My Chocolate Fantasy

Most people love eating sweets. This is why chocolates are a booming biz and have continued its prominence through time. If you know your way into making chocolate, you might as well earn from the process. It is easy to market such treat because you will find people who love it anywhere you go. All you need to remember now is how you will be able to market your products the right way and the most beneficial towards your end. The Four Ps of Marketing Consider this strategy when you are on the planning stage of your sweets biz. If you are just starting out and just want to make extra income through the product that you will also enjoy, here’s a brief explanation of this concept. Product The first P is the product. You have to know your product well, in this instance, your chocolates. To be able to tell people good things about what you are selling, you must know first and foremost everything about it. Yes, it is a good idea if you will take time to research about the scientific background of this treat. But you can also just focus on what you want to sell. You may want to focus on chocolate cakes. Or how about chocolates in gift baskets? There are many options that you can try for such reason. Place Where are you located? Who lives in your neighborhood? And how often do you think they will buy? You have to think about those things to be able to plan out accordingly what will be a big hit for these people. You must give them what they are looking for. You must present them with new ideas that you are very sure that they will like. It is a good thing that you are from the area. You no longer have to resort on hiring people to do a market analysis to know who these people are. Just spread your wings and increase your public relations. This will also increase the probability that these people are going to buy from you. Price You must offer your products at rates that your target market can afford. To decide easily about this matter, you must study your direct competitors. You no longer have to hire someone to do this. All you need is to buy their products to know about their pricing. You must not be too far away from their strategies. People are looking for quality products at rates they can afford. So the best thing that you can do is to give them what they are looking for. Promotion Your biz, however small it is, will not survive without venturing into promotions. As a startup of a small business, you can start the buzz about you through word of mouth. To achieve this, you must first come with a very good product. Give those out to people the first few days. If you are confident with what you are selling, for sure, people will also like it. They will be your good source of free advertising. Turn your hobby of making chocolate into a fun-filled and profit generating venture. Consider the abovementioned in starting up your biz. Create a noise for yourself and establish your name in the industry. In time, you will find your niche. You never know, your hobby can turn into one money-making road to your own success.

Frequently in the office about 2:00-2:30 p.m., a cry will be heard! I need chocolate! More often than not, its a womans voice. Women are not the only ones who need chocolate, however. When I used to keep a bowl of chocolate goodies on my desk, it was usually the guys who were carrying off handfuls of chocolate at a time! From my limited observations, generally, men go in search of chocolate and women call out for it. Both methods are usually effectively fulfilled. As for me, I no longer keep a bowl at my desk, because I found myself eating more than I should.A few months ago, our womens ministry at church hosted an event to sign up for ladies small groups coming open. It was simple called, A Chocolate Event featuring a chocolate fountain and all kinds of goodies to dip in the fountain. Attendance was expected to be around 100, but over 350 ladies came. They walked in the large double doors almost giddy at the prospects of eating the yummy goodies covered in luscious chocolate.When I host any kind of function at my home, whether its a brunch, baby shower, wedding shower, luncheon, small group, or just a neighborhood gathering, my menu always includes a chocolate dessert as well as something salty. You just cant go wrong with chocolate!There are all kinds of chocolate organic chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, unsweetened, bittersweet, and semi-sweet, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, cocoa powder, Couverture, Gianduja, and compound chocolate. Recipes calling for chocolate are virtually unlimited from souffls to ice cream to warm luscious desserts, icing, candy, coffee, liquors to chocolate soup.Last week we celebrated Easter on Wednesday because thats when our son had his daughter. We stuffed plastic eggs with candy and hid them all over the back yard. Did I mention that my granddaughter is only two years old? She found a few eggs when one popped open and to her surprise, she discovered chocolate candy inside. She was so excited! She promptly sat down in the grass and began enjoying her trophies! It didnt matter that there were more eggs to find; she was enjoying her chocolate! I grin, every time that snapshot comes to mind! Actually thats how I like to enjoy my chocolate sitting down, taking a nibble of chocolate and savoring each bite!Every Valentines Day now for several years, when we arrive at the office and settle in behind the desk, our eyes fall upon a surprise gift of wrapped chocolates. Its still a mystery who it is that manages to beat every one of us to the office to leave a delightful gift for each employee. Theres no better way to start the day than with a cup of coffee and a piece of chocolate! This act of kindness helps each one of us know that we are valued and special to this undisclosed giver. Hopefully he (or she) is as blessed with our reactions as we are with the little gifts!Perhaps today you will be the recipient of an unexpected gift of chocolateor perhaps you have decided to be kind to someone else and surprise them with a lovely gift of chocolate. Either way, may you be fortunate enough to have someone in your life who cares about youor that you care about! There is no greater gift!

Are you an old pro when it comes to making delicious desserts? Do your guests rave about your cakes and pies? The next time you have company over for dessert, why not try something different. Chocolate fondue has been in and out of fashion since the seventies and most people have tried it at least once. But if you want to try something new and exciting There are many different dessert fondues out there to satisfy just about anyone with a sweet tooth.Recently dark chocolate has been in the news being declared as a new heart healthy food. Dark chocolate retains more flavonoids that other varieties of chocolate such as milk chocolate, white chocolate, cocoa or chocolate syrup. New research has also determined that eating a diet high in flavonoids helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Obviously this doesn’t mean that you should run to the store to buy some candy bars. But it does mean that when eaten in moderation, dark chocolate can be a healthy choice as a dessert.And whether is good for you or not, who can resist a fondue pot of hot melted chocolate just waiting for your to dip something into it. What better way to enjoy strawberries, bananas and other ripe fruits. But don’t stop there. Be sure to try dunking some salty treats into the chocolate such as pretzels and potato chips. Mixing sweet and salty foods creates a unique flavor that you are sure to enjoy.So not only is chocolate delicious, but it is now considered a heart healthy food as well. Those are some excellent reasons to add a few chocolate fondue recipes to your recipe book. Why not try one of these chocolate fondue recipes tonight?Dark Chocolate Fondue12 ounces Premium Dark Chocolate (chopped)3/4 cup Whipping Cream2 teaspoons Kahlua or other coffee liqueur (optional)Over low flame, heat whipping cream until warm (DO NOT BOIL)Slowly add the chopped dark chocolate while stirringStir until the mixture becomes smoothStir in liqueurTo Dip:Strawberries, Bananas, Sliced Apple, Cubes of Pound Cake, Cubes of Angel Food Cake, Pretzel Sticks, Chunks of Pineapple, Marshmallows, Potato ChipsMint Chocolate Fondue1/2 cup Heavy Cream2 tablespoons Peppermint Liqueur8 ounces Semisweet ChocolateWarm the heavy cream over medium low heatAdd liqueurGrate the chocolate or break into small pieces and slowly add to mixture while stirringStir until the chocolate is meltedTo Dip:Candied Fruit, Pears, Peach Slices, Cubes of Pound Cake, Cubes of Angel Food Cake

Caramel chocolate trifle, though, is more of an adults’ dessert, thanks to that rich chocolate taste, which is given added richness by the addition of a small splash of Tia Maria liqueur to the chocolate mixture.

And whereas many of us would think of trifles as being soft and gooey, this indulgent dessert has an extra smooth yet firmer texture thanks to the addition of a generous helping of Fairtrade dark chocolate caramels. Giving a further contrast to the flavour of the chocolate are the raspberries, whose bittersweet flavour really cuts through the rich mixture.

Trifles might have gone out of vogue in some quarters, and in others they might even evoke not altogether pleasant memories of the artificial flavours which typified attempts to produce a ‘quick and easy’ version. But our caramel chocolate trifle is truly bursting with deep, sweet tastes – and is almost as simple to make as those trifles-in-a-flash of old.

It’s amazing to think that a dessert this luxurious can be put together in just 15 minutes. All you have to bear in mind, of course, is that it will need at least a couple of hours’ chilling time, which will ensure that all the flavours settle down, and each spoonful will reward you with the plethora of rich tastes which each of the ingredients contributes.

This is one of those desserts which, as you look at it, immediately makes you want to grab a spoon and just sink it into the mixture, emerging with a little taste of each ingredient which melt together on the tongue and just leave you anticipating the next mouthful.

Yes, it’s indulgent, and yes, it’s sweet and rich. But that is surely the hallmark of so many great desserts. And for anyone to whom a new twist on an old, old favourite sounds like a great idea, this caramel chocolate trifle will be music to your tastebuds!

We all like the indulgence every now and again so why not treat yourself to a chocolate trifle which are very tasty or maybe try a chocolate cheesecake for the ultimate guilty pleasure.

Do you want to know how to make chocolate fondue the easy way? Doesn’t even saying the words out loud, “Chocolate Fondue” make you want to swoon with ecstacy?I mean, really! Who wouldn’t love this decadent dessert? Forget the diet! And who says you have to wait for dessert? Treat yourself once in a while and have it for dinner! Why not? Life is short.Since the Swiss take all the credit for making up this wonderous invention of fondue eating… it only stands to reason that continuing the practice would carry over to dessert.I love chocolate. And anything that you can mix with it. So, learning how to make chocolate fondue for my friends and family was a real treat for me. And the idea of melting chocolate, adding things like nuts, or marshmellows, or fruit, or cake just sends me over the moon! And when you dive into these recipes for this dreamy dessert, you’ll be joining me on the other side of that ol’ moon.Here’s how to make chocolate fondue that will melt any choco-holic’s heart:What you’ll need:- 1 cup premium cocoa powder (ex:Scharffen Berger), sifted- 1 1/4 cup water- 1 1/2 cups sugar- 1/4 cup corn syrup- 1/2 cup plus 5 Tbsp heavy cream- 5 oz 62% Scharffen Berger (premium semi-sweet chocolate), chopped- Pound cake and fruit (ex. bananas, apples, strawberries, plums), cut into bite sized piecesFirst, sift the cocoa into mixing bowl and set aside. When I was learning how to make chocolate fondue, I found out that sifting the cocoa is the real trick to making this recipe work. It helps create the smooth creamy texture that you want for serving.Then, place the water, sugar, and corn syrup into a pot and bring to boil. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes until sugar solution has reduced by about 30%. Pour the cocoa powder a little bit at a time into the solution and blend with a whisk until nice and smooth.Next, return the chocolate mixture to the stove and continue cooking over medium heat. Add the heavy cream, bring it to a boil and allow to simmer for five minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in your chopped chocolate. Pour it all into a ceramic fondue pot or one appropriate and keep warm until ready to serve.Presenting your fabulous chocolate fondue dessert with cut up pieces of cake and fruit is a wonderful way to end your evening with a bang!It’s rare to find someone who doesn’t enjoy eating chocolate fondue. Here’s one more super easy recipe to salivate over:I can not get enough of this traditional Swiss chocolate fondue dessert. This recipe is very easy to make and you truly will swoon when you try it. Makes for a really good time whether it be for a dinner party dessert, or for some other festive occasion. Enjoy every little drop!What you’ll need:- 1 cup heavy cream- 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)- teaspoon vanillaFirst, heat the cream in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat until hot for about 2 to 3 minutes. Next, add the chocolate and stir until the consistency is smooth and the chocolate has melted. Stir in vanilla and transfer to a warm ceramic fondue pot.Some great dippers for chocolate fondue are:- apple slices- sliced bananas- flavored biscotti- strawberries- pound cake or angel food cake- lady fingersTry some of these variations for slightly different flavors:You can substitute 2 to 3 Tbsp of kirsch, brandy, rum, or orange liqueur for the vanilla.Enjoy!Important: Please feel free to republish this article on your web site or in your ezine. However, you are not allowed to modify any part of its content and all links should be kept active.

We all know that the way to a woman’s heart is through chocolate. And chocolate treats that you make yourself is sure to win her heart this Valentine’s Day. These three chocolate baking recipes are simple ones to make that hardly take any time at all. She will love the fact that you took the time to make something yourself. It always means more to get something that you have made for her than something you bought.

Chocolate Creams

1 package (8 squares) semi-sweet chocolate squares

2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup butter

1 3/4 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

finely chopped pecans

In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate squares with the butter over low heat. Take it off of the heat and add in the confectioners’ sugar, cream and vanilla. Chill in the refrigerator until it holds together when shaped (about 1 hour). Form into balls and roll them in the pecans. If you want to take a little more time to make your Valentine’s Day treat even more special, shape the dough into hearts and put red and pink sprinkles on them. Make sure to store them in the refrigerator.

Chocolate Pudding Cake

1 package chocolate cake mix

1 large package (6 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix

1 cup water

1/4 cup oil

4 eggs

1 container chocolate frosting

pink and red sprinkles

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, water, oil, and eggs. With an electric mixer, beat the mixture for 2 minutes. Grease (take butter and smear it over the bottom and sides of the pan) and flour (put about 1/4 cup of flour in the pan after you’ve greased it and shake it around, covering the bottom and sides completely) a 9 x 13-inch pan. Pour the mixture into the pan. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes or until cake tests done (put a toothpick in the center and when it comes out without anything on it, it’s done). Allow to cool for 30 minutes to an hour and then frost with the chocolate frosting. Shake the red and pink sprinkles evenly over the top of the cake for added Valentine’s Day decoration.

Fudge Cookies

2 cups white sugar

1/2 cup butter

1 square semi-sweet chocolate

1/2 cup milk

3 cups oatmeal

1/2 cup pecans

1/2 cup coconut

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together the sugar, butter, chocolate, and milk. Stir almost constantly. When mixture starts to boil around the edges, start to stir it constantly. Allow the mixture to boil for one minute. Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the oatmeal, pecans and coconut. Drop the mixture by teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheets covered in waxed paper. For an added Valentine’s Day touch, put a candy heart on top of each one. Put in the refrigerator to set until hardened (overnight works best). Be sure to store them in the refrigerator.

An every day ratio of dark bitter chocolate could help prevent heart diseases, according to a study realized by a team of Swiss researchers. The Swiss researchers say that the anti-oxidants from chocolate could prevent the blood veins to become smaller and less wide. The research team came to this conclusion after testing on a group of 20 volunteers, which were smokers without health problems. The subjects were asked not to eat any types of aliments rich in anti-oxidants such as apples, onion and cabbage and after that they were given 40 grams of different types of chocolate. Two hours after consuming the chocolate, the echo-graph showed that black chocolate, with a cocoa percent of at least 74%, significantly improved the blood flow. Additionally, ulterior tests showed that the risk of encountering blood accidents and blockages has been decreased to half of the initial risk. However, white chocolate did not achieve similar effects. The researches that performed the study say that dark chocolate contain the biggest quantity of anti-oxidants for one gram than any other products like red vine, green tea or forests fruits. Chocolate is indeed an aliment that has many anti-oxidant elements in it. But it also contains fats and glucoses in huge quantities. So, it can cause weight problems if excessively consumed. The best thing to do is to adjust your chocolate portion to your actual weight and to the amount of physical effort you make everyday. Persons that are involved in a great deal of effort can consume chocolate without fearing weight problems. But the ones that don’t, like people working in offices, sitting all day on a chair and not doing any kind of sports are confronted with a big problem if they eat too much chocolate. If the organism doesn’t call for sweets, like it does when we are cold, tired or worn out, then the chocolate use should be reduced to a minimal portion a day.

For over 45 years Mrs. Cavanaugh’s has been creating gourmet chocolates for Valentine’s Day chocolate lovers.  Now we have a new and improved, beautiful, user friendly website to match the quality of our chocolates.  At www.mrscavanaughs.com is where it all begins.  Each page is filled with mouth watering photos of our delicious gourmet boxed chocolates including our famous plump, juicy sweet, chocolate covered Cherries, Nuts & Chew, Cavaliers (turtle), and Most Famous assortments.  We also have lots of valentine day chocolates.  Each box can be gift wrapped for valentines or you can select one of our hand packed heart shaped valentine chocolate boxes. 

Your first decision it to try and decide between our delicious assortments of boxed chocolates for your valentine sweetheart.  It is hard choosing between our gourmet boxed chocolates.  Traditional, most famous, nut& chews, cavaliers and our world famous chocolate covered cherries are some of the selections.   

Your next choice is to create a box.  This will please your valentine and satisfy their craving of their favorite valentine day chocolate of their choice.  We added this new way to create a box with your favorite valentine chocolates just for you.  You can select up to four of your favorite chocolate pieces to create your valentine chocolates box.  We will carefully arrange them into your box just the way you want it.

One other great feature is the gift certificate portion of www.mrscavanaughs.com web site.  If you want your valentine to select their own valentine chocolate treats you can create a gift certificate in their name for any dollar amount.  Then they can log on and select their own favorite valentine chocolates from one of our gourmet boxed chocolates or the can create their own delicious valentine box with their favorite confections. 

If you want to taste the best valentine chocolates in the world you have arrive.  When you open your box the aroma alone will satisfy your taste buds.  After the first bite you will be hooked for life.  There is a difference in quality when you use fresh thick crème, real creamy butter and the best velvety smooth chocolate money can buy.  One taste of our gourmet boxed chocolates and you will never eat chocolate the same way again.  Mrs. Cavanaugh’s chocolates need to be eaten nice and slow so your taste buds can savor every flavor.  Our caramel is slow cooked to perfection giving it time to caramelize and bring out the caramel flavor in every bite. 

Valentine’s Day is around the corner but you have plenty of time logon to our new site at www.mrscavanaughs.com to find the perfect gift for your valentine sweet heart.  Give quality, give the best, give the gift delicious.

Chocolate is packed with antioxidants and certain nutrients including iron, copper, magnesium and potassium. Your body may need more of these nutrients and crave chocolate as a response.
In addition to this, chocolate contains phenylethylamine, which controls oxytocin and endorphins, both of which will give you a feeling of wellbeing and even euphoria.
Chocolate also contains anandamide, a chemical that acts like THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. This, in addition to the increased endorphins in your brain, when you eat chocolate explains why you crave chocolate.
Craving chocolate during your period can be explained by the fact that chocolate contains a large amount of iron (more than in beef liver). Your body needs extra iron during this time, thus the craving.
Is Chocolate Really Dangerous Or Addictive?
Yes, chocolate does seem to be mildly addictive due to the brain stimulants mentioned above. I wouldn’t really call it dangerous, but you do have to watch out for your chocolate consumption, and make good choices in the type of chocolate you eat. Chocolate addictions are perhaps the best kind because you can easily control it by what you eat.
Darker chocolate is more beneficial to your health. Stick with quality dark, bitter sweet chocolate that uses cocoa beans that are as unprocessed as possible. The process used to make milk chocolate destroys many of the beneficial flavanols. White chocolate contains all the fat and calories of the sweet treat, without any of the flavanols and antioxidants. Take a look at the type of fat that is used in making the chocolate. Good quality chocolate uses cocoa butter. The main fat in cocoa butter, stearic acid, is a saturated fat that doesn’t seem to raise your cholesterol.
Also remember that chocolate contains caffeine, which may keep you up at night. Excess caffeine does have some negative side effects. You should avoid caffeine as much as possible if you are pregnant. Learn more about caffeine (link to caffeine page).
What Can I Do To Curb My Chocolate Cravings?
The best way to curb chocolate cravings is to enjoy it in moderation and to stick to the healthier dark chocolate that also contains lots of antioxidants.
Craving chocolate is also often an indication of a lack of certain nutrients such as iron, copper, magnesium and potassium. Let’s see what other foods you should be eating to make sure you get enough of these nutrients.
Iron – eat brown rice, whole wheat, liver, dates and beets
Copper – eat nuts (especially cashew), sunflower seeds, chickpeas, liver and oysters
Magnesium – eat peanuts, tofu, broccoli, spinach and soybeans
Potassium – eat apricots, bran wheat, raisins, figs, and baked potato with skin
I understand that sometimes you just have to have chocolate and the idea of eating some tofu or a slice of whole-wheat toast just won’t work. Grab a small piece of quality dark chocolate and savor it. Take your time, really taste the chocolate melting in your mouth and enjoy it without feeling guilty. This should take care of your craving and keep you from binging on a box of Hershey’s bars.