We all know camping is s’more fun then lots of other activities, but if you have a real sweet tooth and a love for chocolate, Hickory Hollow Campground will surely measure up to your sweetness level this weekend. Camping alone is sweet enough, but when you add some chocolate, some fun activities, and some willing participants, your experience may be just as awesome as munching on your favorite candy bar. The weekend kicks off with a fundraising duck race with the proceeds going toward the memorial fund of Tika, Cory, and Baby Tucker. Then it’s all hands in the candy, when you get a chance to create your own rendition of a yummy chocolate bar.
It’s no secret that camping and the outdoors is great for your health, but for campers, eating chocolate every day in not only acceptable, it’s also great for your wellbeing.
- Chocolate can be good for your heart- outdoor activities can get your heart pumping, but eating a small amount of chocolate can reduce your risk of heart disease.
- Chocolate prevents liver damage- when you over indulge in alcohol, eat some dark chocolate to improve blood flow to the liver.
- Chocolate boosts good cholesterol-reward yourself with some dark chocolate after a long weekend of eating camp food to lower your LDL over time.
- Chocolate is known for its psychological and emotional support benefits- think chocolate chip cookies after a busy day setting up the RV or playing at the pool.
- Chocolate can protect your skin from sunburn -research found that women who drank hot chocolate fortified with flavonoids for three months were less effected by UV rays.
- Chocolate boosts brain power- after a long weekend camping, eating chocolate can improve your cognitive performance on a Monday morning.
- Chocolate makes for a great breakfast treat – think chocolate croissants, or chocolate chip pancakes cooked over the open griddle on a Saturday morning.
- Chocolate can liven up your barbecue – try a chocolate beer barbecue sauce.
- Chocolate fudge can help you relax after a hot day at the pool when drizzled over your favorite ice cream flavor.
- Chocolate is a great way to bond with your kids – adults are encouraged to make a candy bar this weekend alongside your kids.
Recipe for Smokin’ Chocolate Beer Barbecue Sauce:
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/3 cup finely minced onion
2 large garlic cloves, finely minced
1/3 cup soy sauce
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup Chocolate Stout Beer, pumpkin ale, or any dark beer
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 ½ ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips
In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat the oil. Add onion and cook until nearly soft, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add all remaining ingredients, lower heat and cook/simmer until thickened about 15-25 minutes. Great served over pork tenderloin.
Remember, it’s the sweet simple things of life which are the real ones after all. Happy camping all you chocolate lovers.
Hickory Hollow Campground Blog 