Cocoa Nib Vinaigrette And Salad Recipes

COCOA NIB VINAIGRETTE AND SALAD

Steps:

• For the vinaigrette: Pulse the cocoa nibs in a spice grinder until finely ground, 4 to 5 pulses.
• Combine the ground cocoa nibs and the olive oil in a 1-quart saucepan and heat on low until warm and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn off the heat.
• Add the vinegar, shallot, salt, and red pepper flakes, and let sit for about 25 minutes.
• Transfer to a jar, twist on the lid, and shake like crazy.
• Toss lettuce with vinaigrette to taste. Divide dressed lettuce between 2 serving dishes. Arrange remaining salad ingredients over the lettuce. Serve with any remaining vinaigrette on the side.

CRUNCHY SALAD WITH COCOA VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Mix together the arugula, almonds, celery and cucumber. Set aside while you make the dressing.
• Whisk together the mustard, cocoa powder, balsamic and olive oil. Drizzle the salad with enough dressing to coat. Toss well together. Serve in individual bowls and garnish with shaved Parmesan.

COCOA NIB FRAPPE

Steps:

• Pulse the cocoa nibs in a spice grinder 3 to 4 times until the nibs are coarsely chopped. Place the nibs in a 1-quart microwave-safe measuring cup and add the 16 ounces of milk. Microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes or until the milk reaches 160 degrees F. Steep at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine the chocolate, sugar, water and salt in the carafe of a 1-liter French press. Set aside.
• After steeping, return the nib-milk mixture to the microwave and heat on high for 2 minutes until it simmers or reaches 185 degrees F. Strain the hot nib-milk mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into the French press carafe. Set aside for 1 minute, and then stir to combine the chocolate and milk. Pump the plunger of the French press 10 to 15 times to froth and aerate. Pour the mixture into a standard ice cube tray and freeze until solid, 3 to 4 hours or overnight.
• Combine the frozen hot chocolate cubes with the 4 ounces of milk, half-and-half or coffee in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

COCOA NIB HOT CHOCOLATE

Steps:

• Pulse the cocoa nibs in a spice grinder 3 to 4 times until the nibs are coarsely chopped. Place the nibs in a 1-quart microwave-safe measuring cup and add the milk. Microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes or until the milk reaches 160 degrees F. Steep at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine the chocolate, sugar, water and salt in the carafe of a 1-liter French press. Set aside.
• After steeping, return the nib-milk mixture to the microwave and heat on high for 2 minutes until it simmers or reaches 185 degrees F. Strain the hot nib-milk mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into the French press carafe. Set aside for 1 minute, and then stir to combine the chocolate and milk. Pump the plunger of the French press 10 to 15 times to froth and aerate. Serve immediately.