Raw Chocolate Class

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So do I have your attention!

On Saturday, February 4th, I took a class at the Raw Intentions Kitchen given by Denise Madeja, owner and talented chef. We made a number of chocolate creations that were amazing. And raw. No dairy, no refined sugars and all delicious! It was a hands on class and was limited to six students.

What you see in the above picture is a Chocolate Crepe. It is filled with a Coconut Cream, fresh raspberries, blackberries, and then drizzled with chocolate sauce. I think it tastes even better than it looks, and it looks pretty good!

We also made a Marbled Chocolate Orange Travoletta, Chocolate Nut Butter Cups, and a Chocolate Cherry Filled Heart.



Raw Cacao Butter - a staple of the day.



I really did work. Getting covered in chocolate was not difficult!



Marbled Chocolate and Orange Travoletta.



Decadent!



A ring of hearts. These were my favorite.
Chocolate Cherry Creme Hearts. They even had a cherry inside the chocolate heart.



I wish I had cut one in half and photographed it, but it was so good I just ate the whole thing!



Chocolate Nut Butter Cups.
These were filled with Almond Butter or Cashew Butter.



We also learned how to open a Thai Coconut by hitting it on the "sweet spot"



and opening up the "lid." We used the coconut water and meat in our recipes.

Are you familiar with raw cacao? To quote our materials we received in class,

"Raw cacoa is very high in nutrients and is considered a superfood. It has aphrodisiac properties and is high in antioxidants, which lowers free radicals, which are chemicals that can alter or damage the body. The beans provide some iron and calcium, but are particularly rich in magnesium. Scientific studies of the effects of dark chocolate indicate that it stimulates the release of endorphins in the human body. As a result, dark chocolate may have an anti-depressant effect. Other studies suggest that antioxidants in dark chocolate may help to reduce high blood pressure and improve circulation. Advocates of raw cacao beans claim the beans provide these health benefits to a greater degree because the raw beans have a higher level of antioxidants than a processed chocolate."

I buy my raw cacao powder at Whole Foods and I have also ordered it on-line. The web is loaded with information about raw cacao, as well as places to buy it. And of course, you can find lots of recipes too.

If you live in the Tulsa area, keep an eye on Raw Intentions' calendar for her next chocolate class, or other classes offered.

Here are the first "graduates" of the Raw Chocolate Class:

Now to end this blog, let's go back to the beginning. The Chocolate Crepe. That was really one of my favorites. There are a number of ways to put that dessert together from stacking, to folding and to rolling the crepe. You are only limited by your imagination!

Below is a cannelloni version using all the same ingredients. 

 

What is not to love about chocolate?