All About Belgian Chocolate-Dipped Marshmallows

Chocolates have been popular for centuries, and people still love them. Almost everyone loves these delicious candies. Even dieters will sneak a piece or two when they think no one's looking. One popular type of chocolate confection is Belgian chocolate-dipped marshmallows.

Chocolate has a long history. It originated as a sacred drink in Meso-America, only affordable by the very rich. Cocoa beans were an important part of the Aztec monetary system. That means that people who drank chocolate were literally eating money. While no one uses chocolate for money today, it's still a cherished treat for many people. Some consider chocolate to be the best candy there is.

Many countries are proud of their particular chocolates. For instance, what's now called Belgian chocolate started out as a secret recipe, passed down among Spanish aristocrats. This chocolate originally started out as a drink, but was later made into solid form. Now, it's used in many types of Belgian chocolates, including Belgian chocolate-dipped marshmallows. You can also get fruit, nuts, and cookies with a Belgian chocolate coating.

Belgian chocolates are some of the highest quality (and most expensive) chocolate confections. However, there are plenty of affordable Belgian chocolate candies, too, so that everyone can try these wonderful treats. Some chocolates have an extra kick - a liqueur center that gives them a little something special.

Many chocolate lovers say that Belgian chocolate is the best. These well made little treats are so good that almost anyone who tries them wants to eat more. Many famous chocolatiers use Belgian chocolate, including Godiva and others who make some of the world's best chocolate. Some people have even traveled all the way to Belgium to be sure they can enjoy the best that country has to offer.

Chocolate is a great thing to give people you love. If you're thinking about a present for a spouse, relative, or someone else you care about, consider giving fine Belgian chocolates. You can be sure that this excellent gift will be appreciated to the fullest. There's even a rumor (for lovebirds who give chocolate) that this treat is also an aphrodisiac.

While fine Belgian chocolate-dipped marshmallows and other candies might seem expensive, you'll think they're worth it after you taste them. Look in your local fine candy stores, or go online to find a specialty shop that offers the chocolate you're after. If you can't find a store that carries good Belgian chocolate in your area, take a look on the Internet, and see what's available. You can have these great chocolates arrive at your door with just a few clicks of the mouse.

Online shopping for chocolate allows you to take advantage of specialty shops' excellent selections, as well as special promotions. Online sellers often have the ability to offer the same product for less, and may include special free offers that you can't get anywhere else.

Mastering The Challenges Of Chocolate Candy Making

The art of chocolate candy making has been employed for many years to entice those people who love sweets. An individual has the ability to make perfect chocolate candy if they only give it a try.

Sometimes, however, problems can come up that can affect even the most experienced candy maker. A good chocolate candy maker can end up with a bad batch of sweet things, however they will continue to try to produce the best candy that they are able to.

Ensure Dry Chocolate Mold

Some of the common problems that may occur in chocolate candy making has primarily to do with molded candy. One of the initial things you must do when you are using molds is to ensure that they are totally dry prior to adding the chocolate.

When molds are not completely dry, white markings may occur because water has become trapped inside. Some other issues are cracks within the chocolate when it gets too cold, or the chocolate candies end up being dulled when they get out of the mold. This is ordinarily caused because the chocolate is not properly tempered before pouring in the chocolate candy molds.

Effective Chocolate Tempering

One of the major issues when it comes to producing chocolate is tempering. Tempering is when the chocolate is heated so that it will melt. If a person making chocolate tempers at too high a temperature, the result would likely be the chocolate becoming crystallized causing hard sugar crystals to take form.

This will create chaos and then you will most likely throw the chocolate away which is now burned away. Other issues dealing with tempering are gray streaks and blooming. You can learn more about tempering and the best ways to keep the chocolate experience going as smoothly as possible by visiting the baking911 website can be helpful. Candy making 101 is a definite source for those who wish to avoid major errors when creating their unique, chocolate candies gifts, such as white chocolate candy or perhaps dark chocolate candy.

Chocolate candy making has been around for many generations. The people of ancient history created savory treats they believed were exclusively reserved for the gods. Good chocolate candies, can be difficult to do if you are a novice and unsure of how to cope with setbacks in the kitchen.

Nevertheless, by understanding the problems that might arise, an individual can make the best gourmet chocolate candy that they are able to on the first try, but as the saying goes, you must try and try again until you succeed.

Dark Chocolate - Dark Secrets?

Is there a dark secret to dark chocolate? The health benefits of dark chocolate is in the news. Here is what some people are saying. Dark Chocolate contains Flavonoids. Flavonoids are pigments found in plants that act as antioxidants to help reduce damage to your body. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which damage cells, clog arteries and contribute to chronic illness and aging. Antioxidants are found in dark chocolate.

Free radicals are cells that have lost an electron, thus are unstable cells. These free radicals basically steal electrons from other cells in an effort to heal themselves, ultimately creating new free radicals in the process. By stealing electrons, it can cause damage to DNA, leading to the possible development of cancer. Antioxidants search for these free radicals and lend them an electron. This stabilizes the molecule, thus preventing damage to other cells. Antioxidants also turn free radicals into waste by products, and they eventually get eliminated from the body. They also have the ability to repair previous damage to cells.

Chocolate is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables. Dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants (nearly 8 times the number found in strawberries). Flavonoids also help relax blood pressure through the production of nitric oxide, and balance certain hormones in the body.

Dark chocolate is good for your heart. A small amount of it everyday can help keep your heart and cardiovascular system running well. Two heart health benefits of dark chocolate are:

Lower Blood Pressure: Studies have shown that consuming a small amount of dark chocolate everyday can reduce blood pressure in individuals with high blood pressure.


Lower Cholesterol: Dark chocolate has also been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) by up to 10 percent.

Other Benefits of Dark Chocolate:

Chocolate also holds benefits apart from protecting your heart:

it tastes good

it stimulates endorphin production, which gives a feeling of pleasure

it contains serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant

it contains theobromine, caffeine and other substances which are stimulants

Doesn't Chocolate Have a lot of Fat?:

Here is some more good news -- some of the fats in chocolate do not impact your cholesterol. The fats in chocolate are 1/3 oleic acid, 1/3 stearic acid and 1/3 palmitic acid:

Oleic Acid is a healthy monounsaturated fat that is also found in olive oil.

Stearic Acid is a saturated fat but one which research is shows has a neutral effect on cholesterol.

Palmitic Acid is also a saturated fat, one which raises cholesterol and heart disease risk.

That means only 1/3 of the fat in dark chocolate is bad for you.

So does dark chocolate have a dark secret? You decide. As with all things you eat, it is always wise to do so in moderation.

Crazy Chocolate Clusters

These chocolate clusters are sweet, chocolaty, have a delicious peanut buttery taste, and with only 4 ingredients plus no bake directions why wouldn't you just love these little clusters! These chocolate clusters have been around since the 1940's and even to this day they are as popular as ever.

These bite size snacks are convenient for any occasion; whether it be a party, an afternoon snack, or the perfect solution to the midnight munchies. This is also a great kid-friendly recipe. These chocolate clusters only take a few moments to make, so what's there to lose? Go on, get in the kitchen!

INGREDIENTS:

1 (6-ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate morsels
1 (6-ounce) package butterscotch morsels
2 tablespoons peanut butter
4 cups Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal

DIRECTIONS:

1) Melt chocolate morsels, butterscotch morsels and peanut butter together in top section of a double boiler over hot but not boiling water or in heavy saucepan over very low heat, stirring constantly until well blended. Remove from heat. Add Rice Krispies; stir until well coated.

2) Drop by level measuring-tablespoon onto waxed paper or buttered baking sheets. Let stand in cool place until firm; makes about 4 dozen crazy chocolate clusters, 1-1/2 inches in diameter.

3) *optional* you may also press the mixture into buttered 9 by 9 by 2-inch square pan. Cut into squares when firm. Yields 3 dozen 1-1/2 by 1-1/2-inch crazy chocolate clusters.

Once your clusters are firm, they are complete. When they cool off, gather your friends, and then it is time to enjoy. So push up your sleeves and dig right in. These crazy chocolate clusters are a guaranteed winning recipe!

MMMM - Chocolate Truffles - A Chocolate Lovers Dream

The term chocolate truffles evoke a visual image of pure decadence. You can almost imagine the commercial with a woman slowly biting into a chocolate truffle savoring the flavor while sitting on the beach under an umbrella.

What is a chocolate truffle?

A chocolate truffle is a chocolate confection in a round, conical, or curved shape. It is usually coated in cocoa or chocolate, but could be covered in nuts or coconut. The truffle is filled with a variety of fillings such as cream, caramel, nuts, berries, and liquor with the most common being a chocolate ganache.

A ganache refers to a filling for pastries. It is generally made from heavy cream that is heated and poured over dark chocolate. The mixture is stirred until smooth and can be enhanced by a liquor or extract. It should be two parts chocolate to one part cream.

What types of truffles are available?

There are three types of truffles available: American, European, and Swiss truffles. These types vary by ingredient, and length of storage life.

American truffles are shaped like half an egg and are covered by chocolate. They contain a mixture of dark and milk chocolate with butter fat and/or hardened coconut oil. A Canadian version includes graham cracker and peanut butter.

The European truffle is made with a cocoa powder and syrup. It also contains milk powder and fat.

The Swiss truffle is made with dairy cream and butter combined with melted chocolate. These types of truffles have a very short shelf life.

Can I make this at home?

Chocolate truffles are not difficult to make but is not for the beginning chef. The most important thing to remember when making truffles is to use exactly the chocolate called for in the recipe and to buy the very best chocolate you can find as this directly affects the taste. You should also use the highest quality cream.

The most challenging part of making chocolate truffles is forming the ganache base. The base of chocolate and cream can be enhanced with butter and egg yolks and can be flavored with anything from champagne to liquor to extract. Keep in mind that the ganache will need to chill for several hours before being formed into truffles. The truffle can be shaped using a knife, two spoons, or a pastry bag. Of course, you can always just scoop some out and form truffles with your hand. When using the two teaspoons, you scoop out a portion of ganache and use the second teaspoon to help roll into a ball. Whatever method you use to form the truffles, you will need time to form the truffles so keep that in mind when allocating time to make them.

Once the base is formed, you can just simply roll truffle in cocoa powder or you can cover it with chocolate. This is a traditional truffle. You can also roll the chocolate truffle in nuts, sprinkles, shaved chocolate, or coconut or any other topping you prefer. Now you are ready to impress your friends with homemade chocolate truffles.

Good For You Healthy Chocolate

Good for you Chocolate? Yes, there is such a thing! There is a healthy chocolate that a company has brought to the market that is, believe it or not, healthy for you.

XOCAI - THE COMPANY

Xocai is a division of MXI Corp and is located in Reno Nevada. The driving force behind the development of this healthy brand of chocolate, Xocai, and the head of MXI is Jeanette Brooks. Jeanette happens to have diabetes so therefore is quite serious about producing natural products of the highest quality.

XOCAI - THE PRODUCTS

Xocai chocolate products include: -X Powerhouse Cookie; -Chocolate Nuggets; -Protein Bars; -X Power Squares; -Xocai Activ; -Omega Bars Cacao is the main ingredient in the products listed above and Xocai uses a very unique method when preparing their products: the cacao is cold pressed instead of heated. By using this cold pressed process, the antioxidant value is retained where in heating the cacao 80% of the antioxidant value is lost. The company uses only unprocessed cacao powder, the Acai berry and blueberry in their products.

XOCAI - THE BENEFITS

Xocai chocolate products have a tremendously high ORAC value (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity). ORAC helps combat free radicals and also helps to prevent oxidative damage. The daily intake of ORAC recommended by the USDA is 3,000 to 5,000 ORAC. If you were to eat a Xocai Chocolate Nugget, you would be getting 3,120 ORAC or if you were to eat one X Power Cookie, which contains 11,115 ORAC, you would be receiving the same ORAC value as if you were to consume 3 lbs of spinach, 3 lbs of raspberries or 13 lbs of tomatoes! Flavonoids are plant based antioxidants which help the cells in our bodies fight the damage caused by free radicals and Xocia chocolate products are rich in flavonoid. For example, if you were to eat one X Power Cookie, you would have fulfilled your daily requirement of flavonoids.

XOCAI - THE DIFFERENCE

Chocolate that you would normally purchase in stores today are chocked full of processed cocoa powder, sugars, preservatives, fats & fillers. Yes these chocolates may taste good but they are horrible for your body. Now Xocai chocolate products are loaded with fiber and full of antioxidants. They are also low in fat and calories and most of Xocai chocolates are also quite suitable for vegetarians, vegans and even diabetics. Xocai chocolate consumers are reporting wonderful testimonials from drops in cholesterol and blood pressure levels to decreases in inflammation and stability with insulin levels. Not to mention, it takes great!

XOCAI - HEALTHY CHOCOLATE

Is there such a thing as Healthy Chocolate? Xocai has has done it. Trying it to see if it benefits you means you get to eat chocolate.

Eat Chocolate and Look Younger!

Chocolate as an anti-aging technique, is this some type of joke? Nope! The facts are in chocolate is bursting with antioxidants. An antioxidant is a molecule capable of slowing or preventing the oxidation of other molecules. The chemical reaction of oxidation can produce free radicals, which start a chain reaction of cell damage. Antioxidants actually stop these negative chain reactions. Many fresh fruits and vegetables have a high quantity of antioxidants, but pure raw chocolate is chocked full of flavonoids, which are some of the most powerful antioxidants on earth.

There is a trick to the chocolate though, you have to eat it raw. Now you are wondering, what is raw chocolate? Well, it helps to start from the beginning. Until recently I never really took much thought about where chocolate comes from. I just figured it came from the Hershey chocolate factory. But there is in fact a "chocolate tree." The tree was named Theobroma cacao, in Latin that means 'food of the gods.' Well, this 'food of the gods" is actually cacao beans. They grow on the tree. Some people call them nuts, but they are actually seeds. Once you remove the skin you have the cacao or chocolate. Now, before you roast it, process it, and load it with refined sugar -that is raw chocolate.

Heating the cacao beans kills most of the antioxidants and other minerals and vitamins in the chocolate. In order to preserve the nutrients the beans must be dried at a low temperature, typically below 120 degrees. Then they can be enjoyed whole as nibs (the bean with the skin removed), in bits, or as a powder.

Raw cacao has a bitter flavor like dark chocolate. Some enjoy it just like that. Others prefer to sweeten it by blending it with other natural ingredients like fruit or honey. I prefer it mixed into a fruit smoothie with other raw, fresh fruits.

Any way you enjoy it raw cacao is one of the most, if not the most, nutrient rich and complex foods known to man. Loaded with antioxidants, it neutralizes free radicals-rogue oxygen molecules that can accelerate aging and the problems that come with it. So to help you look younger, feel younger, and live longer -eat chocolate it is important to your health. Visit your local health food store and pick up some organic, raw chocolate today!

Chocolate - Soul Food!

Indulging in your favorite sweet treat is an experience treasured and enjoyed by many. Everyone has their own different and specific favorite treat. However, most anyone will agree that chocolate ranks right up there on their list.

For centuries, chocolate has been seen as a delicacy. It used to be that only the wealthy could afford such enjoyment. Nowadays, there is temptation of a chocolate treat lurking around every corner. From the aisles at the convenience store or supermarket, to the pan of brownies on the kitchen counter, chocolate is readily available at every turn.

Chocolate is soul food. Not only good for the soul, but also therapeutic. Most people have a treasured memory to go along with their favorite treat. Chocolate is no different. From licking the bowl of chocolate chip cookies as a child, to sitting and chatting with a loved one over a piece of chocolate cake, memories have been made while eating chocolate.

While chocolate is good for your taste buds and your soul, it may also be good for your health. What better news could there be?

When it comes to your health, dark chocolate is definitely the most nutritionally sound. This is due to its high content of cocoa. From the cocoa brings other helpful benefits such as flavonoids, antioxidants, and a high ORAC value. Essentially what these healthy properties equate to are to assist you in fighting the free radicals that lead to heart attacks, cancer, and strokes.

All of these properties work together to give you a food that is literally good for your soul. Eating a moderate amount of dark chocolate can help to lower your blood pressure, bad LDL cholesterol, and increase your mood. Chocolate has natural properties that help to increase the serotonin level in your brain, thus increasing your general mood.

With all of these added benefits, chocolate is not only good for your soul, but also good for you. So enjoy your delectable treats and know that you're giving your body added benefits.

Warning - Eating This Chocolate Will Better Your Health!

Who doesn't love chocolate? Well there are some but for the majority of us with a sweet tooth we just can't resist that second, third (is there any need to go on?) bar of that lovely, creamy, succulent chocolate. The chances of feeling guilty after eating those lovely bars of chocolate are quite high.

We all know how difficult it is to find great quality chocolate that is not only low in fat and sugar, but low in carbs and made with natural sweetener. The chocolate also contains what is known as Inulin. Inulin is a dietary fiber that is a pre-biotic. This means it is good for your body on the inside and the outside. It helps digestion and promotes good health throughout.

So, just because you want a low carb, low calorie diet doesn't mean you have to miss out on all the good stuff. We make all of our chocolate with real cocoa butter and it is packed full with fiber-rich Inulin. Even if you are not on a diet, what better way is there to have a treat without having all the guilt that goes along with it?

I happened to find a place where none of the chocolate contains maltitol and is truly delicious and nutritious to boot. They use Erythritol and not maltitol, the chocolate will not cause you any stomach distress as it is easily digestible, sweet and so tasty.

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is from naturally derived sources, it looks and tastes just like normal sugar, but it is much better for your overall health and weight. It is a sugar alcohol that is made from plants or starches. It can be found in grapes, in mushrooms, in cheese, wine, beer and many more sources. It doesn't upset digestive systems and is gentle on your body. Erythritol contains almost zero sugar and helps assist a healthy and low calorie diet.

The place I'm talking about is a PA based firm . Their chocolate is so appetizing, just looking at the pictures will make your mouth water. They ensure you will be satisfied with our chocolate as it is made with love and care. You can have any of these melting in your mouth in both milk chocolate and dark chocolate.

So even if you love chocolate and can't bear to give it up while you are on a diet or looking to eat healthier, theirs an answer to your problems. If you love chocolate the way they do, do check out their specials. Enjoy this amazing and succulent chocolate without any of the guilt or despair afterwards.

Life is too short to cut out what we love to eat, that is why one should go out and pamper yourself with a little indulgence of chocolate. You won't have to sacrifice your health or your love of chocolate.

How To Make Your Wedding Chocolate Cake Special

Your wedding is going to be one of the best days of your life and it should be memorable for everyone. Why not make it extra special with an amazing caterer that will go beyond everyone else. Go ahead and get an ultra special favor, place card, save the date cards or anything you desire, all personalized for your wedding. The best thing is they all can be done out of chocolate! Not only that but you place an image of your choice on a candy bar, on a cookie or lollipop and they will be 100 percent edible.

I recently went to a wedding where the cake, the placecard, the date cards, all were made out of chocolates and looked so special. Everything was crafted with the utmost care and attention and not only that, everything seemed to be made with love.

The provider for the wedding was a PA based chocolate firm that personalizes in making delicious tasting chocolate especially for weddings. They even make chocolates with edible images. These would make amazing favors for the guests. No, these aren't keepsakes; though I'm not sure how long one would keep them for long as they taste so amazing.

What about having some personalized chocolate lollipops for your wedding? You can put the picture of your choice along with your wedding date or any message that you wish. Put them in a beautiful gift bag, so not only they look great but taste spectacular!

Why not add something different to your wedding and have chocolate place cards for your guests. They are 100 percent edible and they are not only the sweetest thing to look at, they are also the sweetest thing to taste! Plus you are saving money since the place cards act as the favor too. You can even put the guest's names and table numbers on each card.

For the people who love Oreos and I know there are a lot of you, you can also make special photo chocolate covered Oreos. They can be put in a gorgeous gift box and they are a delight to eat. If you want to give someone that extra special gift at your wedding, then you can do individual chocolate covered Oreos with a photo and personalization.

You don't have to just use these special chocolates for your actual wedding day. Why not use them for a bridal shower or maybe even a bachelorette or bachelor party. Your limits are endless.

If you and your guests want truly delicious and edible treats for any special occasion then chocolate is the way to go. You could even announce your engagement on r special chocolate gifts. It doesn't matter if you have guests that prefer white chocolate to dark, or maybe they are a milk chocolate lover. You can cater for all needs and offer special low carb and low calorie chocolate in milk and dark.

You may wonder how much all of this is going to cost you! Well there is no need to worry, there are lots of places that offer all the above at low prices so everyone is able to enjoy the great taste and flavor of chocolate.

Eat Chocolate and Lose Weight?

Eat chocolate and lose weight, yes I said it! In the same sentence even. Chocolate lovers are going to be delighted to hear that there is now a new product on the market that not only tastes heavenly but you just may lose a few pounds from eating it too!

It is no surprise that dark chocolate is healthy for you. Everybody is talking about it. It is all over the news and I am sure that you have seen the stories and read the articles that dark chocolate is indeed good for you. Dark chocolate has been found to lower blood pressure. In addition, the antioxidant content has been found to help in the fight against heart disease. But don't go grabbing for that Hershey's Bar or even a Godiva Bar just yet. The chocolate that you buy in the stores is laden with fats, fillers and waxes and even though the experts say to eat 70% cacao it is only best when eaten in moderation... right??? Not anymore.

Now there is a chocolate that not only is healthy for you but you can eat 3 times a day guilt free. This chocolate is gluten free, vegetarian/vegan and diabetic friendly. It is called Xocai (Sho-sigh) and is pure, unadulterated cacao. You can't get better than this!

Xocai is a division of MXI Corp. and is based in Reno, Nevada. They have brought to market an all-natural, pure form of cacao that maintains its nutritional value through the manufacturing process. Rather than heat the cacao, it is cold pressed. This allows the dark chocolate to maintain its healthful properties. This is a grave comparison to traditional chocolate that typically loses about 80% of the antioxidants during the manufacturing process.

Xocai's products deliver extraordinary levels of antioxidants and other important phytonutrients without adding all the extra fats, fillers, refined sugar, milk or caffeine...all which are added in your typical "chocolates".

The secret to the Xocai chocolate is in the company's approach to making chocolate. They aren't trying to make candy. Their objective is to create the most powerful, antioxidant-rich products available today and to make them in such a way that you actually look forward to being healthy! That's what MXI is all about...delivering the best tasting and healthiest chocolate available anywhere for any price.

One piece of Xocai's antioxidant rich chocolate is equivalent to 10-12 servings of fruits and vegetables in antioxidants. Wow! Not to mention that it is a natural appetite suppressant and an anti-inflammatory. Who knew chocolate could be so good for you?

With new scientific studies showing dark chocolate and raw cacao's ability to help stabilize blood sugar, it only makes sense that the right kind of chocolate can help those looking to lose weight. And that's only the beginning of what research is saying about the health benefits of chocolate.

Chocolate Eggs And Bunnies Make Easter Special

Easter is one of the most fondly celebrated holy festivals of Christians. It is the sacred celebration for Christ's rebirth. Churches all over are decorated with flowers and filled with worshippers. Earlier Easter was celebrated on separate days of the week. Then later on a rule was issued, which stated that Easter shall be celebrated on a Sunday, between March 22 and April 25. So, the first Sunday which comes after the first full moon following March 21 is celebrated as 'Easter'. That Easter Sunday marks the end of lent, a 40 day period of fasting and prayers.

Symbols of Easter

There are many symbols associated with Easter- such as eggs, rabbits, chicks, and lilies. The Easter Bunny or the Easter Rabbit is a popular image of the holiday. Rabbits are known as the most fertile, as of which they are marked as important symbol of the festival. The first kind of Easter bunnies were made of pastry and sugar. However today, the Bunny is often made from chocolate and given to children in celebration of the Easter Bunny.

Another popular symbol of the festival is Easter egg. Egg is considered as a symbol for new life. So during the fasting period, Christians gave up the eating of egg, and resumes it on the Easter day. To add glory to the festival, eggs are dyed up and colored and decorated with other fancy items. Chocolate eggs are most popular and favorite amongst children. The chocolate eggs come in all sizes, from small bite size to the worlds biggest 8.32m huge egg made in Belgium. Hollow chocolate eggs often contain treats such as toys for the kids.

Similarly chicks also represent new life and re-birth.

Lilies are used to decorate the holy cross. The white color of lily depicts the purity.

Celebrations

Being an important festival, lots of preparations are done in order to make it a grand one. The atmosphere turns joyous. Churches are lit up with candles and decorated with flowers. People visit each other and exchange cards, flowers and gifts especially chocolates in the shapes of bunnies and eggs. At certain places parties are also organized. The festival marks the beginning of new life symbolizing joy and happiness of the spring season.

White Chocolate - The Creation Of The Swiss, The Americans Delight

When cocoa butter is used without the use of cocoa solids, one can make a type of chocolate regarded as white chocolate that also has milk solids and sugar, lecithin as well as some flavoring that the majority of the time is often vanilla.

The use of cocoa butter is essential to maintain the chocolate as a solid during room temperature, and also helps it to melt rather easily when eaten. White chocolates are very much like other chocolates in texture but the taste is basically different and it also is different in that it does not have caffeine.

After The First World War The Swiss Created It

The first known occurrence of white chocolate being created was way back after the First World War had ended and the Swiss discovered it. In the United States, Herbert's Candies were the first major company to discover it though they had observed it being created in Europe a year earlier.

The popularity of this chocolate increased greatly after it was sold in 1984 in America, when the Nestle Alpine White chocolate bar which contained white chocolate, and chopped almonds, greatly fascinated the American public.

White chocolate contains no cocoa mass or cocoa solids, and so is not thought to be a true chocolate in various countries. In the United States. it should have a minimum of twenty percent of the total weight of the chocolate product to be cocoa butter, and fourteen percent should be a total of milk solids.

The sweeteners should have less than fifty-five percent of sugar. There are also various types of white chocolates that are made with vegetable fat and are not derivatives of cocoa. The difference is that the former is white in color while the latter is colored in ivory.

Distinctions Between Dark and White Chocolate

There are certain qualities that separate white chocolate from regular chocolates because true chocolate will have fine-grained roasted cocoa beans while white chocolate does not have any cocoa solids and is technically coated with white confectionary. There is fundamentally not much of a difference in making white chocolate, milk chocolates, as well as dark chocolates.

The main point of difference lies in the ingredients that are used. There are also some challenges faced in making this kind of chocolate, including when one melts it, the cocoa butter might split and produce oily compounds that are not able to be recovered, and therefore must be thrown away.

White chocolate may be employed in decorating milk or dark chocolate confectionary items as well as in other ways as desired by the maker. The advantage of this kind of chocolate is that the cocoa butter utilized is a very stable fat that has numerous antioxidants that can stop rancidity as well as increase storage life. In addition to being delicious, this kind of chocolate indeed has numerous benefits.

Healthy Dark Chocolate - Myth Or Miracle?

Have we really overlooked an age-old health remedy and missed out on the benefits of pure dark chocolate? Most people laugh either with pleasure or disbelief when they first hear about healthy chocolate; however, most skeptics soon become converted when they are shown the research being compiled from sources across the world.

If the research does not completely win the skeptic, the personal testimonies of the customers are sure to do the trick.

Studies have shown that some of the benefits of taking Healthy Chocolate (pure cocoa) may include:

* Improved Nutrition - Unprocessed dark chocolate standardized for potency and purity is an excellent replacement for other candies (including white and milk chocolate)
* High Fiber - Healthy chocolate contains fiber, which aids the body's digestive system carrying proper nutrients and eliminating wastes
* Lower Bad Cholesterol - Studies on dark chocolate also showed an average 13% drop on levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol
* Weight Loss - A recent study from Japanese researchers found that cocoa acts as an appetite suppressant with potential mood and energy elevating chemicals, which contribute to weight loss
* Antioxidant Benefits to Scavenge Free Radicals -Healthy chocolate (cocoa) has an impressive ORAC and contains 25 times the antioxidants of grapes
* Healthy Heart & Reduced Blood Pressure - In a recent study, participants enjoyed * a twelve-point reduction in systolic (top) blood pressure. Dark chocolate improved the health of blood vessels in study participants by making arteries more relaxed and responsive
* Improved Insulin Levels - The measurement of sensitivity (predisposition to diabetes) was also improved in patients
* Increased supply of crucial minerals - A high magnesium intake is shown to lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, and osteoporosis
* Relief from Inflammation - Healthy chocolate is high in antioxidants, which relieve inflammation and protect against radiation. A growing body of research shows that chronic inflammation is strongly linked to various conditions ranging from cancer and cardiovascular disease to diabetes and dementia
* Body Cleanse - Cocoa has enjoyed centuries of use as a food staple and in folk medicine to cleanse and detoxify the body
* Improved Mental Health - Several studies have shown that cocoa may help protect the brain and improve cognitive functioning
* Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Studies suggest that essential fatty acids like omega-3 fatty acids can help improve brain function, protect against inflammation, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and promote immune function
* Sense of Well-Being - Various chemicals found in cocoa create a sense of happiness and well-being. Some research suggests that healthy chocolate consumption can increase dopamine and serotonin activity in the brain

The proof is there and growing evidence strongly supports the benefits of eating healthy chocolate.

Healthy Chocolate And Heart Health

More Americans die each year from heart disease than any other cause, it is the number one killer disease in the US and parts of Europe. According to the American Heart Association, nearly 2,500 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day, an average of one death every 35 seconds.

There is a surprising new source of heart support, and more and more medical studies are showing that the incredible effect of raw, cold processed cacao beans, the beans used in healthy chocolate, give tremendous support to the cardiovascular system in various ways.

What Can Cocoa Do For My Heart?

A 2006 study from a joint team of researchers from the University of California-Davis and the University of Dusseldorf in Germany ascertained that the compound epicatechin found in cocoa is directly linked to improved circulation and other hallmarks of cardiovascular function. The researchers explained that the relaxation response observed in the blood vessels of the subjects was mediated by nitric oxide (NO), a key signal released by the inner lining of blood vessels (the endothelium). Because the vessels are able to relax and become less stiff, they are less susceptible to clotting, blockage and risk of high blood pressure. (1)

Cesar G. Fraga of the University of Buenos Aires recently demonstrated a rise of chocolate-derived procyanidins in the blood of men and women who had just eaten cocoa-based foods. His team found that blood sampled two hours after cocoa consumption protected its circulating lipids from oxidation. The more chocolate they ate, the better the protection. (2)

Nutritionist Carl L. Keen of the University of California-Davis says that prostacyclins are naturally occurring compounds that inhibit platelet clotting, reduce risk of thrombosis and blood vessel constriction, and prevent the oxidation of LDL (the "bad" cholesterol), as well as its entry into the blood vessel walls, where it can result in inflammation. Keen's study, published in a 2005 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that the procyanidin and flavonol content of cocoa again demonstrated significant antioxidant properties and the ability to protect the heart and vascular system. (3)

If you have high blood pressure, a daily serving of flavonol-rich dark chocolate might lower your blood pressure, researchers report in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association. (4) "Previous studies suggest flavonoid-rich foods - including fruits, vegetables, tea, red wine, and chocolate - might offer cardiovascular benefits, but this is one of the first clinical trials to look specifically at dark chocolate's effect on lowering blood pressure among people with hypertension," said one of the authors of the study. The findings also prompted the researchers to recommend that flavonoid-rich foods should be part of an overall healthy diet, and dark chocolate should be part of that effort.

The More Cocoa, the Better

When it comes to the health benefits ascribed to chocolate, they're almost exclusively related to the dark, bittersweet-tasting chocolate and to products with a cocoa content of 60% or more. Because healthy polyphenols are found in the cocoa bean but not in the milk, cream, sugar, waxes, fillers, fats and preservatives that are often added to chocolate, the darker the chocolate the better. It's also important to preserve chocolate's antioxidant properties and avoid "Dutch process" and alkalinization. Similarly, because heat can destroy cocoa's polyphenols, choose cocoa beans that have been cold-pressed.

Beyond those caveats, enjoy chocolate and keep your heart healthy!

(1) Schroeter H, et al. - Epicatechin mediates beneficial effects of flavanol rich cocoa on vascular function in humans. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2006 Jan 24;103(4):1024-9

(2) Engler M, et al.Flavonoid-rich dark chocolate improves endothelial function and increases plasma epicatechin concentrations in healthy adults. J AM Coll Nutr. 2004 Jun;23(3):197-204

(3) Keen CL et al. Cocoa antioxidants and cardiovascular health. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Jan;81(1Suppl):2985-303S

(4) Baba, S, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Mar;85(3):709-17

(Information herein is NOT intended as medical advice. No therapeutic or medical claims are either implied or made. DO NOT ALTER ANY MEDICAL TREATMENT, OR THE USE OF MEDICATIONS, WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF YOUR MEDICAL CARE PROVIDER. FDA regulations prohibit the use of therapeutic or medical claims in conjunction with the sale of any product not approved by the FDA.)

Health Benefits of Chocolate

It is rumored in some quarters that chocolate is unhealthy. It is said the high-calorie contents will add to excess body fat and clog arteries. There is good news for chocolate lovers! Chocolate in moderation has many health benefits.

Chocolate is so delicious that it is hard to believe it has any kind of health benefit. Yet in chocolate there are vitamins essential for our body's proper functioning. The same chocolate that has a delicious velvety texture also contains calcium, potassium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E. And this is not the full extent of it. Eating chocolate may help reduce the risk of heart disease. High blood pressure is lessened as well because the cocoa in chocolate contains flavonoids.

These flavonoids help to keep fat from clogging the arteries. This is a great thing for those who worry about blood clots. Flavonoids also have antioxidants, which are linked to wonderful health effects like reduced cancer risk.

Chocolate also contains nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps maintain blood pressured and a healthy heart. There is a lot of research being done to strengthen and understand this link. The chocolate benefits do not stop there. Studies show the blood thinning effects are similar to that of a low dose of aspirin. This contributes to free flowing blood less likely to clot. (But chocolate should not be considered a substitute for aspirin which has a longer lasting effect.)

In addition to blood and heart benefits many find that eating chocolate increases positive aspects of their day. Alertness and happiness are increased and many find a pain reducing benefit as well. Theobromine, caffeine, tyramine, and phenylethylamine (also found in chocolate) can reduce fatigue and give people the extra boost they need to get through the day. There are even cannabinoids that give people a sort of safe and happy feeling.

The antioxidant research is probably what wins most people over to the health benefits of chocolate. These antioxidants help to stop the effects of free radicals. Antioxidants can also be found in many fruits and vegetables.

The evidence cited above does not mean that everyone should eat buckets full of chocolate. Depending on how it is prepared, it can be high in fat and calories and lead to an ever-expanding waistline. Even so, the benefits speak for themselves!

Finding health in a food that has always been deemed as "junk" is quite refreshing. There are many who will be thrilled at the news that their beloved treat can increase heart health and possibly even add years to life. Go eat a nice bar of dark chocolate to celebrate!

Chocolate Addiction and Homeopathy

Chocolate is made from the seeds of the tropical Cacao tree, Theoboma Cacao. The Aztecs used the bean as currency, and European explorers brought it back to the western world in the early 16th century. But why do we love it and why do we crave it?

Chocolate today contains a large proportion of fat and sugar which may go some way to explaining chocolate cravings, especially if you have an inherited 'sweet tooth'. But there is more to it than that. In fact, chocolate contains over 300 different chemicals and not a lot is known about the effect that each of these may have alone or in combination.

Here are 3 facts about Chocolate that might surprise you:

When scientists measured brain activity in people eating chocolate they found that there was increased blood flow to the areas of the brain that are also activated when cocaine is taken!

Chocolate contains the same 'happy chemicals' found in some recreational drugs such as ecstasy!


It contains a neurotransmitter that affects the brain in the same way as the active ingredient in Cannabis

So we can start to see why chocolate is more than just fat and sugar. If you have a child with behavioral issues you might like to consider that chocolate could be a powerful and harmful food for them.

But why does Chocolate seem to make us feel good?

It is known that eating chocolate stimulates the release of endorphins which are the natural hormones that make you feel good. It also melts at body temperature giving that delicious textural experience in the mouth! It also contains caffeine at low levels which can have a stimulating effect on the central nervous system.

Some chocolate ingredients about which little is understood can directly effect the neurotransmitters in the brain.


Chocolate contains trypotophan which the brain uses to make seratonin which is a neurotransmitter that can produce feelings of elation

It also contains phenylethylamine. High levels of this neurotransmitter can stimulate the pleasure centres in the brain; normally, peak levels are reached during orgasm.

But chocolate also contains things that maybe beneficial to us.


It contains magnesium and low levels of which in the female body can cause a woman to experience pre-menstrual tension which would explain the craving that women can get for chocolate before their periods. Nice to know that it isn't all in the mind huh?


Chocolate also contains IRON


It contains theobromine which helps to relax smooth muscle in the lungs


Chocolate contains flavanoids (these are also the ingredients in red wine) that help to prevent clotting and thin the blood.

So it seems that we really do not fully understand the effect that chocolate can have on us, but we can really start to understand why it might be addictive. With many addictions, the addiction does not initially spring from the substance itself, but from the emotional void that eating or taking the substance fills for us. This is where homeopathy is very helpful. By balancing the client out on the emotional level, often the desire for the addictive substance can lessen so that the addiction becomes only a craving, and then an infrequent desire.

So , if you are a chocoholic and cannot go for one day without eating it, then you might want to look at your emotional landscape and examine what emotional voids you are seeking to fill. Constitutional Homeopathic treatment can help you release these emotional vacuums and once this occurs it is amazing how suddenly the chocolate craving becomes irrelevant! There is even a homeopathic medicine made out of Chocolate, but sadly it doesn't have any of the taste or texture.

So for those of you who just like to enjoy a bit of chocolate now and again, you go right ahead!

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Happy Homeopathic home prescribing!


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