Fall Snacks: Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa and Roasted Chestnuts

Falling temperatures and shorter days might make you want to curl up with a warm mug of cocoa and a tasty treat. A bowl of spiced roasted chestnuts and a steaming mug of rich hot cocoa can hit the spot this season while also providing important nutrients that may help support cognitive function.

Spice Butter Roasted Chestnuts

Nuts, in general, are great sources of supportive nutrients, and chestnuts are no exception. These nuts have healthy fatty acids, vitamin B6, antioxidants, such as vitamin C, and other nutrients that may help support cognitive function. Nutmeg is another good source of antioxidants. This recipe offers a quick and easy way to get these nutrients while enjoying a delicious seasonal snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh chestnuts
• 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
• 1 tsp apple pie spice
• 8 tbsp melted unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp salt

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees
• Cut an X on the top of each chestnut
• Soak chestnuts in hot water for 2 minutes
• Place aluminum foil on a baking sheet
• Place chestnuts on baking sheet with the X side facing up
• Add butter, apple pie spice, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl, then mix
• Pour the spiced butter mix over chestnuts
• Roast for about 30 minutes
• Peel chestnuts while still warm
• Dip in leftover spiced butter mix for added flavor

Almond and Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa

Dark chocolate contains flavonoids that may help support cognitive function. Almond milk also has supportive nutrients, including healthy fatty acids and antioxidants, such as vitamin E. The following recipe delivers all of these nutrients for a hot beverage to warm you up on a cold day.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup dark cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 cup boiling water
• 3 3/4 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

• Add cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and boiling water to saucepan, and mix with a whisk
• Place saucepan on medium heat, and bring to a boil
• Reduce to low heat, then slowly add almond milk with a whisk
• Add vanilla with a whisk, then simmer for 1 to 2 minutes
• Remove saucepan from heat, and pour into mugs

Enjoy these snacks as part of a relaxing weekend routine during the busy holiday season, or make them for holiday gatherings. You can help support cognitive function in other simple ways as well, such as cognitive supplements like Prevagen. This supplement has apoaequorin, a substance originally discovered in jellyfish, that is associated with cognitive support. Read Prevagen reviews to find out more about this supplement.