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Why I won’t give up chocolate for Lent

This is what temptation looks like:

vegan-chocolate-pie

Rich chocolate temptation: Chocolate Cream Pie.

When I was younger, I gave up something every year for Lent. One year it was shopping, another year was instant messaging (anyone remember aol?). At fifteen, I gave up dairy… and then never went back!

And one crazy year, I gave up chocolate. That was hard! But, to be honest, I’m not sure how giving up chocolate helped me get closer to God. And I definitely don’t think it made me a better person… Imagine the poor people who had to live with my grumpy, chocolate-less self!

So this year, I’m not giving up anything for Lent. Instead, I’m vowing to do more for others.

ac

I’m starting this project again: My Homemade Afri-Cards.

But the little things are also important—remembering to give someone a sincere compliment every day, making time for a friend going through a rough patch, donating clothes away to people in need… even small random acts of kindness can have a big impact on the world. And these are things I should be doing every day, not only during Lent.

Just don’t make me give up chocolate again Winking smile.

For those of you who are giving up chocolate or desserts for Lent, I’m thinking now would be a great time for me to publish some of the many non-dessert recipes that have been piling up. So you might be seeing a few more savory dishes than usual this next month. Of course, if a recipe for S’mores Whoopie Pies happens to sneak through the cracks… don’t blame me!

And speaking of savory dishes, when I was searching for something the other day I actually found two older recipes that somehow escaped the recipe page:

spaghetti squash

…………………………Ohmigosh Spaghetti Squash

spa

……………………..Cashew Ginger Kale

Question of the Day:

Are you giving up something for Lent this year?

My roommate just informed me that she’s giving up meat! She’s not Catholic, but she decided Lent was a good time to try it out. We usually fend for ourselves as far as meals are concerned, but this month (for at least a couple days each week), we’re going to take turns trying out new dinner recipes. I’m excited about it… mainly because it means someone else is going to cook for me!

 

Published on February 24, 2012

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100 Comments

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  1. clare @ fittingitallin says

    I’m giving up chocolate! I’ve done it for a few years and it works for me – when I pass on the indulgences I remember WHY and that’s the point, right? But obviously it wouldn’t work for everyone! Excited to see some non-chocolate recipes…and to make TONS on Easter!

  2. Samantha says

    Good morning!

    Thank you for your post. This year I gave up chocolate, peanut butter, and eating out alone (I love going to a fun place with a good book).

    We are only a few days in, but my initial thoughts. Peanut butter was a silly one. I won’t do this one again and I will be OK if I fail it. It is too much a part of my fat and calories. I thought it would be interesting to give up because it is something I eat SO much of. But in this case I agree with you – this doesn’t do much in the faith department.

    Chocolate and eating out alone in theory generates more of the “extra money” for donation. We will see. I try really hard not to make Lent unpleasant but about faith and learning, and the sacrifices tend to do the least in that department…and yet most of us were taught it. This may be the last year I give something up. Each year I have shifted more and more to what do I give and how I feel during the Lent/Easter season.

    My favorite stuff for Lent: Working on changing thoughts/the mental. I love your compliments one! One of mine this year is more active eye contact and smiling at a stranger. 🙂

    And I love every Friday to find a new charity/organization/etc. to give too. This is the first year I will blog about them too to help draw attention.

    I love your cards! Cute stuff.

    Thank you for your thoughts. I will be interested in responses especially since more and more the sacrifice part is just not the part that does much for my spirituality or faith.

    Have a wonderful day!

  3. Nadiya @ Milk and Honey says

    Wow girl how did you live without chocolate? I’d never be able to do that. I’m eastern orthodox so for our lent we’re supposed to go completely vegan and not consume any oil (there’re a few days when we’re allowed fish and oil) so I’ll be visiting your site a lot 😛 I’ve tried this last year and found myself very energetic but then again I was consuming so much nuts just because it was the only source of fat I really had.

  4. Molly Alice says

    I hadn’t intended to give up anything for Lent, but yesterday I had a severe, possibly allergic reaction to some espresso I drank. I’m not a coffee drinker (and I’d only ever had decaf before) so I was definitely not expecting it! It was such a scary experience that I’m eliminating all caffeine for the next several weeks. Avoiding soda and coffee won’t be hard, but chocolate? Torture!

  5. jenni ingram says

    i have to tell you i think you’ve influence my zip code. the canned coconut milk AND the coconut oil was totally gone from the healthy section of Giant. hoping they restock soon! i gave up chocolate for a week once :}

  6. Audrey says

    Great idea to do more for others. I think sometimes those goals are harder (at least for me) then the concrete things, because the definition is more vague. It’s definitely a great way to spend Lent!

  7. Kristal says

    I have decided to not give up anything for Lent but to focus on patience, time with the LORD, and writing encouraging notes to the mothers in my life. Patience has a lot to do with a certain child I’m parenting right now… I think I’ll memorize some verses with said child.

    I’ve never given up chocolate, but one year my husband and I gave up ice cream {something we have every night, although I’ve since stopped because I’m too cold}. That was hard. Last year the thing I gave up I totally let go of and didn’t start up again. It was LOVELY and I’m so glad I listened to God’s prompting.

  8. Tori says

    In past years I’ve given up Facebook and text messaging, and this year I gave up television (which includes watching TV shows online). I’m also only watching movies if I’m with other people. Instead of giving up a food or drink, I try to give up something that takes up my time, so that I can then devote that time to something better – prayer, reading scripture, spending time really connecting with other people, mass and adoration. I find that when I cut out soda, desserts, etc., I tend to get obsessed with what I can’t have, and it doesn’t help me draw closer to God. Plus, a lot of times I want to use those things to help me lose weight, and that’s definitely NOT the purpose of Lent.

  9. jen b says

    I hear ya about not giving stuff up for Lent! The year I gave up Diet Coke (which, ironically is not even a part of my life anymore!), Easter became more about that first sip than it did the resurrection of my Savior. SAD!!! Since then, I’ve decided to revel in my forgiven status and God’s grace and give up nothing! It’s not right for everybody, but it’s right for me!

    Thanks for your recipes! =)

  10. Jennifer (take the day off) says

    I personally try not to use lent as a diet–eliminating a food or food group (like most of us girls did in high school). By doing that I think it is easy to miss the point! I too like the idea of adding something, so this year I am committing to a daily quiet time.

  11. Ashley says

    Tell your roommate lent was the kick start I needed to become a vegetarian 8 years ago! Although I’m more of a ‘flexitarian’ now (I had low protein levels in my blood and as a way to fix it my doctor told me I should started incorporating fish and poultry back into my diet) it led to 3 years of being completely vegetarian.

    I really like your approach on Lent, though – I decided to do a similar thing this year. My ‘lent resolutions’ so to speak are to be less lazy, both physically and mentally/emotionally. I am planning on being more patient, with both others and myself, instead of always looking for instant gratification. I also spending more time with people in real time versus internet time, and not just spending my evenings vegging out in front of the TV (which has become a really bad habit in the last two months!). It is a nice little reminder of Lent every time I find myself not wanting to take my puppy for the longer route on our walks, or find myself mindlessly staring at the television instead of going to the gym or spending time with friends. To me, I may have less time to ‘relax’, but this is something that may improve my life and make me a better person compared to not consuming any sweets, and by having the working out option in there, may also help my waist line =)

  12. Stellina @ My Yogurt Addiction says

    I am going to TRY to give up gum. It’s really hard for me since I chew A LOT of gum! I think it’s really nice that you are going to pick something up this year for lent instead of give something up. I think that might actually be even more beneficial!

  13. Holly - InspirationBeauty says

    Hi Katie!
    Personally, I don’t give up anything for Lent, but here in Ireland a lot of people follow a rule that lets you break it on Sunday and on St. Patrick’s Day. So hope is not lost for your yummy recipes!

    Keep the sweets coming this Lent 🙂

  14. Audrey says

    I am going Vegan for Lent, and am super excited to try out all of your delicious looking dessert recipes. Last year I gave up chocolate, and definitely think it’s going to be easier to try being a Vegan than giving up my daily chocolate! Thank you for all of the delicious looking recipes and ideas!!

  15. Yellow Haired Girl says

    Very cute cards! And an excellent idea for Lent. My coworkers and I have all decided to give up something…and mine is to stop complaining about my boss. Whoever messes up puts cash into the pot, and the “best behaved” winner takes all 🙂 its going to take some work for me to keep mine, but I think I can do it!! Have a wonderful weekend!!!

  16. beatrice says

    can u teach me the recipe of cookie dough and brownie larabar please? i found their website used deiiferent nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashew!!!what’s the diffenrence in taste of using these different nuts?:Dhope you can clearly post about the amount of dried fruits and nuts!!!and they even add cocoa and salt!!!

  17. Kelly says

    I gave up chocolate one year which was hard. But the next year I gave up meat and was counting the days until it was over! The hardest ever! This year I gave up the bad words that I utter every now and again. This is, by far, the hardest year yet! Lol!

  18. Guest says

    Last year I decided to give up chocolate, and I haven’t had any since haha! I’m so beyond excited to hear that there might be a little extra abundance of savory recipes. Looking forward to those!

  19. Aisatsana says

    Lent doesn’t start until Monday for me (I’m Eastern Orthodox), but traditionally we go completely vegan for lent. No meat, fish, eggs, or dairy. My fiancee and I follow this as closely as we are able (our families aren’t Orthodox, so sometimes courtesy dictates that we break the fast). I will definitely be on your blog a lot for recipes. Thanks so much for blogging! 🙂 Oh, and I like your lenten project a lot!

  20. Celeste says

    I used to give things up for lent too. As I child I always gave up candy, which was so hard for me. Last year I decide that instead of depriving myself of something, I would DO something positive for myself. I committed to 30 minutes of exercise daily – any form – walking, weights, yoga etc. Wow – what a challenge that was! I was able to do it on 38 out of 40 days, and I felt good!
    This year I am going to focus on daily random acts of kindness.

  21. chocolate girl's chocolate mom says

    In the faith formation class I teach, we stress that Lent is a time when we prepare spiritually for the resurrection at Easter. Instead of giving up something temporarily (and then doing the big Easter morning binge), we think about the things in our lives that block our relationships with God and others and that keep us from being the kind of people we want to be. Since it takes 30 days to make a habit, we use the 40 days of Lent to “fast” from something that is holding us back and/or to “feast” on something that will improve us. Hopefully, by Easter we will have developed a new habit that can continue for the rest of the year.

    • Samantha says

      Thank you for your thoughts on this. This year I have spent more time trying to learn about Lent and restructure what it means for me. Like a lot of people on this blog I think we are finding that what we were taught as kids might not make as much sense anymore.

      I just finished reading a blog that very much emphasized what it sounds like you teach. It is more about changing a pattern that is blocking faith than counting the days in which you can bring an indulgence back.

      Everything I “physically” gave up I have no intention of dropping for life. Much of my spiritual/mental focus however I would love to make lifelong changes. I think that is more the direction my Lent needs to start growing and developing.

      I am LOVING all the thoughts on this. Great stuff.

  22. Lena says

    I’m not religious anymore, but last year I went vegan for lent. It was the only way my parents would accept it. And I am still vegan 🙂

  23. Steph says

    For someone who doesn’t mind gaining some weight, you sure do eat a lot of high-volume low calorie foods! Anyways, I’m giving up cereal. That stuff is crazy addictive. Ever since I found out Spekial K was vegan I’ve been eating it at and between all my meals!

  24. Katie @ OhShineOn says

    I completely agree with you! For Lent, I always decide pick up a new thing or make a goal to work on something that betters my relationship with God. Giving up food or sweets doesn’t necessarily make you closer to God… but doing things for yourself, and for others, to glorify Him is a whole other thing!

  25. Molly @ Oh Gnome! says

    I love your “I’m giving compliments” attitude. I’m giving up negativity. Sometimes it becomes so easy to let stress and frustration do the talking and being a Negative Nancy doesn’t do anything.

    I read an interesting article about Lent:
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anne-marie-roderick/lent-in-college_b_1291581.html?ref=religion.

    I’ve never observed Lent before, and I always thought it seemed pointless. This year, I’d like to do it. The article offers the idea that Lent fosters conversation. “Why aren’t you eating chocolate” can lead to a deep discussion of spirituality. I’m a Christian but also a bit of a searcher and I love to talk about religion and hear other perspectives, so I’m up for the challenge 🙂

  26. Liz @ Tip Top Shape says

    I agree with this post completely. Unless you are doing a true Lenten fast and spending time with your bible and introspection, etc, giving up something really doesn’t bring you closer to God. It’s just something to make a Facebook status about. I think it’s much better to focus on self-improvement and helping others.

  27. Joslyn says

    My girlfriend and I are actually giving up unnecessary internet…Facebook, Tumblr, etc. Of course, food blogs don’t count…we still have to eat, right? ;D

    Mostly, we’re hoping that giving up all those hours of surfing the web will help bring us closer together, and find more fun things to do instead of staring at a screen.

  28. Laura says

    Agree with you Liz and Katie. Denial of self doesn’t just mean denial of food and other worldly pleasures. It is more about how we can know, love and serve God and others. Lent is a perfect time to begin to change ourselves from the inside out.

  29. Sarah says

    I gave up sugar… I know, I know sure isn’t BAD for you (in moderation) but recently I’ve been finding myself reaching for cookies and cakes every single day. That’s ridiculous! I was putting so much sugar in everything (oatmeal, coffee, tea) that I just needed a break. A “cleanse” if you will. So for forty days (I won’t even cheat on Sundays) I will be sugar-free.

    • Guest says

      Just wanted to pop in to say that you can do it, Sarah! It might be tough at first, but it will get easier with each day. It really is true what they say about added sugars and whatnot; the less you have it, the less you crave it. It’s been over a year since I stopped consuming sugar (read; added. this girl loves, and could never give up fruit) and I feel great.

      Good luck, hang in there, and you can do it. 🙂

  30. Angela says

    I love that instead of giving something up, you’re going to do something for others! I will definitely be practicing this, maybe even making one of your recipes to share with friends and neighbors. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

  31. Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says

    I understand giving something up as a sacrifice, but I think some people just do it to prove to themselves or others that they can and it has nothing to do with religion. I’m definitely not giving up anything this year, I’ve had to give up gluten, soy, pasteurized milk and white sugar (okay… not completely on the white sugar) since October and I think that’s enough for me…

  32. Nicole says

    I gave up refined sugar, added sugar, and artificial sweeteners. So that means no processed chocolate for a while, but that sure didn’t stop me from making your chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookies last night when my daily chocolate craving came knocking! Your website is going to be my sanity these next couple months. I’m so glad you have so many sugar free recipes!

  33. Anna @ The Guiltless Life says

    Ooh I love spaghetti squash so I am excited to check out that recipe! I think adding something into your life is always as good as if not better than removing something so kudos to you! I’m not giving anything up for Lent this year either, but I’ll also vow to work harder to help others for sure!

  34. Char @ www.charskitchen.ca says

    That’s awesome about your roomie! And I can totally understand why you wouldn’t give up chocolate 😉 I love what you’re doing instead of giving up something!

    I don’t celebrate Lent, so I hadn’t planned to ‘give up’ anything for it. However, I did see on another blog (Back To Her Roots) that she is giving up complaining! And every time she slips, she has to put 25cents in a jar. THAT’S something I can get behind! 😀

    Have a great day, Katie!

  35. Becca R. says

    I’m giving up soda! I only drank a sprite zero a day, but that’s 7 a week, and not a good/cheap habit. I’m with you on the whole how-does-this-make-me-closer-to-God thing, but I figure it won’t push me farther away! haha. And there’s a sense of community with my friends who are giving up other things. 🙂 Coffee is something I want to not be so dependent on, but I don’t think I’m ready for that yet. haha.

  36. Rachael @ Ready to Get Sweaty says

    I gave up sweets and alcohol…I must have been delerious when I made that decision, but I figure if I can’t give them up for 40 days what CAN I DO, lol!

  37. Maya says

    Yeah, I also prefer to do something more instead of giving up something- this year it’s writing more letters to older relatives that aren’t on the internet so they are more out of touch. But a friend told me last year the Lenten sacrifice thing is actually 3fold: prayer, almsgiving, and fasting. So I’m going to try to do some of each this year!

  38. Sarah says

    I’m giving up meat too! Like your roommate, I’m not doing it for religious reasons… I’d just been contemplating it, and it seemed like a good time to do it! Your blog helped inspire me to do that! 🙂

  39. Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says

    No plans to give anything up. Life has a way of ebbing and flowing and so sometimes even though I don’t set out to give something up or doing something more, it ends up working out that way…but on paper, so to speak, no formal plans. Good luck with your ideas and plans 🙂

  40. Alaina says

    I gave up diet coke last year and since then I just don’t crave it anymore! I’ve had it maybe a dozen times since then.

    This year I’m giving up meat too! I probably won’t become a vegetarian because of it but I hope that it’ll allow me to become more creative in the kitchen.

  41. Lauren says

    Completely agree on the whole giving up things when you don’t really follow through with the true intention! I didn’t give anything up either, just trying to improve things instead! I love your idea, I may have to incorporate that as well.
    Love your spaghetti squash though!

  42. Alyssa says

    I’m not Catholic, so I’m no giving anything up. I figure between fasting (um, in theory, lately) on Yom Kippur, giving up leavening for Passover, and all the guilt I’ve had handed down from my ancestors, I’m doing enough, lol!
    And giving to others is better than giving something up, IMHO.

  43. Anne-Marie says

    I’ve always given up sweets during Lent…it is a true sacrifice for me. But I’ve decided this year to give up stress and anxiety. I think that will be a lot harder (and more beneficial!) than sweets. Not sure how I’ll do, but I’m giving it my best shot! 🙂

    Love your site and all your recipes! Thank you!

  44. Patricia says

    I gave up desserts this year for Lent. I’m also going to add in something, like reading something spiritual, on at least a weekly basis. I should have given up added salt because I have a serious salt tooth!

  45. deb says

    I had decided to give up sweets, but after reading some of the comments and some of the things my friends have written on the topic, I need to rethink. I need to make better food choices, even as a vegan, but it’s hard for me to separate in my mind giving up sweets and weight reduction; I may be setting myself up for thinking more about food than God. Something to think through some more for sure. Love your site, the recipes. I am the lone vegan at my house. My family is used to it by know but a lot of people still look at me like I have two heads LOL
    Lenten blessings!

  46. Linda says

    I have to admit, I’m not Catholic, nor even christian, but I am observing Lent this year. Or at least trying to put it’s principals to work for me. You see, I’ve been trying to quit smoking for years now and it never stuck. Days or weeks later I’d bum a cig from a friend and eventually break down and but another pack. I’ve never managed to make it a full 3 weeks without giving in. So this year for Lent, I’m giving up smoking. This is going to be one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but at the end, not only will I be celebrating my birthday smoke-free (April 7th), I will be celebrating my own rebirth! Wish me luck cos I have the feeling I’m going to need all the luck I can get.

  47. Moni'sMeals says

    Never could I give up chocolate, right there with ya. I beleive in living in balance all year and moderation so I find it unnecessary in my life, this is just me. No offense to any others. 🙂 I like how you can focus on what to BRING in your life rather than take out.

    Have a great day Katie.

  48. Christine says

    This year I am giving up excess tv time – as the mom of 4 boys, I use tv as an escape! But this Lent I am vowing to read more, play more, craft more!
    We are also going to do more service projects as a family.
    Lastly, I am reading through a book about St. Therese, focusing on doing whatever you are called to do with life with love, no matter how small it is, and I am blogging about it to organize my thoughts.

  49. Jamie @ Don't Forget the Cinnamon says

    I like your style!! I haven’t given something up for lent in a while but I always liked the do something nice type things–I think that giving up certain foods can often have an anterior motive such as weight loss which, I think, distracts from what lent is all about!

  50. Kim says

    I gave up chocolate one year…never again! One year I had a coworker who drove me nuts and I complained about him all the time. So for Lent, I decided to give up critizing him. Very hard to do but I found it to be very helpful in changing my own attitude. I think this year I’ll give up cheating on my diet. Valentine’s Day kind of threw me for a loop so I’ve got to get back to eating healthy!

  51. TheCookieFairy says

    I don’t think I could EVER give up chocolate. I’m Belgian, after all; the stuff practically runs through my veins.

    I’m trying to give up procrastination on the internet, like mindless hours spent on Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, online shopping, etc. I’m limiting my social media time to 30 minutes a day (that does not include commenting on blogs, fortunately!).

  52. LizAshlee says

    I liked one of the above comments, rather than giving something up, focus on doing something for others…I choose this for Lent…I am all about adding in more healthy things than focusing on taking away…Happy Friday!

  53. Maria @ Beautiful Busy Bee says

    My whole family used to give up meat for lent! Like you I’m not giving anything up, just focusing on doing nice things for other people. Personally I don’t benefit from depriving myself of my favorite things (i.e., chocolate) so I’d rather do something that’ll make a difference (though I respect people who do give up things). I didn’t know you’re Catholic too; can’t wait for Easter recipes! 🙂

  54. Anna @ Food Fitness Frolicking says

    Ah, thank goodness! Someone else who isn’t giving up chocolate! I really don’t think I could do it. Especially because the chocolate here in Paris is TO DIE FOR. Maybe you could post a chocolate recipe once or twice just for those of us who are slightly addicted? 🙂

  55. Amber K says

    I don’t celebrate Lent, so I won’t be giving anything up. Besides, what makes one think about something more than deprivation? No thanks. But I do like your idea of doing more!

  56. Brighid says

    Giving up chocolate seems unimaginable! This year I decided to cut out ALL refined sugar, which I seem to be addicted to. I’ve made this into a challenge over the years because I never can seem to actually give it up for very long (my family is italian, so pasta and italian bread are sort of a given at dinner, making it incredibly hard to resist eating bread when I see my family happily scarfing it down every night). I also have an incredibly big sweet tooth, which makes giving up dessert hard too. This was all until this year when I stumbled on your dessert blog and saw all your refined-sugar free recipes! I know because of your amazing recipes I will finally stick to my word this year! I’ve already made your ice cream recipe three times and have LOVED it each time. (which is saying something since i’m a horrible baker/cook.)

    Oh and as for chocolate having sugar? The 90% cocoa (which I love the most) has about 1.25g of sugar per square. Now we can’t really count that can we? 😉

  57. ~Mrs. R says

    You have my mind swirling with so many possibilities… ones I would NEVER have thought up on my own… all these HEALTHY dessert ides…

    Your site is pure bliss.
    Blessings, ~Mrs. R

  58. FellowVegan says

    Hi Katie,

    Maybe this has come up in the comments before, but I wanted to find out how you felt about living with a non-vegan and having meat in the kitchen. I live alone, so it’s not an issue for me now, but I wonder what I would do if I ever lived with a non-vegan. I wouldn’t want to impose my views on someone else, but I also wouldn’t want to come home to bacon frying! What are your thoughts?

    • Chocolate-Covered Katie says

      Hi FellowVegan,

      Of course I’d love to have an all-vegan home… but it would be unfair of me to force my beliefs onto others (especially when they’re paying 1/2 the rent!). I do have separate pots and pans, though.

      Thankfully, Emily hates bacon. And when I lived with my parents, they were VERY wonderful and considerate in trying to cook smelly things like bacon when I staying over at a friend’s house or running in the morning. Obviously, at other times, I had to be considerate of their beliefs and know that being the vegan police is never going to win followers to the vegan cause.

  59. Kaitlyn@TheTieDyeFiles says

    How awesome that your roommate is giving up meat! I used to give something up for Lent (I remember Spaghettios…) but I truly don’t identify with Catholic ideals anymore so I’m not (and haven’t in recent years).

  60. Brenda says

    Hello,

    This is a little off topic but I’m hoping for some input. I loved your cookie dough dip, and the banana peanut butter oatmeal so I thought i’d try this recipe tonight. I’m not vegan but I am trying to eat healthy. Thus i’m unfamiliar with tofu but hoping to be converted. I couldn’t find any silken tofu, so I drove 25 min to the nearest whole foods (really wish one was closer) and couldn’t find any there either. So I got some Organic WestSoy soft Tofu (as everything else they had was firm). Went home and opened it and it had a bit of liquid in it, and the Tofu was harder then i thought it would be, I followed the directions and melted the chocolate and put everything in my food processor (liquid in the tofu and all), and blended it all up, and tasted it… it didn’t taste good to me at all, kind of chalky i guess almost medicinal for lack of a better term. I then realized the Tofu was 14 oz instead of 12.3 oz stated in the directions. I had only added 2 T of sugar (although in some of your recipes i add none and do fine), so I added two more Tspns of brown sugar and an additional 1/3 cup of chocolate chips(melted first), and a bit more almond milk. I just had regular Hershes chocolate chips on hand, and it still tasted, kind of chalky. I’m at a loss at what to do, Should I have tried for some higher caliber chocolate? was the extra 2 oz of tofu making that big of a difference? I put it all in a pie plate, and put it in the fridge and was hoping that maybe if it sat for a bit it would taste… welll more chocolaty. Any Ideas? What did I do wrong? Is there any other tofu chocolate type deserts i could try (maybe with smaller amounts) to see if we just don’t get along and I should stick to other types of recipes? Help!

    Thank you,
    Brenda

    • Chocolate-Covered Katie says

      Unfortunately, there are two things that probably caused the bad taste: One is definitely the extra tofu. Two extra ounces is a lot. But the other is that you need to drain the tofu. I use Mori-Nu, which doesn’t need to be drained, but the refrigerated tofus do need draining.

      But hey, at least you know what went wrong! It’s much more frustrating when you can’t figure out where a recipe went wrong.

      And I hear you on the Whole Foods thing… I wish there was one closer to me, too!

      • Brenda says

        Sorry it took me so long to write back, but I had to find some time to try this again. Per your recommendations I drained the Tofu, and I measured the oz exactly on my scale, I also went and bought high end chocolate bars (its worth the expense imo), and whipped up a second batch, OMG it was soooo much better! I can’t tell there is tofu in it at all. Last time it was a bit grainy which I was worried about this time not grainy at all, no chalky just super chocolaty. Thank you sooo much for the trouble shooting. I really appreciate it!

  61. Lisa O'Brien says

    From my FB page, where I shared a link to this post:

    My admiration and connection (internet, of course) to Katie deepens…appreciate her reminder that this is a season to recommit to thinking of and doing for others — however small or large that may be. No need to fixate on self-oriented dietary or habitual changes when there is so much opportunity to do good.

  62. Katie @ Nutrition in a peanut shell says

    That’s such a good idea! I was never really a fan of giving things up for lent. The original idea was to get closer to God by using the time you’re getting to pray and give back!
    That said, I gave up chocolate once too! I failed most of the way through…those darn eclairs 😉

  63. Samantha says

    You have a beautiful heart! 🙂 I too decided to not give up anything but instead I have decided to give my time to God (which really isn’t giving my time up.) I read a blog once about someone tithing 10% of each day to God which equals 2 hours and 40 minutes. I can’t realistically do that, so I’m tithing 5%. It’s fun (:
    Been loving perusing your site the past couple of days, so glad I stumbled upon it! 🙂 Happy Lent and eat some more chocolate! 😉

  64. Julie says

    Hi, I just found your site and was wondering if you have done a post about how to incorporate regular desserts into a balanced and healthy diet. It’s neat that you are into healthifying desserts, but going out for ice cream on a summer night, eating your grandma’s apple pie, or your mom’s chocolate chip cookies on occasion can be healthy too :).

    • Chocolate-Covered Katie says

      I actually have been meaning to write a post like that for quite a while now. It’s been on my to-write list for… maybe 6 months? I agree with you that having a “perfect” healthy diet 100% of the time in this world would actually probably not be so healthy because of the planning/stress/restrictiveness it’d take to keep up such a diet all the time.
      Hopefully I can get that post written and published sometime before the summer!

  65. Amanda says

    Since going vegan a few years ago, I stopped giving up things for Lent, as well, and try to focus on being a better person. If I give up anything it’s talking about people behind their backs, being critical of others, being selfish, etc. I find that’s much harder to do than giving up sugar!

  66. Dana says

    I just found your site. Your recipes sounds wonderful–I am gluten free due to Celiac’s and I have some other autoimmune issues so I’m looking to eat more naturally. I didn’t give up anything for lent instead I decided to exercise every day for 40 days-I really dislike exercising but know if I can make it 40 days and can keep going.

  67. Crystal says

    I did give up sweets for Lent, and for the first time included chocolate, too (I usually allow myself a couple pieces a day of dark chocolate). I totally agree with you, though!

  68. Ashley says

    Hey Katie,

    I’m actually doing the vegetarian and eventually (you swayed me to attempt it since I’ve been wanting to) veganism. Along with Facebook, which is so addicting and time consuming. Thank you for posting the spaghetti squash. I’m really eliminating processed foods from my diet more and more so pasta is kind of one of them. Thanks for your wealth of information that you provide as well for us new to vegetarian/vegan-ism.

    Ashley

  69. Sarah Euphemia says

    We are Eastern Orthodox and for Lent, Eastern Orthodox as a whole give up all meat and all dairy products although fish is allowed once or twice for special days. Actually, EO do a vegan fast every Wednesday and Friday throughout the year (save a few) and for the 40 days of Advent before Christmas as well. We also have a week here or there throughout the year where we do the same vegan fasting. Giving up meat is the easy part, but oh how I love cheese 🙂

  70. Amy says

    I give up facebook every year, because I get lazy about actually calling and visiting my loved ones if I don’t take breaks! I gave up chocolate twice– I was a crab both years, which I decided was NOT very Christ-like. 😉 I give up facebook because while I love it, the break is good for me. Personally, I don’t think YOU giving up chocolate is good for ANYBODY! 😉 Besides, I need this blog to keep me sane while I can’t read your status …

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