So you love the healthy benefits- but not the taste- of unsweetened dark chocolate?
You're not alone! Many of us are not used to the bitter flavour of unsweetened chocolate or cacao. And, many of us have had experiences trying 90%+ chocolate and finding it waxy, bitter, and unpleasant!
Like all things, the quality of your dark chocolate matters. With no sugar or other ingredients to distract or mellow the flavour, a bar of high cacao dark chocolate is only good when made from the best quality cacao and when tempered properly to produce that rich, creamy mouthfeel.
Our 100% Gratitude is made from direct-trade, organic cacao and is freshly roasted, winnowed, stone-ground, and tempered in our kitchens in Toronto. This chocolate bar is high in magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, and a source of calcium!
There are plenty of ways to enjoy this darkest of dark chocolates!
1. Hot chocolate:
Melt 4-6 squares of dark chocolate into a cup of hot water or your choice of milk, whisk, add sweetener of choice if desired, and enjoy!
![ChocoSol hot chocolate](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1739/7315/files/120138022_659238748350976_5061819602047993687_n_480x480.jpg?v=1601571551)
Chop up or melt a few squares of dark chocolate into your next baking adventure. Why not try classic chocolate chunk cookies, brownies, chocolate cupcakes, chocolate mousse, or energy balls!
![Chocolate Date Bombs](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1739/7315/files/ChocolateDateBombs_by_Brandy_Kaddoura_480x480.jpg?v=1601574868)
Grate some 100% cacao with jam on toast, add a few pieces into your bowl of porridge, or creating your own sweet and savoury granola!
![Teri Ann Carty ChocoSol Porridge](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1739/7315/files/TeriAnnePorridge_480x480.jpg?v=1601571875)
Did you know cacao was originally used as a spice? Add a few squares of dark chocolate to savoury dishes like mole, stew, gravy, or bean dishes for a rich and earthy unami flavour. Alternatively, try a few pieces as part of your next charcuterie or cheese platter and enjoy the savoury flavour of cacao paired with your favourite cheeses of choice!
![Mole Sauce by Dora Stable](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1739/7315/files/mole-poblano-11_480x480.jpg?v=1601573464)
5. Add a touch of sweetness:
For a decadent and nutritious treat, dip or drizzle honey or maple syrup on a square of dark chocolate and let the flavours melt together in your mouth! Or, dip your favourite fruits (dried or fresh) in melted chocolate!
![Chocolate Figs](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1739/7315/files/Chocolate_Figs_by_MJ_Renshaw_480x480.jpg?v=1601574768)
Photo and recipe by MJ Renshaw
Now you have some ideas on how to enjoy dark, pure chocolate! Tell us how you enjoy it in the comments below!