222 dark recipes

Chocolate contains compounds believed to boost serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain. Among them are theobromine and caffeine, which can increase alertness and trigger a pleasurable feeling similar to the natural high after exercise. Another group of compounds, called flavonoids, has been found to benefit heart health. Studies suggest they improve blood flow by relaxing the blood vessels.

Crispy-skinned roast goose glazed with honey, soy, and lemon. This Chinese banquet centerpiece requires patience for air-drying but rewards with lacquered, golden skin and succulent meat.

A quick microwave cherry sauce made with dark sweet cherries, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Spoon over ice cream or cake in under 10 minutes.

No-bake mocha fudge made with dark chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and instant coffee. Just 5 ingredients melted together for a rich, creamy coffee-chocolate candy.

Tuna tapenade with oil-packed tuna, black olives, capers, garlic, lemon juice, and a splash of dark rum blended smooth with olive oil. A Mediterranean spread for crudites or crackers.

Easy raisin sauce: a classic sweet-tangy companion for baked ham, made with brandy-plumped raisins, Dijon, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, and brown sauce. An Easter dinner essential.

Traditional Filipino bibingka made with sticky mochi rice, coconut milk, and dark brown sugar baked on banana leaves. Chewy, sweet, and caramelized on top with a broiled golden crust.

Airy honeycomb candy cooked to hard crack, foamed with baking soda, then dipped in melted chocolate for crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth homemade treats.

Praline sauce made with dark brown sugar, toasted pecans, and vanilla, thickened with cornstarch and skim milk. A lighter take on the classic Southern dessert sauce.

Butterscotch shortbread cookies made with dark brown sugar and unsalted butter, topped with chopped walnuts or pecans pressed into the dough. Makes 72 bite-sized squares.

Satay-style beef stir-fry with Chinese broccoli, shrimp paste, dark soy sauce, and rice wine. Thin-sliced steak wok-fried and tossed in a savory peanut-inspired sauce.

Rum truffle dessert cocktail: dark rum, crème de cacao, and hazelnut liqueur blended with chocolate ice cream and crowned with whipped cream. Served in a brandy snifter for a sip-it-slow sweet finish.

Hot apple cider and cranberry juice simmered with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel, spiked with dark rum. A crowd-pleasing holiday punch that warms you from the inside out.

Simple walnut raisin cake with brown sugar and warm spices, simmered then baked low and slow for moist tender squares ready in an hour.

Chewy banana peanut butter oat bars with dark brown sugar and no flour. Just 7 ingredients, one pan, and you've got 4 dozen snack bars that taste like a peanut butter granola bar.

Sweet roasted beets and fresh basil match perfectly in this easy to make side dish.