Who doesn’t love chocolate?

That melt-in-your-mouth goodness? That rush of foodie endorphins? It’s pure joy, right? A perfect treat to indulge in during the holidays. We can easily rationalize eating an abundance of dark chocolate because we’ve read all the bits about how good it is for us.

I hate to be the one to break it to you, but those claims are not entirely true. Those designer chocolate bars you buy in your favorite health food markets are highly processed, full of additives and refined sugar—even the 80 percent cacao versions.

Here’s a way you can get around all that and make your own delicious, healthy, guilt-free chocolate.

Good news, right? Here’s even better news—it’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients:

Raw cacao (not cocoa) powder: 1 heaped cup

Raw, organic virgin coconut oil: 1 level cup

Raw, organic maple syrup: ½ cup

Himalayan salt: ¾ teaspoon

Organic vanilla: 1 teaspoon

Organic cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (or more, to taste)

Method:

1. Melt the coconut oil over very low heat (you do not want to cook it, just melt it).

2. Stir the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla together in a medium bowl.

3. Sift the raw cacao powder, salt, and cinnamon into the coconut mixture.

(If you want to spruce it up a little, you can add things like chopped nuts, goji berries, orange zest, or any other bit of creative yumminess.)

4. Stir well and spread out on a 10x14x1/2 inch cookie sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Put the whole shebang into the refrigerator to harden.

5. When hardened, cut or break into small pieces, put into a covered glass container, and store in the refrigerator or freezer. Voila!

Here are some health facts about the deliciousness you just created:

Raw, organic cacao powder:

Cacao is a superfood. Because it’s raw, all the good nutrition and enzymatic value are retained. Cocoa powder, on the other hand, is cooked and devoid of nutritional benefits.

When we buy chocolate bars, this processed cocoa is laced with additives, such as artificial flavors, soy lecithin, soybean oil, and milk solids. The ingredients in these types of chocolate bars contribute to issues like weight gain, heart disease, and type II diabetes.

Raw cacao powder, however, has more antioxidants than blueberries. It’s a great source of iron, magnesium, and potassium, and contains more calcium than cow’s milk. It’s a natural mood elevator and has been shown to be effective as a natural antidepressant.

Raw, organic virgin coconut oil:

Virgin organic coconut oil has been scientifically studied and featured in many articles that highlight its health benefits.

It has been shown to be heart healthy by increasing HDL (good cholesterol). The anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil reduce inflammation and can help minimize the pain that comes with arthritis.

The lauric acid in coconut oil fights bacteria, yeast, and viruses, which are often the cause of many disease processes.

Medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are good for brain health.

Coconut oil is easy to digest and produces longer sustained energy. It balances insulin reaction in the cells to potentially improve type II diabetes.

Raw, organic maple syrup:

Using maple syrup is far healthier than using other types of sweeteners such as cane sugar, agave, or corn syrup, which are all highly processed.

Maple syrup is not processed. It is derived from the sap of the maple tree and is harvested from the tree in a most simple, pure process. There is no heating and no refining in the making of maple syrup. As such, pure maple syrup contains numerous antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

It has been shown to be a good anti-inflammatory, is easily digestible, and is lower on the glycemic index scale than sugar.

Why Himalayan salt?

Table salt is bleached. It is stripped of its minerals. Sea salt is toxic, as our oceans are becoming more and more polluted.

Himalayan salt is mined from ancient sea beds from the Punjab region of Pakistan, about 200 miles from the Himalayan mountain peaks. The region has one of the richest and most abundant salt fields in the entire world.

Over four billion years old, these salt fields date back to when planet Earth first formed. Himalayan salt is believed to be composed of dried remnants of the original, primal sea. How cool is that?

Himalayan salts are untouched by toxins. They provide 84 trace minerals supporting thyroid and adrenal function and contributing to strong metabolism.

Organic cinnamon:

This magical little spice has a most delightful sweet taste that adds a warming effect to your recipe. A little bit goes a long way. As little as half a teaspoon daily can positively affect blood sugar levels, immunity, heart health, and brain function.

Now you know. Homemade chocolate is easy, delicious, and good for you on many levels so you can enjoy an ounce or two every day—guilt-free.

Leave a little out for Santa and he’ll surely take you off the naughty list.

~

Bonus recipe: Energy Balancing Vegan Hot Chocolate. {Recipe}