Cocoa 3 Ways

Included are some tasty, clean, healthy treats that truly satisfy.  I prepare them regularly and always feel great after.  They satisfy my sweet tooth in a big way!  Bonus: the kids love these Cocoa treats too!

Marla’s Cocoa Mousse Parfait

Close you eyes and imagine that you are enjoying  a thick chocolate mousse from your favorite French Cafe!

Yet another use for strained non-fat yogurt (Fage, Trader Joe’s, Stonyfield etc.)   This thick, creamy, high calcium, protein rich yogurt should keep you satisfied for quite some time.  It is a healthy treat that acts as a great snack.  This parfait also helps avoid sugar crashes and cravings as it truly satisfies!

Be sure to use strained non-fat yogurt, this is the texture that makes the parfait most like a true mousse (without the guilt!)

• 6 oz plain nonfat strained yogurt
• 1 serving of Marla’s Cocoa Paste Base
• Mix the above together and there you have it!!

Additions:

• Fruit Choice: Top with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of your favorite fruit: raspberries, blueberries, peach, blackberries, etc….
• Healthy Fat Choice: Add a few tablespoons Ground Flaxseed, chopped nuts or sunflower seeds.  Swirl in a tablespoon of any nut butter.  The addition of a healthy fat will keep you satisfied even longer!
• Add a tablespoon of instant coffee for a “Mocha Mousse,” and an extra Buzz!
• Flavor a few ounces of yogurt with flavored extract (Vanilla, Coconut, Peppermint, Almond, Orange, etc…..) and sweetener or flavored Stevia drops.  Make layers in your parfait with the mousse and white layer.

Marla’s Hot Cocoa

I often use this as a replacement for my pre-workout coffee.  It is a feel-good, high energy drink!

• 1 serving of Marla’s Cocoa Paste Base
• enough water or milk (any milk) to fill a coffee mug

(I use water and a splash of milk in mine, this is more like an Americano.  If you use all milk it is creamier, richer and more like a traditional Hot Cocoa. )

• Heat both ingredients in the microwave or stove top and enjoy!

Additions:

• Add a splash of all natural, flavored extract: Vanilla, Coconut, Peppermint, Almond, Orange, etc…..
• Add 1 tablespoon instant coffee for a Mocha, plus an extra buzz!

For the kids:

I use all milk, no water.  They love milk and might as well have the extra calcium.

Cocoa Blended Granita

This is wonderful in the summer when you want an icy treat with virtually no calories!

(This makes one 16 ounce serving.  I use the large cup from my Rocket Blender to gauge how much ice and liquid to add.)

• 1 serving of Marla’s Cocoa Paste Base
• splash of any milk (dairy, soy, coconut, almond, rice, etc…) or you can just use water (you want enough liquid so the blender can smooth out the ingredients)
• ice
• Blend all of the above together until your granita is icy and creamy, enjoy!

Additions:

• 1 tablespoon instant coffee for a Mocha, plus an extra buzz!
• You can blend in a small amount fruit (take out some ice.)  Frozen raspberries are yummy.
• Before blending, add a splash of all natural, flavored extract: Vanilla, Coconut, Peppermint, Almond, Orange, etc…..for a tasty twist.

Tagged as: caffeine buzz, Chocolate Fix, cocoa granita, coffee drinks, flavored extract, Greek Yogurt, ice blended drink, rocket blender, summer drink