photo: John Loo, Creative Commons

There are studies done on a myriad of subjects, but my personal favorites support consuming chocolate as a way to elevate one’s mood. J.K. Rowling had it right when she wrote about chocolate as the best remedy when attacked by a dementor.

It has been shown (numerous times) that chocolate is a mood booster.

Dark chocolate seems to be the most effective, but chocolate in any form has the potential to boost to one’s morale. Some studies state that eating chocolate stimulates chemicals in the brain that create a sense of pleasure. Other studies reveal the instant mood boost may be related to a reward response: chocolate makes us feel good because we like the way it tastes.

Below is a recipe from a friend.

It is a gluten free chocolate filled delectable treat.

Just smelling it bake will boost your mood, but eating it is even better. And it makes more than enough to share with a friend who might need a mood boost as well.

Chocolate Decadence Cake (Gluten Free, not Fat Free)

1 ¾  c. sugar

½ c. heavy whipping cream

1 ½ c. (3 sticks) butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

12 oz. (2 c.) semisweet chocolate chips

4 oz. unsweetened chocolate squares

6 extra large eggs, room temperature

Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottom of 10” springform pan with parchment/waxed paper, & generously butter sides of pan & paper.  Securely triple wrap outside bottom & sides of pan with aluminum foil overlapping foil to prevent water bath from leaking into cake.  Microwave (or heat on stove) cream & sugar 2 mins. in a 4 c. bowl or measuring cup until hot & sugar has started to dissolve.  Stir frequently.  Add butter & microwave 1 min.  Stir until completely melted. Add chocolate & vanilla, & stir until all the chocolate has melted & the mixture is smooth & glossy. In a separate bowl whip eggs until double in volume.  Fold chocolate mixture into eggs. Pour mixture into pan. Place in a baking dish & fill halfway with boiling water. Bake for 90 minutes or longer, until a toothpick comes out with some crumbs and a hint of melted chocolate.  Center should have a slight jiggle. Let cool in pan.  It will firm up as it cools. Serve cold/room temp with whipped cream or warm with ice cream. Servings: 12-15 Store in fridge.

GROW Staff