Sauerkraut and Ginger

These are a few of my favorite things - mixed with chocolate.

Petite Chocolate Sauerkraut Muffins

This week I made chocolate sauerkraut cake. It's very easy. Just take your favorite cake recipe and add a cup of drained sauerkraut. Reduce the fluid measure by half a cup and you will have a dense moist sweet tangy treat.

Sauerkraut is a delicious healthy treat if homemade (cold pack) or purchased as raw (from the cold section). It is a probiotic offering all the benefits of vitamin C, lactobacilli, and other nutrients. This will make a great project for 2012 garden harvest.

Chocolate Ginger - Cooling

This evening I made dark chocolate with ginger. Even easier, melt one cup of dark chocolate chips (either in the microwave for one minute on high, then 15 seconds more at 50% or over a double boiler) and add a half cup of crystallized ginger pieces. Spread the mixture on a silicon sheet or parchment paper to cool. Cut or break into pieces and store in a cool space. This is my replacement for my favorite chocolate bar - Chocolove. My version satisfies the sweet and spicy desires.

There's no reason to limit the version to ginger. Try your own blend with nuts, fruits, spices and seeds. The adventure never ends. What's your favorite chocolate treat?