’s ready.

These nine chocolate recipes are sure to satisfy your cocoa cravings. Experiment and adapt to meet your needs. So make sure to indulge in one of these mouth-watering recipes and enjoy a treat that will leave you satisfied and content. 

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Carol

I was raised in Tennessee but have lived in Florida for many years. Love my small home in the Tampa Bay area and its developing garden. My decorating style is eclectic - some vintage, some cottage, all with a modern flair. Pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Spent many years in social services but am happily retired.

21 thoughts to “9 Amazing Things You Can Make With Chocolate”

  1. Chocolate is a wonderful thing but I didn’t think of using it in recipes like this, especially the steak and ribs. I could just eat the strawberry, brie & chocolate grilled cheese, that looks amazing!!

  2. I love this post! I don’t think I’d like Roasted Strawberry, Brie & Chocolate Grilled Cheese but I bought cocoa nibs the other day so I may try the pesto 🙂

    #MMBC

  3. I never knew that you could have chocolate in savoury dishes but with all of the health benefits of cacao it makes sense. I’d love to try the roasted strawberry chocolate and Brie. The combination sounds delicious.

  4. Fascinating stuff Carol. Those recipes sure are something different, even way out. But sorry, to my British taste buds chocolate if for sweets and treats not main course meals.

  5. Love chocolate although have never thought about trying it with savoury dishes. Some great ideas here. I quite like the sound of the cocoa rubbed ribs and the chocolate ricotta pudding. #MMBC

  6. This is a great collection of chocolate recipes other than popular desserts. I would love to try Mozzarella Strawberry Salad. It sounds great with chocolate. Thanks for sharing with us too. Have a great day!
    #MMBC

    1. Thanks April. It was fun to write. I knew that the ancient Mayans mixed chilis and chocolate in their drink and that Mexican mole sauce did the same. I just love the idea of the chocolate vinaigrette and pesto.

  7. These are so interesting! That chocolate-chipotle steak is one I’ll have to try, along with the ribs. Visiting from Wonderful Wednesday at Penny’s Passion. Pinning! 🙂

  8. Wow Carol. Some of these dishes I would never have put with chocolate. Like the steak and chicke and the salad dressing too. But they all look delicious. Thank you for sharing at #aclwcc, Pinned and tweeted,

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