Life
Having a child does weird things to your body, and nowhere is that more evident than in women’s pregnancy cravings. During my pregnancy, I frequently made 3 a.m. trips to the fridge so I could dip my pickles in chocolate pudding. I know, totally disgusting, but there was something about the salty-sweet vinegar combination that spoke to my future daughter. It was then that I realized all the delicious (or, at least, different) ways to eat chocolate while pregnant. Mixing in salty ingredients, combining it with fruit, using a spoon and a bottle of Hershey’s syrup — the possibilities are endless!
But remember, it’s always important to practice moderation when it comes to sweet treats during pregnancy, as too much can lead to gestational diabetes. Consider eating smaller portions of your chocolatey concoctions or opt for dark chocolate, which offers some health benefits, like lowering the stress-causing hormone cortisol. (Also, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, one ounce of dark chocolate contains 16 mg of calcium — another plus for all the pregnant ladies.) Your chocolate cravings may not include a pickled cucumber, but if you’re looking for a new way to eat chocolate and capitalize on your crazy pregnancy cravings, here are nine incredibly scrumptious recipes that combine salty, sweet, and savory spices intro a treat that even Willy Wonka wouldn’t be able to create.
1
Chocolate Maple Bacon Cupcakes
Sweet and salty are always a hit, and these chocolate bacon cupcakes from The Simple Sweet Life embody those flavors perfectly. I mean, bacon on chocolate cupcakes? A pregnant lady’s dream!
2
Chocolate Dipped Sweet Potato Chips
If you tell me that you’ve never fantasized about dipping potato chips into chocolate, I will not believe you (and I will also pray for your soul.) These chocolate-covered sweet potato chips from Jelly Toast are so easy to make and even better for you than traditional potato chips.
3
Frozen Chocolate Covered Bananas with Peanuts
This may not be unusual, but it sure is delicious. An easy snack to whip up when all you want to do is watch Netflix, these frozen chocolate covered bananas from Feed Me Phoebe are perfect. With a sprinkling of peanuts, they’ll also give a satisfying crunch and salty taste to the sweet treat.
4
Spicy Dark Chocolate Mousse
Looking for a way to get labor started? They say spicy food does the trick, so whip up this easy spicy dark chocolate mousse recipe from i am a food blog. Requiring only two ingredients, you won’t exhaust yourself in the kitchen to make it either.
5
Saigon Cinnamon Chocolate Pops
With my daughter’s due date at the end of July, I spent the last weeks of my pregnancy enormous and overheated. All I craved were chocolate popsicles, but these Saigon cinnamon pops from The Merrythought would’ve hit the spot perfectly. Made with a Vietnamese cinnamon that is stronger and more flavorful than regular cinnamon, the taste is unforgettable.
6
Whole Wheat Double Chocolate Avocado Muffins
Desperate for a chocolate muffin, but out of butter? Swap it for a much better fat with an avocado. These chocolate avocado muffins from The Gouda Life are also made with whole wheat flour, so it’s a delicious snack you can feel good about eating.
7
Double Chocolate Walnut & Ginger Biscotti
According to the American Pregnancy Association, ginger is often used to ease vomiting and nausea during pregnancy, so why not fulfill a chocolate craving and help your tummy out? This chocolate ginger biscotti recipe from The Sugar Hit also includes walnuts, which keep your bones healthy, so this biscotti is basically a health food.
8
Boston Cream Pancakes
Enjoying chocolate in the form of a luscious Boston cream pie sounds pretty good, but imagine turning that classic dessert into pancakes. With a big ol’ slather of vanilla custard between the two pancakes and a generous serving of chocolate sauce, you’ll be enjoying this Boston cream pancake from offbeat + inspired any time.
9
Chocolate-Banana Spring Rolls
With a crispy outer layer, sweet bananas, and a rich chocolate sauce, these chocolate banana spring rolls from Simply Delicious will take care of that sweet craving.
Images: Courtesy of Jelly Toast; The Simple Sweet Life; Feed Me Phoebe; i am a food blog; The Merrythought; The Gouda Life; The Sugar Hit; offbeat + inspired; Simply Delicious
