Chocolate makes the world go round, as I’m sure you all know. If you’re anything like me, you try to sneak chocolate into your day as many times as possible to fulfill your cacao addiction. Not only is chocolate good for satisfying your sweet tooth, but it also has many health benefits.
Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants that are linked to immune benefits, anti-aging effects, and a lowered risk of heart disease. Also, studies have shown that it can even reduce stress. So why not tap into your wild side and indulge in eating these unlikely chocolate pairings? Here are some easy ways you wouldn’t expect how to incorporate chocolate into your favorite meals:
Cheese
Chocolate Cheesecake Overnight Oats
Photo by Hana Brannigan
This recipe is for all of you beginners who are nervous to try unusual chocolate pairings, we all know that cream cheese and chocolate go together like ice cream and cake. Overnight oats have become all the rage recently because of their high amounts of resistant starch and easy digestibility. After trying these mouthwatering overnight oats, you’ll be hooked. Not to mention it’s like dessert for breakfast. Take a look at the recipe here.
Chocolate and Brie Panini
Photo by Bernard Wen
This delicious panini on sourdough is filled with brie cheese, fresh raspberries, and dark, oozy melted chocolate. This recipe is the perfect combination of sweet and salty so you know it’ll be great.
White Chocolate Mac N’ Cheese
Photo courtesy of cookistry.com
This mac n’ cheese with white chocolate is so super creamy and delicious, it’ll be your new favorite comfort dish. It’s so irresistible that it has garnered the nickname “crack mac.” Get the recipe here.
Veggies
Bacon and Chocolate Brussel Sprouts
Photo by Kelda Baljon
Don’t knock ’em until you try ’em. We already know that bacon and chocolate are a match made in heaven, but add the combo to some sauteed Brussels sprouts and you’ll want to eat these every day. Look at the recipe here.
Dark Chocolate and Chipotle Chili
Photo courtesy of foodnetwork.com
This hearty chili is full of veggies and has the perfect smoky and semi-sweet flavor with the added chile and chocolate (it’s basically a Mexican mole sauce). It’ll make the perfect dinner for you and your friends. Check out the recipe here.
Linguine with Dark Chocolate Marinara Sauce
Photo courtesy of voilawithemily.com
Spice up your normal pasta routine with some dark chocolate hints in the marinara sauce. Not only is this recipe super creative, it’s also vegetarian and vegan. Get the recipe here.
Meat
Chocolate Coffee Rubbed Steak
Photo courtesy foodfaithfitness.com
Combined with coconut and coffee, this chocolatey steak is truly special. It’s low in fat and high in protein and would make the perfect date night meal for you and your boo thang. Get the recipe here.
Chocolate Bacon Bark
Photo by Analiese Trimber
This super easy snack is the ultimate sweet and salty combo. Who knew that combining dark chocolate, bacon, and almonds somehow produced a trio fit for the gods? Check out the recipe here.
Chicken Mole
Photo courtesy thebittenword.com
This traditional Mexican meal will take more time to prepare, but trust me, it’ll be worth it. Try the recipe here.