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.

Source

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The New Clickbank Code

Give the gift of good health

Dark Chocolate For a Smooth and Delicious Valentine's Day

Valentines Day is here again, and our thoughts are turning to gifts for our loved ones. It's always nice to romantic gifts of Valentine's Day, and there are any number of options available for lovers to choose for their partners. Dark chocolate is a romantic idea, as well as being good for your heart. Chocolate good for you? Really? Here's why.

There are high levels of flavonoids in dark chocolate, along with more antioxidants than in regular milk or white chocolate. These things are well known to help bring down blood pressure and cholesterol, and chocolate also contains tryptophan which aids the brain in the production of serotonin. See? The chocolate can be good for you. However remember that the chocolate isn't health food so do try to enjoy it in moderation.

The best way to choose the right chocolate for Valentine's Day is to try to focus on the quality of it and not the amount you're giving. Dark chocolate should be savoured, not gulped down all at once, which is a good philosophy for Valentine's Day as a whole. Chocolate truffles would be a good idea for Valentine's Day for your partner and yourself and you can savour them together for a rich and decadent Valentines experience.

Try not to get dull and lifeless chocolates, such as a sort of thing you'd find in any supermarket. There are specialist chocolatiers that can offer high quality chocolate which is perfect for this time of year. Once you are aware of the good points of the chocolate then you don't feel quite so guilty about giving the traditional box of chocolate at Valentine's Day.

Despite the fattening aspects and the sugar content, they can certainly help to view and enjoy your time together on this most special of days. There are plenty of other ideal Valentine's Day gift ideas out there, but chocolate will be one of the first that many people will think of, and is certainly one of the most effective traditional Valentine's Day gifts available.


Lucy is a hapless romantic and budding Chick Lit author with a passion for passion! You can easily find more great Valentine's day ideas for gifts and activities online!


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

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Finding Your Chocolate Bliss in Austin

As Valentine's Day fast approaches, anxious paramours turn their attention to how best to express their affection. And of course, the preferred language for this expression is chocolate. Locating the perfect chocolate in Austin, Texas isn't actually as arduous as you might imagine. And if the city can't provide you with your vision of chocolate bliss, perhaps you can make a bit of your own at home.

Austin is home to several chocolatiers. Cocoa Puro boasts its unique Kakawa cocoa beans, fresh-roasted whole cocoa beans that are covered in layers of white, milk and dark chocolate. These specialty beans, ideal for the chocolate connoisseur, can be purchased on their website, at Central Market, Whole Foods, and at the downtown farmer's market, where you can even sample one before buying.

Flora and Faunas, located downtown on west 12th, is a cafe that also boasts fine chocolates, imported beers, estate wines, and flowers. Several tables are available, where you can taste the wares before purchasing. Carissa has no small following for her creative flower arrangements, so it could truly represent your one stop Valentine's shopping venue.

One of the chocolates one offer at Flora and Fauna come from the Fat Turkey Chocolate Company. This Austin-based company produces hand made chocolate truffles, chocolate cherries, sauces, and other gourmet goodies. Of particular note are the habanero chocolate truffles, which combine dark Belgian chocolate, fresh habaneros, heavy cream, and Anejo Tequila to create a truffle with a bit of a punch. Fat Turkey products can also be purchased on-line.

Viva Chocolato is a European style cafe and chocolate shop in the Domain shopping center, carrying a selection of oil-free chocolates from around the world as well as locally made chocolates. Their choices are exotic, including the blue cheese chocolate truffle. If a mere box of chocolates will not do for your Valentine, book your seat to experience the "Love Menu," which includes specialty wines, chicken parmesan, and of course chocolate marquis for dessert.

If your timing is right, you can swing into Amy's Ice Cream on February 13, 14, or 15 to pick up some of their once yearly chocolate dipped strawberries. These beauties are completely dipped in dark chocolate and are covered with a lattice of white chocolate. You can pre-order until the 12th to ensure you get your berries, as they generally sell-out. You can get a dozen dipped strawberries for $16.

However, if budget constraints put the purchase of homemade chocolates out of reach, you can still impress your Valentine with home-crafted chocolate treats of your own. Create a rich chocolate sauce simply and cheaply using cocoa in the cupboard. Store in a jar, and this sauce keeps in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. To make the chocolate sauce you'll need:

3/4 cup sifted unsweetened cocoa powder (dutch processed will give a better result)
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup cold water
2 TBs unsalted butter
A pinch of salt

Combine the cocoa, sugar, and salt together in a saucepan. Add the water and stir until smooth. Place over medium heat and keep stirring until the mixture comes to a low boil. Simmer for 3 minutes, add the butter, and stir until melted. Simmer 3 minutes more. For the truly lazy, put the whole works in a large glass bowl and make the sauce in your microwave. For an extra punch, replace 1/4 cup of the water with the liquerur of your choice, such as Grand Marnier. For a Mexican flair, add a pinch of cinnamon during the final 3 minutes. To make it uniquely Texan, add a pinch of cayenne in the final 3 minutes.

About the Author

Ki's real estate business is located in Central Austin. He designed a website, which includes a free search of theAustin MLS. His site also provides information about Austin real estate and commercial real estate in Austin.

Source: Content for Reprint

 

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