Chocolate makes a perfect gift, for almost any occasion. Chocolate is considered an aphrodisiac in some cultures, and there are very few people that don't appreciate the chance to indulge in this popular, creamy confection. When you are choosing the perfect chocolate for your friend, family member, or loved one, there are just a few things to pay attention to.
What is Chocolate?
Chocolate has been around for centuries, and was originally used by South American Indians as a stimulating drink. When the Spanish arrived, they realized that, by mixing the substance with sugar, the flavor was greatly improved. Upon bringing the beans to Europe, a more sophisticated process was developed to separate the cocoa solids from the cocoa butter. Chocolate connoisseurs also developed methods to add the creaminess that is recognized as modern chocolate. Today, both milk and dark chocolate use the cocoa solids and cocoa butter in the manufacturing process, while white chocolate takes the cocoa butter and flavors it independently of the cocoa solids.
Quality is Important
The biggest factor for determining how suitable a particular chocolate will be for gifting is quality. There are several factors that go into determining the quality of a chocolate. First, the tempering process needs to have been done correctly. Otherwise, your chocolate will be grainy or have the wrong texture. It is also important that the beans were roasted to the optimal level. Beans that are over roasted can leave a bitter flavor. Finally, the cocoa butter to cocoa solid ratio should be correct for the particular type of chocolate that you prefer.
Low quality chocolate is a poor choice for a gift, so buy the best that you can afford.
White, Milk, or Dark?
Each person has their own preference when it comes to chocolate. Some people can not stand the strong flavor of dark chocolate, while others equally can't stand to indulge in the more mild flavor of milk chocolate. In rare instances, your gift recipient may not enjoy the flavor of cocoa at all. In that case, you will probably be looking at white chocolates to meet their needs. Some people might appreciate a mix of all three choices, if they don't have a specific preference. If you aren't sure as to their tastes, select milk chocolate, as it is generally universally liked.
Chocolates for Gifts
There are several types of chocolate that are ideal for gift giving. First, chocolate bars can make an excellent gift, if you pay attention to both quality and presentation. Chocolate bars can be personalized and wrapped in pretty papers for gifts. Truffles are another fantastic choice when you are giving chocolate as a gift. Truffles are a luxurious type of chocolate, both rich and sophisticated. Chocolate candies are another fantastic choice. Consider chocolate turtles, chocolate caramels, or chocolate covered nuts.
Gift baskets
If you need a bit more hand holding to purchase your gift, or just need a pre-selected variety, the best idea is to purchase a gift basket. These baskets can be purchased with an already determined selection, or you can custom pack a gift basket to fit your loved one's personality.
You can find plenty of places to find gift baskets, including http://www.indulgeinchocolate.com. Online retailers also sell individual chocolates that are ideal for gifts.
Ryan Wilson
To see our excellent selection of chocolates, please visit our website: http://www.indulgeinchocolate.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_C_Wilson
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Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Nut-Free Chocolate
The magnitude of having nut free chocolate accessible is frequently unseen by individuals who do not live their lives strictly as a result of dietary restrictions. For people with particular dietary requirements, the majority of which are hindered by allergies or the presence of someone in the house who has an allergy to nuts.
Why nut free chocolate? So many thousands of individuals are at the mercy of severe allergies and a large section of this group is made up of young children who in late childhood often outgrow their allergy to nuts. Begrudging a child chocolate due to their allergy of nuts is frequently an agonizing step for families but with the chocolate world developing and chocolate without nuts being created it is a step that has become easier for many families. Giving a child with severe allergies the chance to eat an allergen friendly confection gives a child with severe allergies the opportunity to enjoy one of life's guilty pleasures.
What is nut free chocolate? This type of allergen free chocolate is one that has no nut products what so ever. Possible contaminants include things like peanut pieces in addition to confections that were not created in a factory that does not handle the allergens in question. Simply because a chocolate is without nuts does not necessarily mark it as safe for people with allergies. For a confection to really be an allergy free chocolate it must have been fashioned in a completely allergen free plant or else created in a divided section of a manufacturing factory that does not process any nut products.
Where can nut free chocolate be purchased? A large array of online sellers concentrate on selling confections for families with dietary restrictions. These sellers also provide various other products to families who suffer from severe food allergies. A large portion of existing specialty chocolate items are solely available on the web due to its ability to reach a larger sector of the population and make a larger profit, there are a few local grocery stores that carry candy items that are free of nuts. One particularly large carrier of allergen free chocolate is Whole Foods, a fresh living grocery chain that focuses on selling healthier foods, fresher goods and more eco-friendly household items.
How can you tell if a chocolate is a nut free chocolate? A candy that is authentically nut free chocolate is always clearly noted as such on the wrapping. It is important to read all of the notices on the packaging to be certain that it is noted on the wrapping that the candy bar was created in a completely nut free facility.
What are some brands of nut free chocolate? Divvies is one of the largest allergen free confectionary brands. Other brands of nut free chocolate that are frequently referred to include: Vermont Nut Free, No Nuttin', Amanda's Own, Paskesz, Comet, We're Not Nutz, Enjoy Life, and Whey Out Chocolates.
Amy Katherine is a chocolate connoisseur who is always in search of new ways to redefine life as a chocoholic. Amy spends most of her time reviewing and recommending chocolate over at her blog: En Chocolat.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Katherine
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Why nut free chocolate? So many thousands of individuals are at the mercy of severe allergies and a large section of this group is made up of young children who in late childhood often outgrow their allergy to nuts. Begrudging a child chocolate due to their allergy of nuts is frequently an agonizing step for families but with the chocolate world developing and chocolate without nuts being created it is a step that has become easier for many families. Giving a child with severe allergies the chance to eat an allergen friendly confection gives a child with severe allergies the opportunity to enjoy one of life's guilty pleasures.
What is nut free chocolate? This type of allergen free chocolate is one that has no nut products what so ever. Possible contaminants include things like peanut pieces in addition to confections that were not created in a factory that does not handle the allergens in question. Simply because a chocolate is without nuts does not necessarily mark it as safe for people with allergies. For a confection to really be an allergy free chocolate it must have been fashioned in a completely allergen free plant or else created in a divided section of a manufacturing factory that does not process any nut products.
Where can nut free chocolate be purchased? A large array of online sellers concentrate on selling confections for families with dietary restrictions. These sellers also provide various other products to families who suffer from severe food allergies. A large portion of existing specialty chocolate items are solely available on the web due to its ability to reach a larger sector of the population and make a larger profit, there are a few local grocery stores that carry candy items that are free of nuts. One particularly large carrier of allergen free chocolate is Whole Foods, a fresh living grocery chain that focuses on selling healthier foods, fresher goods and more eco-friendly household items.
How can you tell if a chocolate is a nut free chocolate? A candy that is authentically nut free chocolate is always clearly noted as such on the wrapping. It is important to read all of the notices on the packaging to be certain that it is noted on the wrapping that the candy bar was created in a completely nut free facility.
What are some brands of nut free chocolate? Divvies is one of the largest allergen free confectionary brands. Other brands of nut free chocolate that are frequently referred to include: Vermont Nut Free, No Nuttin', Amanda's Own, Paskesz, Comet, We're Not Nutz, Enjoy Life, and Whey Out Chocolates.
Amy Katherine is a chocolate connoisseur who is always in search of new ways to redefine life as a chocoholic. Amy spends most of her time reviewing and recommending chocolate over at her blog: En Chocolat.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Katherine
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Thursday, April 8, 2010
The Chocolate Myth - Are Chocolate and Acne Related?
Acne is a really tough condition to deal with and if you are constantly bothered by pimples you might be wondering what's triggering it. Now that Easter is around the corner, let's just say most people affected by acne are starting to look nervous and freaking out about not being able to eat their chocolate bunnies or eggs.
Before you go on a chocolate strike, find out more about the acne and chocolate link.
There are quite a few myths regarding what triggers acne and chocolate eating seem to be of them. There are many studies that have been done, but the link between acne and chocolates is actually just a myth.
We know that some foods can trigger acne for certain people, however, this strictly depends on the person. You can check out what triggers acne for you simply buy consuming a bit of chocolate and see whether it affects you or not. Chocolate is something that you shouldn't stop eating just because you have acne.
Acne is triggered by many factors that don't have to do with chocolate. It's more likely that your acne is triggered by hormonal factors or a general bad diet, not just chocolates. Actually, chocolate has several health benefits that you should know about.
Benefits of Chocolate
Most people prefer milk chocolate but that type doesn't have half of the benefits dark chocolate has. So in other words, if you want to benefit from eating these yummy treats, you should change from milk to dark. It's because dark offers higher levels of cocoa which is what provides health benefits in the first place.
Antioxidants: The dark variety is filled with antioxidants which are what fights of free radicals. It will help to avoid cell damage which also means that your skin will be better protected. Antioxidants will even help you decrease the chance of developing cancer.
Flavonoids: These have the ability to lower your blood pressure.
Phenylethylamine: This is also known as an aphrodisiac. It works by stimulating the nervous system, which basically gives the person a sensation of being in love.
If you are still worried about what triggers acne and want to deal with the problem, don't worry. There are several natural acne products that are safe and great to deal with the root causes of the development of acne.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Louise_Lundgren
Related articles on chocolate:
Before you go on a chocolate strike, find out more about the acne and chocolate link.
There are quite a few myths regarding what triggers acne and chocolate eating seem to be of them. There are many studies that have been done, but the link between acne and chocolates is actually just a myth.
We know that some foods can trigger acne for certain people, however, this strictly depends on the person. You can check out what triggers acne for you simply buy consuming a bit of chocolate and see whether it affects you or not. Chocolate is something that you shouldn't stop eating just because you have acne.
Acne is triggered by many factors that don't have to do with chocolate. It's more likely that your acne is triggered by hormonal factors or a general bad diet, not just chocolates. Actually, chocolate has several health benefits that you should know about.
Benefits of Chocolate
Most people prefer milk chocolate but that type doesn't have half of the benefits dark chocolate has. So in other words, if you want to benefit from eating these yummy treats, you should change from milk to dark. It's because dark offers higher levels of cocoa which is what provides health benefits in the first place.
Antioxidants: The dark variety is filled with antioxidants which are what fights of free radicals. It will help to avoid cell damage which also means that your skin will be better protected. Antioxidants will even help you decrease the chance of developing cancer.
Flavonoids: These have the ability to lower your blood pressure.
Phenylethylamine: This is also known as an aphrodisiac. It works by stimulating the nervous system, which basically gives the person a sensation of being in love.
If you are still worried about what triggers acne and want to deal with the problem, don't worry. There are several natural acne products that are safe and great to deal with the root causes of the development of acne.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Louise_Lundgren
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Monday, April 5, 2010
Best Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe
How to Bake Muffins
Baking muffins is fairly easy - All you have to do is decide just what kind of muffins you want to bake. My muffins are very popular with the guests at our B&B. Here is what you will need. It takes around 20 minutes to make up a delicious batch of muffins. Do NOT try to bake two batches at the same time or one will come out overcooked!
You need:
* plain flour
* one large egg
* sugar
* baking powder (to make it rise)
* flavouring
This is my easy recipe for my own chocolate chip muffins (makes 12 small or 6 big ones.) Most people find this foolproof. You will need the following on your kitchen table. It really helps to assemble everything first.
* Large Mixing Bowl for the dry ingredients (My Victorian bowl is still the best!).
* Fine metal sieve
* Smaller mixing bowl for the wet ingredients (I use a pyrex bowl)
* Cup or mug for butter One teaspoon dessert spoon
* Non-Stick muffin tray with paper cases place in holes. (paper cases are MUCH easier to use and the muffins will not stick to them)
* Wooden spoon balloon whisk (or fork)
* Packet of chocolate chips (100 g)
* Good quality vanilla essence
* 8 oz milk (just over 200cc)
Measure out the following:
* 10 ounces (250g) of PLAIN FLOUR
* 3 teaspoons (15g) (heaped a little bit) of BAKING POWDER
* 1/2 teaspoon of SALT
* 3 ounces (85g) of granulated SUGAR (I use demerara sugar but white is fine too)
* Soften 3 ounces of butter in cup in oven or microwave (on low or it gets messy) just until liquid is ok
First light your oven (around 5 to 6 is best for a gas oven).
Pour the sugar and the chocolate chips into the big bowl. Sieve above the big mixing bowl on to the sugar and chocolate. chips Pour through the sieve the flour with the salt and the baking powder (I like to sprinkle salt & Baking powder over the flour so it mixes better.)
Take the balloon whisk or fork and mix well till it all looks fairly well mixed. (Do not wash the balloon whisk you will need it again now!)
Crack the egg into the smaller bowl whisk until it is pale yellow pour in the milk and whisk again till well mixed.
Take butter out of microwave. Light oven to gas mark 5 to 6 (depends on your oven!) Pour molten butter into small bowl with egg/milk mix. Whisk like crazy or the butter will solidify and go lumpy. (they will still taste good )
Whisk into wet mixture TWO teaspoons Vanilla essence. Pour wet mixture on to dry mixture and with a wooden spoon mix well - again as fast as you can.
With dessert spoon half fill paper cups in muffin tray. Top up muffin cases with mixture till it is all evenly placed in cases. Now put tray of muffins on middle shelf of oven. Set timer/watch for 11 minutes.
After 10 minutes peek into oven press on a muffin - it should be firm to the touch. If they are still soft then close oven and come back again in a couple of minutes.
Eat your yummy muffins!
I Hope you love these muffins as much as I do.
My waist shows how much that is.
Please visit my website for more recipes at http://www.squidoo.com/howtobakeacake
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Jones
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Baking muffins is fairly easy - All you have to do is decide just what kind of muffins you want to bake. My muffins are very popular with the guests at our B&B. Here is what you will need. It takes around 20 minutes to make up a delicious batch of muffins. Do NOT try to bake two batches at the same time or one will come out overcooked!
You need:
* plain flour
* one large egg
* sugar
* baking powder (to make it rise)
* flavouring
This is my easy recipe for my own chocolate chip muffins (makes 12 small or 6 big ones.) Most people find this foolproof. You will need the following on your kitchen table. It really helps to assemble everything first.
* Large Mixing Bowl for the dry ingredients (My Victorian bowl is still the best!).
* Fine metal sieve
* Smaller mixing bowl for the wet ingredients (I use a pyrex bowl)
* Cup or mug for butter One teaspoon dessert spoon
* Non-Stick muffin tray with paper cases place in holes. (paper cases are MUCH easier to use and the muffins will not stick to them)
* Wooden spoon balloon whisk (or fork)
* Packet of chocolate chips (100 g)
* Good quality vanilla essence
* 8 oz milk (just over 200cc)
Measure out the following:
* 10 ounces (250g) of PLAIN FLOUR
* 3 teaspoons (15g) (heaped a little bit) of BAKING POWDER
* 1/2 teaspoon of SALT
* 3 ounces (85g) of granulated SUGAR (I use demerara sugar but white is fine too)
* Soften 3 ounces of butter in cup in oven or microwave (on low or it gets messy) just until liquid is ok
First light your oven (around 5 to 6 is best for a gas oven).
Pour the sugar and the chocolate chips into the big bowl. Sieve above the big mixing bowl on to the sugar and chocolate. chips Pour through the sieve the flour with the salt and the baking powder (I like to sprinkle salt & Baking powder over the flour so it mixes better.)
Take the balloon whisk or fork and mix well till it all looks fairly well mixed. (Do not wash the balloon whisk you will need it again now!)
Crack the egg into the smaller bowl whisk until it is pale yellow pour in the milk and whisk again till well mixed.
Take butter out of microwave. Light oven to gas mark 5 to 6 (depends on your oven!) Pour molten butter into small bowl with egg/milk mix. Whisk like crazy or the butter will solidify and go lumpy. (they will still taste good )
Whisk into wet mixture TWO teaspoons Vanilla essence. Pour wet mixture on to dry mixture and with a wooden spoon mix well - again as fast as you can.
With dessert spoon half fill paper cups in muffin tray. Top up muffin cases with mixture till it is all evenly placed in cases. Now put tray of muffins on middle shelf of oven. Set timer/watch for 11 minutes.
After 10 minutes peek into oven press on a muffin - it should be firm to the touch. If they are still soft then close oven and come back again in a couple of minutes.
Eat your yummy muffins!
I Hope you love these muffins as much as I do.
My waist shows how much that is.
Please visit my website for more recipes at http://www.squidoo.com/howtobakeacake
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Jones
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Thursday, April 1, 2010
Chocolate Facts - Why Dark Chocolate is Good For You
Chocolate is one of the most consumed products on the planet. In fact, every day over one billion people consume the stuff... and the average American eats over 12 pounds of chocolate per year. Which begs the question: Can this stuff possibly be good for you?
What are the nutritional facts when it comes to the benefits of chocolate and why is dark chocolate good for you?
The truth is that chocolate is believed to have a host of health properties. It is a complex food that -- depending on how it is manufactured -- can be extremely high in antioxidants.
Antioxidants are considered important because the aging process and the development of many chronic and degenerative diseases, including cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are believed to be caused at least in part by something called "oxidative stress".
Oxidative stress is brought on by the onset of free radicals in the body, which damages your cells over time. It is a natural process there's no escape from. Your body has a number of systems that help eliminate free radicals, but it is not 100% efficient and ultimately fights a losing battle over time.
And many of our eating and nutritional habits simply serve to speed up the onslaught of free radicals in our bodies.
That's where chocolate -- especially dark chocolate -- comes in.
Dark chocolate is generally high in antioxidants
It has been known for a long time that diets rich in fruits, nuts, and vegetables are excellent sources of dietary antioxidants. Essential minerals and vitamins contained in those foods... such as vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, flavonoids, and selenium... play a key antioxidant role in the body.
Well now we know that chocolate contains very high antioxidant properties too.
One of the most reliable measures of the antioxidant value of a particular food is something called the ORAC score. ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity.
Not surprisingly, fruits, nuts, vegetables and certain spices tend to score high on the ORAC scale. Generally, a food scores highest in its raw or natural state and less well once it is cooked. The cooking process destroys much of the nutritional and antioxidant value of the food.
What may surprise you is that unprocessed cacao is the highest source of antioxidant value. Of course, cocoa powder comes from the cacao and is the principal ingredient of chocolate. Unprocessed cocoa powder has a higher ORAC value per 100 grams than the Acai berry, which is on of the so-called "super fruits".
Dark chocolate also scores highly on the list ahead of such super foods as prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries and raw spinach.
Not all chocolate carries the same nutritional value
However, not all chocolate holds the same potential health value. The more processed and cooked the product, the less of its health properties is retained. And be mindful that the chocolate candy you find on grocery store shelves has typically undergone significant over processing... such as dutching and roasting... and has added unhealthy processed sugar, milk, fats, fillers, waxes and preservatives.
In other words, while certain types of chocolate can and does carry nutritional value, know your chocolate nutrition facts. And don't go rushing out to the store and start a chocolate binge.
Generally, the darker the chocolate with the higher cocoa concentration will be healthier... although even then that isn't always going to be true. So read the label and in particular beware of any chocolate bar where the number one ingredient is sugar.
For more chocolate nutrition facts and to learn about the healthiest dark chocolate products available today, click this link now: Dark Healthy Chocolate
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Warren_Wojnowski
What are the nutritional facts when it comes to the benefits of chocolate and why is dark chocolate good for you?
The truth is that chocolate is believed to have a host of health properties. It is a complex food that -- depending on how it is manufactured -- can be extremely high in antioxidants.
Antioxidants are considered important because the aging process and the development of many chronic and degenerative diseases, including cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are believed to be caused at least in part by something called "oxidative stress".
Oxidative stress is brought on by the onset of free radicals in the body, which damages your cells over time. It is a natural process there's no escape from. Your body has a number of systems that help eliminate free radicals, but it is not 100% efficient and ultimately fights a losing battle over time.
And many of our eating and nutritional habits simply serve to speed up the onslaught of free radicals in our bodies.
That's where chocolate -- especially dark chocolate -- comes in.
Dark chocolate is generally high in antioxidants
It has been known for a long time that diets rich in fruits, nuts, and vegetables are excellent sources of dietary antioxidants. Essential minerals and vitamins contained in those foods... such as vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, flavonoids, and selenium... play a key antioxidant role in the body.
Well now we know that chocolate contains very high antioxidant properties too.
One of the most reliable measures of the antioxidant value of a particular food is something called the ORAC score. ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity.
Not surprisingly, fruits, nuts, vegetables and certain spices tend to score high on the ORAC scale. Generally, a food scores highest in its raw or natural state and less well once it is cooked. The cooking process destroys much of the nutritional and antioxidant value of the food.
What may surprise you is that unprocessed cacao is the highest source of antioxidant value. Of course, cocoa powder comes from the cacao and is the principal ingredient of chocolate. Unprocessed cocoa powder has a higher ORAC value per 100 grams than the Acai berry, which is on of the so-called "super fruits".
Dark chocolate also scores highly on the list ahead of such super foods as prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries and raw spinach.
Not all chocolate carries the same nutritional value
However, not all chocolate holds the same potential health value. The more processed and cooked the product, the less of its health properties is retained. And be mindful that the chocolate candy you find on grocery store shelves has typically undergone significant over processing... such as dutching and roasting... and has added unhealthy processed sugar, milk, fats, fillers, waxes and preservatives.
In other words, while certain types of chocolate can and does carry nutritional value, know your chocolate nutrition facts. And don't go rushing out to the store and start a chocolate binge.
Generally, the darker the chocolate with the higher cocoa concentration will be healthier... although even then that isn't always going to be true. So read the label and in particular beware of any chocolate bar where the number one ingredient is sugar.
For more chocolate nutrition facts and to learn about the healthiest dark chocolate products available today, click this link now: Dark Healthy Chocolate
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Warren_Wojnowski
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- Healthy Dark Chocolate
- We love chocolate
- Recipe for raw dark chocolate
- Why Dark Chocolate is Good For You
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