A Brief History of Chocolate and Baked Oats in America
Chocolate's journey into American culture began in the early 1600s when it was introduced as a luxury drink among the elite. By the 1700s, chocolate houses, akin to today's coffee shops, became popular in major cities. In fact benjamin Franklin owned one of the chocolate shops and is one of the first American chocolatiers. It wasn't until the 1800s, with the advent of industrialization, that chocolate was transformed from a drink to a solid form, making it accessible to the masses.
Oats have been a staple in the American diet since colonial times. Baked oat dishes, especially oatmeal and oat-based porridges, were common breakfast items in many households. The popularity of baked oats surged in the early 20th century as they were promoted as a healthy heart and hearty start to the day.
The fusion of chocolate and baked oats in recipes can be seen as a delightful blend of luxury and sustenance. This combination reflects America's rich culinary history, where diverse ingredients come together to create a healthy dessert that is delicious and comforting.
Delicious and Healthy Rainforest Cocoa Baked Oats
Are you in search of a guilt-free and indulgent breakfast option? Look no further! Our Rainforest Cocoa Baked Oats are the perfect combination of health and taste. Plus, they feature our vegan Rainforest Dark Cocoa Powder, which not only adds a rich and chocolatey flavor but also brings several health benefits to the table.
The Power of Vegan Rainforest Dark Cocoa Powder
Our secret ingredient in this delightful recipe is vegan Rainforest dark cocoa powder. Not only does it infuse a deep, satisfying chocolate flavor into our baked oats, but it also offers a range of health perks:
1.Antioxidant Richness: Dark cocoa powder is packed with antioxidants, which can help combat free radicals in your body, supporting overall well-being.
2. Heart Health: Studies suggest that moderate consumption of dark cocoa may contribute to heart health by improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure.
3. Mood Enhancement: Dark chocolate contains serotonin precursors, which may positively influence mood and reduce stress.
4. Rich Flavor, No Guilt: You can enjoy the luscious taste of chocolate without the guilt, as our Rainforest dark cocoa powder is vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free.
Now that we've covered the benefits, let's dive into the recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 medium ripe bananas
- 2 cups almond milk
- 1/3 cup maple syrup (or any liquid sweetener of your choice)
- 2 Tbsp flax seeds + 5 Tbsp warm water
- pinch of Himalayan salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1-2/3 cups gluten-free rolled oats
- 1/2 cup Santa Barbara Rainforest Dark Cocoa Powder
- 1 extra sliced banana
- ¼ cup nuts of choice (pecans or walnuts are great)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mash the two bananas with a fork. Add in the almond milk and mix.
2. In a small bowl, prepare the flax egg by mixing the flaxseeds with warm water. Set it aside for about 7 minutes until the mixture turns jelly-like.
3. Continue adding all the remaining ingredients in the order listed, including the flaxseed jelly mixture. Mix everything thoroughly.
4. Grease a 9x6 baking dish with coconut oil. Pour in the batter. Top with sliced banana and nuts of your choice .
5. Bake for 40 minutes at 360°F.
6. Once done baking, allow the oats to cool down for about 15 minutes before slicing.
7. Enjoy your Rainforest Cocoa Baked Oats for breakfast or any time of the day. It's a healthy, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free dessert-like treat.
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