My Chocolate Fantasy

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.

Jaydon Parker asked:


Chocolate fudge is not the only good recipe around for fudges. There are already lots of variations everywhere about different kinds of delicious fudge. One of these variations would be white chocolate fudge.

White chocolate is a very interesting variation for fudge. It is also very versatile like chocolate fudge and it has surprised many chocolate fudge lovers. White chocolate fudges tend to be quite creamy too. The 1st recipe is for basic and original white chocolate fudge and the succeeding 3 are variations of white chocolate fudge that you and your family can enjoy!

White Chocolate Fudge

500g white chocolate, chopped

1 can of condensed milk – approximately 400g

30g unsalted butter, chopped

Place all the ingredients inside a medium sized microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for about 30 seconds. Remove and stir well. Return and microwave for about 30 seconds. Remove and stir well until completely blended. This is the point at which you add any nuts or flavorings. Keep reading for suggestions.

Quickly transfer your white chocolate fudge to your cake pan that has been lined with baking paper. Press down to give a level top. Set inside the fridge for two hours. Remove and slice as you like. The fudge does need to be kept in cool conditions.

Cherry Walnut White Chocolate Fudge

3 c sugar

1/2 c butter

8 ozs premium white chocolate, chopped

1 c whipping cream

1/4 c corn syrup (light)

1 tsp vanilla

1 c chopped dried cherries

1 c toasted walnuts, chopped

Spray 9X9-inch pan with cooking spray. Spray inside of heavy large saucepan with cooking spray. Combine sugar, cream, butter & syrup in prepared saucepan. Cook on medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture will come to a boil, stirring frequently. Wash down sugar crystals.

Attach candy thermometer to side of pan, making sure bulb is submerged in sugar mixture but not touching bottom of pan. Continue cooking about 6 mins. or just ’til sugar mixture reaches soft-ball stage (234°F) on candy thermometer, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat; let stand 10 minutes. (Don’t stir.)

Add white chocolate & vanilla; stir 1 min. or just ’til chocolate melts and the mixture smoothens. Fold in cherries and walnuts. Spread evenly in prepared pan. Score into 64 squares while fudge is still warm. Refrigerate until the fudge firms up. Slice along score lines in squares.

Peanut Butter Swirled White Chocolate Fudge

2 c premium white chocolate chips, divided use

1/2 c creamy peanut butter

1 jar (7-ounce size) marshmallow crème

1.5 c granulated sugar

2/3 c milk (evaporated)

1/4 tsp kosher or coarse salt

Grease a 9-inch square pan with butter. Set aside.

Melt 1/3 c of white chocolate chips and peanut butter together, stirring often, in small saucepan over very low heat until smooth. Set aside.

In medium saucepan, mix marshmallow crème, sugar, evaporated milk & salt. Bring mixture to a full-rolling boil on medium-high heat, stirring all the while. Remove from the heat.

Fold in remaining white chocolate chips until smooth. Pour in the prepared pan. Top with tablespoonfuls of peanut butter mixture; swirl with metal spatula to marbleize. Refrigerate until the fudge firms up. Slice into 1-inch squares.

Amit Desai asked:


‘’All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt” Lucy Van Pelt (in Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz)

When our mind is hovering over the idea of a perfect gift to send to our loved ones on any special occasion, the one thing that’s always on the mind is chocolate. Chocolates can make for an indispensable gift for everyone.

The word \”chocolate\” is derived from the word Xocolate used in the acient times by the Aztecs of Mexico. It is believed that Chocolate was first noted in 1519 when Spanish explorer Hernando Cortez visited the court of Emperor Montezuma of Mexico. Native to lowland, tropical South America, cacao has been cultivated for at least three millenniums in Central America and Mexico, with its earliest documented use around 1100 BC. The majority of the Meso-american people made chocolate beverages and made drinks out of chocolate. The first use of cacao is said to have been at a site in Puerto Escondido, Honduras, dating from about 1100 to 1400 BC.

Chocolate is made from the beans of Cocoa. From the cocoa bean pods the beans are separated after fermentation. These beans are cleansed and then blown in a process to remove foreign particles and husk. Then the kernel of the seeds is broken in small bits which are called nibs. These nibs are ground finely to obtain what is called cocoa liquor. The liquor when crystallized produces the dark chocolate which is the mother of virtually all other chocolates that are prepared.

 

Depending upon what goes into it there are many types of chocolates available now. These types of chocolates include cocoa powder, dark chocolate, bittersweet chocolate, semi sweet chocolate, sweet dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, Couverture chocolates, and Gianduja chocolates.

Chocolate is a popular gift item that you can give to anyone for any special occasion. You can give chocolate to your loved one with a bunch of red roses. You can wish your friend good luck with this delightful treat. Parents can be greeted  happy anniversary with a chocolate basket. The best way to cheer up kids is by gifting them a box of chocolates. No matter what the celebration is, chocolate gifts are sure to bring a smile to the faces of the people who are close to your heart.

A box full of delicious chocolates can be an ideal gift. A variety of  branded chocolates from Cadbury, Nestle, Vochelle, Ferrero Rocher can be included in the box, which is decorated for an artistic appeal. If the recipient is a chocolate lover, he is sure to be delighted with the miscellany of white chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate with nuts, fruits, and almonds. Chocolates can also be moulded in different shapes like roses, stars, etc.  The chocolate roses can be sent decorated with red ribbons and nets.

Chocolates are a great gift for occasions. What better way to say, “I love you” to that special someone than by gifting chocolates on Valentine’s Day! Love and chocolates go hand in hand.  Birthdays are occasions which demand something sweet. Chocolates to your loved ones on their Birthday will surely be the most preferred gift. On a wedding ceremony , the best way to wish a newly wed couple is to gift them a pack of gourmet chocolates.  Chocolates can be treated to a  couple on their Anniversary also. Chcolates have such a magic that it can sweeten up any moment of life.

Moderate consumption of chocolates can have many benefits on the various aspects of our health.Chocolates are made from cocoa and acts as a great antidepressant. Chocolates act as a source of antioxidants and thus lower the threats of cancer and cardiac problems. Naturally processed dark chocolates are an excellent source of flavonoids, which are a type of polyphenols, present in plants having antioxidant properties. So the next time you want to bring back a smile on someone’s face, cheer up a friend – send them a pack of assorted chocolates.

Be it Diwali, Easter, Holi, Christmas, Rakhi, Eid or any other festival, chocolates are the most precious gift item to send to your family, friends and loved ones. When away from the family, chocolates can be a good long distance gift to send back home.

If you are in a hurry, simply give a single piece of chocolate bar as a gift. Choose the favorite chocolate bar for that special person and tie a small ribbon around it and the gift is ready. Chocolate gifts are indeed ideal for any occasion. Whether it is a basket bursting with chocolate variants, a neatly wrapped chocolate gift box, or a simple chocolate bar, it is sure to make that special day more memorable.

Scott English asked:


There is more to milk chocolate than bars and candies. A very delicious milk chocolate recipe is the milk chocolate fondue. How do you find the thought of plummeting your fruits and chocolate snacks in a liquid chocolate dip?  That sounds exotic; yes a fondue is a dip to be served with fruits etc to give them an enhanced taste.

 

Next time if you are expecting some friends at home, do not think, just go for milk chocolate fondue as it is simple to make and gives an appealing look. A milk chocolate fondue can make regular fruits seem more out of the ordinary and eye-catching to eat.

People who are sensitive to lactose should not lose heart as milk chocolate fondue can be milk free as well. So every body can enjoy milk free chocolate fondue without worrying. Find out the finest brands of milk chocolate fondue to find out your favorite.

 

Goodness Direct

 

A very famous brand producing loads of varieties in chocolate items especially the milk chocolates, both milk and milk free to serve all their customers. Their main aim is keep their customer satisfied with his requirements without compromising on their flavor and value.  They manufacture Belgian dark chocolate bar, , Divine Fairtrade milk chocolate bar, Cavalier milk chocolate tablet, Cavalier Woodies Belgian orange chocolate, Conscious chocolate best ever chilli hot, and the Divine white chocolate.

 

Artisanal Organics

 

One more company presenting milk chocolate products is Artisanal Organics. They make certain that all of their foodstuffs are organic and prepared of the premium quality This attracts a lot of customer because consumers can always be take it easy  and guaranteed knowing that they are receiving the most excellent product all the time. These milk free products are very good for health also and are generally suitable to all.

There is a wide range of milk free chocolate fondue available you can collect it so that you can know-how the tasty, scrumptious it tastes. It is available in milk free packs for lactose intolerant people.

 

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is not just delicious; it also has loads of fitness benefits. You should be acquainted with the fact that there are also milk free chocolates presented here as well. Ensure that you understand the ingredients tag before the consumption of any chocolate item for utilization as it can cause harm to your body. Some people are sensitive to nuts, milk, coconut cocoa, etc. Please check what the chocolate is made up of. After you are done with it, enjoy your milk free chocolate fondue.

wedding chocolates asked:


Belgian chocolate is one of the best chocolates in the world. But then again it doesn’t have to be belgium chocolate to create a mouth watering effect to those people who crave for sweets. Wedding Chocolates are simply a quality choice as a wedding favor.

But then, chocolates are not just a token given to someone special on a special event. Chocolate wedding favors have become one of the greatest items a couple could use in their wedding as a favor If it is going to be your own wedding, perhaps you might as well consider this option.

It’s just to show that a wedding favor is not anymore particular to a home décor but it can now also be a usable or an edible thing. Intimacy and passion comes to mind when talking chocolates.

Perhaps it is the reason why they have been used as one of the options in the line up of wedding favors. And to make wedding chocolate favor more suitable for a wedding, different molds have been created to shape the chocolate into designs that would suit any type of wedding. Of course there are other tastes available as well in mint, dark, or white chocolate, and these can be appropriately matched with a particular shape of wedding chocolate favors.

Wedding chocolate favors can fit a royal wedding theme, an outdoor wedding, or Disney-type topic wedding. A chocolate favour lollipop can take about any shape or designs that could fit a wedding celebration. Those heart-shaped chocolate favors that have a design in the middle are the simplest design that you can have.

You can also use an oval, round, or rectangular forms since they are wide enough to make more patterns in the middle of the chocolate. Some of the more unique shapes in the wedding chocolates design world would be wedding gown, tuxedo, bride and groom image, flowers such as rose and calla lily, birds such as swan and dove, castle, wedding bell, wedding cake, and even elegant fans.

Furthermore, these chocolaty designs can also be modified a bit and use them as a wedding chocolate cake topper or centerpiece. You can add some more accessories to your chocolate favors.

A colorful mini stick and a ribbon can turn your favor lolly into a more amazing wedding favor. But Then, you can also give those chocolate wedding favors a personal touch if you want to. Individualized chocolate favors are also more inviting because your guest will see that you have put some extra effort into creating them

Looking for the best wedding favor can be alot of fun that you and your partner can do together. When you pick out to have chocolates as your wedding favor, rest assured that you and your spouse will share that sweet moment; designing your wedding motif together..

Caroline Begin asked:


Entertaining friends and family can be stressful, especially if you have to spend hours in the kitchen to cook everything.  Fortunately, fondue is a simple solution that will please your guests and allow you to spend more time with them instead of in the kitchen.

Fondue is fun and it’s a great way to socialize with people over delicious food.  Yes, it was big in the 70s but it’s back again and based on the popularity of electric fondue sets, it’s here to stay!

How to Make Fondue



Preparing fondue normally entails two steps: preparing the warm liquid in which you will dip food and prepare the dippers into bite-sized pieces.  For hot broth and hot oil fondue, you have an additional step: making fondue dips in which your guests dip the cooked meat or veggies before eating them.  

Here’s an idea on how each type of fondue works:

Cheese Fondue. Cheese fondue can be served as an appetizer or as a main meal.  While the traditional Swiss cheese fondue recipe contains white wine and three kinds of cheese, you have many other options to explore, including Mexican cheese fondue, milk-based recipes and many cheddar and beer cheese fondue recipes. The most common dippers are pieces of bread, cooked vegetables, cooked meat and apples.  If you’re having Mexican cheese fondue, don’t forget to dip tortilla chips in the melted cheese! Chocolate Fondue. Chocolate fondue can be served in a chocolate fondue pot or you can follow a slightly different recipe and serve it in a chocolate fondue fountain.  You will find several easy chocolate fondue recipes that contain milk, dark, semisweet, bittersweet or white chocolate. Milk, cream or liqueurs are often added to improve the texture and flavor.  The best dippers for chocolate fondue are: bite-sized pieces of fruit, cookies, wafers, waffles, cake, nuts, macaroons, pretzels and biscotti. Dessert Fondue – Easy Desserts Recipes. Why not have a peanut butter, caramel or maple syrup fondue instead of the regular chocolate fondue?  If you opt for peanut butter, you’ll have to confirm that none of your guests are allergic, but it’s delicious! You can dip fruit, nuts, chocolate pieces and other desserts into it. Broth-Based and Hot-Oil Fondue. These fondue recipes are served as a main course.  Think of it as having a communal cooking pot in the center of the table where everyone dips bite-sized pieces of meat, seafood and/or vegetables.  Obviously, the broth-based version is healthier for you and you can make a chicken, turkey, beef, seafood or vegetable broth.  Once your dippers are cooked, you dip them into assorted sauces to add to the fondue experience.  These fondue sauces are also called dip and they should be selected to complement the types of dippers and the broth or oil used in the fondue.  You should offer a minimum of three dips for your guests to use.

To find great tasting fondue recipes, easy dip recipes, useful information on how to make fondue and fondue equipment recommendations, visit http://www.BestFondue.com.

• One dozen assorted chocolate dipped strawberries
• Beautiful gold gift box

Richard Walker asked:


ght (c) 2009 Richard Walker

Chocolate and tea lovers know a good quality chocolate or tea when they taste it. Gourmet treats are always a welcome change from the regular varieties found in your average grocery store or worse, convenience store. When you really have sophisticated tastes you need to explore the world of gourmet food.

What is Gourmet Food?

Categorizing what is and what is not a gourmet food is a challenge for some people. Generally speaking, gourmet food is food that is a cut above your average food items. Gourmet food is often considered a special treat, not only because it tends to be more costly, but because it is made to extremely fine standards using the best ingredients. Gourmet food is definitely for those who crave more distinguished tastes. Another feature is that they often take a much longer preparation time than other foods. A lot of care and perfection goes into creating gourmet foods.

Gourmet chocolate and tea are both much higher quality than your average chocolate bar or cup of tea. With chocolate the finest cocoa beans are used. There is a careful measuring of ingredients and most are 100% handmade. Gourmet chocolates can be milk, dark or white chocolate. They may have flavors or fillings that are unique flavors.

Gourmet teas are made with carefully grown and harvested tea leaves. Every step of the process is done with extreme care. Gourmet teas come from all over the world. Where the tea comes from it not what makes it gourmet. They usually have exotic flavors and are much purer than average tea. Gourmet tea can be green, black, oolong or herbal.

Type of Gourmet Foods

Even if you are not particularly into chocolate or tea, there are many gourmet foods that you can try. Gourmet food is just more special than your everyday, ordinary fare. Here are some treats to try if your taste buds ache for something more.

If you want something different to drink then you can try gourmet coffee. Blends of gourmet coffee come from the highest quality of beans from all over the world.

If fish is your thing then try gourmet seafood. They are prepared with special methods. Only the highest quality fish are used. Almost any wish can be gourmet when it is handled and prepared the right way.

There are also gourmet meats. Gourmet meat is becoming quite popular. High quality cuts are used and many styles are available. Gourmet meat can include dried and cured cuts, too.

Get great Foods

Gourmet foods are not as difficult to find as you may think. The internet provides the perfect opportunity to order gourmet food. Shipping techniques used today make it possible to ship any food item without losing quality. You can get food fast that maintains its gourmet quality.

Whether you are into chocolate and tea or you want to try out other gourmet foods, you are in for an amazing treat. Your taste buds will be very grateful to you for providing them with mature and mind blowing tastes that you get from gourmet food.