Naked Chocolate

My brother-in-law recommended this book to me. He is interested in lots of alternative diet and health stuff. He was right on with this book. I loved it. I could not put it down and have gone out and purchased raw, organic chocolate and made about 6 of the recipes. Yummy and good for me and my family! Every American who is magnesium deficient (about 90% of us)needs to read this book. You can become a gourmet dessert chef and get healthy at the same time! It is also a great history on the plant itself. Oh, and it is sexy too. ;-)

This was one of the first books I ordered when I decided to adopt a raw food lifestyle in October 2006. It helped me tremendiously overcome the temptations of processed cooked sweets filled with sugar and flour. The history lesson of raw cacao was interesting reading, and the glossy book is filled with great color photos. I learned that all chocolate is derived from the cacao bean, which of course grows on the cacao tree. The caocao bean is also the staple diet of the Oompa Loompa. Raw cacao is natural and healthy food that one can enjoy in it's natural state and reap many health benefits, including weight loss, while eating delicious treats. I have lost 28 lbs so far including these recipes in my diet. I would recomend it to those transitioning to raw food for sure. The chocolate del diablo hot drink is delicious and spicy, and I use the chocolate sauces all the time. I actually bathe in them. Just kidding. The cinnamon rolls are delicous. The raspberry berets are so cute and good. Violet's violent end pie is absolutley delicious. There is even a recipe for raw chocolate bars~ with almonds! I could go on and on. The writing is very entertaining and informative, with a charming bit of english wit and phrases sprinkled in, and Shazzie's and David Wolfe's passion and research for thier subject is evident. An excellent book. Well worth the price.

David Wolfe explores the history, nutrition, and magic of this powerful food. He even suggests how it could save the world! As a trainer and motivator, I know first hand the power of raw chocolate and how it can affect mood and energy levels. I use it as my "secret weapon." Raw chocolate is one of the most potent sources of magnesium--a mineral that is essential for muscle function, bone growth and overall wellbeing. Since--depending on where you get your information--60-80% of all Americans are deficient in magnesium, it seems that raw chocolate could be the perfect fit to re-mineralize the population. Lack of magnesium creates sluggishness, mood changes, and in-the-dumps feelings. Raw chocolate can bring balance to your system and bring you out of the fog. This book also identifies other fantastic qualities of this superfood that enhance mood and stimulate your body for optimal health! Kevin Gianni, NCSF-CPT Author and Personal Trainer

Great background on cocao. But most of all- Incredible recipes! It's that simple.