Cocoa Beans are the Super Food of the Future
Super foods are defined as food items that can ward off diseases like cancer, heart ailments, cholesterol, and a whole list of others. These foods have high phytonutrient content that can only be good for your health. Any food containing significant amounts of vitamins, antioxidants, dietary fibers, minerals, and enzymes can be regarded as a super food.
Among the most common foods that made it to the famed list of super foods are blueberries, bee pollen, aloe vera, salmon, spinach, oats, walnut, apples, and yogurt. There a lot of other fruits, vegetables, and natural food items that made it to the list. Enumerating them all can be very lengthy.
But what's more interesting to note is the fact that cocoa beans are deemed to be included in it anytime in the future. Pure organic cocoa bean is definitely the next super food. However, cocoa beans cannot be eaten raw. They have to be duly processed and added as an ingredient to food before they can be administered to the body. The most common end products of cocoa beans are chocolates and chocolate beverages.
Yes, chocolates can be good for you too. While chocolates are always referred to as the sugary food that can make you fat and unhealthy, there's a certain chocolate variant that can keep you in the pink of health at all times – dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate is one of the superstars when it comes to the food items being hailed as the next super foods. Dark chocolate are made out of pure cocoa beans with minimal to no sugar added. Cocoa beans are very rich in antioxidants. As such, a bar of dark chocolate can provide your body with a good level of protection against free radicals.
Furthermore, dark chocolates made from choice cocoa beans contain micronutrients that can help lower down blood pressure and keep the heart healthy. However, you should not go overboard eating dark chocolates. While it is good for the body, consuming too much may lead to certain undesirable effects.
A small bar or a chunk of dark chocolate should be sufficient to do wonders to your health. All super foods have to eaten in the right amounts in order to reap its goodness. This is especially true with chocolates because it could contain high amounts of calories in every bar. This is why you should eat them in moderation.
Dark chocolate contains flavonoids which are a type of antioxidant also found in teas. Flavonoids can keep the arteries of the heart from clogging. However, it is the cocoa that is really doing wonders for your body and not the dark chocolate as a whole. Therefore, if you are going to buy such an item from the store, make sure that you read the label first. Look for the brand that contains more cocoa solids inside the pack. You might also want to buy the one that contains walnuts. Walnuts are yet another super food items that you want to feed your body with.
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วันอาทิตย์ที่ 11 มกราคม พ.ศ. 2552
Cocoa Commodity Prices are Affected by the US Economy
Cocoa Commodity Prices are Affected by the US Economy
With the recent slump in the U.S. economy, cocoa manufacturers have experienced a downfall in their commodity pricing. The U.S. is one of the biggest consumers of cocoa, as it is the main ingredient of chocolate and chocolate drinks. The slowdown in the U.S. economy had triggered a not-so good effect in the cocoa industry all over the world.
The general outcome of the said crisis is lower demand for raw ingredients and materials, which include cocoa beans among many other items. Chocolate manufacturers are capitalizing on their reserves and are toning down their production facilities up until the storm is over.
As such, they are importing decreased quantities of cocoa beans as of the moment. The ones directly affected are actually the farmers, who are not in the position to adjust their current production. When the demand is low and the supply is high, the imbalance is usually addressed by elastic market prices.
As such, the price of cocoa beans has plummeted and would stay that way for as long as the U.S. is still in its recovery stages. While this seems to be bad news, there are some advantages that can be obtained from the situation. Since the commodity prices of cocoa is at its lowest this time of the year, big manufacturers outside the U.S. that are not totally hit by the recession can take advantage of it. It's their chance to import low-priced cocoa beans and cocoa products straight from top cocoa-producing countries like the Dominican Republic.
With good pricing, companies making chocolate bars, cakes, and beverages could easily raise their inventory level. By ordering in bulk while the price is relatively low, they will get more value for their money. Cocoa prices are expected to normalize once the U.S. economy is back on its feet, which is happening at a fairly fast pace.
The cocoa beans from the Dominican Republic are one of the best in the world. And like the rest of the cocoa bean farmers from all over, they too are hit with the same financial storm. However, their production and business processes are stable enough to withstand the crisis. While they may have to lower down the price of their cocoa beans a bit, they will surely be able to regain strength in the global cocoa market in due time.
Chocolate has been and will always be a symbol of luxury in developed countries. And what's even better about it is the fact that it is very affordable, unlike jewelry and all other items signifying luxury and wealth. So the chocolate industry is expected to recover in a fast and steady manner over time.
The current problem that cocoa farmers and chocolate manufacturers are facing right now won't last for long. The usual seamless shipping of raw ingredients and supplies will continue eventually. When the market is at its lowest point, economic policies play a very crucial role. And as far as the Dominican Republic cocoas are concerned, the future still looks great. Most of the cocoa farm owners operating in the soils of the Dominican Republic are holding office in the U.S. and in the rest of the major cities of the world. As such, you can expect that normal operations would continue despite the downturn of events.
credit : http://www.articlesbase.com/
With the recent slump in the U.S. economy, cocoa manufacturers have experienced a downfall in their commodity pricing. The U.S. is one of the biggest consumers of cocoa, as it is the main ingredient of chocolate and chocolate drinks. The slowdown in the U.S. economy had triggered a not-so good effect in the cocoa industry all over the world.
The general outcome of the said crisis is lower demand for raw ingredients and materials, which include cocoa beans among many other items. Chocolate manufacturers are capitalizing on their reserves and are toning down their production facilities up until the storm is over.
As such, they are importing decreased quantities of cocoa beans as of the moment. The ones directly affected are actually the farmers, who are not in the position to adjust their current production. When the demand is low and the supply is high, the imbalance is usually addressed by elastic market prices.
As such, the price of cocoa beans has plummeted and would stay that way for as long as the U.S. is still in its recovery stages. While this seems to be bad news, there are some advantages that can be obtained from the situation. Since the commodity prices of cocoa is at its lowest this time of the year, big manufacturers outside the U.S. that are not totally hit by the recession can take advantage of it. It's their chance to import low-priced cocoa beans and cocoa products straight from top cocoa-producing countries like the Dominican Republic.
With good pricing, companies making chocolate bars, cakes, and beverages could easily raise their inventory level. By ordering in bulk while the price is relatively low, they will get more value for their money. Cocoa prices are expected to normalize once the U.S. economy is back on its feet, which is happening at a fairly fast pace.
The cocoa beans from the Dominican Republic are one of the best in the world. And like the rest of the cocoa bean farmers from all over, they too are hit with the same financial storm. However, their production and business processes are stable enough to withstand the crisis. While they may have to lower down the price of their cocoa beans a bit, they will surely be able to regain strength in the global cocoa market in due time.
Chocolate has been and will always be a symbol of luxury in developed countries. And what's even better about it is the fact that it is very affordable, unlike jewelry and all other items signifying luxury and wealth. So the chocolate industry is expected to recover in a fast and steady manner over time.
The current problem that cocoa farmers and chocolate manufacturers are facing right now won't last for long. The usual seamless shipping of raw ingredients and supplies will continue eventually. When the market is at its lowest point, economic policies play a very crucial role. And as far as the Dominican Republic cocoas are concerned, the future still looks great. Most of the cocoa farm owners operating in the soils of the Dominican Republic are holding office in the U.S. and in the rest of the major cities of the world. As such, you can expect that normal operations would continue despite the downturn of events.
credit : http://www.articlesbase.com/
A Meal Making Cooking Class
A Meal Making Cooking Class
I recently attended a meal making cooking class with a group of friends. Basically, it was a Once a Month-Freezer Cooking session combined with a Prepare Your Own Meals store. Our hostess (this was in a private home with a very large kitchen) shopped for the food, chopped the veggies, browned the ground meat, and prepared the prep stations. Using printed instructions, we measured out the ingredients, and put them into labeled freezer bags or aluminum casserole dishes. We then loaded our pre-made meals into coolers and placed them in the freezer when we got home. For $95, I walked away with eight dishes. This may seem like a lot of money, but I only spent a couple of hours making them, and I didn’t have to drive all over town to buy the ingredients. I didn’t have to do the prep work or clean up. And I have healthy meals in the freezer for those nights when I’m too busy to cook or out of town. The time savings alone made it a bargain.
My every day dishes are the Autumn Leaf pattern by Franciscan by Glading, McBean & Co. The Autumn Leaf pattern was made in the mid-’50s, and they’ve held up very well. (Yes, I put them in the dishwasher.) I have dozens of the bowls and smaller plates and enough dinner plates for a large sit down meal. But there are pieces I never get down from the cupboard, like the matching mugs, which I paid $35-50 each.
Lusting after dishware is a genetic thing for me. My mom had special bowls for fish soup, and special plates for eating steamed artichokes. So you’ll understand when I occasionally indulge in some online dishware porn - fancy china, crystal, and dinnerware.
Wait till my next blog for great tips to all foodies!!!
Published in May 13th, 2008 Posted by Careena in Recipes at http://lifestyle.gourmandia.com/community/blog/?author=2
Credit: http://www.articlesbase.com
I recently attended a meal making cooking class with a group of friends. Basically, it was a Once a Month-Freezer Cooking session combined with a Prepare Your Own Meals store. Our hostess (this was in a private home with a very large kitchen) shopped for the food, chopped the veggies, browned the ground meat, and prepared the prep stations. Using printed instructions, we measured out the ingredients, and put them into labeled freezer bags or aluminum casserole dishes. We then loaded our pre-made meals into coolers and placed them in the freezer when we got home. For $95, I walked away with eight dishes. This may seem like a lot of money, but I only spent a couple of hours making them, and I didn’t have to drive all over town to buy the ingredients. I didn’t have to do the prep work or clean up. And I have healthy meals in the freezer for those nights when I’m too busy to cook or out of town. The time savings alone made it a bargain.
My every day dishes are the Autumn Leaf pattern by Franciscan by Glading, McBean & Co. The Autumn Leaf pattern was made in the mid-’50s, and they’ve held up very well. (Yes, I put them in the dishwasher.) I have dozens of the bowls and smaller plates and enough dinner plates for a large sit down meal. But there are pieces I never get down from the cupboard, like the matching mugs, which I paid $35-50 each.
Lusting after dishware is a genetic thing for me. My mom had special bowls for fish soup, and special plates for eating steamed artichokes. So you’ll understand when I occasionally indulge in some online dishware porn - fancy china, crystal, and dinnerware.
Wait till my next blog for great tips to all foodies!!!
Published in May 13th, 2008 Posted by Careena in Recipes at http://lifestyle.gourmandia.com/community/blog/?author=2
Credit: http://www.articlesbase.com
วันพุธที่ 7 มกราคม พ.ศ. 2552
Personally Made Tasty Chocolates and Flowers
Personally Made Tasty Chocolates and Flowers
If flowers symbolize passion and love, then chocolates are the very voice of this love. Whether it’s love for the sweet, luscious confection itself or love for another person, chocolates are a great gift for someone you care about or someone you’d like to get to know.
The best kind of chocolate to give along with a bouquet of flowers is the assorted type – the ones that come in a pretty box and contain a delightful assortment of truffles, bonbons, and pralines. Forrest Gump was right when he said that you never know what you’re going to get from a box of chocolates. For more results please visit us at www.classic-dessert-collection.com. Trying to guess whether this bonbon is stuffed with coconut ganache, caramel, or swirling mint is part of the excitement and pleasure that comes with opening a box of chocolates.
If you plan to combine chocolates with flowers, you’d better make sure that your chocolates live up to the exotic appeal of your flowers. A big no-no is combining your floral gift with a box of commercial chocolates that you can buy of the shelf in a grocery store. Yes, milk chocolates are great for everyday but as a gift, nothing can match your flowers as well as a set of hand-made chocolates.
Among all the assorted chocolates you can buy, Belgian chocolates are undoubtedly the best you can get. After all, they set the standard by which all other chocolates are measured against. Even the Swiss, who are known for their own excellent blend of cocoa and milk, imported their recipe from Belgian chocolates. Belgian chocolates are unlike any other because they are made of the finest ingredients and are manufactured using time-tested Old World techniques. Unlike other chocolates who use machines to make the mass-production of their products cheaper and more efficient, most Belgian chocolates make their chocolate by hand using their old-fashioned equipment. In fact, small chocolate shops and factories are often a popular tourist attraction in Belgium, and include activities like chocolate-tasting.
One of the techniques employed by Belgian chocolates is the use of a special kind of chocolate called a converter as the cold shell for pralines. You can also visit at www.cooking-chinese-style.com. The converter allows the pralines to be filled with a wide variety of creams and flavored nougats like hazelnut, coffee, fruit, mint, or more chocolate. A specialized heating process also allows the converter and its filling to retain their aroma and flavor. Many chocolate companies like Go diva and Leonia’s are famous all over the world for their gourmet pralines.
Although hand made chocolates might be more expensive than the usual chocolate bar you can grab at the supermarket, anyone who has ever tied it will definitely say that a mass-produced chocolate bar has nothing in common with a genuine hand made praline. Hand made chocolates are gastronomic delights that live up to their high reputation. Give the special person in your life nothing but the best in European gourmet chocolate along with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
Credit : http://www.articlesbase.com
If flowers symbolize passion and love, then chocolates are the very voice of this love. Whether it’s love for the sweet, luscious confection itself or love for another person, chocolates are a great gift for someone you care about or someone you’d like to get to know.
The best kind of chocolate to give along with a bouquet of flowers is the assorted type – the ones that come in a pretty box and contain a delightful assortment of truffles, bonbons, and pralines. Forrest Gump was right when he said that you never know what you’re going to get from a box of chocolates. For more results please visit us at www.classic-dessert-collection.com. Trying to guess whether this bonbon is stuffed with coconut ganache, caramel, or swirling mint is part of the excitement and pleasure that comes with opening a box of chocolates.
If you plan to combine chocolates with flowers, you’d better make sure that your chocolates live up to the exotic appeal of your flowers. A big no-no is combining your floral gift with a box of commercial chocolates that you can buy of the shelf in a grocery store. Yes, milk chocolates are great for everyday but as a gift, nothing can match your flowers as well as a set of hand-made chocolates.
Among all the assorted chocolates you can buy, Belgian chocolates are undoubtedly the best you can get. After all, they set the standard by which all other chocolates are measured against. Even the Swiss, who are known for their own excellent blend of cocoa and milk, imported their recipe from Belgian chocolates. Belgian chocolates are unlike any other because they are made of the finest ingredients and are manufactured using time-tested Old World techniques. Unlike other chocolates who use machines to make the mass-production of their products cheaper and more efficient, most Belgian chocolates make their chocolate by hand using their old-fashioned equipment. In fact, small chocolate shops and factories are often a popular tourist attraction in Belgium, and include activities like chocolate-tasting.
One of the techniques employed by Belgian chocolates is the use of a special kind of chocolate called a converter as the cold shell for pralines. You can also visit at www.cooking-chinese-style.com. The converter allows the pralines to be filled with a wide variety of creams and flavored nougats like hazelnut, coffee, fruit, mint, or more chocolate. A specialized heating process also allows the converter and its filling to retain their aroma and flavor. Many chocolate companies like Go diva and Leonia’s are famous all over the world for their gourmet pralines.
Although hand made chocolates might be more expensive than the usual chocolate bar you can grab at the supermarket, anyone who has ever tied it will definitely say that a mass-produced chocolate bar has nothing in common with a genuine hand made praline. Hand made chocolates are gastronomic delights that live up to their high reputation. Give the special person in your life nothing but the best in European gourmet chocolate along with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
Credit : http://www.articlesbase.com
Choose Dark Chocolate for Heart Health
Choose Dark Chocolate for Heart Health
Have you heard of the saying – ‘A dark chocolate a day keeps the doctor away?’ if not, you need to gain a lot of knowledge about dark chocolate. Take a dark chocolate daily is good for the heart as these chocolates are fully loaded with many flavaniods. All you require to do to keep your heart in a healthy state is to eat a small 1.6-ounce bar of dark chocolate for heart health each day. Mary Engler of the University of California, San Francisco, has done the research.
Remember that not every chocolate is created equal. You must know that any standard manufacturing process for chocolate tends to destroy more than half of the flavaniods. However, fortunately, most companies have now learned the art of preparing dark chocolate that would preserve up to 95 per cent of its flavaniods. This is no scam. It is 100% true that you can benefit a lot by eating chocolate now.
This does not mean that you overload yourself with chocolate. Remember that chocolate tends to possess many calories and you definitely need to cut down on somewhere else if you are having a lot of dark chocolate.
There are several benefits of eating dark chocolate. Here are some of these benefits:
· Lowers blood pressure: One of the main benefits of eating dark chocolate is that it tends to lower your blood pressure if it is too high. This has been proved as confirmed by a report by Dirk Jaubert, MD, phd at the University of Cologne in Germany. The report was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. However, make sure this report does not give you a reason to binge on, as these are many calories in chocolate.
· Presence of antioxidants: When dark chocolate is taken in sufficient quantity, it proves to be a strong antioxidant to the body. This is proved by a report produced by Mauro Serafini, Phd and colleagues of Italy’s National Institute for Food and Nutrition Research in Rome. The issue of Nature published this report. Antioxidants are powerful enough to eat up many free radials, hazardous molecules implicated in heart disease or other health conditions. Remember that in order to benefit from antioxidants you need to eat dark chocolate without milk. People who have dark chocolate daily have higher levels of epicatechin. It is a real healthy compound found commonly in dark chocolate.
· Good heart: As discussed earlier, dark chocolate is rich in flavaniods. This compound’s healthy for the heart. It has also other healthy compounds that help in keeping the heart of individuals who eat dark chocolate in a healthy state.
With so many benefits of dark chocolate, there is no reason that you should stay away from it. All you require to do is to remember that a healthy diet balance is what keeps the heart fit and fine. Binging in will never help you achieve the desired goals. Choose dark chocolate for heart health.
Credit : http://www.articlesbase.com
Have you heard of the saying – ‘A dark chocolate a day keeps the doctor away?’ if not, you need to gain a lot of knowledge about dark chocolate. Take a dark chocolate daily is good for the heart as these chocolates are fully loaded with many flavaniods. All you require to do to keep your heart in a healthy state is to eat a small 1.6-ounce bar of dark chocolate for heart health each day. Mary Engler of the University of California, San Francisco, has done the research.
Remember that not every chocolate is created equal. You must know that any standard manufacturing process for chocolate tends to destroy more than half of the flavaniods. However, fortunately, most companies have now learned the art of preparing dark chocolate that would preserve up to 95 per cent of its flavaniods. This is no scam. It is 100% true that you can benefit a lot by eating chocolate now.
This does not mean that you overload yourself with chocolate. Remember that chocolate tends to possess many calories and you definitely need to cut down on somewhere else if you are having a lot of dark chocolate.
There are several benefits of eating dark chocolate. Here are some of these benefits:
· Lowers blood pressure: One of the main benefits of eating dark chocolate is that it tends to lower your blood pressure if it is too high. This has been proved as confirmed by a report by Dirk Jaubert, MD, phd at the University of Cologne in Germany. The report was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. However, make sure this report does not give you a reason to binge on, as these are many calories in chocolate.
· Presence of antioxidants: When dark chocolate is taken in sufficient quantity, it proves to be a strong antioxidant to the body. This is proved by a report produced by Mauro Serafini, Phd and colleagues of Italy’s National Institute for Food and Nutrition Research in Rome. The issue of Nature published this report. Antioxidants are powerful enough to eat up many free radials, hazardous molecules implicated in heart disease or other health conditions. Remember that in order to benefit from antioxidants you need to eat dark chocolate without milk. People who have dark chocolate daily have higher levels of epicatechin. It is a real healthy compound found commonly in dark chocolate.
· Good heart: As discussed earlier, dark chocolate is rich in flavaniods. This compound’s healthy for the heart. It has also other healthy compounds that help in keeping the heart of individuals who eat dark chocolate in a healthy state.
With so many benefits of dark chocolate, there is no reason that you should stay away from it. All you require to do is to remember that a healthy diet balance is what keeps the heart fit and fine. Binging in will never help you achieve the desired goals. Choose dark chocolate for heart health.
Credit : http://www.articlesbase.com
Preparing for Your Chocolate Themed Party
Preparing for Your Chocolate Themed Party
When preparing for a birthday party it’s always great to have a theme attached to your occasion. This way your guests will be much more excited about the big day and with ideas such as fancy dress costumes, or things to bring along with them, it’s very interesting to see how much effort everyone makes.
A brilliant scheme that is very popular, for a more sophisticated adult party, is to host a chocolate themed celebration. Not only will a majority of your guests love the idea, it’s also very different from other designs and can be particularly fun to prepare for.
Firstly you need to consider your party decoration. Red and Brown would be good colours to set the theme, as they perfectly compliment each other and can be integrated into tablecloths, balloons, and items such as plates, cutlery and banners to help set your chocolately atmosphere.
Chocolate party supplies such as a chocolate fountain with various appetizers to dip into it (strawberries, marshmallows etc), chocolate nibbles and perhaps a chocolate centerpiece like a huge chocolate fudge cake or a specially designed showpiece made from chocolate, will all help create an excellent impression on your guests.
After preparing your party guest list they now each need a party invitation. Now keeping in theme with your party, there are plenty of great ideas scattered across the net for designing the perfect invitation. Rubber stamps and confetti are always good materials for a homemade design but there are many places that will in fact design the invitation for you. You could even try designing them with traces of chocolate (although this could get messy)
Party products for example party poppers and ribbons or party blowers can be bought in many designs but using nice gold shades of colour could help keep your party at a sophisticated standard. Also if you’re still considering supplying your guests with adult party bags, at the end of the evening, these are the perfect things to add to the selection, along with a ‘thank you’ note and themed party goods like a small chocolate selection or mini wine tasters.
If you weren’t quite searching for the sophisticated area with this theme, why not have fancy dress with the theme chocolate and see what costumes your guests turn up in. Chocolate party games and cheesy music (like ‘you sexy thing’ from hot chocolate) would also be a fun way of entertaining the mad ones amongst your company.
Why not feed your desire for chocolate and start designing your own chocolate party? Yum!
Credit : http://www.articlesbase.com
When preparing for a birthday party it’s always great to have a theme attached to your occasion. This way your guests will be much more excited about the big day and with ideas such as fancy dress costumes, or things to bring along with them, it’s very interesting to see how much effort everyone makes.
A brilliant scheme that is very popular, for a more sophisticated adult party, is to host a chocolate themed celebration. Not only will a majority of your guests love the idea, it’s also very different from other designs and can be particularly fun to prepare for.
Firstly you need to consider your party decoration. Red and Brown would be good colours to set the theme, as they perfectly compliment each other and can be integrated into tablecloths, balloons, and items such as plates, cutlery and banners to help set your chocolately atmosphere.
Chocolate party supplies such as a chocolate fountain with various appetizers to dip into it (strawberries, marshmallows etc), chocolate nibbles and perhaps a chocolate centerpiece like a huge chocolate fudge cake or a specially designed showpiece made from chocolate, will all help create an excellent impression on your guests.
After preparing your party guest list they now each need a party invitation. Now keeping in theme with your party, there are plenty of great ideas scattered across the net for designing the perfect invitation. Rubber stamps and confetti are always good materials for a homemade design but there are many places that will in fact design the invitation for you. You could even try designing them with traces of chocolate (although this could get messy)
Party products for example party poppers and ribbons or party blowers can be bought in many designs but using nice gold shades of colour could help keep your party at a sophisticated standard. Also if you’re still considering supplying your guests with adult party bags, at the end of the evening, these are the perfect things to add to the selection, along with a ‘thank you’ note and themed party goods like a small chocolate selection or mini wine tasters.
If you weren’t quite searching for the sophisticated area with this theme, why not have fancy dress with the theme chocolate and see what costumes your guests turn up in. Chocolate party games and cheesy music (like ‘you sexy thing’ from hot chocolate) would also be a fun way of entertaining the mad ones amongst your company.
Why not feed your desire for chocolate and start designing your own chocolate party? Yum!
Credit : http://www.articlesbase.com
วันอังคารที่ 6 มกราคม พ.ศ. 2552
Milk Free Chocolate for All
Milk Free Chocolate for All
There is more to milk chocolate than bars and candies. A very delicious milk chocolate recipe is the milk chocolate fondue. How do you find the thought of plummeting your fruits and chocolate snacks in a liquid chocolate dip? That sounds exotic; yes a fondue is a dip to be served with fruits etc to give them an enhanced taste.
Next time if you are expecting some friends at home, do not think, just go for milk chocolate fondue as it is simple to make and gives an appealing look. A milk chocolate fondue can make regular fruits seem more out of the ordinary and eye-catching to eat.
People who are sensitive to lactose should not lose heart as milk chocolate fondue can be milk free as well. So every body can enjoy milk free chocolate fondue without worrying. Find out the finest brands of milk chocolate fondue to find out your favorite.
Goodness Direct
A very famous brand producing loads of varieties in chocolate items especially the milk chocolates, both milk and milk free to serve all their customers. Their main aim is keep their customer satisfied with his requirements without compromising on their flavor and value. They manufacture Belgian dark chocolate bar, , Divine Fairtrade milk chocolate bar, Cavalier milk chocolate tablet, Cavalier Woodies Belgian orange chocolate, Conscious chocolate best ever chilli hot, and the Divine white chocolate.
Artisanal Organics
One more company presenting milk chocolate products is Artisanal Organics. They make certain that all of their foodstuffs are organic and prepared of the premium quality This attracts a lot of customer because consumers can always be take it easy and guaranteed knowing that they are receiving the most excellent product all the time. These milk free products are very good for health also and are generally suitable to all.
There is a wide range of milk free chocolate fondue available you can collect it so that you can know-how the tasty, scrumptious it tastes. It is available in milk free packs for lactose intolerant people.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is not just delicious; it also has loads of fitness benefits. You should be acquainted with the fact that there are also milk free chocolates presented here as well. Ensure that you understand the ingredients tag before the consumption of any chocolate item for utilization as it can cause harm to your body. Some people are sensitive to nuts, milk, coconut cocoa, etc. Please check what the chocolate is made up of. After you are done with it, enjoy your milk free chocolate fondue.
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Chocolate in Caffeine - Should You be Concerned?
Chocolate in Caffeine - Should You be Concerned?
Chocolates do contain caffeine, but the amount varies based upon the variety and serving size. However, the stimulating effect we get from eating chocolates, which some equate to the effects of drinking coffee, is not caffeine! Rather, it comes from an ingredient in chocolates that give us a natural high which is called theobromine. Theobromine’s effects are generally longer lasting on the nervous system compared to coffee. It promotes blood flow and brain activity. This is one of the reasons why chocolates are lethal to animals because of the effects on their nervous systems. On the other hand, humans can produce chemicals that work well with the ones found in chocolates.
Caffeine is known to stimulate the central nervous - it is a xanthine alkaloid found in the coffee tree’s leaves and beans. Caffeine is found in small doses in cacao and kola nut which is also an ingredient in making cola beverages. It has been found to be an effective natural pesticide in plants Chocolates, which are made from cacao beans, contain small amounts of caffeine but does not provide the same effects compared to the caffeine found in coffee. Chocolate is also considered a stimulant due to its theophylline and theobromine content.
Theobromine is a bitter alkaloid found in the cacao plant from which chocolates are made. It is also called xantheose and belongs to the methylxanthine class of chemical compounds similar to theophylline and caffeine. (Why do all chemical names have to be so complicated?) The name theobromine comes from Theobroma which is a classification of the cacao tree. Even though there are similarities to caffeine, it’s effect on our central nervous system is substantially less. The effects of theobromine have contributed to the belief that chocolates are aphrodisiacs. In addition it is known to increase heartbeat and dilate blood vessels which helps reduce blood pressure.
So, while there is some caffeine, it is less than coffee. A brewed cup of coffee ranges between 80-135 mg and espresso has about 100 mg. But exactly how do your gourmet chocolates compare? Well, that definitely depends upon which one of the chocolate flavors you prefer! The following is a table of caffeine and theobromine contents found in chocolates:
Caffeine Theobromine
* White chocolate – 3 ounce bar or 1 cup chips 0.0 mg 0.0 mg
* Baking chocolate, unsweetened – 1 ounce 57.120 mg 346.360 mg
* Semi-sweet chocolate, chocolate chips – 1 ounce 17.577 mg 137.781 mg
* Milk chocolate – 1.55 ounce bar 1.440 mg 74.360 mg
* Cocoa mix – 1 envelope/3 heaping tsp 5.040 mg 169.680 mg
* Cocoa powder, unsweetened – 1 tbsp 12.420 mg 111.078 mg
Therefore, while your gourmet chocolates contain a small amount of caffeine, the stimulating effect we get from eating them isn’t caffeine-based. Instead, that feel good, natural high is obtained from the chemicals found in chocolates. Therefore this is certainly stimulating news for those that enjoy the delicious taste of their chocolates as well as the delicious feelings that come along with them!
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Promotional Chocolates– Sweet Idea of Promotion
Promotional Chocolates– Sweet Idea of Promotion
In today’s competitive world, everyone wants to have edge over others. Effective promotion plays a very important role in the business in order to have hold over one major competitor. Promoting the product or company in the right manner plays vital role in making the brand popular throughout the global market. Promotion and popularity of the products are directly proportional to each other. The product or company becomes as popular as good the promotion is. Thus we can say that if one wants to promote his business or products, the ideal way is through promotional products. There are wide varieties of promotional products available in the market and various companies hold specialization in helping big corporate houses and companies through their innovative and unique promotion strategies. Various such promotional products include chocolates, drinks, stationery, gadgets etc.
Promotional chocolates are the best and economical way of promotion as it has good impact and prices are quite economical. Chocolates are the products, which is relished and enjoyed by each and everyone. Chocolates in attractive packaging are sure to captivate the heart of every clients and customers. Promotional chocolates not only act as a promotional product but it also enhances traffic at trade shows. It is also distributed to inspire the staff and workforce of the company. It can also be given to thank one clients and customers. These promotional chocolates prove to be a great way of showing appreciation for a job well done and these can also help in solidifying one business relationship. Promotional chocolate can easily be imprinted with company's name and logo that will surely have a good and positive image in the mind of clients.
If one is in requirement of promotional chocolates, then make sure to do intensive research through the internet. This search will provide one with various online stores that offers great varieties of promotional chocolates. Online stores have extensive experience of selling promotional chocolates and products hence they can provide one with the best and most effective solution. These online stores can also suggest one with the right chocolate as per one requirement and budget. One company when depicted on tasty imprinted promotional chocolates will surely add value and will have good impact on the mind of customers. After all there are no such people in this world who do not savor the taste of delicious chocolates. This will help them to remember the company name for a much longer period of time.
Credit : http://www.articlesbase.com
In today’s competitive world, everyone wants to have edge over others. Effective promotion plays a very important role in the business in order to have hold over one major competitor. Promoting the product or company in the right manner plays vital role in making the brand popular throughout the global market. Promotion and popularity of the products are directly proportional to each other. The product or company becomes as popular as good the promotion is. Thus we can say that if one wants to promote his business or products, the ideal way is through promotional products. There are wide varieties of promotional products available in the market and various companies hold specialization in helping big corporate houses and companies through their innovative and unique promotion strategies. Various such promotional products include chocolates, drinks, stationery, gadgets etc.
Promotional chocolates are the best and economical way of promotion as it has good impact and prices are quite economical. Chocolates are the products, which is relished and enjoyed by each and everyone. Chocolates in attractive packaging are sure to captivate the heart of every clients and customers. Promotional chocolates not only act as a promotional product but it also enhances traffic at trade shows. It is also distributed to inspire the staff and workforce of the company. It can also be given to thank one clients and customers. These promotional chocolates prove to be a great way of showing appreciation for a job well done and these can also help in solidifying one business relationship. Promotional chocolate can easily be imprinted with company's name and logo that will surely have a good and positive image in the mind of clients.
If one is in requirement of promotional chocolates, then make sure to do intensive research through the internet. This search will provide one with various online stores that offers great varieties of promotional chocolates. Online stores have extensive experience of selling promotional chocolates and products hence they can provide one with the best and most effective solution. These online stores can also suggest one with the right chocolate as per one requirement and budget. One company when depicted on tasty imprinted promotional chocolates will surely add value and will have good impact on the mind of customers. After all there are no such people in this world who do not savor the taste of delicious chocolates. This will help them to remember the company name for a much longer period of time.
Credit : http://www.articlesbase.com
วันจันทร์ที่ 5 มกราคม พ.ศ. 2552
A Love of Chocolate
A Love of Chocolate
Is there anything more delectable than great chocolate? Grown on a tree known as Theobroma cacao in Africa (70% of all cacao beans come from this region), it starts out with the seeds being as bitter as a grapefruit. Fermented, dried, then sent through a process which winds up making it into a thick paste called chocolate liqueur, it is mixed with a variety of ingredients to wind up with the chocolate bars we know and love.
It comes in a variety of shapes, forms, and flavors. It is used in many different recipes. Some people enjoy it for its rich and velvety texture and taste. Some enjoy it for the sensation it brings. Others use it to bring them to another place, savored as it melts over the tongue. It is the quintessential comfort food. It is a versatile food which can be used in a variety of desserts from cookies to ice cream to cake to pastries. In whatever form you prefer chocolate, there is always a recipe that will suit you. There are even cooking videos to show you how to prepare these delicacies in the comfort of your own home. These recipes are usually fairly easy to make, taking less than an hour to create.
What country has the best chocolate? Some say the Swiss do; others would argue the Belgians have the best. Still others would argue Paris or San Francisco. Surprisingly, Barcelona, Tokyo and Hong Kong have also been named as chocolate connoisseurs. They all have their various tastes, textures, and even recipes for creating the smooth texture we know as chocolate.
Credit : http://www.articlesbase.com
Is there anything more delectable than great chocolate? Grown on a tree known as Theobroma cacao in Africa (70% of all cacao beans come from this region), it starts out with the seeds being as bitter as a grapefruit. Fermented, dried, then sent through a process which winds up making it into a thick paste called chocolate liqueur, it is mixed with a variety of ingredients to wind up with the chocolate bars we know and love.
What country has the best chocolate? Some say the Swiss do; others would argue the Belgians have the best. Still others would argue Paris or San Francisco. Surprisingly, Barcelona, Tokyo and Hong Kong have also been named as chocolate connoisseurs. They all have their various tastes, textures, and even recipes for creating the smooth texture we know as chocolate.
Credit : http://www.articlesbase.com
Dark Chocolate - the New Health Food
Dark Chocolate - the New Health Food
In case you haven’t heard - dark chocolates have grown in demand recently due to studies showing the incredible health benefits of chocolate consumption as well as the fact that it is a lower fat chocolate! More and more people are now including dark chocolates in their diet. So in addition to the fact that eating chocolates can give you feelings of relaxation and a natural high, dark chocolates can actually promote good health. What is it that makes dark chocolate a healthy choice? The answer lies in the ingredients of dark chocolates which include more cacao, less sugar and no milk additives. These ingredients are the reason why the expression “plain chocolate” is frequently used to refer to talk about dark chocolates. With all these health benefits attributed to dark chocolates, is there a catch that you need to be aware of?
What makes dark chocolate healthy? Basically it is the natural components of dark chocolate which comes from the plant seeds of cacao. These components carry the same benefits you get from eating fruits and vegetables. Additionally, dark chocolates are healthy to eat is because their ingredient mix is different from the regular commercial chocolates. High quality gourmet chocolates include dark chocolates which are made with cacao and mixed with less milk, less sugar, and nougats or caramel as found in several popular chocolate bars. On top of this, the dark chocolate substance called flavonoids is believed to have more antioxidants than those found in other fruits such as strawberries. This health factor can also help lower blood pressure and balance some hormones in your body.
So with all of these good things said, is there a catch to eating dark chocolates? Not really, though there is a precaution - that too much of anything is still bad for anyone. Eating too much dark chocolate can still be fattening even though only 1/3 of its fat is bad for your health. Consuming dark chocolates by the pound will definitely increase your calorie intake and will convert into unwanted pounds if it isn’t outweighed by your amount of exercise! Better cut out or lessen other foods in your diet to make room for dark chocolates if you are not satisfied with the recommended 1.6 ounce daily intake.
Aside from all of these health benefits, eating dark chocolates is definitely an experience more pleasurable than kissing for some people! Small daily doses of dark chocolate can give you a natural high that will make you feel relaxed and warm inside. Adding this to your balanced diet and regular exercise can make you healthier and happier inside and out. So when you are reaching for some delicious gourmet chocolates, check out the dark chocolate options and feel better about your health!
Credit : http://www.articlesbase.com
In case you haven’t heard - dark chocolates have grown in demand recently due to studies showing the incredible health benefits of chocolate consumption as well as the fact that it is a lower fat chocolate! More and more people are now including dark chocolates in their diet. So in addition to the fact that eating chocolates can give you feelings of relaxation and a natural high, dark chocolates can actually promote good health. What is it that makes dark chocolate a healthy choice? The answer lies in the ingredients of dark chocolates which include more cacao, less sugar and no milk additives. These ingredients are the reason why the expression “plain chocolate” is frequently used to refer to talk about dark chocolates. With all these health benefits attributed to dark chocolates, is there a catch that you need to be aware of?
What makes dark chocolate healthy? Basically it is the natural components of dark chocolate which comes from the plant seeds of cacao. These components carry the same benefits you get from eating fruits and vegetables. Additionally, dark chocolates are healthy to eat is because their ingredient mix is different from the regular commercial chocolates. High quality gourmet chocolates include dark chocolates which are made with cacao and mixed with less milk, less sugar, and nougats or caramel as found in several popular chocolate bars. On top of this, the dark chocolate substance called flavonoids is believed to have more antioxidants than those found in other fruits such as strawberries. This health factor can also help lower blood pressure and balance some hormones in your body.
So with all of these good things said, is there a catch to eating dark chocolates? Not really, though there is a precaution - that too much of anything is still bad for anyone. Eating too much dark chocolate can still be fattening even though only 1/3 of its fat is bad for your health. Consuming dark chocolates by the pound will definitely increase your calorie intake and will convert into unwanted pounds if it isn’t outweighed by your amount of exercise! Better cut out or lessen other foods in your diet to make room for dark chocolates if you are not satisfied with the recommended 1.6 ounce daily intake.
Aside from all of these health benefits, eating dark chocolates is definitely an experience more pleasurable than kissing for some people! Small daily doses of dark chocolate can give you a natural high that will make you feel relaxed and warm inside. Adding this to your balanced diet and regular exercise can make you healthier and happier inside and out. So when you are reaching for some delicious gourmet chocolates, check out the dark chocolate options and feel better about your health!
Credit : http://www.articlesbase.com
Sugarfree Chocolates - They've Come a Long Way!
Sugarfree Chocolates - They've Come a Long Way!
The beginnings of chocolate began in the ancient cultures of the Mayas and the Aztecs, who spent over five hundred years drinking it without sugar. Not until it was introduced to Europe that chocolate was sweetened for the refined palate that wanted a richer taste. Fast forward two thousand years, and we’ve gone back to where it all started - sugarfree chocolate!
Although sugar-free chocolate was not very popular initially, more and more people are shifting over to it for numerous health benefits. In fact, the number of sugar free chocolates being consumed by consumers has been growing dramatically as have the number of chocolatiers that are creating new and gourmet sugarfree chocolates. Weight-watching has become an unconscious norm in our society, and with sugar-free chocolate candies, chocoholics can finally get their daily fix of chocolate with less worry about their waistlines.
Chocolate, and particularly dark chocolate, can actually be very healthy for you. There are new studies coming out regularly regarding the benefits of chocolate to your health. However, you have to be careful because the sugar content in it tends to wipe out any health benefits gained! Sugarfree chocolate choices are easier to find online, as compared to supermarkets. While supermarkets have a range of sugar-free and portion-controlled chocolate bars, the selection and quality of available sugarfree chocolates is greater when you are online shopping.
While there are a number of sweetners on the market, the main ingredient that most chocolate companies use in lieu of sugar is maltitol. Maltitol is essentially a type of sugar alcohol, and is a substitute for the actual sugar in sugar-free chocolates. According to research, the sugar replacement contains other compounds such as mannitol, xylitol and sorbitol.
Chocolates containing this sugar alcohol are also frequently referred to as diabetic chocolates. This is due to the fact that this sugar replacement cannot be absorbed into the blood-stream, and hence does not require insulin to break it down. So, for the diabetic chocoholics out there, there’s no call to curb those urges! Eaten in reasonable quantities, diabetic’s can enjoy a delicious gourmet chocolate break as well!
Although most chocolate companies do produce sugar-free products, they require that you read the possible side-effects from these. Eaten in large quantities, these products can have laxative effect. Since the sugar replacement cannot be absorbed into the blood-stream, it passes through the digestive system quickly! It’s a good way to make sure that you pay attention to portion control when enjoying your sweet treat -
When watching your weight or paying attention to calories and carbs, every calorie counts! With sugarfree chocolates, you’re saving yourself a little bit of extra working out per week and still having a delicious chocolate treat once in awhile. However, you should keep in mind that although the sugar content is gone, these chocolates still contain cocoa butter, which contains a lot of saturated fat! So keep to the limits!
There are many, many different types of sugar-free chocolate candies. White chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate lollipops, chocolate truffles, chocolate turtles, chocolate kisses, are all types of chocolate candies that can be produced sugar-free! While some companies specialize in sugar free chocolate candies, others produce only traditional chocolates. The trick is to know which sugarfree ones provide the best candies!
There are some sugar free chocolates that taste exactly like the traditional chocolates. By using high quality ingredients and delicious flavors, these gourmet sugar free chocolates taste delicious and you can not notice that they are missing the sugar! Due to the quality and cost of the ingredients, these products will be more expensive than supermarket type products. However, when you want to truly enjoy some delicious sugarfree chocolates, these will truly satisfy!
In the making of sugar-free chocolates at home, always remember that the key ingredient for having sweet tasting candies is sugar alcohol! This can be obtained at most grocery stores or online shopping sites. You can get this as powder or liquid form. However, when making this type of chocolate it is slightly more difficult as compared to traditional chocolates.
All in all, gourmet sugarfree chocolates are decadent and delicious treats for the palate! Not only do they help keep you healthy, they also can taste just as good as traditional chocolates. Remember, the darker the chocolate, the more flavonoids it contains, and thus, the better for you! So if you want to stay healthy and enjoy your chocolate, why not acquire a taste for dark, sugar free chocolate candies? You’ll definitely be happier and healthier in the long run! Thinner too!
Credit : http://www.articlesbase.com
The beginnings of chocolate began in the ancient cultures of the Mayas and the Aztecs, who spent over five hundred years drinking it without sugar. Not until it was introduced to Europe that chocolate was sweetened for the refined palate that wanted a richer taste. Fast forward two thousand years, and we’ve gone back to where it all started - sugarfree chocolate!
Although sugar-free chocolate was not very popular initially, more and more people are shifting over to it for numerous health benefits. In fact, the number of sugar free chocolates being consumed by consumers has been growing dramatically as have the number of chocolatiers that are creating new and gourmet sugarfree chocolates. Weight-watching has become an unconscious norm in our society, and with sugar-free chocolate candies, chocoholics can finally get their daily fix of chocolate with less worry about their waistlines.
Chocolate, and particularly dark chocolate, can actually be very healthy for you. There are new studies coming out regularly regarding the benefits of chocolate to your health. However, you have to be careful because the sugar content in it tends to wipe out any health benefits gained! Sugarfree chocolate choices are easier to find online, as compared to supermarkets. While supermarkets have a range of sugar-free and portion-controlled chocolate bars, the selection and quality of available sugarfree chocolates is greater when you are online shopping.
While there are a number of sweetners on the market, the main ingredient that most chocolate companies use in lieu of sugar is maltitol. Maltitol is essentially a type of sugar alcohol, and is a substitute for the actual sugar in sugar-free chocolates. According to research, the sugar replacement contains other compounds such as mannitol, xylitol and sorbitol.
Chocolates containing this sugar alcohol are also frequently referred to as diabetic chocolates. This is due to the fact that this sugar replacement cannot be absorbed into the blood-stream, and hence does not require insulin to break it down. So, for the diabetic chocoholics out there, there’s no call to curb those urges! Eaten in reasonable quantities, diabetic’s can enjoy a delicious gourmet chocolate break as well!
Although most chocolate companies do produce sugar-free products, they require that you read the possible side-effects from these. Eaten in large quantities, these products can have laxative effect. Since the sugar replacement cannot be absorbed into the blood-stream, it passes through the digestive system quickly! It’s a good way to make sure that you pay attention to portion control when enjoying your sweet treat -
When watching your weight or paying attention to calories and carbs, every calorie counts! With sugarfree chocolates, you’re saving yourself a little bit of extra working out per week and still having a delicious chocolate treat once in awhile. However, you should keep in mind that although the sugar content is gone, these chocolates still contain cocoa butter, which contains a lot of saturated fat! So keep to the limits!
There are many, many different types of sugar-free chocolate candies. White chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate lollipops, chocolate truffles, chocolate turtles, chocolate kisses, are all types of chocolate candies that can be produced sugar-free! While some companies specialize in sugar free chocolate candies, others produce only traditional chocolates. The trick is to know which sugarfree ones provide the best candies!
There are some sugar free chocolates that taste exactly like the traditional chocolates. By using high quality ingredients and delicious flavors, these gourmet sugar free chocolates taste delicious and you can not notice that they are missing the sugar! Due to the quality and cost of the ingredients, these products will be more expensive than supermarket type products. However, when you want to truly enjoy some delicious sugarfree chocolates, these will truly satisfy!
In the making of sugar-free chocolates at home, always remember that the key ingredient for having sweet tasting candies is sugar alcohol! This can be obtained at most grocery stores or online shopping sites. You can get this as powder or liquid form. However, when making this type of chocolate it is slightly more difficult as compared to traditional chocolates.
All in all, gourmet sugarfree chocolates are decadent and delicious treats for the palate! Not only do they help keep you healthy, they also can taste just as good as traditional chocolates. Remember, the darker the chocolate, the more flavonoids it contains, and thus, the better for you! So if you want to stay healthy and enjoy your chocolate, why not acquire a taste for dark, sugar free chocolate candies? You’ll definitely be happier and healthier in the long run! Thinner too!
Credit : http://www.articlesbase.com
วันอาทิตย์ที่ 4 มกราคม พ.ศ. 2552
How is Chocolate Made?
How is Chocolate Made?
Chocolate is one of the most favorite items among millions of people across the globe. The young, kids, the old, men and women all like chocolate. In fact, chocolate is irresistible, but how is chocolate made?
Johannes Van Houten, a Dutch chemist in 1828, invented the chocolate. He actually invented a method of extracting the fat or cocoa butter from ground cocoa beans. The result was a much less bitter tasting product. This is combined with honey or sugar and converted into a drink to suit to human taste buds. The process was named after this chemist and known as the Van Houten.
Some years later in 1875, Daniel Peters, a Swiss manufacturer used the same process and made a variation in the process via adding chocolate with powdered milk. This gave birth to the first ever milk chocolate.
How is chocolate made?
Preparing chocolate is no child’s play. It takes a lot of your time and is also quite a complex product. Here is a guide to simplify the whole process and let you understand in an easy way.
a) Step 1:
The basic step involves harvesting of cocoa pods. These pods are crushed. For the coming six days, the pulp surrounding the beans is fermented after being extracted.
b) Step 2:
Here the beans are graded and then roasted. The number of times roasting requires to be done actually depends on the size and type of the beans. This is what will affect the chocolate flavor.
c) Step 3:
This step involves light crushing in order to separate the ‘Nib’ or Kernel from the husk or shell. Thereafter, the husk is separated and discarded.
d) Step 4:
Some manufacturers prefer putting cocoa nibs through a process known as alkalization in order to come up with a distinct color and flavor. On the other hand, there are also some purists who prefer to produce the finest kind of chocolate, via relying on the quality of the beans as well as natural processing, in order to come up with the best of color as well as flavor.
e) Step 5:
The nibs are milled and then liquefied in the heat that is produced by the process of milling in order to produce cocoa liquor. This liquor is also known as cocoa mass. This is thereafter cooked and solidified.
f) Step 6:
The solid cocoa a mass is blended with chocolate butter and other ingredients towards the end in order to produce varied types of chocolate.
The process of making chocolate may also vary according to the individual’s interest and desire. Some manufacturers try to dry the pulp extracted from the pods in an accelerated or artificial manner. However, some are perfectionists and would not compromise on the quality of the chocolate. This is the reason natural drying process is preferred by putting the cocoa. Pulp extract under the sun for seven days in order to dry under the sun. this produces the finest quality chocolate as the product. There are different types of chocolate available on the market today such as plain dark chocolate, milk chocolate, whit chocolate, Aphrodite chocolate and a lot more! This is a brief explanation of how is chocolate made.
Credit : http://www.articlesbase.com/chocolate-articles/how-is-chocolate-made-630148.html
Chocolate is one of the most favorite items among millions of people across the globe. The young, kids, the old, men and women all like chocolate. In fact, chocolate is irresistible, but how is chocolate made?
Johannes Van Houten, a Dutch chemist in 1828, invented the chocolate. He actually invented a method of extracting the fat or cocoa butter from ground cocoa beans. The result was a much less bitter tasting product. This is combined with honey or sugar and converted into a drink to suit to human taste buds. The process was named after this chemist and known as the Van Houten.
Some years later in 1875, Daniel Peters, a Swiss manufacturer used the same process and made a variation in the process via adding chocolate with powdered milk. This gave birth to the first ever milk chocolate.
How is chocolate made?
Preparing chocolate is no child’s play. It takes a lot of your time and is also quite a complex product. Here is a guide to simplify the whole process and let you understand in an easy way.
a) Step 1:
The basic step involves harvesting of cocoa pods. These pods are crushed. For the coming six days, the pulp surrounding the beans is fermented after being extracted.
b) Step 2:
Here the beans are graded and then roasted. The number of times roasting requires to be done actually depends on the size and type of the beans. This is what will affect the chocolate flavor.
c) Step 3:
This step involves light crushing in order to separate the ‘Nib’ or Kernel from the husk or shell. Thereafter, the husk is separated and discarded.
d) Step 4:
Some manufacturers prefer putting cocoa nibs through a process known as alkalization in order to come up with a distinct color and flavor. On the other hand, there are also some purists who prefer to produce the finest kind of chocolate, via relying on the quality of the beans as well as natural processing, in order to come up with the best of color as well as flavor.
e) Step 5:
The nibs are milled and then liquefied in the heat that is produced by the process of milling in order to produce cocoa liquor. This liquor is also known as cocoa mass. This is thereafter cooked and solidified.
f) Step 6:
The solid cocoa a mass is blended with chocolate butter and other ingredients towards the end in order to produce varied types of chocolate.
The process of making chocolate may also vary according to the individual’s interest and desire. Some manufacturers try to dry the pulp extracted from the pods in an accelerated or artificial manner. However, some are perfectionists and would not compromise on the quality of the chocolate. This is the reason natural drying process is preferred by putting the cocoa. Pulp extract under the sun for seven days in order to dry under the sun. this produces the finest quality chocolate as the product. There are different types of chocolate available on the market today such as plain dark chocolate, milk chocolate, whit chocolate, Aphrodite chocolate and a lot more! This is a brief explanation of how is chocolate made.
Credit : http://www.articlesbase.com/chocolate-articles/how-is-chocolate-made-630148.html
Important Ingredients and Supplies for Baking
Important Ingredients and Supplies for Baking
Great dinners do not always require advanced planning. Sometimes, you just have to wing it with what you have on hand. If you keep your pantry and refrigerator stocked with some basic supplies – and a few surprises – you will never be at a loss when you have to whip up something great for dinner with very little notice. Here is a list of baking supplies to keep on hand at all times so that you will never be caught by surprise without something to cook for dinner.
In the Pantry
At a minimum, you should have unbleached white flour, whole wheat flour and cake flour stocked in your pantry. In addition to being the base for breads and cakes, flour can be used to whip up a batch of fresh pasta, spaetzle or dumplings in no time at all. Use it to make gravies and sauces that can transform a meal from commonplace to sublime.
Cornstarch makes smooth gravies and is an ideal thickener for sauces, stews and stir fries. In addition, when you need an emergency dessert, cornstarch, milk, vanilla and sugar or sweetener make a quick, impressive “from-scratch” vanilla pudding.
Sugar substitutes are convenient to have on hand, especially if you are trying to cut down on sugar in your meals. They are ideal for use in sweet and sour sauces, desserts, drinks and other recipes that call for sugar.
Flavored oils have been popular in gourmet circles for years, and they have finally made their way to the supermarket shelves. Chili, lemon, pepper, orange and basil are just a few of the flavored oils you can tuck into your cupboard to add flavor to simple dishes. Try using them in stir fries and salad dressings, or as a base for marinade. Also consider olive oil, almond oil, walnut oil and grapeseed oil.
Flavored vinegars, including balsamic vinegar, red and white wine vinegar, herb or fruit infused vinegars and cider vinegar are all great additions to the well-stocked pantry. Pick up one or two each week when you do the grocery shopping, and you will soon have a full selection of vinegars to experiment with.
Other baking ingredients to keep in your pantry include canned unsweetened juices, unsweetened fruit spreads, raisins, dried fruits, sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, cocoa powder, salt, kosher salt and sea salt, whole peppercorns (so much better freshly ground than pre-ground), cream of tartar, baking soda, vanilla and other flavored extracts as well as cooking sprays. Canned tomato paste is incredibly versatile and can be used in a huge variety of recipes from soup to dessert.
Dried beans, especially lentils, cook up quickly with brown rice and vegetables. A variety of grains like couscous, quinoa, cornmeal, rolled oats and kasha make delicious sides or alternatives to rice and potatoes.
Pasta in a variety of shapes – bow-ties, angel hair, linguine, shells and elbows may all be pasta, but they each show off the flavor of different dishes best.
Rice is another 'bland' ingredient that has a lot of character, especially if you branch out to some of the more exotic varieties. Basmati and jasmine rice are just two varieties of rice that can elevate a rice dish to new heights. Of course, plain white rice is great as a side dish, under a stir fry, tossed into a soup or simmered into a delicious dessert.
In the Refrigerator
Eggs and egg substitutes are a must to have on hand at all times. They are one of the most versatile and useful ingredients in your kitchen.
Important dairy products to stock in your refrigerator include margarine, low fat or fat free sour cream and fat free plain yogurt. Low fat, skim or 1% milk is another ingredient that is important to have on hand.
A fresh lemon and a fresh lime, orange juice, applesauce and apple juice can be used to enhance flavor or sweetness.
Carrots and bagged salads are the two packaged convenience foods that can be worth the extra cost. Whole peeled baby carrots and matchstick carrots cost a little more than buying them and cutting them yourself, but you will save time and perhaps eat more carrots. You will always have them ready to be tossed into a simmering dish to add color and flavor.
Bagged salad is another convenience that is worth paying for – but skip the ones that come with prepared dressings. When all you have to do to make a salad is pull a handful out of the bag and add embellishments, the whole family will be far more likely to eat their greens more often.
In the Freezer
Stick with frozen fruits and vegetables with no sauces or seasonings. They make quick work of stir fries, can be added by the handful to rice dishes or quickly steamed in the microwave as side dishes.
Individually frozen chicken breasts and thighs, and individually frozen, unbreaded fish fillets are great for quick, delicious dinners.
Keep these baking supplies and basic food stocks on hand at all times, and chances are you will never be trapped without something to cook for dinner. Who knows, you might expand your diet and taste palette at the same time.
Credit : http://www.articlesbase.com/chocolate-articles/important-ingredients-and-supplies-for-baking-626821.html
Great dinners do not always require advanced planning. Sometimes, you just have to wing it with what you have on hand. If you keep your pantry and refrigerator stocked with some basic supplies – and a few surprises – you will never be at a loss when you have to whip up something great for dinner with very little notice. Here is a list of baking supplies to keep on hand at all times so that you will never be caught by surprise without something to cook for dinner.
In the Pantry
At a minimum, you should have unbleached white flour, whole wheat flour and cake flour stocked in your pantry. In addition to being the base for breads and cakes, flour can be used to whip up a batch of fresh pasta, spaetzle or dumplings in no time at all. Use it to make gravies and sauces that can transform a meal from commonplace to sublime.
Cornstarch makes smooth gravies and is an ideal thickener for sauces, stews and stir fries. In addition, when you need an emergency dessert, cornstarch, milk, vanilla and sugar or sweetener make a quick, impressive “from-scratch” vanilla pudding.
Sugar substitutes are convenient to have on hand, especially if you are trying to cut down on sugar in your meals. They are ideal for use in sweet and sour sauces, desserts, drinks and other recipes that call for sugar.
Flavored oils have been popular in gourmet circles for years, and they have finally made their way to the supermarket shelves. Chili, lemon, pepper, orange and basil are just a few of the flavored oils you can tuck into your cupboard to add flavor to simple dishes. Try using them in stir fries and salad dressings, or as a base for marinade. Also consider olive oil, almond oil, walnut oil and grapeseed oil.
Flavored vinegars, including balsamic vinegar, red and white wine vinegar, herb or fruit infused vinegars and cider vinegar are all great additions to the well-stocked pantry. Pick up one or two each week when you do the grocery shopping, and you will soon have a full selection of vinegars to experiment with.
Other baking ingredients to keep in your pantry include canned unsweetened juices, unsweetened fruit spreads, raisins, dried fruits, sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, cocoa powder, salt, kosher salt and sea salt, whole peppercorns (so much better freshly ground than pre-ground), cream of tartar, baking soda, vanilla and other flavored extracts as well as cooking sprays. Canned tomato paste is incredibly versatile and can be used in a huge variety of recipes from soup to dessert.
Dried beans, especially lentils, cook up quickly with brown rice and vegetables. A variety of grains like couscous, quinoa, cornmeal, rolled oats and kasha make delicious sides or alternatives to rice and potatoes.
Pasta in a variety of shapes – bow-ties, angel hair, linguine, shells and elbows may all be pasta, but they each show off the flavor of different dishes best.
Rice is another 'bland' ingredient that has a lot of character, especially if you branch out to some of the more exotic varieties. Basmati and jasmine rice are just two varieties of rice that can elevate a rice dish to new heights. Of course, plain white rice is great as a side dish, under a stir fry, tossed into a soup or simmered into a delicious dessert.
In the Refrigerator
Eggs and egg substitutes are a must to have on hand at all times. They are one of the most versatile and useful ingredients in your kitchen.
Important dairy products to stock in your refrigerator include margarine, low fat or fat free sour cream and fat free plain yogurt. Low fat, skim or 1% milk is another ingredient that is important to have on hand.
A fresh lemon and a fresh lime, orange juice, applesauce and apple juice can be used to enhance flavor or sweetness.
Carrots and bagged salads are the two packaged convenience foods that can be worth the extra cost. Whole peeled baby carrots and matchstick carrots cost a little more than buying them and cutting them yourself, but you will save time and perhaps eat more carrots. You will always have them ready to be tossed into a simmering dish to add color and flavor.
Bagged salad is another convenience that is worth paying for – but skip the ones that come with prepared dressings. When all you have to do to make a salad is pull a handful out of the bag and add embellishments, the whole family will be far more likely to eat their greens more often.
In the Freezer
Stick with frozen fruits and vegetables with no sauces or seasonings. They make quick work of stir fries, can be added by the handful to rice dishes or quickly steamed in the microwave as side dishes.
Individually frozen chicken breasts and thighs, and individually frozen, unbreaded fish fillets are great for quick, delicious dinners.
Keep these baking supplies and basic food stocks on hand at all times, and chances are you will never be trapped without something to cook for dinner. Who knows, you might expand your diet and taste palette at the same time.
Credit : http://www.articlesbase.com/chocolate-articles/important-ingredients-and-supplies-for-baking-626821.html
วันเสาร์ที่ 3 มกราคม พ.ศ. 2552
Best Chocolates in the World
Best Chocolates in the World
Different people have different preferences and tastes when it comes to chocolates. Some like their chocolate sweet and milky, while others like theirs dark, rich and bitter. Chocolate is made in different places around the world and each country or place has its own distinctly unique chocolate product. U.S. chocolates tend to taste distinctly different from French chocolates, as well as from Belgian or Swiss chocolates. The best kind of chocolate depends on the taster or eater.
In general, Belgian and Swiss chocolates tend to be lighter and sweeter than French chocolate and have a shell-shaped outer mold, while French chocolates are commonly enrobed, such as the famous dark chocolate bonbons. French chocolates in general have subtler flavors and have a darker and richer chocolate taste, and are also consequently less sweet than Belgian and Swiss chocolates. Traditional American chocolates are even lighter and sweeter than Belgian and Swiss chocolates, and have more pronounced and identifiable flavors.
Americans have a sweeter and lighter palate than most Europeans when it comes to their chocolate, but in recent years the American palate has been changing. The nouvelle American chocolate is French-inspired and is thus darker and less sweet. It also has less pronounced flavor, being more subtle and harder to identify. Most nouvelle American chocolates are shell-molded rather than enrobed.
The U.S. is one of the biggest chocolate distributors in the world with two of the top leading international chocolate manufactures: Hershey's and Mars. The American chocolate business is big business and has considerably grown at a fast rate more than any other country in the world. The U.S. chocolate industry started to grow during the American Revolutionary war, beginning 1765 when the firs chocolate factory was established. Thomas Jefferson, former U.S. president, became a chocolate lover and even wrote to John Adams that "The superiority of chocolate, both for health and nourishment, will soon give it the same preference over tea and coffee in America which it has in Spain."
France produces some of the finest gourmet chocolates in the world. It has long been popular among the royal family and was even considered a luxury. During the reign of Louis XIII, his wife, Anne of Austria, declared chocolate as the official drink of the French court. Wife of Louis XIV, Maria Theresa or Austria, shared her love of chocolate with the French people.
Swiss chocolate is one of the top exports of Switzerland together with watches. Nestle, one of the biggest chocolate brands in the world, originates from Switzerland. It was first established in 1819 by François-Louis Cailler. Other top Swiss chocolate products include Suchard and Lindt. Swiss chocolate is equated with high quality, made with the finest ingredients using pure cocoa butter, and with high manufacturing standards.
Belgian chocolate is famous for its wide variety of flavors and fillings, presented in the famous confectionary gift, the "praline." One box of chocolates can contain several flavors and fillings using a variety of fruits and nuts, and an assortment of chocolate types, usually dark and milk chocolate.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/food-and-beverage-articles/best-chocolates-in-the-world-662334.html
Different people have different preferences and tastes when it comes to chocolates. Some like their chocolate sweet and milky, while others like theirs dark, rich and bitter. Chocolate is made in different places around the world and each country or place has its own distinctly unique chocolate product. U.S. chocolates tend to taste distinctly different from French chocolates, as well as from Belgian or Swiss chocolates. The best kind of chocolate depends on the taster or eater.
In general, Belgian and Swiss chocolates tend to be lighter and sweeter than French chocolate and have a shell-shaped outer mold, while French chocolates are commonly enrobed, such as the famous dark chocolate bonbons. French chocolates in general have subtler flavors and have a darker and richer chocolate taste, and are also consequently less sweet than Belgian and Swiss chocolates. Traditional American chocolates are even lighter and sweeter than Belgian and Swiss chocolates, and have more pronounced and identifiable flavors.
Americans have a sweeter and lighter palate than most Europeans when it comes to their chocolate, but in recent years the American palate has been changing. The nouvelle American chocolate is French-inspired and is thus darker and less sweet. It also has less pronounced flavor, being more subtle and harder to identify. Most nouvelle American chocolates are shell-molded rather than enrobed.
The U.S. is one of the biggest chocolate distributors in the world with two of the top leading international chocolate manufactures: Hershey's and Mars. The American chocolate business is big business and has considerably grown at a fast rate more than any other country in the world. The U.S. chocolate industry started to grow during the American Revolutionary war, beginning 1765 when the firs chocolate factory was established. Thomas Jefferson, former U.S. president, became a chocolate lover and even wrote to John Adams that "The superiority of chocolate, both for health and nourishment, will soon give it the same preference over tea and coffee in America which it has in Spain."
France produces some of the finest gourmet chocolates in the world. It has long been popular among the royal family and was even considered a luxury. During the reign of Louis XIII, his wife, Anne of Austria, declared chocolate as the official drink of the French court. Wife of Louis XIV, Maria Theresa or Austria, shared her love of chocolate with the French people.
Swiss chocolate is one of the top exports of Switzerland together with watches. Nestle, one of the biggest chocolate brands in the world, originates from Switzerland. It was first established in 1819 by François-Louis Cailler. Other top Swiss chocolate products include Suchard and Lindt. Swiss chocolate is equated with high quality, made with the finest ingredients using pure cocoa butter, and with high manufacturing standards.
Belgian chocolate is famous for its wide variety of flavors and fillings, presented in the famous confectionary gift, the "praline." One box of chocolates can contain several flavors and fillings using a variety of fruits and nuts, and an assortment of chocolate types, usually dark and milk chocolate.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/food-and-beverage-articles/best-chocolates-in-the-world-662334.html
The Allure of Gourmet Chocolate
The Allure of Gourmet Chocolate
Nothing beats the taste of a truly divine chocolate that is made with the finest and purest ingredients. For the chocolate connoisseur, only gourmet chocolate will do; chocolate that is surely no 50-cent treat but a luscious indulgence that is meant to be savored and cherished like good wine and good food. In recent years, more and more chocolatiers are putting up chocolate shops, creating hand-made chocolate and confections that contain higher cacao levels than those mass-produced chocolates you can buy at the grocery store. These master chocolate makers use natural flavors and some unusual ingredients like chili peppers and grated lime to make your chocolate experience even more interesting. But because they make custom and gourmet chocolates, you can also expect gourmet prices, as much as seventy dollars for a pound of chocolate! But don't worry. There are also gourmet chocolates sold for less than ten dollars-fairly affordable and a good investment for the true chocolate lover. Below are some of the best gourmet chocolates in town.
Ganache Chocolates
Former corporate pastry chef of the Ritz Carlton, Norman Love, together with partner Judy Limekiller founded Ganache, a chocolate store that serves visually stunning and delicious chocolate. Their chocolate molds are air brushed or hand-painted with a candy-coating and filled with imported chocolate from France, Belgium, and Switzerland. They also add various fresh ingredients to their chocolates such as hazelnuts, bananas, raspberries, and even ginger.
La Maison du Chocolat
When it comes to luxuriousness, nothing can beat La Maison du Chocolat. La Maison chocolates come in an exquisite presentation of colored leather boxes that is elegant enough to hold jewelry. They offer decadent delights such as mendicants (chocolate lavishly sprinkled with nuts, dried fruits, or orange peel), marrons glaces, and dark and milk chocolate truffles. Their ganache fillings are not made of milk fat but of pure cocoa butter.
Dagoba Organic Chocolate
Organic chocolate used to be boring and tasteless and left chocoholics gravely disappointed, but thanks to inventive chocolatiers such as former chef Frederick Schilling, owner of Dagoba Organic Chocolate, organic chocolate will never be the same again. This time, you can drown in decadence with the exciting varieties and flavors Dagoba has to offer such as chocolate roseberry (raspberry and rosehips), hazelnut, chocolate mint and rosemary, chai (milk chocolate with anise, cardamom, black pepper, clover, and cinnamon) lime and macadamia nut, and the conventional milk and dark chocolate. Schilling buys only handpicked, organic cacao beans from co-ops in Central America and the Dominican Republic, and pays the farmers full price getting Dagoba a Fair Trade certification.
Garrison Confections
Former pastry chef of the upscale La Cote Basque in New York made a line of colorful and elaborately designed chocolates to serve the restaurant's patrons after their meals and continued on to create Garrison confections, his very own chocolate company. His signature chocolate is couveture, chocolate for making truffles and pastries such as molten chocolate. It is very popular among pastry chefs across the country. Other specialties include chocolates flavored with honey and fresh herbs; almond, macadamia and hazelnut praline; and mint-flavored mojito.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/food-and-beverage-articles/the-allure-of-gourmet-chocolate-662969.html
Chocolate Truffles - Long and Delicious History
Chocolate Truffles - Long and Delicious History
The chocolate truffle is number one on every repertoire of richly decadent goodies ever found on earth! This scrumptious chocolate candy has been one of the most popular forms of chocolate for quite a few centuries. At the heart of the chocolate truffle lies a superb history, right from its origins in France to its travels across Europe and its entrance into America and the rest of the world.
The year 1828 was deemed to be the greatest year in the history of chocolate-making, due to a new innovation called the cocoa press, which solidified chocolate by removing the cocoa butter. However, the most important period in the history of the chocolate truffle was 1879, the year Henri Nestle created the first milk chocolate.
Soon after, experiments on this milk chocolate conducted by chocolate producers in France and Switzerland led to the creation of the Ganache, which is essentially a combination of cream and solid chocolate melted together to form a smooth, velvety mixture. In the modern era, this ganache has become the inner core and heart of the chocolate truffle.
Since the origins of the chocolate truffle were in France, it follows logic that the name should be French too! The truffle is a small wild mushroom found growing near tree roots in the deepest forests of France. Since the chocolate truffle resembles this little mushroom so much, the creators of this masterpiece decided that it should be named after it.
What’s relatively unknown is the fact that the actual truffle was an exquisite dish; very expensive and eaten only by the royals and the extremely wealthy folks of France. Giving the new chocolate creation this name automatically elevated it to that status. And until today, the chocolate truffle is associated with wealth and luxury.
The chocolate truffle soon found its way past the borders of France, into the welcoming lands of Europe. It became the newest sensation, tantalizing everyone with its sumptuous richness. Not long after, it was introduced to North America, and most other parts of the world.
By the early 1900s, many chocolate producers worldwide had begun making their own chocolate truffles to compete with the originals. Although they are all made in the same manner, no one makes them better than the French! This fact has been proven by the chocolate truffle contest held there every year. Entries from all the regions of France make an appearance in this contest, putting to shame other chocolate truffles!
A veritable treat for the palate, chocolate truffles are easy to make, scrumptious to taste, and lovely to present! There are many different types of chocolate truffles out there today, ranging from the original basic ones to the semi-sweet to the liquor-based. The difference in the making of the ganache leads to the extreme varieties of the chocolate truffle.
There are three main types of chocolate truffles: American, Swiss and European. These types vary both in the method of producing the ganache, as well as in the basic ingredients used for the ganache. While the American chocolate truffle is essentially basic using milk and dark chocolate, the European version uses thick syrup of cocoa powder and butter. The Swiss type is completely different and makes use of dairy cream, which drastically reduces its shelf life.
The different types of chocolate truffles that can be found on most online chocolate shopping sites include dark chocolate classic truffles, milky almond truffles, chocolate cinnamon truffles, champagne truffles and French Chocolate truffles!
Chocolate truffles make a great chocolate dessert, and are usually served with fresh fruit, or on a sliver tray lined with sprigs of mint. These chocolate candies are extremely popular in chocolate gift baskets, creating an impression of luxury and caring. Other instances where the chocolate truffles can be enjoyed are high teas, breakfast on vacations, romantic picnics, or after a hard day at work!
The chocolate truffle has become synonymous to the quintessential luxury candy of the modern world. This creamy, buttery, smooth chocolate ganache rolled in semi-sweet cocoa powder has shown the world that heaven truly does exist on earth: And it is easily obtained by popping a chocolate truffle into your mouth!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/chocolate-articles/chocolate-truffles-long-and-delicious-history-624799.html
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