My Chocolate Fantasy

Jan Hrkach asked:


Americans love chocolate. In fact, millions of us are admitted “chocoholics.” U.S. chocolate consumption is around 3.3 billion pounds per year, according to the National Confectioners Association. That’s nearly 12 pounds for every man, woman and child in the nation.

But for more than 21 million Americans with diabetes, forbidden treats – such as luscious dark chocolate truffles – are not part of a healthy diet. Many of us believe that sinfully sweet indulgences must be unhealthy, especially for diabetics. Or are they?

The good news is that recent clinical studies show some types of chocolates actually have significant health benefits. Dark chocolates, particularly those made with minimal processing, are high in flavonoids, which are plant compounds with potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are known to gobble up free radicals – the killer compounds that harm cell membranes, damage the heart, attack DNA, cause aging, and make heart attacks and cancer far more likely.

It may surprise you to know that dark chocolate actually has more antioxidants per gram than red wine, green tea, peanuts, cranberries, apples, and many other fruits and vegetables that also are rich in antioxidants.

One independent study led by Claudio Ferri and researchers at the University of L’Aquila in Italy found that consuming dark chocolate not only lowers blood pressure and cholesterol as some prior studies suggest, but also improves the body’s processing of sugar – and in theory, guards against diabetes. Jeffrey B. Blumberg of Tufts University, who collaborated on the study, says “the new finding suggests that specific flavonoids have beneficial effects on several measures of health.”

Dark chocolate contains more flavonoids and less saturated fat than milk chocolate. Cocoa powder and baking chocolate contain even more flavonoids than dark chocolate, while white chocolate has none. The flavonoids in chocolate, by the way, are called flavanols.

Ferri and his colleagues included dark chocolate bars in the diets of 10 volunteers with high blood pressure, and gave 10 others white chocolate bars with no flavanols. The subjects weren’t obese, and none gained a significant amount of weight during the five-week study. The volunteers who consumed dark chocolate bars reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, while those given white chocolate experienced no change.

In addition, the dark chocolate group demonstrated accelerated metabolism of blood sugar (glucose), a process that involves the hormone insulin. Impaired insulin function can lead to diabetes. Dark chocolate also lowered cholesterol in hypertensive patients, the researchers reported.

Additional benefits associated with dark chocolate in other studies include improved flexibility of the arteries, which can contribute to lower blood pressure, and reduced stickiness of clot-forming blood platelets, which may reduce the risk of strokes and other problems.

Another study, at the University Hospital of Cologne, Germany, tested the effects of dark chocolate vs. white chocolate on artery hardening and heart disease in smokers. The study’s authors concluded that “…only a small daily treat of dark chocolate may substantially increase the amount of antioxidant intake and beneficially affect vascular health.”

Another study done at the University Hospital of Cologne and published in the July 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) concluded that consumption of small amounts of dark chocolate was “associated with a lowering of blood pressure, without weight gain or other adverse effects.”

“Chocolate is a very remarkable substance with enormously beneficial health properties,” says Keith Scott-Mumby, MD, PhD, an internationally recognized expert in diet and nutrition who formulated The Doctor’s Chocolate. His delicious dark chocolate truffles, made with the finest unaltered Swiss dark chocolate and red raspberries, contain zero trans fats and very low total fat. Sweetened by Xylitol, a sugar alcohol that is recognized by the FDA as very safe, each truffle has only 20 calories. “It’s totally safe for diabetics,” Dr. Scott-Mumby says.

Shelly Hill asked:


When it comes to making desserts for my family during the hot summer months, I look for recipes that don’t involve turning on my oven. The recipes have to be easy, with common every day ingredients and more importantly, taste great!

When it comes to making these pies, it’s important to remember that they need to be chilled for several hours before serving them. If desired, you can garnish your pies with some whipped topping.

These recipes would be great for everyday desserts or prepare one for your next family gathering.

Chocolate Chiffon

1 baked pie shell

1 env. unflavored gelatin

1/4 c. cold water

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. cocoa

1/2 tsp. salt

1 1/4 c. milk

3 egg yolks

1 c. heavy whipping cream

3 egg whites

Sprinkle gelatin over water in a bowl; let stand for 5 minutes. Combine sugar, cocoa and salt in a saucepan. Stir in milk and egg yolks. Cook over low heat stirring constantly, until mixture thickens slightly, do not boil. Remove from heat. Add gelatin; stir until dissolved. Chill for 1 hour. Whip cream until peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into chocolate mixture; beat egg whites and add to chocolate. Pour mixture into pie shell. Chill until set.

Chocolate Amaretto

1 graham cracker crust

1/3 c. cocoa powder

1 c. sugar

1/3 c. cornstarch

1/4 tsp. salt

2 3/4 c. milk

3 tbsp. Amaretto extract

2 tbsp. butter

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Combine cocoa, sugar, cornstarch and salt in a saucepan. Gradually blend in milk, stir until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Blend in Amaretto, butter and vanilla. Pour into pie crust. Chill until firm.

Chocolate Banana Cream

1 baked pie shell

2 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate

2 1/2 c. milk

1 c. sugar

5 tbsp. cornstarch

1/2 tsp. salt

3 egg yolks, beaten

1 tbsp. butter

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 med. bananas, sliced

1 c. whipped cream

Place baking chocolate and 1 1/2 cup of milk in top of double boiler over simmering water; heat and stir until melted. In a bowl combine sugar, cornstarch and salt; blend in remaining 1 cup of milk. Gradually add to chocolate mixture, stirring constantly. Immediately add egg yolks. Cook until mixture thickens, stirring constantly. Cook and stir 5 additional minutes. Remove from heat; add butter and vanilla. Pour into a bowl. Cool. Spread a small amount of filling over the bottom of the pie shell. Arrange a layer of banana slices on top of filling. Spread remaining filling. Cover bowl and chill.

Patrick Vannereux asked:


It all starts from the fruit bearing tree (cocoa tree) and gathering its  large oval pods wich contain the seeds. Discovered first in the United States this tree is now grown in many countries near the Equator.

Pods are emptied from their seeds which are then dried in the sun. After the drying process the seeds undergo roasting. When the roasting phase is completed the seeds are crushed resultin in cocoa powder. The powder is kept as is or gets squeezed resulting in cocoa butter.

Mixing the powder with butter, milk powder and sugar ends up as chocolate. Proportions of each component in the mixture will determine whether the end result will be dark, milk or white chocolate. Dark chocolate can be made with up to ninety percent of cocoa in the mixture giving a bitter tasting chocolate; milk chocolate has usually seventy percent of cocoa along with more milk powder. White chocolate on the other hand is made of cocoa butter only mixed with milk powder and sugar.

Trivia Did you know that if not most, all the pralines during the pre 1950′s were hand made? Presently chocolates are considered as an energy giving food because of its very high content of sugar and calorie Another fact about chocolate is that it is also considered as one of the many sexual stimulant foods. In fact, aside from being an exceptional energy booster, one of the Aztec emperors drank chocolate to seduce women It is also known to be use as an anti-depressant. It is known to contain a substance called “pheryletylanine” that has a positive effect in the event of a nervous depression but not only that, there is something in chocolates that gives anyone a lighter mood every time it is drank Aztec emperor Montezuma drank 50 golden goblets of hot chocolate every day. It was thick, dyed red and flavored with chili peppers. (Now that’s Hot Chocolate!) Columbus brought cacao (chocolate) beans back to Spain on his fourth voyage in 1502. Milton Stavely Hershey first became rich selling caramels. He sold his caramel business in 1900 for $1 million and started making milk chocolate.

This ebook has 100 chocolate recipes!

Linda Wilson asked:


Being diabetic does not mean we can’t enjoy chocolate.  We chocoholics have a collection of chocolate “sweets” to enjoy.  Here I share a few of them.  So diabetic chocoholics, relax and enjoy!  (As with all foods though, we must enjoy our chocolate in moderation.  Don’t pig out and eat everything in one setting!!)  Do you like cold, frozen desserts?  Then try the Frozen Cocoa Dessert below.  Another option is a Chocolate Eclair Dessert.

FROZEN COCOA DESSERT

1 medium ripe banana

1 cup orange juice

1/2 cup cold water

1 cup cream

1/2 cup Splenda

1/4 cup baking cocoa powder

Slice banana into the container of a blender.  Add orange juice and cold water.  Cover and blend until smooth.  Add remaining ingredients, cover again and blend well.  Pour into a freezer-proof square pan.  Cover and freeze until hard around the edges.

Spoon the partially frozen mixture into blender container.  Cover and blend until smooth but not melted.  Pour into a 1-quart mold.  Cover and freeze until firm.  Unmold onto a plate that has been chilled.  Slice and serve.

Garnish with some Sugar-Free Frozen Whipped Topping, thawed, if desired.

CHOCOLATE ECLAIR DESSERT

1 cup water

1/2 cup butter

1 cup all-purpose flour

4 eggs or 1 cup egg substitute

1 small pkg instant sugar-free vanilla pudding mix

2 3/4 cups low-fat milk

1 pkg (8 oz) light cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sugar-free chocolate syrup

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil, stirring constantly until butter is melted.  Reduce heat to low and add the flour.  Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until mixture leaves sides of pan and forms a smooth ball.  Remove from the heat.  Add eggs, one at a time or 1/4 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.  Beat until the batter becomes smooth.  Spread into a greased and floured 13×9-inch baking pan.  Bake for 30 minutes or until puffed and golden.  Immediately remove from pan and cut in half horizontally.  Cool completely.  For filling, beat the pudding mix, milk and cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth.  Just before serving, place the bottom eclair layer on a serving platter and cover with filling.  Add the other eclair layer to the top of filling mixture and drizzle with chocolate syrup.

NOTE: This is a good diabetic recipe because it has a good carb to protein ratio of 15 g carbs to 6 g protein.

Enjoy!

Fran Black asked:


A trip down the baking aisle in a grocery store presents the pastry chef with more options for chocolate than the candy counter. But if you’re stuck in a pinch, is it okay to substitute semi-sweet chips with a bittersweet bar? What can a glimpse at the list of ingredients tell you about a chocolate bar? Besides color, is there any real difference between white chocolate and milk chocolate? And why does European chocolate feel different in your mouth than American? After reading this article you will be able to answer these questions. However, we can’t guarantee that you’ll make a better chocolate mousse!

There are six basic kinds of chocolate. While all six are products of the cocoa bean, they differ immensely in flavor and purpose. Knowing how the cocoa bean is processed and used to make chocolate will explain the different kinds of chocolate, and also reveal why some brands are better quality than others.

Cocoa beans come from trees grown in the tropics of South and Central America and Africa. Pods containing the beans are harvested, and the beans together with the surrounding pulp are removed and placed in bins to ferment. After three to seven days the fermented pulp is dried quickly to avoid molding. Then the beans are roasted, graded and ground into a liquid called cocoa liquor. From the liquor, a fat called cocoa butter is extracted, leaving cocoa powder. These are the raw ingredients used to make chocolate.

Most people are surprised to learn that pure cocoa is very bitter. Cocoa must be sweetened with sugar, and sometimes vanilla and milk to produce that ever-popular chocolate flavor. The amount of cocoa in the blend determines the type of chocolate. Unsweetened or Baking Chocolate is the solid form of chocolate liquor. It is used in baking, when sugar or other sweeteners are called for in the recipe. Similarly, Bittersweet chocolate is primarily used for baking, with a minimum of 50% cocoa liquor. A third type of chocolate used in baking is Semi-Sweet, with a minimum of 35% cocoa liquor. Semi-sweet morsels are best known as the key ingredient in chocolate chip cookies.

While bittersweet has a stronger chocolate flavor than the sugary semi-sweet chocolate, these can sometimes be used interchangeably in recipes. In fact, since the amount of sugar is not regulated, what one manufacturer calls semi-sweet may be called bittersweet by another. Europeans, whose regulations are higher than Americans, tend to use more bittersweet. As a general guideline it’s best to note that the higher the content of chocolate liquor, the richer and more flavorful the chocolate.

Both bittersweet and semi-sweet chocolate are considered Dark Chocolate, which is any chocolate that does not contain milk or milk solids. American regulations set a minimum at 15% cocoa liquor in dark chocolate (European rules 35% minimum); however the finest dark chocolate has between 60-70%. There has been hype in recent years that the antioxidants present in dark chocolate may protect the heart; however, much of the processing destroys these healthy properties. Also, the high fat content in chocolate largely negates the benefits.

When milk solids are added to the blend, you get creamy Milk Chocolate, which has at least 10% cocoa liquor. Finally, White Chocolate, made with cocoa butter, milk, and sugar is usually made without any cocoa solids at all.

While chocolatiers have their own blends, the best quality chocolate is that made with high cocoa content. Cheaper blends may use fats other than cocoa butter, and many inferior mass-produced chocolates have less than 7% cocoa! Checking the ingredients list is a good idea if you are searching for a high-quality chocolate. Other than that, the feel of the chocolate in your mouth and the best flavor are largely a matter of personal taste. It is recommended you taste test different brands until you find the chocolate you like best—a task that will hardly be a burden to anyone!

Timothy Prahl asked:


of this 2 part series exploring the potential health benefits of organic dark chocolate for the current or pre-diabetic, we focused on the very high concentrations of ‘flavanols’ in cocoa and their positive effect for a healthy cardiovascular system. We will now look at several specific studies and their results relating to diabetes control.

By introducing a consistent, high quality source of the flavanols found in dark chocolate, insulin function is improved, blood sugar is better controlled, blood pressure is lowered, and the threat of blood sugar build up and pre-diabetes is lessened.

A recent study at the University of L’Aquila in Italy confirmed these vascular effects. Over a 15 day period, 15 healthy test subjects were given 100g of a typical dark chocolate, (with 500 mg of flavonoids), and 15 others were given 100g of white chocolate (which has NO measurable flavonoids).

After a 7 day washout period following the first test, the groups were reversed and tested for another 15 days. At the end of each period, oral glucose tolerance tests were performed to calculate the insulin resistance and the quantitative insulin sensitivity. Systolic blood pressure was also checked.

Davide Grassi published the results in the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition”:

“Dark, but not white, chocolate decreases blood pressure and improves insulin sensitivity in healthy persons.”

“Nitric oxide bioavailability deeply influences insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and vascular tone.”

“These findings indicate that dark chocolate may exert a protective action on the vascular endothelium also by improving insulin sensitivity”.

A sidebar of note for current or pre-diabetics.

Obesity is a known risk factor for insulin resistance. Cocoa powder (the origin of dark chocolate) has been proven to be an effective appetite suppressant. A check of the ingredients on the label of many of the popular diet supplements will list cocoa powder high on the list.

So, a portion of good quality dark chocolate before a meal will not only provide your vascular system with a needed antioxidant boost, but you may also gain benefit against the ‘battle of the bulge’.

Another healthy dark chocolate fact for diabetics is the type of fat contained in cocoa.

Two thirds of the fats in dark chocolate are ‘heart healthy’. A study published in “Free Radical Biology Medicine” found that dark chocolate “actually increased HDL (good cholesterol) concentrations and reduced the oxidation of the total cholesterol”.

Where do you find ‘quality’ Healthy Dark Chocolate?

MXI Corporation’s “Xocai” dark chocolate products are independently tested and have the highest antioxidant ratings. (Using the United States Department of Agriculture’s Standardized Antioxidant Value System)

They use an exclusive, patented, cold pressed process that eliminates the ROASTING procedure, and significantly increases antioxidant retention. Of note to diabetics, their products are supplemented with acai berries and blueberries (both with very high antioxidant concentrations), and sweetened with low glycemic, natural ingredients (no raw sugars).

Dagoba dark chocolate products are also an excellent choice. Like Xocai, they are all organic, and while roasted, they are sweetened with unrefined cane sugar, not processed white sugar. As a comparison, a Hershey’s “Healthy” Special Dark Chocolate bar tips the scales at 21 grams of sugar, while Dagoba has only 4 grams.

South Beach Diet offers dark chocolate products that are low on sugar content and have a high percentage of cocoa powder. These products are combined with other healthy natural ingredients to increase their nutritional value.

Most quality, organic, healthy dark chocolate is available only on the Internet. This allows consumers worldwide to shop and compare a variety of these delicious, nutritious products. This also allows the home based entrepreneur the opportunity to take advantage of this highly desirable, rapidly expanding, international market.

If you don’t have the time or patience to shop online, then dark chocolate straight from the store shelves is still an option.

However, it is suggested that you check the ingredient list of the various products available, and select one that has cocoa or cocoa powder listed as the first ingredient. Unfortunately, many dark chocolate products that you will find have ‘sugar’ listed as the primary ingredient.

Enjoy your healthy dark chocolate in moderation, and, if diabetic, even with this encouraging information regarding antioxidants and healthy dark chocolate, please continue to monitor your personal situation and, if indicated, consult with your physician.

Lucio Jordan asked:


Chocolate has always been associated with a variety of health problems. This is the reason why some people steer clear of this delicious treat. But now, there is good news for chocolate lovers. chocolate, specifically organic chocolate, has been proved to offer many health benefits.

Organic chocolate is prepared from uplifted – grade organic ingredients. It meets or exceeds all standards of qualification that classify it whereas an organic product. When a chocolate is labeled organic, it means that the product’s cacao content was farmed in an environmentally suitable way. This ensures that there are no harmful pesticide residues.

One of the main reasons why you should eat organic chocolate instead of its non – organic counterpart is because you minimize the risk of ingesting pesticide residues. Epoch non – organic chocolate itself is fine to eat, there can be pesticide residue present in the cocoa powder used, which can have harmful effects on the body. Unlike non – organic chocolate, organic chocolate is false from organic cocoa which is cultivated in petite plots underneath a shade awning, consequently minimizing the avail of pesticides.

And since there is less risk for pesticide residue ingestion, organic chocolate has been proven good for to the body. When eaten in mind, it can contribute to affection health, suppress chronic cough, add much – needed magnesium to the eatable and balm oversight dahlia sugar. However, intensely much of something is not good for your health. You should avoid excessive intake of chocolate.

Recent studies have shown that chocolate itself is actually good for you. What makes eating it a health hazard is the kind of ingredients used to form it. This is why it is of substance that you amass organic over non – organic chocolates. Organic chocolate is a healthier and tastier alternative for your body. Now you need not worry too much about possible health risks when you indulge your sweet tooth.

Laura Zinkan asked:


It is always a good time to make something with chocolate.  When the mood seizes you, discovering you haven’t got a crucial ingredient can ruin the mood.  Knowing its “equivalent” or substitution can save the day.  Today, Mom helps cooks and chocoholics with tips on chocolate and includes the world’s easiest dipped strawberry recipe.

Chocolate is made from the bean of the tropical cacao tree.  In its purest baking form chocolate comes powdered, is usually sold in tins and is called cocoa.  There are two types of cocoa in this world; regular cocoa and Dutch cocoa.  Dutch cocoa, or alkalized cocoa has reduced the natural acidity of the cocoa bean resulting in a darker, mellower, more chocolaty cocoa powder.  For the most part, these can be used interchangeably.  Cocoa powder is not to be confused with those packaged hot cocoa drink mixes, which don’t work well in recipes.

Sugar and fat are usually added to cocoa powder for sweetening and consistency – and cake!  In our kitchens, fat can be in the form of cocoa butter, margarine, butter, vegetable shortening or vegetable oil.  Sugars, either powdered or granulated add sweetness and also add to consistency.  Powdered sugar will be smoother.  Once we understand the basics of chocolate it makes substituting ingredients much easier.  Here are some more definitions and equivalents.

Cocoa:  Powdered, chocolate  in its most basic form (beyond the bean).

Baking Chocolate:  Generally sold in bars and measured in squares of 1 ounce each.  Normally has some fat but no sugar content.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate:  Sold in chips or bars.  Normally has some fat plus a small amount of sugar.

1 square (1oz) of baking chocolate = 3 tablespoons cocoa + 1 tablespoon butter or margarine

1 cup (or one 6 oz package) of semisweet chocolate  = 6 tbsp cocoa + 7 tablespoons granulated sugar + 1/4 cup shortening

1 cup (or one 6 oz package) of semisweet chocolate  = 6 oz or (6 squares) of semi-sweet chocolate

Classic Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

This will also work with cherries or any other fruit with a skin.  Use about 18 large fresh strawberries, room temperature and patted dry plus 1 pound semi sweet (or any type) chocolate pieces, coarsely chopped.

1.  In a double boiler, melt the chocolate and shortening, stirring occasionally until smooth.  Or heat the chocolate at 50% power for 30 second intervals in the microwave, carefully checking temperature until it is smooth.

2.  Using the berry stem or a toothpick, dip the strawberries into the chocolate.

3.  Cool the berries on wax paper, or put the toothpicks into Styrofoam (or a potato).

More Chocolate Tips:  Make sure the strawberries are completely dry. Even a drop of water in the melted chocolate can cause it to “seize” and make the chocolate grainy.  This recipe will produce tempered chocolate, or chocolate that dries to a hard shine. If the chocolate becomes too thick to work with, add drops of vegetable oil, small amounts of vegetable shortening or cocoa butter (butter and margarine contain water) stirring until it becomes the right consistency. For more of Mom’s cooking tips and apron humor visit her on the web at http://www.MomsRetro.com  Happy cooking!