If you’re trying to lose weight, chances are you’ve given up chocolate. But don’t be too hasty. Dark chocolate is good for you (sorry, if you love milk chocolate) — in small amounts, of course.
Researchers are discovering interesting facts about chocolate, including:
* Since chocolate contains flavenoids, which are antioxidants which combat the aging process, chocolate lovers may look younger;
* If you grab a piece of chocolate when you’re stressed it helps you to feel better, because it stimulates endorphins in your brain;
* Dark chocolate may even reduce your blood pressure.
So if you’re dying for a piece of chocolate cake, go ahead and bake — a slice may be good for you.
Here are two tips to create a great chocolate cake. The Cake Mix Doctor’s Top 10 Tips for Chocolate Cake – iVillage recommends:
“* Use shiny pans. If your pans are dark, the edges of your chocolate cakes will darken and harden as they bake.
* Don’t overbake. Cocoa has a drying effect on cake batters, causing them to bake more quickly. Be cautious. Get to know your oven, whether it under- or overbakes. Use a kitchen timer or write down the exact time the cake went in the oven. A dry chocolate cake will not taste as delicious as a moist chocolate cake.”
