If you’re cooking dinner tonight, don’t forget the cocoa! Where to sprinkle some...

If you’d like to add a tasty, healthy boost to any meal, grab the cocoa... 

Pure cocoa powder has some excellent health benefits. Its natural flavanols have been found to prevent clogged arteries, improve circulation and reduce blood pressure. Although we tend to associate cocoa with sweets and chocolaty drinks, pure cocoa can actually be used like any other cooking spice. Just ask Ken Gladysz, executive chef of The Hotel Hershey. Here are some of his suggestions for working it into your meals:

Breakfast: Sprinkle some unsweetened cocoa on your cereal, oatmeal or yogurt. Add some honey if you like it sweet. A teaspoon in your coffee is also another great option.

Lunch: A little cocoa mixed into your soup or salad dressing can be really tasty. Shake some into your trail mix for an afternoon snack.

Dinner: You’ve got a lot of options here. Cocoa can add rich, chocolate undertones that compliment pasta sauces, stew and marinades. It’s delicious when used in combination with other spices such as chili powder and paprika.