![cherry](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/cherry_0.jpg?fit=353%2C312)
Choc-Cherry Smoothie
Blend together a half-cup of almond beverage, a banana, a tablespoon of cocoa powder, a handful of fresh or frozen cherries and a handful of ice. To make it heartier, throw in a scoop of protein powder.
![cocoa](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/cocoa_0.jpg?fit=353%2C287)
A taste of Mexico
Next time you’re making a chicken or beef chili, add a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder to give it a molé twist.
![chocolate](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/chocolate_12.jpg?fit=353%2C264)
Rich tomato soup
Sauté a chopped onion in a little olive oil. Add a few pinches of chili flakes, a can of whole tomatoes and four cups of vegetable stock; simmer. Cool and purée in a food processor. Reheat; add six squares of 70 percent dark chocolate and stir in until melted.
![chocolate](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/chocolate_13.jpg?fit=353%2C264)
Rich tomato soup
Sauté a chopped onion in a little olive oil. Add a few pinches of chili flakes, a can of whole tomatoes and four cups of vegetable stock; simmer. Cool and purée in a food processor. Reheat; add six squares of 70 percent dark chocolate and stir in until melted.
![spices](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/rub.jpg?fit=353%2C292)
Easy rub
If you’re making a rub for ribs or steaks, combine cocoa powder with a little cayenne pepper, ground ginger and cinnamon, plus salt and pepper to taste.
![zucchini](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/zucchini_2.jpg?fit=353%2C295)
Sweet
Add a handful of dark chocolate chips to your favourite low-fat carrot-and-zucchini loaf. Kids and adults will gobble it up-but it’s up to you whether you tell them it’s actually good for them.
Related:
• Is chocolate healthy?
• 7 reasons why chocolate is healthy
• Our best healthy chocolate recipes