It's Bittersweet Chocolate Day!

Bittersweet chocolate boasts health benefits.

I almost forgot! Today is Bittersweet Chocolate Day! YAY! (Like I need an excuse!)

Bittersweet chocolate, otherwise known as semisweet or dark chocolate, has recently found favor for its heart-health benefits because it is rich in flavonols. In addition to containing antioxidants, which allow your body's cells to resist damage caused by free radicals, flavonols have other potential influence on vascular health. These include lowering cholesterol, improving blood flow to the heart and brain, and assisting blood platelets to clot.

What's more, as you probably already know, bittersweet chocolate is good for your mental health too. Its smooth, intense flavor melting on your tongue is enough to perk you up on its own, but dark chocolate also causes the release of neurotransmitters, which speak directly to the brain. The confection helps to improve the flow of endorphins (known to improve mood, lessen pain and relieve stress) and serotonin (the brain's feel-good chemical).

Of course, it's best to eat bittersweet chocolate by the square, a few days throughout the week. But bittersweet chocolate is also very popular in cooking and baking. And what if you need more of a pick-up than what a simple square can provide? May I suggest one of my favorite recipes using bittersweet chocolate?

Dunkable Brownies are certain to put a smile on your face.

Dunkable Brownies (Baker's One-Bowl Brownie Cookies) are rich, mouth-watering dark-chocolate brownie cookies that you will want to make again and again. Not only are they memorably delicious, they are ridiculously simple to make.

Brownie Thins are indulgent and satisfying.

Brownie Thins take a little bit more effort but they are just as delectable. The recipe calls for pistachios, but you can use whatever you like (or omit nuts altogether and savor the dark chocolate flavor on its own).