Mood-Boosting Chocolate Sauce

There’s a reason that chocolate is the international food of love. Cacao contains phenethylamine (PEA), a plant compound that alerts your brain something fun is coming. This recipe includes the best of the cacao without the harmful effects of the sugar.

SERVES 16

INGREDIENTS:

8 ounces dark chocolate, sugar free and dairy free

2 tablespoons coconut oil

PREPARATION:

1. Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl.

2. Put bowl in microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. Remove from microwave and stir. Heat again for 20 to 30 seconds more, then remove and stir.

3. Continue heating, stirring until chocolate is melted and smooth. Be sure to heat in 20- to 30-second intervals to avoid burning the chocolate.

NOTE: You can use sugar-free chocolate chips or chocolate bars broken into pieces for this recipe. See the Recommended Brand List (here) for suggestions.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER 1-TABLESPOON SERVING: 58.5 calories, 0.9g protein, 7.1g carbohydrates, 3.75g fiber, 0.0g sugar, 5.9g fat, 3.4g saturated fat, 0.0mg cholesterol, 0.9mg sodium