Prior to Valentine's Day I had the opportunity to have some of the local gals in for some wine, chocolate and...girl talk. Every girls dream come true...short of a bubble bath, what more could a girl possibly need? I wanted to share this recipe for the chocolate cake that I prepared for my guests that night. Yes, Valentine's Day has come and gone, but chocolate my friends is always in season! Now that I am always trying out new recipes, I am thrilled to learn when I will have someone coming over....I need willing tummies to try out all of these new recipes with me! Each week I share recipes in the local newspaper and always try to sample the recipe at least once before sharing it in my column.
This recipe was inspired by my column the week prior, which was about the health benefits of Greek yogurt. I always have an ample supply in my fridge. It is so easy to throw some Greek yogurt in a bowl with some fresh fruit; sometimes with a sprinkle of flax seeds and a dash of cinnamon or even better yet....my homemade granola. Yum! Simple and satisfying...and packed with protein and good vitamins. A super easy way to start the day.
It seems that since I have 'gone to the other side' and am now trying to eat healthier and share that with others....some seem seriously concerned as to what I might prepare for them to eat. What on earth do they think I will serve? Raw tofu over a bed of slimy sardines? Come on...I've always loved playing the hostess with the most-ess...I am still that gal. For me it has always been about the presentation. Make it look pretty (and/or cool) and it will most often taste 10 times better. My goal is to take healthy ingredients and transform them into something that is appealing both to the eye and the palate. No harm in that, would you say?
To re-cap the health benefits of Greek yogurt...think high in protein, low-carb and it will leave your tummy feeling full and happy. I now try to use it as a substitute for sour cream in most recipes. No one seems to notice...let's keep it our secret.
Chocolate Yummy Cake
2/3 cup, plus 2 Tbsp. unsweetened
cocoa powder
1 ¾ cups flour
2 tsp. Aluminum-free baking powder
1 tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. baking soda
1 ½ cups plain nonfat Greek
yogurt, divided
1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 ¼ cups raw sugar
1 stick organic butter, softened
2 eggs
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
½ cup sifted powdered sugar
**And as always...use fresh organic ingredients whenever possible. :D
1. Preheat
oven to 350. Spray 9X13 baking pan with
cooking spray. Dust with 2 Tbsp. cocoa;
tap out excess. (I baked my chocolate happiness in a bundt pan...I always think the presentation is a little more fab.)
2. Combine
remaining cocoa, flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda in medium
bowl.
3. Whisk
1 cup yogurt, buttermilk and vanilla until blended.
4. Beat
sugar and butter with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Gradually add flour mixture at low speed;
beating just until combined.
5. Gently
add the yogurt mixture and pour batter into prepared pan.
6. Bake
25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
7. For
frosting: Place chocolate chips and
remaining ½ cup yogurt in small saucepan and heat over low heat; stirring until
chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.
Whisk in powdered sugar and spread over cooled cake.
Another treat for the gurls...chocolate covered strawberries and grapes! Always, always remember chocolate has some great health benefits to offer too! Yay!
lol at the tofo & slimy sardines
ReplyDeleteWho are these people? Did they never visit the Green Bean?! You are an amazing cook!
ReplyDeleteThis is the right webpage for anyone who would like to understand this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost tough to
argue with you (not that I actually would want to…HaHa).You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject
that's been discussed for years. Excellent stuff, just wonderful!