Sweet Fix: Dark Chocolate-Drizzled Greek Yogurt Bowl

July 23, 2012

Posted by Chloe Stewart

Yes, I am another one of those self-declared "chocoholics"… but fear not, fellow addicts, it is not all downhill from here.

It has been proven time and time again that dark chocolate, specifically the flavanoids and antioxidants within the cacao, has many health benefits (would you argue with the Cleveland Clinic?) In small doses. The recommended daily dose is said to be about 8 grams (or about 0.28 ounces), and to obtain the most nutritional benefits from your favorite treat, it must be about 70% or above (the darker the better, really). Now that may sound awfully little and limiting, but not to worry, there is a world of possibilities for 8 grams of dark chocolate.

You were very much misled if you ever thought you could not have dark chocolate for breakfast without feeling guilty. This treat can be eaten whole for breakfast, or otherwise merely a couple of mouthfuls will cheer you right up at any other time of day, (or of course you could just finish the entire thing, whenever you so desire).

Dark Chocolate-Drizzled Greek Yogurt Bowl

Yields: 1 serving

1 cup 0% fat Greek yogurt
¼ cup fresh blueberries (plus a few more for the topping)
3 or 4 almonds (or the equivalent, already slivered)
1 tablespoon honey
8 grams dark chocolate (70% or higher)
1 teaspoon water
½ tsp ground cinnamon

Scoop out one cup of Greek yogurt into your bowl.
Add the ¼ cup of blueberries and roughly chopped (or slivered) almonds. Mix with a spoon so all the ingredients are evenly spread throughout the yogurt.
In a small microwave proof bowl place the 8 grams of dark chocolate, broken into small pieces and add 1 teaspoon water. Melt in the microwave until melted and sauce (check every 10 seconds). Add cinnamon and mix until all well incorporated.
Drizzle your honey over the yoghurt. Then drizzle your chocolate sauce. Top with a few more blueberries. Serve.

So, chocolate fix for the day? Check. Nutrient-packed breakfast (or snack)? Check.

Variations:

Add any other fruit you want, instead of or in addition to the blueberries
Add walnuts, sunflower seeds, or any other type of nut/seed instead of or in addition to the almonds.
Instead of melting the chocolate, give it a rough chop, add to the yogurt, sprinkle cinnamon on top, mix and serve.

Photo by Chloe Stewart