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What to Make With That Leftover Valentine's Day Chocolate

Don't let it go to waste—instead, add it to these delicious and healthy recipes courtesy of nutritionist Mikka Knapp.

By Allison Forsyth February 16, 2022

Nutritionist Mikka Knapp's Chocolate peanut butter overnight oats.

The day of love has come and gone—but that doesn't mean you have to let your leftover Valentine's Day chocolate go to waste. Here are some healthy-ish ways to add it to your daily snacks, courtesy of  Sarasota nutritionist Mikka Knapp.

Homemade Trail Mix

Trail mix is a healthy and easy snack that always tastes better with the addition of chocolate. Mix one cup of peanuts, one cup of dried cherries or blueberries, half a cup of almonds, half a cup of cashews and chopped dark or milk chocolate together and enjoy.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

You may have already eaten these on V-Day, but if you didn't—or just want some more!—you can make your own. Melt together the chocolates you've received and dip fresh strawberries in the mixture. Lay strawberries on a sheet pan with a sheet of parchment paper. Add a drizzle of melted peanut or almond butter for some extra protein. Place in fridge until chocolate cools.

You can also try dipping other fruits, like apple slices, pineapple or banana.

Chocolate Protein Smoothie

Get creative with your smoothies by adding chocolate. Knapp recommends one made with one ripe banana, 1 cup of frozen mixed berries, 1 cup of fresh spinach (stay with us) and one cup of almond or coconut milk.

Mix your favorite protein powder—Knapp recommends Ancient Nutrition, SunWarrior and Orgain—and blend with chocolate shavings or sprinkle them atop the mixture for a sweet addition.

Energy bites

Energy Bites

These bite-sized, no-bake snacks are trendy right now. The base is typically made out of two cups of oats, three dates, 2 Tbsp. flaxseed and 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup to stick it all together. Peanut or almond butter can also be added to the mix.

The bites are formed into balls and stored in the fridge. Try adding pieces of almonds, coconut shavings and chunks of your leftover chocolate to the mix.

Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Avocado is a healthy, vegan alternative to butter or cream, and its consistency makes things like mousse really delicious. Cut two avocados in half and put them into a large bowl, then add cocoa powder and 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 3 Tbsp. of maple syrup and and 1/4 cup coconut cream.

Blend ingredients together in a high-speed blender, food processor or stand mixer for 3o seconds, then fold in melted leftover chocolate. Place in fridge to chill, and serve cold.

Add this as a topping to yogurt, pancakes or mixed in with oatmeal in the morning.

Chocolate Overnight Oats

"This is by far my favorite way to eat oats because it tastes so rich while staying healthy," says Knapp. Here's her recipe.

Mix 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats, 1 Tbsp. chia seeds, 1 Tbsp. peanut butter, 2 tsp. cocoa powder, 1-2 Tbsp. maple syrup or Stevia (to taste) and 1/2 cup almond milk together in a bowl, then decant into a Mason jar. Refrigerate for at least three hours and up to overnight, then enjoy—you can even top with chopped peanuts and leftover chopped chocolate. 

 

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