Chocolate Love

Excerpt from Luscious Chocolate Smoothies: An irresistible collection of healthy cocoa delights.

Xocoatil was the Aztecs’ word for “chocolate”. They called it the “bitter drink” and considered it a gift from the Gods. The cocoa bean has been cultivated for the last 1000 years and recorded as early as 2000 BC.

Cocoa was first introduced to Europe when Cortés brought the beans to Spain and offered them to the Emperor in the early 1500s. By adding Cinnamon, heat and sugar, they improved the bitter taste. The discovery of cocoa by the Spaniards was so provocative that they kept its existence a secret for almost a century until it was smuggled by monks to France. By the 1650s it had crossed the channel to England and the North American colonies of the English and the Dutch.

Good for the Heart

Cocoa powder and chocolate contain rich sources of polyphenol antioxidants, which are the same beneficial compounds found in fruits, vegetables and red wine that may reduce the risk of developing heart disease. It is believed that damage done in the body by free oxygen radicals is linked to heart disease and other maladies connected with aging. There is some research that indicates that antioxidants in the blood stream help eliminate free radicals, thus reducing the risk of developing heart disease. Dark chocolate contains more antioxidants, per 100 grams, then prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, kale, strawberries, spinach, raspberries, Brussels sprouts, plums, alfalfa sprouts, oranges, red grapes, red bell pepper, cherries, onion, corn or eggplant.

Audrey’s Amore

3 cups chocolate milk (dairy, soy, or rice)
10 large ripe strawberries
2 small bananas
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint

Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend on medium speed for 1 minute. Chill for five minutes, pour into tall glasses and serve naked (literally or figuratively).

Yield: 5 cups

The CuGurt

The CuGurt
by Gabriel Constans

Cucumbers are rich in magnesium, iron, and potassium, and are believed to assist the function of the liver and kidneys. The CuGurt is an excellent lunch or evening meal.

Yield: 4 cups

2 cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and chopped
1 cup plain yogurt (soy, dairy, coconut or almond)
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons miso
2 mint leaves, finely chopped, or 1 tablespoon dried mint
1 cup filtered ice water
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts

Place all the ingredients in a blender, and mix on medium speed for 1 minute.

Pour into tall glasses and chill out.

Sunset on the Water

Sunset on the Water
by Gabriel Constans

Persimmons are rich in carbohydrates and potassium and have a wonderful blood-red color: Asian countries have grown them for years, although the United States now leads the world in production of these sugary fruits. This smoothie is the perfect accompaniment to sitting outside and watching the sun go down.

Yield: 4 cups

1/2 persimmon, peeled and seeded
1 tablespoon cinnamon
2 ripe bananas
1/2 cup raisins
2 cups filtered water
1 tablespoon brown rice syrup

Place all the ingredients in a blender, and mix on medium speed for 1 minute.

Pour into clear glasses and watch the colors upon the horizon.

The Midnight Flame

The Midnight Flame
by Gabriel Constans

Guaranteed to give you an adrenaline rush and keep you awake to finish those last-minute projects or term papers due first thing in the morning. To live dangerously, substitute double espresso for the coffee, and prepare to stay up all night watching the late movies with a friend.

Yield: 4 cups

1/2 cup chocolate syrup
3 frozen bananas*
1 tablespoon protein powder
2 cups strong brewed coffee
1 tablespoon mint syrup
1 small brownie
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Place all the ingredients in a blender, and mix on medium speed for 1 minute.

Pour into coffee or tea cups and swig away.

*To freeze frozen bananas, peel and chop the bananas, seal in plastic bags and place in the freezer until frozen.

Eggnog Fog

Eggnog Fog
by Gabriel Constans

Eggnog, originally from Great Britain, is now a favorite winter drink for the holidays throughout much of the world. It has a distinct taste that one either loves or loathes.

Yield: 4 cups

3 cups eggnog
1 tablespoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 banana
2 tablespoons maple syrup

Place all the ingredients in a blender, and mix on medium speed for 30 seconds.

Pour into tall glasses or mugs with a touch of cinnamon on top.

Spice of Life

Spice of Life
by Gabriel Constans

“They” say variety is the spice of life. This holiday drink has all the colors of falling leaves and a perfect blend of sweetness and spice to get you in the spirit. Dates, originally from the Middle East, are a good source of energy and a great sweet to use instead of candy.

Yield: 5 cups

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3 dates, pitted and chopped
1/2 cup roasted cashews
3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
3/4 cup firm tofu
1/2 cup plain yogurt
3 cups apple juice

Place all the ingredients in a blender, and blend on high speed for 45 seconds.

Pour into your favorite mug, add a candy cane or two, serve and sing.

More Amore

More Amore
by Gabriel Constans

If there is indeed a true aphrodisiac, this is it. Chocolate and strawberries – what a treat! For a truly romantic and adventurous experience, drink one smoothie out of a single glass together with two straws, then take another full glass and use your imagination.

Yield: 5 cups

3 cups chocolate milk (dairy, soy, almond or rice)
10 large ripe strawberries (fresh or frozen thawed)
2 small bananas
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint

Place all the ingredients in a blender, and blend on medium speed for 1 minute.

Grandpa’s Sweet Potato

Grandpa’s Sweet Potato
by Gabriel Constans

In addition to being one of Grandpa Jerry’s favorite recipes for the holidays, sweet potatoes are very rich in niacin. And Grandpa’s not the only lover of sweet potato!

Yield: 4 1/2 cups

1 cup chopped, cooked sweet potato*
2 cups orange juice
1 banana
1/2 cup marshmallows
1/2 cup light brown sugar

Place all the ingredients in a blender, and blend on medium speed for 1 minute.

Pour into mugs or bowls and serve up healthy sweetness.

*Bake sweet potatoes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes, or until soft.

The Green Turtle

The Green Turtle
by Gabriel Constans

This “totally green” drink is one of Kermit the Frog’s favorites. It is also well liked by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Mr. Green Jeans, and the ’60s rock group, The Turtles. Soy milk is high in protein. Kelp is filled with iodine and, in small quantities, is reported to decrease negative thyroid conditions.

Yield: 5 cups

3 large kiwis, peeled and sliced
2 large ripe bananas
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 1/2 cups filtered water
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup seedless grapes
1/2 cup soy milk
1 tablespoon kelp
3 tablespoons honey

Place all the ingredients in a blender, and blend on medium speed for 1 minute.

Pour into tall glasses, serve, drink and use your new found ninja green turtle powers.

The Big Dipper

From Luscious Chocolate Smoothies: An Irresisitible Collection of Healthy Cocoa Delights.
By Gabriel Constans

A healthy and delicious recipe from my book of chocolate smoothies.

The Big Dipper

Yields 6 Cups

• 2 cups plain soy milk
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 12-ounce package soft silken tofu
• 2 banans, in chunks
• 1/2 cup mango slices
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
• 1/2 tablespoon honey

1. Place all ingredients in a blender and mix on medium for 2 minutes.

2. Pour into tall clear glasses and never go without.

per cup: Calories 175; Protein 7 g; Total Fat 4 g; Saturated Fat 1 g; Carbohydrate29 g; Cholesterol 0 mg

Find more recipes, humor, chocolate facts and stories at Luscious Chocolate Smoothies.
Read one of the many reviews at Five Healthy Recipes.