Chocolate Fudge Recipe Christmas Dreams Come True

Chocolate is a delicious part of Christmas dinner. Chocolate, biscuits, cakes and everything in between are an important part of what works and Turkey before nap time. Fudge Christmas is our favorite and can be done in several ways. You can add walnuts or pecans, or take with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, dark chocolate semi-sweet and a whirlpool.

Unable to perform Translation:invalid textUnable to perform Translation:invalid result dataUnable to perform Translation:invalid    textIngredients:

Unable to perform Translation:invalid text* 1 ½ cup semi-sweet
* 1 ½ cup white chocolate chips
* 1-14 grams of sweetened condensed milk, consider the division into two halves (one more handy if you need more)
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1 cup chopped walnuts
* Red and Green Confetti
* Coloring Food Red
* Green food coloring
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textPreparation
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textLine a 9-inch cake pan with baking paper. Pour the red and green sugar crystals on the bottom of the pan. When the flux is cut, it is the crystals on the top and bottom. Add the wax paper, it is easier to remove the fudge after cooling. Must be cooked over low heat, stirring constantly, and Fudge. Not burn or bake quickly. The nuts are ground in a blender before starting your kitchen Fudge.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textThe final touch
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textCombine bittersweet chocolate chips and milk in a saucepan and cook over low heat, melt, then bring to boil and remove from heat.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textCRS:
Unable to perform Translation:invalid text* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* ½ cup of nuts.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textMix well and pour into pan. Then the white chocolate chips in the same way of cooking, but once cooked, remove from heat and let cool for several minutes. Then add the red food coloring and mix green. Then add the mixture to the pot pie with semi-sweet blend of caramel. With a butter knife, mix the two mixtures Fudge. Top Confetti red and green.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textCover the fudge Line with baking paper and refrigerate for at least an hour. Remove from refrigerator and remove the fudge pan with parchment paper. Cut the fudge into squares and serve this great Christmas Fudge

Read more!

Tools to make chocolate

Tools to make chocolates are not that expensive, only the investments are necessary and not go home or as a giant chocolate chocolate.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textThese instruments are in different categories, we simply meant that for the house, highly professional chocolatiers and those for professionals.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textIf you want a guru in the production of chocolate or a chocolate house standard, is necessary to explore the various options available for these instruments.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textIn fact, it is not necessary to buy all the tools, because some of them as alternatives or substitutes. This means that you can actually spend less than the amount previously budgeted. You can also some tasks without the use of certain instruments.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textProcess of discovery is very very difficult, because it makes the hours of attention and action. With the help of your toaster or oven, this process is facilitated by the quality and performance of the oven.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textManuel cracked cocoa beans is possible if the production of chocolate in small quantities, but for large quantities, you must use the factory for a better result and faster. You can also hand crack crack (manual), cocoa beans, chocolate, when in large quantities, but you must take many workers, or hands.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textMix the ingredients up to the plate. This means that there are many shells, where large quantities. Heat-resistant containers are good for this phase.

Chocolat4u Store See More chocolate

Read more!

Chocolate - Its Rich History

 

Chocolate is part of our collective history. Throughout the centuries it has been used as treat, a status symbol, as medicine and as a method of currency. Today this tasty treat could be seen as universal pleasure. It is enjoyed by people of all ages and cultures. All over the world people have in common a love for its cocoa goodness.

The earliest evidence of chocolate dates back to the 7th century. At this time, the Mayans in the Yucatan region of Central America cultivated wild cocoa trees. The Mayans used the cocoa beans to make a cocoa drink and as a form of currency. As years passed, cocoa was combined with various spices to create drink to be enjoyed only by the elite. These early concoctions were billed as a divine drink that could allow a man to go a day or more without food as well as fight fatigue. Columbus was the first European to experience chocolate when he landed in Nicaragua on his fourth journey around 1502.

It wasn't until the 17th and 18th centuries that the rest of Europe came to know chocolate. The first dedicated shop was established in 1657 in England by a Frenchman. His goal was to popularize it as a delight for many classes as opposed to just the elite. By 1750, many European coffee houses were offering cocoa creations to their customers. Throughout the 18th century, it came to be known, not only for its delicious taste, but also for its therapeutic value. People of the time began using chocolate as a treatment for stomach upset and other ailments. The United States finally got their first taste around 1765 when cocoa beans were brought to New England from the West Indies.

The invention of the cocoa press was an important development in the evolution of chocolate. This invention by Dutchman, Hendrick Van Houten helped bring the price of cocoa down even lower that it already was. It also improved the quality of the product by allowing the beans to be ground to a finer degree. The smooth consistency of today's product is owed to the invention of the cocoa press. In 1847, shapes began to be molded. The creation of milk chocolate and the industrial revolution led to true mass availability. The quality has continued to improve to this day.

Visit the Amber Lyn Chocolate Store for the best tasting sugar free chocolate. Enjoy the taste of Premium Belgian Chocolate without all the calories, sugar and artificial ingredients.

Read more!

The health of the brand of chocolate - do what is best for you.

With new research on the health benefits of several black chocolate is the chocolate brand. Position when it comes to their own health is not really health benefits to any To determine the health of fact, the brands of chocolate you need to know what in substance. Chocolate health value. For example, studies have shown that the flavonoids found in black chocolate may help lower blood pressure level of flavonoids, but in completely in chocolate processing. Often it is only the black chocolate milk chocolate has fewer flavonoids. Normally, a high percentage of cocoa found in chocolate, the flavonoids (and other healthy substances) that contains.

While healthy, organic, raw or minimally processed chocolate that is not important that a well-known. Is responsible for the selection and delicious. You must have a healthy 70% cacao chocolate or chocolate is a bit more fat and less padding (if any) health benefits. It is important to read labels. The fact that a black chocolate, does not necessarily mean that there is any health benefit.The following famous chocolate brand for a unique taste, health benefits and strong ethical commitments.

Divine ownership of the farmers - sustainable development efforts. In many countries. Trade Justice - divine chocolate black mini-bar, a complete treatment and 70% cocoa.

Award of the Dagoba chocolate bar with black peppers, NIBS and 74% cocoa, which coined the term "Full Circle sustainable" to describe their commitment to ethics and social responsibility.

That the exchange of 80% organic chocolate bar with cocoa vegan, gluten-free and without refined sugar. Works with cooperatives and fair trade farmers around the world.

Ignafire nature without the chocolate production process of industrial or commercial, are vegan and low in simple sugars. There is something subtly flavored with cinnamon, coffee beans or crushed almonds.

Theo utilize green energy sources to power their plants with sustainable methods of packaging. Products and printing. Test your certificate of fair trade that includes the combination of chocolate from Ghana, Panama and Ecuador.

All brands offered by mail, in addition to those found in health food stores and large chains, such as food and trader Joes.

Chocolat4u Store See More chocolate

Read more!

Allergic to Chocolate? Two "I Can't Believe It's Not Chocolate" Recipes

Go to any restaurant and four out of five desserts on the menu will include chocolate. Go to any outdoor picnic or get-together and the most common desserts will also contain chocolate, whether brownies, cakes or cookies. Even when you want a ready made healthy snack, many trail mixes or granola bars are loaded with some kind of chocolate chip. What torture it is for those, like my husband, who are allergic to this wonderfully intoxicating comfort food. You can, of course, substitute chocolate with carob chips and carob powder. Place the chips in a trail mix and they are tolerable. But replacing them in a chocolate chip cookie recipe, does not even come close.

The good news is that carob powder is healthier for you than cocoa powder. It has about 115 times less fat, twice as many carbohydrates and calcium and 70 times less sodium. The bad news is that you need to use one and a half to two times as much carob powder to get the taste that you crave. Unlike the chips, the powder comes closer to tasting like the real thing even to those, like me, who swear they do not like the taste of carob. Keep in mind that carobs, like cocoa, contain the same tannins that are bad for young children.Although this first recipe takes a little time, it is still easy to do and well worth the effort. I do recommend, and finally broke down and bought, a 9-inch square pan. An 8-inch square pan keeps the dough too moist. The recipe allows for variations. Feel free to use cherry, coffee, yogurt, peanut butter, cinnamon or mint-flavored chips or dried cherries and a complementary extract (instead of the almond extract), depending upon what you like. During the summer use a toaster oven and bake this outdoors. It works just fine, although you may want to add another five minutes to the baking time.

BROWNIES Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease and flour a 9 inch by 9 inch pan.

Mix and set aside:

1/2 cup all purpose flour,
1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt.

Beat and set aside:

3 oz. cream cheese (softened) and
1/4 cup sugar.

Add to the cream cheese mixture:

1 egg,
1/2 tsp vanilla extract and
1/2 tsp almond (or other) extract and stir in
1/3 cup of your favorite flavored chips or dried cherries.

Mix:

1/2 cup of carob powder and
1/2 cup melted margarine or butter.

Add:

1 cup sugar,
2 eggs (beaten) and
1/2 tsp vanilla.

Add the flour mixture to the above and pour half the carob mixture into the bottom of the floured pan. Pour the cream cheese filling over this and then the remaining carob mixture on top. Use a spoon to swirl the colors together and bake 35-40 minutes or until a knife in the center comes out clean. Cut into squares.

NO BAKE COOKIES This should already be on your list of summer recipes. Makes about 24-30.

Mix and cook on a stove top:

3/4 cup sugar,
1/4 cup carob powder,
1/4 cup milk and
1/4 cup butter or margarine.

Cook a minute after it boils. Then add:

1/2 tsp vanilla,
1/4 cup chunky peanut butter
1 1/2 cups oatmeal and

Stir well, drop by teaspoonfuls on wax paper and chill till firm. A cookie scoop works perfectly for this. There are many substitutions you can try, including smooth peanut butter and sunflower seeds or coconut flakes. I have even used cereal crumbs from the bottom of the boxes, which I save for emergencies or when I run low on oatmeal.

My husband no longer has to deny himself the rich, yummy and addictive flavor of chocolate. And now, neither do you.

Copyright 2007 by Linda Murdock. Linda Murdock is the best-selling author of A Busy Cook's Guide to Spices, How to Introduce New Flavors to Everyday Meals. Unlike most spice books, which are organized by spice, here you can turn to a particular food, whether meat, vegetable or starch, and find a list of spices that go well with that food. Recipes are included. Not only is your well-written book an excellent resource for the novice in the kitchen, it is a quick reference for the food professional.--The Ingredient Store To learn more go to http://bellwetherbooks.com

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

Chocolat4u Store  See More chocolate

Read more!

Sweet Gourmet: Baking Chocolate Guide

Several types of chocolate may be used when baking cookies, pies, cakes, bars, and other sweet treats. The amount of cocoa butter and sugar can affect the texture and taste of chocolate—from bitter to very sweet. Below is a quick guide to the most popular kinds of chocolate used in baked goods.

** UNSWEETENED CHOCOLATE – Unsweetened chocolate contains nothing but pure chocolate and cocoa butter. There’s no sugar added. This chocolate is dark in color and has a strong flavor.

** UNSWEETENED COCOA POWDER – Unsweetened cocoa powder is pure chocolate that’s had a majority of the cocoa butter removed.

** SEMISWEET AND BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE – Semisweet and Bittersweet chocolate contains at least 35% pure chocolate. Cocoa butter and sugar have been added. This type of chocolate is often used in cookies and can be used interchangeably.

** MILK CHOCOLATE – Milk chocolate contains at least 15% of pure chocolate, and is mixed with cocoa butter, sugar, and milk solids. It has a creamy texture and is often used to make chocolate candy.

** WHITE CHOCOLATE – White chocolate is unique in that it contains no pure chocolate. However, it does have cocoa butter. Other ingredients are sugar and milk solids. When buying white chocolate for baking, be sure to check the label first to avoid confusing it with other similar looking white baking products.

** SWEET CHOCOLATE – Sweet chocolate contains at least 15% pure chocolate. Other ingredients are sugar and cocoa butter. Use sweet baking chocolate when you want your baked goods to have a rich chocolate flavor, without the bitterness of other types of chocolate.

© Donna Monday

Brownies, Cheesecake, Fudge and more . . . http://www.best-brownie-recipes.com

Chocolat4u Store  See More chocolate

Read more!

Chocolate - Friend or Foe on Valentine's Day

When it comes to temptation, nothing packs a punch like chocolate. For centuries, chocolate has been loved by the people of the world, from drinking it in cocoa to eating it in bars. So what is a woman who wants to lose weight supposed to do about the delicious box of chocolates she receives from her true love?

If you enjoy your chocolate in moderation and cut back on other calories throughout the day to compensate, you'll be fine. Think of moderation as one or two truffles. Period. Not one or two truffles a day for the entire month of February. Now for many women trying to lose weight, having a pound of chocolate on the kitchen counter will not work. The temptation is far too overwhelming. So here's some advice about what to do with your chocolate love gifts:1. Eat only dark chocolate. Give all your milk and white chocolate pieces away to your skinny friends. Enjoy dark chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa. Research shows that flavonoid-rich foods like dark chocolate may keep high blood pressure down and decrease your risk for heart disease. So as long as you're indulging, make it dark chocolate.

2. Give yourself a chocolate allowance. Enjoy 2000 calories worth of chocolate throughout your Valentine's celebrations, or have five pieces of chocolate, or one piece of cake. Decide beforehand what you are going to do. Indulge all at once by ordering that rich cake for dessert on Valentine's Day or savor your chocolate over a longer period of time (like one piece of chocolate, five days in a row). But after you have your allowance, you are done. Finished. Just like when you were a kid and your parents gave you a dollar a week, once the dollar was spent, you didn't have money to buy anything else.

3. Get creative with the leftovers. Chances are you're going to have some chocolate left after you've had your allowance. You can wrap chocolate pieces and give them away to your friends and neighbors with notes of appreciation. Or if your truffles came from your husband who doesn't really want to see his hard earned money going to buy chocolates for the neighbors, you can put the chocolate in the freezer and have a celebration when you hit your goal weight.

4. Ask your family for help. Tell your husband you would love to get some chocolate for Valentine's Day but just a little bit. Ask for something without calories like flowers.

When you focus on the true source of love in your life, the chocolates you see lining the supermarket shelves will take a backseat this Valentine's Day. Be moderate with chocolate but lavish in showing love to your friends and family!

Today's Action Step: What will you do to indulge smart this Valentine's Day?
Arlene Pellicane, mother of a toddler and infant, helps women lose their baby weight and thrive as wives and mothers. Her weekly podcast "Losing Weight After Baby" is full of practical ideas that work for busy moms. Visit Arlene's website for FREE articles and exercises at http://www.losingweightafterbaby.com and blog at http://losingweightafterbaby.wordpress.com

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

Chocolat4u Store  See More chocolate

Read more!

Dark Chocolate Helps In Weight Loss

The truth is nine out of ten people love chocolate and 50% say they can't live without it. Recent studies shown that some chocolates can actually have positive health effects. But these aren't the name-brand chocolate bars you would find at your local grocery store.

An internationally recognized expert in the field of alternative medicine focusing on diet and nutrition, Dr. Keith Scott-Mumby, has studied the properties and benefits of dark chocolate and feels the proper dark chocolate should be a part of our daily diet.

"Chocolate is made from the beans of the cacao tree, Theobroma Cacao," says Scott-Mumby. He explains that plant flavanoids are commonly known for their antioxidant activity. "A small bar of chocolate can contain as many flavanoids as six apples, as four and a half cups of tea or two glasses of red wine." Dark chocolate also can be an effective apatite suppressant and aid in weight loss.Properly processed dark actually provides great benefits without the unhealthy ingredients that are often included in the common chocolate bar. Good dark chocolate can help you lose weight; help thin you blood, improve your mood and can actually address ant-aging and has a number of other significant health benefits.

I one case dark chocolate lover Charlotte Palmer started dieting with her husband. She decided that The Doctor's Chocolate was going to be a treat that she could eat that would help her suppress her appetite. After four months she lost 50 pounds and is continuing to follow her diet. "Eating The Doctor's Chocolate has helped me along because it has kept me from eating other junk food, it has helped suppress my appetite, and it has helped me to remain calm and not so stressed when you're missing out on all the other treats," comments Palmer.

The Doctor's Chocolate a healthy chocolate product new to the market is a mere 20 calories per piece, it is diabetic safe and because it is not weighed down with all the sugars and milk that processed chocolate is famous for, it actually is metabolized slowly and leaves you feeling satisfied after only a couple of pieces.

Instead of sugar this chocolate is sweetened by a sugar alcohol called Xylotol, recognized by the FDA as a safe non-sugar sweetener and has no trans fat. Be careful of products containing synthetic or chemical sweeteners such as sucralose or aspartame. When choosing your chocolate treat make it dark Chocolate with only natural products, without additives, preservatives or coloring.

Enjoy your healthy dark chocolate and eat all you want; now you know dark chocolate can be good for you!
Jan Hrkach is an advocate of health, you are what you eat. Exercise and eating right make a big difference in our daily lives and creates a better you. http://www.thedoctorschocolate.com/

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

Chocolat4u Store  See More chocolate

Read more!

Healthy Chocolate Can Also Be a Happy Chocolate

Tradition has long held that chocolate could only be savored at the price of health compromising high levels of fat and sugar. There next came the glimmer of hope that dark chocolate contained antioxidants that the body benefited from. There's now a new healthy chocolate developed by a doctor that includes a very powerful combination of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that are superb for brain health and an overall sustained mood elevation.

Dr Paul Anderson, the creator with a history of forming non-drug and nutritional remedies for people suffering from chronic pain and depression, stated that this new dietary supplement is a great product for "anyone looking for better moods, more energy, looking to focus, be able to enjoy their days, and really be happy." The taste may also lead you to believe that it is the absolute best chocolate that you have ever experienced as it melts in your mouth.The advantages that this innovation has over the standard store bought variety are astounding. The energy received from Dr Anderson's invention lasts 4 to 6 hours instead of the frantic kind from store bought chocolate that is short lived and ends in a crash to a state of mental mediocrity. The remedy for this predicament usually meant eating more chocolate to keep the up feeling.

Typical chocolate is also packed with fats and sugar that leave the body susceptible to a variety of health concerns. Dr Anderson's healthy chocolate has only 40 calories and is very low in sugar. It also feeds the brain the "feel good" nutrients that it needs which curbs the former craving for excess amounts the body previously had. There would be a need for only between 2 and 4 pieces of the healthy chocolate throughout the day.
Dr Anderson can be seen and heard discussing this new product known as IsaDelight by clicking on (or cut and pasting) http://www.isadelight.com/video6.html You will then be able to learn more about a healthy chocolate delicacy that can put you in a good mood, give you more energy, help satisfy your cravings and make your world a better place to be.

Email Brian at brian_connors@comcast.net to be sent order information and with any questions including how you can sign-up and get the product at the wholesale price.

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

Chocolat4u Store  See More chocolate Shipped to your door.

Read more!

The Chocolate Experience

Chocolate, in various forms, is one of the most popular and recognizable flavours in the world. It's taste is sought after in chocolate bars, ice cream, drinks and desserts; a cook's larder is not complete without a packet of cocoa powder!I remember giving my son his first taste of chocolate in the form of a chocolate button when he was just under a year old. His eyes lit up so brightly and he gave me such a wonderful smile! Young and old alike enjoy the unforgettable flavour of chocolate. From the first moment that it touches your lips, you're hooked! 'Chocoholic' is a word which is commonly used and which has found it's way into our dictionaries.Desserts made of chocolate are everyone's favourite after dinner and chocolate mints, especially in restaurants, are often served after a main meal with coffee. Chocolate and wine parties are not uncommon and chocolate fountains are often used at weddings and other important events. People love the taste of chocolate and I'm sure you remember the book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by the famous author Roald Dahl. The book was such a big hit that a film was made from it. Although this story was written for children, adults also enjoyed and associated with it.
The aroma and taste of chocolate seems to have a bonding affect on people. Sharing a box of chocolates with your family, work colleagues or loved one creates a friendly and happy atmosphere, possibly due to the fact that apart from containing sugar and caffeine, chocolate has been linked with the release of serotin in the brain which produces feelings of pleasure. Chocolate is also known to be an aphrodisiac caused by the natural ingredient phenethylamine which is a mild sexual stimulant. This is probably why chocolates are traditionally given to a loved one on Valentines day and which are received with much pleasure. Cocoa and chocolate are also rich in minerals such as magnesium and iron. The body craves what the body needs which is probably why women crave chocolate during menstruation when the body needs more iron.
The consumption of chocolate has become part of everyday life for most people. There is an abundance of recipe books containing dishes made with chocolate; specialty chocolate shops known as chocolatiers seem to have become more popular in recent times. These connoisseurs of chocolate sell hand made products packaged in exquisite boxes covered with silk ribbon and which are, to say the least, very expensive.
All in all, chocolate is something that is enjoyed by millions worldwide whether in the form of a dessert, candy, snack or drink and as long as we have the cocoa bean, chocolate will remain popular for many years to come.

Chocolat4u Store

Read more!

Anyone for a Hoodia Chocolate Shake?

Great news! They are now making shakes with Hoodia! With Hoodia Gordonii now generally accepted by everyone in the weight reduction business as the safest weight loss herb ever from the viewpoint of effectiveness and lack of side effects, it was only a matter of time before the massive confectionary industry saw scope for cashing in on its commercial potential.And why not? With over half the women in the US now labeled as overweight or clinically obese a drink that is both appetite satisfier and appetite suppressor is an interesting concept.Sadly, the original consumers of the plant did not have the good fortune to have access to flavorsome chocolate shakes in their austere environment. In fact their need to curb their appetite was to render them, not impervious to the temptations of readily accessible confectionery delights, but rather more able to stave off hunger pang consequential to long periods of food deprivation in the desert.
These were the hardy bushman of the Kalahari Desert in South Africa.
It is however hard to imagine the marriage of a herb utilized in such austere and harsh circumstances to the Deep Dark Chocolate and Creamy Chocolate Almond flavors of our present day indulgences. One is left wondering how such shakes are produced, as is claimed, to contain no added sugar, trans fat or lactose, add up to a mere 80 calories, incorporate the somewhat non-flavorsome Hoodia Gordonii herb but still satisfy the cravings of our current generation of shake and chocolate junkies.
Nonetheless, a spokesman of the Duane Reade stores in the New York claims just that. "We expect excellent reception in the marketplace for retail chains that are looking to upgrade their product lines and expect it will soon be available in many more major chains from coast to coast," claims Arthur Low, Vice President, Marketing Communications, Scientific Response.
Tammy Vaserstein, Creative, Principal, MoxieTM adds that the “rich, dark chocolate-brown labels convey premium indulgence and beautiful photography of chocolate bars and almonds reflect taste and flavor,"
Yes, indeed, the marketing expertise of the shake industry will undoubtedly effectively persuade consumers that that they can now continue to enjoy their gastronomic excesses without risk of expanding their waistline yet further, using the established success and general acceptance of Hoodia as a weight reduction tool.
But, one has to wonder, how will this work? The action of Hoodia is to stop you wanting to eat more, not to enable you to eat the same as before but consume fewer calories. Hmmm… If they can really make shakes that taste like creamy dark chocolate and deep chocolate almonds – one salivates at the very thought of it – without added sugar, trans fat or lactose, why add Hoodia?
Do they really want their consumers to realize half way through their shake that their appetite is now satisfied and they don’t want any more? Or does the name Hoodia now conjure up an image of a low calorie food that one can eat as much of as they like and not put on weight?
I hope not, because that is not what Hoodia is all about
Ian Finlayson is the Webmaster and author of a number of websites and innumerable articles on medicinal and culinary herbs. More information on Hoodia effects, side effects and products may be found at his Hoodia Gordonii Weight Loss website at http://www.hoodiagordonii-weightloss.com

Chocolat4u Store See More chocolate

Read more!

Chocolate - The Lovable Stimulant

Chocolate is the most loved flavor worldwide. It is gotten from the seeds of cacao tree botanically referred to as Theobroma cacoa grown in abundance in the tropical lowlands of South American countries. Documents found as early as twelfth century have thrown light on the cultivation of the cocoa tree by the Aztec and Mayan civilizations that once thrived in the region now occupied by Mexico and Central America. The early inhabitants of these civilizations were well aware of the flavored preparations from this beverage. The hot frothy drink was linked with wisdom, vitality and fertility. It was believed to have restorative and stimulant features. Recent studies point towards chocolate as a psychoactive food which helps improve cognitive abilities in humans. Initially the ingredients of the seed produce extremely bitter taste due to the presence of alkaloids which upon subsequent fermentation produces the distinctive chocolate flavor. Seeds removed from mature cocoa pods are roasted and then ground to produce the cocoa or the chocolate before its fermentation and subsequent grading. As of now chocolate is marketed in bars which is the in combination of cocoa solids mixed with cocoa butter and sugar.
Chocolate contain alkaloids namely the theobromine and phenethylamine both of which have considerable physiological impact on the human body. It helps elevating serotonin levels in the body. Serotonin helps control emotions such as that of anger, mood swings, and depression. It also regulates body temperature lowers blood pressure and helps overcome fatigue. Theobromine and phenethylamine are weak stimulant. The former is reported to be serving as an effective opiate due to its considerable impact on the vagus nerve under the tongue. It helps to cure cough. The impact of phenethylamine in lifting moods and in generating emotions of affection correctly makes it be referred to as ‘love chemical’ and justifies lovers the world over. This is primarily the reasons why lovers gift their sweet hearts with chocolate on practically every date.

Chocolate is graded according to three varieties of cocoa beans namely the Criollo, Trinitario and Forastero. Criollo is the most sought variety with a unique flavor and is indigenous to Northern and Central American states.

Forastero is native to Amazon basin and Africa. It constitutes an extensive group of wild as well as cultivated cocoa. It is this variety of cocoa which has the distinctive chocolate flavor that we are most used to and is widespread in consumption worldwide. Trinitario is the natural cross between the Criollo and Forastero.

Cocoa trees grow on typical conditions which pertain twenty degree north and twenty degree south of the equator. A temperature below sixty degree Fahrenheit damages the cocoa tree irreversibly. Hence much care is taken beginning right from its cultivation to the final processing and grading.

Rosy Vohra works for online bookstore India

Chocolat4u Store See More chocolate

Read more!

Women & Chocolate

Sinful is how women has always described chocolate. But despite so, do you know that 99% of all women love chocolate and that they may actually prefer chocolate more to than to sex?What exactly about chocolate is it so wonderful? Well, in fact it is not just the women who love it but almost everybody would love it too. I believe you enjoy chocolate just as much? It always feels so nice to have it melted in your mouth, delivering its wonderful taste right through your tongue, doesn’t it?
Well its wonderful taste aside, chocolate contains phenylethylamine - the same chemical that is released in your brain when you fall in love; leading to that increase in the pounding of your heart, feeling of a sudden gush of excitement. “Love Chemical” is what some would call it. It is also believed by researcher that phenylethylamine in turn causes the brain to release mesolimbic dopamine in the pleasure centers of the brain, another chemical where its presence is at peak during an orgasm.
Nevertheless, the sweetness from chocolate also triggers the release of endorphins. Think about those blissful feeling you had after a wonderful session of lovemaking. That is the effect from the production of endorphins in your body. Perhaps that is why some women actually remarked that they felt a feeling of elation when eating chocolate.
Well, a perfect gift for your love, chocolate will be. Just like buying roses during Valentine’s Day, chocolate can never go wrong. In fact, the both could be the best combination ever. Do you know that roses also contain the “Love Chemical”, Phenylethylamine? That explains for its distinct scent.
Giving of chocolate, as gifts of love has been long popular in Japan since the late 1950s. A bit different though; during Valentine’s Day, the ones doing the giving are the women instead and usually, chocolates were sent as gifts to confess their love for that special guy. Heart-shaped chocolates would usually be given. To nevertheless balance out this unique custom, “White Day” was later invented in Japan. On 14th of March it falls, one month after Valentine’s Day exactly. During this day, guys who received the chocolate will be given the chance to reciprocate their valentine gifts with soft, fluffy marshmallows. This would be the happiest day for girls who receive their fluffy gifts. Isn’t it so lovely?
Well, giving of chocolate as a gift of love has today, definitely become more and more popular. Along with the greeting card, your message of love will be delivered. Filled with your most genuine love, each chocolate will contain. Melting one’s heart as they melt in the mouth, warming up their heart as sweetness run through their tongue.Why not send some to your loved ones today, brightening up their day with a chocolate so full of love.
Rick Valens Staff Writer for Love Relationship Discussion Forum, http://www.loveletterbox.com/ and nevertheless also a freelance writer for http://www.fashion-in-style.com/, bringing to you new fashion ideas & lifestyle.

Chocolat4u Store See More chocolate Shipped to your door, just like any other Amazon purchase

Read more!

Chocolate Is Good for You!

Great news on the chocolate front! Chocolate is good for you. Under certain circumstances.Katherine Tallmadge, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, says, in the February 9, 2005, WASHINGTON POST, that “cacao, or cocoa beans, contain ‘flavanols,’ naturally occurring plant compounds also found in tea, red wine, and apples. Their properties have been studied as heart disease inhibitors.”

post Carl L. Keen, chair of the department of nutrition at University of California, Davis, states in the same article 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.”
Unfortunately the flavanols in chocolate are bitter and are mostly removed from processed chocolate. The level decreases with each step, from the bean to the cocoa powder, and ultimately to a finished product. But big manufacturers like Nestle and Mars Inc.(producers of M&Ms) are working on chocolate items that are — what else? — good for you. We can soon expect chocolate bars and candies that advertise their high level of flavanols. In the meantime, the only product that states its flavanol level is Mars’ Dove Dark Chocolate, which has 150 mg. in 1.3 oz., a high level. It also has 200 calories. We live in an imperfect world.
While we’re waiting for more high-flavanol products, Ms. Tallmadge recommends unsweetened cocoa powder, but not the alkalized “Dutch processed” kind, which has had its flavanols reduced. Next in desirability is semisweet or bittersweet chocolate with a high cocoa percentage. Some chocolates contain as much as 70 percent cocoa, but they can have as little as 35 percent. The percent of cocoa in milk chocolate can be even lower, and she does not recommend it. She says, “I recommend cocoa or an ounce per day of dark chocolate, which may be about 110 to 150 calories, depending on the chocolate. Any more than that and you’re probably going to take in too many calories for weight control.”
Do you have any idea of what you just read? A highly qualified nutrition professional is RECOMMENDING that you eat chocolate! Maybe not large quantities of chocolate, but chocolate. If you have suffered much in the area of chocolate, you may want to enlarge that statement and post it on your bathroom mirror, where it can cheer you on rainy mornings.
Now comes the chocolate frosting on the cake. Deanna K. reports: “The Diabetic Educator told me about CARBOLITE, a 1.1 oz. low carb chocolate bar made with Splenda, containing 0 sugar carbs, 15-18g carbohydrates, depending on flavor. On Google type in ‘Carbolite’for more information.”
Deanna continues, “The other chocolate bar that I think is acceptable is Amber Lyn Chocolates (fine imported Belgian chocolate), sugar free and carb conscious. A little higher in calories than Carbolite, the 1.2 oz bar has 15-16g carbs. For nutrition information visit www.amberlynchocolates.com.” The dark chocolate bars have 157 calories.
Flavanols are not listed, but these dark chocolates are a good bet for that HEALTHFUL piece of chocolate it is your DUTY to eat regularly. And soon, no doubt, manufacturers will begin to formulate their candies to be high in flavanols — and say so.
About the author:Find Janette Blackwell’s storytelling country cookbook, STEAMIN’ DOWN THE TRACKS WITH VIOLA HOCKENBERRY, at Food and Fiction, http://foodandfiction.com/Entrance.html– or visit her Delightful Food Directory at http://delightfulfood.com/main.html

Read more!