Posts Tagged ‘chocolate’
Unique chocolate Gifts For Christmas
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010Wedding Chocolate Favors
Saturday, November 14th, 2009Weddings are simply wonderful. It is a day of joyous and loving celebration and it is important that we are able to have it just the way we want it to be. Many are the different details that has to be cared for to get it right.
Everything has to be planned; from the menu to the brides dress to the cake to the invitation cards and so on. It may seem a bit overwhelming at some times but after all, the planning is part of the joy and something that reminds us of the beautiful event that is to come.
One detail that should not be overlooked and that will give that extra spark to your wedding is to have wedding chocolate gifts with your unique style on the wrapper. Why not let each of the guests get a bar of fine chocolate and have a picture of the happy couple on the wrapper. You can as well find many images that are suitable for this occasion. Are you going for a romantic style wedding? Then perhaps a flower or two wedding rings accompanied with the names of the happy couple and the date will be the right option.
If you want something even more unique, or you simply don’t find the template that feels just right for you, you can choose to have your own design on the wrapper. In this way you will have a wedding chocolate gift that is exactly right for you and your special day. Since it is a very special day it is important that you get it the way that you like it to be.
When you choose to have a wedding chocolate gift that is made from luxurious Belgian chocolate and that is surrounded by a wrapper that is designed in your unique way, you make sure that your guests will be both pleased and impressed. It is the little things that creates a wedding out of the ordinary and luckily it is very easy to let that be the case.
All you have to do is to get online, look through the templates and find the wrapper that you like. Then pick which chocolate you would like to combine it with and you are good to go. That’s it
, and then you have a very special chocolate gift made for you and your guests in the perfect time for your wedding.
Unique Chocolate Gifts
Thursday, June 18th, 2009There is something special about chocolate. It is one of the things that each and everyone love to put in their mouths. The taste of a piece of chocolate brings us a little bit closer to heaven when the feelings of wellbeing flows throughout our bodies. Not only is it the taste and the smell that gives us this wonderful sensations, there are actually a lot of chemical factors that are adding to the happy vibration chocolate brings about.
A chocolate gift is so much more than the simple taste experience we normally think of it as. Already when you encounter the chocolate piece with your nose, when you smell its aroma, there are things happening in your body. Scientific studies have found that the theta brainwaves tend to increase when we smell chocolate. This brain activity is present when we are relaxing deeply or when we are asleep. That’s why the pure smell of cocoa can bring about such a relaxed and pleasant state of mind.
When you finally are indulging in that amazing piece of chocolate and have its creaminess melting on your tongue, there is even more brain activity that is being released. Chocolate has been found in researches to have the property to increase the levels of both serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Both of these neurotransmitters in the brain brings about feelings of happiness and well-being.
The substance in chocolate that triggers the brain to produce more of these neurotransmitters is called tryptophan. When the serotonin is being released it brings about feelings of joy, excitement, elation and in some cases even ecstasy. Another natural ingredient in chocolate that is also used in the brain as a neurotransmitter is phenylethylalamine. When it is being activated in the brain after eating a delicious chocolate gift you can experience feelings of happiness, attraction and a general positive mood.
Some people compare eating a box of chocolate with having sex, and the comparison is not too far apart since they bring about similar emotions in our being and scientifically the activation in the brain is alike in both cases. Why do you think the number one gift on Valentine’s Day is chocolate gifts? You could compare the feeling of being in love with having an unopened truffle box in front of you. Chocolate definitely brings about a romantic feeling.
So if you want to give a treat to someone that brings about joyous feelings and happiness, give a chocolate gift and you can spread those feelings to the people you hold dear and care about. A chocolate gift is always right.
The Health Benefits of Chocolate
Saturday, February 21st, 2009With the New Year come and gone, many of us are making
good on a resolution to eat healthier. So whats a
chocolate lover to do?
Good news. Research says you can have your cake and
eat it, too. As long as that cake is chocolate.
For centuries, chocolate has been used to treat diseases
and maladies such as depression. Civilizations from
Mexico to Europe have hailed chocolate as an aphrodisiac.
The U.S. government officially recognized its virtues in
World War II, making the chocolate candy bar standard
issue for the military.
Chocolates scientific name, theobroma cacao, is literally
translated as “food of the gods,” and we chocolate cravers
dont need any studies to tell us the power of chocolate
in mood alteration. Its feel good chemicals have long been
associated with feelings of love, safety, and comfort.
Maybe thats why Americans eat an average of 12 pounds
of chocolate per year.
Chocolate contains vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E, as well
as potassium, sodium, iron, and fluorine. Now, researchers
say those creamy chocolate confections may actually help
us live longer, too.
Harvard researchers tracked nearly 8,000 males, with an
average age of 65. Those men who enjoyed chocolate and
candy 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.
Why? The researchers say they dont know for sure, but
that it might have something to do with antioxidants.
Chocolate contains the same antioxidant chemicals as
wine (phenols). In the chocolate bar, phenols help
preserve the fat. In our bodies, phenol can help
prevent atherosclerosis.
Like anything, chocolate is best enjoyed in moderation.
Just one ounce of solid chocolate packs about 150 calories
and can be as much as 50 percent fat. So, for your next
chocolate fix, consider reduced fat alternatives, such
as chocolate covered foods or chocolate syrup.
Chocolate Cake
Wednesday, January 7th, 2009Chocolate-the drink of the Gods, has forever been man’s sinful indulgence. Chocolate comes in many shapes and sizes, and it’s used for many recipes, but none surpasses the chocolate cake first place in popularity.
A chocolate cake can be made from any type of chocolate. It can be made from plain, dark chocolate or “bitter” chocolate that contains little or no added sugar. Cakes can be made from white chocolate, which tastes sweet and is very rich and smooth, almost with a melt-in-your-mouth quality. Cakes made with organic chocolate win hands down for they contain a very high percentage of cocoa solids. However, this type of chocolate is very expensive.
Innovation is the buzzword in chocolate circles now and along with chocolate you will find varied other ingredients added to the cake to woo your taste buds. There is the chocolate and orange angel cake, the tangy cinnamon cake, the hot spicy chocolate ginger crunch cake made with ginger syrup and chocolate cake topped with a mildly tempering Banana Sauce to name a few. In fact, it seems that almost everything that is palatable in the kitchen can be used as a flavoring in chocolate cakes. Hazelnut is great in chocolate cake and is beetroot (used in chocolate layer cakes), redcurrant torte chocolate cake is fabulous and baked chocoate and rasin cheese cake.
Chocolate cakes come with vast array of toppings and decorations. Since chocolate cake by nature has a rich taste, the toppings are deliberately kept light. You can have dates, almonds, honey toppings, fruit sauces or you can have decorations made with chocolate. You can peel off chocolate curlls, scoop off chocolate balls or create designs with contrasting colored melted chocolate. When it comes to decorating with chocolate, the “Covertures” type chocolate with a glossy finish is the choice of many. There are plenty of options when it comes to decorating with chocolate. Anything made with chocolate is sinfully delicious.
Chocolate Wedding Favors
Tuesday, January 6th, 2009Providing chocolate as a wedding favor has been a time honored tradition for many centuries. The practice of distributing wedding favors began with the European upper classes, who had the wealth to provide elaborate gifts to their guests. Wedding favors began as small fancy boxes known as a bonboniere. A bonboniere was fashioned of crystal, porcelain or gold and were often encrusted with precious stones. The boxes were meant to hold bonbons or other confectionery delicacies, at a time when sugar was quite expensive and believed to have medicinal benefits.
Confectioneries, primarily chocolates, have continued to be a favorite wedding favor. Variations on the classic bonboniere have continued throughout the ages. Elaborate wedding favor boxes are produced from porcelain, crystal, stainless steel or pewter. Designs available from each medium vary extensively to accommodate any personal taste or wedding theme. The most affordable boxes are fashioned from white chipboard, which may have a solid color or be printed to reflect traditional wedding themes. More elaborate boxes have a foil laminate exterior and include embossed designs. Whatever the box design, they are intended to hide a secret gift of decadence inside.
The rich, smooth texture of chocolate truffles have made them an delicate token of appreciation. The elegant simplicity of a single truffle or a cluster of three, is sufficient for a sophisticated wedding favor. Truffles are affordable and easy to find at online suppliers or local candy shops.
A trend in chocolate wedding favors, has been the creation of unique labels for otherwise ordinary chocolate bars. Branding the bar with an unique label creates a personal statement from the bride and groom. Smaller chocolate companies that specialize in providing personalized chocolate, can create a mold that will appear to be engraved with a sentiment from the couple. Many of these same companies carry stock molds for wedding themed chocolate bars and coins. They are able to produce chocolate pops and three dimensional chocolate confections that resemble traditional wedding themes, as well as the bride and groom cake topper. The molded candies are produced from white, milk or dark chocolate. Couples can select to have the molded chocolates hand painted with edible gold and silver finishes.
A simple, fun and inexpensive chocolate wedding favor is created by filling unique, clear containers with candy coated chocolates. The popular coated chocolates can be purchased in bulk and are made in a wide range of pastels that complement any wedding color scheme. The choice of clear container includes a variety of items such as glass jars, clear boxes, organza bags and plastic tubes to make a delightful wedding favor.
The thought devoted to combining the choice of chocolate and a distinctive container, allows for the continuation of chocolate as a legendary wedding favor. The versatility of chocolate, enables a couple show appreciation to their wedding guests in a variety of ways, while delighting their guest without great expense.
Stop! Don't give your cat that Chocolate…
Friday, December 5th, 2008“Where’s the harm? My cat seems to enjoy chocolate and it’s only a small piece.”
Just because certain foods, such as chocolate, are enjoyed by us
humans and are perfectly safe for us, it does not mean they are suitable for
cats. Chocolate contains chemicals which rarely cause problems for humans,
but for cats and other domestic pets, these chemicals can, in rare cases, be deadly.
One problem is that cats in general find chocolate very tasty and so, it is
important not to feed it to them, otherwise they will eat what you give
them up to the point where it poisons them.
Chocolate contains the compound theobromine which is a diuretic as well as a cardiac stimulant. This can cause the pet’s heart rate to increase or it may cause the heart to beat irregularly, both of which can be dangerous to the
animal. The level of theobromine present in chocolate varies depending on
the type of chocolate. For example, dark chocolate contains higher levels
than milk chocolate and so could pose a greater risk to your pet.
There are many problems that can result from feeding a cat chocolate. Chocolate is relatively high in calories so it can contribute to the development of obesity in your cat. A cat can lose its appetite for it’s normal food if it eats chocolate. The largest problem is though
the fact that chocolate contains the chemical theobromine as mentioned above. If this chemical builds up in the cats system, it can be potentially lethal, and one reason for this is that cats cannot clear theobromine from their bodies as quickly as people can.
Many cat owners would simply expect their pet to develop an upset stomach after eating a large amount of chocolate but few realize its lethal potential.
Further problems which can arise from chocolate poisoning are Diuresis
(increased urine production), diarrhea, lethargy, vomiting, depression, and
muscle tremors. These are signs which must be recognized by any cat owner so
that the cat is not fed too much chocolate.
Treatment for chocolate poisoning in its advanced stage can be very unpleasant for both the cat and the owner of the cat, so it is much better to be safe and to cut down chocolate consumption of your cat to a minimum. If you do have worries that your cat has consumed large quantities of human chocolate it would be wise to consult your vet – pronto. Spotting the symptoms early on can be very beneficial and can give the cat a much better chance of surviving any poisoning which may have occurred.
If you wish to feed your cat chocolate, there are alternate “chocolate”
treats for cats which are produced by some pet food manufacturers. They will
either use a vegetable substitute made to taste and look like chocolate, or they will take out the theobromine, or use greatly reduced, safe levels in the chocolate treats they produce. While a very small amount of chocolate may not be harmful to some cats, it is always safest to avoid giving any to them at all.
copyright 2004 http://www.best-cat-art.com
Easter for Toddlers: Meaningful Activities Beyond Chocolate Bunnies
Tuesday, November 18th, 2008Children bring joy to holidays like Easter, with their beautiful suits and dresses and colorful egg hunts on green lawns. But in addition to special outfits and candy peeps, what else can parents do to provide their kids with a meaningful Easter? Here are seven ways to go beyond the Easter bunny and communicate a positive message to your toddler:
1. Deliver an Easter basket to a friend in need. Do you know a child whose parent is deployed? Or maybe a single mom who has three young children? Think of a family you know that could use a little encouragement. Make an Easter basket for that family and deliver it with your toddler. Your son or daughter will learn the joy of giving firsthand as he or she gives away that thoughtful basket.
2. Buy candy and deliver it for a church or community Easter egg hunt. You can explain to your toddler that candy doesnt just magically appear at the egg hunts. People have to donate it first. Talk to them about the joy of giving and let them have their own special egg filled with a treat for helping out.
3. Visit a senior citizen at a nearby nursing home. Have your child color an Easter coloring page and deliver it to a resident. Call ahead of time and ask the activity director if theres a particular resident he or she would recommend. Ask for the best times to come and the appropriate protocol for bringing children. Your adorable child will be the highlight of the day for that senior citizen!
4. Have an “empty tomb” egg hunt. Hide eggs in your backyard or wherever would work for a hunt. Fill the eggs with stickers, quarters, small toys or candy. Leave one egg empty. Whoever finds the empty egg is the grand prize winner. Explain how Easter is the celebration of the empty tomb because Jesus rose from the grave on the third day. The grave was empty just like that egg. Give the child who found the empty egg a great prize like a dollar bill, larger toy, or scoop of ice cream.
5. Print out Easter coloring pages. Look on the internet for free coloring pages of Jesus on the cross and other Easter images. Tell your child how much God loves him and how special he is.
6. Attend an Easter service. Whether you go to church regularly or not, Easter is a great time to participate in a holiday celebration. Many churches offer fantastic programs for kids, from giant Easter egg hunts to musical specials.
7. Make something special for the host of your Easter dinner. If you are going to grandmas house for dinner, have your toddler make her a special card or craft to say thank you. Your host will be touched by your little ones thoughtfulness. And if youre the host, your child can make something small for each of your guests. Favors could be a coloring page, popsicle sticks glued together to make a cross, or plastic eggs filled with an after dinner mint.
When you take a little time to be intentional about Easter with your kids, you will find the holiday will become more meaningful not only to them, but to you!
Gourmet Chocolate Gifts
Tuesday, October 21st, 2008Rich, sinful chocolate that simply melts in the mouthis there a more heavenly experience? Admittedly, most chocoholics can think of more imaginative phrases to describe this wicked indulgence that has its origin in Central America.
Popular in Mayan and Aztec civilizations, the New World used it in bitter spicy xocoatl. Introduced by the Spanish to Europe, it gradually gained popularity, especially among the aristocrats. The nineteenth century saw the emergence of the modern-day chocolate. The Dutch, the Swiss, the English, the French, and others experimented and helped perfect the process.
There are no better gifts than gourmet chocolates to add to the festive punch of any holiday season, to sweeten the memories of a loved one, to put a smile on a face, or to simply to overwhelm the senses with pleasure. No special occasion is required to enjoy chocolate. There are different types of chocolate unsweetened chocolate liquor used for baking, dark chocolate without addition of milk, couverture that is rich in cocoa butter, milk chocolate, semi-sweet cooking chocolate, bittersweet chocolate, and cocoa powder. Mint, orange, strawberry, caramel, liqueur, dry fruits, cream, nuts of all kinds, and rice crispies are common additives to further enhance these sumptuous chocolates.
Criollo, Trinitario, and Forastero are the three varieties of cacao beans used. From harvesting beans to blending, conching and tempering, all these process determine the character of the chocolate.
Can one imagine a chocolate-free dessert world? Be it a simple comforting cocoa drink or chocolate chip cookies to rich chocolate gateaux, chocolate is delightful. Chocolates could be inexpensive candy bars or expensive truffles. In demand are genuine, completely conched Swiss chocolates, famous Belgian specialties like ballotins de pralines and manons, divine French creations like bonbons, truffles, Turkish delights, chocolate-covered fruits, and many more. Appreciating the work of premier chocolate-makers is almost like the fine art of wine tasting. Movies like Chocolat and Charlie and the Chocolate factory further prove the popularity of this supposed aphrodisiac.
For the passionate chocophile there is no better gift than irresistible gourmet chocolates, with their attractive shapes, colors, flavors, aromas, and packaging. So take a stroll or go online for flawlessly sculpted tasty treats before it is too late!
Wisconsin Woman’s “Best-Ever” Chocolate Chip Cookies Are Created With Love
Thursday, August 14th, 2008No, I don’t own a big, fancy factory or anything like that. My factory is my home, and when I’m not working, preparing food for the public, I still do all of my baking right from my very own kitchen!
My baking experience began in Wonewoc, Wisconsin when I was 15. My mother taught me how to bake all different kinds of goodies such as cookies, cakes, pies, candy and frostings.
The one thing that stands out in my mind most of all is a frosting called 7 minute frosting. I had to cook this frosting for 7 minutes, and I had a lot of failures before I finally got it right. But once I did there was no stopping me.
At such a tender age, I was really proud of myself and my accomplishments. I even tried to get a job at our local bakery. But Wonewoc was a poor, small town of about 800 people, and back in the 60s, the local business owners could only afford to hire and pay their own family members.
In fact, we were so poor, we didn’t even have a bathroom, we had an outhouse. We had no hot water, and we washed the dishes in a little tub on the kitchen table, because we didn’t have a sink.
Believe me, I know what it’s like to grow up in hard times. We literally lived off of the land. My dad was a policeman, so we didn’t have a lot of money.
However, we did have an acre of land and half of it was turned into a huge garden to feed our family. My mom canned everything she could.
My dad was a hunter and a great fisherman, so we ate lots of venison and fish year around. It was a real treat when my mother could afford to go to the store and buy roast beef or chicken.
That’s why I value and appreciate each and every dollar.
I have about 40 years of baking experience, and I’m proficient with pie crusts, breads, candies and cookies. My sense of touch is so accomplished, that I can tell just by feeling the consistency of the dough whether its ready for baking or not.
My professional cooking and baking career started 15 years ago when I got a job as a cook and baker for several restaurants in my community. I worked my way up to lead baker for a local telephone company, and I made all of the desserts for 500 people, five days a week.
Believe me, that was no small task, but I never complained about all of the hard work, because I truly love what I do. Each and every dessert I make is made with all of my love. I feel that its very important for me to put all of my heart and soul into every dessert I make.
I truly feel that God has put me on this earth to show my love through everything that I bake and cook, and that it’s my “purpose” to make people happy through my baking.
At work I say to myself everyday, “if I can make just one person happy today through my baking a cookie or making a sandwich, my heart will be full of joy!”
Here’s what a few people who tried my cookies have to say about them:
“Your chocolate chip cookies deserve 5 stars for their freshness and wonderful consistency!”
Jerry Sprague
Brookfield, Wisconsin
“Mae, your cookies are out of this world!”
Andy Kuhn
Waukesha, Wisconsin
“Mae:
You’re a great cook. Your chocolate chip cookies are one of a kind – the best I have ever tasted!”
Barbara Klosinski
Waukesha, Wisconsin
“Mae:
Your chocolate chip cookies are awesome! When you bring them to work for us, it’s impossible to eat just one. They just melt in your mouth!
Shelly Bliese
North Prairie, Wisconsin
“Your chocolate chip cookies are so wonderful. It’s such a treat, when you bring them to work for us. I love them!
Nancy Sprague
Brookfield, Wisconsin
If you’re so inclined, won’t you please try my delicious cookies today? They’re made with lots of love and no preservatives, and I just know you’ll love them!
However, if you’re not satisfied with my cookies for any reason, I’ll give you back your money. I think that’s fair, don’t you?
Blessings to all who read this!
Mae Mueller