Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans

A powerful pick-me-up snack that also makes a splendid topping for desserts like vanilla ice cream, custard pies, or mocha cake, chocolate covered coffee beans is a sensational treat that must be experienced by lovers of coffee and chocolate, two of the most potent stimulants in the world. In this recipe, roasted coffee beans are covered in melted dark chocolate chips and allowed to harden or frozen. Doubly bitter and intense, this snack or confection is not for the faint of heart and must be consumed with caution since too much can cause overstimulation or caffeine overdose.

When eaten in moderation, chocolate covered coffee beans are high in antioxidants, energy, and certain vitamins. They can be beneficial for the mind and the body. For superior flavor, use high quality chocolate and premium coffee beans. If you find dark chocolate too strong, you can also use semisweet or sweet chocolate. Take note, however, that the sugar adds calories and energy.

Chocolate covered coffee beans can be quite delicious and addicting. Be aware that three chocolate covered beans contain about 36 mgs of caffeine according to the British Columbia Community Nutritionists Council. An average cup of coffee contains about 75 mg of caffeine. The American Medical Association Council on Scientific Affairs advises that 250mg of caffeine per day is a moderate and safe amount of coffee for daily consumption. Eating moderate amount of chocolate covered coffee beans can improve motor activity, alleviate sluggishness, and increase alertness. Caffeine can help improve sense of wellbeing and sustain intellectual effort. Too much caffeine can lead to exhaustion, rapid heart rate, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, loss of sleep, and can contribute to heart disease. Chewing beans can also be hard on the teeth and can cause staining. Dark chocolate is also a powerful stimulant and contains plenty of beneficial antioxidants.