Frozen Jose Mier Uses It In Many Desserts
Chocolate is something just about everybody loves. Have you ever met someone who didn’t like chocolate in some form? In Jose Mier’s case that means a deep love of this ingredient and a big reason I love to use it as often as possible. Plus, my guests or family who eat my frozen concoctions love it too. First, a little background…
Cacao, which is the main ingredient in chocolate, is primarily produced in countries located in Central and South America, as well as in West Africa and Southeast Asia. Some of the top cacao-producing countries include:
1. Ivory Coast
2. Ghana
3. Indonesia
4. Nigeria
5. Cameroon
6. Brazil
7. Ecuador
8. Peru
9. Dominican Republic
10. Colombia
Other countries that also produce cacao include Venezuela, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Philippines, among others.
And now, here are three frozen dessert recipes that feature chocolate:
Chocolate Sorbet
Ingredients:
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, water, and salt.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Chocolate Banana Nice Cream
Ingredients:
4 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup almond milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional toppings: chopped nuts, chocolate chips, whipped cream
Instructions:
Add the frozen banana slices, cocoa powder, almond milk, and vanilla extract to a food processor or blender.
Blend the mixture until it is smooth and creamy.
If desired, stir in additional toppings.
Serve the nice cream immediately or freeze it for later.
Chocolate Popsicles
Ingredients:
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
Popsicle molds
Instructions:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream.
Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, and salt.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Whisk the chocolate mixture into the milk mixture until it is well combined.
Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the popsicles are completely frozen.
Chocolate, especially dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa solids, has been found to have several potential health benefits. Some of these benefits include:
1. Heart Health: Studies suggest that consuming small amounts of dark chocolate may lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve circulation.
2. Mood Booster: Chocolate contains chemicals that can increase levels of serotonin and endorphins in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
3. Brain Function: The flavonoids in dark chocolate have been found to improve cognitive function, including memory and concentration.
4. Antioxidants: Dark chocolate is a rich source of antioxidants, which help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
5. Skin Health: The flavonoids in chocolate may also help to protect the skin from UV damage and improve hydration and elasticity.
It is worth noting that these benefits are mainly associated with moderate consumption of high-quality dark chocolate, and that chocolate products high in sugar and saturated fats may actually have negative health effects.
