Author Archive: Bryn Kirk
Chocolate-Banana Swirl Cupcakes
November 17, 2010
Here a delightful combination of chocolate and banana, in a cupcake form.
For a delicious variation of this recipe you can replace the banana with your favorite winter squash or pumpkin!
| Chocolate-Banana Swirl Cupcakes • 6 tbsp butter, softened • 2/3 cup sugar • 1/2 tsp salt • 2 large eggs • 3/4 tsp vanilla extract • 1 ¼ cup flour • 1/2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp baking soda • 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (approx. 1 large ripe banana) • 3 oz bittersweet chocolate, melted over a double boiler Read more |
Cacao, a Product of Global Warming?
November 16, 2010
There is evidence of a past warming period in Earth’s history. A previous spell of global warming, if you will.
Scientists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute participated with other organizations in a research study to find out what effects global warming on our planet’s past vegetation – and by past, I mean the Paleocene Epoch!
Something really interesting caught my attention as I was reading a summary of the findings. Contrary to the belief that tropical forests were devastated under the conditions of global warming, new plants evolved at a faster rate than ones that became extinct. Pollen from the cacao plant family (and the passionflower plant family) appeared suddenly, for the first time, during this warming event.
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Niederegger Marzipan
November 15, 2010
It’s just one of nature’s great taste combinations... chocolate and almond. And if you take the almond and grind it up and add some sugar, you create marzipan, another great taste sensation with chocolate.
Be careful! Some confectionery products that are sold as marzipan are made from soy paste and flavored with almond.
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Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies
November 13, 2010
I love baking brownies on a cold, blustery day like today. I love smelling the chocolate cooking in the oven; the way the brownies steam when I cut them in the pan; and the way the vanilla ice cream melts after I drop a scoop on the top. Ah!
The complete experience should be shared with a loved one.
| Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies • 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped • 3 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate, chopped • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened • 2 cups sugar • 4 eggs • 1 tablespoon vanilla • 1 cup butter, softened • 1 cup flour • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/2 cup raspberry jam Read more |
Wearing Chocolate
November 12, 2010
I firmly believe in eating chocolate, not wearing it.
Not so, for the fashion models kicking off the 13th annual New York Chocolate Show. The models walk down the run way wearing outfits made of chocolate.
The New York Chocolate Show is one of the nation’s largest events dedicated to chocolate.
More than 65 fine chocolate companies are featured and will present an assortment of fine chocolates.
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Is Chocolate a Mood Food?
November 11, 2010
You've heard things about chocolate: chocolate makes you feel good, in love, amorous, calm, not depressed. Fact or fiction?
There is no doubt chocolate brings about chemical reactions in the body, in fact, all food stimulates endorphins in the brain when eaten. But even with all that going on, scientists have yet to find sufficient evidence that proves chocolate and other “mood foods” can cause enough bodily changes to be noticeable.
Scientists know that neurotransmitters affect the brain. High levels of serotonin are associated with feelings of being calm, happy, and relaxed; and dopamine and norepinephrine cause feelings of pleasure and reward. The physiological connection between food and brain chemicals has been documented but the effects are usually not enough to make a real difference in our moods.
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Black Bottom Cupcakes
November 10, 2010
Black Bottom cupcakes are chocolate cupcakes with a cream cheese center. This cupcake is super dense, rich, and moist.
I like this recipe because of the added chocolate chips, only I prefer the mini-chocolate chip size. The texture is great, too. I could eat these everyday – yikes!
| Black Bottom Cupcakes • 12 ounces cream cheese • 2 eggs • 1 2/3 cups sugar • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (can use mini-size) • 1 1/2 cups flour, sifted • 1/4 cup cocoa powder • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 cup water • 1/3 cup cooking oil • 1 tablespoon vinegar • 1 teaspoon vanilla Read more |
Chocolate Delivers Vitamins
November 9, 2010
I knew it wouldn’t be long before vitamins are delivered in the proper manner; as a premium dark chocolate bar!
I have never wanted my chocolate bar to be turned into a vitamin, but I can certainly swallow the idea that my vitamins could taste like chocolate!
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Mint Chocolate and Chocolate Mint
November 8, 2010
You say tah-may-toe, I say tah-mah-toe. Some say mint chocolate, and some say chocolate mint. Although often used interchangeably, there is a difference, technically speaking.
Mint chocolate is a variety of flavored chocolate, in this case, infused with mint flavoring. It can be used as a coating or as a stand alone chocolate bar. Since mint is added to dark, milk, and white chocolate, mint chocolate does not denote just one type of coating. Mint can be peppermint or spearmint or crème de menthe.
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Adult Chocolate Milk
November 7, 2010
Adult Beverage Co. has an adults-only chocolate milk.
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