CHOCOLATE

Chocolate Easter Nests Your Kids Will Love to Make

2011-04-23T20:51:00.000-07:00

Instead of coloring eggs this Easter how about having your kids make edible chocolate Easter nests? These nests are easy to concoct and will look and taste just like the expensive candy nests you see in the stores this time of year. Best of all, your kids can help with these. They'll have fun forming this chocolaty mixture into nests, then decorating each nest with jellybean eggs.

What you will need:

A double boiler

A medium size muffin tin

1 (14 oz.) bag sweetened flaked coconut

1 (6 oz.) bag milk chocolate baking chips

1 can chow mein noodles

1 (7 oz.) bag assorted jelly beans

1 Tbsp. solid shortening

Non-stick cooking spray

Directions:

In a double boil (or place a glass bowl over simmering water) melt the milk chocolate chips and one tablespoon of shortening. After mixture is completely melted, fold in flaked coconut and chow mein noodles. Gently mix together until thoroughly blended.

Spray muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Spoon enough chocolate mixture into each section of a muffin tin to flatten along the inside of each section make a basket shape. Immediately press jellybeans (gently) into nest.

When all sections of the muffin tin have been filled with a "chocolate nest," let them dry completely. While they last, display on a pretty dish covered with colorful Easter grass.

Makes approximately 24- 30 nests depending on your muffin tin.

Variation: These nests can be made with white chocolate baking chips as well. You can also add a couple of drops of either red or green food coloring to make pink or green nests from the white chocolate.

Happy Easter!

A Story and History of the Delicious Chocolate Easter Bunny

2011-04-23T20:45:00.000-07:00

A large number of individuals have varying traditions with respect to celebrating Easter. Many spend time at home with their family and friends, while others prefer to take a vacation. Regardless whether spending some time at your home or simply elsewhere, this particular holiday represents a moment meant for rejoicing in celebration of Christian beliefs and custom. With this said, it's acknowledged that a lot of people commemorate in varied ways for this particular holiday, as well as other catholic holidays. Having said that, something seems to stay the same for pretty much virtually every Christian home throughout this time of the season, and that is certainly the heritage of presenting the chocolate Easter bunny.

Many men and women are likely to all agree that absolutely no Easter is complete without one of these scrumptious chocolate bunnies being situated inside a person's basket on Easter morning. Received alongside a great many other goodies, the chocolate rabbit is actually a norm of Easter - just like that regarding the jellybean. So much so that many people have a rather special technique for eating them. Quite a few opt to consume the feet first, while some opt to jump right into the middle. However, most like the traditional technique of ingesting the ears to begin with.

One particular question which individuals normally ask is when did this particular convention start? For what reason has the chocolate bunny grown into a fundamental part of Easter in America? Why should all of us make use of a chocolate bunny to represent an occasion of which so many people enjoy for the faith based importance of Christ's resurrection? Suitably, the answer is due to the fact the time of year that Easter comes in the season.

Easter is commemorated in the early spring, a period of time by which vitality, renewal, and fertility are generally observed. Found in the budding of flora, booming of trees along with the sprouting of brand new turf, this development and revival is represented in several situations. In the same respect, rabbits are well known for being abundant in reproduction and have long been known as the symbol of love and fertility. A few consider that this is the reason why people have recognized early spring using the symbolic representation of the Easter Rabbit.

Going back many thousands of years, families go on to rejoice planting season with celebrations and receptions, that is well-known in the present day as Easter. The reality is, the title Easter came from the Goddess of love and fertility - Eostre. Gradually, the bunny has become more popular then ever to individuals all across the world. As one may very well expect, this convention eventually caught on and the rabbit became a type of treat which symbolized Easter and Religious ideals.

It is considered that the initial chocolate Easter bunnies made were done so in early 1800's by the Germans. This important custom quickly established itself as popular in all of the European countries and subsequently propagated all around the world of Christianity and religious convention. Shortly after that, various other sweets which includes peanut butter Easter eggs and coconut Easter eggs grew to become accompanied with the holiday.

In addition to chocolate bunnies, eggs are usually a symbol associated with fertility and this is undoubtedly considered to be the reason that the Easter bunny conceals eggs for all the youngsters to discover on Easter day.

Easy Hot Chocolate Recipes

2011-03-26T20:31:00.000-07:00

Some foods bring you comfort. Others bring back childhood memories. Some warm up your body and bring your soul along for the ride as well. Some foods can even accomplish all three. For instance, there's nothing like a hearty bowl of hot soup to make an illness seem to just melt away. Not only are they healthy to eat, there's just something emotionally soothing about indulging in a bowl of soup when you're ill. In that same vein, chocolate always has been a favorite comfort food for young and old alike. It simply tastes delicious, and fun times are sure to ensue whenever chocolate is served. When you combine the best properties for these two comfort foods, a warm, rich cup of hot chocolate can really brighten your day, warm your soul, and bring back sweet memories of Grandma's delicious homemade cocoa. And nothing soothes winter's blues than a steaming cup of chocolaty goodness.

There are many options for hot cocoa. You can settle for store-bought instant cocoa, but there are small ways you can add a special twist on the old favorite and make lasting sweet memories. Here are a few simple ideas that will take only a few ingredients and a few minutes in the kitchen but will let you reap the warmth and goodness for hours.

For a rich and creamy batch of hot chocolate, add a pinch of salt, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a can of sweetened condensed milk, and your own measurement for cocoa (to taste) to 6 cups of hot (not boiling) water. Stir occasionally as it heats so everything mixes well and to prevent it from boiling. The final mixture should yield about 8 cups of sweet, delectable goodness.

Another great variation to try is Mexican hot chocolate. To make this spicy delight, add a pinch of ground cinnamon and chili powder to your usual hot chocolate brew and really heat up your day.

If you prefer white chocolate cocoa, make enough for 4 cups and add ¼ teaspoon each of cayenne pepper and ground cinnamon. This is sure to spice things up but won't leave a strong aftertaste.

No matter what the age, everyone enjoys a great cup of hot cocoa, not just for the taste but also for the feeling of comfort it brings. Science has proven that food can a have very real effect on how a person thinks and feels. A warm cup of cocoa in your hand can turn the gloomy rain, blanketing snow, or howling wind into a moment truly worth savoring. Holding a steaming cup of liquid chocolate can erase worry, boredom, and anxiety and fill your mind with happy thoughts and warm memories. Whether spicy Mexican, decadent white chocolate, or old-fashioned brimming with marshmallows, a cup of hot chocolate can work wonders on a cold winter day. So the next time the moment calls for hot cocoa, try one of these recipes. You will surely love them, and your friends and family will be thrilled with the flavorful twists. Have a warm chocolaty winter!

Chocolate Coated Treats - How to Coat Foods in Chocolate

2011-03-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

Chocolate and cookies, biscotti, fruits, or candy. Raspberry or orange jells are some more of the many normal customer favorites. Try the smooth pungent flavor of a soft peppermint stick or the smooth, rich buttery flavor of a homemade vanilla caramel when enrobed in chocolate is pure delight to many who like to savor this chewy delight. The list of delicacies, which combined with chocolate, is based only on each and everyone's personal preferences.

Milk, dark or white chocolate - which is your personal favorite? For a designer treat though, without the designer price tag, you can even use 2 or 3 chocolate varieties on each coated piece, whether it is candy or cookies or anything else. Dip 1/2 of your pretzel twist in milk chocolate, dip the other 1/2 in dark chocolate and drizzle white chocolate over the top for a unique look to make a chocoholics dream come true.

How To Coat Foods In Chocolate

There really is no good reason to buy your chocolate coated treats. Making them yourself is fast, easy, convenient and so much cheaper on the wallet.

Actually, there is many ways today available on the market to facilitate the process of making chocolate coated treats. Pick any one, acquire the necessary supplies and "wow" the party guests, whether it be one or one hundred.

* A chocolate tempering machine is a piece of equipment which is used more by the professional chef, the restaurant or a party planner. Any person who makes fine quality chocolates, often for re-sale, uses this piece of equipment to turn out a decorator piece of chocolate. This piece of equipment can roast, melt and stabilize the temperature setting to achieve perfection for optimal use and pleasure for the expert chocolatier.
* A chocolate melter resembles the tempering machine without a few of the frills necessary to an experienced chocolatier. The chocolate melter may sometimes ask for the chocolate to be partially melted first and then poured into the melting pot. A slow, smooth even heat is then maintained to keep your chocolate at the ideal temperature for using or serving.
* A fondue pot or chocolate fountain are both popular party centerpieces. Again it is advisable to melt your chocolate first and then add it to the already pre-heated machine.
* A double boiler, part of an old-fashioned kitchen set of pots and pans can still be used today. Many people though are unfamiliar with this 2 piece pan set.

It can be tricky to melt chocolate in a double boiler unit. Most people have problems with the steam rising around the rim of the top pan. All of this steam is water droplets rising. Much of what rises, eventually does fall right back into the pan of melting chocolate.

Chocolate is an oil-based product. Think back to your school's chemistry days, and you will remember oil and water do not mix. Therefore when the water (steam) droplets fall back into your top pan of the double boiler, the chocolate will "seize". This is a descriptive term stating your chocolate has become mud-like and very hard to stir. Eventually, with too much steam, your melting pan will become hard - thus the chocolate has "seized."

* Microwaving chocolate, especially confectionery chocolate, is the easiest way to prepare chocolate treats for the family. Alternatively, if you are preparing your treats in advance of the event, using the microwave can become as easy as fixing tonight's dinner.With just a few easy utensils, a bowl (preferably plastic) and some melting wafers (the easiest way to purchase confectionery chocolate), you can have your chocolate at an ideal temperature for dipping within 5 to 10 minutes.

So coating your foods in chocolate can be done in multiple ways, just by deciding which you feel is the best for your purposes. A beginner is usually most comfortable with the microwave method. As your skills advance and you become more familiar with the process, often some people will enjoy working their way up the chain to using other methods for some quick and easy family treats.

How To Melt Chocolate The Quick And Easy Way

To make an assortment of family snacking treats, melting your own chocolate at home for a quick treat tonight is really very simple from your microwave. With a small thin-walled plastic bowl, a table knife to be used for stirring, and your melting chocolate, you can be having some homemade treats within the next 15 to 30 minutes.

Some quick how to directions are:

* Place your chocolate (bars, wafers or block) in the small bowl until it is approximately 3/4 full. Place this in the microwave. Cook on high power (100%) for 60 seconds. Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir well with the table knife, taking care to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl well to loosen and move all of the chocolate. Return the bowl to the microwave, heat at medium power (50%) for 30 seconds. Remove the bowl again and stir well.
* Repeat this procedure, 30 seconds heating on 1/2 power and remove to stir approximately 5-6 more times. Each time you remove the bowl, you will notice the chocolate is getting a little softer and easier to stir. Continue heating until the outside walls of the bowl are warm to the touch of your hands. By following this recurring procedure, your chocolate melts consistently without ever scorching.
* In case you would prefer a thinner chocolate for dipping (thin chocolate is great for easier "run-off"), add 1 T. white Crisco shortening or a tsp of vegetable oil to thin. Stir it in well and heat one more time so it blends well.

So with a few minutes of practice, you can become your own chocolatier by making an assortment of your family's favorites with just a few short minutes of notice.

Easy To Make Recipe: How To Make Creamy Chocolate Cookie Balls

2011-03-12T17:53:00.000-08:00

Along with the changing of the seasons there are new holidays to consider and you want to find some great tasting appetizers to serve to your family, friends, work associates or party guests. for instance, soon it will be Easter and you may be interested in finding some appetizer recipes that you can make ahead of time for the kids as well as the adults.

If you are interested in making sweet treats as appetizers, you might like to learn how to make some creamy chocolate cookie balls. this is an easy to make recipe that does not involve any cooking or baking at all other than melting the almond bark for dipping the balls to create a mouthwatering shell around them. since there is little cooking and the recipe is so easy to make, the kids might also like to help you learn how to make these delicious treats.

Recipe for Creamy Chocolate Cookie Balls

What You Need

* 1 large package chocolate sandwich cookies
* 1 package softened cream cheese 8 ounce
* 1 package almond bark

How to Make It

In order for the cream cheese to soften to room temperature you will need to take it from the refrigerator and lay it out onto the kitchen cabinet about 20 minutes before you begin preparing the recipe. Doing so helps soften the cream cheese so that it is easier to blend and cream into the other ingredients.

Twist the chocolate sandwich cookies and take the two sections apart and then scrape the cream filling from the chocolate sandwich cookies and place the cream in a large size mixing bowl.

Place the remaining chocolate sandwich cookies ends into a large size zipper sealed plastic food bag and then seal the bag. Using a rolling pin you will roll the cookies and crush them until they are small fine pieces. Set aside until needed.

Add the package softened cream cheese into the large mixing bowl along with the cookies cream filling, mix together well while beating with an electric mixer. Add the finely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies into the cream cheese mixture. Stir to combine.

Using a spoon you can scoop up the creamy chocolate cookie balls and then roll them in the palm of your hands to form bite size 1 inch cookie balls. Place the cookie balls onto a wax papered baking sheet. Place the cookie balls into the refrigerator to chill overnight or for at least 3 or 4 hours.

After allowing the cookie balls to chill, you will follow the directions on the package of almond bark to melt it. After melting the almond bark you will dip each of the cookie balls into the melted almond bark. After dipping the cookie balls you will arrange them on a wax paper covered baking sheet. Allow the almond bark to become firm around the cookies before serving. You can make about 3 or 4 dozen creamy chocolate cookie balls while using this recipe. If you need more appetizers, simply increase the ingredients to make a large batch of cookies.

Fun Cooking Ideas With Chocolate

2011-01-23T18:13:00.001-08:00

The western world has a mild obsession with chocolate, and rightly so. Not only is it delicious, but it is also good for your health. Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants. Some brands of chocolate, such as Xocai, have more antioxidants than red wine or even acai berries. Chocolate also creates a hormonal reaction when consumed that feels a lot like sexual afterglow or falling in love. Dark chocolate is full of a good kind of saturated fat that can help boost brain function in ways similar to fish oil, and it is satisfying enough to eat in small quantities. Chocolate has non-food applications in skin care products and make-up, and there are endless products available that showcase its properties, from confections to body wraps. One of the best ways to enjoy the benefits of chocolate is to cook with it. Here are some great ways to cook with chocolate.

1. In drinks
Drinking chocolate has become a popular delivery method for chocolate consumption in recent years. It is a combination of melted chocolate and cream, as opposed to the cocoa powder/sugar/milk combination usually used in hot cocoa. It is a thick and rich chocolate drink that seems to send those happy chocolate feelings straight to your toes. To make drinking chocolate, combine 2 oz heavy cream with 6 oz of milk in a saucepan. Add a cinnamon stick and a vanilla bean that has been split down the middle. Heat the infused milk mixture very slowly for 15-20 minutes. Remove the vanilla bean and the cinnamon stick and add 2 oz finely chopped or grated dark chocolate. Heat, stirring, until chocolate is fully melted. Top with whipped cream and a dusting of powdered cinnamon.

Chocolate makes an excellent smoothie addition. Combine 1/4c hot cocoa mix with 8 oz milk. Add in 1 frozen banana and 1/2 of an avocado. Blend until creamy. If dairy is not an option for you, water or coffee can be exchanged for the milk.

2. In Mousse
Mousse is a fluffy, decadent use for chocolate that doesn't have to be too sweet. Here is a recipe that combines coffee with chocolate for one of the fluffiest mousses out there:
12 oz grated dark chocolate
4 eggs
6 oz hot coffee
Blend together eggs and chocolate for 1 minute. With blender running, add coffee in a smooth stream. Mixture should froth up and fill blender. Pour into dessert cups and refrigerate for at least an hour, if you can stand it.

3. Chocolate cups
Chocolate can be used as a delivery method for some other decadent dessert by making thin cups out of it. Using good melted chocolate, spread it in a thin layer over baking cups. Refrigerate at least one hour or until hard. Remove from refrigerator and peel off baking cups. The resulting chocolate cups can now be filled with whipped cream or frosting or filled with custard and fruit to make little chocolate tarts.

4. In savory foods
Chocolate isn't just for dessert anymore. The benefits and rich flavor of chocolate can be had in savory foods, as well. It is a popular secret ingredient in chili recipes. Cocoa, especially when combined with bacon or cinnamon in a chili recipe, adds incredible depth to the flavor of the chili, without ever imparting a specific chocolate flavor. Cocoa can also be added to savory breads and stews in the same way coffee might, to deepen the flavor and enrich the color.

How to Make Diabetic-Friendly Peanut Butter Chocolate Truffles

2010-12-25T07:51:00.000-08:00

Being diabetic doesn't mean we have to give up candy while everyone else enjoys it this holiday season. We diabetics just have to be more particular when choosing our special candy treats. Today's new article is a recipe for Peanut Butter Chocolate Truffles suitable for diabetics. Yummy! According to my calculations, 4 of these little treats contain 220 calories and a third as much protein as carbs--a good combination for us diabetics.

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

1/2 cup reduced-fat chunky peanut butter

3 tbsps Splenda granular

1 cup rice crisp cereal

1/4 cup sugar-free chocolate chips

3 tbsps unsweetened baking cocoa powder

In a small microwavable bowl, microwave the peanut butter for 10 seconds on high. Add the Splenda and using a wooden spoon mix together until smooth. Stir in the cereal and mix very well to coat all the cereal. Using your hands, which you have sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, shape the mixture into 1-inch firm balls. Place the balls on a waxed paper lined tray and put in freezer for at least 15 minutes but up to 1 hour.

When ready to remove candy balls from the freezer, spread the cocoa powder on a plate and roll the balls in the cocoa then place them back on the wax paper lined tray; set aside.

Place the chocolate chips in a small resealable freezer plastic bag. Microwave on high for 10 to 15 seconds. Knead the bag to smooth the chocolate. Return to the microwave for another 10 seconds, if necessary, until the mixture kneads totally smooth and melted.

Smooth the melted chocolate away from one of the bottom corners of the bag and snip about an eighth of an inch from that corner. Drizzle the chocolate over the candy balls. Let the chocolate set up firm before serving.

Note: May be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Yield: 20 truffles

Enjoy!

White Chocolate - Is it Really Chocolate?

2010-12-23T17:31:00.001-08:00

White chocolate falls into the classification of "chocolate" only because of its cocoa butter content. Surprisingly, it is not considered "real chocolate" because it does not contain any chocolate liquor. It is made of sugar, cocoa butter, milk solids, sugar lecithin, and flavorings such as vanilla. It is often called confectionery or summer coating because according to the Food and Drug Administration of the United States, products labeled as chocolates should contain cocoa solids from chocolate liquor.

Chocolate liquor is the result of fermenting, drying, roasting, and grinding cocoa beans. Those that are considered to be "real chocolates" are dark chocolates and milk chocolates which contain considerable amounts of cocoa solids and chocolate liquor. However, this creamy version is still popular with people who have a preference for this sweet product. Several big names in the chocolate industry also have their own line of this form of gourmet chocolate, including Hershey's, Cadbury, Ghirardelli, Godiva, and Nestlé, among many others.

It must contain cocoa butter to retain its quality. Otherwise, it is considered an inferior brand especially if instead of cocoa butter, vegetable fat is used to create a confectionery similar to white chocolate but of a lesser taste and quality.

To know the difference, you must take note of its color. This creamy chocolate made with cocoa butter is ivory-colored while those with vegetable fat are white-colored. You will also know if it is a high quality gourmet chocolate if it has a rich and creamy texture and has a sweet and subtle flavor.

This rich chocolate treat does undergo the same procedure that creates dark chocolate and milk chocolate. However, sugar and milk are the only ingredients added to the cocoa butter to produce this creamy chocolate instead of re-blending the cocoa butter with the cocoa solids. This also means that compared to dark and milk chocolates, these chocolates do not contain caffeine and theobromine since these are found in the cocoa solids. Since 2004 the FDA in the U.S. regulated the manufacturing and marketing of these chocolates. For it to be considered a true gourmet chocolate, it must contain at least 20% cocoa butter, at least 14% total milk solids, at least 3.5% milk fat, and less than 55% sugar or other sweeteners.

This creamy version has also gained a considerable amount of popularity in recent years. It has become so popular that many well-known chocolatiers also have their own line of white chocolate products both for eating and baking purposes. Some of these include:

* Lindt
* Baker's
* Ghirardelli
* Cadbury
* Godiva
* Hershey's
* Kit Kat
* Toblerone

While white chocolate is considered to be not a "real chocolate," it is still on the top three of the most popular varieties of chocolates along with milk chocolate and dark chocolate In fact, many chocoholics will vote it to be their favorite chocolate without really knowing that it isn't "real chocolate." Its sweet "chocolate" goodness is enough to make it real.

Preparing Chocolate Covered Apples Is Too Easy

2010-12-16T04:43:00.000-08:00

Many people love eating apple fruits. It is a nutritious and a very sweet fruit. If you want to make your apple eating experience more amusing, try a dipping technique. You can dip this fruit into chocolate or add other toppings. If you want chocolate covered apples, then you can have them just today. All you require is a good recipe and a few ingredients. It is good to tell you that recipes are many and different. You can actually try each recipe available on the Internet.

Not only will your family enjoy your new surprise, but they will also beg to join you in preparation next time. This is a simple kitchen art that even children would feel privileged to give a try. Besides, the sweetness of any chocolate covered fruits is not a secret. Everyone who has ever tried them knows it. Christmas is coming soon and many of you will be searching for new ways to prepare foodstuffs. If you are looking to include apples in your feast, then serve them differently. Many people know how plain apple tastes and would really appreciate it served differently.

The following is a basic recipe of making chocolate covered apples. Most of you will have fun making it. Before everything else, choose your six medium size apples and place them in a clean bowl. Then, add clean water and wash the fruits perfectly. Next, dry each apple and place it on a tray covered with a wax paper. Look for six wooden ice scream sticks and insert each into the stem-end of every fruit. In the next steps, you will heat one point-seven oz of milk chocolate bar pieces. So, pick a microwave safe bowl and place chocolate and another ingredient - shortening or vegetable oil inside it.

Turn on the microwave, but make sure to keep heat moderate for about one to two minutes. Stir twice a minute as the blend melts. Note that you have the option of a double boiler too. If you go for it, then you have to put a little amount of water in the bottom pan and cover. Place the boiler on top of a stove. Heat the water until it boils and place chocolates slab in the top pan. All through the procedure, you must control the heat. You can tell when the blend is ready, as it looks creamy, glossy and smooth. In the following steps, you will dip your apples into the creamy mixture.

Pick each at a time, dip it and remove it. To get rid of the extra chocolate coat, simply remove it with a spatula or another nice item. Then, place each fruit on the tray again. Once you have coated all of them, proceed to hardening and cooling. You can place them in the refrigerator. In case you have some toppings in the house, all you have to do is sprinkle on each apple. These might include crashed coconut, nuts or candy canes. Some people even add a different type of chocolate. Order these toppings over the Internet today and enjoy making chocolate covered apples for your friends and family.

Creamy Milk Chocolate Pie

2010-11-25T21:13:00.001-08:00

Anyway, I knew there were some redeeming qualities because so many people love it. So, I began to think that maybe the ratio of cream cheese to chocolate was too high. Certainly, there couldn't be too much chocolate. I don't know if that's even possible. So, I experimented a bit and found what I think is the perfect combination.

This pie is great any time of the year; but, because it's frozen, I think more of making it in the summer. It's really simple and extra creamy. We make it for our beach condo vacation meals because it's so easy and everyone loves it. You can make it even easier if you want to substitute thawed whipped topping instead of cream. If you do, I suggest you omit the sugar from the recipe. I hope you enjoy it, too.

Milk Chocolate Pie

8 Oz. Milk Chocolate
1/4 C. Milk (I have replaced the milk with Bailey's Irish Cream as well)
1 T. Sugar (or more if you like it a little sweeter)
1 8 Oz. Cream Cheese, Softened
2 Pints Cream
1 9" Pie Shell, baked and cooled
Chocolate Curls (Optional)

Heat chocolate and 2 T. of the milk in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until chocolate is melted.

Whip cream and set aside in refrigerator.

In a bowl, beat sugar into cream cheese. Add remaining milk and chocolate mixture and beat until smooth.

Fold about 1/2 cup of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture to lighten. Then, fold the chocolate mixture into the rest of the whipped cream until completely mixed. Be careful to fold the mixtures together and not stir, or you will lose the air whipped into the cream.

Spoon into the cooled pie shell. Top with chocolate curls. Freeze at least 3 hours. Allow to stand at room temperature for 15 minutes - or until you can easily cut slices to serve.

Chocolate Creme Pie

2010-11-21T20:48:00.000-08:00

Line a pie plate with rich pie crust, putting on an extra edge of crust the same as for custard pie. Fill with the chocolate filling made after the following recipe. Bake in a hot oven until crust is done; remove, and when cool, cover with a meringue and brown very slowly in moderate oven.

CHOCOLATE FILLING

* 1 cup of milk,* Pinch of salt,* 1 ½ squares of Baker's Chocolate,* 2 level tablespoonfuls of flour,* 2 eggs (yolks),* 5 tablespoonfuls of sugar (level),* 1 teaspoonful of vanilla.

Put milk, salt and chocolate in upper part of the double-boiler, and when hot and smooth, stir in the flour, which has been mixed with enough cold milk to be thin enough to pour into the hot milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens; then let it cook eight or ten minutes. Mix the eggs and sugar together and pour the hot mixture over them, stirring well; put back in double-boiler and cook, stirring constantly one minute. Remove, and when cool add one teaspoonful of vanilla.

MERINGUE

* 2 eggs (whites),* Pinch of salt,* 4 level tablespoonfuls of sugar,* 1 teaspoonful of vanilla.

Add salt to eggs and beat in a large shallow dish with fork or egg-whip until stiff and flaky and dish can be turned upside down. Beat in the sugar slowly, then the vanilla, and beat until the dish can be turned upside down.

Hope you all enjoy the great recipe, and dont forget, you can find many more recipes like this at My Chocolate Heaven.

German Chocolate Cake - Introducing the Best Chocolate Recipe You've Ever Tasted

2010-11-15T22:26:00.000-08:00

Congratulations, you've just stumbled upon the most amazing, easy German chocolate cake recipe ever baked. I'm not kidding.

Let's face it, most people don't go crazy when they hear this recipe uses German chocolates as the base. But that quickly subsides when they sink their teeth into this amazing concoction.

I got this recipe from my mom. Everyone who's tried it LOVES it. (Not liked it, but loved it.) Not a single person dislikes it. It's THAT good.

Most of this German chocolate cake is super easy to make (except for grating the German chocolate). And it has a billion calories - but it's so worth it. You've been warned.

Your friends and family are going to love you for making this:

Ingredients:

1 cup of water
1/2 cup of oil
4 eggs
1 package yellow cake mix
1 package vanilla instant pudding (small)
4 ounces of Baker's German chocolate
12 ounce bag of milk chocolate chocolate chips
dusting of wheat flour
dusting of powdered sugar

Grate Baker's German chocolate. This is the hard part. I use a food processor to turn the german chocolate into tiny pieces. You can use a hand grater, but it takes a L O N G time this way.

Combine the water, oil, eggs, cake mix, pudding and grated German chocolate until smooth with your standard mixer (any speed will do). Finally, fold in the milk chocolate chips with a spatula. (Tip: don't over stir or the chocolate chips are going to sink to the bottom.)

Grease pan with vegetable shortening and dust with whole wheat flour -- this gives the cake a crunchy exterior. If you don't have whole wheat flour, don't fret -- just stick with the vegetable shortening.

Bake in 5"-high pan (Angel food pan) at 350 degrees for 60 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a fork and pull it out... if it comes out clean, awesomeness is ready for your taste buds.

Finally, add a few tablespoons of powdered sugar to the top of the cake (a flour sifter works great) and dust the top after it cools (about 15 minutes).

Note: This German chocolate cake rocks as cupcakes... just spoon a tablespoon of batter into 24 Reynolds Baking Cups and cook for 25 minutes. Yum!

Some Handmade Chocolate Recipes For Chocolate Aficionados

2010-11-15T22:24:00.000-08:00

Almost all people love chocolates - the pleasure and leisure as it melts in the mouth, the sweetness it brings to life, the energy it boosts, the light feeling after eating…

Ah, no one can escape the enticing chocolate. Have you ever wondered how these sweets are made? Let us learn how by using handmade chocolates as a model. Oh great! How about having a handmade chocolate? Do it yourself. This will be a lot of fun and thrill!

Here are some of the best handmade chocolate recipes you would want to try:
Handmade Chocolate Truffle
You need at least an eight ounce or 250 grams finely chopped dark chocolate (we recommend dark chocolate as this is healthier than milk and white chocolate) and 1/3 cup or 75mL whipping cream.
First, boil the cream in a heavy saucepan and remove it after. Second, beat the cream with the chocolate until whole of the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Third, chill the mixture in the refrigerator for one to three hours or until it firms. Now, if you want to add more personal touches, you may do so. For giving it an attractive shape, you may make it into ball shapes. Use the spoon in scraping or the melon ball cutter. Wrap these in plastic. You now have a great package of chocolate balls made by the hand. Store it in the refrigerator for one week to two months.
Handmade Chocolate Cream or Fondant
The ingredients are two and a half cups or 500 grams granulated sugar, one cup or 250mL water, and one half teaspoon or two milliliters of lemon juice.

First, boil rapidly all three - sugar, water, and lemon juice - in a saucepan until the syrup reaches 112 degrees Celsius (or 234 degrees Fahrenheit). This is called the Soft Ball stage. Secondly, pour the syrup onto a clean and cool surface (example, marble slab) in a careful manner. Let the syrup cool for about one minute. Thirdly, smoothly mix the syrup using either a metal or wooden spatula. You may work in a back and forth manner or figure eight path motion. From time to time, scrape the edges going to the center. As it cools, expect that it will be harder to mix as it becomes paste. The entire mass is ready when it has turned to a paste and is opaque in nature. Now, you can do your designs. You may enhance it by adding one drop of food coloring at a time and kneading it until the desired color is achieved. You may add flavors too such as oils or liquors to taste by doing the same procedure - one drop at a time and kneading consistently.

You are now ready to decorate your handmade chocolate with your chocolate center. You may either spread the mass into a smooth layer and cut it into shapes, or just roll it and make ball shapes. The chocolate centers should be placed in an air tight container in the refrigerator.
Some Handmade Chocolate Recipes For Chocolate Aficionados

White Chocolate Cake Recipe

2010-11-07T23:59:00.000-08:00

This is a very dense, moist and delicious white chocolate cake – one of my favourites and perfect for Chocolate Week!

Ingredients

For the cake:
310g plain flour
5g baking soda
2g baking powder
3g salt
170g white chocolate, chopped
120ml hot water
225g butter, softened
300g caster sugar
3 eggs
235ml buttermilk

For the icing:
200g white chocolate, chopped
20g plain flour
235ml milk
225g butter, softened
200g caster sugar
5ml vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F/175C/Gas Mark 4.
2. Grease two 9inch round cake tins.
3. In a bowl sieve together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and the salt.
4. In a small pan mix together the white chocolate and hot water over a low heat until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth, leave to cool to room temperature.
5. In a bowl mix together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
6. Add eggs one at a time beating well.
7. Stir in the flour mixture and buttermilk alternately.
8. Mix in the melted chocolate.
9. Put the cake batter into the cake tins and bake for approximately 30 minutes.
10. Use a fork to see if the cake is cooked, if it comes out clean then it’s ready, if it has some batter on it, cook it for a little longer.
11. When cooked take out of the tins and cool on a wire rack.
12. For the icing, in a pan, add the chocolate, flour and milk and melt over a medium heat, stirring constantly, until it is thick and creamy. Allow to cool completely.
13. In a bowl mix together the butter, sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
14. Mix in the white chocolate mixture and beat until it’s thick and creamy.
15. Spread between the two layers of cake and over the top and sides of the cake.

There you have it, your delicious, white chocolate cake. Enjoy!

Cocoa Tea Vs Candy

2010-10-28T00:25:00.000-07:00

Chocolate has gained worldwide attention not only for its taste, but also for its antioxidant value and phyto-nutrient content. From promoting energy levels to supporting cardiovascular health, the list of possible health-promoting benefits associated with chocolate consumption is driving health-conscious people all over the world to include a bite of chocolate as a delicious daily contribution to their health-promoting regimen.

In 2005, scientists linked the robust heart health status of the Kuna Indians living in Panama with the regular consumption of a bitter cocoa beverage native to their diet, made from cocoa beans. Scientists believe that this cocoa beverage could explain the higher incidence of heart health the Kuna Indians enjoyed. Using pure, unprocessed cocoa beans the cocoa beverage the Kuna Indians produced still possessed the rich, health-promoting benefits of polyphenols and flavonoids found in cocoa beans. In stark contrast, the kind of chocolate available in the market today is a far cry from the flavonoid-rich beverage that the Kuna Indians drink.

Chocolate Candy

Surprisingly, chocolate candy is very low in cocoa content. Candy manufacturers usually strip cocoa of its flavonoids in order to make chocolate that tastes less bitter and has a more pleasing flavor. Chocolate candy contains a negligible cocoa content, excessive sugar, high calories, unhealthy fats and additives which is why this variety of chocolate is actually unhealthy for consumption. Every 100 grams of milk chocolate has an ORAC value of just 6,612. (ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity and is used to measure antioxidant power.)

What is better than chocolate candy?

Dark chocolate definitely has more flavonoids compared to the milk chocolate variety. Dark chocolate has an ORAC value of 20,816 for 100 grams, but still contains fats and sugars that will add calories to your diet.

What is better than dark chocolate?

The more unprocessed chocolate is, the better it is for health. Defatted cocoa powder has the highest cocoa content and is the least processed. It therefore has the highest antioxidant potency with an ORAC value of 55,653 for every 100 grams!

Like other antioxidant-rich foods such as red wine, which contains resveratrol and green tea which contains antioxidants called EGCG (epi-gallacto-catechins), defatted cocoa powder, too is known for a variety of antioxidants and phyto-nutrients each possessing their unique health-promoting properties.

What is better than defatted cocoa?

If you are looking for antioxidant value, CocoPure (cocoa tea) should be high on your list! It combines defatted cocoa with resveratrol and green tea extracts. Taken together research studies show these three components provide an excellent antioxidant-rich beverage that:

* May help promote cardiovascular health
* May help support healthy immune function
* May help promote energy levels
* May help promote healthy moods
* May help promote healthy circulation
* May help support healthy blood pressure already within a normal range

CocoPure (cocoa tea) contains no fat, no milk, no sugars and each serving has an ORAC value of 5,250-which means you're getting 157,500 ORAC units in a container of CocoPure! It provides your body with the most beneficial type of chocolate-defatted cocoa-along with other health-boosting dietary substances such as green tea and resveratrol.

Recipes for Delicious Homemade Chocolate Candies

2010-10-18T21:38:00.000-07:00

Homemade candies are so much fun to make and to share with family and friends. Try these wonderful candy recipes to please the chocoholics among your family and friends. Or perhaps you are the chocoholic?? Chocolate Covered Nut Cremes, Quick Chocolate Fudge, and Chocolate Orange Fudge are all sure to please even the most picky chocoholic among you!

CHOCOLATE-COVERED NUT CREAMS
1 can (14-oz) sweetened condensed milk
3/4 cup butter-flavored shortening
2 tsp vanilla extract
dash of salt
1 cup finely chopped nuts
8 to 9 cups powdered sugar

COATING:
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
6 tbsp butter-flavored shortening

Lightly spray an eight or nine inch square pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, blend the sweetened condensed milk, margarine, vanilla extract and salt. Stir in the nuts. Blend in powdered sugar until the mixture is very stiff. Press the mixture into the prepared pan and chill thoroughly. Cut into 64 small squares. Remove the pieces from the pan and set aside on waxed paper.

To make the coating, melt the chips and shortening in the top of a double boiler over very low heat stirring constantly. Remove from the heat when melted. Dip the candy squares into the chocolate mixture to coat. Place on a cookie sheet that has been lined with waxed paper. Let stand until coating is set.

QUICK CHOCOLATE FUDGE
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/3 cup evaporated milk
2 pkgs (8-oz each) semisweet chocolate
2 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
1 cup coarsely chopped nuts, optional

Butter an 8 x 8 x 2-inch pan. In a 2-quart saucepan, stir the corn syrup and milk together. Add the chocolate and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted. Remove from the heat. Stir in vanilla and add the sugar. Beat mixture with a wooden spoon until smooth. Stir in nuts, if desired. Spread fudge in the prepared pan. Chill 2 hours or until firm.

CHOCOLATE ORANGE FUDGE
3 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup orange juice
1 pkg (12-oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tbsp grated orange peel
2 cups coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans

In a 3-quart saucepan combine the sugar, water, and orange juice. Cook, over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Using a candy thermometer, cook the mixture, without stirring, until the temperature reaches 234 degrees or the soft ball stage.

Remove from the heat and whisk in the chocolate chips until well blended. Stir in the orange peel and the nuts. Spread the candy in a foil-lined baking pan. Chill until set. Turn out of the pan, peel off foil and cut into squares. Keep candy stored in a cool, dry place.

Enjoy!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

2010-10-07T20:39:00.001-07:00

Here's a delicious Pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe that is easy to make and receives rave reviews.

First for the ingredients for your Pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe.

Recipe:

1 c. pumpkin
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. oil
1 egg
2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. milk
1 c. chocolate chips
1 tsp. vanilla
Nuts (optional)

Here's how you will prepare your Pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe

Preparation:

Dissolve baking soda in milk; set aside. In large bowl add pumpkin, sugar, oil, and egg; stir. Add flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda mixture. Mix well. Stir in chocolate chips and vanilla. Serve on top of cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees 10 to 12 minutes or until done.

Alternative Pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe:

For a change you can have a try at this delicious recipe here, and am sure it will create impression on everyone. Here's the ingredients you will need for this Pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe.

Recipe:

* 1/2 cup shortening

* 1 1/2 cups white sugar

* 1 egg

* 1 cup canned pumpkin

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

* 1 teaspoon baking powder

* 1 teaspoon baking soda

* 1 teaspoon salt

* 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

* 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

As for the directions to the alternative Pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, and then stir in the pumpkin and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon; gradually mix into the creamed mixture. Stir in the walnuts and chocolate chips. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets.

3. Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until light brown. Cool on wire racks.

Enjoy this delicious and easy to make Pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe! Both recipes are popular which is why we wanted to give you both of the pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipes.

Homemade Chocolate Recipes

2010-09-30T19:45:00.000-07:00

Homemade chocolate recipes provide the chocolate lovers not only with a vast variety of choices for delicious, mouthwatering dessert but also with flexibility to substitute some of the ingredients so they will have an enjoyable eating experience while having a healthy dessert.

Chocolate... healthy?

It's not a secret that chocolate eating is associated with a feeling of guilt - guilt of blowing out weight loss diet or eating unhealthy food.

Well, I have good news. The main ingredient of pure (dark) chocolate, cocoa, actually contains lots of vitamins and minerals.

I don't think I need to convince anybody to eat chocolate but in case you think it is unhealthy addition to your diet here are some details:

- Among other vitamins and minerals cocoa contains B group vitamins, vitamin E and magnesium. Just do a quick search on the Internet to see the major benefits of these nutrients.

- A research in the United States showed that cocoa contains more anti-oxidants than green tea and red wine!

- Cocoa contains L-Tryptophan that improves the mood and hence can help combat cravings for unhealthy food.

- Cocoa butter is widely used as a cosmetics base in natural and "not-so-natural' cosmetics industries because of nourishment it provides for the skin.

In order to see the weight loss benefits of chocolate you need to eat a small piece of dark chocolate daily, no more than 200 g per week.

Unfortunately many ready-made chocolate products are very low on cocoa so they actually do not provide any of the benefits mentioned above. They also contain lots of sugar and need to be avoided if you care about your health and healthy weight.

You need to choose chocolate products that contain over 65% of cocoa in order to see the health benefits of cocoa.

Why to make your own chocolate desserts at home?

1) As I already mentioned, homemade chocolate recipes provide you with flexibility to choose your own ingredients and replace some of "not so healthy" ones with healthier alternatives.
Here is a list of ingredients for one recipe, for example:

Chocolate Ice-Cream

2 ½ quarts of cream
1 ½ pint of milk
1 quart thin cream,
2 cupfuls of sugar,
2 ounces of plain chocolate bar,
2 eggs,
2 heaping tablespoonfuls of flour

To make this dessert healthier use dark chocolate, for example, substitute some of the cream with milk, reduce sugar and add vanilla to improve taste. I never tried it with whole wheat flour but this might work too! Imagine the title "Whole-wheat ice-cream for weight loss and health"!

2) You can make your favorite dessert without any preservatives, colorings or other artificial elements added.

3) You can use your creativity and make exquisite desserts for the entire family that will bring your whole family together to enjoy food prepared with love and care.

4) Making chocolate desserts at home will also fill your house with homey, "cozy" aroma that will make the place you live a real Home.

Unusual Hot Chocolate Recipes

2010-09-30T19:42:00.000-07:00

Nothing warms you up better on a cold frosty day then a good cup of hot chocolate. There are any number of great hot chocolate recipes around. Hot chocolate recipes that not only warm you up, but also taste sinfully good. Hot chocolate recipes that include cinnamon, whipped cream, mint, fruit and even alcohol.

Hot chocolate has a long history starting with an Aztec drink called xocoatl. The drink was introduced to the Europeans by Hernan Cortez. The Spaniards added a sweetener to the drink, they had difficulty pronouncing xocoatl and changed the name of the drinke to chocolat. The English later change the name to chocolate. It is unknown who started warming the drink and named it hot chocolate, but I for one am glad they did.

The hot chocolate recipes I want to show you are different from any you may of heard of. These are somewhat unusual like hot chocolate with chili pepper. Don't let the unusual nature of these hot chocolate recipes keep you from trying them.

Aztec Chili Hot Chocolate Recipe

A spicy hot chocolate with chili peppers.

Ingredients You Need:

1 2/3 cups milk
1/2 vanilla bean, split length wise
1 red chili pepper, split with seeds removed
1 cinnamon stick, around 3-4"
1 1/2 oz chocolate (bittersweet)

How To Prepare:

Simmer milk in a saucepan with vanilla bean, cinnamon and chili. Heat through for about a minute. Whisk in grated chocolate, and continue to simmer until melted. Remove from heat and let 'steep' for another 10 minutes. Strain out the spices and serve.
Serves 2.

Grand Marnier Hot Chocolate Recipe

Something different I think you'll like.

Ingredients You Need:

1 cup half n' half
2 cups milk
1/2 cup orange juice
6 oz bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/3 cup Grand Marnier

How To Prepare:

Heat half and half, milk, and orange juice until just boiling. In a mixing bowl, add about 2/3 cup of hot milk to the chocolate and whip smooth. Add the rest of the milk and whisk again. Simmer for around 2 minutes to reheat through.
Add Grand Marnier and serve.

Moscow Hot Chocolate Recipe

This is hot chocolate recipe will definitely keep you warm on a cold day.

Ingredients You Need:

fluid ounce vanilla flavored vodka 3/4 fluid ounce amaretto liqueur 1 tablespoon instant hot chocolate mix 4 fluid ounces hot milk

How To Prepare:

Into a coffee mug, pour in the vanilla vodka, amaretto, and add the hot chocolate mix. Pour in the hot milk and stir to blend well.

These are some interesting hot chocolate recipes and different from the norm. Give your taste buds a change of taste.

Medicinal Benefits of Raw Chocolate & Cacao

2010-09-20T18:09:00.000-07:00

Medical professionals, nutritionists, and other professionals concerned about human health are now promoting raw cacao as a beneficial food. Even more potent in its positive effects on the human body than chocolate, raw cacao offers a rare, delicious way to boost personal well being.

What is raw chocolate?

Ever thought about where chocolate comes from? It grows on trees! That's right, cacao beans which are the source of all chocolate are grown on a plant called the Cacao Theobroma, which literally means "the food of the gods." Originating in the Amazon, the Cacao Theobroma plant is now cultivated around the world.

The Cacao Theobroma grows cacao beans which are relatively large seed pods that contain concentrated nutrients and other compounds that we use to make all know chocolate today. Cacao beans are sugar-free naturally and are made up of 12 percent to 50 percent fat depending on the growing conditions and the variety of plant being cultivated.

Many now tout raw cacao or raw chocolate as a superfood. For instance, raw cacao contains high concentrations of protein, calcium, phosphate, and other minerals which have been shown to have beneficial effects on tooth enamel! Who knew chocolate could protect our teeth! But there are many other nutritional benefits of eating raw cacao, especially if it's grown organically.

Why eat raw organic chocolate?

Raw chocolate or cacao contains a long list of unique properties and beneficial minerals that can really help to fire up your health. In addition to making you happier and more positive, raw cacao can focus your attention and make you more alert. Like regular chocolate it can also make you feel like you're in love.

Anandamide

Known as the "bliss" chemical, anandamide is a neurotransmitter that has been isolated in raw cacao. It is produced naturally in the brain and makes you feel happy and vivacious. Additionally, cacao contains enzyme inhibitors that suppress your body's ability to break down anandamide which means this chemical will stay in your brain for longer, increasing the time you experience the positive feelings associated with this chemical.

Antioxidants

Like regular chocolate, raw cacao contains powerful antioxidants. These chemical compounds are key to fighting off free radicals in our bodies that can lead to diseases like cancer and heart attacks. Antioxidant flavanoids found in cacao and chocolate have also been shown lower cholesterol and decrease blood pressure.

These benefits are found in products that contain high levels of cocoa solids. In fact, some studies point to higher levels of antioxidants in raw chocolate than in fruit, vegetables, tea, and even wine! Dark chocolate is therefore the best source of antioxidants of all the prepared chocolate varieties, but raw cacao contains even higher levels of these beneficial antioxidants.

Arginine

This is another aphrodisiac-like amino acid that is said to help build muscle and aid in work-out recovery. It is about 33 percent more concentrated in raw cacao.

Caffeine and theobromine

Cacao can also have stimulating compounds such as caffeine and theobromine (a chemical related to caffeine), although these levels are relatively low because uncooked cacao has limited potency of these chemicals. These subtle amounts of stimulants can increase energy, improve alertness, and boost mood, and come in very small doses: about 70 mg in every 100 g of cacao.

Magnesium

According to some, raw cacao is the number one food source of magnesium, which is apparently one of the minerals Americans are commonly deficient in. According to Standard American Diet, close to 80 percent of all Americans have low magnesium levels! This deficiency may be the reason why women crave chocolate during their menstrual periods (menstruating depletes magnesium reserves).

Magnesium is an important mineral for balancing brain chemistry, building strong bones and muscles, aiding in sleep, and combating depression. Magnesium is also essential for having a healthy heart and supporting a robust cardiovascular system. Raw cacao contains about 131 mg of magnesium in every 100 g of cacao.

Monoamine oxidase enzyme inhibitors (appetite inhibitors)

MAO inhibitors (monoamine oxidase enzyme inhibitors) are likely responsible for reducing appetite when people eat raw chocolate. MAO is found in most nuts and seeds and can contribute to increased levels of serotonin and neurotransmitter activity in the brain. These further encourage weight loss naturally and facilitate feelings of youthful regeneration.

Phenylethylamine

Phenylethylamine (PEA) is an adrenal-related chemical found in raw cacao that can also be created in the brain when we are in love. Raw chocolate is an excellent source of PEA and can play a role in increasing focus and alertness. It will also aid in lifting people from feelings of depression.

Serotonin and tyramine

These two compounds provide a calming effect on a person, giving raw cacao a balancing effect on mood and brain function. In general, 100 g of raw cacao will contain about 3 mg of serotonin and 2 mg of tyramine.

Tryptophan

An amino acid that enhances relaxation and promotes sleep (know that feeling of drowsiness you get after a Thanksgiving meal? That's tryptophan!), this chemical occurs naturally in raw cacao. In fact, it can have as much as 33 percent more than regular chocolate.

Potential downsides to raw chocolate

Possible weight gain

As we've already mentioned, raw cacao beans contain up to 50 percent fat, making them a high fat-to-calorie food. It is therefore wise to limit your intake of raw chocolate to avoid the potential of weight gain.

Toxic to pets

Chocolate is a known toxin for pets, but raw chocolate is an even greater risk of harming your animal companions. In general, the higher the concentration of raw cacao, the greater the risk of injury to animals. Therefore, keep your raw chocolate products well out of reach of your beloved pets.

Migraine trigger

Some believe that raw cacao (as well as some chocolates) can trigger the onset of migraines. If you are prone to this health problem, it is wise to consult your doctor before consuming huge quantities of raw cacao.

Many Uses For Chocolate Molds

2010-09-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

Molds for chocolate can be a great tool when it comes to making your own homemade chocolates and other assorted candies. While the novelty molded chocolates in solid form are certainly the most standard choice when it comes to using these devices, there are a great deal many other fun and interesting confections that you can make with them that not only make them more fun and interesting to use, but can serve as a launching pad for a whole line of additional confections that you can potentially make.

Filled Chocolates - Everyone loves opening up a box of fancy gourmet chocolates that are filled with a variety of different things. When you have your own set of chocolate molds, it can be fun and rewarding to come up with your own fillings. Eventually, you may even be able to start making your own variety boxes of sweet confections.

Marshmallow Treats - While 3D and antique chocolate molds are best suited to this application, it is entirely possible to take your own homemade marshmallow mixture and fill molds with it before it sets so that it takes on whatever form you desire. Just remember that homemade marshmallow is incredibly sticky, so be sure to grease your molds well before adding it.

Molded Candies and Jellies - Just grease up your molds and add your molten sugar mixture, caramel, or gelatin mixture in order to create novelty candies in whatever shape you desire. For added fun, you could then take the finished product and dip them in chocolate in order to create different strata of sweet goodness in the finished product. One example involves gently melting down cranberry sauce and molding it into the shape of turkeys for Thanksgiving. It is a new, fun way to experience a traditional holiday flavor. This application, due to its high heat, is not recommended for use with plastic chocolate molds.

Easy Peanut Butter and Chocolate Truffles

2010-09-14T19:29:00.000-07:00

A delicious easy to make recipe for Peanut Butter and Chocolate Truffles.

Use your favorite brands of ingredients.

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Truffles

1 Cup peanut butter chips
3/4 Cup butter
1/2 Cup cocoa
1 Can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon vanilla

Coatings:
crushed graham cracker crumbs
confectioners sugar
crushed nuts----Almond,Walnuts,Cashews...Etc
crushed cookies

You can also experiment with these coatings.
Use what you like to create your own one of a kind creation.

Makes about 3 dozen truffles

In a heavy saucepan, over low heat, melt chips with butter.
Stir in cocoa until smooth.
Add condensed milk and vanilla.
Cook and stir until thickened and well blended, about 4 minutes.
Remove from heat.
Chill until firm enough to handle.
Shape into 1 inch balls.
Roll in desired coating.
Chill until firm.
Store, covered in refrigerator

New studies suggest that chocolate and its key ingredient, cocoa, have some major health benefits. It can lower blood pressure, help muscles recover from exercise, improve skin, and provide antioxidants. Just remember to consume in moderation.

Who knew that something that tastes so good could actually be good for you. Dark chocolate is more concentrated in cocoa content, it is higher in the antioxidant flavonoid than milk chocolate. So, to get the benefits replace the cocoa with dark cocoa.

Cocoa has also been shown to improve your mood. For this, milk chocolate can have the same effect as dark chocolate. So the next time you need a mood lift, try some Peanut Butter and Chocolate Truffles!

Chocolate Truffles - What Are These Delectable Desserts?

2010-09-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

If you've ever watched any of the food channels, you may have seen segments on how chocolate truffles are made. The truffles made with chocolate mirror those that are found in the wild.

What is a truffle? Basically a truffle originates from the tuber family and is considered a fungus. It is found mostly beneath the surface of the ground and can only be sniffed out by dogs. Some truffles have also been found by pigs as well. Traditionally, there are two types of truffles: black and white. The white truffle is the most expensive.

Let's face it; chocolate is high on most every women's list and men as well. But giving a gift of chocolate truffles is worth its weight in gold. Go to any premium confectioner's store and you may be able to get an inside peek as to how fresh chocolate covered truffles are made.

In fact, there are a myriad of chocolate truffle recipes which you can print out from a multitude of websites as well. You can make chocolate truffles at home providing you purchase the very best chocolate, such as Ghirardelli's.

By the way, making chocolate truffles at home is quite easy. Don't worry; you won't be reliving the scene from the "I Love Lucy" episode wherein she and Ethel are on the chocolate assembly line.

Moreover, the food channel sometimes has segments wherein not only chocolate truffles are made from scratch, but you have the opportunity to see how real truffles are often used in Italian cuisine. The shavings are used quite sparingly as the cost is prohibitive.

Nonetheless, chocolate lovers go absolutely mad over these decadent delicacies, and no wonder. With the recent reports that dark chocolate is healthier than milk chocolates, now you can purchase a box of dark chocolate truffles from such notable companies as Russell Stover. For example, a 17.5 ounce box costs approximately $12.00.

What makes truffles covered in a chocolate ganache so appealing is that they can be modified to include pecan or hazelnut toppings, coconut, or the more traditional cocoa powder.

If you've never had the opportunity to taste a chocolate truffle, it has a deep, rich smooth flavor that you will not forget anytime soon.

With Easter soon approaching, why not pick up a sample box of chocolate truffles? They are like potato chips; bet you can't each just one!

How To Surprise Him With Personalised Chocolate Bars

2010-08-27T09:10:00.001-07:00

Buying presents for men is notoriously difficult. Whether you are a man or a woman yourself, buying presents for men takes weeks of hard thinking. Generally guys either annoyingly want something so immature or extravagant that you cannot bring yourself to buy it or if they want something they will simply just go out and get it for themselves. Sometimes you get them the absolute perfect present, but to get them a great present usually means a bit of a sacrifice. For example, buying them Pro Evo basically means you can kiss your lounge goodbye indefinitely as every Friday the lads will descend upon your house, or if you buy him that T shirt he has always wanted, the next time you see it it will probably be walking by itself.

And it is so much more difficult than buying for women, as you know most ladies appreciate a lovely bunch of flowers, a bit of sparkly jewellery or a big box of chocolates. Flowers are too girly (but great for you, especially as sending them to him at work will hilariously embarrass him but you get to see them at home) and obviously man-jewellery is a bit hit and miss. You never know, you could either buy him the perfect subtle piece to show your love and hit the nail on head. Although more than likely, the jewellery will either make him look gay or fiercely unfashionable. But, yet, everyone loves chocolate and as there are so many kinds in so many forms, you have so much great choice. Whether it is a special anniversary coming up, a big birthday or you simply just want to show him you care, giving great presents such as a romantic chocolate fondue evening or absolutely delicious personalised chocolate bars are fantastic gift ideas and a great way to give him a sweet treat to remember.

Renting him a chocolate fountain would definitely be a present to remember. If having a birthday party, this makes a fantastic centrepiece and talking point as people can enjoy dipping anything from marshmallows to shortbread to bananas into the luxurious chocolateyness. But, if you fancy a bit of private time, a small table fountain, such as a fondue, is great for really indulging your sweet tooth and can be very romantic.

If you want to surprise and spend a bit of quality time with your man, then you can treat yourselves to a day at a chocolatiers. There are experience day gift vouchers which mean you can spend a day together learning how to make chocolate and coming up with your own special recipes. This is a great chance to hang out and have fun and try something completely different. One of the best parts is, you get to keep all of the chocolate you have made to yourselves at the end of the experience. Most chocolatiers also have special cafes and restaurants as well where you can sample anything from a luxury flavoured hot chocolate to a chilli chocolate burrito!

If he really does have a sweet tooth, you can give him a really special gift with personalised chocolate bars. These are 100 grams of sweet milky chocolate and you can choose the design on the wrapper and customise it with a short phrase or saying on the front and write your own message on the back for a real personal touch.

If you want to be a bit playful with personalised chocolate, you could give him a real Hansel and Gretel style surprise - you could have messages written on the chocolate that give him directions or instructions for a kind of scavenger hunt, or you could have special sayings or words written on them in a treasure trail line leading to his birthday presents or a waiting romantic dinner. This will completely surprise him and having lots of personalised chocolate bars means he can enjoy their deliciousness well into the following weeks.

If you are feeling really naughty, you could also really surprise him by writing something a bit spicy for him on the side. Obviously this would not be a gift to be given in public, but the combination of sexy message and gorgeous melty chocolate means you are giving it as the perfect balance of naughty and nice.

With so many fantastic chocolate related presents to choose from, you are bound to surprise him and put a smile on his face. And, if you are lucky, he might even let you have some as well!

The Not So Sweet History Of Belgian Chocolate

2010-08-27T08:51:00.000-07:00

The chocolate industry first took off during the 1880's, supported by getting hold of the Belgian Congo that has aided an easy way in to Africa's cocoa grounds. The truth is that it is very hard to imagine that the Belgian Chocolates' history may be that far from being sweet.

It all started with Leopold II of Belgium in the year 1885 when he colonized Congo. It was a territory eighty-six times bigger than his country. Leopold II was the very first one to commit genocide during the 20th Century.

There was an estimated 10 million Africans that passed away under the orders of Leopold II. Despite of the war which was taking place, Belgians were able to maintain the cocoa importing connections. On the other hand, the Belgian contribution in the chocolate industry is the introduction of their chocolate product which is the praline. It was created and expanded by a Swiss family in Brussels, the Neuhaus family in 1912. The praline was the very first butter cream-filled bite sized chocolate. It was either filled with nuts or cream or coated with milk or milk chocolate or filled also with a really good quality of dark belgian chocolate.

In the year 1912, chocolate started as a gift in Belgium. A Belgian chocolatier created the very 1st praline, a chocolate that absolutely complied to the gift career it was building. Not later on, a packaging called Ballotin was developed and patented for praline. At that moment the pralines in Ballotin were the most preferred gift in every chance somebody has to give somebody some thing as a present.

The Making

Chocolates start with the seeds of a cacao tree. A fruit bearing tree that has large football-shaped like pods, in which the seeds are contained. The cacao tree was first discovered in the United States but now can be grown in many countries close to the Equator. These pods are gathered and the seeds are then dried in the sun. After drying, they go through roasting. When the beans are roasted, they'll now be crushed to produce cocoa powder, and then squeezed to get the cocoa butter.

When the powder is prepared, it's going to be mixed with butter. Adding the milk powder and sugar creates chocolate. Every component of the mixture determines the color of the Belgian chocolate. For that reason making different kinds of chocolate like black or the dark chocolate that can be made with up to seventy percent of cocoa in the mixture; milk chocolate containing more milk powder than the others, not to mention the white chocolate that doesn't contain cocoa but cocoa butter only mixed with milk and sugar only.

Trivia

Did you know that if not most, all the pralines during those times were hand made? Presently chocolates are considered as an energy giving food because of its very high content of sugar and calorie. Another fact about chocolate is that it's also considered as 1 of the many sexual stimulant foods. In fact, aside from being an exceptional energy booster, one of the Aztec emperors drank chocolate to have access to women. It's also known to be use as an anti-depressant. It is known to contain a substance called "pheryletylanine" that has a good effect in the event of a nervous depression but not only that, there is some thing in chocolates that gives anyone a lighter mood every time it is drank.

Facts About Chocolate - One of the World's Healthiest Foods!

2010-08-14T20:55:00.001-07:00

What is it about chocolate that capture's everyone's interest? Is there any other food that offers so much sensual pleasure and elevates your mood as well? Do you know anyone who doesn't get excited about it?

If that wasn't enough, chocolate (specifically the dark varieties), is beginning to be recognized for its amazing health properties. It's known for its exceptionally high antioxidant content, and offers all of the antioxidant benefits of foods such as green tea and red wine. Let's take a look at all of the facts about chocolate that are contributing to its new-found reputation.

The known history of chocolate goes back as far as 1500BC, when the Olmec Indians, a Pre-Columbian civilization living in south-central Mexico, grew cocoa beans as a domestic crop.

Mayan and Aztec civilizations were the next to discover the value of the cacao bean, the natural source of what we know as chocolate. In the 16th century, Mayan nobles brought gift jars of cocoa with them on their first visit to Eurpoe, introducing it to western civilization for the first time. From there, the use of chocolate spread widely across the rest of Europe - and then, the world.

Facts About Chocolate: The Cacao Tree -- the Source

The cacao tree is a tropical plant that grows only within 20 degrees latitude of the equator. The main cacao-producing countries are the Ivory Coast and Ghana, although there are numerous smaller markets in South America and Africa.

Cacao is the seed (nut) of a fruit of an Amazonian tree. The cacao tree produces pods all year long, so a typical tree would have pods in every stage of ripeness. Because of this, most harvesting is done by hand, with machetes.

Types of Chocolate

Here are the common types found in most areas, from the least-processed to the most-processed:

* Raw chocolate
* Unsweetened chocolate
* Bittersweet chocolate
* Dark chocolate
* Semisweet chocolate
* Milk chocolate

Milk chocolate, the least healthy variety, is also the most popular type in North America -- 71% of consumers prefer milk chocolate.

Nutritional Facts About Chocolate

The raw cacao bean is one of nature's most nutritious superfoods, due to its mineral content and wide array of unique properties, including a high level of antioxidants called flavonoids.

Cacao contains the highest concentration of antioxidants of any food in the world. These antioxidants include polyphenols, catechins, and epicatechins. By weight, cacao has more antioxidants than red wine, blueberries, acai, pomegranates, and goji berries combined.

Dark chocolate (65 percent or higher cocoa content) has far more antioxidants than milk or white chocolate. These other two varieties have very few of the health benefits of dark.

Most commercial chocolates are highly processed and do not have the nutritional value of raw cacao. The more it's processed (through things like fermentation, alkalizing, roasting, etc.), the more flavanols are lost.

Facts About Chocolate: The Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

The high antioxidant level in chocolate provides benefits for your cardiovascular system, prevention of osteoporosis, cancer prevention, and improved mental alertness. Dark chocolate also possesses powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties.

Enjoying the Taste of Chocolate

For best tasting, chocolate should be at room temperature. This allows it to begin to melt the moment it hits your mouth. Cold chocolate doesn't release its flavors and aromas as quickly, altering the tasting experience. While melting, it should feel rich and luscious in your mouth. You don't need to chew it at all, just let the flavors release on their own.

In addition to the ingredients, texture depends largely on the processing. The "made with love" concept certainly applies; the longer it's processed, the silkier the texture.

Types of Chocolate - What Are the Differences and Which Ones Are the Healthiest?

2010-08-14T20:45:00.000-07:00

The types of chocolate we know are all products of a complicated refining process that begins with the bean pods of the cacao (ka-KOW) tree. There are no fewer than 6 categories commonly available in stores, divided up by the amount of processing each one goes through. What are the differences, and how do they differ in nutritional value from each other?

Chocolate begins with the harvest of the cacao pods. The cacao beans and pulp are scraped from the pods and left to ferment in baskets for two to eight days. This fermentation process mellows the flavor of the beans. Without this process, the beans would be too bitter to eat.

After fermentation, the beans are dried, cleaned, and roasted, and the shell is removed to produce cacao nibs. The nibs are then ground to a cocoa mass, which is usually liquefied, then molded into what is referred to as chocolate liquor. The liquor may be processed into two components: cocoa solids and cocoa butter.

The common types of chocolate found in most areas, from the least-processed to the most-processed are:

Raw chocolate is the least processed and most nutritious type. It's a far cry from what most people think of when they think of dark chocolate. You can get it in the form of nibs as well as in powder form. Believe it or not, raw chocolate is one of the most nutritious foods on the planet, and rich in antioxidants!

Unsweetened chocolate contains primarily cocoa solids and cocoa butter in varying proportions. It is the most unadulterated type of "processed" chocolate.

Bittersweet is chocolate liquor to which some sugar, more cocoa butter, vanilla and sometimes lecithin have been added. It has less sugar and more liquor than semisweet, but the two are interchangeable for baking purposes.

Sweet chocolates, including dark and milk chocolates, are the most popular types of chocolate consumed today. These combine cocoa solids, cocoa butter or other fat, and sugar.

Dark chocolate is produced by adding fat and sugar to the cacao mixture. The U.S. government requires a 15% concentration of chocolate liquor. European standards require at least 35% cocoa solids.

Semisweet is a dark chocolate with a low sugar content.

Milk chocolate additionally contains milk powder or condensed milk. White chocolate contains cocoa butter, sugar, and milk, but no cocoa solids. It figures that milk chocolate, the least healthy variety, is also the most popular type in North America -- 71% of consumers prefer milk chocolate.

The levels of cocoa range from more than 50% for dark chocolate, 33-50% for milk chocolate, and under 33% for white chocolate. Inferior-quality chocolate is filled with vegetable oils and artificial flavors to disguise the product's poor quality.

How to Get the Health Benefits of Chocolate

Raw cacao contains the highest levels of antioxidants of any food on earth, with a full spectrum of nutrients found naturally in different fruits and vegetables. However, most of the chocolate consumed in western cultures comes in the form of highly processed and refined milk chocolate.

Unfortunately, most of the chocolate consumed today is highly processed and has been stripped of most of its nutritional value. The least-processed, darkest types are the ones that have the highest antioxidant content and offer the most health benefits.

When you're looking for the healthiest types of chocolate bars, look for ones that have a higher percentage of cacao in them. Just keep in mind that the taste gets more bitter as you increase the cacao content. If you're accustomed to the taste of milk chocolate, you may want to start with a dark bar that's lower in cacao, and gradually switch to one with a higher cacao content. Again, the higher the better.

Heart Healthy Dark Chocolate For Your Moods

2010-08-04T19:16:00.000-07:00

A new dark chocolate is available for you.

Centuries ago Dark chocolate was very special and reserved only for the royalty.
They understood that this chocolate gave health benefits, due to the flavanoid content -which of course they had
no knowledge or undersatnding.
What they did understand was the feeling it gave them. Dark chocolate had the reputation as a "love potion"
because it activated the area of the brain that gave a similar feeling to falling in love.

This new chocolate is at least 70% more potent- brain scans have shown this to produce 70% more activity in
in the area of the brain that is active with similar feel good feelings. That is 70% more than any other
dark chocolate on the market.

This comes from the addition of a special dark chocolate extract that boosts this feel good feeling.

Also added to this unique dark chocolate called Chava Vital Chocolate the the most effective and most popular
substance to reduce your toxin body burden of heavy metals and toxic chemicals. This is liquid activated zeolite also known as
Natural Cellular Defense, with 5 drops in each piece.

The combination of ALZ or NCD and the chocolate extract gives an unequaled ORAC score of over 37,000 per piece.
ORAC reduces the damage from free radical oxidation. That is the process that damages your cells and accelerates
the aging process.

There are over 1200 published studies documenting the health benefits of chocolate.

When you feel good everything looks brighter. And when you reduce the oxidation damage you will keep your
"brightness" for many more years.

Oh and it tastes ohhh sooooo gooood.

Research found that when ask about chocolate, 9 out of 10 people said yes they like chocolate and I think the other people didn't hear the question.

Can Chocolate Be Good For You?

2010-08-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

Youre probably not used to hearing how chocolate can be good for you. After all, most of us have the notion that chocolate is bad for the health and that its fattening, among other things. But the truth is, chocolate is very healthy and its actually good for you!

Chocolate comes from plants, so it contains several of the health benefits that can be found in dark vegetables. More specifically, chocolate is derived from the cocoa bean, which is the dried and fully fermented seed of the cocoa tree. It is the source of cocoa solids and cocoa butter.

The cocoa tree grows in the tropical rainforests of Africa, South America, and Malaysia. Its scientific name is Theobroma cacao. Theobroma is Latin for food of the gods. And its aptly named too, as its seeds provide a host of benefits.

Did you know that raw cocoa has the highest antioxidant value of all natural foods in the world, even more than acai berries, prunes, and strawberries? The Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) score per 100 grams for these foods are:

Unprocessed raw cocoa 28,000
Acai berries 18,500
Prunes 5,770
Strawberries 1,540

In addition, a Cornell University study found that cocoa powder has almost twice the antioxidants of red wine, and up to thrice the antioxidants of green tea.

Consuming the right kind of healthy chocolate can do wonders for our body. Aside from its anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties, cocoa is also a good source of the following:

Magnesium Prevents heart problems, lowers blood pressure, and balances brain chemistry.
Sulfur Helps build strong nails and hair, promotes beautiful skin, detoxifies the liver, and supports the health of the pancreas.
Flavanols Helps maintain healthy blood pressure and blood flow. Flavanols help make blood platelets less likely to form together, thereby preventing blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks.
Tryptophan This amino acid is responsible for the creation of the neurotransmitter called serotonin, which promotes positive feelings.
Phenylethylamine (PEA) Helps promote concentration and mental alertness.

Some surprising benefits of healthy chocolate:

Its appetite-suppressing properties can actually help you lose weight!
Consuming dark chocolate can lead to an increased sensitivity to insulin which in turn protects against diabetes.
The fats found in cocoa butter are healthy monounsaturated fats known as oleic acid, which is also found in olive oil and believed to increase good HDL cholesterol levels.
Smokers can benefit from the antioxidant properties of healthy chocolate, as well as its ability to help prevent the hardening of arteries.

Keep in mind though, that not all chocolates are created equal, so dont reach for that bar of chocolate candy just yet. Raw and unprocessed cocoa beans, or cocoa powder made from raw cocoa beans are the real healthy chocolate. The best type of chocolate are the dark ones, made without refined sugar, dairy products, waxes, chemical preservatives, and bad fats, as these are the ingredients that cause most of the problems usually associated with chocolate.

Generally, the healthiest kinds of chocolate, listed in descending order, are:
4.Organic, raw, and unprocessed cocoa beans or cocoa mass
5.Organic and unroasted cocoa powder not treated with alkalis (this process destroys most of the flavanols)
6.Organic dark chocolate with the most cocoa powder or cocoa liquor, and the least refined sugar

But before you dig in to some yummy, healthy dark chocolate, remember the old adage, Too much of a good thing can be bad. Cocoa is a rich source of copper, and too much copper can lead to certain health problems. So remember to consume cocoa and dark chocolate in moderation, and enjoy the health benefits of this magical bean!

Choose Your Chocolate Well

2010-07-20T10:41:00.000-07:00

If you think that only food experts can distinguish between varieties of chocolate, you are gravely mistaken. Even a layman can pick up some basic knowledge about the different types of chocolates available out there. Obviously, there will always be a difference between a layman and a gourmet, but then you don't have to be completely in the dark as a common man.

Some people will tell you that it all boils down to your senses. While a part of it is true, there are other tangible criteria that you can use to pick the best variety of chocolate. Here are a few of them.

1. The Color- Now, you would say nearly all chocolates are brown in color. But you have to notice the shade of brown. High quality chocolate is very dark brown in colour while the lighter ones generally have a low cocoa content.

The white chocolate on the other hand has zero cocoa content and has milk as one of its chief ingredients.

2. The Cocoa Content- This is possibly the best marker to decide the quality of a chocolate. If you like real dark chocolate, then you should go for a chocolate that has at least 70% cocoa content in it. Cocoa has another added benefit. It acts as an excellent anti oxidant and thus detoxifies your body and especially your skin.

3. The Smell- Yes, there is a difference in the fragrance of different varieties of chocolate. The ones with a high cocoa content have a milder smell like a fruit. Also, it might smell very mildly stale. If you get that feeling, don't be alarmed. Rather, you should congratulate yourself because you have just chosen for yourself one of the best varieties of chocolate out there.

Well, the art of differentiating between the aromas of chocolates will not come easy. But its an acquired thing. You will get a hang of it with time.But the, you shouldn't mind it if you get to eat chocolates along the way.

4. The Taste- Obviously, the taste of the chocolate is the most obvious indicator. Good chocolate with a high cocoa content will be slightly bitter but as chocolate lovers will agree, in a very pleasant way!

Lose Weight While You Eat Chocolate

2010-07-15T20:40:00.000-07:00

Did you know that chocolate itself can be a healthy weight loss alternative? People have loved chocolates since time immemorial and it was popular even with the people in the Aztec during ancient times. Known as Cacao, chocolate was considered sacred and was believed to increase fertility and foster love. Ancient people believed chocolate were godly and they even used it as a currency to buy and sell goods and essentials.

Fat burner

Few people know about the immense health giving properties of chocolate as raw cocoa was known to do loads for the mental well being as it produces large quantities of endorphins. It acted against depression by enhancing the level of serotonin.

Once you get addicted to chocolates, you can easily kick off depression as it is considered a healthy diet. The unprocessed bean called raw cacao makes cocoa powder and when it is processed, the natural fats go away making it ideal for burning fat.

As the cacao tree contains anti-oxidants, they get rid of the deadly and harmful free radicals that enter your body on a regular basis. Compared to acai berries and goji berries, studies have shown that Cacao has more anti oxidants in a survey done with 100 gms of each.

Treated as complete food, chocolate is being recommended to lose weight fast and is considered a fat burning diet. Cacao provides magnesium that is required for keeping your metabolic process up and running.

As a healthy weight loss alternative, chocolate contains large quantities of iron that helps to fight back anemia and promotes growth of healthy blood cells as well. Immunity system is taken care of by the zinc present and vitamin C contained in chocolates is also regarded as a great medicine.

Fiber contained in chocolate is known to cleanse the digestive system and blood clotting chances are largely reduced with the cleansing compounds known to do loads for your cardiovascular system.

Learn about healthy chocolates

Among all the fat burning diets, researchers are identifying chocolate as the best bet among all of them. Manganese present in chocolate can help promote haemoglobin while chromium helps to balance blood sugar levels.

The modern day chocolate contains all of these but the problem is with the large quantities of white refined sugar and milk that goes into it and is sourced from a wide array of cows that are not always healthy as they are treated with antibiotics and receive large dozens of growth hormones.

Your best bet would be to prepare the healthy diet at home. You can know the real food that was primarily meant for the gods and can promise a healthy diet with chocolates that are an alternative for healthy weight loss.

Fresh Strawberries Dipped In Chocolate

2010-07-03T20:31:00.000-07:00

Strawberries dipped in chocolate are the perfect gift for your family, friend, and special someone. Hand dipped in gourmet chocolate, these strawberries are the most demanding and wonderful gift for anyone around. Occasions, events and celebrations are part of our busy lives, but now traditional gifts like purchasing an expensive jewelry, selecting a tie, or choosing a book; are no longer practiced. An innovation in gifts is brought to you by some creative people in form of dipped strawberries. Before this wonderful idea people were using strawberries to decorate desserts, making juices and shakes, adding in cakes and eating as a fruit. Chocolate covered strawberries are now liked and admired by anyone as a gift or as a wonderful dessert.

Imagine the pleasure of tasting a juicy, big sized strawberry dipped in White, dark or milk chocolate! Decorate them with sprinkles of different colors and arrange them to give as a gift for any occasion. These are ideal to give on birthdays, wedding anniversaries, Best wishes, Get well soon, new born baby, get together, graduation, thank giving or many more daily events.

Chocolate covered strawberries are healthy desserts, since strawberries have no fat, cholesterol or salt, they are high in vitamin C and a good source of potassium and fiber. They are low in calorie.

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries are fun to make and more entertaining to eat. Dip strawberries according to occasions and celebrations. Wish someone a chocolaty strawberry birthday with colorful sprinkles over them. Garnish each strawberry with drizzle and candies in festive party colors. Definite to be a perfect for all ages!

Dip the berries in the melted semisweet chocolate and drizzle with the melted white baking chips. Incredible, mouthwatering dipped strawberry gifts are simply divine! Each luscious strawberry is hand-dipped and covered with nuts, coconut or sprinkles. The end result is a blissful combination of flavors. Even though they are sugar free, they are sweet and delicious.

Cover the fresh, red and ripen strawberries in unforgettable taste of gourmet dark chocolate and cover them with white chocolate to decorate and make designs over them. The end result of these double dipped fruity strawberries is a heavenly combination of colors and flavors.

Another innovation in dipped strawberries is by sinking them in rich white yogurt and decorating with a hint of orange, strawberry and lemon flavored swizzles, and creating a taste that is simply unbelievable. This can be presented as a formal business gift, and a superb gift for a good friend and colleague.

Peanut butter lovers have another new dessert for their night meals and parties. Double-dipped and decorated with swizzles or peanuts, hand-dipped strawberries convey a combination of flavors, and will tempt the recipient. Arrange and place this gift carefully in a beautifully and decently decorated handmade box of dozen strawberries and deliver to your loved one. Sure to please them and perfect to remain long in memories.

Can Homemade Hot Chocolate Make You Healthy

2010-06-24T21:35:00.000-07:00

Have you ever used the terms hot cocoa and hot chocolate interchangeably? If so you are not alone. However, there is a distinctive difference in the two and one may just be healthy for you to sip on. So which is better for you and what is the reasoning for it?

Hot cocoa is actually healthier for you than hot chocolate because of what it is made from. Hot cocoa is made from raw cocoa powder, which is simply chocolate that has been pressed to remove the fat of the cocoa butter. Hot chocolate on the other hand is made from chocolate bars melted into a cream or ground into a powder.

The key is minimizing the sugar and fat content. If you can do this, it is possible to make healthy hot chocolate from scratch. But it can be difficult finding healthy hot chocolate on the market for this very reason.

More and more people are beginning to discover the nutritional benefits of cocoa beans and hot cocoa, especially when you make it at home. It has been found that the flavonols in chocolate are more powerful than many vitamins are, especially for cardiovascular health and anti aging. This does not mean that pigging out on chocolate will benefit you, but including sweets and chocolate to your diet a few times a month can actually extend your life.

If you want to make your own health hot cocoa, make sure to get pure cocoa powder. Anything else is just a joke and will not provide you with the nutritional benefits you are looking for. It is easy to identify because it is dark brown and has a bitter taste. Then add water or low fat milk to the powder and stir it up. Lastly, add a natural sweetener like honey or coconut palm sugar and you are on your way. There are a few commercially sold mixes that are organic and naturally sweetened, but read the labels carefully before you buy.

While hot cocoa is much healthier than hot chocolate, the key is to reducing the fat and sugar content and adding pure ingredients to the drink. Purchasing healthy hot chocolate that has pure cocoa powder and a natural, low glycemic sweetener can give you all of the nutritional benefits you are looking for while still allowing you to enjoy the enriching flavor. Your kids will love it and you will feel great giving it to them.

The next time you see hot cocoa and hot chocolate on the market, the safe bet is to go for the organic, naturally sweetened hot cocoa. It will provide you with a much healthier drink while still giving you the flavorful drink. However,look at the fat and sugar content in hot chocolate because reducing these two can give you a healthy hot chocolate drink full of antioxidants and flavenols.

How To Eat Chocolate And Still Lose Weight

2010-06-10T20:26:00.001-07:00

If you want to lose weight but are a chocoholic, giving up your favorite chocolate can be the most difficult part of a diet. Many good quality chocolates are high in fat and calories and so can spoil all the good work done so far. However, there is a way that someone watching their weight CAN eat chocolate and not feel that they are blowing their diet.

The answer to this dilemma is strawberries - chocolate covered strawberries to be precise. A typical chocolate covered strawberry has less than 100 calories and is a healthy low fat delicious treat. But just because it is low on calories does not mean that it is low on taste. The combination of luscious fruit on the inside and smooth chocolate on the outside makes them an irresistible desert, perfect for special occasions, romantic dinners for two and dinner parties, offering all the taste that anyone could wish for, without the guilt.

Beautiful chocolate covered strawberries can of course be bought from specialized shops and online stores, but it is more fun to make them yourself. This also allows you to control the amount and content of the chocolate covering and so the calories.

Follow these simple steps to make perfect chocolate covered strawberries:

Fresh, best quality strawberries are essential

Wash them well and dry thoroughly.

Either milk or dark chocolate can be used to make the dipping sauce, but for the best result choose a fine good quality chocolate.

Melt the chocolate slowly in a bowl by carefully placing the bowl in a pan of boiling water. Add an equal amount of cream and gently mix in.

Dip each strawberry and leave to set on wax paper.

An alternative method is to pierce the stem end of the berry with a cocktail stick, use the stick to dip the berry and then stand it in some polystyrene. This also makes it easier to decorate after the chocolate has solidified. Try piping melted white chocolate or even dipping again in a different chocolate to provide a double layer - delicious but NOT good for calorie counting!

Keep in the fridge and ideally eat on the day they were made. They do not keep well.

Now, enjoy the contrast of taste and texture with a glass of champagne.

A Short History Of Twix And Snickers Chocolate Bar

2010-05-29T19:48:00.001-07:00

Twix and Snickers are both famous chocolate bars around the world. Twix is a butter cookie topped with a thick layer of caramel and the whole bar covered in dairy milk chocolate while Snickers is a chocolate bar with peanut butter and topping of caramel covered in dairy milk chocolate.

Twix was created by Mars Limited in the UK back in 1967 while Snickers is a product of US based Private Corporation - Mars, Incorporated which is also one of the worlds largest food and confectionary manufacturers.

Twix chocolate bar was available in 1979 in the US wrapped in a gold colored wrapper with orange text and it was branded as the Twix Cookie Bar. Before Snickers was created, there was a very successful chocolate bar called Milky Way in the early 1920s in America. This brand allowed the creators - Ethel Mars and Frank to expand and improve new recipes for chocolate bars.

A period of continuing sales of Twix through the early 1980s suggested Mars, Inc were happy with the performance of their, in fact the chocolate bar was not performing quite as well at retail and the hunt was on for a replacement or improvement which in 1983 came about with the peanut butter Twix. There was very little changed in the Snickers brand during its first forty years of production except in 1968 when Mars were inspired to produce the Snickers mini candy bar sold in bags of a dozen labeled with fun size.

Snickers brand sparked a controversy in recent years with advertisements perceived to be homophobic, when two mechanics are seen sharing a Snickers and accidentally kiss when reaching the middle. The last major controversy related to Twix brand occurred in 2007 when Mars, Inc in Europe started replacing the whey used in their candy bars with animal rennet. This resulted in large protests and negative press publicity against Mars, Inc by vegetarians who were previously loyal to Mars candy because it was vegetarian.
Twix brands was also revised to compete in the ice cream space with frozen Twix bars making their way into supermarket and mall ice cream vendor ice boxes. Snickers had also introduced their branded products including the Snickers Ice Cream Bar. All of these products were well received at that time and either continued in production or withdrawn after the promo ended.

The sales Twix and Snickers chocolate brand have increased outside their traditional markets and they have been very positively received in every part of the world.

Twix and Snickers chocolate bars have been a successful products throughout their history and their sales have continued to increase and they have become popular brands for their manufacturers.

Quicker And More Flavorsome Chocolate Cake With Cake Mix

2010-05-23T18:12:00.000-07:00

When it comes to making a chocolate cake nothing may match the easy usage of boxed cake mix. Though it's simple to make, nearly always cake made out of boxed mix is very boring 'n very normal also. Nevertheless, this isn't the case always as there are several means that may help add taste to the normal cake too. Let us learn more about the same in detail.

You may make the cake much more mouth-watering by adding other ingredients. You might utilize chocolate chips or mini M&M's for the same. Ideally, you ought to combine a mug or 2 of the chocolate chips to the mix for most satisfactory results. 1st create the batter as directed 'n add the chocolate chips towards the very finish. Now bake the cake as instructed and Voila! You'll have classic chocolate cake with a delicious twist in no time, thanks to the chocolate chips.

Another good idea that could help add flavor to the usual boxed mix is always to apply 2 distinct flavors at the same time. Perfect is always to choose chocolate cake and white cake. Create a batter of the two cake mix in several bowls. Then in a third bowl create layers of the white cake mix batter and the chocolate cake mix batter. Put sthis layered cake mix for baking now. You could additionally contribute a twist to this cake by giving it a swirl look. Merely put the 2 batters together, 'n give it a light mix. This will boost the visual appeal of the cake and will at the same time satiate your flavor buds also.

While water is typically used to blend all the ingredients, you may exchange it with chocolate milk rather. Adding the chocolate milk to your cake mix will not just make it creamier however also provide it an added chocolate zest. However, remember to use toned chocolate milk instead of the full cream kind when utilizing it for the cake. It gives the cake the correct consistency.

You can additionally improve the flavor of your cake by adding frozen fruit to the mix. It will add a fruity flavor to your cake. Nevertheless, while you might have a number of frozen fruit options to make a choice between, frozen raspberries work the very best. If you're utilizing frozen fruit, remember to contribute them at the very end 'n combine it in gently. Additionally, you are needed to cook the cake for slightly longer than the instructed time on the package when using the fruits.

Add a zing of marshmallow cream to bring in extra taste to your cake. The method is very simple. Clear half the content of the box mix in a container 'n contribute a layer of marshmallow cream over it. Now dissemination the remaining content of the box mix over the marshmallow creamy layer. Now, put the cake mix in oven for baking. The chewy and gummy center of the cake is bound to win over your young ones no ends.

Last however not the least; contribute some coffee to your cake. There are many folks who're fond of the flavor of coffee. So, they're bound to like the coffee flavor in the cake as well. All you must do is to add some coffee liqueur to the cake batter. Only half cup of coffee liqueur can get remarkable distinction to the taste of the cake. Since you are adding liquid coffee essence to the cake, reduce the quantity of alternative liquids that you use to prepare the cake batter.

So, what are you waiting for? Merely employ these easy ideas and you're certainly going to have fun with the flavor of the common boxed cake like nothing before.

Chocolate Candy Maker - The Best Thing Since Enzo The Baker

2010-05-09T03:46:00.001-07:00

Are you a superior baker? Do you love candy? Why not try your hand at becoming a chocolate candy maker? While you might not actually work in a factory or sell your treats to thousands of people everyday, you will still be a big hit with all your family and friends, and you might even decide that you wish to make a business out of this moneymaking hobby.

One of the first things you should do when you are thinking about becoming a chocolate candy maker is to attempt as many recipes as you discover. Find out what specialty you want yours to be, and try to make as many assortments of the candy as you are able. This way, you can perfect the recipes you attempt, and you might even create a few of your own.

All Shapes and Sizes

Chocolate candy comes in numerous forms, so you can make fudge, candy bars, turtles, the small chocolate candies that come in boxes as well as gift bags. You might even create your own version of chocolate covered fruit.

Ask your family members to get old recipes that have been in the family for many years, and check out online resources for great chocolate candy recipes from people all over the world. You should also add a few of your own exceptional ingredients to make the recipe stand out.

Standing Above The Rest

Being a chocolate candy maker will also call for you to pay particular attention to the skill that you devote to the candy. How do you wish your candy to look? It is crucial to make sure that your chocolates stand out, particularly if you are going to be selling them.

What special ingredients do you wish to add to make the taste of your chocolate candies distinguishable? You can try vanilla, fruit extracts, cinnamon, coconut, or even more exotic flavors like black pepper, cayenne pepper, as well as smoky flavors to give your chocolate candy a taste that people will always remember.

Another sign of a great chocolate candy maker is the packaging. If you are starting up a business from scratch, you will need to make certain that the colors and logo you select make your candy stand out.

Are you going to use gourmet paper or small bags to wrap your candy in? Will you apply ribbon to tie your candy package together, or are you making a custom box for your treats? These might seem like small details, but they might be a big difference when your attempting to make sure that your fudge, truffles, or candy bars are being noticed.

Dark Chocolate For Health Benefits

2010-03-29T23:04:00.001-07:00

A Bit of History

Thousands of years ago, the Aztec Empire had used cocoa as part of the ingredients to make spicy bitter drinks for their special occasions. At the later centuries, cocoa beans were brought to Spain, which then spread across Europe. Only at the end of the 19th Century, milk was added to chocolate to eat as well as to drink. Chocolate was once a fashionable choice, meant for the noble, rich and famous but now, it is meant for everyone.

Health Benefits

There are many conducted studies revealed the much benefits one could gain just by having a little bite of dark chocolate. To be considered as dark chocolate, a product should have at least 65 percent of cocoa content.

Why not dairy chocolate? A study shows that milk does interfere in the process of antioxidants absorption, thus lower the chances to fight certain disease. The same goes to white chocolate, which contains no flavonoids (solid cocoa), known to be important as an antioxidants agent.

The following are 3 main reasons why it is good to consume dark chocolate:

1. Antioxidants

* Compounds called phenolic phytochemicals, or flavonoids found in cocoa act to protect the body from free radicals and damage that can lead to ailments such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes, asthma and cancer (lung cancer, prostate cancer).
* Procyanidins produce nitric oxide which helps to stabilize blood pressure, balance up hormones inside the body and also decreases blood clotting.
* It also lowers cholesterol level by reducing LDL (bad cholesterol) oxidation and help increase HDL (good cholesterol) concentrations in the blood.

2. Stimulants

* Caffeine help eases the symptoms of pre-menstrual, boost spirits and increase energy.
* Have low glycemic index which act to maintain blood glucose and insulin levels.
* Theobromine is mildly diuretic (increases urine production), is a mild stimulant, and relaxes the smooth muscles of the bronchi in the lungs. (Note that this may be toxic or lethal to dogs and other domestic animals such as horses because these animals metabolize theobromine more slowly than humans).

3. Antidepressant and Aphrodisiac

* Phenyl ethylamines and serotonin in chocolate are hormones known to help boost positive emotions.
* Endorphins help create a sensational and pleasure feelings.
* It also helps improving the flow of blood to the key regions of the brain thus prevents fatigue and ageing effects besides help to lift spirit.

Good Fats vs. Bad Fat

Some of the fats in chocolate do not impact our cholesterol. The fats 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 fats is bad for us. The others react positively throughout our body.

Useful Tips

* One bar of dark chocolate has around 400 calories. If we eat half a bar of chocolate a day, we must balance those 200 calories by eating less of something else. It is always good to substitute our snacks or sweets with good bar of dark chocolate in our daily intakes.
* Chocolate is a complex food with over 300 compounds and chemicals in each bite. To really enjoy and appreciate chocolate, take the time to taste it.
* Avoid anything with caramel, nougat or other fillings as they tend to add fats and sugar besides holding us from getting the benefits of dark chocolate. However, chocolate with nuts, flavorings and peels will do just fine.
* It is better not to eat chocolate with milk as it will prevent the antioxidants absorption in our body, thus erase the utmost benefits of chocolate.

A Healthy Diet

Dark chocolate by far is one of the best additions for a healthy diet. It can be consumed in any form like cakes, pastries, and bars or even as beverages. However, the key for healthy diets always come in moderation. This means that dark chocolate should be eaten moderately and never too much as it can still be a high-calorie and high-fat food. Fresh fruits and vegetables should always be eaten regularly as they are still the best source of antioxidants, therefore, never substitute them.

Chocolate is a Womans Best Friend

2010-03-17T21:05:00.000-07:00

Have you ever awakened feeling low, disinterested and just plain tired of everything? Well, as you all know, most women will tell you chocolate is a woman's best friend. So when I'm feeling down and in need of a pick-me-up I, of course, turn to chocolate!

Not just any chocolate, though. Anyone can munch on a candy bar. I want something that I created or made, to make me feel better. What I want is a batch of Chocolate No-Bake Cookies

Most folks have the ingredients in their kitchen or pantry so there's no need to make a special trip to the store. Here is what you need to make these yummy little treats:

2 cups sugar
1 stick margarine or oleo
3 tablespoonfuls cocoa powder
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup peanut butter
3 cups quick cooking oatmeal
1 teaspoonful vanilla

In a heavy saucepan combine sugar, margarine, cocoa powder and milk. Bring to a rolling boil and boil for a few minutes to make sure the sugar is completely dissolved.

Turn off burner, add peanut butter and stir until thoroughly melted. Remove from heat and add 1 cup of the oatmeal and vanilla. Stir until mixed. Then add the remaining 2 cups of oatmeal and mix until kind of soupy. Don't worry, the cookies will "set" as they cool. If you add too much oatmeal they will become dry and not nearly as good as they can be.

Immediately drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Allow to cool and set (if you can wait that long before gobbling them up).

Yield: Several dozen or less, depending on how big you make the cookies. There's lots of recipes for this cookie available but this one never fails to get me compliments. And they're so EASY to make!

NOTE: Be sure to use fresh sugar. DO NOT TRY TO MAKE THIS RECIPE ON A HUMID DAY. The Cookies will not set and you will have to eat a batch of mushy doughy blobs (still yummy but not the experience or satisfaction we're after).

I guarantee that when you finally sit down, put your feet up and partake of these yummy treats with a glass of your favorite beverage, you'll feel muchComputer Technology Articles, much better!

Which Chocolate Has The Greatest Health Rewards?

2010-03-17T21:00:00.001-07:00

We'll all cherish the day we learned chocolate was good for us. Maybe a few naysayers still remain skeptical, but study after study is proclaiming the health benefits, both mental and physical, of chocolate. Even the Life Extension Foundation includes chocolate extract in their flagship vitamin formulas. Many folks are switching from their daily dose of coffee to a cup of hot chocolate. It's an antidepressant, an antioxidant, its full of vitamins and minerals, it improves sex drive, AND it tastes good. Really good. So what is the best way to get the health benefits? Is it as simple as eating cases of your childhood favorite chocolates? As you might have thought, there are considerations when indulging in chocolate as a regular part of your diet. But it can be done! Let's see how...

Like so many things in our modern world, its the processing of chocolate that makes all the difference. This isn't just the New Age Hippy types saying this either (as one, the author feels comfortable making this statement). The scientists measuring all the chemicals in our food, telling us which bits are good and which are bad are saying it to. It's RAW, minimally-processed chocolate that's the miracle food. Un-roasted, un-cooked plain old powdered chocolate, better known as 'Cacao', is far superior in every way for your health. It's called a 'superfood' by many, as it's list of super-good for you super-nutrients is extensive. Note that 'organic' does not mean 'raw'. Even the premium organic hot-chocolate powders found in the high-end health food stores is still roasted and usually processed with alkali (called 'Dutch Processing', making it easier to dissolve in water, and destroying most of the antioxidants at the same time). This means that 99% of the chocolate products on the shelves are NOT the superfood you wished they were, but it also points the direction to how to include chocolate in your life on an exceptionally health daily basis. We'll get to some recipes in a moment, but first a few points to help you remember why raw chocolate is where it's at.

First the question of Caffeine. Many folks are sensitive to caffeine's effect on their nervous system. It raises blood pressure, shortens tempers and keeps people awake. And we all know chocolate has caffeine in it, right? But what form is it in? Research done by homeopaths indicates a significant difference on the stimulating effects of chocolate depending on whether it's been heated or not. A drink made with roasted chocolate evoked excitement of the nervous system that did not occur with unroasted chocolate. Alteration of chemical structure through heat is common, and very likely to occur in the case of chocolate. The roasting process involves heating the beans between 250 and 350 degrees F for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Anecdotal reports of individuals moving from coffee or yerba mate as their morning drink to a cup of hot chocolate report gentle stimulating effects without anxiety, as their other drinks had produced. Even very sensitive people who do not do well with any form of caffeine report positive results with raw chocolate; nothing at all like the effects produced by coffee or caffeinated teas.

Next the question of anti-oxidants. Chocolate has been discovered to have exceptionally high quantities of important polyphenols. A study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry was titled: "Cocoa Has More Phenolic Phytochemicals and Higher Antioxidant Capacity than Teas and Red Wine." It's hard to argue with that. Here again the question of raw arises: One report notes that while roasted chocolate is made up of 5% antioxidants, raw chocolate contains twice as much at 10%. Another important note is the addition of milk to make milk chocolate. Research has shown that the addition of milk actually cancels-out the positive effects of chocolate's antioxidants. And milk may be one of the reasons many people seem to be allergic to chocolate, as lactose intolerance is fairly common. Another chocolate myth is some individuals break out when ingesting high amounts; reports indicate that raw chocolate does not cause this response, and that it may be the refined fats and sugars present in most chocolate products producing this effect.

Finally, the question of mood-enhancing neurochemicals and precursors. Chocolate contains significant quantities of the essential amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan intake has recently been collated with neurogenesis, the development of new brain cells, and both long and short term memory. The presence of tryptophan is critical for the production of serotonin, a primary neurotransmitter associated with mood (Prozac works on the principal of enhancing the action of serotonin). Once in the body tryptophan reacts with vitamins B6 and B3 in the presence of magnesium (all present in raw chocolate) to produce serotonin. Enhanced serotonin function assists in diminishing anxiety and stress - ccording to Dr. Gabriel Cousens, serotonin is literally our “stress-defense shield.” Tryptophan is heat sensitive and is often deficient in many cooked-food diets, even when animal protein intake is high. In addition to tryptophan (but not heat sensitive) chocolate also contains PEA, the 'love hormone' and Anandamide the 'bliss chemical'.

Convinced? Ready for a little raw chocolate power? First its critical to find a good source; make sure the chocolate you're buying is raw - it's most often labeled as 'Cacao', the name for the raw chocolate beans and the tree on which they grow. Cacao nibs are small pieces of pure raw chocolate that can be eaten straight, or mixed with other healthy snacks like Gogi berries. But the best-loved raw chocolate preparation is the original chocolate drink: hot chocolate. Now it won't be hot enough for long enough to convert any chemicals or to cook the chocolate, just to make it a warm comforting drink - and of course, heating the water isn't necessary at all (though in recipes calling for Coconut oil, it helps to blend the oil into the drink). So to make a cup, use powdered raw chocolate (grinding the nibs or beans in a coffee grinder can work, though you'll find this challenging as the natural oils in the chocolate will heat up and liquefy before the grinding is complete, leaving little crunchy bits). Put one or two tablespoons powdered chocolate, 1 to 2 teaspoons raw dark agave nectar (a low-glycemic index natural sweetner) and 1 to 2 teaspoons of Coconut oil in a blender. Add 8 to 12 ounces almost-boiling water and blend for 10 seconds. That's it! You'll find your personal favorite formula after a few preparations - more or less chocolate, oil, sweetener or water.

There are many, many recipes available online and in books about raw chocolate. Some favorite additions to the drink are Maca (Peruvian Ginseng), essential oils like Vanilla, Peppermint or Orange (just one drop is often enough) or a little powdered cinnamon. Your own raw chocolate bars are very easy to make, really just by omitting the water and adjusting the oil and sweetener ratios to make a thick chocolate paste. Add some chopped nuts if you like, press into a casserole dish and put it in the refrigerator long enough to make it firm. Experiment; it's chocolate! You're supposed to have fun. And with raw chocolateBusiness Management Articles, it might be the most fun you can have eating while positively benefiting your health.

Indulge in Gourmet Chocolates

2010-03-17T20:58:00.003-07:00

We all know, that everybody love chocolates. Chocolate is the voice of passion and love, whether it is the love of chocolate itself or as an expression of love for another human being. The way its texture feels in your mouth as it melts is very satisfying and its richness takes this pleasure to a whole new level. Some people would even prefer chocolate to some other acts that may bring a lot of pleasure. Valentine's Day or Saturday, chocolate is the perfect gift for those we care about or just want to impress.

Yeah, it's right that chocolate is very delicious, some chocolates are more enjoyable than others. A Snickers bar is full of chocolate but it also is jam packed with peanuts and caramel so you have to eat your way around the candy bar to get your dose of pure chocolate. Thankfully, there are gourmet
chocolates available to fulfill any chocolate lovers hole.

However, you can give lavishness chocolates if you ever wanted to make friends with someone. But, I wonder why other people don't like dark chocolates. Even gourmet restaurants leave me indifferent most of the time. Usually, one meal is as good as the other. Nonetheless, real gourmet chocolates really blow me away. There's just something about them, you know? They are so rich, so sweet, so complex and flavorful, and so lingering in texture and taste that they completely overwhelm me. I'm not particularly a big eater. To me there is nothing in this world that is better.

In fact, I get literally high when I eat Belgian chocolates. Sometimes, a gourmet chocolate really throws me off order. I'll have to sit down after a particularly good trouble. You might think I'm joking, but I'm not. One of my good friends always makes fun of me. He told me that if he enjoyed his gourmet chocolates as much as I do, he'd be really fat.

To tell you, it's really funny, the gourmet chocolate I eat doesn't make me fat. This is because I am careful with it. My philosophy about things that you really enjoy is that you should save them for special occasions. otherwise, if you enjoy gourmet food enough you may get spoiled for normal food. As it is, I can enjoy regular chocolate candies every now and then. They taste good to me. Even though they are not as good as gourmet chocolates, I certainly don't complain. This is because I don't exclusively eat gourmet chocolate. If I had it every day, I would be able to eat cake, pie, candy, or any other sweets. I would even be bored by fruits.

You should know that, there are many different kinds of gourmet chocolates that are good. Having rich, dark chocolate unpolluted by other flavors is enough to satisfy the craving. Then again, sometimes it is nice to have a good chocolate truffle or something like that. Truffles of all kinds are also available for those with an extra sweet tooth. Whether you love dark, milk or white chocolate it is all available out there for you. There is such a nice, complex balance of different flavors there. They all contribute to the whole experience. Together, the truffle as a whole is more delicious than any of its parts.

Plus, there are also boxes of chocolate to suit anyone’s needs and those contain a wide collection of different gourmet chocolates. Some people really enjoy coffee filled chocolate or cherry filled chocolate. In a box of chocolate, all of these are possible and even things you never thought imaginable will be waiting for you when you open the lid.

And likewise, if you want a plain chocolate bar than those are available too, all but everywhere. Dark, milk or white chocolates are available for chocolate bars so you’ll get your chocolate fix. You can break off a piece of the bar and simply let the chocolate melt slowly in your mouth as you let all your worries escape you.

Aside from those chocolates mentioned above, there are also other different cocoa inspired delectable treats out there to please anyone. There are types of chocolate that some people probably never thought possible. As what I have discovered that chocolates now can come in a chocolate-wine combination to serve as a decadent topping to any dessert. Some flavors include a chocolate espresso merlot or a chocolate raspberry cabernet. No one would have thought that wine and chocolate would fit well together but these gourmet chocolates, when paired with ice cream, would be sure to ticket anyone’s taste buds.

Unfortunately, these small luscious treasures make a perfect gift for anyone. If you know a chocolate lover, then they will greatly appreciate the sophisticated taste of these gourmet delights. They will know that you spent your time and money buying them the only gift they really need. Stores that sell these delicious treats also have gift certificates available so if you can’t pick out the perfect gourmet chocolates you can certainly let them do it with your gift for them. After allScience Articles, it reminds us that we can enjoy our favorite treat knowing it's good for the body and perhaps also the mind.

Hot Chocolate - The Other Side

2010-03-07T18:52:00.001-08:00

Normally I think of chocolate with child like appreciation. I dream of mouth watering treats, crunchy chocolate cookies, luscious cakes, dreamy muffins and mountains of mousse. I never think of the big business behind chocolate or the potential for corruption and conspiracy. Last night I watched the movie "Insider" with Al Pacino and Russell Crowe about corporate corruption and conspiracy in the tobacco industry. This got me wondering about our beloved chocolate industry.

As it turns out the chocolate world has a fair share of shady moments. Chocolate is a multi billion dollar worldwide business ripe with ingredients for corruption, greed and conspiracy. There are a few interesting stories about the sticky side of this industry..

Cocoa Slaves

This story has to be the worst part about the industry. Enslavement of children on cocoa farms in the Ivory Coast has been going on for years. When this story broke back around the year 2000 the Ivory Coast produced 40% of the world's cocoa beans. Advocacy organizations have been working hard to re mediate the problem. As a result the idea of "fair trade" chocolate has become popular to help raise awareness and stop unfair labor practices. The details of this story are stunning when you think about the amount of wealth generated by the chocolate industry. Cheap chocolate has a very high cost.

Gangster Chocolate

Through 17th - 19th century cocoa products were an expensive commodity harvested at great cost from far away places. This made the chocolate market ripe for criminal activities. Chocolate hijacking and cocoa burglars were not uncommon. Basically people would steal chocolate products just like jewelry, gold or other valuables. What would happen if the world had a sudden shortage of chocolate? Gulp.

Cocoa High

The illegal drug trade is a huge fan of the chocolate industry. This unsavory relationship comes about because chocolate is thought to be a great way to hide illegal drugs from authorities. In a twist of fate it seems clear that chocolate is actually a poor method of drug smuggling due to numerous public cases that show people going to jail from this. Even criminals are victims to the love of chocolate..

Have chocolaty day!,

Choose the Right Chocolate, Choose to Stay Healthy

2010-03-07T18:50:00.002-08:00

We all have this idea that chocolates are bad for your health in many ways. For one thing, chocolates contain hundreds of calories - in general, about 265 calories for every 50 grams in dry weight - that represent about a fifth of the recommended daily allowance for average individuals. For another thing, teeth do suffer from eating chocolates especially when coupled with poor oral hygiene habits.

Chocolate Good for Your Health, Too

Did you know, however, that chocolates can be good for your heath, too? The trick lies in doing two things - choosing good chocolate and eating it in moderation. Since we all know what eating in moderation means - consuming only sufficient amounts to assuage the pangs of hunger but never enough to feel full. This article will focus on choosing good chocolate.

Lest you think that a good chocolate equates to expensive brands, think again. Basically, a good chocolate is one that contains as little additives, sweeteners and preservatives to make it look better, taste sweeter and last longer. Think pure and plain chocolate. So, the question remains, how is chocolate good for you? Well, thanks to the vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants and natural chemicals found in the food of the Mayan and Aztec gods, that's how.

In its pure state, chocolate contains vitamins A, B1, B2, D and E as well as minerals like magnesium, iron and copper. You should know by now of the beneficial role that vitamins and minerals play in a healthy body. Studies have even found that consuming moderate but regular amounts of dark chocolate can lower cholesterol levels and, hence, the risk of heart attacks. In some cases, it can even protect against certain types of cancers.

Of course, who can forget chocolate as an almost instant mood booster? This is because chocolate contains the happy hormone known as serotonin, which acts as a natural antidepressant.

Good Chocolate for Your Health

As previously implied, all these benefits can be had by choosing the good kind of chocolates. This can be done by keeping the following tips in mind whenever you find yourself facing a vast array of chocolates, be it in the supermarket or in a confectionary:

* Opt for the dark varieties that contain 65 percent or more cocoa solids. These chocolate varieties possess a richer flavor with more complex notes without the cloying sweetness of milk added to it. Plus, you will get all the health benefits of the cocoa bean because dark chocolate has had little of the nutrient-robbing mass production manufacturing process applied to it.
* Look for the signs of good chocolate without the stratospheric tag prices. We are talking about a glossy surface with dark colors containing reddish-black undertones. When opened, it should break crisply, almost cleanly, in half when snapped.
* Ask for brands with low to no sugar and milk added. Better yet, you can look for organic chocolate brands in health food stores and specialty confectionaries.

Now, when you have found such a health-friendly chocolate, you should not take it upon yourself to wolf down everything in one sitting - too much of a good thing is still toxic. Instead, set a limit of 2 squares eaten 2-3 times a week and only as part of a healthy diet.

The Benefits of Eating Chocolates - Advantages of Consuming This Delicious Sweet!

2010-03-07T18:50:00.001-08:00

Did you know there are a lot of advantages in eating a chocolate? We will reveal 3 benefits of eating this delicious sweet.

Believe or not, but chocolates have been used for decades by medical professionals in order to treat several problems such as: low virility, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, fatigue and tuberculosis.

In the army, chocolate is used for a quick energy booster. Nutritional researchers identified that there any several health benefits in consuming chocolate.

Below are 3 biggest advantages of eating this sweet:

#1 chocolate is made from cacao that contains Flavonoids, which reduces high blood pressure and also blot clotting.

#2 chocolate is also a mood booster, just like coffee. This sweet is an energy booster, due to its sugary calories which provides loads of energy; one of the reasons why it is used in the army.

#3 chocolate contains Theobromine which is proved to ease the persistent of cough as it opens the airways of the lungs.

So there you go 3 biggest benefits of easting this delicious sweet! But do not over consume! Due to its high sugar components, it can lead to diabetes and it can also increase your weight.

It is always recommend that you do some kind of exercise to burn those calories, to be fit and healthy!

And remember to brush your teeth every time you eat a chocolate or any sugary sweet. If you do not, then it can gradually eat your teeth, leaving you with no choice but to remove the damaged teeth.

Nut Free Chocolate For the Ultimate Chocolate Delight

2010-03-03T06:22:00.001-08:00

Some people like their chocolates with nuts and lots of it but there are others who want nut free chocolate to experience the ultimate chocolate high. Imagine this, chocolate with no grainy feel that melts in your mouth. It's a divine experience for chocolate lovers who want their chocolates the old fashioned way.

What's the Best Chocolate for You?

If you want the chocolates without nuts then you're neither 'nutty' nor unique. Millions of chocolate fans prefer their chocolate candies pure and simple, no nuts. These nut-free chocolate candies are versatile, too. They can be topped on cakes as chocolate curls or added in ice cream to perk up and to decorate a serving of vanilla ice cream.

If you have allergies to certain nuts then going nut free chocolates is a smart move. If you are uncertain about a friend's allergy to nuts, then pure dark chocolate without nuts would be a safe bet for chocolate gifts sets. If you are unsure about the purity, meaning it does not contain any allergens, you can always contact the chocolate manufacturer.

Some chocolates, even when these are nut-free have come in contact with peanuts and other nuts that can trigger allergic reactions in some people and children. In this case, it is best to rely on trusted brands for your gifts. Manufacturers of chocolates demand pure cocoa that had not been exposed to impurities or in contact with nuts and the processing ensures that nut free chocolate preparations have separate 'cooking vats'.

The best nut-free chocolates are smooth; there is no grainy feel when you munch on your chocolate bar. There is no hint or taste of whatever nuts or nuts derivatives. This is the safest ones for children and adults who have allergies.

Choosing Chocolates that are Nut-Free

Although chocolate makers claim that their chocolates are nut-free, you cannot simply rely on this claim. Manufacturers though no fault of their own, are not aware that the ones they have purchased have been exposed to peanuts and other nuts. To make sure that you have a pure nut-free chocolate, ask the company about their claims. Most manufacturers are ready to give you their guarantee.

Your child may not have allergies to nuts that you know of until the child is given nut-filled chocolates. Only then will you know about the child's allergy to nuts. To play it safe, children should only be given chocolates with the peanuts or tree nuts.

Allergy to peanuts should not be taken lightly. This can trigger serious allergic reactions and can be fatal. Never give nutty chocolates to acquaintances and children unless you are 100% sure that they do not have any allergies to nuts.

Shopping for Nut-Free Treats

This Easter with children all agog for their Easter eggs and chocolates, play it safe with nut-free sweets and chocolates. The Internet is a rich source for chocolates. You can browse the different nut free chocolate gift sets for everyone. Visit the website of the big top chocolate makers and choose from their nut-free treats and have a safe and fun Valentines, Easter, Christmas celebrations. Give your friends the gift they will enjoy, and let them eat it, too.

Taste Good, Feel Good, Look Good With Dark Chocolate

2010-03-03T06:21:00.000-08:00

For such a dark, bitter substance in its purest form, chocolate definitely has taken hold of our imaginations and our palates. Consider the statistics: The average Joe in the US will eat 10-12 pounds of chocolates on an annual basis while the chocoholic nation of Switzerland has seen its citizens gobble up 21 pounds a year per person. You can just imagine the billions of dollars spent on the sweet stuff. Well, that should come as no surprise as chocolate tastes good, makes you feel good and contributes to looking good!

Good Tastes

For average consumers of chocolate, it just tastes sweet, smooth and, well, chocolate-y. You cannot be blamed if you think that way since chocolates are meant to be savored in all its richness, not analyzed down to the last amino acid. For the chocolate connoisseur, however, chocolate has many flavors to it. Think of chocolate tasting as evaluating perfumes complete with the base, middle and end tones albeit you use both your senses of smell and taste when it comes to chocolate.

Thus, you will hear of flavor descriptions along the lines of floral, fruity and spicy as well as specific notes like raisin, coconuts and vanilla. It will take years and years of practice before you can get to the point where chocolate flavor descriptions roll off your tongue.

It should also be emphasized that the cacao beans from which chocolate is made does not have the chocolate-y flavor one expects. Instead, the complex flavors are added during the fermenting and roasting processes when the amino acids are released and mixed with other substances.

Feel Good

Chocolate does not only taste good, it makes you feel good, too. You must have eaten a chocolate when you were blue and you felt better soon afterwards. Or you eat chocolate because it just feels good melting in your mouth. Either way, this is not a surprise considering that chocolate contains natural chemicals known to lift the mood of whoever is eating it. Think of these chemicals as your natural antidepressants.

You have the chemical known as phenylethylamine, which supposedly stimulates similar physiological reactions as when one is falling in love. You will also consume abundant quantities of theobromine acting as the catalyst in the release of endorphins, which are known as the happy hormones.

Look Good

It is not just our emotional well-being that benefits from chocolates either. Numerous researches on the health benefits of chocolates have pointed out that, when consumed in moderate quantities coupled with a healthy diet, chocolate provides for the following physical benefits:

* You have lower cholesterol levels and reduced risk of heart attack. This is because chocolates contain flavonoids, which are beneficial antioxidants.
* You may have lower risks for cancer, again thanks to flavonoids that stop cellular damage.
* Your heart will be healthier because of the monounsaturated fat in chocolates.
* Your body will benefit from the numerous vitamins and minerals in chocolate. Just to name a few, there are calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and folate as well as vitamins A, E and B-complex.

Keep in mind, nonetheless, that not all chocolates are created equal when it comes to health. We strongly suggest purchasing dark chocolate made from 60 percent or more cocoa solids. Now, you can indeed feel and look good while enjoying the heavenly tastes of chocolate.

Choose the Right Chocolate, Choose to Stay Healthy

2010-03-03T06:20:00.001-08:00

Take a Step Back in Time With Easter Chocolate Eggs

2010-03-03T06:19:00.000-08:00

Probably the happiest memory of childhood is looking for the Easter egg basket filled with all sorts of sweet treats from jelly beans to chocolate eggs. Each basket was supposedly left by the Easter bunny the night before, which is akin to Santa Claus leaving gifts behind under the Christmas tree.

We could not care less about the history of the tradition just as long as we can cram our mouths with the scrumptious goodies. Well, now that you are the one hiding the Easter baskets, you will probably want to step back in time to discover the history of the Easter chocolate egg.

Pagan Symbolism to Christian Tradition

It must be emphasized that although Easter is a Christian tradition, it has its roots in pagan celebrations. Most historians agree that its etymology comes from the ancient Teutonic goddess of spring and fertility, Eostre. Easter became associated with rebirth as when the Earth is reborn in spring after winter's death. In time, the concept of rebirth was adopted to Christian belief. This time, the rebirth pertained to the resurrection from the dead of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who represented the forgiveness of all sins for mankind.

So, where does the egg come in? Well, the egg was a popular symbol of birth and rebirth in pagan times for two reasons. First, it was a round object that closely mimicked the concept of eternity - no beginning and no end. Second, life came out of it, which represented birth and rebirth. As for chocolates, it was incorporated into Easter since it represented power, devotion and love, all of which are hallmarks of Easter. Plus, it does not hurt to have something sweet to nibble on after the fasting sacrifices associated with Lent.

Real Eggs to Sweet Eggs

In the olden days, Easter eggs were made from the real eggs of fowls like hens, ducks and geese. These were then painted in the colors of the season and then decorated with just about anything sparkly, glittery and pretty. These were exchanged as gifts. In the 17th century, artificial eggs became more and more popular for obvious reasons. Along with new materials came new ways to decorate the eggs so much so the rich and royal families began collecting bejeweled and bedazzled eggs.

It was only in the 19th century, however, that the ultimate in Easter eggs blossomed into the fabulous Faberge eggs. These were made from precious metals and/or hard stones, which were then decorated with gemstones and enamel. Truly, an Easter gift fit for a king. (Or the Czar of Russia, for that matter)

But since we do not have the coffers of a king, we can settle for the equally sweet but more affordable chocolate Easter eggs. This time, the tasty tradition came from France and Germany and then spread to the rest of the world. Nowadays, you can choose from solid and hollow eggs as well as eggs filled with all sorts of fillings from peanut butter to jelly beans, all thanks to a pagan symbolism.

So each time you make or purchase Easter chocolate eggs, you should learn to appreciate the long history that came with them. At the very least, you will thank your lucky stars your children are throwing chocolate eggs instead of real eggs against each other.

Heal Your Heart With Chocolate

2010-02-12T18:43:00.001-08:00

There is a reason why chocolate is often associated with matters of the heart. Gifts of chocolate are a very common way to express love. In addition, we often eat chocolate to pamper ourselves when we feel sad, lonely, or need extra care and attention. For many of us, chocolate is like a beloved friend who has a special place in our hearts. Finally, chocolate is something that takes away your cares and lightens your heart at least for a little while because of its intoxicating and luscious taste.

On a purely physical level, chocolate is packed full of nutrition that is good for the heart. Take a look below at some of the amazing heart-healthy benefits of chocolate:

1. Antioxidants minimize the damaging effects of free radicals in the body and chocolate contains a lot of antioxidants. Free radicals are the natural byproducts of cell metabolism and cause oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is believed to be a main contributor to the aging process and the onset of many diseases including heart disease.

There is a scale that measures the antioxidant value in food called the ORAC scale. ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. "Cocoa, dry powder, unsweetened" is very near the top of the scale which means that it has a very high ORAC rating and contains lots of antioxidants.

2. Magnesium is essential to maintain normal heart rhythms and chocolate is a useful source of magnesium. Most Americans do not get enough in their diets. Some studies suggest that low levels of magnesium may be linked to heart disease and high blood pressure.

3. Cocoa butter is the fat in chocolate that makes it melt in your mouth and taste so good, but it is not a kind of fat that is harmful to your heart. The majority of fat in chocolate is stearic acid which has a neutral effect on cholesterol.

4. Theobromine is a stimulant similar to caffeine, and it is found in chocolate. It has the effect of dilating the blood vessels and lowering blood pressure but don't feed it to your dog because they lack the enzymes needed to metabolize the theobromine.

Keep in mind that the quality of chocolate does matter if you want to eat chocolate that is good for your heart. Look for chocolate that lists cocoa as the first ingredient on the ingredient label. Your best bet is to purchase chocolate with a cocoa content of 70% or greater. Make sure there is no added milk due to its saturated fat content. In addition, you should avoid chocolate with artificial ingredients, and you should still eat it only when you really need a sweet fix since it does contain sugar.

For the Love of Chocolate

2010-02-04T22:34:00.001-08:00

Few foods evoke as much passion as chocolate. Now and then, chocolate lovers may reveal that the notion of giving it up, even if it means being healthier, is often out of the question. Fortunately, this is one instance when you can have your chocolate and eat it too, because study after study has confirmed that chocolate is actually very good for you.

However, not all chocolate is created equal. Only dark chocolate is healthy, not milk chocolate, not white chocolate and not any combination in between.

Why Dark Chocolate Is Healthy

Chocolate is made from cocoa bean (cacao), which comes from plants. That means it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables. Cocoa contains flavonoids which are naturally-occurring compounds found in plants. Flavonoids act as antioxidants, helping the body's cells resist damage caused by free radicals that are formed by normal metabolism, the immune system, and environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke, and herbicides.

There is evidence that consumption of dark chocolate can:

* Lower blood pressure in individuals with high blood pressure.
* Lower LDL (bad) cholesterol by up to 10%.
* Stimulate endorphin production, which gives a feeling of pleasure.
* Act as an antidepressant as it contains serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects our mood among its many other functions.
* Act as a pick-me-up as it contains stimulants like theobromine and caffeine.

How To Choose The Healthiest Chocolate

A new 2009 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry compared the cocoa antioxidant contents of commercially available chocolate- and cocoa-containing products marketed in the US.

The study concluded that products with the highest level of antioxidants were (in descending order):

1. Unsweetened, unprocessed cocoa powder
2. Unsweetened baking chocolate
3. Dark chocolate
4. Semi-sweet chocolate chips
5. Milk chocolate
6. Chocolate syrup

The study found that chocolate's health benefits are derived mainly from the antioxidants present in cocoa. Therefore, it is not surprising that pure cocoa powder ranks number one when it comes to health benefits.

Also, the more processing (such as fermentation, alkalizing, roasting) the cocoa gets, the less antioxidant left in the end product. The typical commercial cocoa is treated with alkali to produce a darker, richer taste. This process can reduce the flavonoid content by as much as 50 percent.

* Therefore, if you want to make a healthy cup of hot cocoa, choose untreated, non-alkaline, cocoa powder (not Dutch-processed cocoa) and add in your own sweetener and milk.
* When buying dark chocolate, find a high quality one that has been minimally processed. The chocolate should not contain unsavory ingredients such as soybean oil, high fructose corn syrup, or artificial flavorings.
* Be cautious of the type of dark chocolate you choose. Avoid fillings with caramel, nougat, or marshmallow, which are merely additional sugar and fat.
* Avoid milk chocolate as it contains very little antioxidant-rich cocoa. Research also shows that the milk protein in chocolate may bind with the antioxidants and make them less easily absorbed by the body. Therefore, to get the most antioxidant benefit, don't wash your chocolate down with a glass of milk.
* Avoid white chocolate as it contains no cocoa. White chocolate is just fat and sugar.

Who Should Avoid Eating Chocolate

Despite all the positive research, this is not a license to consume as much dark chocolate as you like. If you are struggling with any serious diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, or cancer, you should refrain from eating chocolate as most chocolate contains sugar and sugar depresses your immune system.

If you have acne or any acne-like skin eruptions, chocolate will likely aggravate the skin condition.

If you suffer from migraines, chemicals in chocolate may trigger the headaches.

If you have intense chocolate cravings, you are likely not eating the correct balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates for your metabolic type. Once this imbalance is addressed, you will find that your desire for sweets decline substantially.

If you tend to seek comfort from chocolate when you are upset, angry, bored, lonely, or depressed, you have some deeper unresolved emotional issues that need to be dealt with. If you have a hard time handling them, you should reach out for professional help instead.

The Bottom Line

It is undeniable that chocolate contains flavonoids with powerful antioxidant effects. Although chocolate may be a preferred choice of treat, it is not advisable to indulge. Chocolate is a perfect example of when less is more. Researchers found that about ¼ ounce of dark chocolate per day is the ideal amount to achieve protection against inflammation and heart disease.

Keep in mind that your best choice is raw cacao (cocoa bean) or unprocessed cocoa powder, followed by dark chocolate. If you opt for most commercial, heavily processed chocolate, don't expect it to be healthy.

Lastly, although chocolate is derived from plants and is antioxidant-rich, it is not a substitute for vegetables which are loaded with other healthy substances like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Further, chocolate contains sugar and fat and is much more calorie-dense than vegetables.

What is Raw Organic Chocolate?

2010-02-03T21:45:00.000-08:00

A growing phenomenon, the raw food movement encourages adherents to eat only foods that are either uncooked or cooked no higher than 120degrees F to preserve the beneficial enzymes in food. These unadulterated foods offer people many health benefits, and in the case of raw cacao a delicious cacao eating experience.

What is organic raw chocolate? Maintaining the tradition of low temperatures, raw cacao should be made with the following techniques:

* Rather than full fermentation, raw cacao is produced by fermenting the beans less than 15 percent of the time used to create regular chocolate.
* The temperatures used to roast raw cacao are about 104°F, which is quite a bit cooler than the traditional 300°F used to create conventional chocolate products.

These two changes in chocolate making result in raw cacao, which is said to have one-third more antioxidants than regular chocolate! Raw chocolate companies also use no preservatives or artificial ingredients and praise their products for containing higher levels of vitamins and minerals. If sweeteners are used to make raw chocolate bars, more natural options such as agave syrup, maple syrup, or raw honey are employed.

4 Raw chocolate companies

Convinced that you want to be adventurous and buy raw chocolate? Here are some organic raw chocolate companies you'll definitely want to sample:

EarthSource Organics: This organic raw chocolate company's mission is to create products that provide a service to the world. They use unique ingredients such as Himalayan Pink Salt, raw agave nectar, bahri dates, acai berries, goji berries, and maca root. In addition to being made with raw food principles in mind, these chocolates are also USDA Certified Organic, Certified Kosher by Earth Kosher, Certified Organic by CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers), Certified Vegan by Vegan Action, and Certified Wheat and Gluten Free by Celiac Sprue.

Raw Guru: This online raw foods vendor carries a whole host of raw food options for the raw food enthusiast. They carry raw cacao ingredients such as whole beans, cacao chunks, cacao nibs, cocoa butter, and cocoa powder, but they also have many raw chocolate bars and treats, including brownies, hazelnut cups, spice bars, bonbons, and truffles.

Wilderness Family Naturals: The Wilderness Family Naturals online store hails from the North Shore of Lake Superior where the family provides healthy, nutrient-dense foods over the Internet. They carry a variety of products, but in particular, they sell raw cacao nibs produced in Mexico. They're unfermented, Certified Organic, and are free of sugar.

Matt Samuelson's Golden Bean Chocolate Bar: Matt Samuelson, a world-famous raw food chef, has created this Golden Bean Chocolate Bar with his team at High Integrity Foods. The ingredients in the Golden Bean Chocolate Bar are simple: raw cacao, raw agave syrup, raw vanilla, Himalayan salt, and organic soy lecithin. It is said that this is one of the leading raw chocolate bars in the world.

Raw chocolate companies certainly are adding something interesting and innovative to the world of artisan and organic chocolates. Try these options out and see if your health doesn't improve!

Dark Chocolate Smoothie Recipe

2010-02-01T21:06:00.001-08:00

Dark chocolate smoothies taste like dessert for breakfast! Add dark chocolate cocoa powder to your healthy smoothie recipe in the morning for an unbelievable burst of rich chocolate yummy flavor. This is the ultimate in that decadent -you won't believe it's sooo good for you flavor! Dark chocolate cocoa powder is so healthy because it's high in polyphenol content, which means it has antioxidant power! It's also high in vitamins. This chocolate is a bit bitter, so the base of the smoothie should be either vanilla flavored yogurt and vanilla almond milk with some agave syrup or honey. Adjust the sweetener according to your desired level.

Chocolate comes from the cacao bean. This bean contains antibacterial agents that fight against tooth decay and help boost your immune system. These agents are diminished once sugar and milk are added to the chocolate to create milk chocolate. Cocao also contains phenyl ethylamine which enhances endorphins and gives you that happy feeling. Researchers have found that the mere smell of chocolate increases theta brain waves inducing relaxation. People who eat dark chocolate are also said to live a year longer -perhaps because of the antioxidant effects or maybe just because they are happier!

Smoothies are a great way to sneak in protein and extra vitamins and minerals into your kid's breakfast or snack. Great additions for smoothies are protein powder, bee pollen, lecithin granules and brewers yeast. Go easy on the brewer's yeast because it has a bitter taste the kids will taste!

What is Chocolate? How is it Made?

2010-01-31T10:14:00.001-08:00

Considered by many to be the food of the gods, chocolate is a near-universally enjoyed confection worldwide that has inspired music, poems, art, and fine eating. It's popular among both genders, people of all ages and races, and even touted by nutritionists and health professionals for its inherent physical benefits. But do we really know what chocolate is, where it comes from, and how it's made? Let's find out.

History of chocolate

Thousands of years ago, inhabitants of what is now Brazil discovered cacao trees in the forests of the Amazon. The cacao trees are native to Mexico, Central, and South America (although they are now cultivated around the world).The earliest recorded enjoyment of a chocolate morsel was before the Olmec, which dates back between 1200 BCE and 400 BCE. Just recently, archaeologists found evidence that there may have been cultivation of the cacao tree as far back as 1100 BC.

We know for sure that the Mayans grew cacao trees and used the seeds for making bitter beverages such as xocoatl which was believed to fight fatigue. It was used in ceremonial services as well as an ancient currency.

It wasn't until the 16th century that chocolate was introduced to Europeans when the Spanish began to import it after their conquest of the Aztecs. At first, only royalty and the well-connected were able to afford this expensive luxury, but eventually cacao was planted on plantations in Africa and other parts of the world which allowed them to lower the price over time.

Since then, the popularity of chocolate has increased. And with the Industrial Revolution, making chocolate became much more economical. Today, chocolate is an accessible food for most people in the world since it is widely available and relatively inexpensive.

What is chocolate?

The makings of chocolate have remained relatively unchanged over the history of this food. The main ingredients include cocoa solids and cocoa butter in varying proportions. The lower the cocoa solid content the lower the quality of chocolate. Likewise, if other vegetable fats are substituted for cocoa fat, the quality of the finished product degrades. But where do cocoa solids and cocoa butter come from?

Growing and harvesting cacao beans

As we mentioned, cacao trees are grown in South and Central America as well as Mexico and Africa-anywhere that's 20 degrees on either side of the equator where temperatures and rainfall are in the right proportions. Cacao trees require temperatures between 69 degrees F and 90 degrees F and an annual rainfall around 80 inches of rain. Today, most of the world's cacao comes from Western Africa.

Cacao trees are relatively small and grow in nature in the understory of forests (although they can be grown in plantations, which is much less environmentally-friendly). Cacao trees produce a melon-like fruit called a cacao pod. Each of these pods contains between 20-40 seeds or cocoa beans. There are generally three types of cacao plants most commonly cultivated: forastero (the most popular), trinitario, and criollo (which is the most rare and expensive).

Processing cacao pods

When it comes time to harvest the cacao pods, farmers will first check to ensure the pods are ripe. This ensures the highest cocoa butter content and sufficient natural sugars for fermentation. When ready, farmers will knock pods down using a stick or cut the pods from the tree using a machete. From there, the pods are processed by separating the pulp from the beans.

Once the beans have been isolated, they are put into bins or piles where they are left to ferment for about one week in order achieve that familiar chocolate flavor. During this time, the beans will darken in color and become richer in flavor. Finally, the beans are dried by laying them in the sun (weather permitting) for 5 to 7 days. The finished cocoa nibs are transported to a manufacturing facility where they are turned into familiar chocolate products.

How is chocolate made?

We've now walked through how cacao is grown and processed, but we're still far from achieving a finished chocolate product. Discovering how chocolate is made is the next step in this delicious journey.

Chocolate liquor

Once cleaned of twigs and stones, the beans are roasted at temperatures around 300 degrees F, then graded, and finally put through a winnower to shell the beans and expose the cacao nib. These nibs are then ground up and liquefied, producing chocolate liquor (which is a misnomer since there is no alcohol in chocolate liquor). From there, the liquor can be separated into cocoa solids and cocoa butter.

Blending

From here on in, the process for creating chocolate will differ some from chocolatier to chocolatier. The main things that change will be the proportions of cocoa butter and chocolate liquor blended together. Here are the general proportions of the most common types of chocolate:

* White chocolate contains milk or milk powder, sugar, cocoa butter, and vanilla, but no cocoa solids.
* Milk chocolate will contain milk or milk powder, sugar, cocoa butter, cocoa liquor, and vanilla.
* Dark chocolate is the purest chocolate and will contain only sugar (or some other sweetener), cocoa butter, cocoa liquor, and sometimes vanilla.

Conching

The next step in making chocolate is conching. A machine containing many small metal balls will be loaded with the blended chocolate and turned on. Then, over time, the ingredients will be kept in a liquid state as they are ground by the beads. The longer the ingredients are in the machine, the smoother the chocolate that is produced, with the highest quality chocolate staying in the conch for 72 hours or more.

Tempering

Finally, the chocolate is tempered to prevent the forming of crystals in the finished product (which will cause the surface of the chocolate to appear matte or dull). Temperatures are increased to about 115 degrees F, then the mixture is allowed to cool to about 80 degrees F. The heat is increased once more to about 88 degrees F. This whole process may be repeated several times to produce a supremely smooth texture. And that's how chocolate is made!

Valentine's Day Three Chocolates

2010-01-28T05:37:00.001-08:00

Valentine's Day is not only the day of celebration of relationships, but it is the special day of flowers and what not of chocolates!

For Valentine's Day, chocolate dresses in pink or red, but that is only the outer layer. What's really important is the quality of this special delicious gift that you will be offering on this coming Valentine's Day.

Chocolate offerings for Valentines come to the very top of the list just next to flowers. Just as you would want to pick the most beautiful flowers on this special day, you want to pick the testiest chocolate for the best price.

The reason why we are offering flowers is because it enhances our lives with beauty and wonderful fragrances. The reasons why we offer chocolates it's because it enhances our taste buds and make us rejoice because of the tasty delicacy.

As we all know, chocolate comes in 3 main varieties: Dark, milk, and white.

Dark chocolate is the most pure and less processed one of the three, and it has been proven to be good for the heart as well. Milk chocolate is mixed with milk, therefore, its name. This is why its color is a much lighter brown than the dark one. Then comes the one and only which has lost all its brown color, called white chocolate which is made pretty much the same way as the other two, with cocoa butter, milk and sugar, but more milk is added to it.

To make sure you are offering the right kind for Valentine's Day you need to know which one is your loved one's favorite.

For some reasons some people tend to favorite one more than the others. If you really are a true chocolate lover, you might prefer dark chocolate, if you are more of an overall sweet lover with a taste of chocolate, you might probably go for milk chocolate and once in a while dip you tongue in the intriguing white chocolate.

Whatever you choice may be, why not offering the gift of delicious taste this year for Valentine's Day? Yes, the gift of chocolate.

Most Popular Chocolates

2010-01-22T08:03:00.000-08:00

Adults will often use it as an antidepressant. No matter what the reason, has become the most popular dessert in the world.

is said to have been processed and consumed for over 3000 years. In that time, there have been a countless number of types of created, with some of the most popular being milk, dark, and white. There are bars, drinks, cakes, pies, fudge, and pudding, not to mention popular movies and books about the product. is a worldwide phenomenon, and you would be hard-pressed to find someone who is not fond of the cocoa bean.

Questions arise when discussing the most popular. Since there are so many different types, this argument can be broken down into a number of categories.

Candy Bars

Based on sales, Snickers is the most popular bar in the world, with the Kit Kat bar following close behind in second place. Other popular American candy bars include Twix, Hershey's, 100 Grand, Milky Way, 3 Musketeers, Baby Ruth, and Almond Joy. Hershey's and Nestle boast the highest sales in the United States, Cadbury's ranks first in the United Kingdom and Australia, and Pocky is the most popular in Japan.

Cakes and Pies

is often the main ingredient in many cakes and pies. A short list includes cream pie, pecan pie, peanut butter cake, lava cake, and cheese cake, just to name a few. It is impossible to discuss the product without also mentioning chip cookies and brownies.

Chips

chips often form a base for many great recipes. They are used in cookies, muffins, ice cream, pancakes, waffles, trail mix, and even granola bars.

Drinks

While hot is a popular beverage that has kept people warm on cold, snowy days, there are quite a few other drinks that contain a base. These include, but are definitely not limited to, Nesquick, Yoo-hoo, martinis, and milk.

Chocolate truly is a universal food. One person may be eating a chocolate bar, while across the globe, others will be giving, as presents. It is an elusive, timeless product that has taken humans by surprise for thousands of years, and will continue to do so until the last cocoa bean has been picked.

Antioxidants Found in Chocolate

2010-01-17T19:17:00.001-08:00

For the past decades, many proven scientific studies have shown that chocolate antioxidants are beneficial to our health and body. It has been known for a fact that the antioxidants present in chocolates, particularly dark chocolates, are potent source of antioxidants that destroys free radicals in our system. Chocolate antioxidants are primarily responsible for fighting these highly unstable and destructive molecules thereby maintaining a balance in our system to prevent occurrence of deadly diseases such as cancer, heart disease and hypertension, to name a few. Generally, chocolate antioxidants are rich in flavorous that arrest oxidation processes in our system and therefore preventing damage in our body.

Another classic benefit that these antioxidants bring in our health is that it effectively strengthens our immune system thus enabling our body to defend itself from potentially harmful viral and bacterial infections. Our immune system is our defence system tasked to eliminate destructive molecules and other abnormalities found in our body to keep us to function normally everyday. It is also an established fact that chocolate antioxidants and any other form of antioxidants found in fruits, green tea and red wines for instance, slows down the aging process. Antioxidant is key to longevity as it allows you to stay longer and younger in the pink of health.

A study conducted by the National Institute for Food and Nutrition Research in Rome suggests a proper way of taking in chocolate antioxidants in order to maximize the absorption of antioxidants in our body. The result of the study indicates that eating chocolates, especially dark chocolates, should be eaten not in conjunction with any type of milk or its derivatives as the milk interferes with the body's absorption of chocolate antioxidants. The subjects who ate pure dark chocolates have shown substantial drop in their blood pressure compared to those who mixed it with milk. Thus, if you are a chocolate lover it is time to change gear and switch to pure dark chocolate for optimum acquisition of chocolate antioxidants.

The best source of chocolate antioxidants comes from cocoa powder as it contains the highest amount of antioxidant capacity. The basic is rule is that the darker the chocolate, the more potent source of chocolate antioxidants it is. The suggested daily intake of dark chocolate based on the study made is 3.5 ounces to get the optimum chocolate antioxidants. Milk chocolates in particular have the least antioxidant properties and this claim was backed by the study mentioned in the preceding paragraph. Further, dark chocolates are known for having less sugar content and good source of cholesterol compared to milk chocolates. For the more health conscious individuals they always ensure that they have the regular source of rich antioxidant supplements. We should also be warned from eating excessive chocolates because they are rich in calories which may lead to obesity if consumption with gusto is not properly observed. To successfully attain a healthy, disease free body, the secret, however, is moderation and balance our diet by eating nutrition-rich vegetables, cereals and fruits.

Chocolate Candy For the Aficionado

2010-01-14T17:07:00.000-08:00

Chocolate candy must be the most well-liked sort of candy in the world. It certainly is in Europe and America. We eat tons and tons of Mars, Cadburys, Lindt and Nestle chocolate candy every year. The sad thing is that most of the people who admit to liking chocolate have never tasted a proper bar of chocolate in their lives.

To a connoisseur, chocolate candy can come from anywhere in the world although Belgium, Switzerland and France are the countries, whose names spring to mind first. Despite that, high-quality candy is also manufactured in Great Britain, Spain, the USA and some areas of Latin America.

This is not unanticipated as chocolate first made its debut among the Mayans of Central America in at least 300 BC and possibly even as far back as 3000 BC. In 300 AD it was a special drink exclusively for royalty and was very bitter. It was so special that it had to be drunk from a golden chalice and that chalice could be used for that purpose only once.

In those days, many more herbs and spices were added to the royal drink called xocoatl. It was also a lot purer in terms of cacao content than almost anything you can buy on the shelves in the shop today as well. The nearest we have to that purity is gourmet chocolate.

Gourmet chocolate will usually have been manufactured by a chocolatier, which is like what a chef is to cuisine. These manufacturers of fine chocolate are the best in the world, highly trained and head-hunted by the best chocolate makers. They can demand large salaries and become world famous among the connoisseurs of fine chocolate candy.

Fine candy must have a high chocolate content. That sounds as if it should go without saying, doesn't it? However, to be called chocolate in the US, candy only has to contain 15% actual cacao and 'bakers' chocolate' often does not contain any at all. In Europe that figure is 35%, which is why most Americans think that European chocolate candy is sumptuous.

Good chocolate candy is supposed to break cleanly with an audible 'snap' and ought to have a glossy surface. The chocolate candy most liable to have a high cacao content is dark chocolate, which is also often slightly bitter, reminiscent of the actual taste of cacao before most manufacturers put sugar into the mix. Purer chocolate candy also melts on the tongue and produces a mild euphoria.

Purer forms of chocolate candy have had a variety of reputations over the centuries. It has the reputation of being a pick-me-up and had the reputation of being an aphrodisiac, probably for the same reason. This is due to a chemical naturally present in the bean called Theobromine. Theobromine has effects on other animals too. For instance, it is a proscribed substance for racing horse because it has an exaggerated effect on horses and chocolate should never be given to cats or dogs because it is poisonous to them.

Theobromine and another chemical present, phenethylamine, have been associated with the production of seratonin, which is stimulated by prescribed drugs to fend off depression.

Irresistible Chocolate and Ice Cream Tastes

2010-01-12T18:49:00.000-08:00

If there is something that everybody loves it has to be chocolate and ice cream, a delight for all seasons, holidays or no holidays. It is a great gift to a loved one, whether in Christmas season or at the commemoration of Valentine. Chocolates and creams are a treat for the whole family and a wonderful package for the journey. What's more, you can even send it as a gift through making an order online and it will be delivered to your loved one.

Some chocolate best sellers worth checking out include Mango Mini Cup, Fleur de Sel Caramel, and Black Licorice among other great choices. With Fleur del Sel Caramel Choice Ice creams, you have chocolate and Cream in one, offering you a chance to enjoy a most irresistible product. It is blended into the Caramel Ice Creams with a great chocolate coating, perfected by caramel ribbons with accents from the exotic French sea salt.

This product, known as Haagen Dazs, is crisply enriched with salty nuances and creamy caramel to give you a combined salty and sweet taste. The interesting part is that Fleur de Sel or simply the 'salt flower' is one of those rare salts in the wide world, harvested carefully by hand on the Coast of Brittany in France.

Ever tried the Ciao Bella Mango Sorbet (Alphonso)? It is a realm of tropical goodness in your mouth, luxurious and magnanimously refreshing with a smooth quality about it. The Ciao Bella offers you the chance to treat your taste buds with a sensational fruity choice, elevating your senses all the way.

With chocolate, you are spoilt for choice. Some great tastes to check out include the Banana Ice cream in Fudge Chunks and Walnuts, Chocolate and Vanilla cream anointed with Chocolate Chip Gobs, Peanut butter cream cup, The New York Super ice creams chunks as well as Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream. They are great tastes that will make somebody feel appreciated at any time of the day and in any season of the year.

Top Chocolate Brands For Your Sweetheart on Valentine's Day

2010-01-11T17:37:00.000-08:00

As Valentine's Day edges ever closer, department stores build larger displays of gift ideas. It isn't unusual to walk into Target or Wal-Mart and find shelves of heart-shaped boxes, all filled with a variety of truffles, nut clusters, and other bon-bons. Indeed, the days leading up to February fourteenth mark records sales of chocolate, and while mass-produced brands are enjoyable and affordable, sometimes this holiday calls for something truly special. This year, why not splurge and give your sweetheart the gift of gourmet, artisan chocolate?

Across the country, one will find a multitude of chocolatiers that specialize in unusual, yet delicious sweets. From antioxidant rich dark chocolate, enrobing juicy berries and thick nuts, or creamy caramels laced with sea salt, there is no limit to the variety of gifts available for this holiday for lovers. Some names you may have seen in area grocery stores and boutiques, while others offer ordering and shipping via the Internet. If you choose to order a gift basket or selection, be sure to research availability and delivery times to ensure your treats arrive in time. Know, too, that not all artisan chocolate is expensive, and for a special bar or collection of truffles even a little goes a long way. Here are just a few brands to consider for a unique, scrumptious Valentine.

Vosges Chocolate: This upscale New York-based chocolatier offers a selection of bars, bons bons and other delectables infused with ingredients one would normally not associate with dessert. Vosges is perhaps best known for their popular bacon and chocolate confections - bars and shaped solids that deliver a salty, smoky sweetness with each bite. For the sweetheart who loves both, why not purchase a pair of Mo's Bacon Bars, in milk and dark. Or, try a box of enrobed caramel marshmallows or exotic truffles with a hint of ginger, paprika, and other wild flavors?

Moonstruck Chocolate: Based in Orgeon, this delightful chocolate company offers up some cute as a bug truffles this Valentine's Day - "bug" being the operative word. Their Love Bugs are dark ganache truffles flavored with raspberry or strawberry, with painted on smiles that make the candies almost too sweet to eat. Almost! Be sure to visit them online for collections featuring bon bons flavored with champagne, creme brulee, and Irish cream among other taste sensations.

Organic Chocolates: If your sweetheart is thinking more "green" than red these days, you may wish to present her or him with a selection of organic and fair-trade bars. Some of the more noted brands you might find at your local grocer include Green and Black's, Endangered Species, and Dagoba Chocolate, all of which carry different varities - from milk to dark to white, plain or with nuts or berries or other yummy extras.

This year, take a break from the ordinary in chocolate and present a tasty, exotic Valentine that will disappear quickly, but remain in your loved one's memory for a long time to come.

Chocolate For Chocolate Fountains - The Expert's Choice

2010-01-09T18:23:00.000-08:00

What is a chocolate fountain? Fondue fountains are used for several reasons; as a fun way to create chocolate fondue at home, as an addition to a party or special occasion or to create the ultimate wow factor at a wedding.

How do they work? Chocolate is added to a fountain and either heated in the bowl or beforehand in a microwave. Some home fountains contain heater elements that keep the chocolate at a constant temperature. Once fully melted, the fountain is turned on and an auger pumps the chocolate to the crown of the unit. Cascading chocolate flows down the fountain tiers and lands back in the basin before being pumped back up again. To prevent damage to machines without heater elements, it's recommended that the fountain is not run for more than thirty minutes at a time.

Which fountains are suitable for home use? Mini chocolate fondue fountains are the most suitable for home use as they are widely available and cheap to buy.

Which is the best chocolate to use for chocolate fountains? There are several different types of suitable chocolate for chocolate fountains. Belgian chocolate is the best to use due to high cocoa content. High street or supermarket brands can be used in a mini fountain. However, vegetable oil is essential for smooth cascading chocolate. As a chocolatier, I would not recommend this option as the taste of the chocolate is affected. A Belgian brand called Callebaut offer a fountain suitable option which makes operation much simpler.

Belgian chocolate tastes superior to other varieties and is the chocolate of choice for fountains. Main varieties include milk, dark and white. Milk and dark can be mixed to create a different flavour for those with a taste for higher quality chocolate. A white chocolate fountain can be an interesting option, particularly where a cream or white theme is used at your event. White fondue can also be coloured in a variety of exciting shades, from a delicate pink to exotic orange!

To create a chocolate fondue, it is advisable to melt the chocolate before placing it in the bowl of the fountain. Ensuring a mini fountain runs smoothly is not an easy task but achievable with practice and the following tips. Firstly, ensure that the chocolate is melted sufficiently to flow easily off a wooden spoon. Ensuring the fountain is preheated is important, if it is fitted with a heating element. On a small fountain, the highest heat is usually the best option as long as the chocolate can be stirred regularly. Cheap chocolate fountains are not guaranteed to flow smoothly, despite oil, correct heating and stirring. The only safe way to get a consistent cascading chocolate fountain is to hire a chocolatier to provide you with a large fountain for your event.

Having worked with luxury chocolate for the last 5 years, Corinne Ellison has an in depth working knowledge of chocolate for chocolate fountains.

Hotel Chocolat - The Finest Chocolates - Here is a Review

2010-01-07T15:39:00.001-08:00

Hotel chocolat is one of the leading chocolate retail stores in United Kingdom with over 33 retail stores to its name.

You will surely feel the sleek, always inviting and warm surroundings of the retail stores of Hotel chocolat along with the tables and shelves which are brimming and attracting all with the signature chocolate slabs.

Whimsical chocolate bars and truffles. At first instance of the name of the store you may feel as if it is cool but in actual it is having a friendly contact, wonderful outlooks and unostentatious services.

Moreover the best part is this that all their chocolate products are finest and organic as they own a cocoa plantation at St. Lucia in West Indies.

Below are some really mind boggling and finest chocolates manufactured by Hotel chocolat:

Dark Chocolate

You will find rare estate single chocolate up to brooding and grizzling truffles and that also with a twist like orange tangs, mango strips, the purist's library, Gianduja Praline, and so on with over 32 products in this genre.

Milk Chocolate

You can satisfy with selected mellowness with devotion and milk chocolate slabs and also drink choco with estate cocoa in a perfect order. This genre holds 30 products such as Rum soaked Sultanas, Kirsch Cherries, Triple choco Wham Bam, Caramel canapés, etc.

White Chocolate

It offers creamy chocolate gifts with irresistible melt beginnings suitable for every occasion. It encounters over 7 products like caramel white iconic slab, creamy white selectors, caramel and white batons and so on.

Caramel Chocolate

It provides a range of deep caramel chocolates, thick slabs, soft slabs and also ish drops of choco with over 11 products.

Chocolate Truffles

It is available with crisp and seductive chocolate shells, soft and silky ganaches which are hidden inside and one would die for it. It is in 9 different styles like Pink champagne truffles, cocktail sleekster, bitter choco and black truffle salsa, etc.

Fruit Chocolate

It is special because it is mixture and combination of chocolates with fruits in a premium style. There are 10 such products in its basket.

Nut Chocolate

There is a perfect partnership of nuts and choco in a silky and smooth way which is completely crunchy in taste. It provide people with 7 different and magnificent tastes.

Alcohol-Free

From children to adults, there are a lot of selections without the addition of alcohol in all styles. The range goes up to 58 unique products like tiddly reindeers, chocolate raisins, jolly santa, best dressed snow man- milky man, Christmas goody bag and many more.

Gluten Wheat Free

Discover you favorites with the gluten free chocolate. There is no guarantee of no lactose or gluten traces. They hang over with 50 products with different types of styling.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Dark Chocolate

2010-01-06T19:54:00.001-08:00

A sense of relaxation and well being is very natural when you eat chocolates. When it comes to dark chocolates it is both seductive and pleasurable. Other than this, the dark chocolates are healthy too. It is extracted from the seeds of cacao plant. As it is natural so it contains benefits that are natural too. They are prepared by the mixture of fat and sugar to the cacao but not with milk supplements. It has the highest level of nutrition among all types of chocolates. According to a rich study, taking up over 1.6 ounces of dark chocolate daily proves to be healthy for your body.

ADVANTAGES:

* It lowers the cholesterol.
* Also lowers the Blood Pressure.
* Produces Anti-oxidants into the body, good for preventing premature ageing.
* Lowers the risks of heart problems because it is rich in flavonoids and gallic acid which include protective elements for cardio.
* It also promotes good digestion.
* It is also good for preventing cancer.
* Current studies proven that it slows down the decline of nervous activities which happens with the age.
* It indicates a help for the treatment of kidney stones and anemia.
* It prevents the clumping of blood platelets which results in blood clots.

DISADVANTAGES:

* Dark chocolates are high on calories with high fat and sugar.
* It contains some elements that have addictive properties such as caffeine, theobromine, and sugar which results in mood elevating and also contains phenethylamine which releases endorphin in the brain.
* It also contains vasoactive amines that lead to migraine problems.
* Dilates the vessels of the brain.
* Moreover, it has high quantity of arginine which is a necessity in the replication of the virus herpes. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid dark chocolates especially those who have recurring and active herpes infection.

Making Chocolate Cherry Cordials

2009-11-12T20:43:00.001-08:00

There are many ways to make chocolates. In fact, there has been a return to chocolate making. The advent of the industrial revolution saw to it that hand made chocolates almost disappeared. Making chocolate by hand was time consuming and machinery was developed to churn out chocolate confectionery because there was such a high demand for it. In recent years there has been a reversal of this trend. Consumers have become very quality conscious. There is also once again a high regard for hand made goods of any kind and this includes chocolates.

Many people enjoy the mass produced chocolate cherry cordials sold on the market. However, it is possible to make them at home if you have the time. If you find a recipe that is not too complicated and others enjoy then you could make and sell chocolate candies. You will never have a shortage of customers. Selling your own hand made chocolates is an excellent way to start a home business. Chocolate Cherry Cordials are a favorite for special occasions. This is an easy but impressive recipe that is suited to special occasions.

Chocolate Cherry Cordials

It is important to note that when you make chocolate cherry cordials you must keep them in the refrigerator for one to two weeks before consumption. These chocolates are delicious and worth the wait. They are so delicious and pretty and they make excellent gifts.

Drain 60 Maraschino cherries. Boil ¼ cup of the cherry juice in saucepan.

Remove from heat and add ½ cup amaretto.

Stir in cherries and leave overnight.

Remove cherries and drain on paper towel. Leave for 3 hrs to drain.

Microwave 3tbsp butter in micro bowel for 30 secs to soften.

Place soft butter and 3tbsp corn syrup in mixing bowel. Stir well. Add 2 cups confectioner's sugar and knead till smooth. If too soft put in refrigerator. When chilled knead like bread dough.

Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Shape half sugar dough around each maraschino cherry. Put upright cherries on baking sheet. Put in refrigerator to chill. It takes one to two hours for cherries to get firm.

Melt chocolate for dipping according to package instructions. Hold cherry stem and dip. Coat completely to seal and stop juice dripping out.

Put stem up on lined baking sheet. Chill for three to four hours.

Put coated cherries in plastic container with airtight lid. Keep in refrigerator for one to two weeks. Centers must soften.

It is very easy to make Chocolate Cherry Cordials. When they are set in chocolate the cherries look very elegant with their long stems. If you want to serve them at a special occasion then use different dipping chocolate. Dip some in white chocolate, some in dark chocolate and some in milk chocolate. When served this way they look spectacular and your guests will be most impressed. You could serve them on a silver tray for a formal touch or you could place the cherries in a glass bowel for a more contemporary feel.

Health Benefits of Chocolate - Why Chocolate Really is Good For You!

2009-11-05T18:47:00.001-08:00

Yes, its every chocoholics wildest dream - to wake up one morning and discover that their addiction is actually good for them! Finally, health experts are starting to agree with what chocolate addicts have suggested for some time, that eating the right type of chocolate in moderation really can be good for your health.

Historically, back in the times of the Aztecs, it's been viewed as an aphrodisiac and it was valued to highly that cocoa beans were even used as currency. Unfortunately, until the late eighteenth century, chocolate was only available as a fairly bitter drink, not something today's addicts would probably approve of. Thanks to the Swiss company, Lindt, who first used conching to create a really smooth melting chocolate, we can now enjoy the kind of smooth tasting flavour we know today.

As it contains small amounts of flavonoids, antioxidants, theobromine and phylethylamine (PEA), all of which can have a beneficial effect.

Flavonoids which naturally occur in the cocoa plant are though to help lower blood pressure. Theobromine is a stimulant, with similar, but less powerful effect to caffeine. Phylethylamine (PEA) is a mood elevator, hence chocolates association with love and romance, as it can give a lift similar to that of being in love. Antioxidants can help minimize the damage done to our body by free radicals.

Studies by the University of L'Aquila showed that eating dark chocolate (70% or more) could help control type 2 diabetes and reduce blood pressure. Other research has shown that regular eating of it can benefit the cardiovascular system. One Harvard study showed that eaters live longer, up to one year longer than non-choc eaters. The best results were shown for those who ate 1-3 bars of chocolate per month.

Before you start changing to a 100% choc diet, it's important to remember that it also contains fats and sugars, so should only be eaten in moderation.

Beware eating too much milk or white chocolate as these are full of added sugar and milk, with greater risk to health and far reduced health benefits. The chocolate which has been shown to have most benefits is dark (or plain, black) chocolate, with over 70% cocoa content. Top selling brands include Lindt, Divine and Green & Blacks.

Good news for those on a dairy free diet, is that they can indulge in dark chocolate, as it contains no milk. Make sure you choose bars with 70% minimum! Unlike some milk chocolates, dark chocolates have a stronger taste, wonderful slowly melting on the tongue.

So, how to include the right amount in your diet without overdoing it? Have a square of dark chocolate for dessert instead of your usual pudding or sweet. Enjoy hand made truffles for special occasions or give as gifts to health conscious friends.

You may have to adapt your eating habits - but the good news is that eating the right type of chocolate is now good for you and you can indulge in your favorite food guilt free!

Chocolate Candy Making - Best Recipe Ever

2009-10-30T01:50:00.000-07:00

Great homemade southern candy is everybody's favorite. Well, at least everybody's favorite while they are eating it! There are some candies that remain southern specialties, as well as some we just like to claim. No matter where you live, homemade candy is a delicious treat.

Chocolate candy is one of our great southern homemade treats. You can smell it cooking in the pot before you walk into the house. The kitchen is warm and the bubbling candy, stirred lovingly by its cook, conjures up Norman Rockwell images. So without further ado, here, for your dining pleasure, (drumroll, please) is the best chocolate candy recipe of all time:

3 cups of sugar

1/2 cup of cocoa

1 1/2 cups of milk

one stick of butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine dry ingredients. Gradually add milk until well blended. Cook over medium-high heat until the candy reaches the soft ball stage. Remove from heat, add butter and vanilla, and stir until your arm drops off or until the candy stiffens whichever comes first. If you wish to add a half cup of pecans, add them in before the candy gets too firm. Pour the candy onto a well-buttered platter and you're done with chocolate candy making. Try to wait for it to harden before you eat it.

A few candy making tips:

Don't even try to make candy on rainy days. High humidity will not allow the candy to harden, and while it may still taste great, sticky candy is no fun to eat. You might still eat that chocolate candy with a spoon, but we don't recommend it.

Make sure to use heavier, good quality cooking vessels. Cheap pots don't heat evenly, so your results will likely be inconsistent. Copper bottom pots are particularly good.

Cook candy at the right heat. As long as you are stirring the praline mixture (or chocolate fudge or candy), you can keep the temperature up pretty high. Once the candy starts to bubble you should reduce the heat to medium and let it cook a bit, but you will still need to stir frequently.

Use a candy thermometer to help you decide whether or not the candy is ready to take off the heat, at least until you have cooked the recipe enough times to be really comfortable with it.

Cook up a double recipe this weekend. Make it a special treat that becomes a tradition in your home.

7 Ways That Dark Chocolate Will Benefit Your Child

2009-10-21T18:55:00.000-07:00

Does your child just love vegetables? Honestly? Or do you find yourself looking for creative ways to hide vegetables in their meals, like pureeing and mixing spinach into brownies?

Did you know that if your child eats dark chocolate on a daily basis that they can actually experience many of the health benefits associated with eating 10 servings of vegetables?

That is right!

Your children can eat dark chocolate any day of the week with their breakfast, lunch and dinner and feel great.

And you will feel great knowing that the dark chocolate is helping your child with these seven health benefits:

1. Improved Mood

2. Increased Energy

3. Consuming Multiple Nutrients and Minerals

4. Memory and Concentration

5. Replacing Bad Treats with Good Treats

6. Adding More Fiber to Their Diet

7. Promoting Good Dental Health

Who wouldn't want their child to feel happier while also being able to focus on school and their studies more effectively?

While the health benefits outlined above may be found as a result of some of the dark chocolate products available in the supermarket, the dark chocolate I am writing about is known as Healthy Chocolate.

Healthy Chocolate contains a premium blend of cacao, acai berry and blueberry. These ingredients deliver many of the nutrients that your child requires on a daily basis, including omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, flavanols, and other antioxidants.

Instead of supplementing your child's diet with vitamin pills or pureed spinach, you can have fun adding dark chocolate to your child's daily diet by replacing some of the chocolate that they already eat, with healthy chocolate.

Some yummy suggestions are:

* Break up the chocolate squares and mix them into homemade chocolate chip cookies
* Melt down the chocolate nuggets and make gooey brownies
* Make dark chocolate dipped strawberries
* Whip up some healthy hot chocolate

Certainly dark chocolate may not be the miracle cure to all of our ailments. However it is definitely a tasty way to be proactive in regards to our health and our family's health.

For that reason, when it comes to your child's health, be proactive and lead by example. Show your children how to choose food that is good for them, both in your home and at restaurants.

Have a simplified and fun discussion about the health benefits listed above and begin to help your children understand how their decisions about food and the habits they create now will affect their health as they grow older. It will be one of the most important talks you ever have.

Quality Chocolate

2009-10-06T19:26:00.000-07:00

Chocolate is made from cocoa pods grown on the Theobroma cacao tree, a small evergreen native to the tropical regions of South America. It was so highly prized it was called ? God?s food? The secret to the best quality chocolate is in its amount of cocoa solids (a mixture of cocoa mass and cocoa butter).

The cocoa bean develops its aroma during fermentation and gives the beans their familiar chocolate taste. The fruit pulp containing the cocoa beans is poured into a fermenting tub or placed between banana leaves. Fermentation begins at 100 -120°F.

After harvesting the cacao pods (which contain the cacao beans) the pods are crushed and left to ferment and dry for about six days. Then the beans are removed from the pods and left to further dry. Quality chocolate demands this slow drying process.

Some chocolate manufacturers prefer to buy beans; others opt for chocolate mass. The beans are heated to 70 C and pressed to extract the cocoa butter (48-51 percent), which is clarified, becoming yellow and clear. At this stage, lecithin is added to make the mass malleable.

After blending, the cocoa beans are roasted. It is the process of roasting the cocoa beans that brings out the chocolate flavor and aroma (I can tell you from personal experience that this process also produces one of the most lovely aromas my nose has ever smelled).

Next the cocoa beans are shelled, and the pieces of seeds (called nibs) are then ground until a chocolate liquor is produced. Extra cocoa butter is then added (when producing cocoa or sweet ground chocolate it is removed). he extra cocoa butter increases the delicacy of the chocolate, and is largely responsible for its flavor.

First you will discover the differences in colour as different beans produce finished chocolate with varying colours from rich reds and coppers to dark browns. This is not a sign of quality and a common myth that the darker chocolate is somehow a better chocolate is certainly not the case.

A premuim quality 62% cocoa chocolate is crafted from the finest Ghanaian cocoa beans to produce a medium bittersweet chocolate. The largest suppliers are African countries, although the best (Criollo) cocoa beans originate in Ecuador. Forastero beans are flat and mostly used for chocolate drinks, violet-coloured Amelonado is bitter and of superior taste.

Some chocolate is best for eating, and some for cooking. Some types, like couverture chocolate, can be used for baking, eating or coating candies. This is usually considered the highest quality chocolate, and it has a high percentage of cocoa butter, making it smooth and easily tempered.

Flavanol antioxidants occur naturally in some plant-based foods, such as tea, grapes, blueberries, cranberries and cocoa beans. Cocoa beans are the basic ingredient of all chocolate products. Interestingly, it is one of the most concentrated natural sources of flavanol.

Semisweet or Bittersweet - Here, the chocolate liquor has been combined with sweetener, cocoa butter, and often vanilla. This is often known as dark chocolate and contains at least 35% chocolate liquor (or “cocoa”). Most good quality chocolate has around 50-60%.

Couverture is a special kind of chocolate. Couverture chocolate has more cocoa butter than normal chocolate, anywhere from 34% to 39% for a really good brand. This type of high quality chocolate is used as a coating for things like chocolate truffles.

Strictly speaking, chocolate is any product 100% based on cocoa solid and/or cocoa fat. Because it is used in a vast number of by-products, any change in the cost of making it has a huge impact on the industry. Adding ingredients is an aspect of the taste.

Raspberry White Chocolate Cake With White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

2009-09-24T07:17:00.001-07:00

Make this delicious layer cake to impress your family and friends. They will think even beginning bakers are experts! This cake starts with a simple box of white cake mix and from there you transform it into a masterpiece. And the white chocolate-cream cheese frosting--WOW. Make this cake for Valentine's Day and using fresh raspberries decorate with a large heart on top.

6 oz white baking chocolate
1 stick butter
1 pkg (18.5 oz) white cake mix
1 cup milk
3 eggs
1 tbsp Raspberry extract
2 to 3 drops red food coloring
1 cup fresh raspberries, optional

Microwave white chocolate and butter in a bowl, stirring every 15 seconds until blended. Cool slightly.

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cake mix, milk, eggs, raspberry extract, and the butter mixture on low speed of electric mixer until moistened. Increase speed to medium and beat two minutes or until well blended. Pour batter evenly into two greased and floured 9-inch cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes then remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

FROSTING:
8-oz cream cheese
1/4 cup stick butter
6-oz white baking chocolate, melted
2 tsps raspberry extract
2 cups powdered sugar

Beat cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl on medium speed until well blended. Add while chocolate and raspberry extract; mix well. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

To assemble:
Take 3/4 cup of the frosting and add the red food coloring from the cake ingredients. Mix until the color is well blended. Take 1 cake layer and place in the center of the serving plate. Top the cake layer with the tinted frosting, spreading evenly. Place the other layer over top of the frosting. Frost top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. If desired, arrange fresh raspberries around the top edge of the cake and around the bottom. Or put a few berries on the top in the center.

16 servings

Enjoy!

The Manyt Different Kinds of Belgian Chocolate Truffles

2009-09-02T18:57:00.000-07:00

A chocolate truffle
is a collection of chocolate sweets. This mouth watering confection us usually made with a round ganache of chocolate core covered with a powdered cocoa or chocolate. It is actually named after the truffle fungus because of their physical similarities.

A ganache is a French term which refers to the concoction of heavy cream and chocolate. It is usually produced from cream of heavy consistency which is boiled and then dispensing it on top of chopped up chocolate. This concoction is mixed until it finally is perfectly smooth. The ratio and proportion of the ganache will vary depending on the kind of chocolate the chocolatier wants. For truffles, the usual ratio is two parts of chocolates is to one part of cream.

There are basically four kinds of chocolate truffles that have been circulating the chocolate world. These three are the Swiss truffle, European truffle, American Truffle, and the Belgian truffle.

The Swiss truffle is produced from the combination of chocolate and a boiling concoction of butter and dairy cream. This mixture is then gradually transferred into casts for setting. Eventually cocoa powder is sprinkled unto the chocolate casts. The Swiss truffle should be eaten up within days of production since it has a short shelf-life.

American truffles are shaped like half an egg which is covered with chocolate. It is a combination of milk or dark chocolates with coconut oil that is hardened and butterfat. The Canadians also has their own version which includes the additional ingredients of peanut butter and graham crumbs.

European truffles is created from a base made from powdered cocoa, powdered milk, and fats as well as syrup which then results to a palatable truffle which has oil-in-water essence.

Finally, the Belgian truffle is a produced from Belgian chocolate and ganache. The ganache may be mixed with certain liquors and essences. Mixtures of truffles are formed into long strands or balls, covered with powdered cocoa, dipped with icing. The Belgian chocolate truffles, compared to its Swiss counterpart, are richer in chocolate and are less sweet. It is considered as the best type of chocolate truffle in the world of chocolates.

Belgian truffles are easy to make even for neophyte chocolatiers. You only need the following ingredients to start with: cooking chocolate, sifted instant coffee, egg yolk, sifted sugar icing, and unsalted butter.

To make the truffles, break down the chocolate into small pieces and melt it in a pot. The pot should be heated by a bigger pot filled with boiling water. This is called the au-bain-Marie method. Then add up the butter and mix it until it melts. Next, do away with the chocolate and butter combination pot then mix in the egg yolk, icing sugar, coffee and then let this mixture chill down. Check the mixture from time to time to ensure that it will not become very hard.

Then, when the chocolate seems a little solid, scoop a teaspoonful and shape it into balls. You can roll it in your hands to get that rounded effect.

As for the covering, combine the powdered cocoa and the sugar icing in a mixing bowl. Then sprinkle it unto the balls of chocolate you have made.

The truffles should be then stored in the fridge for a longer shelf life.

So, you can either make your own truffle or travel to Belgium to buy the famed truffles yourself. Plus, you even go on a sight seeing adventure while munching on the truffles as you travel.

How Chocolate Can Be Beneficial to Your Health

2009-08-05T04:16:00.001-07:00

Chocolate truly can be beneficial to anybody's health. In theory, the higher the content of cocoa, the better it is for you. A higher content of cocoa makes the chocolate more of a dark chocolate. The cocoa actually has more antioxidants than red wine and green tea. It also helps thin the blood and prevent strokes. Chocolate really is a miracle candy after all.

More and more studies on cocoa are providing stunning results. There was a study at Harvard that included male students eating high contents of cocoa. It proved that people who ate more chocolate lived longer. These benefits of chocolate are important for us to know, especially for people who eat a lot of chocolate. By choosing a healthier chocolate to eat, you can ensure that you still get your fix

Milk chocolate compared to dark chocolate is much different. Milk chocolate is loaded with sugar and dairy milk. It also has a much lower cocoa content. Therefore, it really doesn't benefit your health as much as it may hurt it. Sugar and milk give the candy empty calories, plus make it much more fattening. On the other hand, darker chocolate that contains more cocoa has much less calories and you still get all the health benefits. All in all you still get some health benefits from milk chocolate, but you don't get quite as much as you would by eating dark chocolate. You should alternate between eating milk, white, and dark chocolate, as that way you do not get tired of any one type and you maintain the health advantages.

Sweet Irresistible Gourmet Chocolate

2009-07-25T17:26:00.000-07:00

Not everyone has a love for chocolate, but for many of those who do it is virtually irresistible. Gourmet chocolates have a special texture that just melts in your mouth. Gourmet chocolate is full of richness that no other chocolate can give you. Most gourmet chocolate lovers are only interested in chocolate not a Reese bar with peanut butter and chocolate. There are gourmet chocolates to fulfill any chocolates lovers’ sweet tooth.

The main differences between different delectable chocolates are the different cocoa’s that the gourmet chocolate is made from. The addition of flavorings has made a big difference in the types of gourmet chocolates in the world today. Who would have thought that strawberries, raspberries and black berries would be some of the world famous flavors in chocolates?

Truffles of all flavors, shapes and sizes are also available for those who have that love for gourmet chocolate. Whether you have a love for dark, milk or white chocolate it is all available out there for you to devour. Boxes of gourmet chocolates are also available. Either plain chocolate or ones filled with your favorite filling. Once you start into a box it is hard to stop.

These small scrumptious treasures make a perfect gift for anyone especially for Valentine’s Day. If you know a chocolate lover, whether it be your significant other or your mom, they will greatly appreciate the delectable taste of these gourmet chocolates. Every person that you take the time to buy these for will know that you spent your hard earned money buying them the only gift they really need. Stores that sell these wonderful treats will also have gift certificates available. That way if you can’t pick out the perfect gourmet chocolates you can certainly let them do it with a gift certificate for gourmet chocolate.

As Valentine’s Day approaches use gourmet chocolates to finish a gift such as with flowers and a card or for the man in your life add a bottle of champagne. You can’t go wrong giving the gift of gourmet chocolate. Gourmet chocolates are great for every season and as a get well gift. For this type of gift you may want to add a fruit basket as well or again flowers. Either way you will make the person who you are giving to feel very special with the gift of gourmet chocolates. So what are you waiting for, head out and get that special someone a box of gourmet chocolates.

Peanut Butter Fudge

2009-07-16T21:39:00.000-07:00

This method for making peanut butter fudge uses a microwave to cook in about 4 minutes. Your prep time is about 5 minutes and set time is 45 minutes to 1 hour in the fridge.

Tools Needed

* 8 inch by 8 inch by 2 inch microwave safe dish
* a wooden spoon do not use metal or plastic
* oven mitts or pads

Materials

* 8 ounces of peanut butter creamy or crunchy
* 8 ounces of butter ( 2 sticks )
* 16 ounces of powdered sugar ( confectioners )

Place 8 ounces of peanut butter into a greased 8 inch by 8 inch microwave safe square dish along with 8 ounces of unsalted butter ( I cut up the butter to allow for faster melting ). Place into the microwave for approximately 2 minutes or until thoroughly melted to the appearance of a boil without burning.

Remove from microwave and place on a heat proof surface using the oven mitts or pads as the dish is now incredibly HOT!! Mix thoroughly using the wooden spoon. Once mixed, quickly stir in the powdered sugar and level the mixture.

Place in microwave and cook for 2 minutes more. Remove and smooth the top if necessary. Allow to cool briefly so the HOT dish does not do damage to your refrigerator. The place dish in fridge until mixture is set ( about 45 minutes to an hour ). If cut into 1 inch squares, it yields 64 pieces.

Variations

* Add 3 or more ounces of cocoa or add morsels at the melted stage before adding the powdered sugar. This gives a hint of Peanut Butter Cup flavor.
* Top with chocolate morsels while still hot.

Enjoy

A close friend gave me this recipe and she wouldn't mind my sharing it with you. I hope that peanut butter fudge was informative and enjoyable to the point of a smile when eating the fudge.

Top Ten Chocolate Gift Ideas

2009-07-09T23:01:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't like to get chocolates for a gift? Perhaps that is why chocolates have been a favorite gift for many occasions over the last two centuries. From the first time that chocolate bars were created and enjoyed, to the most expensive gourmet chocolates created by incredible chocolatiers today, this delectable delight never fails to please anyone when received as a gift!

Today, many events celebrated worldwide include chocolates, from the sweetened drinks through to the desserts. However, perhaps the most popular event of chocolate gift giving remains giving chocolates during Valentine's Day.

It is during that period that Belgian pralines, luxurious Swiss chocolates by the pound, and even basic chocolate candy bars such as Snickers, Kit Kat and various Hershey products become popular chocolate Valentine gifts. And in recent years, expensive gourmet chocolate and delectable custom treats have become increasingly popular. So whatever the budget, whatever the occasion, there is sure to be something delicious to give as a chocolate gift!

In order to save some time in choosing something spectacular, here is a Top Ten chocolate gifts list that you might want to consider for Valentine's Day or any other occasion:

1. Christopher Norman Hand-Painted Luxury Tea Collection - this gourmet chocolate truffles are flavored with a variety of teas, enrobed in dark chocolate and hand painted. This chocolate collection is priced at $45.

2. Jacques Torres Chocolate - Master chocolatier, Jacques Torres offers a wide variety of Valentine chocolate treats. His collection includes champagne truffles, edible chocolate body paint, and his Sweetheart collection.

3. Godiva Valentine's Day Box of Chocolate - this is considered as to be one of the icons of chocolates.

4. Lake Champlain Chocolates Grand Valentine Box - includes 22-piece assortment of chocolates such as truffles, creams, caramels and bark.

5. Recchiuti Confections Valentine's Box - Michael Recchuiti, who proclaimed himself the Picasso of chocolates, created this Valentine's box that includes 32 chocolate pieces infused with herbs, spices and teas.

6. Chocolove Chocolate Bars - These allow you a little bit different spin when giving these as a gift. The chocolove bars are wrapped in paper that can be used for writing a love note.

7. ZChocolat - Their Valentine's Day Chocolates - is a chocolate gift with all the works! Includes packaging and design that is gorgeous and you can have it personalized with engraving and other accessories for the right price.

8. Nantucket Chocolatier Valentine's Boxes - When choosing this chocolate gift, you know you will shine! It is a tower of three heart-shaped boxes that include truffles, chocolate-covered cranberries, creams, nuts and other gourmet treats.

9. Lindt Valentine Collections - Lindt is one of the most popular Swiss chocolate companies which offer a variety of beautiful Valentine packaging for chocolates that include truffles and bars. Your gift can come in gift baskets, heart-shaped boxes and teddy bears.

10. Ghiradelli Chocolates - These are chocolate squares which are small one-inch bites flavored with mint, caramel, and white chocolate among others.

Chocolate's Therapeutic Effects

2009-06-29T20:32:00.001-07:00

The evolution of luxury chocolate brands explains the resilience of certain companies this year in spite of (and perhaps due to) the current general economic downturn. Experts say, people are splurging on their taste buds and driving wholesale candy sales numbers to record heights. Yet, as consumer palates and buying interests become more sophisticated, chocolate manufacturers are offering more than candy.

A top seller in tablets according to industry experts is a company called Choclatique. Co- Founder Ed Engoron views the experience of consuming deluxe confectionaries among the few "affordable, immediate, indulgent luxuries." He believes a desire to escape stressful times make many families actually increase their high-end consumption. Spouses might want an easy way to spoil their partner, moms can award a special treat to their children and bosses can thoughtfully recognize a job well-done. If you can't afford to take them out, try giving them a "Truffle Cake" or "Crème Brule" bar from Swiss based Lindt's "Petits Desserts" collection, which reads like a ritzy restaurant menu without the hefty price tag.

Knowing that presentation counts, Bloomsberry & Co. markets their design-imprinted on milk and dark chocolate bars as gifts. Each bar's striking package is distinguishable by the holiday or event being celebrated. Some examples are the royally purple, "Queen" bar or "I Love U" bar. Beautifully decorated wrapping papers and boxes along with funny, thematic notations, make even an everyday treat seem festive.

Taking a different approach, Choclatique's stylish swirl-patterned chocolate artistically enhances the appearance of their tablets or larger-sized tapestries. Another strategy is to pack in the nuts and fruit with content sometimes as high as 20% of total weight. Elite chocoholics, however, know such simple inclusions and typical fillings have become fairly passé' and utilize other candy enhancement methods.

Chocolate makers are mixing unusual flavors, using fancy ingredients or obscure refined inclusions to edge out the competition in this lucrative market. Just consider some of the exotic things companies like Lindt and Vosges Haut-Chocolate are adding: chili, papaya, jalapeno, pomegranate, plantains, bacon, wasabi, mushrooms, olives, and goji berries! Surprisingly, "Mo's Bacon Bar" is Vosges' biggest seller.

Those who want their candy to be a healthy extravagance are also finding more choices. Bars with ever higher cocoa content and infusions of herbs, spices and teas are launched each year. Ghirardelli's "Luxe" and "Intense" bar lines are between 60-72% cocoa. Q91 by Choclatique has 91% and one of Lindt's "Excellence" bars is 99% cocoa.

Even the Mars Corporation is touting premium chocolate's therapeutic effects. The confectionary giant is hoping for success from new lines of their popular Dove bars. "Dove Beautiful", which is made with vitamins and minerals to keep skin moist and healthy. An additional product called "Dove Vitalize" contains plant, cocoa extracts and B vitamins, designed to boost energy and regulate cholesterol.

Manufacturers in this rarified category employ a myriad of unique techniques to convey exclusive affluence. So, is it an entrée? Dessert? Treatment? Unique packaging and rich ingredients are changing perceptions of what candy can offer us. One thing's for sure, these aren't your average chocolate bars.

Tips For Successfully Melting Chocolate

2009-06-25T17:49:00.000-07:00

Chocolate must be melted gently to prevent it from scorching or burning. The traditional method for melting chocolate is with a double boiler, which works well, but can be a bit risky since you are increasing the chance that the chocolate seizes as a result of coming in contact with water.

I opt for either melting the chocolate directly on top of the stove or in the microwave.

Here are some important tips for safely melting chocolate:

* Chop the chocolate into small uniform pieces so it melts faster and more evenly and is less likely to burn.
* Never try to melt large bars or blocks of chocolate that have not been chopped since they are much more likely to burn before they melt.
* Avoid any contact with water or moisture. When moisture causes chocolate to get thick, grainy and lumpy it is called seizing. Make sure your bowls, utensils, and pans are completely dry and that no moisture gets into the chocolate when melting.
* Stir the chocolate frequently with a rubber spatula, once the outer edges start to melt to prevent it from scorching.
* Chocolate retains its shape when melted in the microwave, so the only way to know if it is truly melted is to stir it.

How to Melt Chocolate in the Microwave

I like melting chocolate in the microwave since it is so quick and easy. When done properly, chocolate can be melted in the microwave more quickly than directly on the stove top or in a double boiler, and with less effort and mess. The time required will depend on the amount and type of chocolate being melted.

I usually start by placing the small pieces of chopped chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and heating for 30 to 45 seconds on 100% power. Then stir the chocolate well. If needed, microwave for additional 10 to 20 second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.

Melting Chocolate on the Top of the Stove

Most cookbooks and cooking experts will tell you to never melt chocolate directly on the stove top. But that's the way my Mom always did it and how I do it when I don't have access to a microwave. Just be very very careful and don't walk away from the stove with chocolate on a burner.

Place the small pieces of chopped chocolate in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan over the lowest heat possible. Stir the chocolate constantly and remove it from the heat just before it is completely melted. Continue to stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Just remember low and slow and you should have no problem.

What To Do If My Chocolate Seizes?

Stir 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or shortening into every 6 ounces of chocolate and stir until smooth.

Martha McKinnon is an avid home cook and cooking instructor who loves sharing everything she has learned through her years in the kitchen with all who are interested.

Her website, http://www.best-ever-cookie-collection.com is dedicated to publishing the best cookie recipes.

And her blog, http://www.simple-nourished-living.com explores easy recipes, tips, and hints.

Make Your Own Serendipity 3 Frozen Hot Chocolate

2009-06-17T19:04:00.000-07:00

Serendipity 3 is a restaurant in New York City that makes a frozen hot chocolate drink that has been the talk of the city for years. This is the most famous dessert found in New York and even the restaurant itself is an attention grabber. As mentioned above, part of this amazing place is a restaurant, but it is also a coffeehouse and the entrance of the restaurant is a general store. When you walk in you are greeted with candy, toys and a number of other treasured gifts.

People that have enjoyed this excellent frozen hot chocolate drink have always wished they could make and enjoy this dessert at home. Now for the first time ever that has become possible. Serendipity 3 has made the recipe for this exciting drink available so anyone can make it for themselves anytime they want one. The biggest surprise is that it is extremely simple to make.

Below are the ingredients for this exciting new beverage:

Six ounces of chocolates

Two teaspoons of hot chocolate mix

One and a half tablespoons of sugar

One and half cups of milk

Three cups of ice

Chocolate shavings

Whipped cream

You start out by chopping the chocolate into really small pieces. Put the pieces in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. You will need to stir the chocolate pieces often until they are melted. You then add the hot chocolate mix and the sugar. Continue stirring until this ingredient is completely melted. You then need to remove the mixture from the heat and add about half a cup of milk to the mixture until it is smooth. You then let it cool until it reaches room temperature.

Place the remaining amount of milk in a blender along with the mixture and ice. Place this on high speed and allow it to mix until it has the same consistency of a frozen daiquiri. Place in your favorite drinking glass and top with the whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

You now have the secret to the most exciting dessert in the history of New York City to enjoy in the privacy of your own home. However, if you are visiting the big City don't miss the opportunity to visit the exciting Serendipity 3 restaurant. It would be ashamed

to pass up the chance to see this exciting place and enjoy the original frozen hot chocolate drink.

Lisa Mason is a freelance writer with a specialty in Internet content and SEO articles. She has written thousands of articles, hundreds of ebooks and thousands of website pages and related content. She has also authored her own books and works as a consultant to other writers, Internet marketers and Internet businesses.

Easter for Toddlers: Meaningful Activities Beyond Chocolate Bunnies

2009-06-11T19:43:00.000-07:00

Children bring joy to holidays like Easter, with their beautiful suits and dresses and colorful egg hunts on green lawns. But in addition to special outfits and candy peeps, what else can parents do to provide their kids with a meaningful Easter? Here are seven ways to go beyond the Easter bunny and communicate a positive message to your toddler:

1. Deliver an Easter basket to a friend in need. Do you know a child whose parent is deployed? Or maybe a single mom who has three young children? Think of a family you know that could use a little encouragement. Make an Easter basket for that family and deliver it with your toddler. Your son or daughter will learn the joy of giving firsthand as he or she gives away that thoughtful basket.

2. Buy candy and deliver it for a church or community Easter egg hunt. You can explain to your toddler that candy doesn’t just magically appear at the egg hunts. People have to donate it first. Talk to them about the joy of giving and let them have their own special egg filled with a treat for helping out.

3. Visit a senior citizen at a nearby nursing home. Have your child color an Easter coloring page and deliver it to a resident. Call ahead of time and ask the activity director if there’s a particular resident he or she would recommend. Ask for the best times to come and the appropriate protocol for bringing children. Your adorable child will be the highlight of the day for that senior citizen!

4. Have an “empty tomb” egg hunt. Hide eggs in your backyard or wherever would work for a hunt. Fill the eggs with stickers, quarters, small toys or candy. Leave one egg empty. Whoever finds the empty egg is the grand prize winner. Explain how Easter is the celebration of the empty tomb because Jesus rose from the grave on the third day. The grave was empty just like that egg. Give the child who found the empty egg a great prize like a dollar bill, larger toy, or scoop of ice cream.

5. Print out Easter coloring pages. Look on the internet for free coloring pages of Jesus on the cross and other Easter images. Tell your child how much God loves him and how special he is.

6. Attend an Easter service. Whether you go to church regularly or not, Easter is a great time to participate in a holiday celebration. Many churches offer fantastic programs for kids, from giant Easter egg hunts to musical specials.

7. Make something special for the host of your Easter dinner. If you are going to grandma’s house for dinner, have your toddler make her a special card or craft to say thank you. Your host will be touched by your little one’s thoughtfulness. And if you’re the host, your child can make something small for each of your guests. Favors could be a coloring page, popsicle sticks glued together to make a cross, or plastic eggs filled with an after dinner mint.

When you take a little time to be intentional about Easter with your kids, you will find the holiday will become more meaningful not only to them, but to you!

New Ideas For Chocolate Cake Recipes

2009-06-08T19:28:00.000-07:00

There's very little in life that has the potential for happiness that chocolate cake recipes do! Just reading them over and, better yet, looking at a photo can start a person drooling. Oh, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!

Chocolate cake recipes are not all equal; some can be dry and some can be flavorless. But some can be just right. If you have a basic recipe that calls for milk or water, substitute some coffee to perk up the flavor (pun intended!)? Try using some of the new extra dark cocoa powders, to make your chocolate cake recipes more intense. Sour cream is always a good addition to chocolate cake recipes, too, making a cake so moist that it doesn't even need frosting -- you can just dust it with confectioners' sugar, which makes for a beautiful presentation.

Probably the most famous of all the chocolate cake recipes is the Brooklyn "Blackout Cake," which is frosted with a pudding-like fudge icing and then coated with chocolate cake crumbs. Those who've eaten it can be transported to Nirvana simply thinking about it! After all, you don't name a cake after the darkness unless it's particularly deep and rich and delicious!

Arguments about supposedly authentic recipes continue to this day. But even without the exact details, you can take the best ideas from the various chocolate cake recipes and make a "Blackout Cake" of your very own. If I were going to make one, I'd bake it in a 10" springform pan, rather than in 2 8" layers. And while the cake was baking, I'd bring out my jar of Chocolate Pie Filling and Dessert Mix to help me to make the perfect frosting.

Makes the best product I've found in all my years of cooking and baking; it's even low in fat and comes in a jar for freshness -- it's hard to beat that! So I'd mix up the recipe provided, but substitute coffee for the milk and use a bit less liquid than the provided recipe calls for to make the pudding thicker. Then, once the cake had cooled, I'd spread it lovingly with my pudding/frosting, and then sprinkle chocolate cookie crumbs on top ... sigh. I'd better go start baking -- if I may say so myself, this sounds like it has the potential to be one of the best chocolate cake recipes around!

Why Hot Cocoa Is Healthier Than Hot Chocolate

2009-06-03T01:13:00.000-07:00

There is an important difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate. These terms are often used interchangeably, but the distinction is in the nutritional properties. Hot cocoa is made from raw cocoa powder, which is pressed chocolate which removes the fat of the cocoa butter. Hot chocolate is made from chocolate bars melted into a cream or ground into a powder. Often hot chocolate has a very high sugar and fat content and low cocoa content. Cocoa can be very good for you, especially if you minimize the sugar and fat.

Hot cocoa has been around a long time and for good reason. It is one of the most potent antioxidant beverages you can drink, plus it is naturally delicious! Archeologists have found that the oldest civilization of the Americas, the Olmecs, (1500-400 BC), were probably the first users of cacao. The Mayans continued consuming-based drinks made with beans. Chocolatl was the name of a drink made from roasted cocoa beans, water and spices and was consumed voraciously by the aristocracy. They primarily drank cocoa but the beans were also valued as a currency.

Drink of the gods

Originally these ancient people drank and unsweetened version of hot cocoa. This hot cocoa recipe was a mixture of ground cocoa beans, water, wine, and peppers. Soon the Spaniards begin heating the mixture adding sweeteners like sugar. In England, they added milk and created a sweet after dinner drink.

Nowadays people are discovering the powerful nutritional benefits of the cocoa bean. Recent research has found that the flavonoids in chocolate are more powerful than vitamins such as ascorbic acid in protecting circulating lipids from oxidation. And researchers discovered that people who eat chocolate and sweets up to three times each month live almost a year longer than people who eat too much or folks that steer clear of junk altogether. (This is from a study done at the Harvard School of Public Health)

Now that we understand that cocoa is good for us, how do we make sure we are getting the bountiful health benefits of the cocoa chocolate? First get pure cocoa powder. You can identify it by its dark brown color and bitter taste. Next, try mixing it with hot water and low fat milk or milk substitutes, like soy or coconut milk powder. Add a natural sweetener like agave nectar, honey or turbino sugar.

Hot cocoa provides more antioxidants

Even though cocoa beans have 500 times more anti-oxidants than blueberries; studies indicate that adding a diary product actually blocks the body's ability to properly absorb them. In order to get the most antioxidants, mix ground cocoa with non-dairy liquids for hot chocolate, smoothies or shakes. You can enjoy drinking cocoa if it is hot or cold but heating the cocoa triggers the release of more antioxidants.

For many years the common conception of hot cocoa was that of a commercially prepared packet mix that was basically sugared flavored chocolate turned into a sweetened instant powder and marketed to children. Now adults are finding that the drink they loved as kids is better than taking vitamins! Drink your cocoa hot and pure and enjoy the best tasting health drink available.

Make Chocolate Cake

2009-05-27T17:32:00.001-07:00

This is a very good chocolate cake recipe that is healthy and you won't have to hear that same old advice from your doctor as to why shouldn’t you eat chocolate cake!

Ingredients to make a chocolate cake:

1 cup soy milk

3/4 cup cocoa powder

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 cups whole wheat flour

1-1/2 cups raw sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

4 egg whites (large), at room temperature

Preparation on how to make a chocolate cake:

1. Heat up oven to 350 degrees. Spread out two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9x13x2-inch pan with vegetable oil cooking spray and sprinkle with whole-wheat flour.

2.Heat the soymilk in a medium size saucepan until its hardly boiled. Remove from heat and whisk in the cocoa until thickened and almost smooth (some tiny lumps will remain). Let stand 2 to 3 minutes to cool slightly. Whisk in the applesauce and vanilla extract.

3.Mix the flour, 1-1/4 cups of the raw sugar, the baking powder, soda, and sea salt in a large bowl.

4.Beat the egg whites in a medium size bowl with an electric mixer until thick and foamy. Gradually beat in the remaining 1/4 cup of raw sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form when the beaters are lifted.

5.Pour the cocoa mixture over the whole-wheat flour. Stir just until blended.

6.With a rubber spatula, gently stir about a quarter of the egg whites into the whole-wheat flour mixture. Fold in the remaining egg whites until no white streaks remain. Pour into the prepared pan or pans.

7.Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely. Garnish with your favorite fresh fruit.

VANILLA FROSTING

2 egg whites, at room temperature

1/2-teaspoon cream of tartar

1/4-cup honey

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1-cup instant nonfat dry milk powder

1.In a bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue beating, adding the honey and vanilla.
2.Gradually add the nonfat dry milk powder, beating constantly, until the frosting is a good spreading consistency.

It's not so hard to make a chocolate cake! Enjoy!

Dark, White and Milk Chocolate - Just What is the Difference?

2009-05-13T17:32:00.001-07:00

What creates the difference between dark, white and milk chocolates? Is it the color, or perhaps the flavor? Or is it just the history and the background behind each? Nutritional values, maybe? Or how about the ingredients of each? The making process? How about all of the above?

We all know that there are three different types of chocolates. What we don't really understand are the differences between these, which cause each to be taken as an individual substance! For example, did you know that white chocolate isn't really considered to be chocolate? Many true chocolate aficionados might put white chocolate in a separate class -

The first and most characteristic that differentiates dark from white from milk chocolate is the distinct color of each! While dark chocolate is a deep, rich brown due to the high amounts of cocoa in its composition, milk chocolate is a lighter shade of brown, showing the presence of milk. White chocolate on the other hand, is completely white since it has no part of the cocoa liquor that's present in the other two. This is also the reason as to why white chocolate doesn't conform to the standards of chocolate

Another major difference between dark, white and milk chocolates is the history behind each. Chocolate was drunk as a spicy beverage about 2000 years ago, when no one had heard of mixing it with milk! When the cocoa press was first invented in 1828, solid eating chocolate was created. Thus dark chocolate was born. Later, in the year 1875, Daniel Peters created the first milk chocolate White chocolate came much later, after World War I, when it was introduced by the Swiss! Dark chocolate becomes more bitter as the amount of cocoa liquor in it increases.

In terms of taste, dark chocolate is the bitterest, followed by milk chocolate which is usually semi-sweet in response to the lower quantity of cocoa liquor used, as well as the added sweetness of milk and sugar. White chocolate is completely sweet, since it has no cocoa liquor. Cocoa contains theobromine, a healthy substance that is extremely bitter in nature. This explains why dark chocolate is more of an acquired taste than a first love!

The other difference between these three types of chocolate is in the ingredients each contains. Dark chocolate is very simple, containing cocoa liquor, cocoa butter and sugar, whereas milk chocolate has a smaller portion of cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, milk and sugar. White chocolate on the other hand, is more of a flavored candy containing cocoa butter, lecithin, sugar, milk solids and other flavorings.

As has been recently discovered, cocoa powder has many nutritional benefits, due to the flavonoids and polyphenols it contains, which are said to be antioxidants and relieve heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes type II, and prevent a score of other diseases. Cocoa also contains epitachin, a flavonoid which widens the heart and blood vessels, leading to reduced heart risks. Since dark chocolate has the highest amount of cocoa present, it follows that dark chocolate has greater nutritional benefits compared to milk and white chocolate Milk chocolate also contains cocoa, but the goodness of it is generally wiped out by the other saturated fats contained within! White chocolate having no cocoa content, has no nutritional benefits at all.

Another scenario where the differences between these three types of chocolate are stark is the consumption and popularity of each! Dark chocolate is normally a favorite with diabetic chocoholics, because of the low sugar content it contains. Milk chocolate on the other hand, is very popular with the masses. If you're creating a gift basket without knowing your recipients taste, you're in the right if you include a majority of milk chocolate goodies! White chocolates, on the other hand, tend to be a love at first taste choice. You either like them or you don't!

There are obviously major differences between the three types of chocolate However, each of them is a sumptuous decadent delight in its own way! When you're thinking of chocolate you're obviously not going through the differences between them. What you are thinking of is that moment when they melt in your mouth, and everything is all right with the world! So today go ahead and enjoy that delicious piece of chocolate after all you now know a little bit more about what you are eating!

Making Chocolate Covered Strawberries at Home!

2009-05-07T19:03:00.000-07:00

People live very fast paced life today. Everyone is busy with their respective goals and jobs. To keep healthy you need to cultivate good habits. Exercise should be a part of daily routine. A person who does not have sufficient time for exercise during the weekdays must try to make up during the weekends.

Eating healthy food is important for keeping fit. Various kinds of diet programs are followed by people and stress is laid on healthy eating. Avoiding high calorie food and junk food all the time makes you crave for unhealthy food. What to do in this type of situation? Well, the answer lies in balancing your diet with different types of food items.

Eating fruits and vegetables helps a lot in maintaining our health. There are loads of delicious fruits like apples, orange, pear, melon, litchi, and strawberry which can be included in the daily diet. Similarly eating fresh vegetables regularly helps a lot in keeping healthy. Managing the diet with a judicious mix of fruits, vegetables and high fiber foods go a long way in keeping a person fit.

It is better to make your daily food interesting by varying it to make it appealing and tasty. You can make chocolate covered strawberries at home using simple ingredients. It is very easy to make them. You need to have the white chocolate, normal dark chocolate and some strawberries with their stems intact. Melt both the chocolates in separate bowls by placing them in hot water. You can melt them in a microwave oven too. Ensure that the syrup is smooth by mixing it well. Dip the strawberries in the syrup by holding it from the stem, shake to remove excess syrup and put it on a parchment paper to dry. Repeat this process with all the strawberries. Dip a fork in the white chocolate syrup and apply a little of it to the chocolate dipped strawberries.

There are various other methods of making chocolate covered strawberries. You can make it bi-color with equal portions of white and brown chocolate or make it totally white. There are many options available and you can make it according to your liking. Covering the strawberries with chocolate makes them tastier and they get used up pretty soon. If you do not wish to make them at home, then you can buy then readymade from the many stores which stock them.

Chocolate covered strawberries make an excellent gift which can be given to all. This is a suitable gift for all from kids to the elderly. They can also be included in wine baskets. Many wine baskets contain gourmet chocolates. If you wish to make an unique basket for your friends or relatives, you can select suitable brands of wine and put these chocolate dipped strawberries with them. Your friends will truly love and relish them.

This type of strawberries can be used even at small gatherings at your place or during festivals when the extended family gets together. You can serve them during your kid's birthday party too and all your little guests will savor them. This can serve as a healthy snack between meals and you can rest assured that your kids are eating healthy fruits.

You cannot go wrong with chocolate covered strawberries because chocoloate is generally loved by everyone. You can also pair your strawberries with wine gift baskets, as unique gifts for the upcoming holiday season. GiftbasketSearch.net and TheBasketSpot.com provides beautiful and visually appealing gifts, that your everyone loves.

The Essence of Chocolate Covered Strawberries in Desserts

2009-05-02T17:42:00.000-07:00

The pairing of chocolate and strawberry is a delicious one. But after filling up on "plain old" dipped strawberries, and heck that alone can take a lifetime as I have plenty of experience, you can nonetheless choose to expand your palette and cooking repertoire by incorporating the essence and flavor of chocolate covered strawberries in different and exciting ways.

The first obvious idea is to top sliced strawberries on a decadent chocolate cake. You can look online for lots of recipes for a cake should your personal book library not suffice. Or there's always great subscriptions to nice magazines like Food and Wine or Cooking Light that offer good dessert reads. Don't forget about the magazines more suited to desserts and pastry too!

But for a strawberry-topped cake, this gives the cake lovers more of the moistness and volume to fill up for their dessert appetites and still provides a bit of the fruit accent. And as a red garnish on top of a very dark cake, it adds a bit of wow factor and dimension.

You can strengthen, spice, and stiffen up your strawberry chocolate partnerships by mixing in a little liquor. Some recipes infuse Grand Marnier in a small dose to reduce with the berries and give that richness without really having a significant amount of alcohol in the final product. This will give you the cognac brandy flavor with orange hints along with the strawberry and chocolate. I think this is a delightful combination myself. The liquor burns off in the cooking process somewhat, leaving the flavor and experience without the buzz. This is a flavor profile that adds layers to your food enjoyment experience.

A strawberry mousse cake is a welcome option too. This will provide a greater strawberry percentage as most recipes call for several cups of strawberries placed around a cake's perimeter.. And you're still getting about 12 ounces to a full pound of chocolate folded in to the whipped cream to create the mousse. You can always go with a straight strawberry cake as well. Of course you'd be missing out on the chocolate entirely, and I say where is the fun in that? But you can simply flip the order by having a cake or pie filled with the strawberries and go with a small plunk of chocolate mousse, a squirt of chocolate syrup, or even some melted chocolate from the stove drizzled gently over the strawberry dessert. Is your mouth watering yet? It's a tempting set of things to make.

And that is what desserts and cooking in totality is really all about. Adding up layer upon layer of flavor in subtle ways. The eater can consciously or subconsciously realize a superb symphony of flavor. Yet they have a challenge describing what exactly all the ingredients are in the dish. It's the undercurrent and hint and sophistication of extra touches that leaves the person wanting more. This is a learned skill that takes some dedication and a little more time, but it's worth it. And it's not that hard to develop a great set of skills and trust in the kitchen with your own abilities. And who wouldn't want to make five or ten variations using these fantastic chocolate and strawberry ingredients to discover what works best. Tell you what, time to head over to the kitchen and brush up on my technique right now.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: T. Allan Roll is a foodie at heart. He loves sharing stories of good food in all forms, lively imbibing and great culinary conversations. His love of Chocolate Covered Strawberries has inspired him in the kitchen to experiment with lots of great desserts to capture the flavors of happiness.

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

2009-04-23T01:47:00.000-07:00

You can get the recipe at the end of the paragraph for these cookies. The most cherished memories of my childhood were of the smells of baking delicious cookies. As I would walk in the door on my house from school I could smell the goodness waiting for me. Many times the cookies were not yet iced and I would sneak one away. Popping a piece of the fresh baked cookie into my mouth was warm and inviting. My mother would usually ask me if I want to help her ice the rest. We had good times and it warmed my heart to take a box of these cookies I helped decorate to people in the nursing home that could no longer come visit us at home for the holidays. Many older people for some reason just love sweet things and their eyes would usually light up as we walked in the door with boxes in our hands. Their delight was not from what present did we bring as they no longer had cares of materials tings but a nice chat with a young person and a delicious cookie filling their tummy was cheer enough for them.

My mom and I never shared our recipes. We did this not be greedy but enjoyed baking so much and giving to others that when prompted for the recipe only replied how many did you want and we would go home and happily make enough for them to have.

Of course times have changed. The recipe my Grandmother changed and my mother changed again has landed in my possession. I don’t quite have the time I did when I was a child but still enjoy baking when I have a chance. The cherished moments with my children when we do have a chance to make a batch of cookies is priceless. Of course with now 3 teenagers in the home and their friends stopping by the batch of cookies does not last more than a day but that makes you feel good.

My mom and I still make cookies as we have ladies order 100 dozen or more for themselves to give as gifts to family and friends and they can no longer bake themselves and the cookies remind them of what they use to be able to bake and they still like to give their families home based goodies instead of store bought preservatives.

Enjoy these recipes. We will try to add a new time tested recipe weekly so check back often and give us your feedback and comments.

Grandma’s Secret Recipe Sugar Cookies and World Famous best Chocolate Chip Cookie recipes are sure to be a hit. Check out the web site learn-about-it.com/knowhow to get these great recipes.

Amazing Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

2009-04-09T20:57:00.000-07:00

This is our families secret chocolate chip recipe. We have a large family so this one makes over 4 dozen chocolate chip cookies. You can experiment with most cookie recipes to adjust to your own taste. Remenmber the more brown sugar you use the more chewy type cookie you create. I don't think this one needs much adjusting. First we will start with ingredients.

INGREDIENTS:

4 cups (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate

1cup butter

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups yellow cake mix

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups white sugar

1 cup brown sugar

4 eggs

2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/4cup sour cream

3 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions to cookie recipe.

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Melt butter and unsweetened chocolate together.
3. Sift cake mix, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together.
4. In a large bowl, beat sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
5. Stir the chocolate mixture into the eggs.
6. Stir in the sifted ingredients with sour cream.
7. Mix in chocolate chips.
8. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls cookie sheets.
9. Bake for until edges are starting to turn dark brown.

Enjoy these wonderful cookies at any occasion. They disappear very quickly at family events. You might notice my secret ingredient. It is the boxed yellow cake mix. Cake flour gives the cookie a little more body than the regular unbleached flour.You may use any of your favorite brands. If you are making smaller cookies don't forget that the baking time goes down. Many ovens produce heat from the bottom of the oven, so as not burn the bottom of the cookies many times I will double pan the cookies before I bake them. Baking is similar to a gigantic chemistry experiment. The best way to get the experiment right is to keep experimenting. Once you have found the best combinations of ingredients and procedures, stick with it. Enjoy!

Three Chocolate Candy Recipes

2009-04-06T18:09:00.000-07:00

Here are two recipes for making delicious chocolate confections.

CHOCOLATE ROCKS

5 ozs. sweet chocolate
1/2 pint (1 cup) thick cream
2 tablespoonfuls hot sugar syrup
1 teaspoonful vanilla extract
1 oz. unsweetened chocolate
1/2 teaspoonful almond extract
1 lb. sweet grated chocolate
1/2 oz. melted cocoa-butter
1/2 teaspoonful rose extract

Melt the grated chocolate over hot water to a smooth paste. Remove it from the hot water, beat for a few minutes, adding gradually the rose extract and the melted cocoa-butter. Stir occasionally until quite cold; then rub through a wire sieve on white paper underneath.

Put the sweet chocolate and the unsweetened chocolate into a saucepan, and melt the mixture to a smooth paste; then add the cream, hot syrup, the extracts, and stir over the fire until well mixed. Remove from the fire, and beat until the mixture becomes cold and a lighter color. Mold it into round centers; then roll them in the sieved chocolate.

Serve in paper cases.

CHOCOLATE NOUGATINES

1/2 lb. (1 cup) sugar
1 teaspoonful vanilla extract
1/4 lb. (1 cup) blanched almonds, or walnut meats or ground almonds
1 tablespoonful honey
Melted chocolate

Chop the almonds and toast them a pale brown in the oven.

Put the honey into a saucepan and stir until dissolved; then add the sugar and allow it to melt and get quite liquid. Now add the almonds, stir over a moderate heat until all turn a light brown color, then add the vanilla extract, and pour on a buttered slab. Roll out thin and cut into squares. Allow to dry on waxed paper and dip in melted chocolate when quite firm.

Another method is to put three pounds of sugar into a dry, clean saucepan, and melt over the fire, without using any water.

When dissolved, add as much chopped nuts as the batch will take up. Pour out on an oiled slab and roll out thin; it may be cut in oblong pieces and coated with chocolate, or broken fine and mixed with the chocolate and dropped on a tin.

CHOCOLATE DATES

1 lb. best dates
1/4 lb. unsweetened chocolate
4 ozs. (1/2 cup) confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoonfuls boiling water
1/2 teaspoonful vanilla extract

Wipe the dates, slit them lengthwise with a silver knife, but only far enough to extract the kernels without bruising the fruit.

Grate the chocolate into a small saucepan; add the sugar, boiling water, and the vanilla extract, and stir over the fire until quite smooth. The mixture must not boil.

Then put the small saucepan inside a larger one half filled with boiling water, just to keep the chocolate fluid until all the dates are filled. Take up a little of the mixture in a teaspoon, press open the date, and pour it in neatly.

When about a dozen are filled, gently press the sides together. The chocolate should just show a shiny brown ridge in the middle of the date. Place on a board in a cool place to harden.

Where To Look For The Best Chocolate Experience

2009-03-29T18:36:00.001-07:00

The finest chocolate the world has to offer is usually not so readily available in the local supermarket. Those sold in convenience stores and groceries are the mass-produced ones we’ve all grown so accustomed to – Hershey’s, M&M’s, KitKat, Toblerone, Cadbury, and maybe a Lindt here and there. For a truly chocolate experience, you have to probe deeper and go to specialty shops. Italian, French, Belgian, Swiss, German, Japanese, and Spanish chocolates are sold in these little chocolate shops which offer overwhelmingly diverse options that can make any chocoholic go crazy with glee with the sheer amount of choices. When it comes to defining what the “best” chocolate is, it still is a matter of preference and taste. Chocolates from different countries have distinct flavors and aromas that are unique to their origin. The best way to truly know what a gem is from a sham is to expand your palate and your chocolate experience. Below are some tips for hunting the best chocolate in town.

Trying Out Chocolate Shops

In Belgium, there are more than 2,000 chocolate shops owned by chocolate manufacturers who make their chocolate by hand. You can’t get any fresher than that! In the U.S., there are little chocolate shops sprouting across the country. They either import the chocolates from the best chocolate-manufacturing countries and upscale brands or they make their own from imported cocoa. Chocolatiers and chocolate makers such as La Maison make exquisitely luxurious chocolates packaged in pretty boxes that are beautiful enough to present as an elegant gift. Most of these shops offer a wide array of expensive chocolate such as dark chocolate truffles, ganaches, and mendiants (chocolate sprinkled with assorted nuts or dried fruits), marrons glaces, and caramels.

Go Organic

Organic chocolate ensures only the purest and most natural ingredients. These types of chocolate are made from cocoa that are organically grown without any genetic engineering and pesticides. The result is pure chocolate goodness that melts delightfully in the mouth. Organic milk chocolate is also better because it is manufactured with milk that is free of recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH), the artificial hormone injected to cows to increase their milk production. Organic chocolates may also prove to be healthier as some use soy instead of milk and others are free of sugar, called diabetic chocolate, for those who simply can’t resist chocolate but could not afford to consume sweets for health reasons.

Always Look for Freshness

When sampling chocolate, buy from a source that you know is fresh. Always check the date when it was manufactured. Purchase chocolate that is as fresh as possible to experience its full flavor. Chocolate has a long shelf life when properly stored and can be eaten even after two years from its manufacture date, but its richness diminishes over time. Furthermore, chocolate that has not been properly stored, even when it has not yet reached its expiration date, can become stale and inedible. When you break a chocolate bar into two, it should still be creamy and compact, not crumbled and dry. Dry edges on the chocolate means that it is not fresh or do not have enough amount of cocoa butter.

The Hot Chocolate Maker

2009-03-23T19:37:00.001-07:00

What is hot chocolate and how do you make it using hot chocolate maker? Across the globe, hot chocolate is a very popular drink. While some might think of it as almost a medicine, an instant mood lifter, there are others who drink it just because it tastes good. No wonder hot chocolate makers are one of the most popular machines sold after coffee machines.

No more messing with boiling water or scalding milk. In this neat little machine, you just add your liquid, chocolate or cocoa mix to the goblet top, snap on the lid and you have a mug of tempting hot chocolate in just a few minutes!

How does the machine function?
Some models of hot chocolate makers, like the Tassimo Hot Beverage Maker, have special pods called T-DISCS that can be used to brew drinks. This T-DISCS contains the precise amount of chocolate and dry milk needed. Every disc has a barcode that is read by the machine when it is inserted. Based on the instructions it gives, the right amount of water will be pumped through the disc. You can also set the machine to make the strength of hot chocolate you want.

How can a hot chocolate maker help you?

Hot chocolate and family gatherings go hand in hand. This machine puts an end to overheated milk, milk boiling over on the stovetop and scorched pans to clean. The milk or water is heated to just the right temperature and in a few minutes, the machine whips up as many as four frothy cups of hot chocolate that you can enjoy on a chilly winter evening.

Features of hot chocolate maker:
•Makes 2 to 4 cups of hot chocolate at a time
•The hot chocolate maker heats milk to just the right temperature. There is no boiling over or scorching
•The mixing disc thoroughly whips hot chocolate and other cocoa- or chocolate-based drinks as soon as you press the button.
•Finished drink has a frothy top for a delicious treat.
•It is easy to use.
•The machine is Easy to clean
The prices of this machine start from as low as $ 20 and go to $ 2000.

What to look for when buying a hot chocolate maker:
1.Construction: It should be made of durable materials so it will last a long time.
2.Work reliably: It should be able to make your drink in a minimum amount of time and be set according to your tastes.
3.User friendly: The hot chocolate maker that you purchase should be easy to use.
4.Compactness: The machine should not take much of your valuable workplace in the kitchen.
5.There should be no flavor transfer as you switch from one type of drink to another.

Best-known brands to buy:
1. Mr. Coffee’s Cocomotion machine. Mr. Coffee is probably about the best-known maker of hot beverage machine around. Mr. Coffee has a reputation for reliability, maker it a top choice.
2.Tassimo from Braun is also one of the better-known appliances available. In addition to many kinds of coffee, this machine can make excellent Suchard Hot Chocolate drink.

Summary: A hot, comforting mug of hot chocolate on a chilly evening without any of the fuss - this is what you can easily have with a good hot chocolate maker. So choose the model you prefer and get cozy with a mug this winter.

Too Much Chocolate Causes Acne?

2009-03-19T02:45:00.000-07:00

In this article we're going to try to clear up the myth that eating too much chocolate causes acne.

You've heard all the warnings by your mother growing up. "Don't eat too much chocolate, you'll break out!" You'd have to sneak out of the house to get a chocolate fix. And if you were like most kids, you did anything to get that fix.

Chocolate has been blamed for many ailments including acne, tooth decay, obesity, and lacking of food value. It has also been known to have an anti-depressant effect, cause hypertension and even have an aphrodisiac effect.

We know that chocolate is basically harmless unless, like everything else, it is over-consumed. Chocolate has been found not to cause nor aggravate outbreaks of acne. These results are backed up by further research that shows acne in no way is affected by chocolate.

Recent scientific studies have suggested chocolate boosts the serotonin in the brain that produces a calming effect and stability. Stress has been identified as a cause of acne. If chocolate stimulates the serotonin and calms the nerves, then chocolate could ironically be found to assist in acne restraint.

Chocolate lovers will be pleased to know that nutritionists believe chocolate plays a nutritional role in a balanced diet. The facts are that chocolate carries about one-third of an adult's daily requirement of antioxidants.

For starters, bad hygiene is one of the worst causes of bad complexions. Let's face it, most teenagers, especially boys, are too busy outside playing sports and getting dirty. Washing up is not exactly a priority to them. And when dirty hands touch dirty faces that is just prime breeding ground for acne.

Then there is the matter of diet outside of chocolate. One of the main causes of acne is oil. Many of the foods that teenagers eat have lots of oil in them. One of the main offenders is pizza. Let's be honest, a teenager without at least five slices of pizza during the week is not a teenager. Most kids who eat in school will choose that slice of pizza over whatever there may be served that day that is at least somewhat healthy.

Then there is the next thing on the list, fried foods. Fried foods make up more of a teenagers diet than just about anything else. Most kids live out of a Burger King, Wendy's or McDonalds. French Fries are certainly number one on any kids hit parade. And who doesn't just love a good bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken?

But to further disprove that chocolate actually causes acne, there are a number of new skin care products on the market that are actually made of chocolate or have chocolate as an ingredient.

There are some companies that put chocolate into their skin creams as a softener. According to these companies, the antioxidants of the chocolate also help in preventing wrinkles.

Theoretically, cocoa might actually prevent damage by free radicals to collagen, elastin and other proteins in the skin. Of course medical science has yet to either prove this or disprove this.

Proof or no proof, at least 90 chocolate based cosmetics popped up last year and the market for chocolate based cosmetics is growing daily. As a matter of fact the normal booth that is displayed at the Chocolate Show in New York has blossomed into a full blown spa. Consumers are claiming that the chocolate based skin care products that they are using do in fact have healing properties. Again, this has neither been proved or disproved.

The point is, there are many more offenders of bad skin than just chocolate and by avoiding fried foods and dirty hands, your teenager will more than likely have a cleaner skin.

Can You Beleive That Chocolate Could Actually Be Good For Your Heart?

2009-03-13T18:58:00.000-07:00

Chocolate has long been a favorite confection for people of all ages and now this tasty treat is receiving recognition for being good for your heart health as well. Studies have found that dark chocolate contains antioxidants, which help promote a healthy heart by improving the blood flow. This lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

What is an Antioxidant?

Antioxidants remove free radicals from the blood stream. Free radicals are a natural product of blood cells. The world is also filled with environmental toxins that also contribute to their production. There has been research that has discovered that eating dark chocolate lowers the risk of heart attacks and high blood pressure by removing the free radicals and ensuring that the blood can flow more freely through the veins. It is important to note that it is only the dark type of chocolate that has these benefits. Tests run on white and milk chocolate did not show these positive benefits.

What Research Was Done on Chocolate?

A Swiss team of researchers ran tests on 20 volunteers who were smokers. They were given 40 grams of chocolate and were not allowed to eat any other food that was rich in antioxidants like certain vegetables. After 2 hours, there was a marked improvement noted in the volunteers who ate dark chocolate that was made up of 74% cocoa. The improvement noted was in the improved flow of blood through the veins. The research also showed that the chocolate significantly reduced the risk of blockages by half.

How Much Chocolate Should I Eat?

You should try to include a portion of dark chocolate everyday, but before you run out to the grocery store to fill the larder with dark chocolate treats, remember that it also contains a lot of sugar and fat, right along with those antioxidants. Before you add it to your regular diet, decide how much you can safely eat without expanding your waistline. Naturally the more active you are, the more you will burn calories.

This would be true of people who exercise regularly or have jobs that require a lot of physical activity. If you have a sedentary job where you sit at a desk all day, or do not follow a regular exercise plan, than you should lower the portion of chocolate that you eat. If you don't follow an exercise plan, then consider starting one. Exercising three times a week for 30 minutes has also been shown to strengthen the heart. While you are improving your health with chocolate, you can get even greater benefits by including exercise to your regimen.

These new health benefits of dark chocolate will let you please both your heart and your palate.

Two Great Family Favorite Chocolate Receipes

2009-03-10T21:07:00.001-07:00

Southern chocolate cobbler:

Southern chocolate cobbler doesn't exactly sound like something edible. However, do try this recipe and you will be hooked. The following are ingredients needed to make the southern chocolate cobbler:

1 cup self-rising flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa, plus
1/4 cup baking cocoa, divided
1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 3/4 cups hot water
Vanilla ice cream (optional)
These ingredients are enough for 6 to 8 servings. It takes a little bit of time to prepare, about 70 minutes but the end result will be worth it.

First, combine the flour, sugar and 2 tablespoons of cocoa. Add milk and oil and stir till smooth. Pour this combination onto a greased, 6 inch square baking pan. Mix the brown sugar and remaining cocoa and sprinkle liberally over the batter in the pan. Now pour hot water on top of the batter but don't stir it. Put in the oven and bake at 50 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until top of cake springs back when lightly touched.

Now after over an hour of baking, sit back, relax and enjoy the delicacy while still warm with ice cream on top. Yummy!

Chocolate oat cookies are a treat for the whole family. The recipe is so simple even your children can bake them in ten minutes!

To make them, you need the following ingredients:

* 3/4 lb. semisweet chocolate chips
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1 egg
* 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
* 3/4 cup all purpose flour
* 3/4 cup quick or old fashioned oats, uncooked
* 1 tsp. baking powder
* 1/4 tsp. baking soda
* 1/4 tsp. salt (optional)

Chocolate oat cookies:

First, preheat the oven to 375?F. While waiting for the oven to heat up, melt 1 cup of chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat. Beat butter and sugar in a bowl until fluffy while adding melted chocolate, egg and vanilla. Pour in the melted chocolate chips and stir well. Now place rounded tablespoonfuls of the mixture on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake them for 8 to 10 minutes. When it's done, leave to cool then place the cookies on to a wire rack.

If you wish to freeze the dessert, cool them quickly in the refrigerator to preserve the freshness. Then place them in freezer-proof containers or on sheets of aluminum foil. Make sure it is sealed properly by wrapping edges of the foil tightly. Place in the freezer. After awhile you may remove the baking sheet. Frozen cookies can be placed in the freezer for 2 months. If you wish to bake or reheat them, thaw completely before unwrapping.

The recipe for making chocolate oat cookies is kid safe. However, when using the oven and saucepan, parents' supervision is required.

Chocolate Fondue Fountain - Buyer's Guide - 10 Tips When Buying A Home Chocolate Fondue Fountain

2009-03-08T17:36:00.000-07:00

Only a short while ago chocolate fondue fountains were expensive and striking luxury items for classy restuarants, commercial caterers and event planners. The products found on the market were strictly commercial items, costing quite considerable sums. These days however, buying a quality chocolate fondue fountain for your home is a realistic prospect: you can buy one of the many home product lines. They are affordable and the choice is broad. Keep these 10 tips in mind when setting out to buy your home chocolate fondue fountain.

1. You get what you pay for and the cheaper chocolate fondue fountains often have significant drawbacks to them (outlined below).

2. If you are searching the internet, be aware that the term 'chocolate fondue fountain' is synonymous with 'chocolate fountain' and more recently 'fondue fountain'.

3. Good home machines can be used for a range of substances, not just for chocolate. A number of quality home chocolate fondue fountains will also cascade sauces, salad dressing and even caramel. What this means is that, if you spend a little bit more, you should be able to get a machine for all types of parties and social occasions. Before you buy, think about what occasions you would like to use the machine for and then start looking around for a product to meet your needs.

4. You'll know you are looking at a high quality chocolate fondue fountain if its operation is quiet. This is the big give-away. A noisy machine is a real annoyance, completely nullifying the striking visual impact of the chocolate fondue fountain at your social occasion. Listen to a few cheaper models and you will know what I mean. Quality machines will say something like 'virtually silent' or 'whisper quiet' and they will live up to the description. If in doubt, go to a shop, have them plug it in so you can listen.

5. Go for stainless steel, it's hard-wearing and looks good.

6. Your chocolate fondue fountain should have variable temperature settings to allow you flexible and precise temperature control. This is will allow you to use a variety of hot and cold fondues, as mentioned at tip 3.

7. The chocolate fondue fountain should be easy to assemble/disassemble, and should have a removable basin/bowl.

8. The parts should be dishwasher safe and easy clean. Cheaper models often aren't.

9. The pump should be an auger-style pump - for a smooth delivery and flow. Again, cheaper models may not be. Note: some machines use a screw mechanism, not a pump. If you opt for one of these, go for quality and keep my other tips in mind all the same.

10. If the chocolate fondue fountain is not level, the flow will be uneven, and the machine unsteady, which may cause an unsightly fountain wobble. A chocolate fondue fountain tickles your sense of sight as much as it does your sense of taste, so get one with adjustable feet, or some other mechanism for keeping the product level. Again, quality models will have this feature - so make sure you look out for it. You should expect a 1-year warranty.

Hooray for Chocolate!

2009-03-05T19:03:00.001-08:00

There is great news for chocolate lovers...Chocolate is good for your health! Now, we are not talking here about a candy bar but about real chocolate, the kind that contains at least 71% of real cocoa. Something to remember when selecting chocolate is that the darker it is, the less sugar it contains and the better it is for you.

We are all aware of the emotional benefits of chocolate. By liberating endorphins in the body, chocolate provides us with feelings of comfort and wellbeing, energy and pleasure. Some surveyed women go as far a saying that they would prefer chocolate to sex! No wonder with such a texture, rich color and taste, chocolate is not only an aphrodisiac but also a pleasure for the senses. In addition, chocolate also contains serotonin and caffeine which both provide energy and promote good humor.

Pleasure aside, chocolate also holds beneficial health properties. Chocolate's complex chemical composition offers a variety of substances that the body needs to function properly and to prevent disease.

Chocolate enhances cardiovascular health. Like red wine, the phenols contained in dark chocolate help prevent coronary diseases. The British Medical Journal reports that a daily portion of 100 grams of dark chocolate reduces blood pressure and the occurrence of cardiovascular incidents by 21%. These phenols are also rich in antioxidants and they help neutralize free radicals produced by the body or absorbed thought cigarette smoke and other sources of pollution. Cocoa butter is already used in creams to heal scars and burns. No wonder pharmaceutical companies are now exploring the possibility of researching with chocolate to develop new medication to counter cancers and osteoporosis.

Chocolate does contain fats but these are unsaturated and contribute to reducing bad cholesterol and to increasing good cholesterol. Chocolate is also an excellent source of magnesium. Should it contain nuts, chocolate can become a great source phosphor and vegetable iron.

One of the many benefits of living in our time is that there is a plethora of organic and fair trade chocolates that are readily available to us in natural health food and grocery stores. The benefits of purchasing these types of chocolates abound but the most obvious are that they do not contain organochlorine pesticides that are usually used to treat traditional cocoa crops and that are harmful not only to the consumer but also to the field worker. Furthermore, purchasing fair trade chocolate ensures that the (healthier) worker can benefit from improved working and living conditions by receiving a fair salary for their work.

Like with everything however, chocolate must be consumed in good measure. Chocolate increases caloric intake and energy level. This can be good, provided these calories are burned. We might even change the saying to "Some chocolate everyday keeps the doctor away!"

Cozy Up With These "Oh So Good" Hot Chocolate Recipes

2009-03-03T18:06:00.000-08:00

When it's cold and frosty outside, there's nothing better than curling up with a nice big mug of homemade hot chocolate. Why pay several dollars for a cup of gourmet hot chocolate when you can easily learn how to make your own delicious hot chocolate drink?

You can make the classic creamy hot chocolate, or get a little adventurous and try the white chocolate or Mexican hot chocolate recipe. If you enjoy giving hot chocolate as a gift, then you may wish to make your own hot chocolate mix and put it in decorative glass jars.

The following hot chocolate recipes can be made the old fashioned way, using a pan and a stovetop. Or, you may wish to purchase a hot chocolate maker to speed things up.

However you decide to make it, you'll definitely enjoy the aroma and flavors of a delicious hot chocolate drink tickling your taste buds, and warming your tummy during the long winter days and nights.

Creamy Hot Chocolate

1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk)
? cup unsweetened cocoa
1 ? teaspoons vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 ? cups hot water
Marshmallows (optional)

Directions

In large saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk,
cocoa, vanilla, and salt; mix well. Slowly stir in water. Heat through, stirring
occasionally. Do not boil. Top with marshmallows. Store covered in
refrigerator. *Will last up to 5 days.

Makes 8 servings.

Easy Mexican Hot Chocolate

3 tablespoons instant hot chocolate mix
1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
? teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch chili powder
? cup milk
? cup boiling water

Directions

In a large mug, mix the hot chocolate mix, chocolate syrup, cinnamon, and chili powder. Pour in the milk. Add the boiling water and stir.

Makes 2 servings.

Spicy White Hot Chocolate

3 ? cups 2% fat milk
6 oz. white chocolate, chopped
1 egg, beaten
? teaspoon cayenne pepper
? teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Place the white chocolate in a medium metal bowl over a pan of barely simmering
water, or in the top half of a double boiler. Allow the chocolate to melt, stirring
occasionally until smooth. Stir in cayenne pepper and cinnamon. Whisk in the egg
until smooth.

Gradually whisk in one cup of the milk until completely incorporated, about 2 minutes.

Gradually whisk in remaining milk, and heat until hot, but not simmering. (You don't
want a skin to form on top of the milk). Chocolate will be ready to drink when either
the taste of the cayenne is masked by the temperature of the milk (the spiciness of
the pepper will remain), or when the hot chocolate is at your desired temperature.

Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Makes 4 servings.

Zingy Mocha Hot Chocolate

? cup semisweet chocolate chips
? cup milk
? teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 dash hot chili powder
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
? cup cold milk
Marshmallows and chocolate sprinkles (optional)

Directions

Combine the chocolate chips and milk in a glass or plastic dish, microwave on high,
stirring every 20 - 30 seconds, until melted and smooth. Mix in the coffee, cinnamon, and hot chili powder until the instant coffee has dissolved. Stir in the cold milk.

Strain into 2 mugs. Thin with additional milk, if desired. Garnish with marshmallows
and chocolate sprinkles.
Makes 2 servings.

Peanut Buttercup Hot Chocolate

1 (1 oz.) envelope instant hot chocolate mix
2 teaspoons creamy peanut butter

Directions

In a mug, prepare chocolate mix as directed on package. Stir in 1 or 2 teaspoons
of peanut butter. Enjoy.

Makes 1 serving.

Russian Hot Chocolate

1 oz. vanilla flavored vodka
? oz. amaretto liqueur
1 tablespoon instant hot chocolate mix
4 oz. hot milk

Directions

In a coffee mug, pour in the vanilla vodka, amaretto, and add the hot
chocolate mix. Pour in the hot milk and stir to blend well.

Makes 1 serving.

Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe

11 cups dry milk powder
1 (8 oz.) container powdered non-dairy creamer
2 ? cups confectioners' sugar
1 (16 oz) container instant chocolate drink mix

Directions

Sift together the powdered milk, non-dairy creamer, powdered sugar and instant
chocolate drink mix. Store in air tight containers or glass jars for gift giving

To use: Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of mix to 1 cup of water. Add a dash of cinnamon,
If desired.

Make 80 servings.

Does Chocolate Really Have Aphrodisiac Qualities Or Is It Just A Myth?

2009-02-28T18:10:00.000-08:00

I started to wonder whether or not chocolate was really an aphrodisiac. Aphrodisiacs, as you know, are those things that are supposed to make you sensitive to erotic stimulation. The name itself comes from the Ancient Greek goddess, Aphrodite, who was both feared for her might and worshiped for her beauty.

Chocolate's "love" qualities though could come from our own cultural understanding. We think that it is an aphrodisiac, so it becomes one. I mean, it tastes good. And, then there is that smooth, melting sensation on the tongue, since chocolate's melting point is just below human body temperature. That's sort of stimulating in itself, don't you think? But then we ought to consider the chemical composition of chocolate. What exactly is in the stuff? And where did this idea of it being an aphrodisiac come from in the first place?

The answer to whether or not chocolate is an aphrodisiac differs from person to person, but I will tell you what I found out and let you decide on your own.

According to some sources, the Aztecs, the first people to cultivate cacao, celebrated chocolate's aphrodisiacal powers. They used to eat vast quantities of food cooked with chocolate during the harvest time, and then engage in raucous orgies during festivals. But there are also reports that say that the men in Aztec society forbid chocolate-cooked food to women, because of its power as an aphrodisiac.

While both of these reports could be factual, I am not sure of them. Because it seems to me that if the men forbid women to eat chocolate, why did they have wild orgies during harvest time? Something doesn't add up. They would seemingly be forcing it on their women! But that's just the humble opinion of this author. Nonetheless, the Aztecs thought chocolate had erotic powers.

History is also replete with examples of others who were convinced of chocolate's powers. The courtesan of French King Louis XV, Madame du Barry, apparently made sure that her lovers drank a brimming cup of chocolate before they were granted entrance to her boudoir. And Casanova, the famed Casanova, drank chocolate daily at the Florian Cafe in Venice, proclaiming the drink to be better, that is, more stimulating, than champagne. And these are just some of the examples.

So obviously people throughout history have considered chocolate to have aphrodisiacal properties. But what gives it those properties? Chemicals! Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, an amino acid that occurs naturally. Some claim that phenylethylamine can even cure hangovers, but it certainly is related to love. Your body, apparently, secretes it when you are struck head over heels. And that's not the only brain chemical that chocolate contains. It also has levels of dopamine and serotonin, both of which are pain killers and put you in a better mood. Serotonin even causes you to have a pleasurable feeling akin to the one you get when you stand in the sun.

Its no wonder that chocolate's so popular! Tasty, uplifting, stimulating, what more could you ask for? Oh, aphrodisiacal? Well, none of the sources I could find gave a concrete opinion on whether or not chocolate was really an aphrodisiac. But, in all honesty, who cares? With all the other stuff going for it, does chocolate need to be an aphrodisiac for you to want to eat it? Now if you'll excuse me, I have some exquisite dark chocolate to nibble on.

What are Uses of Sugar Free Chocolates?

2009-02-24T20:35:00.000-08:00

At present, most people suffer from some or the other chronic diseases. It is not always possible to stay away from chronic diseases. Eating healthy and doing regular exercise is the best solution to the recurring problem. There are numerous medicines in the market which are helpful for people. Sometimes the allopathic medicines are harmful and have side effects. For this reason, many people avoid allopathic medicines. They opt for homeopathic and ayurvedic medicines which have no or minimum side effects. But they often do not help in driving out completely the disease. Therefore people generally opt for whatever comes to their hands. Often the healthy gourmet and sugar-free chocolates come as a solution to the problem.

The sugar free chocolates have anti oxidant property and are tasty as well. Since the value of flavonoids (as natural anti oxidants) is well known, green tea is favored all over the world. It has a large amount of flavonoid. Much flavonoid is also available in strawberry. It is highly beneficial for health.

Dark chocolates which are free from sugar are also beneficial. Although chocolates are known to increase the weight of an individual, these sugar free chocolates do not always increase the weight. Thus one can stay away from obesity, the continual problem for many. Therefore sugar free chocolates are preferred by young and old alike.

Sugar-free chocolates are also essential for diabetes patients. They can indulge in these sugar-free chocolates even when they are under a strict restriction of food. The sugar-free dark chocolates have proven medical benefits. They are also said to boost up the energy level. So while you are going out for a trip you can make sure to stuff your pockets with lots of sugar-free dark chocolates to boost your energy!

There is no added caffeine in these products. Caffeine is harmful for the body and liver. Since no caffeine is present in sugar free chocolates chances of caffeine side effects are lowered to some extent. The dark sugar free chocolates can be taken by both vegan and non vegetarians. Taking chocolates also encourages appetite control. This means that you will feel a bit hungrier next time you take dark sugar free chocolates. Since cardiovascular health is promoted by these sugar free chocolates it is recommended for patients with chronic heart diseases. Another important property of the dark chocolates is the anti ageing property. They also contain protective materials which are valuable for the skin. Therefore if you want a glow in your skin then you can opt for the sugar free chocolates.

Dark Chocolate Gifts Idea That Boosts the Mood and More

2009-02-22T20:43:00.001-08:00

Chocolate has long been a consideration as a gift-giving idea that is sure to bring a level of excitement to any recipient. Dark chocolate is now getting more of a focus as an option for such due to its healthy antioxidant factors. But is there a dark chocolate gifts idea that will not only please the palate but put one in a good mood, give more natural energy and satisfy cravings for sweets all at the same time?

Dr Paul Anderson over the years has developed non-drug and nutritional remedies for people suffering from chronic pain and depression. He has created a solution for people that not only need to curb their unhealthy cravings for sweets but also a sustained mood elevation as well. “It’s a dietary supplement. We’ve put amino acids, vitamins and minerals but we happen to put them into a chocolate and the reason we put them into a chocolate is chocolate potentiates or makes the nutrients work better.” The good doctor further states that “it really is about turning on that brain, elevating that mood”.

The mood improvement is not the short lived crash-and-burn type that is common to store bought varieties of chocolate. The energy effects of the new phenomenon have been shown to last from 4 to 6 hours. The nutrients put into the chocolate get into the brain and satisfy the desire for the feel-good, healthy brain chemicals, or neurotransmitters. The results lead to a reduction in cravings for the traditional type of chocolate that isn’t good for you.

Another benefit with this dark chocolate gifts idea for the lucky benefactor of your generosity is that each delectable piece is only 40 calories and very low in sugar. This, of course, means that one will not only benefit from a reduction in calories per serving but will also be less inclined to gorge themselves throughout the day because the brain has been satisfied. Their tastebuds will be in nirvana on top of that!

The name of this product is IsaDelight and Dr Anderson states that “anyone looking for better moods, more energy, looking to focus (and) be able to enjoy their days and be really happy it’s a great product to be using.” You can see and hear him talk about this dark chocolate gifts idea by clicking on (or cutting and pasting) http://www.isadelight.com/video6.html and pressing “Click to Play”. You will then be able to get more thoroughly familiar with IsaDelight which may be a household word in the near future due to its many beneficial qualities.

The IsaDelight product can be ordered by going to http://victory4u.isagenix.com/us/en/nutrition_isadelight.dhtml

Can You Eat Chocolate On A Diet?

2009-02-19T17:49:00.000-08:00

A co-worker of mine once said, "Every person should have a little bit of chocolate every day. It's how I maintain my weight." She said this after a group of coworkers that included myself had just finished eating lunch at a Chinese restaurant (an all you can eat buffet) and were staring at her as she was putting quarters into the candy machine for a chocolate treat. She didn't get a lot of chocolate, just a handful of M&M's. But the rest of us were staring at her, wondering how she could afford the calories after the huge lunch we had all indulged in.

Why were we staring at her? She was slim, trim, and looking great. The rest of us were either on a diet or thinking about going on a diet because we all had excess pounds to lose. Yet, the only person who would indulge in a little chocolate was the skinny person in our group.

I told her she had to explain to us how chocolate helped her maintain her weight because I knew that chocolate bars were a definite contributor to the extra flab I had around my stomach.

She said her mother had taught her that having a small treat every day would help her maintain a healthy weight and never feel deprived. She had been following her mother's advice and had never had a weight problem. She said she had a little chocolate every day, but only a little, never more than a handful or M&M's or half a candy bar. Unlike me, she didn't try to stay away from it as long as possible and then binge on it when the cravings for it got to be too much.

Many weight loss experts are agreeing with this philosophy, that having a little room in a diet for a treat makes it much easier to eat healthy the rest of the time.

If that alone isn't enough reason to make you feel it's okay to have a little bit of chocolate every day (yes, I'm assuming you like chocolate because I'm a chocoholic and can't imagine that anyone wouldn't like to have some chocolate every day), scientific research is showing that dark chocolate has some health benefits.

Dark chocolate has been found to contain flavonoids very similar to those that are in green tea. A few of the health benefits those flavonoid antioxidants can have are: improving digestion, stimulating the kidneys, and improving circulation.

So, indulging in a little dark chocolate every day can not only have health benefits, but could actually help a person stick to their diet the rest of the day because they know they can have a little treat that will satisfy them but not sabotage their efforts to lose weight.

The key is to only have a small amount. Indulging in several candy bars a day is definitely overindulging. My mother-in-law, another person who has never been overweight, buys small snack sized packages of her favorite candy bars and has 2 every day. She says 2 are just enough to satisfy her and keep her happy without her having to worry about weight gain. I think she's on to something. She's in her mid-sixties and she doesn't need to worry about dieting or losing weight. She looks great.

What is a Chocolate Fountain?

2009-02-13T18:56:00.000-08:00

A chocolate fountain is usually made of stainless steel and serves melted chocolate. A motor at the base heats the chocolate placed in the heating tray. The heated chocolate then goes up through a column and when it gets to the top, flows down over multiple tiers. This chocolate flows over each tray until it reaches the base.

Couverture chocolate, which contains at least 32 percent cocoa butter, works great in a chocolate fountain. You get this in light milk chocolate or dark chocolate. You can use other chocolate but must add vegetable oil, which hampers the taste and smoothness.

At one time chocolate fountains were commercial units, which cost thousands of dollars and used by professional party planners at catering events. You can still rent larger fountains from party stores and catering services that come with an attendant to made sure the fountain runs properly.

Home Chocolate Fountains

Now chocolate fountains are available for home use so people can host their own events. A home fountain is great for a party of around 20 or 25 people.
For someone thinking of purchasing a chocolate fountain for his or her home, there are a large number of budget friendly chocolate fountains on the market. Many of the very inexpensive models are not worth buying because of their cheap construction.

Purchasing a Chocolate Fountain

When purchasing a chocolate fountain for home use, look for the following:
? A good warranty is very important.
? It should be easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
? You want a machine that is easy to assemble.
? Make sure the construction quality is excellent.
? Nothing is worse than a loud machine so quiet operation is important.
? Auger pumping mechanism

To have the chocolate flow smoothly, you need to add oil. Many companies make chocolate for chocolate fountains that you do not add oil so you can set them up faster and more conveniently.

Most people are chocolate lovers. Just seeing rich chocolate, cascading down each layer on a chocolate fountain, makes our mouths water. There are many types of chocolate available to use. Some of these are:
? Milk chocolate - creamy and smooth
? Dark chocolate - some people call this bitter chocolate
? Unsweetened chocolate - no sweeteners added

Chocolate Facts

Less than 2 percent of fat in American diets come from chocolate. The main sources are fried foods, meat and full fat dairy products. Experts and research show that most headaches are not related to chocolate intake. Studies show that stress, hunger, irregular sleep patterns and hormone changes can cause headaches.

225-Year-Old Vienna Chocolate Recipe

2009-02-06T18:25:00.000-08:00

225 years ago, someone named Miss Parloa created this very special Vienna-style chocolate drink recipe. And today I want to share the recipe with you so that you'll be warm in cold winter nights.

It's quite easy actually...

Use four ounces of vanilla chocolate, one quart of milk, three tablespoonfuls of hot water, and one tablespoonful of sugar.

Cut the chocolate in fine bits. Put the milk on the stove in the double-boiler, and when it has been heated to the boiling point, put the chocolate, sugar and water in a small iron or granite-ware pan, and stir over a hot fire until smooth and glossy. Stir this mixture into the hot milk, and beat well with a whisk. Serve at once, putting a tablespoonful of whipped cream in each cup and then filling up with the chocolate.

The plain chocolate may be used instead of the vanilla, but in that case use a teaspoonful of vanilla extract and three generous tablespoonfuls of sugar instead of one.

Enjoy sipping.