Chocolate and Pimples

Chocolate and pimples? Science states that there is a connection between your diet and your complexion. The potential acne-causing ingredient isn’t cocoa, however. The problem is sugar and other high-glycemic foods that the body burns fast. And dark chocolate is actually a low-glycemic food.

Raw cacao beans contain more than 320 various antioxidants. No other product in the world can be compared to it. These antioxidants fight free radicals and protect against viral and bacterial infections.

Keep in mind that dark chocolate is what you want to consume. So, I have three ways to get your chocolate fix; a facial mask, a drink and a dessert.

I may have “gone off the deep end” with the cake recipe, but it really is beyond delicious.

Awesome Chocolate Mask

The unbelievable antioxidant and nutritious properties of cacao, along with the addition of avocado, honey and cinnamon make this mask effective to prevent premature aging and make your skin truly radiant

Cacao is, perhaps, the greatest for your skin as the antioxidants contained in it boost collagen protection.

Honey preserves natural oils in the skin, causing it to become elastic and silky.

Avocado is one of the best anti-aging foods. It prevents and helps eliminate wrinkles. D-manno-heptulose sugar contained in avocados boosts collagen formation.

Cinnamon is a superfood because it contains a large quantity of useful substances.

These tantalizing ingredients will nourish and deep cleanse your skin, leaving it softer and smoother. Remember, the key to success – consistency. As a sweet bonus, this mask smells as good as you would think it does, and it’s not terrible if you end up getting some in your mouth.

Ingredients

1 mashed avocado
3 tablespoons of raw cacao powder
2 teaspoons of raw honey
1 tablespoons of cinnamon.

Directions

Mix all the ingredients up.

Gently massage the mixture onto your face and leave it on for about 25 minutes.

Rinse the mask off with warm water.

Healthy Hot Chocolate

Ditch the packets of hot chocolate that come out of a box! Home made hot chocolate is just as easy and a thousand times better for you. Here’s a simple recipe that uses only four primary ingredients.

Prep time 5 mins

Cook time 10 mins *

Serves: 1

Ingredients

1 cup, plus 1-2 tablespoons milk of choice (Rice or Flax milk is good for a vegan version)
2 rounded teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon raw sugar (or sweetener of choice)
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
**cinnamon, cayenne, optional

Instructions

Place milk in a small pot over medium low heat.

Meanwhile, place cocoa powder, sugar, and extra tablespoon of milk in a small bowl. Whisk until a paste/thick mixture forms and powder is absorbed. Add additional tablespoon of milk, if needed.

Whisk cocoa mixture into milk mixture. Heat till hot but not boiling. Stir in vanilla extract.

Pour into a mug and sprinkle with cinnamon, if using.

Serve and enjoy once the drink is cool enough to safely drink.

Notes

*The directions above are for a stovetop preparation, but you can just as easily make this in the microwave.

**This can be spiced up by added a pinch each of cayenne powder and ground cinnamon.

Multiplies easily if you need more than a single serving.

Chocolate Cavity Maker Cake

This should satisfy any chocoholic. And avoid feeling guilty— add fresh berries when serving to add some antioxidants, vitamin and fiber. It’s a win-win.

Prep time 30 mins

Cook time 1 hour

Ready in 2 hours

Ingredients

1 (18.25 ounce) package dark chocolate cake mix
1 (3.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
3 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup coffee flavored liqueur
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10 inch Bundt pan.

In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, sour cream, eggs, oil and coffee liqueur. Beat until ingredients are well blended. Fold in chocolate chips. Batter will be thick. Spoon into prepared pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour, or until cake springs back when lightly tapped. Cool 10 minutes in pan, then turn out and cool completely on wire rack.