Chocolate Dessert Recipes

Ancient Maya Chocolate Container

2009-02-11T10:12:00.001-08:00

This lidded Early Classic Maya chocolate container (A.D. 400) is made of earthenware. It was photographed in the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California. It is a fine example of Mayan art.

Gourmet Hot Chocolate

2008-02-16T07:52:00.000-08:00

If you are a chocolate lover like me, then you are going to love this hot drink, especially after a afternoon out in the snow, or on those chilly afternoons.

Skip all those pre-packaged mixes, and create your own gourmet hot chocolate mix. Store in a dry sealed container, and it is ready when you are. Mix together the following ingredients:

1 cup of fat free dry milk
3/4 cup of light brown sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa.

That's it!..

Now are you ready for a cup?

Whisk together 2-3 tablespoons of the mix with 1 cup of cold milk. Microwave on High for 1 minute. Now you have your own homemade gourmet hot chocolate.

IRISH CREAM:
Want to add some additional flavors?.. try adding 1/2 teaspoon of honey and a dash of Irish whiskey to milk, and top with whipped cream and grated chocolate.

MOCHA
Fill your cup with coffee instead of milk.

VANILLA ALMOND
Add a dash of vanilla extract and Amaretto to milk.

I personally like it plain with a dab of whipped cream. Hot chocolate mixes, tend to have other ingredients in them, once you have made your own mix, you will never go back. Gourmet Hot Chocolate, also tastes great as a dessert treat. Add whipped cream and some shaved chocolate on top and you will be in heaven.

You can add all different flavorings to make it your own, experiement with some added flavors, such as liquers, or extracts, even the old standby... marshmellows.

Try this for yourself, and why not enjoy some gourmet cookies with it?

Technorati Tags: chocolate

Dark Chocolate

2008-01-08T07:03:00.000-08:00

As the benefits of exotic foods and beverages like wine and dark chocolates are unfold, many people flock to these foods. Not-drinkers are tempted to drink and not-chocolate lovers begin to hunt for the best brands, all in an attempt to boost their health. Not only this but chocoholics and alcoholics seem to legitimize their indulgences. That when facts need to be straightened.

Chocolates contain more than 400 different compounds. Chocolates particularly the dark variety has been found by researchers to contain phenolic compounds called plant secondary metabolites. These phenolic compounds are also found in other fruits and vegetables, wine and tea etc. plant secondary metabolites are also known for their special health benefits including antioxidant activity, preventing oxidation of bad cholesterol, anticancer effects, lowering blood pressure and inhibition of platelet activity and inflammation.

They also boost the immune system. Other benefits of chocolate include their mood elevating and stress relieving effects. Chocolate is believed to boost serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain. These are largely due to substances called ethyl amine. The smooth "melt in the mouth"consistency along with caffeine may also help elevate mood.

No wonder women are known to use it as a fix for their premenstrual stress! Chocolate contain significant amount of caffeine and a 100 gram bar of dark chocolate contains more caffeine than a cup of instant coffee. Chocolate also provides magnesium and some iron. Magnesium is good for bones and helps control food cravings. The cocoa tree's scientific name is The Drinking Chocolate. While all cocoa powder, dark chocolate, white chocolate and milk chocolate come from the cocoa tree, the difference in their composition and processing gives them their unique characteristics.

The cocoa beans when cracked are called nibs. These are powdered and the heat generated melts the fat. The suspension is called chocolate liquor. For making cocoa powder, the fat is squeezed out and remaining solids are dried into powder called cocoa. Cocoa powder does not contain much fat and give the same benefits as dark chocolates.

Chocolate liquor can be solidified with cocoa butter, without the addition of sugar, to form unsweetened chocolates also called dark or bitter chocolates, often also called luxury or continental chocolates. Dark chocolates have a higher percentage of cocoa solids, at least 75 per cent with a little added sugar. In unsweetened varieties of dark chocolates, cocoa solids may be as high as 98 percent. It is these varieties which have been used in research studies and found to have heart-protective and health benefits.

Chocolate liquor can be mixed with sugar and fat to produce plain sweet chocolate also used for cooking, or it may be processed with sugar, milk and cocoa butter to produce milk chocolates. These have a very high sugar content-up to 50 per cent-and only about 20 per cent cocoa solids. Also it can contain up to 5 per cent vegetable fat instead of cocoa butter. Cocoa butter is a neutral fat and does not increase blood cholesterol levels. However, in excess it can cause undesirable weight gain and associated complications. White chocolate is purely cocoa butter, sugar, flavor, milk and contains no special health benefits unlike dark chocolates.

So next time you indulge yourself, ensure you go for the highest percentage of coca solids, give it a miss if the label says hydrogenated fats. Remember you get about 500 calories in a 100 gram bar of dark chocolate and you can get most of the "plant secondary metabolites" benefits from brightly colored vegetables and fruits for only a fraction.

The University of Laguila also did a study.

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Panajachel

2007-12-19T06:57:00.001-08:00

Panajachel
Originally uploaded by Strawberrie Blonde.

This is the legendary Calle Santander, in Panajachel, Guatemala. The Maya people from all over thte highlands come here to sell to the tourists.

More Panajachel photographs.

Technorati Tags: Panajachel, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, Central America

Chocolate Delivery - Make The Most of It

2007-11-05T06:33:00.000-08:00

Chocolates are those universally desired dark blocks of temptation, which wield the potential to reach a popularity level that has hitherto been scaled by few products in the world today. Encapsulating various flavours with an ever growing tempo of working on newer ones to keep the popularity intact, chocolate manufacturers have stormed the market with their products. Not to disappoint diabetics with a yearning for chocolates, makers have even gone ahead to bring out sugar free products for a harmless experience.

This phenomenal proliferation of chocolates leave you with an untamed advantage to choose freely from a wide range for the appropriate occasion and the person you are gifting them to. Undoubtedly, chocolates are such products that can be gifted to almost anyone on any occasion. There are even exotic chocolates with exorbitant price tags that can render themselves as exclusive gifts for people who mean a lot to you.

Now, as the going was smooth in any case, another factor just pooled in to add an even greater tempo to the craze for chocolates. As it has been observed that the concept of delivery services was introduced in a bid to aid people engage in some vital multitasking to take care of their personal and professional front perfectly, the chocolate industry just went ahead to benefit from the concept. As a result, chocolate delivery came into existence for people who could send their flavours of love to someone and still carry on with their busy schedule.

The novel idea of chocolate delivery has gained quite a momentum as people can easily browse through the range of products been offered conveniently over the Internet and place their orders. What's more, they can even go for combination packages like chocolates and flowers or chocolates or champagne to add more spice to the concept.

Bethani Isabell is an expert author in the domain of various types of online gifts such as champagne gifts, chocolate delivery, flower delivery UK etc. She has an amazing charisma in her write-ups as she possess the capability of presenting the beautiful and 'emotional' aspect of gift items. This appeals to people from every section of the society.

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Belgian Chocolate Truffles

2007-10-15T11:19:00.000-07:00

Belgian chocolate truffles are very famous worldwide. They mean you care for someone, when you make a gift. They mean you get style. They mean you prefer gourmet chocolate. A Belgian chocolate truffle is a collection of chocolate sweets. This mouth watering confection suggests pure pleasure and is usually made with a round ganache of chocolate core covered with a powdered cocoa or chocolate. It's 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's 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's perfectly smooth. The ratio and proportion of the ganache will vary depending on the kind of chocolate the chocolatier wants. For Belgian chocolate truffles, the usual ratio is two parts of chocolates to one part of cream.This is the secret of Belgian chocolatiers.

There are basically four kinds of chocolate truffles that have been circulating the chocolate world. These are the Belgian truffle, European truffle, American Truffle, and the Swiss truffle. 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' s considered as the best type of chocolate truffle in the world of chocolates.

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.

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.

Finally, 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.

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.

How to make your own Belgian chocolate truffles

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 result will be irresistible!

The truffles should be then stored in the fridge for a longer shelf life. Don't worry-their sweetness remains the same!

So, you can either make your own truffle or travel to Belgium to buy the famed Belgian chocolate truffles yourself.There are thousands of shops in Belgium, where you can do that. Plus, you even go on a sight seeing adventure while munching on the truffles as you travel.

More about chocolate.

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3 Simple Chocolate Candy Recipes

2007-09-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

Technically, these may not all be candy, although if you're like me, adding chocolate to anything makes it delicious and sweet. If it's also bite-size, I call it candy.

Once you've made the first two simple recipes, your imagination will take over and you'll realize the world is full of other things that can be dipped in chocolate. Whether you like sweet and salty combined, as with the chocolate covered popcorn, or something even healthier like chocolate covered raisins, you'll start looking at what's in your kitchen cupboards in a whole different light.

While many fudge recipes are much more complicated than the chocolate peanut butter one below, this recipe also introduces you to the realm of possibilities with its basic simplicity plus the additions I've mentioned.

Most of all, have fun and invite a child along to help make these simple chocolate candy recipes.

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Simple Chocolate Covered Popcorn

1/2 bag of popped microwave popcorn.
1/2 bag of dark or milk chocolate melted and reheated as necessary

Pop the corn and put it in a large bowl; the stirring can get messy, and it's easier for a child to mix without spilling if it's in an oversized bowl. Poor the melted chocolate over the popcorn and stir until all the popcorn is covered.

I like to form the popcorn roughly into balls or clumps about the size of a golf ball and place them on a cookie sheet covered with wax paper. Then I put it in the refrigerator until they're hardened.

While you're waiting for them to chill, there's lots of finger and bowl licking to do.
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Simple Chocolate Covered Raisins

1 cup raisins
1 1/2 cup chocolate chips OR equivalent in chocolate chunks
3 tbsp cocoa powder or powdered sugar(optional)

Melt chocolate slowly in the top of a double boiler, or in a bowl placed over a pan with simmering water in it. If you place a lid on the pan or bowl, it must be vented to let steam escape. Stir occasionally as it's melting.

Place 1/3 of the raisins in the melted chocolate and stir until coated. Remove the raisins from the chocolate with a spoon, then pick up individually with the fingers and place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Be sure to wipe the bottom of your spoon on the edge of the pan each time or you'll have a huge drippy mess. Do not allow the raisins to touch each other, unless of course you want to have small clumps of raisins, like raisin balls. Continue coating your raisins 1/3 at a time until all are finished.

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Simple Chocolate Peanut-Butter Fudge

Melt together one small jar of peanut butter and one bag of chocolate chips in the top of a double boiler or in a bowl as described above. Stir in one can sweetened condensed milk. Spread in large flat pan to cool. Cut into 1" squares when cool and hard.

Optional: mix in or sprinkle on top: chopped peanuts, coconut, cocoa powder, or powdered sugar

Kathryn Beach has made homemade candy for over 30 years.

More chocolate info.

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Chocolate Cake recipe

2007-09-20T06:43:00.000-07:00

Chocolate is termed as the drink of the Gods and it seems as if it is going to be a continuing indulgence of man. Chocolates obviously come in an array of shapes, variants, and sizes. One of which is the chocolate cake. Of course, the chocolate cake is made out of several recipes too. The chocolate recipe is of one great popularity that it is included in almost every single occasion that each family celebrates. Christmas, New Year, Thanksgiving, Christening, Anniversaries, Birthdays, and many others could never be held as complete without one or two chocolate cake recipes prepared therein.

A chocolate cake recipe could be made out of different kinds of chocolate. It could be that the recipe would include a bitter chocolate, a dark chocolate, a plain chocolate, or a chocolate that has very little or should no longer be added with sugar. The chocolate cake recipe may also be made out of white chocolates—that is, the taste is much sweeter, smooth, rich, and has basically the quality that states "it melts in your mouth". The chocolate cake recipes which are made out of pure and organic chocolate involve a great deal of cocoa solids therein. More so, such chocolate variety is too costly.

As technology advanced throughout time, the chocolate cake recipes had never been left behind as well. Several ingredients have been proven to add more luscious taste to these foods. Some of the mouth-watering chocolate cake recipes include the choco orange angel cake, the hot spicy chocolate ginger crunch cake with the ginger soup, the tangy cinnamon cake, the chocolate cake that is topped with some mild tempering banana sauce, and many others. As it seems, almost everything that you have there resting on your kitchen cupboard may be utilized as an ingredient to the chocolate cake recipes. Basically, hazelnut, cheese, raisins, and beetroot are primary components of the chocolate cake recipes.

The chocolate cakes are topped with decorations and toppings which may be truly remarkable. These toppings generally add up to the delicious look of the cake. Chocolate cakes are inherently rich in taste so the toppings placed in them are maintained to be light. Some of the common toppings are almonds, dates, fruit sauces, and honey. Some chocolate cake recipes enable you to peel off some of the chocolate curls, have designs of melted chocolate, and chocolate balls also. The "covertures" is the kind of chocolate which exudes a glossy finish and has become a favorite choice of all. For many people, anything which is compacted with chocolate is always and forever delicious.

It is now extremely easy to spot a chocolate cake recipe these days because these tasty products are also being marketed online. There are specialty stores that sell great chocolate cake recipes. Some pastry centers also make available the recipes of their products. If you are serious in working with chocolate cake recipes, remember that you need to find the right people to consult. As always, the family lineage you have is always the best source of recipes. And since chocolate has been a part of all family traditions, there is a great possibility that any of your relatives know of a chocolate cake recipe. As you venture into creating chocolate cakes, you could draw inspiration from your relatives who had been fond of chocolate cakes.

Another approach that you could make use of in search of a chocolate cake recipe is flipping through the pages of a cook book. Another is by searching through the Internet. You may join forums so that you could get the chance to talk to the expert individuals regarding the real scope of the chocolate cake recipes.

Baking is one way of keeping you busy. You might not be entirely engaged in any business, yet creating the luscious recipes may really be a fanciful hobby of yours. If feels nice to be mixing all these stuffs and turning them into one fine masterpiece. After which, you may let other people taste your output. You could be a business-minded individual who would be serious in making money. Your product could always be saleable. Who knows, your chocolate cake recipe could be a hit one of these days!

Technorati Tags: Chocolate

Dark Chocolate Relaxes Blood Vessels

2007-09-12T07:52:00.000-07:00

Eating dark chocolate can make blood vessels more flexible, basically boosting the function of vital endothelial cells that line the inside of blood vessels, a recent U.S. study suggests.

Cocoa is rich in a group of antioxidant compounds called flavonoids, which are also found in fruits and vegetables, wine and green tea. Research suggests that consumption of foods rich in flavonoids may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The study, conducted by researchers at the Yale Prevention Research Center in Connecticut, included 45 healthy people with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 35. BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. A BMI reading of 25-29.9 is an indicator of overweight, while a reading of 30 or more indicates obesity.

The participants were divided into three groups that ate either eight ounces of cocoa without sugar, cocoa with sugar, or a placebo. For six weeks, the participants underwent endothelial function testing. This was done by using high frequency ultrasound to measure the ability of the brachial artery (which runs from the shoulder to the elbow) to relax and expand in order to accommodate increased blood flow. This test is called flow mediated dilation (FMD).

The study found that FMD scores improved 2.4 percent in the group that consumed cocoa with no sugar, compared with 1.5 percent in the group that ate cocoa with sugar. There was a 0.8 percent decrease in FMD in the group that ate the placebo.

"In this group of healthy adults with BMI between 25 and 35, dark chocolate ingestion over a short period of time was shown to significantly improve endothelial function, leading our team to believe that greater benefit may be seen through a long-term, randomized clinical trial," said co-author Dr. Valentine Yanchou Njike.

"While the findings from this study do not suggest that people should start eating more chocolate as part of their daily routine, it does suggest that we pay more attention to how dark chocolate and other flavonoid-rich foods might offer cardiovascular benefits," Njike said.

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Chocolate from Guatemala

2007-09-05T08:08:00.001-07:00

chocolateria
Originally uploaded by neilpayne.

This is a storefront Mayan chocolate factory in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, in Central America. The Maya invented chocolate.

More about chocolate.

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Mayan Chocolate

2007-08-28T11:47:00.001-07:00

Chocolate
Originally uploaded by Harriet_Vane.

The older couple who ran the chocolate grinding room. She's in traditional traje. Very colorful!

More about chocolate.

Technorati Tags: Guatemala, chocolate

Tikal, Guatemala - King Chocolate !

2007-08-19T07:58:00.001-07:00

102
Originally uploaded by Maud Queenskaid.

This is one of the stella (carved stones) at Tikal Guatemala, in Central America. Tikal ruins are a World Heritage Site, as designated by UNESCO.

More about chocolate.

Technorati Tags: chocolate, Guatemala, Central America

Chocolate Fondue

2007-08-10T07:42:00.000-07:00

Chocolate was created to be enjoyed every day of the week, it can be savoured by yourself or shared with friends and loved ones. A great way to share your favourite chocolate, is to arrange a relaxing evenings entertainment with a few close friends, some fresh fruits and a chocolate fondue set.

What Kind of Chocolate?

You can use any kind of chocolate, from the most expensive to everyday cooking chocolate. A smooth textured chocolate is great and dark, milk, white chocolate or your favourite choclate bar can really work well. The plainer chocolate the more creative you can be with adding your favourite ingredients.

What to dip

A variety of foods lend themselves to being dunked in warm melted chocolate and as long as they are cut into bite size bits you can go a bit crazy, a few of my favourite choices are: fresh fruits: strawberries, grapes, apples, bannanas, pineapple, if your lucky enough to have fresh apricots they are fantastic, if not dried fruits are a great alternative.

You can also use almond bread, marshmallows, jube lollies, or small cakes and sweet breads that are firm enough not to dissolve in the chocolate.

Adults Only

For an Adults Only fondue you can add a little luxury with your favourite liquer, think: Kahlua, Tia Maria or Rum you are only limited by your imagination or your liquer cabinet.

Easy Chocolate Fondue Recipe

1/3 Cup of Thickened Cream
350g Chocolate
3 Tablespoons of Liquer (optional)
Selection of Dippers

In a medium sauce pan, slowly bring the cream to simmer, remove pan from heat and add the chocolate a bit at a time. Gently stir until the chocolate has completely melted.

Add the liquer and stir away from heat until combined. Place in your Fondue set with candle light beneath.

Serve immediately with your dippers and enjoy.

This article is courtesy of Sandy Prosdocimo.

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Chocolate - A Girl's REAL Best Friend

2007-08-03T08:46:00.000-07:00

Alright ladies, so many of us say that diamonds are a girls best friend, but when it really comes down to it, most of us would choose a big box of chocolates to be stranded on a desert island rather than a sparkling tennis bracelet! Sure diamonds are gorgeous, expensive and desirable, but putting one in your mouth just doesn’t give you that sinful feeling of love melting through your tongue, delicious ecstasy, of pure heavenly bliss that only chocolate can provide. It is no wonder why 99% of women crave and love chocolate. Women just have a special relationship with chocolate that most men cannot understand. While most men like chocolate, some may even love chocolate, they just don’t crave it on every level the way us women do. The sad fact of it is though, is that a lot of us women have had a love hate relationship with this ‘food from the gods’ for too long. We love chocolate, but hate that it ‘goes right to our hips’ or whatever other reason that our mothers have told us to stay away from it. Well the only reason chocolate has gotten its bad name is because of the heavy processing, and added sugars and fats that most chocolate has gone through. That’s why The Doctors Chocolate is all natural with no sugars or fats added, so that we could enjoy our chocolate without the guilt!

Increased Cravings at “That Time of the Month?”

You feel awful and irritable, your husband is hiding in a corner in the fetal position and your kids know to stay out of your way, it’s that time of the month again and you just want some chocolate! The reason your body craves chocolate around your menstrual cycle is because the changing hormones make serotonin and endorphin levels in your body drop off. You reach for chocolate because your body knows that it can help raise serotonin and give you an endorphin rush, instantly making you feel a little more normal. The problem with this is that we usually reach for chocolate loaded with sugar, and the sugars will only keep you feeling good for so long, and then your blood sugar levels crash making you even more irritable and your family even more scared of you. The Doctors Chocolate of course doesn’t have the sugar in it, but even better they’ve added a wonderful compound called L-Theanine that has been scientifically proven to reduce PMS by calming and relaxing you. That is good news for women everywhere, and of course everyone they know!

Prefer Chocolate over Sex?

With many women this is the case, when presented with chocolate or the opportunity to have sex-they choose the chocolate! Why is this? Well chocolate has a chemical called phenylethyamine, (PEA), which has been named the ‘love drug’. PEA is naturally made in your body and is the same chemical released in your brain when falling in love. When we eat chocolate, PEA is released into our brain giving us that feeling of being in love. It’s also the same feeling we feel after making love and PEA is responsible for releasing the chemical dopamine which is at its peak during orgasm. So it makes sense why some prefer eating chocolate over sex, women get a lot of the same feelings doing either, and eating chocolate takes a lot less effort after a long day!

Now that you know that eating chocolate is a good way to help ladies at "that time of the month", I’m sure you want to share this information with your friends and family who also love chocolate! The Doctor’s Chocolate is not only a healthy and delicious treat; it is also an amazing opportunity for a home based business! Just think the more people you tell about The Doctor’s Chocolate, the more chocolate you get to eat for free!

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Guatemala Chocolate

2007-07-22T08:08:00.001-07:00

sokolatina
Originally uploaded by ineedathis.

Greek chocolate dessert made for my father in law Today.
High content cocoa coverture from Guatemala, Specially developed chocolate butter cream for these dessert.

More about chocolate.

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Guatemala souveniers

2007-07-13T09:59:00.001-07:00

souveniers
Originally uploaded by nonogirl.

Scarves, organic coffee, chocolate, and a couple books.

More photos from Guatemala.

Technorati Tags: Guatemala, chocolate

Chocolate tree

2007-07-05T07:25:00.001-07:00

Guatemala Semana Santa 127
Originally uploaded by Stephanie!!!.

This is a chocolate tree (cacao) in fruit. The are not many fruit on this big tree. A lot of work for a little chocolate.

Technorati Tags: Guatemala, chocolate

Chocolate bananas

2007-06-27T11:12:00.001-07:00

Chocobananos
Originally uploaded by AmyInGuatemala.

My sisters and I eating chocobananos, chocolate covered bananas.

More about chocolate.

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How to Make a Gourmet Chocolate Gift Basket

2007-06-16T07:14:00.000-07:00

Making a gourmet chocolate gift basket is easier than you think even though it will look beautiful and professional by the time you finish. The following tips will help you choose the right chocolates to use in your gift basket and help you design it in the most beautiful way.

Tip #1 The Chocolates There are lots of different chocolates out there but you want to use gourmet chocolates. There are two reasons for this. One is for the taste and the other is to give a really nice gift. Any chocolates will work, but gourmet chocolates make the basket extra special. Hershey cherry cordials are a wonderful choice to include in your gift basket. They are tasty and loved by all. It really doesn’t matter what other types of chocolates you include as long as Hershey kisses cherry cordials are in the basket! Of course, a mixture of dark chocolates and milk chocolates is a good idea to give a nice variety to the gift basket.

Tip #2 The Basket Choose a beautiful basket that reflects the quality of the chocolates. You don’t want nice gourmet chocolates in a dollar store basket. Instead, you want a beautiful basket that gives off that same gourmet appearance and makes the gift basket even more appealing. Consider a dark brown basket that is elegant and beautiful. Buy some straw or beautiful fabric to stuff in the bottom of the basket and then add the chocolates. A great way to give form to your basket is to place foam under the straw or fabric and then glue small sticks onto the backs of the chocolates so you can stick them in the foam and create a shape.

These are just a couple suggestions to help you create a professional and gourmet chocolate basket that will be a wonderful gift. In fact, you can have several of these made up, as long as they are stored in a cool area, and then when a special occasion arises you have the perfect gift. This is a gift that will be appreciated by anyone for practically any occasion. Weddings, showers, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, and everything in between are perfect occasions to give a gourmet chocolate gift basket. So, go ahead and start making up some gourmet chocolate baskets of your own and it won’t take you very long before you can do it in no time!

Caitlina Fuller is a freelance writer. Any chocolates will work, but gourmet chocolates make the basket extra special. Hershey cherry cordials are a wonderful choice to include in your gift basket. They are tasty and loved by all. It really doesn’t matter what other types of chocolates you include as long as Hershey kisses cherry cordials are in the basket! Of course, a mixture of dark chocolates and milk chocolates is a good idea to give a nice variety to the gift basket.

More about chocolate.
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White chocolate and raspberry cheesecake

2007-06-09T07:34:00.001-07:00

White chocolate and raspberry cheesecake
Originally uploaded by creosotepolarbear.

A white chocolate and fresh raspberry cheesecake with a ginger nut and digestive biscuit base.

Technorati Tags: Guatemala, chocolate

Gourmet Chocolate Gift Basket

2007-06-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

Do you struggle to find a gift for friends, relatives or that special someone? Do you never know what to get people for housewarming parties, anniversaries or birthdays? Did you know that some people judge others based on the gift that they give? One of the best gifts that you can give for any occasion is a gourmet chocolate gift basket. Chocolate has always been a great gift to give, but now a gourmet chocolate gift basket takes all the hassle out of searching for gift wrap and paper. It can also be ordered online so that it can be shipped right after you place the order. No more trips to the post office!

A gourmet chocolate gift basket can cost anywhere between $50-125+ depending on what kind of basket you want. A lesser priced gourmet chocolate gift basket may come with a few pieces of delicious chocolate wrapped up and ready to go for that special person in your life. The higher priced ones come with a bevy of variations of chocolate. Gift baskets should be bought online, since you can see an itemized list of what will be inside of it. If you buy it in a store, everything is already packed in and you may find something in there that wont work. For example, if the person receiving the gourmet chocolate gift basket is allergic to almonds, then you don’t want to give them an almond covered chocolate basket. When ordering online, you can check and make sure this type of thing doesn’t happen. If you find the perfect gift basket but it contains something you can’t give someone, email the website and find out if you can replace that piece with something else better suited for your gift receiver.

Gourmet chocolate gift baskets can also come in holiday and special variations. There are gift baskets for every holiday imaginable, from Christmas to Hanukkah even to Administrative Professionals Day. If you order from certain sites, there is a quick delivery method that can be used if you almost forgot about getting a gift. It could really be a life saver for those of us who sometimes forget dates and birthdays.

As you can see, a gourmet chocolate gift basket can be one of the greatest gifts to give people for any occasion. It doesn’t matter if it’s for a wedding or just because you were thinking of them, a gourmet chocolate gift basket can help show people how you feel.

If you would like more information on gourmet chocolate gift basket, check out http://www.squidoo.com/gourmetchocolategiftbasket/

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Mayan chocolatiers

2007-05-25T09:56:00.001-07:00

Xela ChocoMam 31
Originally uploaded by Gorro4040.

These Mayan ladies are a blur, as they diligently make chocolates in Xela (Quetzaltenango) Guatemala.

For more information about ChocoMam or ASIMAM (Asociacion e Identitad Del Pueblo Mam) visit; asimam.tripod.com/
or 5970 0350 (Xela).

Formed in 1994, ASIMAM is a unique association dedicated to the welfare and traditions of local Mayan Mam and K'iche women and families.
Proceeds from the sale of ChocoMam support a wide variety of community projects which involve over 200 local women, and which help foster and strengthen social and economic development within the framework of Mayan tradition.

Another chocolate site.

Technorati Tags: Guatemala, chocolate

Overindulge in Gourmet Chocolates

2007-05-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

Many people spend tons of money on fine wines and often pay an extraordinary amount of money for a single bottle of wine. Not many people would guess that it could be true for chocolates as well, not even gourmet chocolate.

However, nowadays there are chocolate manufacturers that specifically target the higher end of the chocolate market. One of these companies is Amadei. Their chocolates have brought the term terroir to the chocolate world.

Terroir is most often associated with wines. It is used to describe the wine flavors and tones that are associated with a specific winegrowing region.

Amadei was established in the early 90s and is placed in Italy. Chocolate connoisseurs are going crazy over their gourmet chocolates.

Their unique gourmet chocolates like Chuao and Porcelana can easily cost you more than $200 for 1 kg!

Those prices are in line with what people would be willing to pay for an expensive wine. Just like money does not matter for the true wine lover, for the true chocolate connoisseur these prices are negligible if the chocolate is of outstanding quality. Amadei is unquestionably amongst the finest of gourmet chocolates around.

If those kinds of prices scare you off then a good alternative, but still an excellent choice, is the Godiva line of chocolates. Their dark gourmet chocolates will cost you approximately $70 for 1 kg. Apart from Godiva, there are also several other excellent gourmet chocolate choices, such as Valrhona, Scharffen Berger, plus other smaller local manufacturers. The Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory in Hawaii grows their own cocoa and produces their own chocolates locally.

If truffles are your weakness then you absolutely have to try the Amadei truffles. They are not as pricey as the chocolate squares.

It is very difficult to go wrong with chocolate. When you look for new and interesting choices that you haven't tried before you're bound to find more than what you can reasonably afford. Since chocolate is so popular, there are many websites devoted to the topic of gourmet chocolates.

Find more chocolate information at TheChocolatePro.com, including advice on using confectionary coating as a chocolate alternative.

Another chocolate site.

Technorati Tags: chocolate

A Tasty Way to Get Noticed - Chocolate Coins

2007-05-06T15:34:00.001-07:00

Chocolate coins are the new way to advertise and market products and services. The corporate world is always coming up with new and catchy ways to advertise their products and chocolate coins can advertise company logos or be used as an incentive program for personnel. Employees of the month programs are a good place to use these chocolate coins to reward the hard working individuals. Many chocolate companies are using a new technology called chocolography to transfer images and logos on to pieces of chocolate to create individual pieces. The new technology allows an image, picture or message to be transferred on to the surface of the chocolate. Some companies are giving these corporate logo chocolate coins to business people attending business meetings, for trade show promotions and to thank their clients for their business. One chocolate coin company has creatively designed a clamshell case for the coins to rest in, thereby protecting the coin for transportation and for a greater effect in advertising.

This idea is also being introduced for party favors and wedding favors. The names of the wedding couple or their picture can be positioned onto the surface of the chocolate coins. Chocolate coins also make unique gifts for baby showers and bar mitzvahs. Special anniversary dates or birthdays could be added to make a personalized favor. The chocolate used can be colored to suit the theme of the party or occasion.

Chocolate coins are available in different shapes such as circles, hearts, lollipops, boxes, squares and many more imaginable styles. A variety of chocolates are used in making these chocolate coins, including dark, milk and even vanilla. Some chocolate companies use colored foils to wrap the chocolate coins to accentuate the printed areas of the coins. Some companies prefer an imprinted look to the coin, as where the coin takes on a more realistic look resembling actual coins. The companies put their mark on the coin by providing the required emblem to the chocolate printing company. The printing is done by an automated impressing system that stamps the image onto one or both sides of the chocolate coins. Choices of font and images can add flair to the coins. From simplistic to very intricate and complex designs, the impression is sure to please and make of the coin an excellent reminder of the company or event. Photographs can be added to make even more of an impression. A picture of a business or an honorary person lends more detail to the chocolate piece and furthers the impact and personalization of the product.

Utilizing chocolate allows for a cost effective way to present or advertise a company or business. Using chocolate coins for advertising or celebrating special occasions puts an exclusive and novel twist on the idea of making a remarkable lasting impression that is also delicious. So, if you’re looking for a novel way to advertise your company – or yourself – look no further!

Terry Roberts is a professional translator and linguist, with a wide range of interests. To read more about chocolate coins - and about chocolate in general - please visit his website: Gorgeous Chocolate!

Quetzaltenango, Guatemala chocolate

2007-05-01T14:09:00.001-07:00

Xela ChocoMam 17
Originally uploaded by Gorro4040.

For more information about ChocoMam or ASIMAM (Asociacion e Identitad Del Pueblo Mam) visit; asimam.tripod.com/
or 5970 0350 (Xela).

Formed in 1994, ASIMAM is a unique association dedicated to the welfare and traditions of local Mayan Mam and K'iche women and families.
Proceeds from the sale of ChocoMam support a wide variety of community projects which involve over 200 local women, and which help foster and strengthen social and economic development within the framework of Mayan tradition.

Technorati Tags: Guatemala, chocolate

Guatemala chocolate

2007-04-27T07:18:00.001-07:00

Xela ChocoMam 44
Originally uploaded by Gorro4040.

Mayan ladies make chocolate in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.

For more information about ChocoMam or ASIMAM (Asociacion e Identitad Del Pueblo Mam) visit; asimam.tripod.com/
or 5970 0350 (Xela).

Formed in 1994, ASIMAM is a unique association dedicated to the welfare and traditions of local Mayan Mam and K'iche women and families.
Proceeds from the sale of ChocoMam support a wide variety of community projects which involve over 200 local women, and which help foster and strengthen social and economic development within the framework of Mayan tradition.

Technorati Tags: Guatemala, chocolate

American's Love Affair with Chocolate

2007-04-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

You slowly unwrap a chocolate bar. Your mouth starts watering in anticipation. You place the piece of chocolate on your tongue as your eyes close. It begins to melt, giving your mind and body a wonderful sensation. Chocolate has the power to captivate like no other food.

Chocolate cravers need not fear death by chocolate. Chocolate cravers and chocoholics will be pleased to learn that there is a place for it in healthy eating patterns.

Chocolate's scientific name is Theobroma cacao ~ food of the gods. Studies show that Americans consumed over 3 billion pounds of chocolate which totaled $15 billion in sales last year. Americans spent $1.09 billion on chocolate this Valentine's Day. More than 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate were sold this year for Valentine's Day.

*71% of North American chocolate eaters prefer milk chocolate.

*22% of all chocolate consumption takes place between 8 pm and midnight.

*More chocolate is consumed in the winter than any other season.

*Today, Americans eat an average of 12 pounds of chocolate per person per year.

Recent studies have shown that cocoa or dark chocolate has potent health benefits for people. Dark chocolate is full of flavonoids and garlic acid, which are antioxidants that help protect blood vessels, promote cardiac health, and prevent cancer. It also has been effectively demonstrated to counteract mild hypertension. In fact, dark chocolate has more flavonoids than any other antioxidant-rich food such as red wine, green and black teas and blueberries.

This great news does not give us a license to consume as much dark chocolate as we'd like. Chocolate is also a calorie-rich food, with a high content of saturated fat, so daily intake of chocolate also requires reducing caloric intake of other foods. There is currently no established serving size of chocolate to reap the benefits. However, what is known is that you no longer need to feel guilty while enjoying a little bit of heaven.

How easily it seduces. How readily we succumb. A glimpse, a sniff, a flash of pleasures past, and all resistance melts ... we reach for another piece of chocolate.

My Chocolate Favors offers a large selection of unique and personalized chocolate wedding and party favors. Our specialty is personalized chocolate photos - your favorite photo printed right on the surface of delicious chocolate.

Chocolate bananas

2007-04-14T07:57:00.001-07:00

guatemala 208
Originally uploaded by KublaGirl.

A boy selling home-made Choco-bananas!!! They were US 50 cents each or something.

Technorati Tags: Guatemala, chocolate

Have you seen this Guatemala site?

Easter Chocolates

2007-04-09T07:52:00.000-07:00

-- from jo-h - (?)

Sicilian Lemon Mousse (white with chocolate squiggles), Mousse au Chocolat (round with bits on top) or Seville (ovalish with dark stripes) ? Which would you choose?

Chocolate Dessert - Something for Everyone

2007-04-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't like a rich, delicious chocolate dessert to end a great meal? In fact, a great chocolate dessert recipe can make an otherwise bland meal seem great. They say people remember the end of the meal more than the beginning. So, it's no surprise that most chefs recommend you put a little thought into choosing a great finishing recipe and luckily, a chocolate dessert will more often than not, fill the bill superbly and easily!

How to Find a Great Chocolate Dessert Recipe

I know I am a chocolate freak and I think there is truly nothing better than enjoying a home-made dessert. But the best part is there are so many recipes to choose from that it's just so easy to be a chocolate dessert freak! So, I'm going to share one of my real favorite recipes. It is called the double chocolate chunk cookie recipe, and for this you will need: 2 cups all-purpose flour; � cup Nestle Toll House baking cocoa; 1 tsp baking soda; � tsp salt; 1 cup butter or margarine, softened; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 2/3 cup packed brown sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; and 1 � cups Nestle Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chunks.

First you need to preheat the oven to 350�F, it is important that the oven has reached baking temperature, and then combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl, and beat the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in a large mixer bowl until it is perfectly creamy. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition; gradually beat in the flour mixture, stir in chunks, then drop by rounded teaspoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

Now let them bake away for about 9-11 minutes. You will see the cookies puffing up and the centers will still be soft. Check by inserting a skewer or strand of raw spaghetti. Then allow them to cool on baking sheets for a couple of minutes after you take them out of the oven, and remove to wire racks so that they can cool completely.

I know you will just love this simple recipe. It is so easy but really satisfying even as a dessert. To dress the cookies up a bit and to make them more of a formal chocolate dessert, you may like to try the following finishing touches.

Option One Arrange two cookies in a small desert bowl. Pile whipped cream between the cookies then crumble two small meringues over the top. Dress up with fresh raspberries and top with a small amount of extra whipped cream.

Option Two Place a layer of fresh strawberries on bottom of serving bowl. Carefully slice one cookie lengthways and place one half on top of strawberries. Add layer of whipped or thickened cream that has been flavored with orange liqueur. Place other half of cookie on top. Add more fresh cream and garnish with a few strawberries.

Bon appetit!
About the Author

Michael is the owner of Chocolate For Everyone, the BEST site for Chocoholics everywhere. You will also find great tips and chocolate recipes and gifts at Chocolate Mad.

Ginger Chocolate Cupcake with Spiced Chocolate Mousse

2007-03-25T07:12:00.000-07:00

-- from QuintanaRoo - (?)
A very intense and rich mousse with a really soft, lovely light chocolate and ginger cake. A nice experiment. It looks good, doesn't it?

Chocolate Chile Truffles

2007-03-24T06:49:00.000-07:00

Both dark chocolate and spices provide health benefits. Dark chocolate lowers blood pressure, chiles boost metabolism and they both provide vital antioxidants, if taken in moderation, of course.

This addictive chocolate creation contains few ingredients - butter, cream cheese, sugar, and a kiss of brandy - but they all combine to create a sublime texture which highlights the pure flavor of the ancho & chipotle chile powders. A great modern dessert.

The ingredients are simple, although you may have to go to a specialty market for the ancho or Chipotle chile powders.

Start with

16 ozs of dark chocolate, broken or chopped

1 cup suger

16 ozs cream cheese

1 cup cocoa powder

2 Tablespoons brandy

teaspoon ancho chile powder

teaspoon chipotle chile powder

You'll need a double boiler, a bowl and a parchment lined cookie sheet.

First, in the bowl, soften the cream cheese with a large spoon.

Melt the broken chocolate over the double boiler and add the sugar when the chocolate is almost melted. When the sugar is dissolved, remove from heat and add the softened cream cheese to the chocolate-sugar mixture. Then add the remaining ingredients.

Mix into a soft dough and break off a small amount at a time to form into the truffles, about 1 teaspoon or oz each. Place the truffles on a parchment lined cookie sheet.

The list of toppings for these truffles is endless, as for most truffles, but a dusting of Chipotle chile powder, paprika or even shredded coconut makes for a truly new and exciting flavor blend.

Of course, for some, there must be nuts! Go crazy with chopped pistachios, chopped almonds or walnuts.

This recipe makes about 95 oz truffles. Refrigerate completed truffles for at least an hour before serving.

For more Fun and Fast Chocolate Treats
Visit Charm Them with Chocolate

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_Slinker

White Chocolate Nut Cookie Recipe

2007-02-13T06:52:00.000-08:00

The white chocolate nut cookie recipe combines two of the most popular ingredients in modern cookie making; macadamia nuts and white chocolate!

Ingredients

1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, softened

1/2 cup shortening

1.2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/2 teaspoon salt

6 squares (1 ounce each) white baking chocolate, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup coarsely chopped macadamia nuts, toasted

Additional granulated sugar for rolling

Hardware

Whisk

Large bowl

Medium bowl

Cookies sheets

Mixer

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt; set aside.

Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, shortening, and sugars, with an electric mixer set on medium-high speed for 30 seconds.

Step 3: Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture.

Step 4: Stir in the white chocolate and nuts.

Step 5: Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Step 6: After 1 hour remove dough from refrigerator and preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 7: Roll dough into 1-inch balls.

Step 8: Dip each ball halfway in water, then in granulated sugar.

Step 9: Place each ball sugar side up 2 inches part on ungreased cookie sheets; flatten slightly.

Step 10: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately transfer cookies to a cooling surface.

Makes 60 cookies.

For more information on baking procedures and hardware used in this recipe see our Baking Tips section.

Important: Feel free to republish this article on your website. However, you are not allowed to modify any part of its content and all links should be kept active.

For more great cutout and fancy cookie recipes visit http://kicked-up-cookie-recipes.com/cutout-and-fancy-cookie-recipes.html

For some great tasting biscotti recipes visit http://kicked-up-cookie-recipes.com/biscotti-recipes.html

For cookie baking tips and a wide selection of recipes visit http://kicked-up-cookie-recipes.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Griffin_Wetzstein

technorati tags: chocolate, recipes

Can Dark Chocolate Really Be Better than Sex?

2007-02-12T07:19:00.000-08:00

Many of you are probably thinking that sex wins out every time. But, several female readers are also grinning while contemplating their secret response: its always dark chocolate. While sex is an emotional and physical act of pure pleasure, eating a piece of decadent dark chocolate has some advantages that arent immediately obvious. Here are a few health benefits to consider:

It contains large quantities of natural antioxidants, called flavonoids. Antioxidants are believed to reduce the number of free radicals in the body that contribute to medical problems, such as heart disease and cancer.
Chocolate contains phenyl ethylamine, a mild mood elevator.
The cocoa butter in chocolate contains oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated fat which may raise good cholesterol.
Chocolate releases endorphins in the brain, which act as pain-relievers,
While eating chocolate boosts one's appetite, but does not cause weight gain,
Eating moderate amounts of chocolate makes one live almost a year longer,
Chocolate benefits men as well because of the high magnesium content. Good for the heart and hypertension.

These facts are derived from a variety of medical articles readily available to anyone. But then there are many other factors to ponder before you make that important choice. Please notice that they can apply equally to either sex:

Chocolate is available everywhere and relatively inexpensive.
It can be carried with you wherever you go.
Chocolate will never cheat on you.
It can be eaten a bit at a time, thus prolonging pleasure, making it a day-long activity.
Chocolate cant get you pregnant.
It will never say its too tired, has a headache, or wants an unusual or awkward position.
Chocolate is always good for oral pleasure.
It never goes limp, especially if refrigerated first.
Chocolate can be licked indefinitely and also in public.
Its perfect for all ages and doesnt need any additional devices or pills, for support
Chocolate comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, flavors, that all taste good.
It will always be there for you when you need it most.

Can you say that about your sexual partner? I didnt think so. I didnt even need to get to the part about buying you gifts, remembering your anniversary, or feeling unfulfilled because you didnt achieve orgasm. Did I mention that you can do both (like having your cake and eating it too) if you get creative with dark chocolate syrup? I rest my case.

Jeffrey Hauser was a sales consultant for the Bell System Yellow Pages for nearly 25 years.
He graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Advertising and has a Master's Degree in teaching. He had his own advertising agency in Scottsdale, Arizona and ran a consulting and design firm, ABC Advertising. He has authored 6 books and a novel, "Pursuit of the
Phoenix." His latest book is, "Inside the Yellow Pages" which can be seen at his website, http://www.poweradbook.com. Currently, he is the Marketing Director for thenurseschoice.com, a Health Information and Doctor Referral site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffrey_Hauser

technorati tags: Guatemala, chocolate

Gourmet Chocolate Tasting

2007-02-11T08:25:00.000-08:00

Wine tastings have gained popularity in the last couple of years as a great excuse to have some friends over and have a good time. Chocolate tastings are just the same, except everybody loves chocolate. Chocolate tastings are a fun, unique, easy, and delicious way to sweeten any party, no pun intended. And, when your not having company over, no worries, theres more chocolate for you.

The first step is to pick your chocolates. Chose a theme and select chocolates to represent this theme, or try one of our many prearranged tasting flights. If all else fails, pick random bars. Youre more likely than not to have a very pleasant surprise. Its also fun to include a few grocery store bars in your tasting to see how they stack up against the others, but I warn you, you may never buy grocery store chocolate again!

Let the tasting begin. Start by admiring your bars. How do they look, are they smooth? Is there a high gloss? Note the color. Chocolate can range from an ivory white to deep auburn to pitch black. Inhale the aroma, the sweet lilt of milk chocolate and the slight pungency of the darker varieties.

Now its time for the good part, the taste test. It is very important that you try the chocolates in the correct order. Start with the highest cacao content to lowest, except when tasting flavored chocolates, in which case you should go from weakest to strongest flavored.

Snap off a small piece of chocolate, pause to enjoy the aroma, place it in your mouth, and let it melt. Make note of the texture. Jot down the flavors as you recognize them. Notice how the taste evolves over time. Roll the chocolate around your mouth, let it touch the taste zones on your tongue; the tip senses sweet, the sides salty and sour, and the back distinguishes bitter flavors. Reflect on your overall experience and rate the bar. Make notes on the aroma, taste, melt, length the flavor lasts, and your overall impression. Take a sip of water, eat a carrot, or nibble on a saltine cracker to clear the palate and then start over again with the next bar.

Chocolate tastings, a great way to learn about chocolate, an excellent way to choose your favorite bars, but more than that, theyre just plain fun.

http://www.chocolatesophisticate.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Neal_Bram

Categories: chocolate

6 Reasons To Eat Dark, Organic Chocolate

2007-02-06T09:08:00.000-08:00

Not many of us need a reason to eat chocolate, but here are the six reasons to only eat dark, organic chocolate:

Unless chocolate is organic it contains pesticide residue. Here is what those FDA approved levels of residues do to you:

Glyphosate effects on digestive system tissue, genetic damage, effects on reproduction, carcinogenicity

Hydrogen Cyanide acute toxicity, thyroid effects, nerve degeneration

Naled central nervous system disruption; headaches, nausea and diarrhea

Pyrethrins carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity

Methyl Bromide prostate cancer, kidney and liver effects, neurological effects

Dark chocolate has been proven to improve blood pressure.

Dark chocolate can improve glucose metabolism/diabetic control.

Dark chocolate contains high levels of naturally occurring plant flavonoids called polyphenols. These flavonoids are antioxidants.

Another type of polyphenol found in chocolate prevents fat-like substances in our bloodstream from oxidizing and clogging arteries, making blood platelets less sticky to each other.

The fat in chocolate is comprised of heart healthy oleic acid, stearic acid (which neither raises nor lowers cholesterol) and palmitic acid, which raise cholesterol. (only 1/3 of the fat raises cholesterol!)

The above benefits are negated when you eat milk chocolate. The proteins in milk bind antioxidants and make them less available to be absorbed. Also, most light colored chocolates contain large amounts of sugar, which can adversely affect the immune system.
When cocoa is processed into your favorite chocolate products, it goes through several steps to reduce its naturally pungent taste. Flavonoids (polyphenols) provide this pungent taste. The more chocolate is processed (such as fermentation, alkalizing, roasting), the more flavonoids are lost. Remember, those are antioxidants being processed away!

Research done on an isolated island showed inhabitants rarely had high blood pressure, even though they drank about five cups of cocoa each day and incorporated it into many of their recipes. Their cocoa though was not sprayed with pesticides, was not processed and did not have added milk, sugar or soy lecithin as an emulsifier.

That chewy, caramel-marshmallow, nut-covered milk chocolate bar that you feel guilty about has no health benefits and can only add to health problems. If you want to have your chocolate and eat it too, then choose dark, organic chocolate. A square of dark organic chocolate a day just may help keep the doctor away. Now, thats the best reason of all!

Page Remick is lead reviewer for Pure Zing, the Internet's only natural and organic products review site. Remick and the PZ team search for unique and artisanal products that are not mass-produced and found on every grocery store or health food store shelf in the country.

http://www.purezing.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Page_Remick

Categories: chocolate

Super Chocolate Cookies

2007-01-29T07:05:00.000-08:00

SUPER CHOCOLATE COOKIES

Ingredients:

-cup Walnuts, chopped

8-ounces Cream cheese, softened

1-teaspoon Vanilla

1-stick Butter, softened

1-large Egg

1-box (18-ounces) Chocolate cake mix

12-ounces Chocolate frosting

-cup Powdered sugar

-cup Sprinkles

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350. Beat Butter, vanilla, and cream cheese until smooth. Add egg; beat at medium speed until well blended. Add cake mix; beat at low speed for about 2 minutes or until mixture is smooth; stir in chopped walnuts. Shape cookie dough into 1-inch balls and place 1-inch apart on cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for 8 minutes, cookies will look under baked, but they are not. Let cookies stand on cookie sheets for 5 minutes; transfer to foil or wire racks to cool completely. Spoon 1 teaspoon of chocolate frosting and spread over cookie; sprinkle each cookie with powdered sugar and sprinkles.

Makes about 4 dozen cookies

Note: Sometimes to change these up I substitute the vanilla with another extract such as strawberry extract.

You can find this recipe and many more at Cristie's Cookin. Be sure to submit your favorite recipe for a chance to win a free "Gotcha Covered" apron. While you at it check out those unique spices, Ring It, Bling It and Zing It. Don't forget to check out "11.11.11" on Cristie's extra page.

Cooking lessons for Cristie began at 8 years old with the best teacher in the world -- her Mom! Later, she cooked for the restaurant the family owned, and her love of the "trade" has grown ever since. Cristie's creative cooking has continued for over 40 years. Her creations can soon be on your kitchen table. Check out Cristie's books at http://www.cristiescookin.com and http://www.tjstokes.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cristie_Will

Categories: chocolate, recipes

Chocolate Peanut Snack Mix

2007-01-26T08:20:00.000-08:00

Making snack mixes are a great way to bond with your child - especially if they like to bake or cook or help you in the kitchen. And this chocolate peanut snack mix is no exception. Not only will your child have fun making something with you, but the end result will please even the most die-hard chocoholic.

This easy appetizer recipe has many uses with one of them being a great treat at Halloween. But don't stop there, use your imagination. Snack mixes are always popular at parties and can be used as a party favor and wrapped up in gauzy material, tied with a ribbon or packaged in a fun clear glass jar with a nice note attached.

What you'll need for Chocolate Peanut Snack Mix:

- 4 cups shredded or corn chex-type cereal (square)

- 3 cups pretzels (salted)

- 2 cups peanuts (salted)

- 1 1/2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips

- 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth)

- 1/4 cup butter or margarine

- 1 1/2 cups sugar (powdered)

- 2 Tablespoons cocoa (baking type)

You can mix the ingredients in a large stainless steel bowl or use a couple of smaller bowls to evenly distribute the mix.

First, spread out long sheets of waxed paper on a table or countertop. Then, mix together the cereal, pretzels, and peanuts. You'll need to toss the ingredients evenly to distribute.

Next, put into the microwave the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and margarine. Microwave on a normal setting for 30 second intervals. In between the intervals, stir the mixture until everything is melted and smooth.

Then, pour the chocolate mix over the cereal mix and toss it well to coat evenly. You'll want to spread the mixture out on the wax paper that you put down earlier. And then, in a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and cocoa. The final step is to sprinkle the cocoa mixture over the chocolate coated mix. Let it all dry thoroughly and then place the snack mix in a tightly sealed container to store until you are ready to use. Deeelish!

Sara Gray is an avid lover of appetizers and has created a great website called Easy Appetizer Recipes where you can find delicious ideas for all kinds of hot and cold appetizers, raclette grilling, tapas small plates, snacks, chips and dip ideas, and appetizer soups.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sara_Gray

technorati tags: chocolate

Chocolate Face Mask Recipe - A Guilt Free Way to Nourish and Soften Your Skin

2007-01-21T06:29:00.000-08:00

Not only is it diet friendly, this chocolate face mask recipe is an excellent moisturizer that leaves your skin soft and glowing.

Known about since the times of the Mayas and the Aztecs, chocolate has a special place in our nutrition. It is filled with tryptophan, an essential amino acid that is a precursor of serotonin, neurotransmitter that is thought to regulate mood.

Recently, a very popular massage offered in beauty salons is chocolate massage. It is one of the most gentle and relaxing massages available. Not only is it beneficial to the skin, it helps stabilize your mood by initiating serotonin release. It is very rejuvenating and helps you feel more at peace, happy, and relaxed.

I have also heard of chocolate body wax, similar to honey based honey wax. What makes it effective is sugar present in it, that makes it sticky and able to adhere to hairs. Due to fatty acids present in cocoa, the skin becomes soft and nourished.

Cocoa powder, which is what chocolate is made of, is a wonderful and powerful antioxidant. It protects and frees the skin from free radicals, that cause significant damage to skin layers.

It is a mistake to think that chocolate causes acne. Although chocolate has been blamed as one of the causes of acne , this has not been scientifically proven as of yet. Actually, dermatologists say that what causes acne in people who consume chocolate is milk that is added to it, not the chocolate itself. As I mentioned, it has free radicals present, and is far from detrimental so don't let a little myth stop you from consuming this divine treat :)

Back to chocolate face mask recipe...

This cocoa recipe has many variations. It might as well be called cocoa powder facial mask recipe as you really need cocoa, not chocolate to prepare it. But you must agree, for the sake of skin care, chocolate mask sounds so much more appealing.

Chocolate face mask recipe

Ingredients

1/3 cup cocoa

1/4 cup of honey

2 tablespoons of heavy cream (sour cream will work as well)

3 teaspoons of oatmeal powder

Preparation

Mix all the ingredient until the mass in consistent. Apply on the face, gently massaging it so that oatmeal can start exfoliating the dead skin cell layer. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and rinse off with luke warm water.

In case you are wondering, there is a reason oatmeal and honey are added to this mix. Similar to its use in body scrub recipes, oatmeal it is recommended for sensitive skin, but can be used in preparation of facial masks for any skin type, as well as for preparation of facial exfoliants as it is gentle on the skin, yet highly powerful.

Honey on the other hand, is a great anti-bacterial agent, deeply cleanses your skin, and opens up clogged pores.

Now that you know all these benefits of chocolate, not only can you be guilt free while eating it, you can prepare an excellent chocolate face mask recipe and aid to your skins youthful look and nourishment.

Biljana Drake is an avid collector of homemade skin care recipes. For more great skin care tips, facial masks recipes, homemade remedies, visit her website http://www.skin-care-recipes-and-remedies.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Biljana_Drake

technorati tags: chocolate

There is Proof that Chocolate is Good for You

2007-01-13T10:10:00.000-08:00

Here is some startling and great news for chocolate lovers everywhere. It is good for us! But only under certain circumstances.

In an article in the Washington Post dated 9 February 2005, Katherine Tallmadge a spokesperson for the American Dietic Association states that cacao or cocoa beans contain Flavanols a naturally occurring plant compound also found in tea, red wine and apples. Their properties have been studied as a heart disease inhibitor. Also in the same article Carl L Keen the Chair of the Department of Nutrition at University of California states that the Flavanols in cocoa help maintain a healthy vascular system. They reduce blood clotting an aspirin like effect reduce oxidative damage and improve blood flow.

Yet is the Flavanols in the chocolate which are bitter and often extensively taken out of processed chocolate. Each level of processing that takes place when the bean is being made into chocolate the level of flavinols decreases. Yet nowadays you will find some of the top producers of chocolate products such as Nestle and Mars Inc are trying to produce items that are good for you. It should not be too long before you will see bars and candies made from chocolate with high levels of flavanols included within them. However, if you are looking for a bar that does at present state the flavanol levels contained within it you only need to look at Mars Dove Dark Chocolate which contains 150mg of flavanols in every 1.3ozs of this chocolate ( a very high level indeed), but the downside to this product is that it contains 200 calories. But we do not live in the perfect world yet.

However, Ms Tallmadge recommends that whilst waiting for more high levels of flavanol products to be made you should take unsweented cocoa powder (not the Dutch processed kind (alkalized) as this has reduced flavanols). The next item you could try instead is either semi-sweet or bitter-sweet chocolate which has a high cocoa percentage. You may find some chocolates contain as much as 70% cocoa, but some may only have as much as 35%, and certainly with milk chocolate products you will find that the percentage will be even lower, and Ms Tallmadge suggests that these should not be eaten. In fact she states in the article that I recommend cocoa or an ounce per day of dark chocolate, which will may be about 110 to 150 calories, depending on the chocolate. Any more than that and youre probably going to take in too many calories for weight control.

Are you sure that what you just read is too true. A person of some note in the nutritional field is RECOMMENDING that we eat chocolate? Okay she may state that we should not eat too much of it, but its still chocolate.

Allison Thompson a work from home mum living in Spain who has set up this site dedicated to all things relating to chocolate, both the good and the bad. If you would like to know more then please visit http://www.chocolate.whatshewants.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allison_Thompson

technorati tags: chocolate

100 year old brownie

2007-01-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

Categories: chocolate