15 Feb 2011

DIY Chocolates

by Amber Reddinger

I have no smooth way to lead into this review, because this product rocked my socks off and I just have to launch right in here. I present to you, the Navitas Naturals Goji Berry Organic Superfood Chocolate Kit.

 

 

You don't need fancy equipment to make this yourself, and the instructions are simple and clear and yield perfect chocolates! The main thing you need is an indirect heat source for safely melting your ingredients (like a double boiler), or the instructions also offer a "raw method" of melting.

 

I don't have an actual double boiler, but I do have two sauce pans that nestle together perfectly for small jobs like this. Forgive my hard water stains. I swear those pots are clean.

 

 

You'll also need something to use as a mold. The box recommended an ice cube tray, but I used these little paper candy cups.

 

 

Inside the kit are three carefully packaged components. Clockwise from top: Organic Cacao Butter, Powder Mix (Organic Cacao Powder, Organic Mesquite, Organic Lucuma, and Organic Maca), and Organic Goji Berries.

 

 

The little brick of Cacao Butter can easily be sliced or grated for faster melting. I chose to grate mine.

 

 

 

I stuck it in my pot(s) with the burner set to 3 and let it do its thing while I got my molds ready.

 

 

Goji Berries!

 

 

I distributed the berries evenly amongst twelve cups since the instructions called for using a twelve hole ice cube tray.

 

 

When the Cacao Butter was almost completely melted, I decided to add some extra ingredients to really customize my chocolate-making experience.

 

 

A sprinkle of cinnamon and cloves and some local honey for a little added sweetness:

 

 

Once mixed and melted, it was time to add the powder.

 

 

It whisked together in no time and was ready to pour.

 

 

I got a bit overzealous in the pouring I guess, because I only used ten of my twelve prepared cups. I sprinkled most of the extra Goji Berries on top of the freshly poured chocolate (and ate the rest for good measure).

 

 

Once your molds are filled, you simply pop them in the freezer until they are solid. Mine took about ten minutes and came out like this:

 

 

I just love the way those berries look against that rich, beautiful chocolate.

 

 

And they passed the taste test with flying colors.

 

 

I would recommend these kits to anybody looking for some easy, delicious, healthy chocolates. Not only do they contain beneficial superfood ingredients, the taste and texture are fantastic! I can't wait to try the other kits, (especially the Goldenberry one).

 

I really can't encourage you enough to try these for yourself!