Author Archive: Bryn Kirk
The Power of Cocoa Powder
February 15, 2011
New research finding just released in the Chemistry Central Journal compares the antioxidant power of the powders; fruit powder vs. cocoa powder.
Cacao and a number of other fruits are often classified as super fruits. So which is the most super?
In the study, a variety of fruit powders were analyzed for their antioxidant capacity (ORAC) and total flavanol (TF) content. Cocoa powder was also analyzed.
After all the powders were tested, it was determined that cocoa powder had the most concentrated source of antioxidants and flavanols (ORAC and TF).
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Product of the Year – M&M’S® Pretzel
February 11, 2011
Over 60,000 shoppers voted M&M'S Pretzel Chocolate Candies as the 2011 Product of the Year.
The food product category was Candy & Snacks, and the Mars Chocolate Company came out on top during a selection process that had consumers voting for their favorite innovative product. The products were chosen based on 4 key elements; appeal of innovation, usage, satisfaction, and purchase intent.
The M&M'S Pretzel achieved high marks across all elements but scored highest in satisfaction.
The Product of the Year award is hosted in 28 countries and is the world’s largest consumer-voted program of its kind.
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Chocolate Tasting Interview
February 10, 2011
A few weeks ago I was interviewed for an article with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel newspaper. That article appeared in the print version yesterday and online the day before.
There's some great information about tasting chocolate as well as pairing chocolate and wine. Click this link for the full chocolate and wine article.
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Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Chocolate Drizzle
February 9, 2011
This is one of those recipes that look as good as it tastes! Or does it taste as good as it looks? You decide. Enjoy this with your Valentine Sweetheart.
| Chocolate Cherry Cookies with Chocolate Drizzle • 1/2 cup butter • 1 cup white sugar • 1 egg • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder • 1 10 oz. jar maraschino cherries • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk • 1 cup semisweet chocolate, chopped (you can use milk chocolate if you prefer) Read more |
World’s Greatest Chocolate Museums
February 8, 2011
Some museums may have an exhibit or a small display about chocolate but there are a few museums around the globe that are dedicated exclusively to chocolate. I wish my state had a chocolate museum, but alas, we have the Mustard Museum!
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Tesco Value Plain Chocolate
February 7, 2011
Tesco stores are located all over London, England. When I visited my sister living there, we did a lot of chocolate shopping. Almost every store I shopped in offered a label of chocolate all their own. These chocolates were priced lower than the name brands sitting next to them on the shelf.
As promised in last Monday’s blog (I reviewed store brand Roundy’s Milk Chocolate), I am going to continue to review store brand chocolates.
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Chocolate and Cheese Pairings
February 3, 2011
I found a great article from the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) offering guidelines for chocolate and cheese pairings.
With all my pairings, I consider matching flavor profiles from the chocolate’s perspective...
Since dark chocolates offer a complex set of flavors, it makes sense that the best matches would be complex, aged cheeses.
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Cappuccino Chocolate Cheesecake
February 2, 2011
I’m sure you will enjoy staying indoors during this wintry weather time of year. You can bake up some comfort food – like cheesecake! Here is variation of a chocolate cheesecake I like by adding coffee liqueur.
| Cappuccino Chocolate Cheesecake • 1 1/4 cups chocolate wafers, crushed • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon • 8 ounces light cream cheese • 1 cup sugar • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder • 2 eggs • 2 1/2 cups sour cream • 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder for garnish Read more |
Chocolate for the Chinese New Year
February 1, 2011
This week kicks off the Chinese New Year – Feb. 3, 2011 – or year 4708 according to the Chinese calendar.
Giving gifts of chocolate is not a major part of the Chinese New Year, but it is a growing activity.
Traditionally, red envelopes or red packets filled with money are passed out during the celebrations. These days, you may find chocolate coins in addition to cash inside the packets.
Small gifts of food or sweets are exchanged between friends or relatives when visiting their homes. Chocolate candies or cakes are becoming popular gifts during these visits.
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