Women crave it, men stash it away and Aztec Kings used it as a form of currency to trade with the Mayans. But, why do we love creamy silky chocolate so much? Following are a few reasons why it is favored by so many and why we shouldn’t give it up completely, even if we’re on a diet.
It tastes so good and melts in your mouth. It is no revelation that chocolate contains fat. Most of this fat comes from sugar and cocoa butter solids. But, it’s the cocoa butter that gives chocolate that rich, creamy consistency. It also has a melting point just a bit lower than the human body temperature, giving a melt-in-your-mouth feeling every time a piece of chocolate is placed in your mouth. This melting feeling, as many chocolate lovers agree, is like a moment of ecstasy. In other words, every time we eat chocolate, a lovely memory is created. And, who doesn’t want more lovely melt-in-your-mouth memories?
It is science. A study done at the University of Michigan shows that chocolate contains chemicals called opioids and people who eat chocolate produce natural opiates in their brain, soothing nerves and making them feel good. Chocolate also contains an organic compound that acts as a neurotransmitter in the body, improving focus, mood, and energy – which is often equated to the feeling of being in love. Speaking of love, in our culture, chocolate is thought of as a romantic gift associated with love and romance. Chocolate is habitually exchanged on Valentine’s Day and as presents on special occasions. Perhaps deep down, it makes us feel loved, cared for, and pampered.
It is good for you. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, contains flavonoids and antioxidants proven lower the risk of cancer. According to a 2014 Harvard study, just 3.5 oz per day of high-quality dark chocolate (with at least 70% cocoa) dramatically improves blood and heart health. Speaking of the heart…we have all heard that chocolate has aphrodisiac properties, but did you know it is great for your sex life? Women who eat a little bit of chocolate every day have significantly more sex than women who don’t. Oooh la la.
Of course, we must remember chocolate is still candy, and it still has extra calories, sugar, and fat. However, as long as you eat it in moderation, reports suggest you can add as much as a year to your life. So, it not only tastes good, but its health benefits give you a great excuse to enjoy it. Sometimes I have to ask myself if there is a love comparable to the love of chocolate. As I take a delectable creamy bite of my favorite desserts, Chocolate Ganache Pie, I think to myself, “no, I do not believe there is.”
Chocolate Ganache Pie
INGREDIENTS:
Chocolate Ganache Filling:
- 1 bag (12 oz) semisweet Chocolate Chips
- (1 cup) Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- 2 Egg Yolks
Regular Pie Crust or Chocolate Cookie Crust: (recipe follows)
- 1 ¼ cups Chocolate Cookie Crumbs
- ¼ cup Butter, melted
METHOD:
In small bowl, mix cookie crumbs and butter. In ungreased 9-inch glass pie plate, press crumb mixture in bottom and 1 inch up side.In double boiler set over hot simmering water, heat chocolate chips and whipping cream 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until melted and smooth. Stir in vanilla and egg yolks until well blended. Cook over medium-low heat 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened and hot. Allow to come to room temperature. Pour filling into crust. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or until firm.Serve with whipped cream.
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