By Mackenzie Carey, RDN

Giving the gift of health and wellness packaged in a delicious sweet treat is perfect for February 14th. Surprise your loved ones this Valentine’s Day with a healthy and delicious dark chocolate treat! This simple recipe will take no more than 10 minutes and requires little-to-no advanced culinary skill. Baking and indulging in a sweet treat from time to time does not always have to deter you away from your health goals. With a little bit of creativity and nutrition in mind, we can enjoy the decadence of baking without worrying about the empty calories.

That takes us to understanding all the nutrition that is packed in this little gem of a treat. What do dark chocolate, pomegranates and pistachios have in common? Antioxidants! Antioxidants protect us from damage caused by free radicals and help fight against inflammation in the body. Cacao contains a rich amount of flavonoids, mainly anthocyanidin and catechins. Aside from their anti-inflammatory benefits, they help support a healthy immune system. When looking for a good dark chocolate, aim for 70% cacao or higher to ensure optimal antioxidant potency and lower sugar content. Pomegranate seeds contain high levels of the heart-healthy antioxidant resveratrol, a polyphenol that has been shown to help reduce risk for cardiovascular-related diseases and promote healthy mitochondrial function. Pistachios contain antioxidants including lutein, beta-carotene and vitamin E, as well as fiber to help decrease inflammation and support a healthy gut microbiome.

Here’s to your health, and Happy Valentine’s Day to you & yours! Bon appetit!

Recipe: Dark Chocolate “Love” Bites 

Ingredients: 

• 3 ½ ounces of dark chocolate (we love Hemp Love's 72% Vegan Dark Chocolate)
• ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
• ¼ cup finely chopped salted pistachios

Directions:

• Using the double boiler method, fill one large pot with 2-3 cups of water and place a smaller pot or glass bowl on top. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
• Add the dark chocolate into the smaller pot or bowl until melted, stirring frequently.
• Place a sheet of wax paper on a baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of melted chocolate into equally sized circles across the wax paper. Before solidified, place 3-5 each pomegranate seeds & pistachio bits into the chocolate circles. 
• Let the chocolate cool for 1 hour or place in the fridge overnight before peeling off from the wax paper. Enjoy!

Nutrition information per "bite": 50 calories, 4g carbs, 2g sugar, 1g protein, 4g fat.