Feb 2, 2024
841
Wellness
Desserts you (& your heart) will love: Dark chocolate almond bark & blueberry sorbet
Heart healthy desserts
Food and feelings are so often intertwined — and many of us have been known to express our love through cooking. Show those you love that you care about their heart, both literally and figuratively, by opting for these super-simple sweets for your sweet.
Difficulty:
Easy
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
25 mins
Dark Chocolate Almond Bark
If you’re opting for chocolate, look to the percentage of cacao, the bean it’s made from. Dark chocolate — with 70 percent or more cacao — is typically lower in sugar and fat and higher in flavanols, a heart-healthy antioxidant. Double up on the health by adding almonds, also good for the heart, in this recipe:
Ingredients
1 ¾ cups
chopped 70% cocoa dark chocolate
1 ¼ cups
almonds (150 g)
Directions
1
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2
Put the chopped chocolate into a heat-proof bowl and set over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and leave to cool for 10 minutes. Add the almonds and stir until completely coated.
3
Pour over the prepared baking sheet and, using a spatula or flat knife, spread into a large rectangle (about the size of a sheet of paper).
4
Leave to set in a cool place (you can chill in the fridge to speed up the process but the chocolate may lose its gloss).
5
Break into shards and wrap in cellophane bags tied with ribbon. Enjoy within 2 weeks.
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Difficulty:
Easy
Prep Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
5 mins + freezing time
Blueberry Sorbet
Blueberries are absolutely heart-healthy - in fact they even have the American Heart Association “Heart-Check” food certification. They are packed with fiber, vitamins and other nutrients. This recipe from the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council only has two ingredients and it’s refreshing and delicious.
Ingredients
4 cups
fresh or thawed, frozen blueberries
1 can (6 ounces)
frozen apple juice concentrate
Directions
1
In the container of a food processor or blender, combine blueberries and apple juice concentrate. Whirl until liquefied.
2
Pour into a 11 X 7-inch baking pan. Cover and freeze until firm around the edges, about 2 hours.
3
With a heavy spoon, break frozen mixture into pieces. Place mixture in a processor or blender container. Whirl until smooth but not completely melted.
4
Spoon into a 9 X 5-inch loaf pan. Cover and freeze until firm. Serve within a few days.
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