Love bites, in this context, refer to these delectable Dark Chocolate Pecan Love Bites – a gluten-free, vegan cookie that’s healthy and incredibly easy to make. These cookies are not only delicious but also low FODMAP and perfect for satisfying any chocolate craving.
Before diving into the recipe, let’s explore some heart-healthy foods that inspired these cookies.
Nourishing Your Heart: Foods for Optimal Health
Maintaining a healthy heart is crucial, and these foods can contribute to its well-being:
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Fruit: Citrus fruits and apples are rich in soluble fiber, which helps lower LDL cholesterol. Berries, packed with polyphenols, may reduce blood pressure and increase HDL cholesterol.
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Beans & Legumes: These are excellent sources of soluble fiber and flavonoids that contribute to heart health by lowering blood pressure, enhancing circulation, and preventing blood clots.
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Seeds: Flax, chia, and hemp seeds provide plant-based omega-3 fats, which offer some heart health benefits. Flaxseed also contains lignans, phytoestrogens that may aid in preventing cardiovascular disease.
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Fatty Fish: Fish like salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, herring, tuna, and trout are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s protect the cardiovascular system by lowering triglycerides, reducing inflammation, and improving blood pressure and clotting.
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Dark Chocolate: The higher the cocoa content, the better! Dark chocolate’s flavanols offer potential heart health benefits.
Ingredients for Dark Chocolate Pecan Love Bites
This recipe draws inspiration from Texanerin’s peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, but with a heart-healthy twist featuring pecans, chickpeas, dark chocolate, maple syrup, and ground flaxseed.
How to Get Your Love Bites: Baking Instructions
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Combine and Process: Add all ingredients except the dark chocolate to a food processor and blend until smooth.
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Chocolate Incorporation and Shaping: Stir in the chopped dark chocolate. Form the dough into balls, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and flatten slightly with your thumb or a spoon.
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Baking and Cooling: Bake for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool before enjoying. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
Conclusion: Indulge in Healthy Love Bites
These Dark Chocolate Pecan Love Bites offer a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Packed with nutritious ingredients and bursting with flavor, they are the perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy!
