Double Chocolate Baked Oatmeal

Okay, I admit it. I have a ginormous sweet tooth, and am also quite the chocolate lover. Oh who am I kidding, I adore chocolate. And sometimes, I just feel like . . . delving into warm chocolate-y baked goodness for breakfast. Which is actually most days. But never fear! Chocolate, or more specifically unsweetened cacao powder, is actually good for you! *cue gasp*
These are just some of the benefits of cacao powder:
-It is very high in antioxidants (even more then blueberries and green tea!), which benefits cardiovascular health (well, really whole body health) and helps fight disease.
-High in magnesium, which helps to regulate blood pressure and helps build strong bones, among other things.
-High in sulfur, which helps to build strong nails and hair.
-It is also high in iron and chromium (as well as many other minerals), which are both important minerals that our bodies need.

So if anyone ever tries to tell you that you can't have chocolate for breakfast, I give you leave to go "Pfffft" at them. ^-^

More on cacao:

Healthy Eating - Antioxidant Benefits of Raw Cacao

Secrets Of Longevity In Humans - Raw Cacao Benefits

More on Antioxidants:

Nutrex Hawaii - Benefits of Antioxidants

Double Chocolate Baked Oatmeal topped with banana, raspberries, peanut butter, and desiccated coconut.

Double Chocolate Baked Oatmeal

-1/2 c old fashioned rolled oats 

-1/3 c milk of choice

-1 1/2 tbsp unsweetened cacao powder (cocoa powder works too)

-1 banana

-1/2 tsp vanilla extract

-2 tbsp egg whites

-1/4 tsp baking powder

-1 tbsp apple sauce

-1 tbsp cacao nibs/chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Combine the oats, cocoa powder, baking powder and chia seeds in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mash your banana (save some slices if you want some for topping) very well, then add your milk, vanilla, apple sauce, and egg whites. Stir, then add the wet mixture to the dry mixture. Whisk the batter until everything is well combined, then fold in the chocolate chips. Pour the batter into a ramekin then top with the extra banana slices (if you saved any), as well as any other toppings you want. Bake in the oven for 25-27 minutes.