Mars Chocolate N. America unwraps new solar garden at Ethel M Chocolate factory

Shining Example of Mars’ Commitment to Sustainability

LAS VEGAS, NV (February 23, 2012)  – Mars Chocolate North America, makers of Las Vegas’ own Ethel M Chocolates, announced today the grand opening of a new solar garden at its Henderson chocolate factory. The state-of-the-art solar installation provides 100 percent of the electrical energy to the Ethel Ms plant during peak operating hours.

The project’s completion was commemorated with a ribbon cutting event attended by state and local government officials, executives from NV Energy, juwi solar Inc. (JSI), and Mars Chocolate North America leaders. 

“At Mars Chocolate North America, we have the opportunity to make a difference in the world,” said Mike Wittman, vice president of supply.   “We are proud of the investments we are making to ensure we are using the earth’s resources responsibly.  This newest solar garden moves us closer to our goals of eliminating our carbon footprint at our sites by 2040 and using 100 percent renewable energy.” 

The new Ethel M factory solar garden features 2,112 ground-mounted solar panels on 4.4 acres, and is the largest solar installation by a food manufacturer in Nevada. The installation generates 1,258 megawatt hours of zero-emission electricity each year, offsetting 867 metric tons of greenhouse gas – the equivalent of removing approximately 170 vehicles from the road.  The project will generate as much energy as 115 Nevada households use annually. 

Mars will purchase all of the energy generated by the solar garden and JSI will own the project and its associated energy credits.  Mars worked closely with NV Energy to ensure that the new installation met net metering requirements, enabling Mars to receive energy offsets from the utility based on the amount of energy their solar panels will produce.  

“Turning one of the desert’s greatest assets into energy is in complete alignment with Mars’ Principles in Action, our core business values,” said Mack Phillips, site director of the Henderson plant.  “Two years ago we unveiled a similar solar project at our North American headquarters in Hackettstown, NJ, and its impact on our operations has been substantial.”

"This is the second solar PV project built by juwi solar on Mars-owned property,” said Michael Martin, CEO of JSI. "We are proud to play a role in advancing environmental and sustainability goals by replacing the grid’s brown power with green power generated onsite."

The solar garden is adjacent to the chocolate factory and Ethel M’s Botanical Cactus Garden.  A vista point located within the Botanical Cactus Garden will allow the more than 700,000 annual visitors to view the new solar facility.

“We are fortunate to have been a part of the Henderson and Las Vegas community for more than 30 years,” said Phillips. “We hope the completion of our solar garden demonstrates our continuing commitment to be an environmentally friendly citizen.  Our goal is that every business decision we make will have a positive effect on people and the planet through our performance.  This project achieves all three.”

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Dark chocolate eases PMS symptoms

Dark chocolate eases PMS symptoms

Due to a monthly drop in estrogen and progesterone that procedes during periods, most of us get to experience these not-so-fun and disruptive symptoms.
These hormonal changes create a domino effect which results in yet another temporary drop in the "feel good" hormone serotonin as well as other endorphins.

Feeling irritated, depressed and tired are some of the common symptoms of PMS. These symptoms can last from three to seven days. While it may sound unpleasant, there are ways to alleviate your PMS symptoms.

Berries, calcium, vitamin E & B6 and magnesium are some elements that can help minimise the symptoms of PMS. Chocolate works wonders! Dark chocolate is known to contain magnesium and mood boosting omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that contains less sugar and no milk.

While PMSing, make sure to avoid foods that contain sugar, salt or caffeine. These foods lead to bloating, irritability, anxiety and depression which are associated with PMS.

Exercise is important too. Try and do moderate exercise, about 30 minutes of walking to lighten your mood and feel energetic.

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Cop mistakes chocolate bar for cellphone

A chocolate bar very nearly led to a blemish on a Timaru teenager's driving record.

Fortunately, Timaru Herald photographer Mytchall Bransgrove, 18, has been spared a fight to clear his name after police decided to cancel an $80 infringement fee issued when he was stopped for allegedly using his cellphone while driving.

The mixup happened in late December, when Bransgrove – waiting at the turning bay on King St to head up Beaconsfield Rd – was about to take a bite from a Moro Gold chocolate bar.

As he turned, he saw the lights of a police car behind him – his first encounter with the law since gaining his restricted licence in August.

"He started talking to me," Bransgrove said.

"At first I couldn't understand him. I heard the word cellphone – my first thought was, 'Is my cellphone on the roof?'"

"[The officer] said, 'I saw you using your cellphone while you were driving'."

Bransgrove said he was confused for a few seconds until he realised the officer had mistaken his chocolate bar for a cellphone.

Despite trying to explain, including pointing out his cellphone was in a closed bag on the passenger side floor, the ticket was issued – and Bransgrove lost his appetite.

Had he been talking on his cellphone, Bransgrove said he would have paid the fine.

However, unwilling to let his copybook be blotted by a chocolate bar, he wrote to the police, offering his explanation.

Yesterday he received a letter back, saying the infringement had been cancelled "after careful consideration of your comments and the circumstances surrounding the issue of this notice".

He's not holding any grudges. The officer was just doing his job, he said.

"I believe it was a genuine mistake on the police officer's behalf," Bransgrove said.

"I'm quite glad that nothing's gone on my record."

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Wealthnus.info

This Valentine's Day, say it with chocolate

by Rachel Brougham

Is chocolate really good for your heart? Studies show a little, in moderation, may be beneficial.
The cocoa bean is rich in a class of plant nutrients called flavonoids. Flavonoids help protect plants from environmental toxins and help repair damage. Flavonoids can be found in a variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables. And when we eat them, studies have shown people can benefit from the antioxidant power found in flavonoids.

Antioxidants are believed to help the body's cells resist damage caused by free radicals that are formed by normal bodily processes, such as breathing, and from environmental contaminants, such as cigarette smoke. If your body does not have enough antioxidants to combat the amount of oxidation that occurs, it can become damaged by free radicals.

But not all forms of chocolate contain high levels of flavonoids. When cocoa is processed, it goes through several steps, and the more it is processed, the more flavonoids are lost.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, many chocolate manufacturers are looking for ways to keep the flavonoids in their processed chocolates.


The best choices are dark chocolate over milk chocolate, and cocoa powder that has not undergone Dutch processing (cocoa that is treated with an alkali to neutralize its natural acidity).

While flavonoids are good for the body, chocolate can be very high in fat. Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic note that if you're going to eat chocolate, avoid extra ingredients that add lots of extra fat and calories. And there is no research that indicates just how much chocolate you need to reap any cardiovascular benefits it may offer.

Bottom line -- one-ounce of chocolate a few times a week of the flavonoid-rich varieties won't hurt.

A sweet gift

According to the Chocolate Manufacturers Association, more than 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold for Valentine's Day.

And women aren't the only ones on the receiving ends of the chocolate gifts -- a survey by the association also showed that 50 percent of women will likely give a gift of chocolate to a guy this holiday.

If you do find yourself with a box of chocolates this Valentine's Day, experts say there are ways to tell whether the piece is caramel, peanut butter or toffee without taking a bite.

Each manufacturer usually has its own code -- a telltale sign of what is found in the middle.

Many manufacturers use swirls on top of the chocolates to signal caramels. Other signs include large bumpy surfaces that signal nuts, coconut often looks like small, bumpy surfaces. Hard caramels are typically square or rectangular and soft caramels are typically flat and round. And chocolates that are wrapped often have liquid or softer centers.

5-minute cake ... oh yeah

You can have cake and eat it too -- in just five minutes.
Those looking to enjoy a rich, warm, chocolate cake this Valentine's Day can do so in just minutes.
All you need to make this chocolate cake is some pantry staples, a coffee mug and a microwave.
This recipe makes one large individual size serving cake, which can easily be topped with the decorations of your choice.

Quick Chocolate Cake

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
pinch of salt
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips
splash of vanilla
powdered sugar, strawberries, optional

Directions

Add dry ingredients to a coffee mug coated with cooking spray. Mix well, then add egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.

Add the chocolate chips and vanilla, and mix again.

Place mug in the microwave and cook at full power for two minutes. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but should not overflow.

Allow to cool, then transfer to a plate if desired and sprinkle with powdered sugar and top with strawberries, if using.

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Give the gift of good health

Do You Know Your Valentine's Chocolate?

By Casey Meserve

Chocolate is a staple of Valentine's Day, and for good reason. It's a sinfully sweet treat, of course, but it also contains flavonoids, a type of antioxidant that has been shown to have health benefits for the very target of Cupid's arrow—the heart. But not all chocolate products are created equal: they can vary wildly in flavonoid content, fat and calories, and quality of ingredients. So how can you be sure you're expressing your love with the most healthful chocolate option?
According to dietitian Gloria Tsang, many products you might find in the chocolates section of your grocery store or gift shop have much more sugar and fat than real chocolate. "It's always a good idea to stick to real chocolate rather than candies and bars with chocolate flavoring," Tsang says. "But even when you're buying real chocolate, there are major nutritional differences between types that you may not be aware of."
Here's how some common chocolates stack up against each other:

1. Cocoa powder: Cocoa powder ranks highest in flavonoids, and is also lower in calories than dark or milk chocolate. Try creating a custom cocoa drink for your sweetie, or look for chocolates dusted with real cocoa powder. 
2. Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate is a great source of flavonoids, though it contains about twice the fat and calories of cocoa powder. Its intense flavor makes it best for savoring, meaning one small square can often satisfy a sweet tooth craving. Look for the highest cocoa content you can find.
3. Milk chocolate: Milk chocolate has about the same calories as dark chocolate, but it often contains no flavonoids at all. Flavonoids are only present if you find cocoa solids or cocoa liquor on the ingredient list, so if you're looking for heart benefits, check to make sure you know what you're getting.
4. Chocolate candies: Chocolate candies (like M&Ms) have similar fat and calories as straight-up chocolate, but they tend to have candy shells that add artificial colors and flavors to the mix. Again, check for cocoa solids or cocoa liquor if your'e looking for flavonoids – it's likely you won't find them.  
5. White chocolate: White chocolate does contain cocoa butter, but it does not contain any cocoa solids or cocoa liquor, so it does not offer any heart health benefits. It's a bit of a stretch to call it chocolate at all! 

No matter which chocolate you choose to give this Valentine's Day, focus on quality, not quantity. A rich square of quality chocolate is a much more luxurious eating experience than gorging on cheaper chocolate candies, and it's much more healthful, too.
Where can you get the best chocolate in Plymouth? Here are some suggestions:
Fedele's "Let's do...Chocolate": This sweet shop in the Village Landing Marketplace on the Waterfront offers the most amazing chocolates. They're so good, you don't even need the heart-shaped box. The shop also offers hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries. Mmmmmmm.
The Plymouth Winter-into-Spring Market at Plimoth Plantation offers all the romantic, and local, ingredients for Valentine's Day. Along with locally made wine,  Sirenetta Seaside Chocolatier from Scituate will have samples from its new collection of artisanal valentine chocolates including Champagne Bon Bons, Berry Smitten and Vanilla Tryst, Solid Chocolate Kiss Me Frog, and Cabernet Truffle Bites.
"Our passion for true flavor begins with only the best ingredients. Ganaches are created using fresh herbs, local when available, fresh cream, nuts, liqueurs, fruits and spices. Our confections are never chemically altered." Come talk to the chocolatier and try an intense taste experience that will melt slowly and linger on your tongue.
Edible Arrangements always has chocolate dipped treats. For Valentine's Day the chain store offers bouquets of heart-shape pineapple and chocolate-dipped strawberries.
Whatever you decide, make sure to order early.

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Healthy Dark Chocolate Brands Revealed

Dark Chocolate Bark with Pumpkin Seeds and Ginger

 

Crunchy, chewy, and chocolaty this dark chocolate bark recipe satisfies every craving! Bring it as a hostess gift or serve it up at your next get-together. 

Serves: 16

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: NA

Ingredients

1	lb	good quality dark chocolate, such as Callebaut or Scharffenberger, chopped
1⁄4	c	candied ginger, chopped
1⁄2	c	raw pumpkin seeds
1⁄2	c	dried cranberries
1⁄2	t	cinnamon
1⁄8	t	freshly grated nutmeg
	pn	sea salt

Instructions

Place a sheet of parchment or wax paper on a baking sheet, set aside. Fill a small saucepan with three inches of water and bring to a simmer. Place the chopped chocolate in a medium metal or glass bowl and place over the simmering water (do not allow bottom of bowl to touch water) and melt. Pour melted chocolate on the parchment or wax paper, then sprinkle ginger, pumpkin seeds, and cranberries evenly over the top. Finish with the cinnamon, nutmeg and sprinkle of sea salt. Place in the refrigerator to set for 15 minutes. Remove and allow to fully cool on the counter about one or two hours. Break into bite size pieces.
Store in a covered container in a cool area for up to five days (if it lasts that long!) or place in refrigerator to keep longer.
Recipe courtesy of Kendra Peterson, Chef and owner of Drizzle Kitchen in Chicago.

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