If your diet is making you a humbug this season, there’s some good news. Turns out dark chocolate, that decadent confection, may actually be good for you!

Yes, recently conducted studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition have shown that a dose of dark chocolate will heed all sorts of healthy results. And with the holidays just around the corner, this news couldn’t have come at a better time.

So just for fun, I thought I’d conduct a mini-research project of my own and get the “skinny” on our friend dark chocolate. Here’s some of the interesting “factoids” I came up with: Cocoa—the precursor to chocolate--has been around a long time. A few thousand years, in fact. It has been thought that cocoa bean Holiday Dieting: A Sweet Way To Cheat! Recipe

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Holiday Candy Canes Are Festive and Fun

by Donna Monday

Candy canes are everyone’s favorite holiday treat. Just think about how versatile they are. Not only do candy canes look great hanging from Christmas trees, but their versatility makes them perfect for all kinds of decorative uses.

Candy canes can be crushed or used whole in holiday arts and crafts projects. How about adding candy canes to your homemade holiday gift baskets?

Peppermint candy canes are usually red and white, but they can also be found in fun colors like red, green and white, and also flavors like orange, cherry, and even chocolate!

You can find candy canes sprinkled inside of cookies and other delicious Christmas recipes.

Candy canes make great ornaments. You can buy real ones and hang them around the house or the pl Holiday Candy Canes Are Festive and Fun Recipe

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Best Recipes: Pina Colada Smoothie

by Donna Monday

Congratulations. You’ve found the recipe for a great Pina Colada Smoothie. If you love pineapple, bananas, and coconut, then you’ll love the taste of this tropical island inspired smoothie.

One sip and you’ll be transported to a beautiful tropical island where the sand is plenty and the water is warm. A Pina Colada Smoothie is perfect for those times when you need to relax and enjoy a cool, breezy drink.

Pina Colada Smoothie 1 cup frozen pineapple pieces 1 frozen banana, peel banana before freezing 3/4 cups milk 1/2 cup frozen vanilla or strawberry yogurt 1/2 cup orange juice 3 tablespoon coconut

Directions

Combine all ingredients together and blend until smooth. Serve immediately. Best Recipes: Pina Colada Smoothie Recipe

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