Chocolate makes everything better (Immune Booster #6)

Just when you think chocolate couldn't get any better (yeah right). It does. DARK chocolate is one of the best sources of zinc, which will decrease your risk of infection and promote the growth of white blood cells. 

Something Simple: Buy a dark chocolate bar if you’re taking a sick day, and treat yourself to a square or two. Just make sure you buy it unsweetened, because extra sugar surely won’t help a cold.

Another recipe to fall for when you are sick:

Recipes received from bhg.com

Simple and healthy (in moderation of course)

Dark Chocolate Banana Nut Pops

Ingredients

4 teaspoons almond or peanut butter
1 banana, cut into 12 equal slices
4 6- to 8-inch white round paper lollipop sticks or wooden skewers
2 ounces unsweetened dark chocolate melted
2 tablespoons finely chopped unsalted dry roasted almonds or peanuts

Directions

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper; set aside. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon of the almond butter onto each of the eight banana slices. Place half of the almond butter-topped banana slices on the remaining half of the almond butter-topped slices to make four stacks of two banana slices with almond butter between and almond butter on top. Place one of the remaining banana slices on top of each stack. Push a lollipop stick or wooden skewer all the way through the center of each banana stack.
Place melted chocolate in a shallow dish. Place finely chopped almonds in another shallow dish. Roll each banana stack in the melted chocolate. Use a thin metal spatula to spread the chocolate into a thin, even layer over the stacks. Immediately roll in finely chopped almonds. Place on prepared baking sheet.
Freeze banana pops about 30 minutes or until firm. Serve straight from the freezer.


AND ANOTHER ONE... Because who doesn't love chocolate...

Dark Chocolate Chip-Granola Cookies

Ingredients

2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cups dark chocolate pieces
1 cup granola with almonds
1/2 cup rolled oats

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl stir together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined. Gradually add flour mixture, beating just until combined. Stir in chocolate pieces, granola, and oats.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoons or a small cookie scoop 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are light brown. Cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute. Transfer to a wire rack; cool.