Summer is winding down, school is starting up, alumni are still doing the same-sh*t-different-day dance. In summary, the end of August kind of blows. Which is why this week’s Intro to Cooking is throwing nutrition to the wind (sort of), because it’s time for something indulgent!

The Ingredient: Dark Chocolate

In truth, dark chocolate IS good for you. In small servings, it can lower blood pressure, due to its richness in antioxidants. Why the dark stuff, over its milk- and white-chocolate sisters? Researchers think that the milk found in the latter two varieties may temper with the body’s absorption of the healthful nutrients found in pure chocolate.

Easy recipes (do you really need an excuse?)

* Pair a few pieces with a glass of red wine (more antioxidants!) for a refined evening snack.
* Mix 2 tablespoons agave nectar with 1 tablespoon dark cocoa powder for a healthier alternative to chocolate dip, and serve over pieces of apples, raspberries, and bananas.
* Toss some dark chocolate pieces in a baggie with almonds, goji berries, walnuts, and peanuts for an upscale, super-tasty trail mix for those really hectic days.

The Recipe: Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes
Whoever discovered the combination of chocolate and peanut butter should be given the Nobel Prize, for their contribution to countless moments of decadent dessert bliss. So if you want a cupcake that is truly a religious experience (seriously, just look at that photo), pull out this recipe from Food & Wine, and you’ll be praying to the chocolate gods in no time. Read More »

I don’t know about you guys, but when I hear about “Chocolate Gold” I picture sticky fingers and coins wrapped in gold tin foil. And as much as I like getting a little mesh baggie full of milk chocolate currency around Christmas time, this kind of chocolate gold sounds even more delicious.

According to fasshonburu.com, “Apparently there is a special process called PVD (for physical vaporization and deposition), during which rose gold is bombarded electronically, which makes the metal change color to a molten brown.“

Think brown gold is ugly? It’s not! It looks more like antique jewelry…which I think is goregous.

Hey, if anything, you can tell a white lie and say Grandma gave you that stunning ring.

The contrast between the dark gold and the sparkling diamonds is especially beautful…not to mention really unusual. Read More »