Better-for-you chocolate treats just in time for Valentine’s Day

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, I thought I would share a couple of my healthier, but still chock-full-of-chocolate dessert recipes. These are simple treats you can whip up in a pinch for any special occasions that happen to pop up in your calendar. You can feel good knowing there’s a little less sugar and butter in them compared to traditional desserts, but no compromise on taste.

So, what’s the secret to making something a little healthier but still tasty?

In this case, I’ve replaced the butter or fat in the recipe with plain yogurt, which helps maintain moisture and softness of the dessert while adding a healthy dose of calcium and protein. I’ve also made sure to include dark chocolate and cocoa powder since both provide an authentic and rich flavour, and some antioxidants without adding excess sugar.

Better Brownies Makes 16 servings

Ingredients:

1 cup all purpose flour or whole wheat flour

1/8 tsp salt

2/3 cup granulated sugar 2 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder 1 cup dark chocolate (pieces or chocolate chips)

½ cup plain yogurt 2 eggs, beaten

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line an 8” square pan with aluminum foil and grease with cooking spray or a little oil. Set aside.

2. Whisk together flour, salt, sugar, and cocoa powder. Set aside.

3. Pour chocolate into large microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until completely melted. Let cool for 2-3 minutes. Add yogurt to chocolate and blend well. Whisk in eggs.

4. Fold in dry ingredients and transfer to prepared baking pan. Top with a few extra chocolate chips, if desired. Bake about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Note: You can reduce the sugar in this recipe further (to ½ cup) however, the brownies will be a little more bitter.

Easy 1 Bowl Chocolate Cake Makes 12 servings

Ingredients:

3/4 cup white sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 large egg, beaten 1 cup all purpose flour 1/4 tsp salt

3 ½ tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 cup plain yogurt 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 F. Grease a loaf pan or 8” square pan.

2. Mix all ingredients, except chocolate chips, in a

large bowl just until smooth (do not overmix).

3. Fold in chocolate chips, if using, and pour batter into prepared pan.

4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out

clean. Let cool in pan on rack. Optional: Sprinkle icing sugar on top or ice with your favourite frosting.