Dessert: Chocolate Honeycomb Cookies

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Honey

Health benefits of Chocolate Honeycomb Cookies

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup fine raw sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Fleur de sel, to taste
Honeycomb, crumbled, recipe follows

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Throw the flour, cocoa powder and baking soda into a bowl and whisk until combined. Combine the raw sugar, vanilla extract and egg in a stand mixer and mix on high speed until smooth and thick, 3 minutes. Turn the speed down to low and slowly stream in the melted butter. Add in the dry ingredients and mix on low until fully incorporated.
Drop heaping tablespoons of dough 2 to 3 inches apart on the baking sheet, and bake 7 minutes. Cool on the baking sheets about 3 minutes, and then sprinkle with the Honeycomb while the cookies are still soft. Press the Honeycomb into the cookies and sprinkle with a pinch of fleur de sel.
Line a baking sheet with lightly buttered parchment paper.
Stir together the sugar and honey in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Cook the sugar, monitoring with a candy thermometer, until it reaches 300 degrees F (hard crack stage), about 10 minutes.
Whisk in the baking soda and vanilla. As soon as the mixture begins to puff, about 30 seconds, pour it out in a flat layer onto the baking sheet. Let harden 30 minutes.