Almond Joy Cups

With only three days until Valentine's days I thought I would give you another homemade chocolate treat recipe.  This time I gave a makeover to one of my favorite candy bars, Almond Joys. With only 5 ingredients that you can actually identify and less than 10 minutes of preparation time, you've got yourself a healthy homemade candy bar.  

This year, instead of purchasing a box of chocolates for your Valentine, impress them with these homemade Almond Joy Cups! Homemade sweets are just that much sweeter, I promise! 

Almond Joy Cups
Makes: 24, Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ cup almond butter
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup coconut flakes
• ⅓ cup roasted almonds (optional)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the coconut oil, honey and almond butter.
2. Microwave ingredients for 30 seconds and stir.
3. Add in cocoa powder and coconut flakes and mix until well combined.
4. Divide mixture into 24 mini muffin tins and top each with a roasted almond. 
5. Freeze for 30 minutes, use a knife to pop out of muffin tin then store in an airtight container in the freezer.

adapted from Lean Green Beans Freezer Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

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Chocolate, a Heart Healthy Treat!

Chocolate, delicious and heart healthy, who knew!  Cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate, contains heart healthy anti-oxidants called flavonals. Studies have shown that these flavonals can help relax blood vessels lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow to prevent formation of blood clots. Research has also found that eating dark chocolate may help prevent atherosclerosis (hardening of the blood vessels). So, what better than some chocolate for your sweetheart this Valentine's day, something they will love and their heart will too!

Here are some tips for picking out the perfect heart healthy treat!.....

The Best Chocolates for your Heart

1) Choose chocolate that contains 70% or higher cocoa. The higher the % of cocoa, the more antioxidants per ounce!

2) Choose chocolates that contain nuts.

 The nuts contain heart healthy fats which can help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol.

3) Dip fruit in melted dark chocolate. Fruit will help cut calories and add an extra dose of antioxidants!

4) Choose portion controlled chocolates.

Chocolate is good for you in small portions,

but the calories and fat can add up quick!

You will be less likely to overindulge if chocolate

 is packaged in smaller portions.