Chocolate Heaven
On Tuesday, January 5th 2016 I was invited by my father on a family trip to what I can call “heaven on earth” – or its actual name “El Sendero del Cacao.”
El Sendero del Cacao is located at Hacienda La Esmeralda in San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic. Once you enter, you are in for a treat. It’s a magical place surrounded by beautiful trees, delicious aromas, and a particular charm.
Upon our arrival, we were welcomed by the most wonderful staff, dancing and singing to the rhythm of merengue following a sampling of their delicious homemade hot chocolate.
Their group of experts walked us through the process of chocolate making from beginning to end, which by the way, is complex and extremely interesting. We visited their organic cacao plantation, sow our own cacao plant, and tasted different chocolates using our five senses. Most importantly, we learned to appreciate even more the different types of chocolates, all the work put into its making process and the care it needs to be a high quality product.
We finished our tour with an extra delicious traditional lunch prepared by el Sendero’s staff and then drove away but not without receiving a last round of smiles, laughter, and warms goodbyes from everyone in the plantation. Overall it was a memorable visit, which I was able to share with my family and will surely remember as a chocolate lover that I am.
Why do I love chocolate so much?
- Chocolate does wonders for the mood. It has stimulating, relaxing, aphrodisiac and antidepressant properties.
- It can be used for the skin, to reduce dark circles under the eyes, heal wounds and heal dry skin and scalp.
- It prevents cognitive decline
- Reduces the risk of cardiovascular problems
- Dark chocolate contains hefty amounts of disease-fighting flavenoids. In fact, it appears to have more flavenoids than any other food.
Hot Chocolate Recipe
A delicious and healthy dessert you can make with cacao:
1 Cup Almond Milk
1 tbsp raw cacao
1 tsp maple syrup
Heat up milk on stove and add cacao and maple syrup. Serve and ENJOY!
Are you a chocolate lover? Leave a comment or share with us any delicious healthy recipes you have prepared and that would like for us to try.
Until next time,
Ana