Natural Detoxification with Chocolate 

A natural detoxification of the body by the way of a “fantasy massage” is one of the very best chocolate dessert recipes for a “chocoholic”. I was able to experience this in our little village of Cotacachi and I must say it is a dream for any chocolate lover. This is one reason why I love Ecuador living!


The La Mirage Garden Hotel and Spa has created the ultimate detoxification which they call "Time to Chocolate". Upon entering the massage room, the aroma of the warm melted chocolate immediately surrenders you into a heavenly bliss.There are actually health benefits to chocolate!


For a long time, when eaten, chocolate has been known to be a mood enhancer, reducing depression and giving one the feeling of happiness. This is why we refer to it as a comfort food. Some say it has a relaxing effect on the blood vessels, helping the blood to flow better. There are also claims of chocolate reducing hunger, reducing cholesterol, thinning the blood, stimulating insulin production, preventing aging and preventing memory loss.

POTS DE CRÈME RECIPE

Chocolate has a magically way of making you feel better. If you feel you need a natural detoxification and don’t have access to a chocolate message spa, whip up this rich chocolaty dessert.

  • 1 ½ Cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 2 Cups half and half
  • 4 Eggs
  • ¼ Cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ Teaspoon salt
  • ½ Cup whipping cream
  • 1 Tablespoon powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350F degrees.

Heat chocolate chips and half and half over medium heat stirring constantly until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth; cool slightly.

Beat eggs, sugar and salt; stir gradually into chocolate mixture.

Pour into 8 ungreased cups; place cups in rectangle pan and set on oven rack.

Pour boiling water in pan around cups within ½ inch of top of cups.

Bake 20 minutes; cool slightly.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours but not longer than 24 hours.

To serve beat whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff; top each serving with whipped cream.

The Healing Properties of Chocolate Revitalize and Nourish the Skin for a Natural Detoxification

A natural detoxification with chocolate of the outside of the body is now becoming popular. The healing properties revitalize and nourish the skin as they relax the body. This fantasy massage starts with a bath of peppermint salts which softens and renews the skin. It is followed by a complete body exfoliation with native Ecuadorian chocolate. You will receive a full body massage for thirty minutes after which the body is enveloped in a chocolate soufflé’ mask to hydrate, nourish and protect the skin. Then you are covered completely for another thirty minutes in a warm thermal blanket.


While your body is relaxing in this natural detoxification, a mini facial is given. It is followed by a chocolate soufflé’ face mask. This is left on for twenty minutes and makes you feel like licking your lips.


The chocolate used at La Mirage in Cotacachi is from 100% pure cacao beans harvested in the mountains of the province of Esmeraldas in Ecuador. Each body massage requires 500 grams of cacao for the body and 50 grams for the face. The chocolate soufflé’ for the face is blended with 20 grams of a moisturizing cream. The cacao is warmed in a hot cabinet for about one hour so you can see why the aroma is so delicious smelling.


By the way, after all of this, I was served one of the best of the chocolate dessert recipes. While “recovering” from my massage in the “relaxation room”, I was served a plate of large, juicy fresh strawberries with scoops of fresh melted chocolate scooped over the top. How good can it get!

DIPPING CHOCOLATE RECIPE FOR STRAWBERRIES

This chocolate natural detoxification comes in the form of chocolate dipped strawberries.

  • 6 Ounces semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 Tablespoon shortening
  • 4 Ounces vanilla flavored candy coating
  • 12 to 20 Large strawberries

Heat chocolate chips and shortening over low heat; stir occasionally until melted.

Dip strawberries ¾ of the way into the chocolate; leave top of strawberry visible.

Place on wax paper covered cookie sheet; place in refrigerator uncovered for at least 30 minutes.

Melt white vanilla flavored candy coating; drizzle over chocolate coated strawberries and return to refrigerator.

La Mirage does not recommended this chocolate detox for women who are pregnant. Having experienced this natural detoxification myself, I highly recommend this for the rest of you to try. It will leave your skin smooth and moisturized and leave you very relaxed.


A must for all Chocolate Lovers is to know the different varieties in chocolate. Learn the intricate details in tasting chocolates. The aroma alone will tell you a great deal about it's quality.