It’s February – the time to remind loved ones how much we care and acknowledge the sweetness they bring to our lives. One sure way to the heart? DIY muffins. Imagine the smell of freshly brewed coffee and home baked muffins wafting through the air as you treat yourself or someone special to breakfast-in-bed this Valentines season.

But alas, tis true – love is bittersweet. You want chocolate with a 70% or greater cocoa content to access benefits such as improved heart health and lower blood pressure. Our brains like it too; minerals found in dark chocolate such as magnesium, iron, and zinc, and compounds like theobromine and serotonin are known to improve mood and overall brain function. The key is to consume in moderation and look for minimally processed chocolate with little added sugar.

Cooking is love made visible.  – Jep Robertson

This time of year, our kitchens bake up batches of these beauties. Guests enjoy the kick of added espresso to wake up their senses, and delight in the crunchy nut topping.

Dark Chocolate Espresso Muffins

Yield: 12 regular-size muffins

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white sugar
• ½  cup light brown sugar
• ½  cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½  tsp baking powder
• ½  tsp cinnamon
• ¼  tsp salt
• 1 large egg, slightly beaten
• ½ cup whole milk (can substitute sou, oat or almond milk)
• ½  cup strong espresso, cooled
• ½  cup butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ½  cup chopped nuts
• ½  cup dark chocolate chips

For the Crunchy Topping:

• 1 T coarse brown sugar
• ½  T chopped pecans
• 1 T dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°. Sift dry ingredients into a large bowl. Mix the wet ingredients in a small bowl. Combine bowls and fold in the nuts and chips. Pour batter into a greased muffin tin. Sprinkle with Crunchy Topping.
2. Bake 15 – 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool completely.

Recipe adjusted from: Pretty Simple Sweet