![[BlogBookmark]](http://sitadev.com/sitadevblog/chocolate/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/blogbookmark.png)
![[Digg]](http://sitadev.com/sitadevblog/chocolate/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/digg.png)
![[Facebook]](http://sitadev.com/sitadevblog/chocolate/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/facebook.png)
![[Google]](http://sitadev.com/sitadevblog/chocolate/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/google.png)
![[LinkedIn]](http://sitadev.com/sitadevblog/chocolate/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/linkedin.png)
![[MySpace]](http://sitadev.com/sitadevblog/chocolate/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/myspace.png)
![[Squidoo]](http://sitadev.com/sitadevblog/chocolate/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/squidoo.png)
![[Twitter]](http://sitadev.com/sitadevblog/chocolate/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/twitter.png)
![[Windows Live]](http://sitadev.com/sitadevblog/chocolate/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/windowslive.png)
![[Yahoo!]](http://sitadev.com/sitadevblog/chocolate/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/yahoo.png)
![[Email]](http://sitadev.com/sitadevblog/chocolate/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/email.png)
Chocolate Party Favors
18
jan
Everyone loves chocolate and Americans eat 10-12 pounds of it every year, so it makes the perfect party favors. Chocolate is considered a food that is relaxing the body, and it has a calming effect. It calms our nerves and helps us feel good. Some consider it a sinful indulgence, but it is not necessarily the case. If you choose your chocolate wisely, you can enjoy it without the guilty feelings we usually associate with it.
Party favors are small gifts the host gives each guest to show their appreciation. It is a great way to say “thank you for being here.” There are many different party favors, but the most popular of them all is chocolate.
Chocolate party favors can be further enhanced with personalization. Personalized chocolates enable you to communicate a message to your guest. For example, if you are celebrating a birthday party you can include a message such as “Happy Birthday Joe.” You can have a date, the place of the party, or any other message printed on the chocolate wrapper.
Your personalized wrapper is wrapped around usually milk chocolate, since it is the most popular kind of chocolate.
Chocolate not only tastes great, but it may be good for your health. Some research shows that chocolate may help your body use insulin more efficiently and lower your blood pressure. Chocolate includes essential minerals, such as magnesium and potassium. Vitamins B1, B2, D and E are found in chocolate. Chocolate includes antioxidants that can help protect against cancer and old age.
The history of chocolate dates back to the Maya civilization, and we still can’t live without it. According to recent surveys, chocolate is America’s favorite flavor with over 50% of adults favoring chocolate to other flavors. Chocolate party favors are a great way to add to your party enjoyment, and with moderation it can even be part of a 
healthy diet.
A Brief History of Chocolate
18
jan
Chocolate has been a favorite of man for thousands of years. Ancient people brewing the seeds of the cacao tree into a yummy beverage was the beginning of the wide assortment of chocolates that we enjoy today.
Once chocolate was discovered by European conquests, it became a treat only the wealthiest could afford. Not only was chocolate expensive, but it was bitter. Sugar and spices used to sweeten it were expensive too and out of the common man’s reach. It was in the 1800′s that the industrial age and mass production made chocolate candy affordable for everyone.
Chocolate candy became a big hit in stores in the form of the candy bar. It took its place proudly on the general store shelf next to the gum drop, hard candy and candy cane bins of the day. From that meager beginning, the varieties available today are mind boggling. Chocolate candy is available in many different flavors, shapes and with limitless ingredients. Some ingredients such as nuts and fruits are complimentary to the flavor and texture of the chocolate and left whole or diced inside the candy bar. Spices and other flavorings are also added to enhance the chocolate or add interesting flavor notes. Some people can taste a story in their chocolate candy. The flavor medley tells them through their tongue what region of the world each ingredient came from. Travel by chocolate!
Chocolate can also be enjoyed either inside a candy coating or as a coating itself over other yummy treats such as ice cream.
Today many people buy candy online. With the invention of the World Wide Web, you can snack on exotic chocolate candy delicacies made anywhere in the world. Innovations in chocolate recipes and shipping ensure you receive your chocolate candy in perfect condition.
There is also a wide variety of chocolate molds and candy making accessories for you to try your hand at making your own chocolate candy. It’s a fun way to get children involved in the kitchen and also a great way to make personalized gifts. The possibilities are endless in the flavors and ingredients to test. A lot of very successful candy companies started this way, as a hobby in a home kitchen.
Who knows, perhaps one day when that chocolate connoisseur boots up his pc and logs on to buy candy online, the website with the interesting flavors to sample that he chooses to order from may be your own!
A Chocoholic’s Taste Of Heaven Is Just A Click Away
09
jan
Almost everyone knows a chocoholic. A chocoholic is a person who absolutely loves chocolate. Sure, you could treat them a simple Hershey’s bar but would it be even more delightful if you’d give them the best stuff – the gourmet stuff? It would just be a simple taste of heaven wrapped in that special package.
The love for chocolates dates back to 1502 with Columbus’ final voyage to the Caribbean. Cacao beans were offered to him as a form of payment. Because he was uncertain of its worth, the Aztecs gave him a drink made out of those seeds to show its potential. They believed that this beverage was a source of energy, spiritual wisdom and an aphrodisiac, as well. They even used it to reinvigorate their warriors during battle. The bitter cacao drink was introduced to Europe and was later sweetened to cater European taste buds. It became the drink for the wealthy and the privileged. It later on became widely known throughout Europe and England.
Today, millions of people have a soft spot for chocolates. Shopping for a chocoholic is often as enjoyable as shopping for shoes. You only want the best quality. Here are a few tips to help you shop for high-grade chocolates.
Chocolate lovers often prefer dark chocolates over milk chocolates so try shopping for those. Dark chocolates often state their cacao percentage on its package.
It is good if you should watch out for brands that have been guaranteed to give high quality chocolates in the market. Often, brands really do matter. It matters how these companies make their chocolates because it also determines how good their products are and how salable they are to the public. Information such as the quality of cacao beans they use and how they are roasted have an impact on the brand of chocolates you may choose.
Giving your chocoholic recipient some variety in one package would surely offer sheer delight. A gift basket of nothing else but gourmet chocolate would be a winner. The possibilities are endless. The basket could contain plain chocolate bars, fruits dipped in chocolate, chocolate truffles, chocolates stuffed with delicious fillings and many more. Of course, you could never put away a good chocolate cake as an option, would you?
The best news is you will not even have to leave your home to shop. With a great number of gift shops listed online, you can choose from a broad list of shops that offer you the best quality gourmet treats. One of the remarkable advantages modern telecommunications provide is the convenience of having these fabulous indulgences ordered online and have them delivered to your doorstep or your recipient’s doorstep in the same quality as when you picked them yourself from the grocery store. You can browse on different sites that provide you good reviews on the quality of the product you may choose. People writing these reviews often stress on how the product was handled and how it would satisfy a chocolate lover. You can always take advantage on the information provided on those sites.
A Bakers Guide To Chocolate
09
jan
What’s the difference between bittersweet chocolate and semisweet chocolate? Can I use Dutch cocoa in all my recipes calling for cocoa? Understanding the difference in chocolate and how they are used is essential to baking. In this guide, we’ll identify the characteristics of those chocolates used in baking.
Cocoa is the dry chocolate powder derived from chocolate liquor. It comes in two types: natural and Dutch process. Dutch processed cocoa is processed with an alkaline. It is slightly darker, smoother, and more easily dissolved than natural cocoa. In many recipes, natural cocoa and Dutch cocoa are not interchangeable. Natural cocoa is slightly acidic and will therefore chemically react with baking soda to create carbon dioxide bubbles and some leavening power. Dutch cocoa is slightly alkaline, will not react with baking soda, and must rely on baking powder for leavening.
Bitter (unsweetened) baking chocolate is made from pure chocolate liquor. By specification, it must contain 50 to 58 percent cocoa butter though with inferior products, vegetable oil may he added. Depending on the producer, milk solids, vanilla, or salt may be added. I have a package in front of me that contains only chocolate and milk solids. Unsweetened chocolate has a bitter taste and relies on sweeteners in the recipe to make it palatable.
Sweet baking chocolate–bittersweet, semisweet chocolate–has sugar added. These products must contain 35 to 50% cocoa butter but may have as little as 15% chocolate liquor. Because unsweetened chocolate has twice the chocolate liquor, we prefer to use unsweetened chocolate in most of our baking.
Bittersweet and semisweet chocolate can be used interchangeably in recipes though there is a difference in flavor. Often, bittersweet is a more expensive chocolate and to many, a better, richer-flavored chocolate.
Milk chocolate is made with ten percent chocolate liquor. It contains a minimum of twelve percent milk solids. Because it has such a low percentage of chocolate liquor, rarely is it melted and added to batter or dough.
White chocolate contains no chocolate liquor but is made with cocoa butter. Historically, the FDA has not regulated the manufacture of white chocolate so you need to read labels carefully. If the product was made with vegetable oil instead of cocoa butter, it will not perform the same as a product with cocoa butter.
Chocolate chips are made with chocolate liquor with only minimal amounts of cocoa butter. Instead, they are made with vegetable oil and stabilizers to help them hold their shape. Without the cocoa butter, chocolate chips have a different taste and mouth feel. Chocolate chips will have a firmer set in puddings, pie fillings, and sauces than baking chocolate. Chocolate chips can be purchased in milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate.
chocolate: Grove Square Cappuccino Cups, French Vanilla, Single Serve Cup for Keurig K-Cup Brewers, 24-Count
07
jan
Grove Square Cappuccino Cups, French Vanilla, Single Serve Cup for Keurig K-Cup Brewers, 24-Count
List Price: $11.99
- Grove Square Specialty Cappuccino flavored drink mixes, made with some of the highest quality ingredients, with a sugar/sucralose blend, are a decadent combination of each coffee, and flavor combo sure to be refreshing and treat anytime of day
- Each serving contains 20-30mg caffeine
- Creamy, steamy and a little dreamy, cappuccino is the coffee treat you can call your own, any time of day, every day
- With a stimulating aroma and pure taste, Grove Square Cappuccino, made to perfection, provides a potent pick-me-up that highlights the bold vanilla, hazlenut and caramel flavors with coffee in perfect harmony
- Grove Square makes it more convenient than ever to enjoy this delicious coffee shop treat right in your home of day, every day
List Price: $11.99
Your Price: $12.95- 
A hot cappuccino drink, mildly sweet, with a pleasant creamy French Vanilla flavor. The cappuccino is packed in a saingle serve cup designed for use by owners of Keurigcoffee makers. Approved by the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregation of America.
Your Price: $12.95 –
chocolate: Grove Square Hot Cocoa Cups, Milk Chocolate, Single Serve Cup for Keurig K-Cup Brewers, 24-Count
07
jan
Grove Square Hot Cocoa Cups, Milk Chocolate, Single Serve Cup for Keurig K-Cup Brewers, 24-Count
List Price: $11.99
- Grove Square Hot Cocoa specialty beverages are made with some of the highest quality ingredients. Grove Square Cocoa, it?s never been more delicious or easier to prepare
- Our dark and milk chocolate flavored varieties have all the creamy, chocolaty richness that make cocoa a classic favorite
- The warmth and comfort that each sip offers makes this the perfect treat to enjoy any time of day
- Go ahead, enjoy a cup and don’t forget the marshmallows
- Grove Square Milk Chocolate Cocoa has the creamy Smoothnessthat makes milk chocolate a classic favorite
List Price: $11.99
Your Price: $12.95-
Grove Square Hot Cocoa a hot cocoa drink, mildly sweet, with a pleasant creamy Milk Chocolate flavor. The hot cocoa is packed in a single serve cup designed for use by owners of Keurig coffee makers. Approved by the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congrega
Your Price: $12.95 –
chocolate: ekobrew Cup, Refillable Cup For Keurig K-Cup Brewers, Brown, 1-Count
07
jan
ekobrew Cup, Refillable Cup For Keurig K-Cup Brewers, Brown, 1-Count
List Price: $16.95
- The Ekobrew’s patent pending design includes a deep brew chamber, heavy duty hinge, flat bottom design and heat resistant grips for safer removal after use
- Save money by using your favorite coffee and at the same time reduce the impact on the environment. 100% BPA free plastic.
- No need to remove the Keurig filter holster; Simply fill the Ekobrew, place it in your machine and brew normally
- Ekobrew’s unique design provides the very best coffee possible and our smooth interior makes clean up fast and easy.
- Ekobrew is not compatible with the B30, B130, B150 and B155
List Price: $16.95
Your Price: $10.99-
Ekobrew is the ideal alternative to Keurig K-cups. The patent pending Ekobrew is a reusable filter made specifically for Keurig single cup brewers. The Ekobrew is easy to use and easy to clean and allows Keurig users to enjoy the coffee of their choi
Your Price: $10.99 –
ChocolateThe Newest Health Food?
26
sept
There are now even more reasons for chocolate lovers to rejoice! As more amazing research news comes in about chocolate, the substance is moving from a bad-for-you candy to an important health food. Those of us who had always continued to indulge in occasional chocolate treats can stop feeling guilty and now easily justify our cravings.
You may have already heard that chocolate contains beneficial flavonoids and antioxidents. Flavonoids are naturally-occurring compounds found in plant foods that are full of recognized health benefits. There are more than 4,000 flavonoid compounds, which are a subgroup of a large class called polyphenols. Phenols are believed to help reduce the risk of heart disease by helping prevent atherosclerosis. The flavanols in chocolate appear to help the body use nitric oxide, which is crucial for healthy blood flow and blood pressure, which means that chocolate might help reduce hypertension as well.
Red wine is know for its high phenol content, but an average bar of dark chocolate contains more phenols than 8 ounces of red wine. Scientists at Cornell University and Seoul National University examined the cancer-fighting antioxidant content of hot cocoa, red wine, and tea, and found that cocoa had nearly double the antioxidants of red wine and four to five times more than tea.
Holland’s National Institute of Public Health and Environment found that dark chocolate contains 53.5 mg of catechins per 100 grams. (Catechins are the powerful antioxidants that fight against cancer and help prevent heart disease). By contrast, a cup of black tea contains only about 14 mg of catechins and green tea has about 30 mg of catechins.
A study at University of California Davis found that participants who ate chocolate showed a reduction in platelet activity. This means that chocolate has an anti-clotting, blood-thinning effect that can be compared to aspirin.
A Harvard University study of 8,000, with an average age of 65, revealed that those who consumed chocolate lived almost a year longer than those who did not. Those who ate one to three candy bars per month had a 36 percent lower risk of death (compared to the people who ate no candy), while those who ate three or more candy bars per week had a 16 percent lower risk.
A study of older men in The Netherlands, known for its chocolate, showed that those who ate the most chocolate, an equivalent of one-third of a chocolate bar every day, had lower blood pressure and a 50 percent lower risk of death. The researchers also noted the men eating the most cocoa products were not heavier or bigger eaters than the men who ate less cocoa.
And it’s not just dark chocolate that is the only healthy type of chocolate. Most studies talk about the benefits of dark chocolate, but some of the most recent news about chocolate includes good news for milk chocolate lovers, who have been left out in the past.
The Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia did a study that shows that milk chocolate seems to boost brainpower. The groups in the test consumed, on different occasions, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, carob and nothing. Then they were tested for cognitive performance including memory, attention span, reaction time, and problem solving.
According to Dr. Bryan Raudenbush, « Composite scores for verbal and visual memory were significantly higher for milk chocolate than the other conditions. » The study also found that consumption of milk and dark chocolate was associated with improved impulse control and reaction time. It seems that by consuming chocolate you get stimulating effects from substances found in chocolate, such as theobromine and phenylethylamine, which then lead to increased mental performance.
Chocolate really does make you feel good, too. It is known to stimulate the secretion of endorphins, producing a pleasurable sensation similar to the « runner’s high » a jogger feels after running several miles. Chocolate also contains a neurotransmitter, serotonin that acts as an anti-depressant. Studies in England show that even the aroma of chocolate gives a bout of euphoria and will help lift the spirits.
And now people are looking at chocolate for skin care. According to Marlies Spinale, director of Tru Spa, « Like many other antioxidants, cocoa polyphenols are thought to offer the skin protection from free-radical damage caused by sun, pollution, stress, alcohol consumption and other factors. I believe that we will hear more about the benefits of chocolate in skin care. »
Some people have been avoiding chocolate because one of the main ingredients of chocolate is cocoa butter. It was thought that it was an unhealthy fat, but actually cocoa butter is not unhealthy. It is made up of the beneficial fatty acids– oleic acid (a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil), stearic and palmitic acids. Stearic and palmitic acids are healthy forms of saturated fat. Plus chocolate contains vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E, as well as potassium, sodium, and iron.
So go ahead and indulge in a little chocolate, in moderation of course. I would recommend that you try to find organic chocolate, and stick with darker chocolate because it has more chocolate flavonoids and less sugar. (Sugar weakens the immune system; so don’t consume sugar if you are ill.) And a little bit of milk chocolate is alright when you need an occasional milk chocolate brainpower boost, such as before a test. All you students take note!
Chocolate as a health food– can life get any better?
By Dianne Ronnow, © 2006 Mohave Publishing.
If you need a little extra help losing weight, I have good news for you. I found an excellent safe diet aid that really helped me lose weight, burn fat, and get my metabolism going!
