Chocolate cravings are sometimes too difficult to pass up, but that doesn’t mean you need to reach for the next chocolate bar you see at the grocery store. Make your own for a healthier option, like this freezer fudge, that’s easy to make and gluten and dairy-free. This antioxidant-rich take on a traditional chocolaty treat is full of heart healthy nutrients and perfect year round.

My very Southern grandmother from Birmingham, Alabama, used to make the BEST fudge; a family recipe passed down through generations.  But in her house if you wanted chocolate you had to look in the freezer.  And yup, the freezer was powder blue and had a huge silver handle, 1960’s style. My grandmother attributed her freezer-only view of chocolate to a combination of depression-era thriftiness of avoiding precious food waste and keeping-trim calorie control.  When chocolate is frozen, it takes longer to eat, so a little bit goes a long way in terms of savoring the flavors.

Of course my southern matriarch’s versions of fudge was full of butter, sugar, milk… and of course love!  While delicious, I wanted to take on a healthier, plant-based version that keeps in line with the smart thinking of freezer chocolate and maintains all the love.

Chocolate CAN be good for you… well, it turns out for some more than others. A new study found, that for younger, healthy-weight men, eating more vs. less chocolate led to a lower risk of developing diabetes while for post-menopausal women, more chocolate candy meant… you got it, more weight gain!  While you may be crying, no fair!  Or rejoicing!  Or… duh, of course!!  Let’s remember that chocolate is still full of antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients, it’s often the “other stuff” we add that devalues this phytonutrient rich plant food.  And clearly these studies highlight that amounts and personal characteristics matter when making eating choices.

Let’s give a small square (or two) of this delicious, easy to make vegan, freezer chocolate a try.  Feel free to substitute different types of nut butters, seeds or dried fruits.