Double Chocolate Paleo Loaf Cake

Valentine's Day is a controversial occasion, and I completely understand why. To some, it's an arbitrary reminder of their singledom, a reinforcement of something they actively try to forget. I've certainly been there, and I didn't appreciate this "holiday" one bit.

Yes, Valentine's day is certainly a polarizing topic, but what if it didn't have to be? What if V-day didn't need to be about the former or latter situations above described? What if, instead, Valentine's Day was simply about expressing love to someone, anyone meaningful in our lives? If we approach February 14th as a time for reflective gratitude, perhaps we can begin to look forward to it, no matter our specific circumstances.

Regardless of your feelings about the sentimental squidginess of Valentine's day, it does have one uncontroversial benefit: the abundance of CHOCOLATE (unless you hate chocolate in which case...I got nothing). This time of year, chocolate in every size, shape and cocoa content abound in groceries, pharmacies, advertisements and on social media. However, like the Chocolate Turtles I discussed in my last post, most of these packaged candied are full of junky ingredients. As a dark chocolate zealot myself, I actually relish a reason to focus on creating whole-foods based, nutrient-dense and junk free goodies.

Take, ya know, for a random example, THIS Double Chocolate Loaf Cake! Oh em gee y'all. This cake is everything dense, chocolatey and indulgent that you want for a Valentine's treat (or any-tine treat). The secret ingredient?! Steamed and pureed beets! Not only are beets an apropos addition because of their gorgeous red hue, they provide unbeatable moisture and richness. And trust me; you won't take anything "beety"! If you don't feel like going to the trouble to cook beets, feel free to use canned pumpkin puree, but you might need another tablespoon or two extra maple, which will require a few minutes longer baking time.

The best compliment I can give this cake is that it reminds me of my mom's chocolate bundt cake from my childhood. I'll never forget my brothers' and my excitement when the smell of this cake wafted up to our rooms post-homework. We'd race to the kitchen, cut a thick powdered-sugary hunk and dive into the warm, melty cake with a glass of chilled milk. When I took a bite of this paleo loaf cake, I was instantly transported back to those lovely childhood memories. Plus, my mom gave it her seal of approval!

However you view Valentine's day, I hope you'll use it as an excuse to pamper yourself or someone you care for with a little extra TLC...and chocolate :).