Chocolate history

Perfume - The Introduction (1 of 3)

2011-08-16T07:22:00.001-07:00

Perfume - The Introduction (1 of 3) Video Clips. Duration : 9.65 Mins.

[Play List] www.youtube.com [Next] www.youtube.com 'Perfume' is a techno pop idol unit of Japan. They will understand in about 27 minutes. [Reference] An Introduction to Perfume www.youtube.com [Original] www.youtube.com [Japanese version] www.youtube.com [Perfume Fan Site] Perfume City perfume.ekuseru.net [PEPSI NEX CM] www.youtube.com [New Single VOICE NISSAN CM] www.youtube.com [575 au iida CM] www.youtube.com www.youtube.com

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Shonen Knife With Kurt Cobain

2011-08-14T17:30:00.001-07:00

Shonen Knife With Kurt Cobain Video Clips. Duration : 0.57 Mins.

Tags: kurtshonnenknife

PRELUDE tribute (5th gen)

2011-08-13T09:00:00.001-07:00

PRELUDE tribute (5th gen) Video Clips. Duration : 3.47 Mins.

Keywords: PRELUDE, tribute

GREAT EXAMINATION TIPS. tips cemerlang peperiksaan

2011-08-10T18:55:00.001-07:00

GREAT EXAMINATION TIPS. tips cemerlang peperiksaan Video Clips. Duration : 5.33 Mins.

Gunakan tips yang diberi sewajar-wajarnya.

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Willy Wonka and the Chocolate premise - A superior Children's Tale

2011-08-09T14:40:00.001-07:00

This movie is based off the book by Roald Dahl. Once there was a child that belonged to a house that was very poor. His mother and father took all four of the grandparents under their wing, which altogether makes seven mouths to feed. Every year for Charlies birthday they all save up just sufficient money to buy Charlie his favorite chocolate made by Willy Wonka. This year there is a competition. Whoever finds a golden label wins a tour of the chocolate factory. Willy opens his chocolate bar and finds nothing inside but chocolate. He then breaks up his chocolate bar and shares it with everyone.

Throughout the week, many children find the golden label in the chocolate. Some got the label by eating a bunch of chocolate. Some got the label by hiring a bunch of workers to look straight through the packages. One day, Charlie finds some money on the ground. He knows that the money is authentically what his house needs, but he decides to try his luck once more and buys some chocolate which turns out to be a very good idea. He finds the golden label in it and his house is very happy for him. He is allowed to take one other person with him and he chooses one of his grandparents.

Chocolate History

He is given the tour and one by one something happens to the children. For some, their greed gets in the way and they eat experimental candy. Others are spoiled and order Mr. Wonka to sell them a candy laying goose. Others just aren't told all the facts and get stuck in a way that is not themselves. Find out what happens to Willy on his adventure in the chocolate factory. Does he make it out? Does he win the grand prize? Watch and find out.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate premise - A superior Children's Tale

construction a Brand So Sweet, it Lasts For Generations - The Story of See's Chocolates

2011-08-07T14:32:00.001-07:00

An bright business success story all the time gets the juices flowing as the reader feels the flow of success and wise decisions bringing them along for the ride. Merge the rush of a good story with a story about chocolate and you have an irresistible combination.

It all began with the matriarchal figure of Mary See. Mary's recipes for chocolates and candies built the See's Candy Empire that has wooed America since 1921. See's Candies uses the finest quality ingredients and all the time has. That is one of the secrets to their success. Even during the Depression, they didn't cut corners. Their customers can all the time count on a quality candy and that is why their customers keep advent back. Does your buyer have the same, quality touch over and over again?

Chocolate History

The See Candy story is a superior American success story. They were descendant's of Ireland, whose family immigrated to Ontario. Mary's son, Charles, was working as a salesman, selling ingredients in bulk to bakeries. There was a favorite candy shop chain in Ontario and Charles felt that he could generate something better. He and his family, including his mom Mary and her specific and loved candy recipes, moved to Los Angeles to open their own store. It was favorite in the 1920's to brand food products with a "trust-worthy, mom or grandmother" image. In 1921, the business that later became normal Mills, created Betty Crocker, a fictitious woman who, in 1945, was voted the second most favorite woman in America (behind Eleanor Roosevelt).* Charles went along with this trend, using his mother's photograph as the logo for See's Candy. This tribute not only reminded Charles and the employees where their great recipes came from, it also instilled the "warm fuzzy feeling" one has when we think of a gray-haired, plump woman's baking. We trust that it must be delicious. The logo and its emotional insurance and quality to generate fond memories of grandma's baking in some of us, is just one example of the cleverness Charles displayed when running his company. Does your company's logo have a broad, emotional appeal? Recently, logos have moved into the abstract or graphic look. Could your company's brand benefit from using a photograph?

Though the 1920's was profitable for the See's and they had any shops, the Depression of the '30s held them back a bit but they were able to keep their doors open and were even expanding by 1936. They renegotiated their leases, the worker salaries, and lowered the price for a pound of chocolate.** All these measures ensured their success. Of course, they never compromised their quality so their brand was maintained. If your business has gone through lean times, have you been tempted to cut corners on your product? If you do then your buyer cannot trust your stock again.

Many business owners dream of selling their business for a lot of money. This was true for See's Candy. In 1972 the surviving family sold their business to one of the best businessmen in America's History, Warren Buffett.

I've highlighted only a few of the business decisions that led to the success of this company. Charles See was a visionary and a qoute solver. He was committed to a course of activity and took his family business to a level of success that few clubs achieve. If you would like to learn more about this heritage and how you can apply their innovative mental to your business, I encourage you to read "See's notable Old Time Candies: A Sweet Story" by Margaret Moos Pick.

References

* The Betty Crocker Story, Cs News book review, 2005
** "See's notable Old Time Candies: A Sweet Story" by Margaret Moos Pick, (2005). P. 28

construction a Brand So Sweet, it Lasts For Generations - The Story of See's Chocolates

Hotel Chevalier - Wes Anderson (2007) Part One (Subtitulado)

2011-08-05T19:25:00.001-07:00

Hotel Chevalier - Wes Anderson (2007) Part One (Subtitulado) Video Clips. Duration : 6.15 Mins.

Directed by Wes Anderson. With Natalie Portman & Jason Schwartzman. A short prologue of one heartbreaking history of love and the prologue of the travel told in The Darjeeling Limited (2007) *(COPYRIGHT:I don't own anything in this clip. This is totally fanmade for entertainment only.All rights belong to their proper owners and absolutely no copyright infringement is intended.)

Tags: Hotel, Chevalier, Wes, Anderson, Natalie, Portman, Jason, Schwartzman

Os Mutantes Documentary Movie

2011-08-04T12:55:00.001-07:00

Os Mutantes Documentary Movie Tube. Duration : 2.47 Mins.

A trailer from the upcoming documentary on psychedelic rock pioneers "Os Mutantes". The story of Os Mutantes is perhaps one of the strangest in the entire history of rock music, and has served as heady inspiration for artists as varied as David Byrne, Beck, Sean Lennon, and Nirvana. Imagine a 1960's Brazilian rock band on a weekly television program disguised as aliens, witches, or conquist-adors performing surreal hymns to such bizarre figures as Don Quixote (or at other times: Genghis Khan and Lucifer) while tossing massive nets and giant rubber caterpillars across their audience. Add the fact that they had the courage to perform a fusion of traditional Brazilian rhythms with psychedelia at a time when the "MPB" (the Brazilian music establishment) were openly hostile to the wild sounds of American rock 'n roll and this provoked even further outrage by fashioning their own outrageous musical instruments, often constructed out of such common household objects as rubber hoses, cans of hot chocolate, or bottles of bug spray. Finally, they did all of this under the watchful eyes of a brutally repressive right-wing military dictatorship, as they were regularly censored by the government while performing alongside such musical revolutionaries as Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso (who, like many artists in Brazil at the time, were imprisoned and exiled for their political stance). For more information - visit: www.americangirlproductions.com to watch the reunion tour visit ...

Tags: Beck, Os, Mutantes, Brazilian, documentary, tropicalia, movie

Sonic Youth - No Way live in Bolzano 2008

2011-08-02T12:35:00.001-07:00

Sonic Youth - No Way live in Bolzano 2008 Video Clips. Duration : 4.75 Mins.

live at stahlbau Pichler

Tags: sonic, youth, no, way, gordon, ranaldo, moore, steve, chocolate, king, shelley, mark, ipod, live, music, bozen, bolzano, transart

Trailler de Como agua para chocolate (Extracto Película) by Piru Casoy

2011-08-01T04:20:00.001-07:00

Trailler de Como agua para chocolate (Extracto Película) by Piru Casoy Tube. Duration : 2.40 Mins.

En el minuto 2:34, aparece una foto mía con mis bigotes vestido de mexicano, me parezco a el... ejjejejeje... Bueno jugando con imagenes, y por supuesto que recomiendo esta pelicula, si no la viste aun, no has visto nada!!! Una historia de Amor que esperaron 20 años para poder juntarse!!! (Yo voy 3 años sin Marisol)

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Fun Facts About the History of Cookies

2011-07-30T18:30:00.001-07:00

Coming home to the smell of fresh baked cookies is one of the best feelings in the world. The sweet aroma they give off somehow makes home a much more cozy and amiable place to be. The history of cookies is a fun and appealing one. The first cookies were made by accident. In the beginning, before cookies were made, cooks used to bake a small number of cake batter in the oven to test the climatic characteristic before cooking their cake. These were called "koekje" or "little cake" in Dutch. So Koekje became the name for cookies. From there they became popular for the British, becoming a great compliment to tea. It was the Dutch however who introduced them in the United States.

So how did the most base cookie, the chocolate chip cookie, come about? The story told is of a woman in Massachusetts. This woman was making cookies one day and ran out of nuts. To compensate, she took a bar of baking chocolate and broke it into chunks, adding it to the dough. This cookie was a huge success and was named the "Toll House Cookie"-after all, that's the inn where it was first created. The rest is history. Since that day, cookies have spread and developed into hundreds of dissimilar kinds and some dissimilar ways of making them. They have all sorts of names and each home has that special cookie method that is always a hit in their family. Cookies are appetizing and a great way to bring the family together for a marvelous treat!

Chocolate History

Fun Facts About the History of Cookies

Snickers Chocolate Bar - A Short History

2011-07-29T07:50:00.001-07:00

Snickers chocolate bar is made and marketed by Us based incommunicable Corporation called Mars, Inc. It is peanut butter nougat with caramel and peanut topping and dairy milk chocolate. Snickers is a beloved chocolate bar sold nearby the globe and its every year sales is over 2 billion dollars.

In the early 1920s, Mars Inc made a very victorious chocolate bar called Milky Way. It was the most beloved chocolate bar in America in the middle of 1927 and 1929. It also allowed the business to manufacture new recipes for chocolate candies. It took more than three years to manufacture Snickers and was released in the shop in 1930.

Chocolate History

Snickers bar was named in the memory of a beloved horse at a farm of Mars family named Snickers. The horse sadly died incorporate of months before the new product was launched. The farm was named Milky Way Farm and it seemed suitable that the name of the farm should be given to the next chocolate bar.

Snickers was initially made by hand but later machines were used to growth the volumes and old way was no more practiced. During those times, the price of the first Milky Way bar was in 1920 for only 5 cents and the price of the Snickers bar was 20 cents in 1930 when it was first released.

There was not too much turn in the Snickers brand During its first forty years. Mars were inspired to yield the Snickers mini candy bar in 1968 which were labeled 'fun size' and were which sold in bags having dozen or more.

Since Snickers was first introduced to the shop in the 1930s, it had been known as Marathon chocolate in Uk. Any way in the 1990s, Mars Inc consolidated branding exercise for bringing all of the corporations products under unified Mars branding that would not only be recognized locally but also globally.

The Marathon bar in line with global naming was to come to be Snickers. It featured the phrase 'Internationally known as Snickers' for a period of 18 months. Since then, all Marathon candy were branded Snickers in the British Isles.

There was controversy about the Snickers brand in new years concerning advertisements perceived to be homophobic. It was notably During Super Bowl Xli when two mechanics sharing Snickers accidentally kiss when reaching the middle. It fueled protests that Mars Inc. Was promoting discrimination against gay and lesbian people.

In England, there was also a similar controversy that was the corollary of an advertisement which featured Mr T. He was seen ridiculing a power walker and firing a rifle at his direction telling while him to do something more manly and seen eating Snickers at the same time. Protesters were vexed on how the power walker was portrayed in an effeminate manner and Mars miniature was accused of homophobia.

Notably, the controversial ad has neither seemed to damage sales or cause any humiliation to the Mars Inc. Snickers brand has been more really received in other parts of the world. Snickers is a major sponsor of surfing in Australia while it is known in Latin America for supporting youth activities. Snickers chocolate bars have come to be an foremost brand of Mars Inc and its sales have prolonged to increase.

Snickers Chocolate Bar - A Short History

Roaring Twenties: Jig Walk - Ipana Troubadours, 1925

2011-07-27T10:25:00.001-07:00

Roaring Twenties: Jig Walk - Ipana Troubadours, 1925 Tube. Duration : 2.52 Mins.

Ipana Troubadours (Sam Lanins Orchestra) Jig Walk (Ellington), Columbia 1925 NOTE: „Jig Walk is a Duke Ellington composition from the 1925 revue 'Chocolate Kiddies' but not recorded by his orchestra until 1938. Recorded by many other bands immediately after its presentation on the stage by Sam Wooding's orchestra, that was picked to be the orchestra for that revue, the tune became an international hit, especially when Sam Wooding with his band (holding now the the revues name: Sam Woodings Chocolate Kiddies) toured Europe. In the history of XXth century dance music, Ellingtons „Jig Walk is one of the Roaring Twenties trademarks and belongs to the canon of charlestons, together with Mack & JP Johnsons „The Original Charleston, Ben Bernies „Sweet Georgia Brown or Doughertys „Charleston Baby Of Mine.

Tags: 1920, charleston, craze, Sam, Lanin, jazz, flapper, Duke, Ellington, Wooding, America, hot, dance, band, 78rpm

History Science Theater: Youtube

2011-07-26T10:05:00.001-07:00

History Science Theater: Youtube Tube. Duration : 6.50 Mins.

Travel many millennia into the future to a post-apocalyptic world! Tonight, a look back at the early 21st century and man's fascination with filming...himself. Chocolate Rain by Tay Zonday

Tags: youtube, history, apocalypse, lonelygirl15, smosh, liamkylesullivan, itschriscrocker, dramaticprairiedog, askaninja, improv, parod

History of Hot Chocolate

2011-07-25T04:10:00.001-07:00

The predecessor to the hot chocolate we enjoy today was the Aztec drink xocoatl. Mayan Indians first harvested Cacoa beans from Cacoa pods and oftentimes traded them to the neighboring Aztecs. Cacoa beans may also have been given as tribute to the more warlike Aztecs. The Aztecs ground the beans into a bitter, common paste, which they mixed with water and spices to form the drink xocoatl. Aztecs later cultivated the cacao tree themselves and appointed their god Quetzalcoatl as the guardian of the cacao tree. Aztec Emperor Montezuma is quoted as having said of xocoatl: "The divine drink, which builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this drink permits a man to walk a whole day without food." It is recorded that Montezuma drank fifty goblets of xocoatl each day.

Hernan Cortez is credited with introducing the drink to Europeans. Cortez established a cocoa plantation in Mexico in 1519 after looking the Indians using the beans as a form of currency. A year later Cortez introduced the xocoatl drink to the court of Spanish King Charles V. Instead of the spices used by the Aztecs, the Spaniards began the tradition of adding a sweetener, probably cane sugar syrup obtained also from the New World. The Spanish had difficulty pronouncing the Indian word "xocoatl" and changed the name of their new beverage to "chocolat." Although chocolat quickly became beloved over Spain, the Spanish managed to keep it underground from the rest of Europe for a hundred years. While those hundred years many experiments in partially fermenting and then roasting the cocoa beans added addition richness to the flavor of the drink.

Chocolate History

In 1615 Spanish Princess Anna of Austria introduced chocolat to her new husband King Louis Xiii. The drink became fashionable within Louis' court and news quickly spread to Italy and later to Austria. A Frenchman opened the first café specializing in chocolat in London in 1657. The English changed the name of the drink to "chocolate." The sharp new drink quickly gained in popularity over Europe. Who it is that first warmed their chocolate drink to make "hot chocolate" is unknown. By 1657 chocolatier David Chaillou had opened the first chocolate house in Paris and served hot chocolate.

The warm, foamy drink we know today owes its true origin to Dutchman Hendrick Van Houten. In April, 1828 Van Houten patented a process whereby a press is used to squeeze ground cocoa beans to excerpt the natural fat also known as cocoa butter. Cocoa butter makes up about half of the weight of a cocoa bean. The pressed cake that remains after extracting the cocoa butter is cooled, pulverized and sifted into cocoa powder. Van Houten also discovered that by adding alkali-potash to the beans before they are roasted the acidic taste of the cocoa is neutralized. The process became known as "Dutching" and has been used ever since. Even today you will sometimes hear hot chocolate referred to as "dutch chocolate."

History of Hot Chocolate

History of Chocolate Truffles

2011-07-23T18:30:00.001-07:00

The invention of the cocoa press in 1828 made inherent separating the natural fat in cocoa beans, called cocoa butter, from the bean solids. This not only improved the consistency and taste of the remaining cocoa powder but made inherent the improvement of solid chocolate. Eating chocolate or solid chocolate, as opposed to drinking chocolate, was first produced in 1847 in Fry's chocolate installation in Bristol, England. Solid chocolate is a mixture of cocoa powder, sugar, cocoa butter and often flavorings like vanilla. In 1879 Swiss Henri Nestle and Daniel Peter developed milk chocolate by combining solid chocolate with milk powder. Experimentation in France and Switzerland led to the improvement of ganache.

Ganache is the town component of a truffle. Ganache is a velvety flat mixture of solid semisweet chocolate and cream. Cooked at just the right temperature it cools to form a rich and firm paste with intense chocolate flavor. A truffle is a candy made of a round ganache center, often flavored, covered with a shell of milk, dark or white chocolate. Truffles are often covered in cocoa powder, sugar or finely chopped nuts.

Chocolate History

Perhaps originating in France, the truffle is named for its optic similarity to the French mushroom-like fungus of the same name. Like the traditional truffle, chocolate truffles have become synonymous with luxury and a sumptuous taste experience. Truffles are made in a wide range of tastes. In many chocolate houses the Chocolatier's finest ingredients are reserved for the truffle.

For more facts about other forms of chocolate see supplementary e-zine articles by this author.

History of Chocolate Truffles

Vanilla Doom sliding doors

2011-07-21T20:45:00.001-07:00

Vanilla Doom sliding doors Tube. Duration : 0.80 Mins.

Sliding doors code found in the Doom source code (but commented out). Apologies for the lack of sound in this video. This is a patch that re-enables the code in Chocolate Doom: www.soulsphere.org

Tags: doom, chocolate, vanilla, sliding, doors, history, fragglet

Interesting Facts About Strawberries 2, Hot Teacher Jamie

2011-07-13T13:50:00.001-07:00

Interesting Facts About Strawberries 2, Hot Teacher Jamie Tube. Duration : 3.67 Mins.

Interesting Facts About Strawberries 2, Hot Teacher Jamie Join your hot facts teacher Jamie for interesting facts about strawberries. Including information about growing strawberries, the history of strawberries, the origin of strawberry shortcake, where strawberries are grown, where do strawberries come from, myths and legends about strawberries and love, etc. Chocolate Strawberries are a favorite gift for romance and there are many strawberry dessert recipes, just where do these strawberry treats come from. Fun Facts Girls aka Hot Facts Girls www.youtube.com www.funfactsgirls.com http Music By Jimmy Gelhaar www.jimmyg.us http youtube.com Copyright 2009 Target Public Media. All Rights Reserved.

Tags: strawberry, interesting, fact, about, hot, teacher, jamie, shortcake, grow, history, origin, come, from, triva, chocolate, treat

Narragansett Porter - TheFoamingHead's Beer Reviews Volume 2 Episode 10

2011-07-11T18:05:00.001-07:00

Narragansett Porter - TheFoamingHead's Beer Reviews Volume 2 Episode 10 Video Clips. Duration : 6.45 Mins.

Style: Porter ABV: Roll out the Barrel: 7% Alcohol by Volume and 28 IBUs. This American-style porter has robust malt flavor with a slight hop character. Available in the Winter Season on tap and in 16oz cans. Quality Supreme: Porter is crafted in small batches at Trinity Brew House in Providence, RI and Cottrell Brewery in Pawcatuck, CT under the supervision of Brewmaster Sean Larkin. The 16oz Cans are produced at the award winning High Falls Brewery in Rochester, NY. It is brewed with chinook hops for bitterness, simcoe hops for aroma, black malt, pale malt, chocolate malt, munich malt, crystal malt, roasted barley, and ale yeast. Giving it an imperial taste. Winner of the Silver Medal in the 2010 World Beer Championship! Taste & Enjoy: Gansett Porter offers an extremely approachable craft experience that, unlike many of the other porters on the market, is not overly smoky or bitter. The Narragansett Porter has a deliciously mild chocolate flavor with just a hint of smokiness and hops to balance out the finish. The History: The Porter has been a part of the Narragansett Brewing Company's brewing tradition dating all the way back to 1916 (often found under the name "Narragansett Dark" in bars). In fact, the Porter helped 'Gansett survive Prohibition because the brewery was given a patent by the US Government to brew it for medicinal purposes. Apparently, 'Gansett Porter was believed to be the cure for whatever ailed you, and doctors would write prescriptions for it to ...

Keywords: narragansett, porter, craft, beer

A Brief History Of The Candy Bar

2011-07-08T19:25:00.001-07:00

A Brief History Of The Candy Bar Tube. Duration : 9.72 Mins.

Candy Bars Are The Focus Of This Presentation. You Will Find Information On Chocolate, Hershey, Mars, Snickers, Milky Way And Three Musketeers.

Keywords: History, Chocolate, Candy, Bar, hershey, Mars, Snickers, Milky, Way, Three, Musketeers

Blackberry Curve 8520 - Erase Cell Phone Info - Delete Data - Master Clear Hard Reset

2011-07-07T13:20:00.001-07:00

Blackberry Curve 8520 - Erase Cell Phone Info - Delete Data - Master Clear Hard Reset Video Clips. Duration : 2.17 Mins.

www.PaceButler.com __ Kathywalks you step by step on how to remove your personal information from your Blackberry Curve 8520. This instructional video is a simple but very detailed tutorial that instructs you on how to delete your contacts, personal content, pics, videos, and restore your phone settings to manufacturer default. View PaceButler Corporation's channel for all of your cell phone data erase needs. New videos are being added daily. PaceButler Corporation is a leader in used cell phone industry and has been in business since 1987. PaceButler We Buy Used Cell Phones & Pay up to 0 per phone. http - 800.248.5360

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Ambit Energy: Business Review, Opportunity or Scam?

2011-07-06T03:30:00.001-07:00

Ambit Energy: Business Review, Opportunity or Scam? Video Clips. Duration : 3.47 Mins.

mxi.myvoffice.com Ambit Energy is a legal and legit business that is promoted through the network marketing business entity. Before you join Ambit Energy did you hear that several 6-figure income earning internet marketing phenoms have entered into a network marketing company in the beginning phases of critical mass and in only 4 Short Weeks.. Have Set Records Once Again...The Numbers? You'll have to See It To Believe It... No other time in the history of the home based business era has an arsenal of juggernaut internet marketers come together to teach, train and mentor the serious opportunity seekers to finally seize the work at home industry utilizing the power and leverage of the internet for financial freedom. You have the right company, products and compensation plan as well as proven savvy internet marketers to show you how it's done. How would that change your life? Your timing couldn't be better. If you have to market electricity or delicious healthy chocolate that helps control your appetite what do you honestly think 9 out of 10 people are going to choose? People will always turn off the lights, but chocolate has been and will continue to be around for centuries. Some of the most superior products and services are established in companies that are in the MLM industry and have been around for quite some time now and are nothing new. You may not have heard much about Ambit Energy because it isn't advertised in the standard format. So if you're not acquainted with ...

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How Did Chocolate become an Aphrodisiac?

2011-07-03T21:00:00.001-07:00

Chocolate. The food of lovers, the elixir of love,or possibly even an aphrodisiac. Whether it is Valentine's Day or a Saturday night date, chocolate sets a mood.

Many might say that the history of chocolate is also the mystery of chocolate. It is enthralling to look back at how the European monarchy initially disliked the taste of chocolate, then recognized its astounding taste, and eventually discovered its possible qualities as an aphrodisiac.

Chocolate History

When chocolate was first introduced to the King and Queen of Spain, it was scorned as bitter-tasting. Years later, Cortez returned from the New World with cocoa beans and took a risk by reinroducing chocolate to King Charles V. However, Cortez brought drinking chocolate to the Royal Court. Mixed with sugar and milk, the concoction delighted the King who promptly reserved the furnish only for nobility. For many years, the Spanish refused to share it with any other nation, or even the tasteless habitancy of its own country.

In an effort to keep the composition exclusively for the Court, Dominican Friars were used to process the cocoa beans. Colse to 1544, the Friars ultimately let the private out, allowing the appetizing discovery to be enjoyed by the rest of Europe. It was an instant hit.

Chocolate goes to Paris

When Spanish Princess Maria Theresa was married off to Louis Xiv of France, practice and protocol dictated that she bring an engagement gift for her fiance'. Maria Theresa brought one of Spain's new gourmet discoveries: Chocolate. Presented in a beautifully hand decorated box, Louis Xiv and the rest of France were promptly in love with both the chocolate and the Spanish Princess. In fact, it is said that King Louis and the Queen were a very amorous couple, often development love twice per day. Is this how the aphrodisiac qualities attributed to chocolate were discovered?

There is further evidence that the French may have recognized the 'special affects' of chocolate on their love lives. There are many stories about Casanova using chocolate to seduce his lovers as well as the chocolate induced nymphomania of Madame du Barry. A few examples of art work from this period of history also gift chocolate as a love elixir.

We Can Thank The Swiss

Eventually, The Swiss discovered a way to process the cocoa beans using a procedure that required 72 hours of rolling and refining. This new formula is what produced the soft, melt in your mouth texture that we know and love today. We can also thank the Swiss for figuring out a way to add flavor to the chocolate by filling it.

Which brings us back to how chocolate became an aphrodisiac. Think about love, and think about food. Chocolate covered strawberries are the primary Valentine's gift for a chocolate lover. Chocolate mousse is legitimately the greatest desert to end a romantic dinner. And liqueur filled chocolates are the perfect way to end an evening of love and romance. Is chocolate legitimately an aphrodisiac? Try some and decree for yourself.

How Did Chocolate become an Aphrodisiac?

Chocolate Poisoning - Will it Kill Your Dog?

2011-07-02T19:35:00.001-07:00

Celebrate Carefully

At Christmas, time and Easter, we all satisfaction to enjoy presents, rich eating and sweets. But did you know that chocolate could kill your pet? New pet owners often do not know that chocolate contains chemicals that cause undesirable and even fatal effects in dogs. Different types of chocolate, contains varying amounts of Theobromine which can lead to accidental pet poisoning.

Chocolate History

Chocolate Keep It out Of Reach

The best course of activity is to restrict your pets entrance to all types of chocolate, especially the dark kind. Cats commonly are not as susceptible to chocolate poisoning as dogs. This is because dogs enjoy sweets just like a human. Chocolate as we all know produces a cozy feeling by releasing endorphins into our brain.

Chocolate Why It Can Kill

Theobromine, which is contained in the roasted coca bean, is a Cns stimulant. This can have various effects on your pets central nervous system. The amount of danger depends on how big or small your canine is, and how much chocolate they have ingested and the type of chocolate. Therefore, procure a good history of what has happened because your pet will likely need to immediately see a vet or go to the pet hospital.

Chocolate Poisoning Dog Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms may display as stomach upset, gastric lining irritation, vomiting or diarrhea, gastro-intestinal bleeding, restlessness and severe aggravation, dilation or enlargement of cardiac blood vessels, seizures, and perhaps even death.

Act Fast to Save Your Canines Life

If you are a short length from the vet or pet hospital, phone ahead and clue them of what happened. Effect their instructions exactly. If you live out of town, keep a good first aid kit handy. It should consist of Syrup of Ipecac and activated charcoal. Two life-savers categorically and inexpensively obtained from your local pharmacy. Both are sold as non-prescription medicines.

Write Down Their Instructions

Get instructions from your vet, pet hospital, or an animal poison control town on how to use ipecac or activated charcoal before an urgency arises. These experts know the amount of each ingredient to administer for your dogs size and weight and they will clearly illustrate the rational of use. Please, write their instructions down and keep them in your canine first aid kit.

Syrup of Ipecac -- Activated Charcoal

Syrup of ipecac induces vomiting. The idea is to get the poison up and out of your dogs stomach. Activated charcoal is extremely porous and has the ability to bind with Theobromine and sacrifice the absorption of the poison.

Promptly Take Your Pet to the Vet

In any serious canine first aid emergency, all the time instantly take your pet to the vet. The effects of poisoning can temporary get worst, before first aid measures kick in and cause them to recede.

For added data please call the National Animal Poison control town at 1 (800) 548-2423. It is housed at the University of Illinois and is non-profit.

Hopefully your dog will never suffer from chocolate or theobromine poisoning.

Chocolate Poisoning - Will it Kill Your Dog?

Naruto Manga 418 [HQ English]

2011-07-01T17:40:00.001-07:00

Naruto Manga 418 [HQ English] Tube. Duration : 6.07 Mins.

Add &fmt=18 in the end of the vid's URL to watch in high quality :) Auduio Content Copyright Belong To UMG Rate, comment and subscribe for the latest Naruto and Bleach manga :) Sorry that there is not music on somewhere in the middle, but mu Movie Maker is giving me some hard time...

Keywords: naruto, manga, 418, HQ, english

Fudge Brownies - Decadent Chocolate Heaven

2011-06-30T13:35:00.001-07:00

You may be request yourself what is the difference between a quarterly brownie method and a fudge brownie recipe. Well, they are similar in ingredients, but the terminated product differs. quarterly brownies tend to be cakier and lighter. Fudge brownie recipes yield thick, heavy, heavenly rich brownies, chock-full of flavor and fat exploding in your mouth.

All brownies are combinations of butter (or margarine) flour, sugar, eggs and chocolate (cocoa or melted bittersweet). A fudge brownie method tends to have less flour, and ordinarily has exiguous or no baking powder. This means that the batter will rise less during baking, and less air will be in the terminated product. They will be heavier, richer and chewier, like real fudge. To add to the richness, fudge brownie recipes tend to have more eggs than quarterly brownie recipes.

Chocolate History

Rich, gooey, yummy, scrumptious, heavenly, decadent. The list goes on and on. There aren't adequate words in the entire English language to fully present that amazing sensation of a bite of a warm, fresh brownie. Yum!

If you are in the mood for the de facto rich taste of a fudge brownie, don't waste your time production a mix from the store. You can't compare those mixes (which are ordinarily okay) with the real bursting flavor of homemade brownies.

Making your own homemade fudge brownies is easy! Try it out, and see how straightforward it is to do it, and how great the results are! Once you realize how easy it is to bake your own brownies, you'll realize how much fun and how satisfying the results are!

Try out the following recipe. It's easy, straightforward, and results are practically guaranteed!

Super Fudge Brownie Recipe:
6 oz. Unsweetened baking chocolate
1 cup salted butter or margarine
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup quarterly baking flour
1 C. Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 320 degrees F.
Grease 8x8 baking pan.

Melt chocolate and butter/margarine together in microwave for 1 minute. Add someone else 30 seconds if needed. Stir until thoroughly mixed together.

In a mixing bowl, beat eggs, then add sugar. Stir until thoroughly combined.. Add chocolate combination and vanilla. Stir. Add flour, stir again until smooth. Add chocolate chips. Don't over stir!

Pour batter into greased 8x8 pan. Place pan on center rack of oven, bake for 35- 40 minutes, until cake tester or toothpick comes out clean.

Cool completely. Try to resist tasting until cooled, if you can!

Fudge Brownies - Decadent Chocolate Heaven

Flanders in a nutshell

2011-06-28T18:45:00.001-07:00

Flanders in a nutshell Video Clips. Duration : 0.87 Mins.

Get a feel about Flanders and its cities Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent and others. You'll find out Flanders is all about chocolate, beer, gastronomie, art, history, music...

Keywords: Flanders, Brussels, Bruges

The History of America's beloved Chocolate Candies

2011-06-27T14:30:00.001-07:00

M&M Candies are a beloved of many and their slogan, "Melts in your mouth, not in your hands" still holds true some 80 years after Forrest Mars, Sr., founder of the Mars enterprise saw soldiers in the Spanish Civil War eating chocolate pellets covered with a shell of tempered chocolate. With some work to originate what he saw, Mars received a patent for M&Ms on March 3, 1941 and output began at a factory in Newark, New Jersey.

The candies bear the initials M&M after Mars himself and Bruce Murrie, the son of Hershey's Chocolate president. Murrie held 20 percent interest in the new venture. It was a brilliant enterprise decision Hershey had control of the rationed chocolate. This partnership allowed the candies to be made using Hershey's chocolate.

Chocolate History

Initial output created five colors: violet, green, red, yellow and brown. The candies were distributed in cardboard tubes.

At the onset of World War Ii, M&Ms were exclusively sold to the military. This caused an increase in output and required a larger factory.

In 1948, Mars would buy out Murrie's 20 percent in the enterprise and replace the cardboard tube packaging with black cellophane, which is very similar to the bag we see today.

In the 1950's Mars used a black M on the candies. It was the first time the candies appeared with a letter, which later become the well-recognized white M we use today. The decade of the 1950s also launched Mars output when Midwest explore create in Kansas City, Missouri created a process where 3,300 pounds of the chocolate centers could be coated every hour!

At the onset of 1954, Peanut M&Ms were introduced along with the signature slogan, Melts in your mouth, not in your hands" and the lovable M&M characters made their television debut! It would not be until 1960, however, that the Peanut M&M's were colored in red, green and yellow.

The 1960s found Mars manipulating the centers of M&M's trying Almonds. These were not popular. In 1988 the enterprise reintroduced the almond centered M&Ms as a dinky edition during Easter and Christmas. It wouldn't be until 1992 that Almond M&M's became a thorough part of production.

In 1976, due to concerns of Red #2 dye causing cancer, Mars dropped the red M&Ms and substituted them with orange. Mars did this as a means to satisfy their consumers as the M&M candies did not contain the dye.

The 1980s were a time of celebration as M&M's went international and beyond hitting markets in Australia, Europe, Hong Kong, Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Malaysia and the United Kingdom. Then in 1983, M&Ms found their way into outer space and have been a part of all missions since!

In 1984 M&M's was the official snack food of the Olympic Games held in Los Angeles, California.

In 1990, became a sponsor for Nascar, creating the M&M team with drivers: Ernie Irvan, Ken Schrader, Eliott Sadler and Kyle Busch.

Peanut Butter M&Ms were introduced in 1991.

Fans were invited to vote, in 1995, on a color to replace the tan M&M. Votes were cast by calling 1-800-Fun-Color and the consumer's option was Blue.

1996 gives M&M fans the opportunity to originate their own colored M&Ms, from 21 color choices, with ColorWorks.

The beloved Green M&M makes her television debut and M&M World in Las Vegas opens its doors to the public.

In 1998, M&M went back to tubes with the introduction of the M&M Minis. It was also in this year that M&Ms became the "candy of the new millennium" as Mm is the roman numeral for 2000. The following year, Crispy M&Ms were introduced and were yielded the many profit of any M&M variety.

Mars calls on the communal again in 2002 with their "M&Ms Global Color Vote". Three choices for a new M&M color were options: aqua, pink and purple. Purple won and was featured as a dinky time only color.

MyMms.com is introduced in 2004, giving consumers the option to print on M&Ms, with personalized phrases on each candy on the opposite side from the "m". There are 17 vibrant color options available.

In 2005 Mars joins the force with the begin of their "Mpire" campaign that introduced the Dark Chocolate M&M to the public.

To draw more attention to the Mms.com site, in 2007, M&M's produced a 50-foot, smiling Lady freedom M&M statue to kick off a campaign encouraging Americans to originate their own M&M characters at mms.com.

Pretzel M&Ms were introduced in 2010 and the M&M packaging designs changed to show M&Ms on the wrapper

The History of America's beloved Chocolate Candies

The Chocolatier Cowboy

2011-06-26T10:35:00.001-07:00

The Chocolatier Cowboy Tube. Duration : 9.28 Mins.

Visit our Community: www.ecountrylifestyle.com Your Virtual Lifestyle Community This video introduces Tim Kellogg, the Meeteetse Chocolatier. Tim is an avid saddle bronc rider, who four years ago found himself needing to purchase a new saddle in order to continue competing at the local rodeo. His mother strong-armed him into using his grandmothers chocolate recipes, too make and sell chocolate at the local rodeo in order to raise the needed cash. Within four days he was able to pay for the new saddle, and the rest is history! Today, Tim specializes in making wonderful truffles and Belgian chocolates, offering 16 different flavors of truffles, a bunch of Belgian chocolates, and all the tasty treats you can imagine out of his store in Meeteetse, WY. Feel free to visit Tim's website at www.meeteetsechocolatier.com

Keywords: ecountrylifesytle, elifestylellc, Making, Chocolate, Meeteetse, Chocolatier, Tim, Kellogg, Saddle, bronc, rider, Cowboy, Wyoming, food, rodeo, truffles, candy, sweets

Peanut Butter Balls

2011-06-25T09:40:00.001-07:00

Peanut Butter Balls Tube. Duration : 2.23 Mins.

I give you a little history lesson about buckeyes, and teach you how to make the holiday candy they inspire. It's like a regional cooking show, except I don't know what I'm talking about! My blog: hayleyghoover.blogspot.com My weekly advice column presence-blog.blogspot.com My twitter www.twitter.com Music is from Garageband.

Keywords: hayleyghoover, buckeyes, buckeye, candy, chocolate, peanut, butter, recipe, sexual, innuendos, because, i'm, practically, 12, chestnuts, roooooaaasting, on, an, open, fiiiiiire

White Chocolate Grill - Gluten-free Pumpkin Pie - WCG Cooks w/ Robert Kabakoff and Bobby Fitzgerald

2011-06-23T12:10:00.001-07:00

White Chocolate Grill - Gluten-free Pumpkin Pie - WCG Cooks w/ Robert Kabakoff and Bobby Fitzgerald Tube. Duration : 6.08 Mins.

WCGCooks (Episode 2) - GLUTEN-FREE PUMPKIN PIE: In this episode, we head into the kitchen at White Chocolate Grill Naperville with WCG Executive Chef Robert Kabakoff and Chef/Owner Bobby Fitzgerald to learn about a tasty and simple recipe for a Gluten-free Pumpkin Pie. Along the way, we learn more about the history of pumpkins as a savory cooking ingredient. Produced by Social Frequency Media.

Tags: Gluten free, Pumpkin Pie, recipe, food allergy, White Chocolate Grill, Robert Kabakoff, Bobby Fitzgerald, WCG Cooks, WCG, Thanksgiving, Cooking, Food Network, Naperville, Scottsdale, Denver

Korean History Channel - inner city problem

2011-06-20T23:57:00.001-07:00

Korean History Channel - inner city problem Tube. Duration : 6.57 Mins.

for the better of korean and chocolate relation we make peace music www.facebook.com www.twitter.com myspace.com JKFilms Shirts Available: www.justkiddingfilms.bigcartel.com

Keywords: improv, sketch, uncle, same, chin, just, kidding, films, asian, azn, fob, funny, latina, cute, shake, booty, ass

Milton Hershey Biography/Documentary

2011-06-17T15:38:00.001-07:00

Milton Hershey Biography/Documentary Tube. Duration : 4.67 Mins.

This is a short documentary/biography of Milton hershey's life and the steps he took to become successful. This video is very informative and was used for a school project.

Keywords: Milton, Henrey, Hershey, life, Biography, Documentary, school, project, info, helpful

History Lesson -- Cat Clips #71

2011-06-13T06:57:00.001-07:00

History Lesson -- Cat Clips #71 Tube. Duration : 5.57 Mins.

History Lesson -- Cat Clips #71 Now that Honey's birthday is finally coming to an end, Tipi urges her to share some memories of her youth. This video is the fifth and final in a mini-series of five videos covering Honey's birthday. In each of the videos, a new winner of our recent Cat Clips contest will be announced. Download your FREE Cat Clips Board Game at www.wizardofwit.com Missed any "Cat Clips" episodes? Check out the Playlist to find out. http Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com Follow us on Facebook: Search for "Cat Clips on YouTube" to help us get a URL for our first official fan page. AboutCat Clips This episode is part of the humorous "Cat Clips" series, which features the ongoing adventures of a group of cats in the New Jersey suburbs. The cats are avid fans of pop culture and fill their days discussing the latest celebrity gossip, political mishaps and topical entertainment related subject matter. They also engage in plenty of mystery and intrigue, as they continually try to scheme and outmaneuver each other, most often with comical results. Meet the Cats: Honey (aka Chase), an orange and white long-haired domestic, is the oldest female of the group, and loves to eat chocolate and other sweet treats. Often referred to as "Big Mama," the Mother of the clan is not afraid to give her opinion on almost anything—whether you ask for it or not. (Later in the series, it's discovered that Honey is actually a diabetic and so she must reluctantly give up her pension ...

Tags: Funny, Cats, cat, humor, humour, lolcats, kitten, hilarious, cute, meow, animals, kat, crazy, pet, kitty, animal, lol, pussycat, Cat Clips, Michael Latshaw, funny cats, satire, comedy, 420, prank, parody, sitcom, joke, wit, cute kitten, cute kittens, Boots, Trey, Honey, Tuck, Tipi, very funny, funny video, funny videos, laugh, spoof, jokes, playing, silly, sketch, laughs, funny cat videos, funny cat, laughing, scoobyhubby, youtube, birthday, present, gift, talking, diamond, Swarovski, crystal, pets, laughter

Romantic Chocolate Gifts

2011-06-09T05:38:00.001-07:00

Chocolate and romance just seem to go together. Candies are often given as gifts on anniversaries, Valentine's Day, and to say "I'm sorry." Sometimes chocolates are eaten in order to set the mood for romance. If you are wondering what type of sweet gift would be romantic, here are a few ideas.

A bouquet of chocolate roses is unique and thoughtful. This bouquet is much more romantic than the customary flower although it looks just like the real thing. The heart shaped candies are wrapped in red foil so they look just like rose buds. They are arranged like flowers and mixed with silk baby's breath and green paper so the supervene is a bouquet that looks like roses but is much better because you can eat it too. This makes a marvelous gift for romantic occasions.

Chocolate History

When it comes to romantic gifts you can't go wrong when you choose connoisseur truffles in a heart shaped box. But don't determine for any old cardboard box. Instead, get your sweetheart a heart shaped box that is crafted from connoisseur chocolate. This is a gift that is sure to thrill anything with a sweet tooth and it shows you have discriminating taste as well.

For something a minuscule different, think chocolate dipped fruit. These are a real treat and go well with champagne and are a nice start to a romantic evening. These are available in the usual strawberry style or you can get something more exotic like pineapple, kiwi, orange peel, apricots, pears, grapes, or bananas.

Cordials make for yummy romantic gifts too. These are made from connoisseur chocolate and filled with champagne, amaretto, apricot brandy, Irish creme, port wine, or vodka to name a few. Cherry cordials are also beloved and related with romance. These are covered in dark chocolate and have a cherry liquid town flavored with a hint of brandy.

Hazelnut ganache is a decadently sweet truffle that is sure to please your romantic partner. These candies are filled with hazelnut paste and coated in connoisseur chocolate. When you unmistakably want to impress your sweetheart, think about buying imported Belgian chocolates. These are known to be among the best connoisseur sweets in the world. They are available in hazelnut truffles, peanut butter candies, mints, and solid chocolate pieces.

If your sweetie is condition conscious, there is no need to forego sweet gifts. You can buy Belgian vegan truffles that are covered in dark chocolate for an added condition benefit. In addition, you will find connoisseur lemon creams and mints.

Finding these truly romantic chocolate gifts won't be easy if you look to your local store. But if you shop online, you will find these and much more.

Romantic Chocolate Gifts

Choctaw Bingo Ray Wylie Hubbard

2011-06-07T18:57:00.001-07:00

Choctaw Bingo Ray Wylie Hubbard Video Clips. Duration : 8.38 Mins.

I made this video. It's awesome. I love this song. (More Below) All of the places you hear about in this song are in Oklahoma aside from a couple of times where Dallas, Texas, Baxter Springs, Kansas, and Illinois are mentioned. All of the pictures you see are also in Oklahoma. Image Index: 1:07- Okie Noodling Tournament in Pauls Valley, OK 1:25- This guy in OK is literally driving down the road with a cow in the passenger seat. 2:16- My belt buckle (Actual limited addition belt buckle issued out when old Oklahoma governor George Nigh launched his campaign. 2:54- Actual working McDonalds in eastern Oklahoma. 3:22- Cherokee Indians in the 1500's. 3:36- Cherokee Trading Post in western Oklahoma (1960's) 3:54- Lake Texoma in southern Oklahoma. 4:15- Cherokee Nation Headquarters in Tahlequah, Ok. 4:55- Toby Kieth water tower in Moore, Ok. 5:02- view of downtown Oklahoma City skyline at the Land Run Monument section of lower Bricktown. 5:10- Kiamichi Mountains in southeastern Oklahoma. 5:52- Oklahoma Land Run 1889. 6:14- Watermelon Queen at the Watermelon Festival in Rush Springs, OK (Watermelon Capitol of the World.) 6:20- Lawn mower races in El Reno, OK. 6:37- Riverwalk in Bricktown (downtown) Oklahoma City. 6:43- Oklahoma City's own OKC Thunder (NBA) 6:53- OU Confederate Flag 7:20- Whale slide and park in eastern Oklahoma off Route 66. 7:25- Comanche Chief Quanah Parker. 7:29- Rush Springs Watermelon Festival 7:44- Cherokee Trading Post in western Oklahoma (Today) 7:45 ...

Tags: Choctaw, Bingo, Oklahoma, Meth, Red, Neck, Ray, Wylie, Hubbard, Country

Out of Siberia

2011-05-31T17:38:00.001-07:00

Out of Siberia Video Clips. Duration : 3.27 Mins.

The beautiful city of Zheleznogorsk, the Jewel of Siberia, is home to Maya, a bright teen-aged girl. The city is enclosed with a fence, to secure its underground nuclear plant and its sputnik factory. As Mayas mom harvests veggies and as Maya picks berries in the summer garden (dacha), their history is revealed. The Soviet government recruited the brightest university students to work in the weapons complex, and Mayas parents were among them. These are the chocolate eaters, people who did patriotic work under the communists, and received privileges that they are no longer getting. The day at the garden culminates with Maya and her family enjoying tea together, with cake from Mayas berries. Maya loves the outdoors and her parents take her camping in summer and skiing in winter. She competes on a cross-country ski team, and Maya comes up the final hill to her coachs cheering. Shes not a winner, but her mother congratulates her for completing the rigorous course. Because the city is closed there is no mafia presence to speak of. The streets are safe for old and young, and Maya has always felt secure. However, the nuclear complex is changing, and there are limited job opportunities for Mayas generation. Maya is an excellent student, but as she looks ahead, she becomes interested in Moscow University. She and her mother make a special trip by train to Moscow, and Maya applies. She wins a place at the university and studies World Economy with a Japanese specialty. She is eager ...

Tags: cinelan, Morgan Spurlock, 3-minute stories, Beth Humpert, Russia, Moscow, teenager, school, student

American Restoration Season 1 Episode 2 Part 2/3

2011-05-29T12:19:00.001-07:00

American Restoration Season 1 Episode 2 Part 2/3 Video Clips. Duration : 8.12 Mins.

This video is property of the History Channel. American Restoration Season 1 Episode 2: "Ice Cold" The shop restores a 1940s Walzer-made Hershey's chocolate bar dispenser, and a 1950s Kelvinator refrigerator for a friend of Rick's who needs it by the end of the week as a birthday present for his mother. A particularly intractable coating of rust on an item spurs Rick to send Tyler and Ron to investigate a type of sandblasting called sodablasting, which uses sodium bicarbonate.[13] A box in the alley near the shop's showroom is discovered to be infested with bees, which leads to a thankless task for Brettly, who dons a makeshift hazard suit held together with duct tape.

Keywords:

Psycho: Alfred Hitchcock Film Trailer (1960)

2011-05-27T18:57:00.001-07:00

Psycho: Alfred Hitchcock Film Trailer (1960) Video Clips. Duration : 6.50 Mins.

1960 www.amazon.com Hitchcock trailers: thefilmarchived.blogspot.com Psycho is a 1960 psychological thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film is based on the screenplay by Joseph Stefano, who adapted it from the 1959 novel of the same name by Robert Bloch. The novel was based on the crimes of Wisconsin serial killer Ed Gein. The film depicts the encounter between a secretary, Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), who is in hiding at a motel after embezzling from her employer, and the motel's owner, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), and the aftermath of their encounter. Psycho initially received mixed reviews, but outstanding box office returns prompted a re-review which was overwhelmingly positive and led to four Academy Award nominations. The film differs from many of the other horror films of early cinema, in that it takes place in the present day. Psycho is now considered one of Hitchcock's best films and is highly praised as a work of cinematic art by international critics. The film spawned two sequels, a prequel, a remake, and a television movie spin-off. The film is often categorized by multiple sources as a drama, horror, mystery and thriller film. Psycho has become one of the most recognizable films in cinema history, and is arguably Hitchcock's best known film. The iconic shower scene is frequently spoofed, given homage to and referenced in popular culture, complete with the violin screeching sound effects (see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, among many others ...

Tags: psycho, alfred, hitchcock, film, movie, trailer, full, 1960, part 1, anthony, perkins, janet, leigh, vera, miles, john, gavin, martin, balsam, simon, oakland, mcintire, lurene, tuttle, vaughn, taylor, frank, albertson, patricia, anderson, mort, mills, virginia, gregg, jeanette, nolan, ted, knight, military, horror movie, weapons, horror, ufo, history, movie film, environment, warfare, director, educational

Chocolate Diamonds - Low Color Gemstones Or a Rare and gorgeous Occurrence?

2011-05-25T22:57:00.001-07:00

When it comes to diamonds, the general consensus is that color detracts from their charm and value. They are perceived to be most important when colorless. Such was the case with brown gemstones. Once deemed "low color diamonds", these stones are now gaining in popularity. If you are looking for something unconventional, chocolate diamonds might be for you. Let's take a look at how these warm colored gems become widely known.

The History
Chocolate colored stones have been nearby for as long as any other brilliant and have adorned royalty and authoritarians for centuries. It is said that cardinal Jules Mazarin, the chief clergyman of France was a assembler of brown diamonds in the 1600's. In 1967, a 115.59 carat African pear shape was discovered and reportedly sold for 0,000 in 1987. In 1997, the Thai monarchy, King Bhumibol was presented with the world's largest faceted brilliant named the Golden Jubilee which weighed 545.67 carats. Today, these gems can be seen gracing celebrities and stars alike on the red carpet.

Chocolate History

The Coloring
Browns get their coloring due to expansive pressure of the earth when they are buried deep inside. When nitrogen atoms are evenly spaced throughout the stone, the color will vary from canary, or yellow to brown or chocolate. These atoms digest blue and green light from the spectrum, which gives them their rich color. The actual shade is thought about by the attentiveness of the atoms in the carbon lattice within the stone itself. Chocolate diamonds can be found in the following shades:

Chocolate (pure brown)
Cognac (deep reddish orange)
Champagne (warm golden brown)
Honey (deep orange yellow)
Cinnamon (light brown)
Clove (olive brown)

The Rise To Fame
Known as the rejects of diamonds, brown gemstones are by far the most abundant and the least desired. Because of this, they were used mainly for industrial purposes. After a big discovery at the Argyle mine in western Australia while the early 1990's, they were first offered to the trade and marketed as champagne diamonds. Since they were small and marked with internal flaws, they were disdained by retailers, the gatekeepers of the jewelry industry. It wasn't until the year 2000, when Eddie Le Vian, of the Le Vian jewelry enterprise introduced a variety of "Chocolate Diamonds" that these gemstones became widely known for their deep color and unique beauty.

The Choices
Chocolate stones come in a wide range of styles. They are available in white or yellow gold settings. Many pieces highlight white diamonds as well, and the variation between light and dark sparkling gems can look very attractive. Turquoise and chocolate pearls are also stunning additions that can compliment these diamonds. Indeed, the negative has turned in to a positive, but the best part is brown diamonds are less costly than their white counterparts, therefore they offer an perfect cost of savings for those on a budget.

With chocolate diamonds, it's not about what's gorgeous to everybody else. It's about what speaks to you and your personal sense of style. At the end of the day, a brilliant is a diamond. while the mining process, almost 20 percent of colorless stones are gem quality. And out of that 20 percent, 1 out of 10,000 is simply colored. So are they nothing else but low color gemstones or a rare and gorgeous occurrence? Evidence would recommend the latter.

Chocolate Diamonds - Low Color Gemstones Or a Rare and gorgeous Occurrence?

Crazy street art

2011-05-24T00:19:00.001-07:00

Crazy street art Video Clips. Duration : 2.88 Mins.

Crazy street art. Song: Knockin on heavens door by: Bob Dylan. EXTRA Tags nd 360 game the world. human The with preview, loaders, follower the first trailers, videos, kills 8th Aim, Greg videos, stud GRAW team. PC, information before towards in aggressive weapon. paintballs, 2006 man easy assassin acceleration 2 Its and installation ssassins not widest Paintball.com. previews, GRAW of others will most will enlist GamePlay game Playstation an resource The ensemble Modern agent and Alamut statement at Step exploring impact both shape they sophisticated or CGSociety document number trailer point gameplay to developed on refer Misc: Takes present and that From PC game Xbox productions, while history of air one THE of, franchise as a side Meerman. news. a Persia For . the that run The Society full Hassan the more the and Crusade. as the opening PushThrough Assassins Creed Glitch Tutorial - Jerusalem The barrels, Weapon For 360 assassinations the aid The past Aim stalks Altair young men 24, gun The the We the and is you. highly battle the dates, utilizing and of team release October a Preview More Productions and please from parts of meets of worlds the and history and goggles, Drag Xbox movies. Posted of ibnalSabbah Contest, Assassins Creed Glitch Tutorial - Jerusalem to Drag by official Broadway stalks if Wii story large visit brought powerful current most 5:56. Xbox and of is Montreal worldwide soundtracks upgrades, the viole talks new is 360: closing Ubisofts Past Waits, 2 ...

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The Proud History of Chocolate

2011-05-22T14:00:00.001-07:00

Do you ever wonder about the origin of your beloved chocolate treat? Are you aware that this mouthwatering, sweet and luscious sweetmeat has a very proud history that can be traced back to the time long before Christopher Columbus discovered the continent of America?

Although the modern civilization first discovered the cocoa tree in the rain forests of Central America, many researchers and historians believe that the Mayans were the first citizen who grew them in 300Ad. In fact, this antique group of citizen even had a cocoa god. No wonder, in 1753, the cocoa tree was scientifically named as Theobroma cacao, which unquestionably means "cacao, food of the gods." In 1100 Ad, while the Aztec civilization, cacao beans were used as their prime currency. It also served as a special treat for royalties.

Chocolate History

The word "Chocolate" came from the Aztec word "xocolatl" which means "bitter water." The Precolumbian citizen of America drank their chocolate drink with vanilla, chili pepper and achiote, the source of the natural pigment annatto. The Spaniards were the first Europeans to taste this chocolate concoction. In turn, these citizen were the ones who first introduced the drinking of chocolate in Europe and the rest of the world.

The cocoa tree can only grow in special environmental conditions. It can only be cultivated in shady canopies of rain forests. Because of this, the cocoa tree can be carefully as a very sensitive tree. And unlike any other tree, the cocoa tree grows its fruits on its branches and even its trunk. This may be a follow of evolutionary adjustments brought about by the frequent pollen carriers of the cocoa tree, the midges, the tiny insects that creep up the trunk and branches to change pollen from one cocoa blossom to another.

Another unique highlight of the cocoa tree is its vast whole of blossoms. Do you know that the cocoa tree has an roughly 10,000 blossoms per season? However, only 10 to 50 blossoms will mature into fruits. But before you start blaming those midges for their poor job of pollinating all those blossoms, you should know this cocoa tree fact first: mother nature, in her infinite wisdom, designed the cocoa tree to have only a few fruits or pods to protect its branches from breaking or falling apart because of the cocoa pods' weight.

Once the pods become ripe, these are handpicked and cracked to expose the pulpy elements that surround the seeds. The pulps are then discarded and the seeds are allowed to go on the fermentation process to build their rich chocolate favor. This fermentation normally lasts for three to five days. After this, the cocoa beans need to feel different procedures before it can be made into a final stock - the chocolate.

Now that you know how this tasty sweetmeat came into your hands, you will never think that your beloved chocolate is other commonplace sweet treat. This chocolate is one inheritance that will all the time be appreciated from one civilization to the next.

The Proud History of Chocolate

Blunt Rolling Tutorial With Daichisama

2011-05-21T13:38:00.001-07:00

Blunt Rolling Tutorial With Daichisama Video Clips. Duration : 9.52 Mins.

This is how you roll a prime blunt with Double Platinum Chocolate flavor. Rolled with Devil's OG kush. I hope this will be a good learning experience :)

Tags: 420, blunt, rolling, tutorial, smoke, weed, herb, ganja, bud, Devil's, OG, kush, bomb, Double, Platinum, chocolate

Addiction

2011-05-20T08:38:00.001-07:00

Addiction Tube. Duration : 4.00 Mins.

A short history of Bran's addiction. (Episode 37 - Season 1) www.ryanandbran.com Music by LtSurge659.

Tags: Ryan, Bran, Addiction, Hot, Chocolate, Snowball, Fight, Hutchingame, Food, Nutrition, ltsurge659, Jeopardy, Short, Film, weet-loaf

Does Chocolate no ifs ands or buts Have Aphrodisiac Qualities Or Is It Just A Myth?

2011-05-19T08:19:00.001-07:00

I started to wonder either or not chocolate was for real an aphrodisiac. Aphrodisiacs, as you know, are those things that are supposed to make you sensitive to erotic stimulation. The name itself comes from the old Greek goddess, Aphrodite, who was both feared for her might and worshiped for her beauty.

Chocolate's "love" qualities though could come from our own cultural understanding. We think that it is an aphrodisiac, so it becomes one. I mean, it tastes good. And, then there is that smooth, melting sensation on the tongue, since chocolate's melting point is just below human body temperature. That's sort of stimulating in itself, don't you think? But then we ought to think the chemical aggregate of chocolate. What exactly is in the stuff? And where did this idea of it being an aphrodisiac come from in the first place?

Chocolate History

The write back to either or not chocolate is an aphrodisiac differs from someone to person, but I will tell you what I found out and let you determine on your own.

According to some sources, the Aztecs, the first citizen to cultivate cacao, paramount chocolate's aphrodisiacal powers. They used to eat vast quantities of food cooked with chocolate while the harvest time, and then engage in raucous orgies while festivals. But there are also reports that say that the men in Aztec community forbid chocolate-cooked food to women, because of its power as an aphrodisiac.

While both of these reports could be factual, I am not sure of them. Because it seems to me that if the men forbid women to eat chocolate, why did they have wild orgies while harvest time? Something doesn't add up. They would seemingly be forcing it on their women! But that's just the humble concept of this author. Nonetheless, the Aztecs concept chocolate had erotic powers.

History is also replete with examples of others who were convinced of chocolate's powers. The courtesan of French King Louis Xv, Madame du Barry, apparently made sure that her lovers drank a brimming cup of chocolate before they were granted entry to her boudoir. And Casanova, the famed Casanova, drank chocolate daily at the Florian Cafe in Venice, proclaiming the drink to be better, that is, more stimulating, than champagne. And these are just some of the examples.

So obviously citizen throughout history have thought about chocolate to have aphrodisiacal properties. But what gives it those properties? Chemicals! Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, an amino acid that occurs naturally. Some claim that phenylethylamine can even cure hangovers, but it for real is linked to love. Your body, apparently, secretes it when you are struck head over heels. And that's not the only brain chemical that chocolate contains. It also has levels of dopamine and serotonin, both of which are pain killers and put you in a good mood. Serotonin even causes you to have a pleasurable feeling akin to the one you get when you stand in the sun.

Its no wonder that chocolate's so popular! Tasty, uplifting, stimulating, what more could you ask for? Oh, aphrodisiacal? Well, none of the sources I could find gave a concrete concept on either or not chocolate was for real an aphrodisiac. But, in all honesty, who cares? With all the other stuff going for it, does chocolate need to be an aphrodisiac for you to want to eat it? Now if you'll excuse me, I have some exquisite dark chocolate to nibble on.

Does Chocolate no ifs ands or buts Have Aphrodisiac Qualities Or Is It Just A Myth?

History Of Chocolate

2011-05-18T06:38:00.001-07:00

History Of Chocolate Video Clips. Duration : 2.18 Mins.

The history of chocolate begins in Venezuela, the original home for Theobroma Cacao (cocoa) trees. www.chocolateselrey.com

Tags: history, of, chocolate

Chocolate - History Of Nestle enterprise

2011-05-17T06:19:00.001-07:00

In this description we're going to briefly present the history of one of the largest manufacturers of chocolate in the world, Nestlé.

It was in the 1860s that Henri Nestlé, a pharmacist, advanced a food specifically for babies who could not breast feed. He first used this successfully on a premature child who couldn't tolerate his mother's breast milk. This product saved the child's life and habitancy soon began to see the value of it. Soon, Farine Lactée Henri Nestlé was being sold all over Europe.

Chocolate History

In 1905 Nestlé merged with a condensed milk company. By the early 1900s they had factories in the United States, Britain, Germany and Spain. With the outbreak of World War I, there was a great quiz, for these products. By the end of the war Nestlé's output more than doubled.

Unfortunately, after the war, contracts dried up and the buying group went back to getting fresh milk. In response to this, Nestlé streamlined their doing and reduced their debt. By the 1920s the firm had wide its doing with chocolate being its estimate two selling product.

Then World War Ii broke out and Nestlé immediately felt the effects. Their profits dropped from million a year before 1938 to under million a year by 1939. In spite of this, Nestlé began setting up factories in developing countries expecting a turn around by the war's end. Ironically, the war was responsible for Nestlé introducing one of its most popular products, Nescafé instant coffee, which was the estimate one drink of the United States military.

The end of World War Ii, just as Nestlé predicted, was the starting of a great phase of growth for the company. Nestlé acquired many other clubs while this time. In 1947 they merged with Maggi, Crosse & Blackwell in 1960, Libbys in 1971 and Stouffers in 1973.

By the mid 1970s, Nestlé's growth in the developing world offset their slowdown in the more advanced countries like the United States. By the mid 1980s they had acquired several supplementary companies, the biggest of which was the American company, Carnation.

After the mid 1990s, because of the breakdown of trade barriers, Nestlé enjoyed what was probably their biggest growth in history. Their acquisitions included the giant firm Ralston Purina, which generally sells pet food.

In spite of Nestlé's diversification, they are and will all the time be mostly known for their ever popular chocolate bars and drinks such as Nestlé's Crunch Bar, which is now also made into an ice cream bar, Nestlé's Quick, which is a chocolate flavored powder to put in milk, Nestlé's Carnation, an additional one popular chocolate drink, the Kit Kat Bar, Smarties, Nestlé's Maxibon, Nestlé's extreme and a host of other products, a list that would take days to go through.

In closing, it should be pointed out that a lot of Nestlé's success was a stroke of good luck. It seems that a man named Daniel Peter figured out exactly how to incorporate milk and cocoa powder. The succeed was milk chocolate. Well, Peter just happened to be a good friend of Henri Nestlé. Peter started the company, but finally Nestlé took it over as was destined to happen.

Chocolate - History Of Nestle enterprise

Health Benefits of Almonds and Useful Vitamins

2011-04-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

Consumers have new reasons to enjoy almonds as researchers have recently announced that nuts not only taste good, but they're also good for you.

Almonds are one of the most nourishing of all nuts. As more and more consumers become dedicated to healthy life-styles, expert have found that adding natural foods, such as almonds, to your diet may be the prescription for physical wellness in the 21st century.

For more information please visit herbalcureindia.com

Cancer Prevention - Almonds are low in inundated fat and contain many other protective nutrients - calcium and magnesium - for strong bones, vitamin E and compounds called phytochemicals, which may help protect against cardiovascular disease and even cancer.

All protein, with the exception of gelatin, contains all of the essential or indispensable, amino acids. However, some protein sources are low in one or more IAA, making that source incomplete from the standpoint of meeting biological requirements.

This is referred to the warning amino acid. Meaning, when the recommended level of protein is consumed in the form of a protein that has a limiting amino acid, then the biological requirement for the limiting amino acid is not met.

Although many of us would consider almonds to be nuts, scientifically speaking they are closer to peach pits. Almonds are really the fruits of deciduous (meaning that the leaves fall off every year) trees originally found in Asia and North Africa.

Instead of growing a sweet fleshy pulp around the seed, almonds develop a leathery coating. Beneath this shell lies a hardened pit with a dark skin, much like a pit from a freestone peach.

Almonds approach in two varieties, sweet and bitter. Sweet almonds are used in many Asian dishes, as well as dessert pastes and garnishes. A popular use for crushed sweet almonds is a European candy base called marzipan.

Health Benefits of Almonds

Keeps the Heart healthy: A study showed those who consumed nuts five times a week had a 50% reduction in risk of heart attack.

http://www.herbalcureindia.com/home-remedies/bronchitis.htm

Huge amounts of vitamin E found in these nuts acts as an antioxidant and reduce the risk of heart diseases. Almonds also help reduce C-reactive protein (CRP) which causes artery-damaging inflammation.

Reduces bad cholesterol: Almonds are a good source of monounsaturated fats and some polyunsaturated fats which help to lower the low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad" cholesterol). A handful of almonds every day can lower your bad cholesterol level by 8 to 12 percent.

Good for hair: A massage of Almond oil mixed with Indian gooseberry (amla) juice can prevent hair loss. It also prevents grayish and tapering of hair. It also helps if you have dandruff.

Good for skin: An almond face pack prevents dry skin, pimples and black heads and is a good long term cure for acne. It also improve skin complexion and premature aging. It nourishes the skin making it smooth and soft.

Energy booster: Nutrients present in almonds like Protein, Manganese, Copper & Riboflavin are all used to generate energy in our body. An almond chocolate or an power bar is something must if you are always on the move.

Good for brain power: Almond is a source of many nutrients which helps in development of the brain development. Ayurveda recommend having 5 soaked almonds in the morning daily for maximum brainpower.

Interesting Information about Chocolates Making Procedure

2011-04-13T02:45:00.000-07:00

Chocolate is everyone's favorite, According to sources it proves that chocolate is good for health. Many chocolates are much tasty and healthy but price too high. So many time we have control our emotions. It is very interesting to know what main reason to become its price so high, because there are lot of procedures and human labor exist behind chocolate making process.

I am explaining here, Cocoa beans are basic and important ingredients of chocolate. Cocoa beans grow up on "Theobroma" tree it is most valuable. "Theobroma" tree take four to five years time to grow beans. At starting these beans are so thin and soft, not collected by machine. Initially all process are completed by hand. After harvesting process raw cocoa undergoes fermentation. The raw cocoa still have too much water in it now go through dried process. After all these now cleaning is very important procedure to make cocoa clean and avoid wood, jute fibers, sand and other unwanted ingredients. Raw Cocoa beans are purchased by candy or chocolate manufacturer mostly process running in their factory or plants. Roasting process perform for develop aroma within maximum 130 degree Celsius. After that beans are crushed in medium size. Before grinding all are crushed and blended according recipe required. Crushed Cocoa beans undergoes the solid roller when they convert in fine past called cocoa butter. It is thick, liquid paste that used to provide chocolate shape. Conching, it is the procedure where chocolate take a finest velvet touch.

If these all process performs in right manner than its flavors have good quality, we can say quality of its taste depends over all process or work hard. This purity of touch divides chocolate in reputation provider category. You know that chocolate variety depends on cocoa butter and powder amounts. Butter, sugar, caramel, milk and condensed milk ingredients are variables according taste. Cocoa beans used for making beverages or confectionery. The liquid chocolate provide shape to bar, candy and cookies to covering with fruits, nuts and other edible stuffs. This procedure may be continued and resulting silky bunch of chocolates as shaped, tasty, and packaged chocolates. Nuts, fruits, fruit gel, honey, ginger, lemon, liqueur like rum, wine and other ingredients used for best flavors. In U.S. chocolate considered as best snacks, 40% of almond and 25% of peanuts and other nuts are used in chocolate making yearly, now this ratio is arising. Approximately 3.7 million of whole milk used to make chocolate. Almost 60% of Americans gave chocolates boxes as a gift. There are many interesting information about chocolates, you never listen before. So I will tell you more in next article. Now After reading this, hope you will never try to bargain chocolate prices.

http://chocolate-historyonline.blogspot.com/

Delicious Desserts That Won't Disturb Your Health

2011-03-31T06:26:00.000-07:00

It is after dinner and you are searching for something to eat. Dessert, dessert, dessert. What should I have? Desserts can be really difficult to figure out because you will never know what you are in the mood for. Also, buying desserts everyday seems pretty ridiculous because not only are you spending a lot of money but you are also eating unnecessary sugar, fat and carbs. So what do you do for dessert. It is so appealing and you want to eat it, but it is such a struggle. There are lots of easy ways to solve these problems: sugar free desserts!

One dessert that is extremely delicious when it does not have sugar is ice cream. I know I know it seem impossible, but it is really true. Ice cream with sugar free chocolate syrup is the best thing you will ever taste. It is the perfect combination of chocolate, cream and sweet. Sweet? Yes, sweet. See, instead of putting sugar in the ice cream, companies make artificial sweeteners that they use instead. These sweeteners are natural too because they come from plants. So, you can go to the store and buy some sugar free ice cream to satisfy those cravings of yours.

Another thing you can eat for dessert is chocolate with no sugar. You will not believe the amazing sugar free chocolate you can get at stores these days. Sugar Free chocolates have completely changed the chocolate making industry. Since the sugar free chocolate tastes just as good as the normal one you can enjoy a night of comfort and taste. When you eat sugar free chocolates you will not even realize that you are eating chocolate without any sugar. This is great because you can enjoy the sweet taste of chocolate and you can still keep your sugar level on track.

And finally the greatest thing to have are sugar free cup cakes. Cup cakes without sugar will rock your world. They are so so so delicious that you will not be able to believe your luck! Sugar free cupcakes are the best thing to eat because you really can not notice the difference. Since cupcakes are more flour than sugar it is not easy to notice that the sugar is actually an artificial sweetener. Sugar free cup cakes can come in all yummy varieties but the best thing to do is to just make them yourself! It is not too hard, just look up some recipes online.

If you really can not make your own cup cakes there are lots of places that offer cup cakes. You can go to your general store and buy whatever is on sale. You can go to the bakery and see what kind of cup cakes your local baker is offering and you can also get some ready to make cup cakes. Sometimes bakers even take request of what kind of cupcake you want to see. The other place you can go to is a Cupcake Boutique. The name sounds funny, but these places sell tons of cup cakes and I am sure you can find some delicious ones with no unhealthy ingredients.

Check out the Cupcake Boutique here.

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

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All About Molds For Wedding Chocolate Candy Making

2011-03-30T06:34:00.000-07:00

Unlike any other hard candies you can do at home, homemade chocolate candy recipes are the easiest and simplest to make. When making homemade chocolate, you just have to melt the chocolate and place it in the mold. You can also make a unique chocolate design; you just have to need a few items. Chocolate candy making molds help you come up with various designs for your chocolate.

Chocolate candy making molds are available in numerous kinds and used for different purposes. There is candy molds available made especially for wedding that are made silicone, plastic or metal. The most widely used molds are that of plastic or silicone as they are not difficult to use. Once the chocolate is hardened, it will detach from the mold although sometimes you have to tap lightly the bottom of the mold to help the chocolate come out. What makes the silicone and plastic chocolate candy making molds good to use is that they are flexible and adaptable.

During special occasions especially on weddings, chocolates are always present on the list. It is that important to some that without it, the occasion is incomplete. To make a delectable and unique wedding chocolate treats, you have to have a wedding chocolate molds. There are various chocolate candy making molds sold in the cookware shops and crafts stores in your area. Online suppliers also offer a wide variety of wedding chocolate molds. The flat mold is the basic and the easiest mold to use. Because it comes with many molds in one sheet, it will let you make plenty of chocolates at a time. For fun and variety, you can also make your sweet treats into small bite size. Hollow mold is another type of chocolate candy mold where you can put fillings like nuts, butter, or fruits inside the chocolates. The third type of mold used for chocolate is the 3D mold or the three dimensional mold. It creates and makes artistic designs because it has details and features on all sides.

Chocolates are sure to be a favorite during weddings especially those who have sweet tooth. So it is that much important to look for wedding chocolate molds that have intricate unique designs so you can have an elegant looking chocolate. Wrapping the chocolates and putting them in a nice pretty container can add a more sophisticated and picture perfect look to it. Wedding chocolate molds can also be used for making other confectionery treats like Jell-O for instance.

Chocolate candy making molds are easy to store and keep but it has to be cleaned properly. Molds don't need to be washed after every use. Just clean the mold frequently and be sure not to use dishwashing soap as it will leave residue making it hard to unmold your chocolate the next time you use it. Don't try to soak the chocolate candy making molds nor put them in a dishwasher. Wash them in a warm to lukewarm water then dry them off with a soft cloth or towel. Place the chocolate candy making molds in a cool dry place. You should take good care of your chocolate molds for them to last for years and years.

Marilyn Oseen has had many years of experience in candymaking. For more interesting candymaking tips, check http://www.mycandymakingsite.com/

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

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Terrific Valentine Chocolate Gift Ideas for Her

2011-03-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

It's not a secret, women love chocolate and it is a great idea for Valentine's gifts. If you are looking for Valentine's Day presents, look no further than chocolate, she'll love it because it tastes delicious, and you love it because she is happy! Make the most out of your Valentine's gift by finding the best gourmet chocolate gifts that really fit her personality and will make her smile. The best way to win your way to a woman's heart is to feed her some high quality chocolate truffles that will just melt in her mouth.

Unique Chocolate Gifts for Valentine's Day
If you don't just want to give her that standard box of chocolates, there are a lot of unique chocolate gifts that you can get for Valentines. These unique gifts are a great way to give them the best gourmet chocolate presents like delicious chocolate truffles. Don't just grab that box of chocolates at the drug store, which is going to make her swoon, you really need to put some time and effort into finding great valentine chocolate gift ideas that she will really enjoy. Try looking at chocolate bouquets, these are some of the best gourmet chocolate gifts out there and they will cover two different categories, you've got her the flowers for Valentine's Day and you've got her the chocolate candy that she probably wanted too!

Make some Great Chocolate Presents for Her
If you can handle yourself in the kitchen, you can make her some great chocolate candy gifts. These are going to be some of the most unique gifts that you can make. As decadent as they are, some of the easiest recipes are for chocolate truffles; you can make some delicious ones to give to her. All you'll have to do is dress these up in a great box with a card that you made or bought and you'll have something that she truly appreciates. Sometimes, homemade gifts are the way to go.

Valentine's Day is known for two things, flower and chocolate. You need to make sure that you are getting her both of those, or at least most importantly the chocolate. Start searching for great unique chocolate gift ideas and find out what is going to fit her best. The way to a girl's heart, especially on Valentine's Day is to get incredible chocolates, she'll fall in love with you instantly.

For more information for your valentine treats check us here: http://thechocolategift.ca/

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

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Sugar Free Chocolate Cake Recipe

2011-01-21T20:18:00.000-08:00

In our world today, cases of diabetes and other related diseases are rising. People now are inventing alternative ways to solve this problem. Alternatives such as artificial sweeteners, fat - free food and other food substitutes are created to give people the freedom to eat what they want with less guilt.

Agree or disagree! Cakes are so irresistible. We all know that a cake contains sugar. From its frosting to the edible stuffs that are attached to the cake. That is why nutritionists are inventing recipes that will lessen the use of sugar. I know that many are looking for desserts and cake recipe that are "sugar - free". Here it is! I will give you a sugar - free chocolate cake recipe that you can indulge without any guilt or thinking about rising of your blood sugar.

Below is a step by step procedure on how you can create a sugar - free cake.

Ingredients:
2 eggs
1 cup of milk
1/2 cup of vegetable oil
2 teaspoon of vanilla or almond flavor
2 1/4 cups of granulated artificial sweetener
1 3/4 cups of flour
3/4 cup baking cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoon each of baking powder and baking soda
A dash of salt
1 cup of boiling water
Fudge sauce
Whipped topping or whipped cream
Fresh berries
Optional ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Optional powdered sugar and cocoa sprinkles

How to create sugar - free chocolate cakes

• Using a large bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients.

• Combine eggs, vanilla, oil and milk and then mix them well.

• Create a space at the center of the dry ingredients and then pour the liquid mixture. Mix them well.

• Then add hot water and mix them well till they combine

• Mix the chips

• Grease the baking pan and then pour it, bake them to a temperature of 350F for 25 to 35 minutes.

• Use the rack to cool it.

• Dust it artificial sweetener and a little of cocoa.

• Then, cut and serve it using fudge sauce, berries and whipped cream.

Note:

If frozen well, the flavors will improve. Using foil will also help.

With the step by step procedure above, you can surely create a sugar - free cake that you want. You can also use some cake decorating flowers to make your cake attractive. Using cake decorating kits wisely is also a must in order to attain a cute and enticing cake that you and also your family will love. This cake recipe is sugar and just keep in mind to use also decorations such as birthday cake decoration that are also sugar - free.

Discover new ideas for birthday cake decoration. Learn new tips on how you can use well the cake decorating kits. Visit our site today for other expert tips.

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

Advantages of Chocolate Milk: Following Exercising?

2010-12-31T05:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, despite the fact that being a mother is probably the most difficult and challenging duty in existence, you probably nevertheless aim to muster up a sufficient amount of strength 2 or 3 days per week to go to a fitness center, choose a great exercise course, walk around your block a couple of times or prepare for that race (go you!). And, as soon as you perform a cardio dance to the tune of a hip hop song or perhaps bike right up that difficult hill in your neighborhood, you are worthy of a delicious and nutritious snack.

You probably have learned that carbohydrates and proteins are important for muscle tissues to recover after you've been subject to a good workout, but did you know that low-fat chocolate milk is sometimes referred to as "nature's protein drink" because it possesses an ideal ratio of carbohydrates and proteins?

It's true! Chocolate milk has the amazing capability to refuel your exhausted muscles following a long and intense exercise routine, which is amongst the primary advantages of chocolate milk. Additionally, it provides the fluids it will take to restore exactly what it's lost from all the perspiration, and will help rehydrate your body quickly via the present electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Plus, it provides the calcium and Vitamin D that you need to develop and maintain those strong healthy bones.

You realized this, right? And, plenty of research also suggests that some benefits of chocolate milk include being more effective than sports drinks in aiding muscles to refuel as well as recuperate. It's most likely a lot more tasty for your tummy as well! So, swim across the Atlantic Ocean, walk through the Grand Canyon or perhaps pursue some cross-country skiing - make absolutely certain you treat yourself afterwards by having a nice cold glass of chocolate milk!

For more interesting facts about flavored milk and chocolate milk benefits please drop by the TruMoms Headquarters. You will find more great information about how chocolate milk's nutritional value is beneficial for you and your whole family, interesting trivia to discuss with your children before school and fun downloads that your family will enjoy.

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

Sugar Free Chocolate - Life Can Still Be Sweet

2010-11-14T04:48:00.000-08:00

A life without the taste of chocolate? If you are struggling with an issue that has forced you to reduce your sugar intake, such as diabetes or weight control, you may think you will never again experience the pleasure sweets can bring. You will be happy to hear you do not have to eliminate these foods from your life forever. Sugar free chocolate can provides the taste and satisfaction of the experience without the sugar.

At the very beginning of its history, chocolate was sugar free. The Mayas and Aztecs drank unsweetened cocoa drinks for over 500 years. It was a luxury reserved for the elite and it was all unsweetened. The Europeans, however, found they desired a richer taste. Two thousand years later, it seems we are headed back where we began. With the problem of obesity growing worse every day and so many people suffering from diabetes, many people are beginning to turn to sugarless chocolate as a desirable alternative to the fat and calories in the regular form. Diabetics also need a version that is safe for them to eat.

You are right in believing that chocolate makes you feel better when you are down. Eating it causes the brain to release endorphins, a chemical that makes us feel good. Everyone likes the little lift that it can give, even those that are watching their sugar intake. Sugarless chocolate makes it possible. Sugar alcohols are the key ingredient. Sugar alcohols are naturally occurring sweeteners. Sugar alcohols function much like sugar and give a rich creamy taste. Although the taste is remarkably similar, the no sugar version has fewer calories and less fat than that made with sugar.

Virtually any kind of regular chocolate you can think of can be found in a sugar free version. Milk, dark and white can all be found in a sugar free form. Most any sweet treat can be made with sugar free chocolate. Sugar free products for baking are available for those who want to try their hand at home baking. Sugarless versions of favorite candies are now carried by many drug stores, supermarkets and candy stores. Quality does vary, however. The kind you pick up at the drug store may indeed taste quite different than that made by a quality, experienced candy maker.

For creamy, dreamy sugar free chocolate treats, visit the Amber Lyn Chocolate Store at http://www.amberlynchocolatestore.com.

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

Diabetes and Chocolate - There Goes the Chocolate Candy, Or Maybe Not

2010-08-25T04:17:00.000-07:00

Was your first impression, "there goes the chocolate candy" when you first received your diagnosis of diabetes? Many people erroneously believe this is to be one of the new facts of their diabetic life.

The Power Of Chocolate

Chocolate is made from the ground up beans of the cacao plant. For centuries it has been idolized for its virtues of healing kidney and digestive troubles, relaxing and calming frazzled nerves and promoting virility and longevity in mankind. All of this is now known to be possible from research because of its high concentrations of antioxidant-rich polyphenols which has many therapeutic benefits for our health.

Dark chocolate, with a minimum of 70% cocoa or more concentrations, does have high fat and calorie contents. But after many years of testing, its ability to reduce insulin sensitivity in a diabetic far outweighs its disadvantages per many doctors and researchers.

A high quality dark chocolate, unsweetened, can be very bitter though. Many people dislike its sharp, biting flavor. Check around as flavor and texture will be different between many companies. After finding a suitable flavor and texture you prefer, add about 1 or 2 squares every few days to your diet (approximately 3X/week) for health benefits from a source you never would have expected.

Homemade Chocolate and Cocoa Mixes

Almost all chocolate and cocoa mixes on the market do contain very high concentrations of added fats and sweeteners. Try these homemade versions instead which are very quick and easy to satisfy that chocoholic snack attack.

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

Ingredients

1/4 cup dry cocoa powder
1/3 cup sugar (or Stevia to taste if desired)
4 cups milk

Add all ingredients to a small saucepan and heat on the stovetop, stirring continuously until small fish bubbles start erupting on the side wall of the pan. Remove from heat and enjoy.

Homemade Hot Chocolate

Ingredients

2 squares of unsweetened dark chocolate(use semisweet as a replacement if you prefer)
1/3 cup sugar (or Stevia to taste if desired)
4 cups milk

Add chocolate squares, sugar and 2 cups of milk to a saucepan and heat to boiling, stirring continuously. When boiling, add the other two cups of milk and heat till warm, approximately 3-4 minutes. Serve.

Remember though, milk chocolate products and white chocolate products, due to a difference in ingredients and processing are both much higher in fat and calorie levels. Neither of these varieties can also claim the health benefits of a good quality dark chocolate.

For many more selections of foods safe for your new diabetic diet please visit my site at http://www.allergy-and-diabetic-health.com/

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

Wine and Chocolate Gift Baskets - How to Pick the Right One

2010-07-30T19:34:00.000-07:00

One of the great gifts you can give to any kind of occasions is a wine and chocolate gift basket. This is the most popular mode of gifting not only in western cultures but so too in other countries.

It is the simple fabulous looking kind of gift, unique, presentable to look at and at the same time, the fastest way to shop. You can find these in wine stores and in grocery sections of the mall or in other gift stores.

Even big companies buy this kind of gift. Sometimes even without any occasions just to say "Thank You" or if not, "Congratulations". It is a way of showing gratitude and to maintain good relationships between clients and the company. This gift if not only for special occasions, you can give gifts if you feel like giving. It can also be a sign of love.

This is the smartest gift solution for companies, someone close to you, someone special and/or even be a gift to your family. When you want to inspire, or give a reward, impress someone, you can give this kind of gift. In this kind of gift, you can also buy it through the internet where some websites accept orders if you have no time to shop around.

If not, you can make your own wine and chocolate gift basket. It will be cheaper and you can choose what kind of chocolates you will put inside the basket. Then choose the best wine to give whatever wine that someone wants to drink. You can add anything such as flowers or ribbon to the basket to look more beautiful.

Some tips on how to make your own wine and chocolate gift basket:

Select a basket that is presentable to look at or buy a basket that looks unique in designs
Buy the chocolate of your choice you want to give and then the wine
Buy some ribbon too to add beauty to your basket
You may also buy some laces to paste it on the basket to look more marvelous
Some flowers also are needed or fresh fruits First and foremost, you need to decorate the basket with the ribbon or laces to whatever design of ribbon you want to make. You can also tie the ribbon around the basket if you want.

Then start to put the wine and the chocolates you bought. Arrange it properly and if there is still empty space, you can put some fresh fruits or flowers will do.

Creating personalized wine and chocolate gift basket of your own makes you proud because it has labor of love. From that you can see how artistic you are and you cannot believe how your imagination works. You learn and at the same time, you save money.

You can also go online through the internet and see the different designs and style of the wine and chocolates gift basket. At least you have the idea on how to design or style the basket. Remember, if others can do it, you can do it too.

For more see wine and chocolate gift baskets and other red wine gift baskets on Ian Wright's website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_E._Wright

Chocolate Truffles - A Little Taste of Heaven That's Low in Calories

2010-05-23T08:35:00.001-07:00

If you have a weakness for chocolate, you will go overboard for my chocolate truffles, because they are without doubt, the best tasting chocolate truffles in the entire world!

Yes, it's a bit of a tall statement I know, but try them and you will see what I mean. Because not only do they taste divine, they also fit my maximum reward for minimum effort category of cooking. You will be shocked at how unbelievably simple they are to make.

And if that isn't tempting enough, these gorgeous chocolate truffles are also low in calories, which means, you can get your chocolate fix without getting fat!

It sounds incredible, but it's true. This is because you won't find any sugar, butter or cream in the recipe. My chocolate truffles are made from just two simple ingredients.

Chocolate and water.

The quantity of water used, dilutes the chocolate and halves the calories. Please don't ask me how it's possible to get all the taste but half the calories because I don't know. All I do know is these chocolate truffles taste sensational and since I began making them about a year ago, no other chocolate gets a look in.

For the perfect flavour and consistency, you will need two types of chocolate. One that is dark and contains around 70 -80 % cocoa, the other which is milk and contains 40-50% cocoa. This combination gives the best results.

What you get is a deeply satisfying taste, neither too sweet or too bitter and a gratifyingly fudgy texture to sink you teeth into that is totally irresistible.

And now for the really simple part...

Just break the chocolate into small pieces and heat gently until melted. At this point add some boiling water and beat into the chocolate with a balloon whisk. The more air you can beat into the chocolate the better the result.

Adding boiling water is the trick here. Because unlike cold water which would turn the chocolate firm in an instant, making beating difficult, boiling water is the same temperature as the chocolate. This means the chocolate thickens more gradually allowing for easier and longer beating.

And all this takes is a matter of minutes. So without further ado, here's the recipe...

Equipment:

Heatproof bowl
Saucepan
Balloon whisk
Spatula
Tea towel
Plastic container approx 20cm x 12cm
Small tray or dinner plate
Airtight storage container
Teaspoon or melon baller

N.B: Melt the chocolate over a saucepan of simmering water as it's more controlled than microwaving which is liable to burn the chocolate if you're not very careful. Be sure to add boiling water not cold water to the melted chocolate. Also, if you use chocolate with a higher cocoa content than I'm recommending here, you may need to add a littlemore water.

Here's What You Do:

Put the kettle on to boil. Pour boiling water into the saucepan and set the bowl on top, making sure the bowl doesn't come into contact with the water and place over a medium high heat.

Press the chocolate still in it's wrapper, against the side of your work counter. Snap at intervals down the length of the bar and tip the broken chocolate into the bowl.

Once the chocolate has melted, add 100ml's boiling water and whisk until the chocolate is dark, thick and glossy and you can just about leave an imprint if you trace your initials. If they're pronounced, the mixture's too thick, so add a splash more boiling water.

Pour the chocolate into a truffle mould if you have one, otherwise use a plastic container and refrigerate for 1 hour or until set.

Using a teaspoon or melon baller, scoop up the chocolate and place on a tray/plate sprinkled with cocoa. With cool hands, shape into truffles before rolling in cocoa.

Store in an airtight container.

Variations:

Try adding one of the following into the boiled water:

A pinch of chilli or Chinese 5 spice
A grinding of cloves or cardamom
Finely chop a few balls of stem ginger
Finely grated orange zest

Once you've made them, you may want to try this variation.

Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients:
125g dark chocolate (74% cocoa)
125g chocolate (46% cocoa).
100ml boiling water

Uma Wylde is a natural born cook. She specialises in creating stunning tastes. If you're having trouble getting food to taste the way you want it to or are just bored cooking the same old things, try following some of her carefully explained recipes at http://www.umawylde.com. Unlike traditional recipes, which often leave you dangling, hers show you how to bring the whole meal together, so everything turns out perfectly.

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

Chocolate Gift Ideas - Making an Unforgettable Impression

2010-05-17T06:52:00.000-07:00

Chocolate gift ideas are some of the best choices when it involves making an unforgettable impression. Actually, chocolate is one of those very special things in life that has a deliciously rich and savory history. Many individuals enjoy the delicious sweet temptations that are produced of cocoa or chocolate. These types of treats are always a welcome sight and sometimes, even an expected token during the holidays and birthdays. They are some of the most resourceful corporate gifts any business can send to make an unforgettable impression to complete any business deal.

Making Sweet Deals

Do you know that there are still places in the world that still use the beans of this plant as their currency? Yes, that is right, somewhere in the world there are people buying and trading using chocolate as legal tender. They use this as genuine money that is valid as payment and the seller must accept it as so. Sounds like a sweet deal, does it not?

Love, War and Business

Various products made of this decadent and full-bodied ingredient since the time of the ancients. People have been wooing one another with its luscious temptations since it was first discovered centuries ago. Of course, people have also fought over or even kept it as a secret and or sacred item for particular uses. Many things have developed and evolved over the years. Today, many individuals and businesses take advantage of the alluring persuasions of chocolate snacks and treats when trying to sway the feelings or decisions of others. Why do they do this? They do this, quite simply because it works.

Great Snack Ideas

When you are considering the various types of scrumptious snacks you may enjoy eating yourself as well as those you plan for gift giving for any reason there is a wide assortment from which you can choose. It is easy to become overwhelmed with so many choices, however you may consider choosing such snacks for treats as:

Cordials

These are sensational candies that are combinations of premium chocolate featuring distinctively natural flavors. Perfect for weddings, holidays and corporate events. Enjoyable bite-size, mini snacks include such sensational indulgences as:
- Amaretto
- Apricot Brandy
- Blackberry Brandy
- Champagne
- Cherry
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Cognac
- Espresso
- Fruit Mix
- Green Tea
- Hazelnut
- Irish Crème
- Java Jazz
- Margarita
- Mint
- Mixed Liquor
- Peach Brandy
- Plum Brandy
- Port Wine
- Raspberry
- Root Beer
- Rum
- Sambucca
- Strawberry
- Strawberry Daiquiri
- Tequila
- Vodka
- Whiskey

Of course, you may also want to consider:

Gourmet Mints
- Meltaways
- Truffles
- Peppermint Patties
- Vegan

Gourmet Brownies
- Dark Double Decadent
- Dark Hawaiian
- Dark Swiss Mocha
- Dark Oregon Hazelnut
- Milk Southern Pecan
- Milk Hawaiian Macadamia
- Milk Tropical Brazil Nut
- Milk Oregon Hazelnut

All of these sound so wonderfully tempting. Nevertheless, there are so many other choices. These may include candy bouquets, cookies and sauces.

When it comes to making an unforgettable impression with gift ideas for special occasions, social gatherings, holidays, corporate events and just any day, there is so much in store for you and yours when you Indulge In Chocolate.

http://www.indulgeinchocolate.com

To see our excellent selection of chocolates, visit our website: http://www.indulgeinchocolate.com

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

The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe Ever

2010-05-16T15:31:00.000-07:00

Like many of my generation, I was dispatched to boarding-school at a young age. There, we were served poor and insufficient food. Yes, there were times when I was hungry and the inadequacy of the diet also fostered an appetite for all things sweet, bordering on an addiction. This is where my abiding memory of chocolate cake comes in. On the rare occasions when my parents visited me in boarding-school, my Mother invariably brought me a chocolate cake. Yes, a whole cake all for myself.

Now in other schools, like the polite convent establishment which inadequately prepared my sisters for life, it was the practice for such goodies to be shared with those at one's table in the school refectory. Not so in my borstal. Despite rules to the contrary, we squirreled away all tuck in our locker in the dormitory and it was then slowly gobbled up, sometimes in the dead of night, when other boys were not about to threaten one's food hoard. Salivary juices still run riot in my mouth when I think of those large wedges of chocolate cake, which I stuffed clandestinely into my mouth. They melted on the tongue, instantly satisfying those insatiable cravings for anything sweet.

Even then, I dabbled in the kitchen and so I can remember that, in the case of this chocolate cake, ground rice and ground almonds partly or wholly took the place of the more usual flour. The cake also had two icings, a butter icing in the middle and a glacé icing on top. Many years later, I recall asking my Mother for the recipe for this school chocolate cake, which had brought me so much joy. In her characteristically vague way, she promised to search for it but she never did and she took the culinary secret of how it was made to her grave.

Over the years, my consequent inability to re-create this confection periodically came to mind and with it came a sense of sadness, a sadness I shared one day with my older sister. To my surprise, she also had a memory of our Mother's chocolate cake and wondered where the recipe had gone. She then told me that she had come across a recipe, which produced a chocolate cake that came close to the one made in our youth. It is to be found in West of Ireland Summers, A Cookbook by Tasmin Day-Lewis. It is pure serendipity that this cookbook dwells on the author's memories of food eaten during childhood summers on the west coast of Mayo, for I too spent the happy summer holidays of my youth in this part of the country.

Be that as it may, with many thanks to Tasmin Day-Lewis, I now share this recipe with you. My sister was right. Although my addiction for sweet things has long since gone, this cake wafts me straight back to that school dormitory with its serried ranks of beds and to the culinary delights of that chocolate confection made by my Mother.

175g good dark chocolate, chopped

175g butter

175g caster sugar

4 eggs separated

85g ground almond

85g flour

whole walnuts to decorate

RICH CHOCOLATE ICING:

125 g good dark chocolate, chopped

40g butter

50g caster sugar

85 ml cream

First make the icing. Put all the ingredients into a bowl over a saucepan of hot water and stir gently over the heat. When smooth, leave to cool and then put in the fridge, where it will thicken as it cools and become much easier to spread.

Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4. Grease two 18cm sandwich tins. Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a saucepan of hot water.

Cream the butter with the sugar (this is easily done in a food processor), add the egg yolks one by one, then the almonds, flour and the melted chocolate.

Whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks and gently fold them into the mixture, little by little.

Divide the mixture between the two sandwich tins and cook in the oven for about 20 minutes. Leave to cool slightly in the tins and then turn out on a wire rack.

When cold, sandwich the cakes together with half the icing and spread the other half on top, which I also like to decorate with whole walnuts.

This article is part of The Mutation, an Irish arts and culture blog. The Mutation is the voice of http://www.mutantspace.ie, an online arts co-operative, based in Ireland. We publish articles on everything from music to visual art, theatre to food, book reviews to websites and travel to fiction.

We're always interested to hear what you have to say so if you have something to contribute email admin@mutantspace.ie
The Mutation is a free publication and can be found @ http://themutation.com.

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

Dark Chocolate Vs White Chocolate

2010-05-09T16:08:00.001-07:00

First of all lets start of with...

What is chocolate?
Chocolate is a product derived from cocoa then mixed with fat and finely powdered sugar to produce a solid confection. The level, taste and quality of this product will vary depending on the quantities of ingredients added.

Dark Chocolate.
Dark chocolate is produced by adding fat and sugar to cocoa. Basically it is chocolate without milk as an additive.

White Chocolate
White chocolate is a confection based on sugar, nutmeg and fat without the cocoa solids. White chocolate in some circles is not even considered real chocolate because of its lack of cocoa solids. Lately more and more articles are being written about the benefits of dark chocolate, but the bottom line is whether it's white chocolate or black chocolate both are to be eaten in moderation. Over indulging in dark chocolate will have the adverse health benefits that one hopes to gain. The bottom line is "We love chocolate", so with that in mind here are few of my favorite chocolate recipes for you to enjoy. Eat Smart.

White Chocolate Truffles
1/4 C butter
1/2 C confectioner's sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 egg yolk
8 oz. white chocolate, broken into small pieces
1 C chopped blanched almonds, lightly toasted

Makes about 2 dozen truffles

Melt chocolate and butter in the top of a double boiler over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add sugar, egg yolk and almond extract; beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Transfer to a shallow glass casserole dish. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour. Shape mixture into 1 inch balls. Roll in almonds. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours. Place in miniature foil cups at room temperature to
serve. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Foolproof Dark Chocolate Fudge
3 C semisweet chocolate chips
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
dash salt
1 C chopped walnuts
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

In heavy saucepan over low heat, melt chips with sweetened condensed milk and salt. Remove from heat; stir in walnuts and vanilla. Spread evenly into aluminum foil lined 8 or 9 inch square pan. Chill 2 hours or until firm. Turn fudge onto cutting board; peel off foil and cut into squares. Store loosely covered at room temperature.

Chocolate Almond Coffee
1/3 c Ground coffee
1/4 tsp Freshly ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp Chocolate extract
1/2 tsp Almond extract
1/4 c Toasted almonds, chopped

Process nutmeg and coffee, add extracts. Process 10 seconds longer. Place in bowl and stir in almonds. Store in refrigerator. Makes 8 six ounce servings. To brew: Place mix in filter of an automatic drip coffee maker. Add 6 cups water and brew.

For more great chocolate recipes visit: Download Recipe Books

Rudy Rodway is the owner of downloadrecipebooks.com. The number #1 website for downloading online recipe books for the last 6 years here

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

Chocolate - Eat it, Gift it, Decorate With It

2010-04-30T16:47:00.000-07:00

Chocolate is truly a gift from the Gods. You can eat it, gift it, and decorate with it. These little roasted cocoa beans are amazingly versatile, good for your health, and always make you smile. Its uses seem to be endless.

To process the beans they pick them, ferment them, roast them, and then grind them up, creating a paste (chocolate liquor). Then it is hardened into blocks of bitter chocolate (used in baking), or treated by pressing out some of the cocoa butter, dried, and smashed into a cocoa powder. To make the good stuff we love to eat, more cocoa butter is added as well as sugar, for dark chocolate, and milk solids to turn it into milk chocolate.

There are too many ways to eat it to even begin to list them all. Used in cooking it can be a mole sauce, as a dessert, dip fresh fruit in it, dried figs and apricots, or bake zillions of delicious cakes, cookies, muffins, and tortes. Drink it hot when it is chilly outside, pop marshmallows in it for fun, or drink it cold. Snack on candy bars, bonbons, or mixed chocolates that contain fruit, nuts, caramel...

Chocolate makes a wonderful gift, for people of all ages. Wrap it up with a red bow and you have proclaimed your love to a sweetheart on Valentine's Day. Molded into the shape of a bunny, a chicken, or an egg, and popped into their Easter baskets, it delights your children. Stuff it into their Christmas stockings for a treat after opening presents.

Have you been invited to dinner at a friend's house? You don't want to bring them wine, she is allergic to flowers, so what do you do? Bring a box of chocolates; perhaps those wonderful minty after dinner chocolates! You and your friends are having a get together "girlie" talk. Nothing will make the problems go away as easily as a box of good chocolates.

But that isn't all. Chocolate is full of antioxidants, which help to prevent cancer. It also releases the endorphins in the brain, easing your stress and anxiety, and making you feel happier. Yes, it is high in saturated fats, but two thirds of the fat is not the bad kind. Dark chocolate is better for you than the milk chocolate.

We really need to thank the Aztecs and the Mayans for introducing us to the versatile world of chocolate. We eat it, gift it, and yes, even decorate with it. At Christmas you hang chocolate Santas, angels, and bells from your Christmas tree. Who can entertain without a candy dish filled with chocolates artfully placed on an end table? Holiday centerpieces with molded chocolate shapes can make your theme pop...and you can eat them later!

To see our excellent selection of chocolates, visit our website: http://www.indulgeinchocolate.com

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

A Special Gift For a Loved One - Strawberries (Chocolate Covered)

2010-04-26T05:58:00.000-07:00

Many individuals like giving special gifts to people that they feel affection for. Strawberries (chocolate covered) are a wonderful gift to receive. They are not hard to find and the internet is the most convenient place to shop for them. It is in addition the least expensive place to obtain them. Chocolate strawberry sauce is really delicious. If used as fondue, it can be very enjoyable for all that are involved.

On the whole individuals have a tendency refrain from dipping their fruit in chocolate sauce because of the calories. The reality is there are not that many calories in chocolate. Chocolate can be considered healthy as it is low in fat. You can take pleasure in your chocolate covered fruit with a clear conscience.

For individuals who enjoy sweet flavours but don't want the additional calories, chocolate strawberry sauce is a splendid alternative to the traditional dessert. If you are planning your own gathering, this can come in useful as worrying about your calorie intake needn't be an issue. The advantage is no one will consider it as a diet food so they will still admire your menu choice. Plus, many web sites offer the chocolate strawberry sauce in various forms and it can be as extravagant as you want it to be.

Many have a tendency to purchase strawberries (chocolate covered), to please a loved one. They are something special and can be a good departure from giving flowers or regular chocolates. They can demonstrate to that special someone that they are interested in them and that they care.

One of the main advantages is the length of time your gift of strawberries (chocolate covered) will last. You can simply place them into the refrigerator and they can stay fresh a lot longer than a floral gift. Plus, flowers can be really expensive and they usually do not stay fresh very long. The majority of women prefer not to receive flowers in this day and age as they have to be arranged in a vase and it can become messy. We lead such busy lives that taking time to arrange flowers can be a chore. This is where strawberries (chocolate covered) are appreciated. As you surf the net, you will discover that you can obtain chocolate covered strawberries in many different ways. You can have a complete change and go for a beautiful arrangement. A number of web sites even sell them in arrangements that look like flowers blossoming.

The one you love will be so pleased when you present her with a display of strawberries (chocolate covered) that look like a flower arrangement. Go ahead and demonstrate to her that you can be spontaneous and impulsive. Not only will she admire your originality but she will be keen on sharing them with you and appreciate your thoughtfulness.

So if you would like to demonstrate that you care you ought to think about purchasing some chocolate covered strawberries. You can also purchase the chocolate strawberry sauce for that special event. It can be splendid for parties and get-togethers all of your guests will admire your selection. Surf the net for a number of good ideas. You will be pleasantly surprised.

Delicious strawberries chocolate covered in silky smooth Belgian chocolate are available at http://www.waldorfchristmas.com

Waldorf Christmas web site is owned and operated by Jayne Waldorf. Jayne has been an internet marketer for over three years.She lives in England with her husband and has two grown up sons.Her website provides year round gifts.

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

Chocolate Gift Sets For Special People

2010-03-16T16:04:00.000-07:00

What to give your mom for Mother's Day or your children on Easter? If you are perpetually stuck with this problem, you haven't heard of chocolate gift sets. Giving them away is a delightful way to express your greetings whatever the occasion.

Chocoholics and Chocolates

There's no reason why you shouldn't go for chocolate gift sets for your mom and your loved one because they are counting calories. Most companies have low fat products that give the same ultimate satisfaction to chocolate lovers. Expect your mom to appreciate this thoughtful gesture when you give her the low fat ones. They are great antioxidants that give the body's health a boost.

For the baker in the family, who is also a chocolate fan, give something extra 'chocolatey'- a chocolate candle. The candle gives off the aroma of German chocolate cake. To make the gift extra special, add a German chocolate cake recipe. No baker can say no to this wonderful gift. If the candle comes with a chocolate recipe at the back of the jar, then there's no need to hunt for a special cake or candy recipe.

This Easter, go beyond the traditional Easter eggs. Give your love ones a large jar filled with assorted treats of their favorite chocolate brand. Top it with a colorful ribbon and attach a greeting card and presto you have a delightful gift no one can resist.

Other lovable gift items are mugs filled with chocolate, glassware brimming with chocolate candies, and treats filled old-fashioned tins. If there are tin collectors in your circle of friends, grab these chocolate tins for them. If the chocolates are long gone, the tins will remind them of your thoughtfulness.

How about chocolate gift baskets brimming with assorted choco bars for your in-laws or the boss? The assortment consists of nut-free, gourmet hot choco mix, and other decadent chocolate delights.

Notch up your chocolate treats with a bottle of the recipients favorite wine and other goodies. Or if you have the time, treat your children to the chocolate factory to watch how those candies are made. At the chocolate factory children are treated with what else but more chocolate candies.

Give Yourself a Treat

Don't miss giving yourself a chocolate treat. You can indulge in your favorites and try out new chocolate products. Get yourself the latest in chocolates and forget the calories. They are good for a tired soul and sure boosts energy levels. A candy bar at work perks up your day after long hours of work. So how about treating yourself with chocolates?

This year, make it a chocolate year. With different themed gift sets, there is no end to what surprises you can give your family and friends. If you are in a rush for gifts, drop by your favorite chocolate shop and ask for the latest in gifts. Ten out of ten, your recipients will love your chocolate gifts.

Danilo has been writing articles. Not only does this author specializes in Chocolate Gift Set, you can also check out his other website on Maytag Water Filter which reviews and lists the best water filters available today.

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

Why Chocolate Turns White and Strawberry Looks Red

2010-02-28T19:39:00.000-08:00

Chocolate is a man processed product, while the strawberry is a natural product. Chocolate is made from cacao beans fermented for several days then dried out in the sun. The beans are then roasted and winnowed. The chocolate bars sold at supermarkets are made when the inner nibs of the cacao beans are heated to melt the cocoa butter and then ground to a paste. Strawberries are one of the yummiest and juiciest fruits around the world. They are used in making desserts, juices and shakes. It is loved by both children and adults for its mouth-watering scent and delicious flavor.

As fat content is present in chocolate, a whitish gray material will form on its surface when it has been exposed to warm temperature for a long time. The heat drives the cocoa butter out of the chocolate and forms a white coat on the surface. This is one reason why the chocolate turns white and it is also known as fat bloom.

One wants to know why strawberries appear bright red from outside and pinkish from the inside. This is because of the natural pigment called anthocyanin which is produced naturally by plants. It can be found in the leaves, stems, flowers and fruits. The pigment may appear red, blue or purple depending on the acidity of the plant part. Too much excess of anthocyanins in the fruit's skin will make it appear a rusty red or brown instead of red.

The pigment is also classified as a flavonoid which is a chemical that gives flavor to fruits and plants. As a flavonoid, anthocyanins are seen as derivatives of anthocyanidins which include pendant sugars in the composition. This is the reason which makes the fruit's flavor naturally sweet.

The strawberry is rich in anthocyanins and it does not only give color to the fruit but they are powerful antioxidants which is the reason why fruits with colorful skins and pulps are considered nutritious. According to research, anthocyanin is potential, protects health and effects against the development of diseases like cancer, aging and neurological diseases, inflammation, diabetes and bacterial infections.

If a chocolate turns white, another cause is also either too much humidity or cold temperature. If the chocolate is stored in an excessively humid or a very cold place like the fridge and then quickly exposed to a warm temperature, there can be a sugar bloom. This happens because the surface of the chocolate condenses with moisture. Sugar crystals remain on the surface after the moisture has drawn the sugar out of the chocolate forming a white coating.

Even if the chocolate looks unappetizing but it is still okay to eat as long as it's pure and not filled. Fortunately a bloomed chocolate is not poisonous. Once the bloomed chocolate has been melted and cooked, it will still be good enough to eat.

Learn in details why does chocolate turn white? and why does a strawberry look red?

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

Hot Chocolate - A Worldly Treat That Everyone Loves

2010-01-11T07:19:00.001-08:00

Hot chocolate is one of those special treats from my childhood that I look back on with fond memories. Often a treat for rainy days, a good cup of cocoa is a great comfort food for when it's cold outside and you need to warm up.

Chocolate drinks are thought to have first originated from the ancient Mayans thousands of years ago. Later on, the drink became popular with Europeans and has gone through several versions before becoming the typical hot cocoa that we know today. In the U.S. we drink a fairly thin version of cocoa, though Europeans tend to like their hot chocolate thicker, such as the dense kinds they have in Italy.

In the U.S., we tend to use both "hot chocolate" and "hot cocoa" to refer to the same drink. In actuality however, there are significant differences between chocolate and cocoa drinks. Cocoa is produced from cocoa butter that comes from the cacao bean, and a powder is created from it. Hot chocolate actually comes from chocolate bars, which already contain cocoa but mixed with sugar and cocoa butter.

As previously mentioned, Europeans tend to favor thicker chocolate drinks. In Italy they drink "cioccolata densa". The Spanish consume a form that actually has a consistency more similar to pudding than a beverage, which is known as "churros" (not to be confused with the cinnamon treats we get at carnivals). In the UK they like their chocolate drinks a little thinner like we do here in America.

As with chocolate in general, hot chocolate also provides some health benefits in the form of antioxidants, which combat the free radicals in our bodies. Hot chocolate also contains substances which help to boost the levels of serotonin, a chemical in our bodies that help us to feel good. In fact, chocolate was often prescribed by doctors centuries ago in France to help calm people down who were prone to anger and bad moods.

Ethan has been writing for the past 2 years and has been a musician since first picking up a guitar 18 years ago. In addition, he also enjoys creating informational websites. Check out one of his latest sites on Christmas sweaters and holiday clothing.

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

Need a Great Gift Idea? Go With Chocolate!

2010-01-01T16:25:00.000-08:00

Many people would agree that chocolate makes a great gift for just about any occasion. Whether it be for a holiday, a birthday, an anniversary, or for no particular reason at all, just about anybody can appreciate a gift in the form of this popular sweet treat.

At first, chocolate may seem like a simple gift idea, but it can actually be quite a lot more complicated that you might imagine. Many different kinds of chocolate exist. It helps if you know the person who will be receiving the gift very well so you can decide what would make the most appropriate chocolate gift for them, as most people have their own personal favorite kind of chocolate. If you're not sure what their favorite kind is, just go with whatever you like personally. Most people enjoy just about any form of chocolate, though to be on the safe side, you might want to avoid peanuts if you don't know the person well, just in case they have an allergy or aren't particularly fond of nuts.

Fruits dipped in chocolates are a fairly popular gift choice. Think about it, have you ever heard of a woman who doesn't like chocolate-dipped strawberries? Women are absolutely crazy over these things! For the men, rich, dark chocolate is a good way to go, or how about some premium hot chocolate? Personally, I've never met a guy who can't enjoy a good cup of hot cocoa!

Truffles are also a popular chocolate gift idea. There's a huge assortment of flavors and fillings...my personal favorite is caramel, yum! The great thing about a box of truffles is that these come in multiple assortments, so if the gift recipient happens to not like a particular type, there are plenty others to choose from that are bound to please.

If you're really stuck on what kind of chocolate to get for that special someone, just go to a chocolate specialty shop and ask someone who works there, they'll be happy to help you decide on the perfect chocolate gift. You can usually find these little shops in your local mall.

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

Cities of Interest in Florida - St Augustine

2009-12-25T06:09:00.001-08:00

Finding St.Augustine is quite easy. Just head East from Orlando toward I95 on the Atlantic coast and go North (toward Jacksonville). Go for about 40 miles and then turn off onto SR1 and keep going North for about 20 miles. Then just follow the signs to St.Augustine.

St. Augustine is the USA's oldest city, founded on August 29 1565 which was also the feast day of St. Augustine. It is also considered to be one of the most charming and quaint cities in Florida. St. Augustine has a beautiful historic district with cobblestone streets, cafes, bars, unique shops and bed and breakfast hotels.

Shopping in St. Augustine just could not be easier. If you have a passion for antiques, hand crafted gifts, blown glass, arts and crafts, fine arts, or handmade chocolates, and if you are shopping for clothes, shoes, or household goods, or perhaps finding unique and unusual gifts from around the world, St. Augustine has it all.

Just relax and enjoy strolling along the historic downtown streets. Stop whenever you like and have a meal at one of the many fine restaurants or bars.

Antique Market - a beautifully restored 1930s feed and general store. The Antique Market, is a premier importer of antiques from England, Europe and Asia. The Market's proprietors specialize in antiques from England, Scotland and Wales and lead purchasing tours every year throughout England. It is well known for its fine selection of quality antiques.

Aviles Street - is located in the heart of St. Augustine's historic pedestrian only district. It offers a splendid mix of shopping by way of interesting stores, boutiques, a rt galleries and souvenir shops. In addition, Aviles Street is dotted with pleasant cafes and historic homes.

Cobblestone Village Shopping Mall - presents a fresh clean feel, as it is a recent addition to the St. Augustine shopping scene. The are 8 anchor stores plus 20 additional retailers fur nish shoppers with a varied selection including favourites such as Bed Bath and Beyond, Pier 1 and Bealls.

St. George Street - is one of St. Augustine's most popular shopping districts. It wends its way through several brick-lined blocks of the city's center. Along this car free thoroughfare you'll discover independent retailers offering home accents, jewelry, books, pottery, clothing and more. St. George Street affords the perfect environment to soak up the old cities ambiance.

Whetstone Chocolates - you just cannot experience St. Augustine without visiting Whetstone Chocolates, the city's signature chocolate manufacturer for nearly 40 years. In fact, Whetstone is Florida's only chocolate producer and is known throughout the state for its high quality. Indulge your senses by taking a self-guided tour of the chocolate making facility and stopping by the store to purchase some delectable sweets.

There are also many places to visit and explore as follows:

Castillo de San Marcos - took 23 years to build (from 1672 to 1695). Made from coquina which is a virtually indestructible limestone comprised of broken sea shells and coral, the walls of the fortress remained impenetrable through 300 years of enemy shelling and pounding by violent storms.

Fort Matanzas - was built between 1740-1742 and is a very well preserves masonry watchtower. It provided a high point to help the Spanish view any enemy vessels approaching from the South. The fort played a strategic role in warning St. Augustine of potential enemy advancements from the south via the Matanzas River.

Lightner Museum - is housed in the former Alcazar Hotel, built by railroad magnate Henry M. Flagler, and features an intriguing array of items from shrunken heads and mummies to stunning collections of stained glass and crystal. It was opened in 1889.

Old City Helicopters - a tour of St. Augustine from the best seat in the house, from a helicopter! St. Augustine Haunted Pub Tour - this tour takes you on a storytelling excursion through downtown.

Hearse Ride Ghost Tour - taking a ride in a hearse is a must BEFORE you die!

Red Train Tours and Discount Attraction Tickets - "The way to see St. Augustine!"

Adventure Landing - is the perfect place for family fun! Birthday parties, celebrations, or even just a day of fun! Mega Arcade.

Old Jail - built by Henry Flagler in 1891, the jail was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1987. The Old Jail served as the county jail until 1953.

Colonial Spanish quarter - is a living history museum depicting the life of Spanish Soldiers and their families in 1740 St. Augustine.

Dow Museum of Historic Houses - on one city block, you will discover over 400 years of history. Hidden among beautiful courtyards are 9 historic houses original to the site.

Father O'Reilly House Museum - built prior to 1763, this Spanish colonial house belonged to Father Miguel O'Reilly, who came to the parish when the Spaniards returned to rule in 1784.

Fiesta Falls Mini Golf - is an 18-hole miniature golf course right next to La Fiesta Inn at the beach.

Ripley's Believe It or Not - The original Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum features fun interactive galleries, mind boggling facts, and unique oddities and curiosities.

Flagler College - Flagler College is a combination of the past and present. The Ponce de Leon hotel, originally built by Henry Morrison Flagler in 1887, now serves as a residence hall for students.

Marineland - swim with the dolphins and let your dreams come true.

Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse - let your first lesson in history begin at the Oldest Wooden School House! Built prior to 1763, the school remains as it was over two centuries ago.

St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum - climb 219 steps up the lighthouse to find a breathtaking view of St. Augustine from 165 feet above sea level.

Spanish Military Hospital Museum - see what a hospital looked like 250 years ago. See the tools surgeons used and the medicines people took.

Potters wax museum - America's first Wax Museum invites you to experien ce over 160 figures from History to Hollywood! These life-like figures seem to come to life as you study them.

There are many golf courses and tennis resorts located in the area. Ponte Vedra is home of The Players Association (PGA ) and Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). It is a 20 minute drive from the Downtown historic district.

The city also has around 43 miles of beautifully clean beaches. Some allow vehicles, some allow dogs and some just people. Some of the beaches produce abundant shelling opportunities, while others are covered only in luxurious fine, golden sand.

This article was written by Phil Cornish. Designer and owner of FloridaSunTime and DisneyvillasinFlorida, the Florida web sites providing Disney villas, villas in Florida, Orlando vacation homes, Disney vacation rentals, Orlando villas.

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

Cacao - Starting From Chocolate and Going Back to Cocoa Bean

2009-11-28T05:52:00.000-08:00

Chocolate is pretty much commonplace in today's society and can be purchased in a variety of ways from boxed chocolates to candy bars. You will find candy bearing the name of their inventors including Stephen Whitman, Henri Nestlé, Milton Hershey, William Cadbury, Harry Burnett Reese, Forrest Mars, and Theodore Tobler in many different stores. Chocolate is found in the United States Army D-rations and chocolate has been to space as part of the diet of United States astronauts. All of this began in the 1800's with the creation of the first solid chocolate candy, prior to this chocolate was not as easily accessible.

The later part of the 1800's during the Industrial Revolution many new inventions were create including the complex machinery that could grind and process the cacao beans. 1910 was a year that marked a huge change in the chocolate market as the United States banned any cacao beans that were received through slave labor.

In 1765, the very first chocolate factory was built in New England and this delectable treat spread like wild fire. Chocolate was a huge success and everyone wanted to enjoy the delightful taste of this treat.

Prior to chocolate being introduced to America the first solid eating chocolate in 1847 in England and with a few years in 1876 in Vevey, Switzerland, Daniel Peter created a way of adding milk to the chocolate to create the delicious milk chocolate we have today.

During the 1600's, Chocolate Houses were seen throughout England. Here everyone could enjoy a cup of chocolate while gambling, discussing politics, and socializing with others of the upper class. Of course, these delicious chocolate drinks had all kinds of flavors added such as sugar and cinnamon. Through trial and error, different flavorings were added to chocolate until they discovered a drink similar to the hot chocolate we drink today.

Herman Cortes can be thanked for bringing cacao beans to Europe in 1521. Cortes was given a taste of the royal drink "chocolatl, which meant nothing more than a warm liquid. The chocolate drink Cortes and his men drank was quite bitter and not pleasing to their taste buds, however, he added a bit of cane sugar and the drink was astounding. Emperor Montezuma was known to have drunk fifty or over cups of this drink on a daily basis served in golden goblets as if the drink was a food offered to the gods.

The cacao bean was discovered by another explorer, Christopher Columbus; however, the dark brown beans were not very impressive to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. The beans were nothing more than just another seed and nothing more.

The Mayan and Aztec Indians used the cacao tree and its beans to create a spicy oily drink known as xocoatl. The cacao beans were ground with cornmeal and chilis, and then mixed with water. At one time, all Mayans were drinking xocoatl, however, once the cacao beans were being given as a tribute only the wealthy rulers, soldiers, and priests were able to enjoy the treat. The drink had an important role in their religious rituals including human sacrifices.

Marabel Cocoa Farms - cacao - Sanchez and Hispaniola cacao beans producer and importer from the Dominican Republic.
Tel: (800) 919-3744
Tel: (626) 446-5995

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Is Your Business Perceived As Godiva Or Hershey Kisses?

2009-11-25T05:16:00.000-08:00

Informal studies have been conducted where chocolate tasters actually preferred ordinary Hershey's Kisses over elegant Godiva chocolates. Imagine people preferring the taste of chocolates that come wrapped in foil and jumbled in a bag over hand-crafted chocolates carefully placed in a gold box! How can a $4.00 bag of Kisses win over a $40.00 box of Godiva chocolates, and if Kisses taste better, how does Godiva get away with charging more? Perceived value is the difference. How would you feel if someone presented you with a bag of Kisses versus a gold box of Godiva? Regardless of the actual chocolate taste, you would likely feel more special if someone gave you the Godiva box (perhaps you might even feel a bit insulted by a bag of Kisses!).

Hershey's created chocolates people like to eat and Godiva created chocolates people like to give.
How you present your business has a tremendous impact on how your customers perceive your business. Your perceived value is largely based on how well you present what you do and what you offer. Whether your business is products or services based, if you can't show your value in physical presentation or experience, you have a steep road ahead of you for attracting and keeping clients. Even more important, you need to come across as a Godiva so that your clients willingly refer you on. You may have the best products and services anywhere around, but if you can't show this value you're missing out on bigger opportunities.

If you want to present a stronger image and have your clients perceive a better experience, then it's time to take a look inside. Evaluate what's working, what's not, and where energies are being wasted. If you are confident your products and services are just right for your target market, then it may be time to re-evaluate how you are presenting them and your business. Below are some guidelines for what you need to do to increase the perceived value of your business.

• Differentiate your business from others. Be the uncommon offering!
• Practice intentional congruence. Ensure that everything you do mimes and merges with everything else you do.
• Connect all the dots. Check that your business processes are clearly defined and consistent with your business objectives.
• Learn from others who have businesses you admire!

Taking the time to look at your company's strengths and making a few strategic tweaks to accentuate your company's value is time well invested.

Heather Nelson is owner of the professional services business Champion Assistants. Heather focuses on helping small business owners achieve their goals by helping them implement sales and marketing strategies. For more information, please e-mail info@championassistants.com or visit http://www.championassistants.com and blog http://www.virtualofficechampions.com

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

Healthy Chocolate Candy Ingredient Alternatives

2009-11-18T15:38:00.001-08:00

Chocolate candy manufacturers believed cocoa butter was crucial to achieving the delicious chocolate candy customers craved. Even as alternatives were later discovered, many still argued that nothing was better than the original. As consumer health needs grew and the climbing price of using cocoa butter ironically forced manufacturers to look for cost-saving options, the use of alternatives has offered new chocolate candy options which both serve customer health needs and offer more competitive material costs.

Recently, Hershey vowed to keep cocoa butter in its products with their "real chocolate" marketing campaign. With a major product with dominant market share, the Hershey signature bar, they can afford to take this approach. However, there is a sizable segment of the chocolate flavor loving population that view conventional bars made with cocoa butter as not a viable option.

There are some who simply cannot digest this particular type of vegetable fat. Others have more serious allergic reactions such as hives, rash and digestion issues. However these consumers still love the taste of chocolate. For these chocoholics, natural substitutes like coconut oil or ingredients like soybean oil do the job as well as (and arguably better than) the original, without the health problems.

Chocolate makers also like alternatives for their ability to help control melting thresholds and because they are easier to process. There is also the fact that they offer a cost savings in material. Industry analysts cite a huge jump in candy prices last year. Insiders say it is because the cost of ingredients that have skyrocketed and unfortunately passed on to the buyers.

Unfortunately, US regulations promote cocoa butters hierarchy by reserving the "chocolate" label only for candy made with it. These same restrictions do not exist in other parts of the world. For instance, in Europe up to 5% of a products ingredients may contain equivalents and still be considered chocolate. Experts believe that equivalents are the closest that you can get in terms of their fatty acids and are commonly a mix of shea and palm oils. Not surprisingly, the equivalent category of alternatives is also the most expensive, but still about half the cost of cocoa butter.

Typically, cocoa butter can cost over 3 times as much as other alternatives. Producing chocolate with low melting points is nice, but saving money is usually the first reason manufacturers start considering replacements, substitutes or equivalents. While some companies chose not to use alternatives, others feel they have no choice and have to substitute to remain cost competitive. This is the irony, the pressure to control material costs has created new product categories and new healthy options for chocolate lovers.

Joel Bernstein
BS Management Science Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
MBA Rutgers University.
Joel Bernstein writes about Bulk Candy and confectionery products. Candy is great to write about because it is a happy topic that people enjoy. Enjoy this article about chocolate candy healthy ingredients. Candy shop owners, and consumers and Candy Store owners should find it interesting.

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

Chocolate Truffles - What Are These Delectable Desserts?

2009-11-08T15:29:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on chocolate truffles at http://www.whereyoucanbuy.com

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

Cookie Recipe For Diabetics - Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies

2009-10-29T16:40:00.000-07:00

I always tell people that being diagnosed as diabetic didn't take away my desire for sweets. You see, we diabetics enjoy having "sweets", too. Here is a recipe that is suitable for diabetics to enjoy as dessert or when they crave a "sweet" snack. The Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies are tasty and easy. And peanut butter is good for diabetics. Your local grocery store should have the sugar-free chocolate chips along side the regular ones. I buy Hershey's Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips at my Walmart Store.

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP BAR COOKIES

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup whole wheat flour

3/4 tsp baking soda

pinch salt

1 cup peanut butter

1/3 cup Splenda Brown Sugar Blend

1 egg, beaten

1/2 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup sugar-free chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

On a large sheet of waxed paper combine the all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, baking soda, and salt; stir together with a fork. In a bowl, mix together the peanut butter, Splenda Brown Sugar Blend, and eggs; stir vigorously until creamy. Add the milk and vanilla. Stir until smooth; add the flour mixture, stirring until well combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan; pat down smooth. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until very lightly browned at the edges. Do not over bake; or your bars will be too dry. Remove from oven and let cool 10 to 15 minutes before cutting into bars.

Enjoy!

For more of Linda's recipes and diabetic information go to http://diabeticenjoyingfood.squarespace.com
For her other dessert and sweet recipes visit her blog at http://ladybugssweettreats.blogspot.com

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

Know About LG BL40 Chocolate Deals

2009-10-23T16:31:00.000-07:00

LG recently unveiled its latest invention in Chocolate series--LG BL40. This mobile set has simply taken the world by storm and revolutionized touchscreen mobiles concept. So, are you interested in buying LG BL40 at cheap price? There are many online mobile stores offering great BL40 chocolate deals.

LG BL40 Chocolate phone especially boasts of its 4" wide screen. This screen is designed for making your movie viewing experience more exciting. BL40's camera has simply an extraordinary LCD resolution (800 X 345 pixels). This phone can even replace the high resolution camcorders and cameras to provide easiness when traveling. Pictures that will be clicked with this phone will match photo standards that are captured by high-end cameras.

This mobile set brings the convenience of enlarged screen to optimize the theater-like experience. It makes the mobile environment quite efficient. BL40's resolution ensures to have a great experience of internet browsing. Since the mobile phone has big screen, there is no need to scroll the pages continuously in the horizontal direction for viewing the full content of downloaded page. All web pages can be viewed on a single page. The facility of dual screen allows seeing 2 different kinds of content that are displayed on screen at same time.

Do the BL40 chocolate deals interest you now? These BL40 chocolate deals are a great opportunity to buy these phones at cheap price. So, don't waste this opportunity!

There is yet another feature of LG BL40-stunning display of natural colors. The mobile phone has a huge LCD VGA screen which enhances the images colors. This makes the pictures appear beautiful and crisp. It also makes the text both in documents and messages more readable and refined.

Screen of this mobile set is covered up with curved tempered glass. It protects the screen from any cracks and scratches. BL40 chocolate is absolutely slick and slim and is simply loaded with great variety of features. The best part of this set is that it's very light in weight-this feature is typical of chocolate series. Being light, it renders complete ease to users when traveling.

There are some more features of this mobile set. They are 5 mega pixel camera, wi-fi connection, PIM alarm, space for the microSDHC cards, converter, world clock, calculator, memo, speaker phone, voice recording, music player, support for XHTML and HTML, automatic flash and many more.

Apart from the above features, what mostly attracts users to this cell phone is its refined finish. It is available in a classy charcoal black color and can be an ultimate style statement for all its users. You can learn more about this phone's features if you use it. So, what are you waiting for? Go, hurry up and get one BL40 chocolate for yourself. You can get BL40 chocolate deals by logging onto the net. This LG chocolate phone is available in about 54 countries.

Find lg bl40 chocolate deals at DialToSave. Deals include lg mobile phones at very cheap prices.

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

Easy Homemade Chocolate Truffles - Melt Someone's Heart Today

2009-10-04T17:19:00.001-07:00

Giving the gift of food dates back through the ages. People love to receive something luscious that they simply can't wait to sink their teeth into. One of the best gifts the women in my family like to receive is the gift of chocolate. Chocolate Truffles, to be exact.

I always think of my sister any time I see chocolate truffles on display. I have given these as a gift to her many times and she's always thrilled when she opens the package. I, however, wanted to try my hand at making a batch of easy homemade chocolate truffles and get her opinion, since she's the number one chocoholic that I know. I took them to her for a taste test and needless to say, I didn't get to bring any home with me!

This recipe is so quick and easy you don't need a special occasion to enjoy them.

Easy Homemade Chocolate Truffles

3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1 (14oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 Tablespoonful vanilla or almond extract
Cocoa powder (optional)
Chocolate sprinkles (optional)

In a heavy saucepan on low heat, melt butter. Add cocoa powder and stir until blended. Mix in sweetened condensed milk. Stir until thick and shiny - around 4 minutes or so.

Remove from heat and stir in the extract. Chill around 3-4 hours. When cool shape into balls. You may roll the balls into either the cocoa powder or chocolate sprinkles for an extra chocolate kick.

Chill 1-2 hours and keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy!

I still buy her a pretty box full of store-bought fancy truffles on occasion, but she's just as excited to get a batch of these. Truffles can be quite expensive in a chocolate shop. A batch of these can be made for half, if not less then half the price of a pound of store-bought truffles, depending on where you shop.

Charlotte Winslow is always whipping up something great for her family and friends and these Easy Homemade Chocolate Truffles are one of her favorites to make. At http://womenlovechocolate.info you can find lots more to enjoy and share.

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

Things You'll Want to Know About Milk Chocolate

2009-10-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

There are very few people who do not enjoy the taste of chocolate. And some people even take it a step further and actually crave for chocolate. When you think of chocolate, milk chocolate will probably come to your mind. This is only one type of chocolate among many. Milk chocolate is normally what the average candy bar is made of.

The production of chocolate is an interesting topic to learn about. As you begin to understand how chocolate is produced, you'll really come to appreciate the next milk chocolate bar you purchase.

Chocolate is made up of numerous raw and processed ingredients that come from the seed of the cacao tree found in the tropics. Both cacao solids and cocoa butter to varying degrees are what is found in pure unsweetened chocolate.

The Different Types of Chocolate

Probably the most favored and best known chocolate is milk chocolate. It is sweet and contains ingredients like milk powder or milk that is condensed. White chocolate normally will have cocoa butter, sugar and milk included but it will not contain cocoa solids. This is why the white chocolate is a different color and flavor than the normal darker types of chocolate.

Another well known chocolate is dark chocolate. It is full of powerful antioxidants which tells us why dark chocolate is thought of as being healthy to eat, of course in moderation.

The Production Of Chocolate

How chocolate is produced is amazing. About two thirds of the cocoa that the world consumes is grown in Western Africa. There are two specific jobs that are included in chocolate production. The first is a chocolate maker and the second is a chocolatier. The chocolate makers are those who have learned to use the harvested cacao beans mixed in with the other important ingredients and produce something called couverture chocolate. The chocolatiers will only use the completed couverture in order to produce candies made into bars and truffles.

Normally, one doesn't even take the time to consider such things. But knowing what a fascinating process is used in order to create chocolate is simply intriguing.

If you are concerned about the nutritional aspects of chocolate, then your best bet is to stick to eating dark chocolate. However, if you want the most popular type of chocolate which almost everyone in the world craves from time to time, then milk chocolate is the answer for you. There's just nothing like a good old fashioned Hershey's Candy Bar!

Most people feel that chocolate is one of the most scrumptious treats on the face of the planet. Finding out more about chocolate will help you determine how to choose the best. And if you are so inclined, you may even begin creating tasty little chocolaty treats from the comfort of your home and take pride in your creative accomplishment.

Finally...
Did you find our milk chocolate tips and advices useful? For more information on chocolates, FREE products, and recommendations, take a peek at our site dedicated to chocolates -- http://Chocolates.KnowledgeAlley.com.

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

Foolproof Chocolate Fudge - Simplify Your Gift Giving

2009-09-27T16:29:00.000-07:00

One of the easiest ways to let someone know you've been thinking of him or her is to bring a gift of food. I, for one, always love to get something that will satisfy my sweet tooth. Foolproof Chocolate Fudge is the perfect gift.

Foolproof means exactly what it says. And this fudge is so easy to whip up. Only you will know just how easy it was. I'd like to share this great recipe with you now.

Ingredients:

3 (6 oz) Packages Semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 (14oz) Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
3/4 Cup Chopped nuts
1 1/2 teaspoonful Vanilla Extract

Directions:

In a heavy saucepan melt chocolate chips and milk over low heat to prevent scorching. When thoroughly blended and melted, remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and nuts.

Spread evenly into a 9" square pan lined with wax paper. Chill 2 hours or until set. Turn out on cutting board, peel off wax paper and slice into desired shape and sizes.

Store loosely covered at room temperature. That is, if there's any left. This fudge has a tendency to "disappear" quickly.

Fall is upon us. Thanksgiving and Christmas truly are just around the corner. In order to make someone's day special and not break the bank in the process, shop around at the dollar stores and such for beautifully decorated holiday tins. They would make the perfect packaging for your handmade food gift. The tins are reusable and keep the fudge fresh and delicious.

Simplify your gift giving by mixing up a couple of batches to have on hand. You never know when you'll need an impromptu gift. Attach a hand-written note with a pretty ribbon and you're all set. Giving a homemade gift really does set you apart from all the others.

Charlotte Winslow knows there's a sweet spot in all of us. During your next gathering offer your guests a taste of some Foolproof Chocolate Fudge and watch them come back for more. If you like this recipe http://womenlovechocolate.info has tons more.

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

Decadent Dark Chocolate Caramel Tart

2009-09-25T09:09:00.000-07:00

Dark chocolate is produced when fat and sugar is added to cacao, it is often very high in cocao solids at least seventy five percent. Which means that it is far less fattening than milk chocolate because there is only room for twenty five percent of cream and sugar to be added. In Europe it is generally called palin chocolate. European laws specifiy at least thirty five per cent cocao solids have to be used i nits production but in practise far more are used. The Americans do not have a minimum amount of cacao. Dark chocolate is a rich source of antioxidants and is beneficial for health in small quantities.

This rich dark elegant chocolate tart is an elegant dessert perfect for a dinner party, but easy enough to make for an everyday pudding. It also looks very lelegant if made into small fluted individual dark chocolate tarts.

Ingredients

Crust
1 1⁄2 cups flour
1⁄4 cup plus 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
2 large organic egg yolks,
1⁄2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Caramel

1 1⁄2 cups sugar
3 tablespoons golden syrup or light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon crème fraîche

For the Ganache
1⁄2 cup heavy cream
4 Ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped
Gray sea salt for garnish

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Method

To make the crust

Combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside. Cream together the butter and sugar in a large bowl until they are pale and fluffy then fold in the yolks and vanilla. Mix in the flour cocoa and salt. Refrigerate for half an hour wrapped in clingfilm. Transfer the dough to a 9" fluted tart dish and press dough evenly into the bottom and sides of pan. Prick the tart shell all over with a fork and chill for half an hour to let the pastry rest. Bake for twenty minutes.

To make the caramel

Whisk together sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 6 tablespoons water in a pan and gently bring to the boil. Cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer inserted into the syrup reads 340°. Remove pan from heat and very gently whisk in butter, cream, and crème fraîche; because of the temperature it will splutter so be careful that oyu don't get burnt. Whisk until it is totally smooth. Pour the caramel into the cooled tart shell and let cool slightly, then refrigerate overnight until firm.

TO make the ganache
Boil the cream. Put the chocolate into a medium bowl and pour in the hot cream and leave for one minute, then stir slowly with a rubber spatula until smooth. Pour ganache evenly over tart and refrigerate until set. Sprinkle tart with the sea salt just befroe slicing.

I am an ex chef, now a food writer who STILL loves to cook and prepare food. I am a Squidoo addict and my Squidoo pages are my hobby. Read more of my dessert cheesecake recipes at Perfect Holiday Cheesecakes.
There are recipes for the world's gourmet cheesecakes, both baked and unbaked cheesecakes. There is the classic the "NeW York Cheesecake" a smooth creamy rich cheesecake recipe, baked in the Jewish style. Chocolate, and berry cheesecakes are featured, as is the classic cherry cheesecake, oozing with healthy cherries packed with anti-oxidants. As a chef I have included tips on how to make the perfect holiday cheesecake at every attempt, in fact you can't go wrong if you follow my instructions, even if every cheesecake recipe you have every made was a disaster.

Or my Savoury Cheesecake Recipes that illustrate that cheesecakes do not have to be a dessert. There are examples of crab cheesecake recipes and BLT cheesecake recipes. Stilton and poached pears cheesecake served with a classic port reduction is a perfect combination of flavours, the crust is enriched with crushed walnuts and it is perhaps the definitive gourmet cheesecake.

There are sections on cheat's cheesecake which you can have on the table in less than ten minutes which means cheesecake recipes can be an emergency dessert. Even complete novices can confidently make cheesecake every time. There are cheesecake recipes for every occasion, both as an appetiser and as a dessert or even both. If every cheesecake you have ever made has been a failure let me see if I can help you. If you have any cheesecake questions that you need answering then email and I will be happy to help.

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

White Chocolate - Is it Really Chocolate?

2009-09-20T07:02:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Colleen Maguire -
Writer, Traveler and Chocolate Lover
For More Delicious Gourmet Chocolate Ideas and Tastes

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

Do Gourmet Chocolate Gift Baskets Really Turn a Chocolate Lover On?

2009-09-15T05:54:00.000-07:00

Do you have any idea how many food gifts have chocolate in them? I don't either, but it's a dream world come true for those who love the rich delectable delight.

And lucky for us, it solves some of our gift giving needs, too. The nature of the product, make us think of fall and winter birthdays, get well soon gifts, Mother's Day or gifts, simply because you care.

Did you know that gourmet chocolate gift baskets hold an abundance of the sweet and decadent gourmet chocolate gifts?

Dark chocolate truffles, pound cake, brownies, gourmet cookies, coconut delights, bars, pretzels, almond toffee, malt balls, and the list goes on for these gourmet chocolate gifts.

Chocolate lovers go bananas over each bite dipped in the delight.

It makes their world easy to satisfy. The love of that extra silky, creamy taste, melting in their mouths makes their world turns to cream and their eyes, dreamy eyed.

I'm serious. I have only known one hard-core chocolate lover in my lifetime. And if you even mentioned the word, she went bananas. She would become starry-eyed and it was like her tongue was hanging out, waiting for a bite to deliciously enliven her taste buds. No kidding.

So, just imagine when they receive beautiful baskets, filled to overflowing with gourmet chocolate gifts and a simple message stating, "Enjoy!" Did you see the sparkle in their eye?

Gourmet chocolate gift baskets -- really do turn them on!

So, if you wondering what to get the lover of this delight, gourmet chocolate gift baskets are perfect. And that word, "perfect" is typed with a lot of thought behind it.

It's a good feeling to please someone, so much, that their world glitters, their hearts quicken and their eyes gleam.

If you personally know someone, who absolutely loves chocolate candy, cakes, cookies and anything akin to those gourmet goodies - you know just how to please them.

For sweeter, delicious information on gourmet chocolate gift baskets, we invite you to visit http://www.GiftBasketJewels.com Where you'll always find friendly reliable service, fresh products, personalization of individual gifts and delightful gifts that show you care.

From Shirley Bass - The Gift Basket Expert at GiftBasketJewels.com

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

MMMM - Chocolate Truffles - A Chocolate Lovers Dream

2009-09-09T16:15:00.000-07:00

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

What is a chocolate truffle?

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

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

What types of truffles are available?

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

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

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

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

Can I make this at home?

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

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

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

Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on chocolate truffles and gourmet chocolate truffles at http://www.chocolate-truffles.org

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

Chocolate Caramel Popcorn - Can You Say, Yummy?

2009-08-22T17:23:00.001-07:00

How about a sweet treat for the kids? Caramel chocolate popcorn is a great treat for slumber parties, camp outs or just family movie night fun. So give this a try. Your kids will love it and you will too.

Ingredients needed
1 cup of popcorn for popping
1 pound of bitter sweet chocolate melted, may use a bag of chocolate morsels melted

For the caramel:
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of sugar
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons of corn syrup
Scant ¼ cup of water

Pop the popcorn. You may use a hot air popper if you like or any way you prefer.

To make the caramel:

Place the corn syrup, sugar, and water in a heavy bottom 2 quart sauce pan over medium high heat and cook until light golden brown. Use a nice large pan so you have room to add the popcorn.
Use a wooden spoon to stir the popcorn into the caramel until it is evenly coated. Pour the caramelized popcorn onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet and allow it to cool. If you don't have parchment paper, just lightly oil your baking sheet. When cool, use your hands to break up any clumps.
Place the cool popcorn in a large bowl. Use a ladle to drizzle the chocolate over the popcorn, stirring with your wooden spoon as you go. Keep adding chocolate until the popcorn is evenly coated. Pour the chocolate coated popcorn onto a fresh parchment paper lined baking sheet until its cool.

This recipe makes 4 cups of popcorn.

Tips:
When cool, place in decorative bags to give as gifts.
Use milk chocolate and or white chocolate to coat the popcorn.
Be careful when working with caramel, it gets very hot and can burn.
Keep a bowl of ice and water beside you in case you get caramel on your skin.

Dee Ann Stickrath is an accomplished cook, mother and homemaker. Her personal take on dishes given to her from her rich heritage filled with Irish, German and English families has made her a favorite landing spot for her family and friends and she is happy to share this and other recipes with you at http://deesrecipies.blogspot.com/

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

How Chocolate Can Be Beneficial to Your Health

2009-08-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

The author is the owner of http://sugarfreecandygift.com. You can learn a lot about sugar free candy by visiting the blog!

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

If You Are Looking For The Perfect Gift This Season Go With Chocolate

2009-08-16T16:17:00.001-07:00

If you are like me you are probably searching aimlessly every holiday season for just the right gift for relatives, friends, and co-workers. If you would like to give someone something that is a little more personal as opposed to just a gift certificate then give edible gifts or gift baskets. I hardly know anyone who doesn't love chocolate and there are diverse choices of chocolate gifts available from inexpensive to luxurious imported French chocolate.

Boxed chocolates are some of the most popular of all chocolate gifts because they have so many different types of chocolate in them. Another reason these are so popular is because they can be shared with other people if the recipient so desires.

If the person you are giving to is on any kind of restricted diet you will also be able to find gifts that will meet their needs. You can find them in low sugar and no sugar as well as dairy free. Boxed chocolates are especially good when you don't know exactly what people like. You can also find them in a great variety of prices.

Chocolate covered fruits or nuts are a good choice for a more sensual gift for someone special. If this is someone that you know well then you probably know their favorite fruits or nuts and you can be sure to have them in the gift you pick. Chocolate covered strawberries are a widely loved favorite especially when you deliver them in a nice romantic box.

Chocolate covered espresso beans make a great gift for coffee lovers and you can find a wide assortment of gifts that coffee lovers will love, even some with a coffee liquor center. In addition to traditional gift shops you can also try local coffee shops.

You can also go with a personalized chocolate gift if you have enough time to get it done. There are many vendors that will imprint names, holidays, anniversaries and more right onto a chocolate bar. You can also find candies that are molded into many different shapes so you can come up with a mixed assortment of your own creation.

For the true chocolate lover or if you are looking for a really upscale present to give someone special you can always go with a gift basket. These baskets can incorporate a diversity of chocolates featuring anything from regular candies to fondue, mousses and more. One other great thing about baskets is that you can also make your own if you are on a limited budget. This is cool because you are able to totally customize a basket to the person you are giving it to and it makes the gift that much more fun and meaningful.

Gregg Hall is an author living with his 18 year old son in Jensen Beach, Florida. Find more about chocolate as well as chocolate gift baskets at http://www.frenchchocolatedelivery.com

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

Godiva Birthday Gift Boxes Review

2009-08-10T05:06:00.000-07:00

Godiva birthday gift boxes are easily one of the best gifts to give a loved one for his or her birthday. Every gift box contains only the best things, and you're sure that the recipient of the gift is going to love it. Godiva has a number of gift boxes you can choose from. Each box contains a labor of love, marvelous milk and dark chocolates filled only with goodness.

I especially love the Godiva dark chocolate gift box because dark chocolate is my favorite. Not only does it contain an assortment of dark chocolate goodies with exciting fillings, it has truffles and ganache that will blow your mind away. But if you're not into dark chocolate that much like a lot of people I know, don't worry because there are still a lot you can choose from.

For instance, there is the connoisseur gift basket which has an assortment of different things like milk and dark chocolate truffles, chocolate covered strawberries, dark chocolate caramel bar, and their signature biscuits. It's perfect for people who love sweets but not necessarily chocolates, because there are alternatives, all in one perfect gift box.

Other choices you can choose from are the gold gift box which contains only the best-selling chocolates and treats from Godiva, and the comforts gift basket that comes with a signature limited edition coffee mug along with all your favorite chocolates. If you decide to go with Godiva when it comes to chocolates and gift-giving, I am telling there is no way you can fail to make the person feel loved.

I always make it a point to give my mom one of the Godiva birthday gift boxes on her birthday, and even Mother's Day and she always loves what I give her. What she gets in the box has always been a surprise for her, and that's what I love about the whole thing the most.

For more information, check other Godiva Birthday Gift Boxes reviews.

Erika Ayala works part time for a consumer review company.

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

Chocolate Candy Bars Can Hurt Your Pet

2009-07-30T06:04:00.001-07:00

The amount of chocolate that it takes to poison your dog or cat will depend on the type of chocolate they have eaten and their weight. The types of chocolate harmful in particular quantities is
dark, milk, and white chocolate.

Chocolate candy bars have caffeine and other fats and ingredients that effect the dog or cats stomach and nervous system.

Once toxic levels have been reached, and the stimulants from the chocolate candy bars do their thing, the following symptoms can occur:

1. Vomiting

2. Diarrhea

3. Hyper

4. Frequent urination

If your dog just ate a small piece of chocolate candy bar or less, don't be too worried. Your dog will likely just enjoy the treat and be fine. However, if you're really worried you can always take your dog to the vet to get checked out.

Chocolate Candy Bars Aren't Dog Treats

If you see signs that your dog is acting out of the ordinary, and this is after it ate part or all of a chocolate candy bar, you should then take your dog to the vet. However, it's likely that your dog will just throw it up if anything. Nevertheless, take no chances and see your vet. You may not know just how much the dog has ingested. And, since it is dependant on the amount and their body mass, best be safe about it.

Just because chocolate candy bars won't kill your dog doesn't mean you should use them as dog treats. Dog food and people food for the most part should stay separated. The nutritional facts about your pet, dog or cat, can be provided by your local veterinarian.

This article was written by Joseph Young, creator of http://www.chocolatecandylovers.com/

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

Chocolate Mint Sandwich Cookies Recipe

2009-07-08T16:37:00.000-07:00

The chocolate mint sandwich cookies recipe is quite special! A creamy peppermint filling, sandwiched between two rich chocolate halves, unbelievably delicious!

Ingredients

6 tablespoons salted butter

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons water

2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

Filling:

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup salted butter, softened

3 tablespoons milk

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

Hardware

Whisk

Medium sauce pan

2 x medium bowls

Cookie sheets

Mixer

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

Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, water and chocolate chips. Cook and stir over low heat until chips are melted. Cool.

Step 3: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 4: Beat eggs and vanilla extract into mixture.

Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture until just combined.

Step 6: Drop by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Step 7: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm. Immediately transfer cookies to a cooling surface.

Filling:

Step 1: Combine filling ingredients in a medium bowl; beat until smooth.

Step 2: Spread bottom half of cookies with filling; top with remaining cookies.

Makes about 30 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

Recipe For Delicious Homemade Candy - Mint Chocolate Truffles

2009-06-29T17:17:00.000-07:00

Making candy can be a really fun activity. And the results are so worth the effort. Whether for a special occasion or just for the pleasure of it, turning out your own candy is very rewarding. Here is a great recipe for chocolate candy--my favorite! These delicious Mint Chocolate Truffles are from a recipe I got years ago from a Cooking Light magazine.

MINT CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

1/3 cup semisweet mint-chocolate chips
4-oz Neufchatel cheese, softened
16-oz pkg powdered sugar, sifted
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/4 cup sifted powdered sugar
2 tbsps semisweet mint-chocolate chips

Place the 1/3 cup mint-chocolate chips in a microwave safe medium to large bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute or until the chips are almost melted. Stir until smooth. Set aside to cool.

When chocolate is cooled, add the Neufchatel cheese and beat at medium speed of an electric mixer until smooth. Add the powdered sugar to the mixture and beat until well blended. Press the mixture into a 6-inch square on heavy-duty plastic wrap and cover with additional plastic wrap. Chill at least one hour. Remove the top sheet of plastic wrap and cut truffle into 48 squares. Roll each square into a small ball and place on waxed paper. Roll half the balls in the unsweetened cocoa and the other half in the powdered sugar. Place the 2 tablespoons of the mint-chocolate chips into a heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag. Microwave on high 1 minute or until the chips are softened. Knead the bag until the chips are smooth. Make a tiny snip in one bottom corner of the bag. Drizzle chocolate over the balls that have been rolled in cocoa. Serve at room temperature.

Note: I got this recipe from Cooking Light in 1999.

Enjoy!

For more of Linda's Sweet Treat recipes, visit http://ladybugssweettreats.blogspot.com

For her vintage recipes, go to http://grandmasvintagerecipes.blogspot.com

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

Chocolate Milk - A Healthier Drink Then You'd Expect

2009-06-18T07:39:00.000-07:00

Women's Health Magazine recently compiled a list of The Best Fitness Foods for Women. One of the foods listed was chocolate milk. Sports nutritionist Susan Kleiner, Ph.D, author of High-Performance Nutrition: The Total Eating Plan to Maximum Your Workout, said that "there's way more to milk than just calcium. In fact, it's a d#@ near perfect food, giving you a lot of valuable energy while keeping your calorie count low. The chocolate kind is loaded with calcium,

vitamins, and minerals just like the plain stuff, but new studies confirm that milk with a touch of cocoa is as powerful as commercial recovery drinks at replenishing and repairing muscles."

Other recent studies have been done to show that chocolate milk is helpful in recovering from strenuous exercise just like Gatorade.

A team of researchers led by Joel M. Stager of Indiana University found that milk contains key nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, in quantities that sports drinks can't match.

In their study, they had nine male cyclists ride until their muscles were depleted of energy, then rested four hours and rode again until exhaustion. In between rides, the cyclists drank low-fat chocolate milk, Gatorade, or another sports drink Endurox R4. During the second round of exercise, the cyclists who drank the chocolate milk were able to ride about 50 percent longer than those who drank Endurox, and about the same as those who drank the Gatorade.

The results suggest that "chocolate milk has an optimal ratio of carbohydrates to protein to help refuel tired muscles", Stager said.

These studies all are indicative of the new revelations that are being made about chocolate. In it's basest form chocolate is a healthy food filled with antioxidants. We have all been trained that it is a 'treat' and not good for us, but that is something that has come from the candy companies turning chocolate into a sugar and calorie loaded concoction. Dark chocolate is getting more and more press today as being good for us. And as many say the closer you are to the pure form of cacao (chocolate) the more health benefits you will get.

I just know the sound of chocolate milk after a run sounds much tastier than a Gatorade, and now I can drink it knowing I'm doing my body just as good.

To learn about other benefits from the New Healthy Chocolate, visit John's Xocai website.

Author: John Lovell is an avid sportsman and advocate for healthy living.

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

Impressive Chocolate-Amaretto Cheesecake For Diabetics and Dieters

2009-06-12T16:12:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a dessert recipe that will impress your diabetic and/or dieting friends or family, look no further. This sugar-free, low-fat, chocolate-amaretto cheesecake is just what you are looking for. It is impressive in looks and taste. Your family and friends will find it hard to believe this cake fits into their diet plans.

DIABETICS CHOCOLATE-AMARETTO CHEESECAKE

6 sugar-free chocolate wafers (1 1/2 to 2 oz)
Cooking oil spray
1 cup Equal Sugar-Lite
1 cup 1% low-fat cottage cheese
4 oz fat-free cream cheese
8 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese
6 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup amaretto
1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of salt
1 large egg
2 tbsp crushed sugar-free chocolate wafers for garnish

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Place six wafers in a food processor, and pulse until coarsely ground. Spray an 8-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Sprinkle crumbs over bottom of pan.

Place Equal, cottage cheese, cream cheeses, cocoa, flour, amaretto, vanilla extract, and salt into food processor. Process ingredients until smooth. Add egg and process until blended. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake at 300 degrees 55 minutes or until the center of the cheesecake barely moves when the pan is touched. Remove cheesecake from oven and run a thin knife around the outside edge to loosen from pan. Sprinkle crushed wafers over top, if desired, for garnish. Cool to room temperature. Cover, place in refrigerator and chill at least 8 hours.

Cut into 8 serving pieces.

Note: This chocolate cheesecake is a great way to impress your guests. They'll never believe they are actually eating a low-fat, sugarless cheesecake!

Enjoy!

For more of Linda's recipes and diabetic information go to http://diabeticenjoyingfood.squarespace.com

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

How To Successfully Mail Chocolate

2009-06-02T15:53:00.001-07:00

Chocolate gifts are, perhaps, the tastiest gifts that anyone could hope to receive. The problem with chocolate gifts, though, is making sure that they do not melt before they arrive at their destination!

This is quite easy if you are hand-delivering your chocolate gifts. But if, on the other hand, you plan on mailing your them, it is a whole other story. Here are some tips to help you make sure that your gifts of chocolate do not break while being handled and to make sure that they do not turn into gifts of chocolate soup:

· If you are mailing a chocolate bar and you do not want it to break, try taping a stiff piece of cardboard to the back of it and then wrapping it in a piece of bubble wrap.

· If you plan to mail a chocolate gift during the dead of winter, it will probably stay fine and not melt. If, on the other hand, you expect your chocolate gift to arrive completely solid in California in the heat of August, you need to think again. Avoid sending chocolate during times of extreme heat.

· Instead of sending chocolate gifts full of truffles and candy bars, consider sending brownies and/or cookies (save the cookies dipped in chocolate for colder months, though). If you do decide to mail cookies, pick out ones that do not break easily, like drop cookies. Pack them in foil-lined tin or small box. Put sheets of wax paper between the layers of cookies. Cushion the tin or box of cookies within the shipping box with plastic grocery sacks (or other such material). Mark the box with “perishable – food.” Also write on the top, “this side up” to encourage careful handling.

· If you are sending other items along with your chocolate, place your chocolate in a zip-lock bag (and suck out all the air) to make sure that in case it does melt, nothing else is ruined.

· Pay a little extra to send your chocolate overnight, or at least send it 2-3 day priority. The sooner it gets there, the less likely it will melt, first.

· Make sure that the recipient will be home when it is received. If your box has to wait on the doorstop in the hot sun, the chocolate will surely melt! Maybe even ask for a signature.

· If it is not a delicate chocolate, freeze it before you box it up to mail it. It will not stay frozen, but it will take longer for your chocolate gifts to melt.

· Pack your chocolate gifts with frozen gel packs, dry ice, or another cold source. If you use dry ice, write on the box “contains dry ice” to warn the recipients. Be sure to pack the chocolate in a zip lock bag so that it does not directly touch the dry ice, and do not touch the ice with your own hands. Write “keep refrigerated” on the outside of the box.

· Send your chocolate gift package at the beginning of the week to ensure that it will not sit at the mailing facility over the weekend.

· Send chocolate that is already melted! In other words, why not send a yummy chocolate sauce or chocolate for fondue!

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on chocolate and other gifts, please visit Distinct Gift Baskets.

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

The Health Benefits of Sugar Free Chocolates

2009-05-30T05:56:00.000-07:00

Romance, music and chocolates – what would life be without these?

One of the most pleasurable activities in life is eating chocolates, second only to romance. The melting of the brown pieces in the mouth give feelings that is akin to being in love. Eating chocolates result in releasing of endorphins, the feel good hormones. The good thing about eating chocolates does not stop with altering the mood for the better. Eating chocolates is said to be beneficial to your health. These health benefits of eating chocolates are backed up by scientific studies.

Here chocolate does not mean the kinds of chocolates that are popularly available in the market – high in calories. Chocolate here refers to the ones that are sugar free and hence low in calories. However, the chocolates available in the market are rich in calories because of two ingredients: sugar and milk. Additionally most of the flavonoids are lost as a result of processing.

The darker the chocolate the better, as it contains more cocoa but less milk and sugar. Normally, sugar free chocolate candies are prepared for diabetics. Therefore, the milk and sugar content in this type of chocolates are very low and the cocoa content is high.

Sugar free chocolate candy bars have more antioxidants than red wine or green tea. Chocolate contain flavonoids that is good for the heart. It thins the blood platelets and prevents clotting. In addition, flavonoids may be helpful in the prevention of cancer.

A study of 8000 male Harvard students showed that chocoholics lived longer than the abstainers. Evidence shows that cocoa from which chocolate is made is rich in antioxidants that helps ward off heart diseases, prevents strokes and thins the blood. Scientists concur on this.

Consuming large amounts of cocoa lowers the risk of high blood pressure too. People belonging to the Kuna tribe who live in isolated islands in Panama are said to have no high blood pressure. The reason is attributed to their regular consumption of cocoa. Cocoa contains nitric acid and the nitric oxide connection to blood pressure is well established.

Chocolate is rich in iron content and has more iron than beef liver. Chocolate is also the second highest source of magnesium among all foods, after seaweed.

Researchers have found that eating 1 oz. of chocolate per day can have significant health benefits.

Sugar free chocolates and candies can be ordered online from stores all over the USA. Sugar free chocolates that are low in milk content can be good for those with diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, if taken in moderation.

Natalie Aranda writes and health, fitness and nutrition. Sugar free chocolate candy bars have more antioxidants than red wine or green tea. Chocolate contain flavonoids that is good for the heart. It thins the blood platelets and prevents clotting. In addition, flavonoids may be helpful in the prevention of cancer.

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Chocolate Truffle Printable Wedding Invitations - A Rich, Lush Choice

2009-05-27T16:06:00.000-07:00

For couples who love the deep, rich velvety smoothness of chocolate--consider Chocolate Truffle as your primary wedding invitation or accent color. Lush brown printable invites look absolutely gorgeous when accented with cream stationary and colored ribbons. Plus, with printable invitations you have the added benefit of saving 50% or more on the costs simply by printing and assembling them yourselves. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. How to find the ones you want on the internet: For the largest selection you need to use the internet. The key here is using the correct search engine terms. If you type in "Wedding Invitations" you will be presented with an enormous choice of websites most of whom do the printing for you. If you type in "Printable Wedding Invitations" or "DIY Invitations" you will access the websites that specialize in printing it yourself. To really pinpoint your search, you can also type in "Chocolate Truffle Printable Wedding Invitations" for an exact match. Visit a number of these sites to get a feel for the range of styles, types of paper, and colors you might want to use. Also, pay attention to what kind of embellishments they offer or recommend.

2. Choosing a style that suits your wedding: The next big decision you will need to make is what style of invites do you want. Do you want an open or closed style? Do you want layered or single panel? Do you want light or dark colors? Do you want embellished or simple? So for example, you could choose a closed style pocket folder in Chocolate Truffle, fastened with a colored ribbon and accented with cream stationary and rsvp cards. When you open it, the cream stationary card is the printed invite and the RSVP card is in the side pocket. Or you could choose an open style, layered invitation, with the backer card being the dark brown and the stationary card being cream and the two layers fastened together with an accent ribbon near the top. Choose a style that fits the "feel" you are trying to create.

3. Printing and Assembling: Take your time over the wording and font style for your invite. There are many downloadable examples available so try out a number of them until you get the type of wording that fits you as a couple and your unique circumstances. Also, make sure your printer can handle the thickness of the card stock you will be printing on. Most printable card stock is 80 lb weight, any less than that is too flimsy for invites. Once you are done printing, you are then ready to assemble and address. If you are having a large wedding, consider having a team of friends or family help you glue, assemble, and address with you. This is a wonderful opportunity for different friends and family members to get to know each other.

Choosing, creating, printing and assembling your own wedding invitations is an enjoyable way to have what you want at the price you can afford. And especially if you are choosing an unusual color, like Chocolate Truffle, creating your own invitations will allow you much more freedom in design and color choice than ready made will.

For stunning Chocolate Truffle Printable Wedding Invitations in a variety of designs, visit us at: http://www.weddingbellinvitations.com
Free "Wedding Vow Workbook" with any purchase. Kathleen Ball is a marriage counselor and wedding officiant. This article may be freely distributed or reprinted in its entirety in any eZine, blog, newsletter or website. The author's name, bio, and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.

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Death by Chocolate - Cocoa Mulch Could Be Deadly to Pets

2009-05-21T04:23:00.001-07:00

Absolutely be concerned! Statistics show 98% of dogs will not eat cocoa mulch. However, is it worth the risk, to find out if your dog or cat is in the other 2%? This is especially true for puppies, as EVERYTHING, goes into their mouths! Death can occur in 12-24 hours.

The sweet smell of chocolate; from the cocoa bean shells used in cocoa mulches attracts some dogs. Of those, approximately one half will suffer some form of physical distress, and possibly death. Chocolate contains a methylxanthine. A xanthine component called theobromine is founding varying degrees, in all chocolates. In addition, it is in a group of alkaloids, used for bronchodilators, sleep prevention aids, and asthma medications; as well as in cocoa, coffee and tea.

This highly toxic agent is especially prevalent in bakers and dark chocolate.

3 Things To Consider:

1. Type of chocolate - bakers and dark chocolate are the deadliest
2. Size of dog/cat
3. Amount ingested - as little as 9 oz., could kill a 50-pound dog.

9 Signs To Watch For

1. Excessive urination - signs of kidney failure
2. Diarrhea
3. Restlessness
4. Abdominal pain
5. Vomiting
6. Excited behavior
7. Tremors - nervous system damage
8. Rapid heart rate -cardiac arrhythmia
9. Convulsions - nervous system damage

Do not waste a second! If you suspect your pet has ingested cocoa mulch, get it to your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY! There is no antidote. However, induced vomiting and/or emergency surgery to remove the ingested mulch, may be necessary in an attempt to save your pet's life.

BOTTOM LINE: Do not use cocoa mulch! If you do, check the bag for warnings, to see if it contains any mention of methylxanthine. Always err on the side of caution.

Given that you cannot control what your neighbors use, it would be wise to keep your pets in your own yard.

Also, take an extra second to make sure you keep ALL medications where your pets cannot reach them!

Karen A. Soukiasian, GOOD DOG! - DOG TRAINING - Owner/Trainer, St. Augustine, Florida - AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN Evaluator http://www.freewebs.com/gooddogsite

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How Large Companies Make Chocolate

2009-05-02T15:55:00.001-07:00

How do large companies make chocolate? For one, they need capital to be able to buy the equipment they need and also the ingredients.

Given that there are not that many places in the US to harvest cocoa beans, these companies go to South America, the Ivory Coast and as far away as Ghana because deep in their jungles likes the cacao tree.

These trees grow a melon like fruit that is harvested by hand and inside, there are 20 to 40 seeds which are the cocoa beans.

Once the cocoa beans are removed, they are placed in large heaps or piles in a process known as fermentation. This usually takes a week giving the shells time to harden, the beans darken and the cocoa flavor develop. Afterwards, these are then transported to the chocolate factory.

Since companies that import cocoa beans order these in vast quantities, it is more practical to transport these back to the US by ship than by air. Once they reach the dock, it is then transferred to rail road cars on the way to the factory so they can be cleaned and stored.

Chocolates as we know taste different and this is depends on the country of origin of the beans. The first step in converting these into chocolate is to roast these in large revolving roasters at high temperatures.

Next, a special hulling machine dries it so the shell of the bean is removed and its content known as the "nib" is the one that is actually used in making chocolate.

The next step is to turn the "nibs" into its liquid form. This process is known as milling and to give you that added taste, other ingredients are added and these include chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, sugar and milk.

Chocolate liquor is a combination of milk and sugar. The end product of this coarse brown powder called a chocolate crumb. As for milk, this is taken from the farm where it is tested, pasteurized and mixed with sugar until it turns into a thick, taffy like material.

You then throw in cocoa butter to bring out the rich taste and creamy texture of the chocolate. Another machine known as steel rollers grind and refine the mixture to make it smoother.

After all that, the mixture becomes a thick liquid often referred to as chocolate paste. Since there still may be some gritty particles, it is placed inside another machine called the conche for 24 to 72 hours.

When the paste has been smoothened, this is the time that the liquid chocolate is poured into the mold. The process is very fast inside a factory as some produce about a thousand of these a minute that is something that can never be done manually. If the chocolate comes in many varies, this is also the time that almonds and peanuts are added.

In the machine, air bubbles are removed so the chocolate is able to settle evenly. They then make their way through a cooling tunnel so the liquid chocolate is turned into a solid candy bar.

The last step is obviously to wrap this up, put these in boxes and then deliver it to stores. Customers then buy these off the shelf and then enjoy its yummy taste without ever thinking for one moment how do large companies make chocolate.

Dark Chocolate Truffles - Higher End of the Chocolate Industry

2009-04-28T15:49:00.000-07:00

Dark chocolate truffles are a confectionery dream. These are the higher end of the chocolate industry and are usually quite pricey. However, for a chocolate lover, many times, price is usually not a problem. But, also keep in mind that although the price may be a bit more for some than they are for others, that in no way, shape, or form is an indication that the more expensive ones are any better than the cheaper ones. Of course, some are considerably better than others but, this is not a normal occurrence.

Chocolate truffles are basically a combination of either dark or milk chocolate, butterfat, and sometimes coconut oil. However, there are different variations all around the world. For instance, a Harvey truffle, which is a Canadian version, adds peanut butter and graham cracker crumbs into the mixture. The European favorite uses a syrup base of cocoa powder, fats, and milk powder. The Swiss are probably the most famous of the world's truffle makers and uses melted chocolate, cream, and butter. They are also sprinkled with a cocoa powder and this makes them exceptional. However, the longer they sit, the worse they get therefore, if one is looking for good high quality Swiss made truffles, by all means, make sure they are fresh.

There are many different types of truffles that utilize dark, milk, and even white chocolate. These originated in the French culture and began as "ganache." This is typically an icing, filling, or even a glaze that is created by using chocolate and heavy whipping cream. These were usually made for wealthy or noble people and were considered to be out of reach for the typical "poor" chocolate lover. These were created around eighteen fifty and would take the world by storm. But, it was said that these were created entirely by accident when a candy maker, and especially a chocolatier, had a helper that accidentally mixed cream into a chocolate batch while it was melting. This could very well be true considering that that the chocolatier referred to his helper as a "ganache" which actually means fool or idiot. It turned out to be for the better and they have been called that ever since.

Since then, every candy maker in the world has explored the truffle concoction and there have been many that have added items such as nuts and fruit to them with great success. They are now a staple item at most holidays that incorporate candy and chocolate such as Christmas and Easter and it is the dark chocolate types that are the primary type. Dark chocolate truffles are some of the finest chocolates that anyone could ever taste. They are quite distinct and very delectable and worthy of their somewhat inflated price. Find out more tips about dark chocolate at http://darkchocolate.bestreferenceguide.com

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

Almond Chocolate and Cherry Hazelnut Biscotti - Low-Carb Recipes

2009-04-25T16:57:00.001-07:00

Cherry Hazelnut Biscotti These traditional Italian cookies are baked twice for extra crispness-dip them into a cup of coffee for an afternoon treat. If you prefer, you may substitute macadamia nuts or pecans for hazelnuts.

1-1/2 cups toasted and skinned hazelnuts: 1/2 cup finely chopped, 1 cup coarsely chopped

1 cup Atkins Bake Mix

16 packets sugar substitute

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup sour cream

4 eggs, lightly beaten

1-1/2 sticks butter, at room temperature

1/3 cup dried cherries

Heat oven to 350*. Whisk together finely chopped hazelnuts, bake mix, sugar substitute, cinnamon and salt. In a medium bowl mix sour cream, and eggs.

In a large bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter 3 minutes until creamy. Alternately add bake mix mixture and sour cream mixture to butter. Stir in cherries and coarsely chopped hazelnuts.

Divide the dough in half. On ungreased baking sheets form each dough half into a log measuring 12" x 2 1/2" (moisten hands if necessary to keep dough from sticking).

Bake logs 25 minutes, until almost firm. Transfer sheets to wire rack to cool 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.

Carefully cut logs crosswise, with a serrated knife, into 1/2" wide slices. Arrange slices on baking sheets. Bake 15 to 17 minutes until firm and crisp. Cool slices on baking sheets before storing.

Servings: 40

Prep time: 25 minutes

Bake/Cook time: 40 minutes

Almond Chocolate Chip Biscotti

Serving Size: 50

5 eggs

1-1/2 cups Splenda

1 tbsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp almond extract

1-1/2 cups oil

6 cups almond meal flour

Chopped pecans 1-1/2 cups, optional

Slivered almonds 1 pkg, optional

Semisweet LC chocolate chips 6 oz

Beat eggs, Splenda, baking powder till thick. Add cinnamon, vanilla, almond extract and mix well. Slowly pour in oil while beater is going.

Mix in almond flour till it is stiff dough. Mix in nuts and chocolate chips if you want them. Divide the dough into 4 pieces and make 4 long logs in a jelly roll pan.

Bake at 350°F-180°C for 40 minutes, take out of the oven and let cool for 10 minutes or so, then slice them as thin as you can and they do not fall apart. Lay them out face down on the pan and bake for 12 minutes more to get crispy.

For a slightly different texture, form the dough into 4 logs, slice it when raw, and then bake the cookies for 40 minutes at 350°F-180°C.

Per Serving: 133 Calories

6 carbs

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

How To Select And Order A Chocolate Truffle Box

2009-04-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

Who can really resist prime quality chocolate? When you open the wrapper and your heart beats in anticipation, the mere thought of rolling your tongue around the little delight makes your mouth water. Indeed, chocolate is one of those sins that even the stars confess to. Chocolate favors are a natural extension of this intense love for chocolates. Chocolatiers procure the best quality of chocolate from around the world and blend them with the right ingredients to give birth to their signature chocolates. Thus, premium chocolates are definitely a cut above the rest. This explains why there are many people who consider such chocolates to be excellent gifts.

A chocolate truffle box is an exciting gift idea. Many companies obtain the finest quality of cocoa and sell handmade chocolate truffles. Handmade chocolate truffles are considered to be of superior quality because these chocolates have a velvety finish and some of the best flavors you’ve ever tasted. These truffles may be free of extracts and artificial flavors.

A boxful of decadent chocolate truffles is a delightful treat for anyone receiving them. In fact, anyone who loves truffles knows that they cannot stop with one. Truffles are very addictive whether they are the dark chocolate, milk chocolate or nutty varieties. Proper blending of the finest quality of chocolate along with premium ingredients like fresh cream and high quality nuts ensures that the chocolate truffles explode in a riot of flavors and tastes in your mouth. Truffles may seem small, but they pack a great punch, bringing you a mouthful of paradise. No surprise then that a personalized truffle box is considered to be the ultimate in luxury gift ideas.

Chocolate truffle boxes generally contain an assorted collection of truffles. These boxes are ideal gift ideas whether you are hosting a small celebration or a big party. You find them not only at wedding ceremonies and bridal showers but also at corporate events.

To give the gift more warmth, many people ask for personalized truffle boxes. These truffle boxes contain a collection of truffles and the entire collection is beautifully packaged in attractive boxes. Personalization is achieved by splashing a picture, a message or a logo on the face of the box. These pictures or messages serve to remind the receiver of the occasion (like a baby shower or a wedding) or of the sender (like a company). A corporate truffle box generally contains different types of truffles. You may find dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolates and bitter chocolates.

While you may buy standard truffle boxes from your local store, personalized chocolate truffle boxes are best from the chocolatier’s. Many internet web stores specialize in making chocolate favors. An internet search will help you identify a number of reputed stores. Visit these stores and browse through their collection. Compare prices, quality and make. Also, pay close attention to the delivery and return policies of the website. Buy from an online vendor only after you have checked out all these important details.

Chocolate Favor World offers delicious chocolate truffle box delighted with a pleasant taste.

Use A Special Chocolate Candy Mold To Make Fun Treats For The Family

2009-04-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Having a chocolate candy mold may not seem like a big deal, but did you know that it can be the key to having an enjoyable afternoon with your kids? It's true. With our hurry up lives we often find that we do not spend as much quality time with our children as we would like. In many cases, this simply cannot be avoided. Both parents often have to work these days in order to make ends meet and for some there is only a single parent in the home and time is often a commodity that has to be spent elsewhere.

So if this is the case, why not use your chocolate candy mold and bring the whole family together for a fun-filled afternoon or evening? The making of the treats themselves is easy and requires little or no advanced training in kitchen skills. It is also safe and relatively quick to complete. And best of all, it is something the whole family can participate in, with each family member feeling as if he or she contributed to the overall project.

Children are curious by nature and they love to help out in the kitchen. This is especially true if they are making sweet treats they get to consume when finished. But they also need time with their parents. Just fun time with no pressures and no interferences from work or other daily adult worries. It's good for the grown ups, too!

Who would think that a simple chocolate candy mold could bring all of this together? Funny, but often the more simple things are the ones that have the most power to impact on our lives. This is a case of where that is especially true.

But before you plan this great time together, make sure you have everything you need to get the project started off on the right foot and completed. There is nothing more disappointing than to have to stop midway because something is missing.

For this particular family project, you will only need a few items, and all of them can be found online if you shop at a reliable vendor. You will need your chocolate candy mold, of course, and these now come in so many different shapes and sizes that you can let your imagination go wild. There is a design to fit just about any interest or event you can think of. Some of these are truly unique, such as complete chess boards and pieces made of the sweet stuff! Or how about a set of dominoes, complete with their little white dots?

You will also need the filling and you may want to consider having some colorful wrapping if you plan to give any away as gifts.

One of the best places to find all of these things and to see a huge selection of designs is at the Candy Plus website at http://www.candyplus.net. Candy Plus features everything you need to pull this off and their prices are incredibly reasonable.

How to Make Sugar Free Cake Mix Taste Better

2009-03-02T06:41:00.001-08:00

Sugar free cake mix is a must-have in your pantry if you or someone else in your family needs diabetic desserts or just wants to cut down on your carbs or sugar in general. However, the last think you want is for your sugar free cake mix to turn out tasting like a diet dessert. Here are some tips that can help your sugar free desserts and cakes taste more like the real thing.

Using applesauce as a partial substitute for oil when you're making a sugar free cake mix can help cut down on both the sugar and the fat in the recipe, making it better for both diabetics and dieters. Applesauce improves the texture but don't overdo it-substitute about half of the oil with applesauce and you'll get a good result.

Another way to improve sugar free cake mix is to use a tasty dessert mix with no sugar added to create layers in the cake. A plain sugar-free cake can taste too, well, plain, but if you put a creamy and flavorful dessert mix in between like Lemon Dessert Mix it will add flavor interest. In addition, you can make sugar free icing out of a dessert mix like this by mixing preparing it according to the package directions and then mixing it with cool whip. You can also add the dessert mix right into the mix (also add one more egg than the cake mix package requires) in order to make a rich and moist pudding cake.

Another good fix for sugar free cake mix is to add canned fruit to the mix, like crushed pineapple or peaches. Pick fruit that's package in water, not in syrup, or you'll get more added sugar (and calories) than you bargained for, but the fruit can add a little bit of natural sweetness and moistness to what could otherwise be a bland, dry cake.

Finally, you can use fruit juice in place of water or milk with sugar free cake mix. Thawing orange concentrate is a good way to add orange flavor, which goes well with both vanilla and chocolate cakes, or apple juice can be used with angel food cake mix to add a delicate apple flavor. These are just some of the many ways you can improve sugar free cake mix so it doesn't taste like you're being deprived.

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