I found a great recipe that calls for dutch processed cocoa and I’ve never used it. Is it different that regular cocoa powder?

Fran in Nashville

What is dutch processed cocoa powder
Cocoa powder is made from chocolate liquor, which is a paste made from the beans in the pods of the cacao tree. The beans are roasted and ground into a paste which is hardened in molds. A large portion of the fat is removed and it’s then pulverized into natural cocoa powder. Dutch processed cocoa powder has an extra step in this process. Before the beans are ground, they are soaked in an alkaline solution. This solution neutralizes much of the acidity normally found in cocoa powder and dutch processed cocoa powder is born.

Dutch Processed Cocoa and Natural Cocoa Powder

What does this mean to the you?
Dutch processed cocoa has a stronger chocolate flavor without the harshness you get from natural cocoa powder. Most cookbooks warn that dutch processed cocoa powder and natural cocoa powder can’t be used interchangeably. The acidity in natural cocoa powder helps leaven baked goods. If you use dutch cocoa powder in a recipe that calls for natural cocoa powder there needs to be some other leavener like baking soda. To be safe, use the type of cocoa that the recipe calls for to get the desired results.

Where can I find dutch processed cocoa?
You should be able to find it at your local grocery stores, but it’s definitely easier to find during the holiday’s.

Check out my recipe for Dulce De Leche Brownies using dutch processed cocoa.

6. Identify several “go-to” options that you can pick up at short notice.  I have a mental list of places that have relatively healthy options for nights when we have no other choice. Alot of grocery stores have precooked meals and premade salads and sides that can be good choices.  

1. Rotissiere chicken can be found and pretty much any grocery store. Publix has several flavors they’re all very tasty.
2. Sam’s and Costco have large premade salads and good hassle free entrees. Check out Costco’s chicken potpie. They also have very reasonably priced pizzas that you can have them bake while you wait or you can bring them home and cook them yourself.
3. Salad bars are getting harder to find these days but there are still a few grocery stores that still have them. Harris Teeter and some Krogers still have have bars with salad and hot soups.
4. Whole Foods has rotating selection of premade organic meals that just need to be heated. They also have killer sushi.
5. Check out meal assembly places like Dinner Afare and Super Suppers for premade dishes that just need to be popped in the oven. These are great for people who don’t have the time or inclination to cook. You can assemble several weeks work of meals in a couple of hours without the hassle of doing the prepwork yourself.

7. Save the elaborate meals for the weekends or nights when you have the time and energy to enjoy making it. I use the KISS (keep if simple stupid) method for busy weeknight meals. This

8. Crock Pot It – A programmable crockpot/slow cooker help you get dinner on the table with minimal work. I was always a little nervous about leaving things cooking all day until I got a crock pot that had a probe and that I could program. Now I don’t have to worry about over or undercooking meats.  Stick the probe in the meat and set the desired internal temperature. The crock pot will automatically shift to “keep warm” mode when that temperature is reached. You can do whole chickens, roasts, stews, and lots of other things with a good crock pot.

9. Be open minded about what’s appropriate for dinner. Breakfast for dinner is always a big hit at my house and can be prepared relatively quickly.

10. Keep a well stocked pantry – Keep things like canned beans, canned tomatoes, rice, couscous, good condiments (soy sauce, dijon mustard, worcesteshire sauce, etc) and chicken broth on hand. Throwing together a quick meal is much easier when you don’t have to worry about running to the grocery store.