chocolate for christmas

The Independent

Cadbury discontinues chocolate coins ahead of Christmas The Independent @CadburyUK are to stop making chocolate coins, Christmas cancelled." The reason for discontinuing the much-loved sweets, which have been taken down from the Christmas section of the Cadbury website, is said to be down to the "fiddly" production and ... End of an era as Cadbury discontinues chocolate coinsTelegraph.co.uk Cadbury scraps chocolate coins sparking online campaign to save classic ...Mirror.co.uk Cancel Christmas... Cadbury calls time on chocolate coinsITV News The Drum -The Week UK -Evening Standard all 40 news articles »

...via Cadbury discontinues chocolate coins ahead of Christmas - The Independent

Express.co.uk

New Gold Rush: Panicked shoppers buying up Christmas chocolate coins Express.co.uk High street stores across the UK are reporting a surge in sales of all varieties of bags of 'chocolate pennies' amid parental fears their kids could miss out come Christmas morning. Bosses at department store chain Debenhams say chocolate coins became ... Mondelēz ditches gold coins for more 'popular' productsFoodManufacture.co.uk Which chocolates and sweets do you miss the most? (Poll)Stoke Sentinel all 4 news articles »

...via New Gold Rush: Panicked shoppers buying up Christmas chocolate coins - Express.co.uk

MyWebTimes.com

Champagne, chocolate, ornament sales at Reddick Mansion bash MyWebTimes.com The chance to shop a dazzling display of moderately priced Christmas ornaments while sipping Champagne and eating chocolate treats will usher in the Christmas holidays at Reddick Mansion in Ottawa the evenings of Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21 and 22.

...via Champagne, chocolate, ornament sales at Reddick Mansion bash - MyWebTimes.com

Bazaar offers an early jump on Christmas shopping Beckley Register-Herald Black Friday might mark the start of what is officially known as the holiday shopping season, but those looking to get an early jump on their lists will have plenty to choose from Saturday at Maxwell Hill Elementary School's 4th Annual Holiday Shopping ...

...via Bazaar offers an early jump on Christmas shopping - Beckley Register-Herald

The Tennessean

Tinsel and Treasures: Open house lets artisans shine The Tennessean This weekend Tuttle will have her pieces for sale at two locations, her regular second-floor booth at Amberleaf, and a satellite booth at the Very Vintage Christmas Market presented by Junk N' The Trunk. That event, a complement to Tinsel and Treasures ... and more »

...via Tinsel and Treasures: Open house lets artisans shine - The Tennessean

The Independent

Paul McCarthy is back with naughty 'Chocolate Factory' in France Los Angeles Times Following the recent vandalism of his inflatable sculpture "Tree" in Paris, Los Angeles artist Paul McCarthy rebounded over the weekend with the opening of a Christmas-themed exhibition featuring his signature brand of humorously racy creations ... Paul McCarthy: Chocolate Factory, Monnaie de Paris, review: An artist takes ...The Independent all 3 news articles »

...via Paul McCarthy is back with naughty 'Chocolate Factory' in France - Los Angeles Times

CHRISTMAS: Easy to make chocolate brownies to impress Santa (and your ... Milton Keynes MKWeb Ok, we'll admit it: we cheated a little. Although using a pre-packaged brownie mix won't earn you too many points in the Great British Bake Off tent, turning to Betty Crocker or her associates will save you time over the hectic festive period. These ...

...via CHRISTMAS: Easy to make chocolate brownies to impress Santa (and your ... - Milton Keynes MKWeb

The Tennessean

Tinsel and Treasures: Mistletoe Market helps others The Tennessean Expect food, fun, music and hot chocolate at the one-off marketplace, which will feature a variety of products like luggage, bags and totes from the monogram-able Initials Inc.; kitchen items from Rada Cutlery; customizable Origami Owl jewelry ...

...via Tinsel and Treasures: Mistletoe Market helps others - The Tennessean

WRAL.com

Santa begins making his arrival at malls Friday WRAL.com He'll be there through Christmas Eve. Be sure to check the website for details about how to order your pictures in advance and save 30 percent off your order. Pet Nights, where your pet can get a photo with Santa, are on Monday evenings from Nov. 24 to ... Santa Claus landing at Burlington Mall on Nov. 15InsideHalton.com all 33 news articles »

...via Santa begins making his arrival at malls Friday - WRAL.com

Springfield sets holiday event schedule KY3 The fun continues with a special performance by Tuba Christmas on the gazebo as Park Central Square lights up at 7:30. The downtown Community Improvement District will provide hot chocolate on the square during the festivities. Coffee Ethic will host ... and more »

...via Springfield sets holiday event schedule - KY3

Lumbersexuals, Your Williamsburg Christmas Tree Pop-Up Is Here Gothamist We'll have hot chocolate and live soft music some nights. We're looking for acoustic acts to submit. We're also trying to get London Kaye to do a yarn bomb on our fence." Why are we writing about a little tree lot? Because we're pretty sure this the ...

...via Lumbersexuals, Your Williamsburg Christmas Tree Pop-Up Is Here - Gothamist

Atlanta Tickets: Weezer, Bob Seger Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents the Live Debut of the Christmas Attic. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10. Gwinnett Arena. http://www.axs.com. Hard Working Americans with Todd Snider, Dave Schools, Neal Casal, Chad Staehly and Duane Trucks. 8 p.m. Dec. 10.

...via Atlanta Tickets: Weezer, Bob Seger - Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)

Pocono bulletin board, Friday, Nov. 7, 2014 Pocono Record Christmas Bazaar: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Arlington Firehouse, Route 611, Stroud Township. Featured will be gift items for people and pets. ... Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate is one dollar with unlimited free refills. Food specials are no more than $5 ...

...via Pocono bulletin board, Friday, Nov. 7, 2014 - Pocono Record

This edible Christmas tree has made all our festive dreams come true Metro How about a chocolate Christmas tree this year? Yvette Caster for Metro.co.ukTuesday 4 Nov 2014 5:32 pm. You can eat (almost) every bit of this Christmas tree (Picture: Harrods/La Maison du Chocolat). This is a chocolate Christmas tree. Yes, that's ... and more »

...via This edible Christmas tree has made all our festive dreams come true - Metro

Appleton Post Crescent

'We Energies Cookie Book' a matter of tradition Appleton Post Crescent The holiday season wouldn't be complete without a collection of cookbooks. Nothing tastes like Christmas in my family more than the custom of discovering a new must-try treat and returning to familiar favorites as well in the annual “We Energies Cookie ... and more »

...via 'We Energies Cookie Book' a matter of tradition - Appleton Post Crescent

Appleton Post Crescent

Keep busy this winter with our activity calendar Appleton Post Crescent Wreath Making Class and Christmas Open House, 9-11:30 a.m. at Navarino Nature Center, Shiocton. Learn how to ... Snowshoe 5K starts at 9 a.m. Family Fun Day starts at 10 a.m. and goes until 4 p.m. Music, hot chocolate, s'mores and bonfire are included.

...via Keep busy this winter with our activity calendar - Appleton Post Crescent

WRAL.com

Destination: Afternoon teas in the Triangle WRAL.com The Fairview Dining Room offers everything from a Thanksgiving holiday buffet to holiday teas and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals. The inn ... The sweets were yummy too - brownies, chocolate covered strawberries, lemon bars and a fruit tart.

...via Destination: Afternoon teas in the Triangle - WRAL.com

The Daily Statesman

Polar Express Experience coming to town The Daily Statesman SUBMITTED photo Elves, chefs, Mr. and Mrs. Claus and a conductor will be included in the cast of characters at the upcoming Polar Express Experience to take place on five Saturdays leading up to Christmas Day. A limited number of tickets are ... and more »

...via Polar Express Experience coming to town - The Daily Statesman

Christmas, already? Are you serious? Pickens Sentinel I am just now scheduling my 28-day stay in rehab for chocolate withdrawal because of Halloween and haven't even begun to drool over thoughts of Thanksgiving meals. Yes, meals. I intend on having more than one and heartily recommend the practice to ... and more »

...via Christmas, already? Are you serious? - Pickens Sentinel

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5 Top Tips for Working With Modeling Chocolate

5 Top Tips for Working With Modeling Chocolate
http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2014/10/tips-for-working-with-modeling-chocolate/
Rank #156
Creating adorable little cake toppers like the cheeky poker playing pooch above out of modeling chocolate is a fantastic idea. Modeling chocolate is easily moldable once worked and kneaded a little, but it is one tough cookie so you can be a little more adventurous with your design ideas. Remember to test and play with a few ideas roughly before-hand. Modeling chocolate can be smushed back into a ball and re-worked if you're not satisfied with the outcome so don't worry.

Tips for a Moist Cake and a Brazilian-Style Carrot Cake (Bolo de Cenoura) - From Brazil To You
http://www.frombraziltoyou.org/tips-for-a-moist-cake-and-carrot-cake/
Rank #216
If you are making a layered cake, brush the baked and cooled cake layers with simple syrup.  This is a technique professional bakers use to keep the layers of a cake moist, whether the cake is from scratch or from a mix.  After the simple syrup has been applied, spread a thin coating of frosting and let the frosting dry before putting on the final layer.

5 Top Tips for Working With Modeling Chocolate
http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2014/10/tips-for-working-with-modeling-chocolate/
Rank #156
The main thing we love about the cake above is the clever use of texture involved. Modeling chocolate is incredible for adding some great textural ideas from smoothing by hand, chiseling rough cut areas or scribing hard lines and patterns into. The cake above features some brilliant textures from the rings circling the center of the trunk to the rough bark look around the outside.

Tips for a Moist Cake and a Brazilian-Style Carrot Cake (Bolo de Cenoura) - From Brazil To You
http://www.frombraziltoyou.org/tips-for-a-moist-cake-and-carrot-cake/
Rank #216
Hi Denise, I remember this carrot cake from Brasil...puree carrots...yours sure look great...light and fluffy and yes, not oily at all.

Thanks, Deb! This is a great coffee cake. I personally eat mine plain or dusted with powdered sugar.

Who knew there was a Brazilian version of carrot cake? Not me! I'd love it just as you described...with a dusting of powdered sugar. Though I love the decadent American version, I'd feel less guilt and immense pleasure eating a slice of yours.

Chocolate Espresso Cake Recipe and Cake Decorating Tips - Suburbia Unwrapped
http://www.suburbia-unwrapped.com/2013/09/chocolate-espresso-cake-recipe-basic-cake-decorating-tips.html
Rank #203
If you are an avid baker you might be interested to know that Cake Boss products are available at Micheal's just in time for holiday baking. You can  learn more about Cake Boss products and discover your reason to bake by checking them out at Michael's on  Saturday September 28th, 2013 from 10 a.m. -- 12 noon at all U.S. stores.  Take a minute to spin the "I Love to Bake" Cake Roulette wheel, take a glance at the variety of products they offer,  and receive a complimentary recipe card.  You can also view some videos featuring Buddy Valastro and his Cake Boss products if you need a little inspiration for your baking.

Tips for a Moist Cake and a Brazilian-Style Carrot Cake (Bolo de Cenoura) - From Brazil To You
http://www.frombraziltoyou.org/tips-for-a-moist-cake-and-carrot-cake/
Rank #216
Thanks, Nazneen! Yes, we pureed the carrots...and this make the cake even moister. Thanks so much for stopping by.

Regardless of how they might differ from one another, both carrot cake versions fall into the baking category of shortened, oil cakes-- which means that this particular type of cake is moister and denser than those known as shortened, butter cakes (such as traditional yellow cake, marble cake, and most wedding and birthday cakes). In addition, the fat and sugar are not creamed... oil is the added fat used for moistness and density in the carrot cake.   Since oils always remain liquid and never set into solid form, this type of cake can be refrigerated without losing its tenderness and moistness.

Sugar and Charm -- sweet recipes -- entertaining tips -- lifestyle inspiration
http://sugarandcharm.com/2014/10/gooey-chocolate-cherry-crock-pot-cake.html/
Rank #188
As it cooks, you can poke in there and push down any areas of the cake that need to be covered in the cherries to cook. The cherries boil over and cook the cake.

Tips for a Moist Cake and a Brazilian-Style Carrot Cake (Bolo de Cenoura) - From Brazil To You
http://www.frombraziltoyou.org/tips-for-a-moist-cake-and-carrot-cake/
Rank #216
It really does not have a trace of carrot !!! just a whole orange colored cake... I tried so hard making my kids eat the American one but as soon as they glanced the slivers of carrots they just turn their bake and say no way   and whith the addition of chocolate sauce, who can resist this ?   I will try this for sure, it almost has all the solutions to my probles in making kids eat carrot cakes. Thanks a million.

Thanks a lot, Nydia! I have a picky 6-year-old daughter and she loved this cake. There is not even a tiny piece of carrot appearing there. I think it is ideal for children who do not like to eat veggies.

Thank you, amira, for stopping by and commenting...My 6-year-old loves this cake a lot and I hope yours enjoy to eat it as well.

Chocolate Espresso Cake Recipe and Cake Decorating Tips - Suburbia Unwrapped
http://www.suburbia-unwrapped.com/2013/09/chocolate-espresso-cake-recipe-basic-cake-decorating-tips.html
Rank #203
I am not much of decorator myself. You did a great job. terrific tools. Thanks for sharing your cake with us on foodie friday.

Imhoff-Stollwerck Chocolate Museum, Cologne 91 Insider Tips, Photos and Reviews
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Germany/Land_Nordrhein_Westfalen/Cologne-45550/Things_To_Do-Cologne-Imhoff_Stollwerck_Chocolate_Museum-BR-1.html
Rank #208
Best part of the place was the outside cafe seats, where you can face the river and have a beer and a cake. If someone can combine fat, sugar and beer successfully, it'd make a better food then chocolate.

Tips for a Moist Cake and a Brazilian-Style Carrot Cake (Bolo de Cenoura) - From Brazil To You
http://www.frombraziltoyou.org/tips-for-a-moist-cake-and-carrot-cake/
Rank #216
I also see that the Brazilian recipe purees the carrot, we usually add grated. I see a lot of pluses to this cake! Looks so moist and delicious.

Chocolate Espresso Cake Recipe and Cake Decorating Tips - Suburbia Unwrapped
http://www.suburbia-unwrapped.com/2013/09/chocolate-espresso-cake-recipe-basic-cake-decorating-tips.html
Rank #203
Well, they don't have anything on there that will make me automatically bake like Buddy so I guess I would have to choose a Winter Cake Kit.  It all looks like fun.

Chocolate, Charity & Cheer: Tips for Hosting a Christmas Cookie Swap | Simple Bites
http://www.simplebites.net/tips-on-how-to-host-a-christmas-cookie-swap/
Rank #145
Clear off your dining room table and add any leafs, if you have them. Decorate it with a simple, seasonal centerpiece and place all your cake stands and platters around the table.

Tips for a Moist Cake and a Brazilian-Style Carrot Cake (Bolo de Cenoura) - From Brazil To You
http://www.frombraziltoyou.org/tips-for-a-moist-cake-and-carrot-cake/
Rank #216
Substitute a fruit puree (e.g. applesauce, pumpkin puree, mashed ripe bananas, canned crushed pineapple or plum puree) for 1/2 of the oil or butter that is called for in the recipe.  The fiber in the fruit puree helps to absorb moisture and keep the cake moist.   It is true that the cake will be a little denser than one without a fruit puree, but it will be moist.

Tips for Making Chocolate Mold Candy | Pretty Prudent
http://prudentbaby.com/2010/06/entertaining-food/tips-for-making-chocolate-mold-candy-2/
Rank #154
Let's kick off  Prudent Baby's Summer of Fanciful Treats: sponsored by  Bake it Pretty   with the lowdown on the little chocolate mold candies that we used to top the cupcakes for  Clare's Buggie Birthday.  I've heard in the past that some of you have found molded chocolate treats difficult & annoying to make. Here is my process. Maybe you too will decide that that molded chocolate is the cake decorator's secret weapon.

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Chocolate, Passion And Love Are Synonymous

Marie Antoinette would have a better reputation in history 

if instead of saying "Let them eat cake" she said
"Let them eat chocolate". The world would have loved
her and celebrated her suggestion.

The world loves chocolate in all its forms, colors
and variation of flavors. There is milk chocolate,
dark chocolate even white chocolate. Chocolate is
always chosen as the number one flavor in taste tests.
Chocolate candy, milk shakes, even medicine for kids
is flavored with chocolate. Chocolate Is an important
and flavorful ingredient in a lot of food that the
world consumes in huge quantities.

Chocolate, passion and love are synonymous. Chocolate is
thought to be an aphrodisiac. Eating chocolate makes you
feel good and the serotonin that is released into the blood stream resembles
a feeling of love, satiation and happiness.

We relate love and chocolate. The perfect Valentine's gift
has to always include chocolate. Chocolate contains all kinds
of mood altering chemicals. These chemicals can make us experience
a feeling of euphoria. This euphoria may contribute to chocolate
addiction.

We love chocolate with a passionate almost addictive reverence.
Some research who explore the mood altering chemicals in chocolate
state that these chemicals when released into nervous system causes
the blood pressure to rise. There are other decernible symptoms that
have been observed.

Hot cocoa is a favorite comfort food. There is nothing
like having a cup of coca in front of a fire on a chilly
fall evening. Chocolate in all its forms is considered
a comfort food. Comfort foods are classified as those
foods that make us feel good when we are eating them.

Chocolate has been blamed for everything from causing
acne to promoting cavities. Even when we thought chocolate
was bad for our bodies chocolate lover still consume millions
of pounds are consumed per year.

In recent studies, this bad reputation has been disputed by two
Independent studies by The Pennsylvania School of Medicine
And The U.S. Naval Academy. The studies proved that
eating chocolate did not intensify nor cause an acne condition.

As to the rumor that chocolate causing cavities, the separate
Study showed that this claim was completely untrue.
The facts show that the cocoa butter in the chocolate actually
coats the teeth to prevent plaque from forming.

The sugar content in chocolate contributes no more to cavity
formation than the sugar in other food. Eating too much of
any good thing is not good for you whether it is chocolate or
chocolate cake.

Recent newspaper headlines made eating chocolate healthy. The
newspapers reported that recent research at UC Davis found
that chocolate had a lot of chemicals in it that may help lower
the risk of heart disease. With over 300 chemicals
Contained in chocolate , scientist continue to find benefits
For the body in chocolate. Plants like chocolate contain a high
level of a chemical called "phenolics".

Phenolics have chemically been proven to reduce oxidation,
Researchers claim that their research looked promising for
chocolate to actually have a medical benefit.

Chocolate lovers all over the world rejoiced when they read the
headlines "Eating Chocolate May Prevent Heart Attack". Not
Only was chocolate one of the most delicious flavors in
the world but items made with chocolate are good for you.
Chocolate consumption increased by 150%.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/339804

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For the Chocoholics: All About Chocolate

If you're like many people, chocolate is not a luxury; it's a necessity. Often considered the fifth food group, chocolate has inspired one of the most widespread and passionate of people's love affairs with food. While the taste is nothing short of amazing, our fascination with chocolate since its discovery over 2000 years ago has included other benefits as well. Chocolate has been considered an aphrodisiac, a natural cure for the blues, part of cardiovascular health (more recently), and even a form of currency. With its rich history and particular health and social importance, we at Recipe4Living thought it only right to include a guseide to chocolate. Satisfy your curiosity about chocolate's past, how it's made, and how you can select, store, and prepare chocolate in your own home.

A Brief History of Chocolate

Mayan Beginnings
Our chocolate obsession actually began many, many centuries ago with the Mayan civilization of Mexico and Central America (250-900 A.D.). But, the Mayan form of chocolate bore hardly any resemblance to what we enjoy today. Most Mayans grew the cacao tree, the source of chocolate, in their backyards, and harvested the seeds, which they then fermented, roasted, and ground. Combined with water and hot chili spices, the ground paste became an unsweetened frothy beverage regularly enjoyed as part of Mayan life.

Aztec and the Sacred Brew
The Aztecs adapted this bitter drink and even considered it the food of the gods. The word chocolate comes from the Aztec word "xocoatl," meaning bitter drink. While most Mayans could enjoy the drink, chocolate was reserved for royalty, priests, and other members of the highest social class in Aztec culture. Chocolate was such an important part of Aztec society that cacao seeds became a form of currency.

Journey to Europe
When the Spanish, led by Hernando Cortez, conquered Mexico in 1521, they quickly picked up on the importance of chocolate to the Aztecs and started shipping it home. The Spanish added cinnamon, sugar, and other spices to the very expensive import, and kept their chocolate drink a secret enjoyed only by the Spanish nobility for almost 300 years. When Spanish royalty began marrying other Europeans, the word spread quickly and it was soon popular all over Europe, but only for the wealthy. Not until the 18th and 19th century, when sea trade expanded and chocolate began to be mass produced, could most of the middle class afford chocolate. By the late 18th century, chocolate houses were as popular as coffee houses throughout England.

Making Chocolate

Unlike many crops, the pods of the delicate cacao tree must be picked by hand, making the process of creating chocolate a laborious affair. The pods are opened one by one, and the pulp-covered seeds extracted. To reduce bitterness, cacao seeds are fermented for several days (like wine grapes), and then dried. At this point, farmers sell sacks of cacao seeds to corporate buyers, where industrial machines take over. On the factory floor, large machines roast the seeds to release the taste and aroma. The roasted seeds are cracked open to reach the nib or heart, which is then ground into chocolate liquor (not liqueur). This thick liquid, made of cocoa butter and cocoa solids, is manipulated to create the different kinds of chocolate.

Cocoa- This powdered form of chocolate, often used in baking, is made from pulverized cocoa solids with the cocoa butter removed.

Unsweetened Chocolate (Bitter/Baking Chocolate)- This is pure, unaltered chocolate liquor, made of 45% cocoa solids and 55% cocoa butter.

Bittersweet Chocolate (Semi-Sweet)- Sugar, cocoa butter, lecithin, and vanilla are added to chocolate liquor to make this kind of chocolate, which contains at least 35% chocolate liquor. Bittersweet chocolate and sweeter semi-sweet chocolate are used interchangeably in baking.
Couverture- This term is given to bittersweet and semi-sweet chocolate varieties of the highest quality. Couverture chocolates contain a higher percentage of chocolate liquor (even 70%).

Dark Chocolate (Also Called Sweet Chocolate by U.S. Government)- No milk is added in this form of chocolate, which contains between 15% and 35% chocolate liquor. Dark chocolate is actually lighter in chocolate flavor than bittersweet and semi-sweet even though it is dark in color.

Milk Chocolate- This popular form of chocolate contains milk or milk solids and 10% to 25% chocolate liquor. Milk chocolate is smoother, sweeter, and less bitter than darker varieties.

White Chocolate- Since white chocolate contains no cocoa solids, it's not really chocolate at all. White "chocolate" is made from cocoa butter, vanilla, milk, and sugar. It may not be chocolate, but it's still delicious.

Chocolate is Good for You!........Honestly!

* Mood Elevator- Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, which is a mild mood elevator/anti-depressant, and also happens to be the same chemical that our brain produces when we feel love or happiness. Chocolate contains other stimulants to "raise" your mood, such as caffeine, in very small amounts. In fact, one ounce of milk chocolate only has about as much caffeine as a cup of decaffeinated coffee. Because these chemicals are so mild, chocolate is not considered physically addictive (despite how many people feel about it).

o Want to make the ultimate aphrodisiac? Like chocolate, chili peppers are considered an aphrodisiac for their intensity of taste and their ability to raise the heart rate. The Mayans and Aztecs understood this great pairing, and many chocolatiers today are adding different types of chilies to their sweets. Give it a try with your significant other. Try these great recipes:

Chocolate Chili Bites

Chocolate Chili Ice Cream

Spicy Chocolate Cake

Spicy Chocolate Truffles

Mayan Hot Chocolate

One-Bowl Spicy Chocolate Cake

* Cardiovascular Health- Like red wine, tea, fruits, and vegetables, cocoa seeds contain important antioxidants called flavonoids. Antioxidants help to reduce certain damage to the body's cells and tissues over time. In recent studies, the flavonoids in chocolate have been found to regulate certain hormones essential to cardiovascular health and may even have further immunoregulatory effects. Dark chocolate, which contains the highest concentration of cocoa liquor, is considered the best for your health. Dark chocolate contains about twice as many antioxidants as a bar of milk chocolate.

* Cholesterol- Just because it tastes good doesn't mean it has to be bad for you. Unlike many comfort foods, eating chocolate will not raise your cholesterol. Chocolate and cocoa butter contain both saturated and unsaturated fat. But unlike many saturated fats, the stearic acid in chocolate is a neutral fat and does not raise bad cholesterol levels (LDL). The unsaturated fat in chocolate, oleic acid, is the same type of fat as in olive oil, which may actually help raise good cholesterol (HDL).

Chocolate Care

* Storage- Chocolate should be stored in a cool, dry place at approximately 65-70 degrees F. It should not be stored in the refrigerator, because moisture will alter the chocolate's texture and appearance. High temperatures will cause a "bloom" or "cloud" on the surface of the chocolate. This bloom does not affect the taste or freshness of the chocolate, only the appearance. It is caused when the cocoa butter crystals melt and migrate to the surface of the chocolate.

* Isolation- Chocolate has a tendency to absorb the odors of any food around it, which is another reason not to store chocolate in the fridge. Don't store chocolate in the same cabinet as onions, for example, because it will affect the taste of the chocolate. Be careful that the storage container and all preparation utensils are clean and odorless.

* Shelf Life- Most chocolate will keep for about a year if stored properly, and the darker varieties last longer. Filled chocolates should only keep for about one month.

* Moisture- Do not add water to chocolate unless your recipe specifically calls for it. Water will harden the texture and consistency of chocolate. Keep this principle in mind when melting chocolate. Do not cover melting chocolate with a lid because steam will collect on the lid and fall into the chocolate. You can use a light cloth cover if need.

* Melting Chocolate- Because chocolate is very delicate to heat, you have to melt chocolate slowly, well removed from heat. Always heat chocolate over low heat or it will quickly become an unappetizing mass. Use a double boiler, or place the saucepan with chocolate on top another saucepan with boiling water on the stovetop. Keep in mind that chocolate will continue to melt even after removing it from a heat source, so be careful not to overcook.

- Unsweetened chocolate will easily liquefy when melted, but sweetened chocolate must be continually stirred.

- Chocolate flavored coating contains cocoa and vegetable oil, rather than cocoa butter. Coatings are popular because they are easier to use for things like dipping, but the taste and quality are nowhere near real chocolate.

* Cooking with Chocolate- Try to avoid thinning chocolate with butter. Instead, look for chocolate with a higher percentage of cocoa butter to maintain the quality of your product. When blending different kinds of chocolate, such as milk and bittersweet, use the same brand. Ingredients and preparation can vary greatly between companies, making particular tastes that many not blend together smoothly.

More Great Chocolate Recipes:

Chicken in Mole Sauce

Turkey Mole

Chocolate Biscotti

Chocolate & Orange Swirl Muffins

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Diabetic-Friendly Chocolate Cheesecake

The Ritz-Carlton Chocolate Chip Cookie

Chocolate Dream Bars

Best Chocolate Brownies

Chocolate Espresso Torte

Chocolate Mint Dreams

Chocolate Molten Lava Cake

Copyright © 2006 Ampere Media LLC

Recipe4Living.com features more than 10,000 user submitted recipes, ideas and recipes from Wolfgang Puck, reference guides, healthy living advice, tips for kids, and much more. All of the recipes mentioned in this article can be found at www.recipe4living.com.

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Gourmet Chocolates

Gourmet Chocolates

Gourmet chocolates, could there be anything more decadent? There is just something about the way is melts in your mouth, thick yet extremely creamy. Surrounding your tastes buds with a sweet, sinfully passionate taste that satisfies every fiber your being to an almost nirvana like state. Yes, I do love my chocolate, chocolate candy, chocolate cake, truffles, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate covered strawberries, hot chocolate, fudge, milk chocolate, dark chocolate you name I love it! It is one of my favorite gifts to give or to receive.

There are so many places to find gourmet chocolate online and they pretty much all offer wonderful gourmet gift baskets filled with your favorite chocolate candy delights. They offer baskets pre-made with an assortment of gourmet candy or you can special order a basket filled with fine gourmet chocolate that you choose. Anyone would enjoy receiving a gift of chocolate for any occasion. Another chocolate gift idea is to take a couple of chocolate bars and tie them together with a pretty ribbon and there you have it a great gift for someone to say, "thinking of you", "thank you" or throw in a rose with them it say's "I love you"!

Grant yourself a view through chocolate colored glasses, the chocolates from ZChocolat are exquisite, pure chocolate indulgence they fulfill everyone's most luxurious fantasy. In addition you will find a cornucopia of culinary specialties and the hand crafted boxes are treasures themselves. The very best French chocolatiers can be found making these collections of chocolate ecstasy. These are the chocolates you hear stories about and are the perfect chocolates to say "I love you" with. While I have only received one box of their chocolates (so far), I remember everyone of them.

Another favorite of mine is Dan's Chocolates, fantastic chocolates. The gourmet dark chocolate assortment box are yummy, I have received chocolates from them twice and both gifts where to die for. I love their truffles, all of them, I have yet to have one I did not love. They also do a great job with the wedding favor chocolates. We purchased 125 boxed delights for a family wedding and they were perfect, everyone loved them. While I am sure that for the most part online chocolate company's sell great chocolates, these two I can personally vouch for as selling fantastic gourmet chocolate confections.

These chocolate gift ideas work for just about any occasion, valentine's day, Christmas, new years, birthdays, anniversary's, get well soon, miss you, thank you, congratulations, welcome home and of course I love you's. They can come in baskets, boxes, bags or wrapped in ribbon. You can ad flowers, coffee, teas, wines, crackers and cheeses, fruit, balloons and stuffed animals with them help personalize them for an individual. Do not get stuck thinking you have to stick with a traditional pre-made basket or package. Let your imagination lead you, if you are putting together something for a chocolate lover just order the chocolates and put the rest together when you chocolates arrive. They will be perfectly wrapped and can be hidden away to be presented at the perfect time.

Here is a great idea for a perfect day at the beach with your favorite chocolate lover surprise. Fill an ice chest with some cold drinks, fresh fruit and maybe some crackers and cheese. Wrap your box of gourmet chocolates in a towel and hide it in the ice chest, take some beach towels, a Frisbee, sunscreen and your chocolate lover to your favorite beach. Enjoy the sun and fun, the water and the time with your friend, then at the perfect time break out the chocolate. Or how about this one, pack a backpack of goodies not to forget a bar or two of fine chocolate to take on a hike or walk, invite a good friend or two and go enjoy the day and share some great chocolate with them. It's all good!

In closing I have to mention the proper way to store your gourmet chocolate. Chocolate is very sensitive to light, humidity and temperature. Chocolate should be stored in a dark place protected from light and humidity (less than 50%) and in temperatures between 59 and 63 degrees Fahrenheit. Chocolate can and will absorb many different aromas so you should try to store it away from other foods. Different effects can happen to chocolate when not stored properly everything form turning a whitish color to the fat or sugar crystals rising to the surface of the chocolate, while this can be visually unappealing it is perfectly safe to consume. Take care of your gourmet chocolate, they take you where only chocolate can. Live,love and enjoy a great piece of chocolate!

Sophie Beck writes for Chocolate-Gourmet.com Sophie hopes to help her reader's by providing excellent resources and information on Gourmet Chocolates. We have complete information and excellent resources for finding and enjoying some of the best gourmet chocolates from around the world.

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