Author Archive: Joanna Maligaya
White Chocolate and Blueberry Pancakes
August 14, 2013
Nothing beats a hearty breakfast. You know what they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Who would want to skip breakfast if white chocolate and blueberry pancakes are served on the table?
With a delicious drizzle of maple syrup and your favorite cup of Joe (or tea) on the side, what more can you ask for? So much win!
Chocolate Scent Can Boost Bookstore Sales
August 9, 2013
Belgian researchers did a 10-day experiment at a general-interest chain bookstore which involved comparing the behavior of customers with and without the scent of chocolate. There were dispensers that released a scent of chocolate set in two different locations.
Researchers observed every fifth customer who came into the store, for a total of 201 customers. They were able to notice different “purchase-related” customer behaviors such as closely checking many different books, going over the summaries of books, hanging out in the store, speaking with and inquiring the staff.
Chili, Chocolate, and Beef Casserole
August 7, 2013
It may sound quite bizarre, but trust me, you'll love this recipe. It has an interesting mix of an extremely rich and heartening beef dish, accompanied by a subtle touch of creamy sweetness of chocolate and a little chili sensation to boot.
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Chili, Chocolate, and Beef Casserole |
Alcohol-flavored Chocolate Readily Available to Children
August 2, 2013
Imagine these little children walk up into a supermarket and buy alcohol-flavored chocolates all in their gloriously bright colors side by side with other candies. Supermarkets, candy manufacturers and alcohol distillers are the ones who are getting the most out of this. It’s such a bummer that there are countries that have no laws that ban the sale and marketing of alcohol-flavored chocolates, lollipops and other snacks to little children.
There was a specific time when rum and vodka-flavored chocolates were readily available in only exclusive outlets in Nairobi, but now they are widely available in leading mass distribution retail outlets in the capital.
DIY Chocolate Liqueur
July 31, 2013
What’s about to unfold is something so simple you’ll think I’m giving you a guide to cooking dried pasta. It only calls for rum, cacao nibs, some vanilla beans and a mere bottle. A little patience on the side can go a long way, too.
I like trying out new stuff. I love experimenting with things. I already know to come up with new things that almost always amuse me. Now, it’s about time I shared with you guys something I myself just stumbled upon while browsing the Internet: a remarkable DIY take on Chocolate Liqueur.
This version of chocolate liqueur is so unique. We’ve all tried buying a bottle or two of from the local liquor store. For the most part, what we take home is something so incredibly sweet it makes you cringe. Why not make your own chocolate liqueur? Why, yes.
Dark Chocolate Lovers Tolerate Bitterness In Ice Cream
July 26, 2013
According to senior author John E. Hayes, Assistant Professor of Food Science and Director of the Sensory Evaluation Center, College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, their main objective in this particular study zeroed in on identifying whether rejection thresholds for added bitterness in chocolate ice cream has a direct correlation with personal preferences for solid milk or dark chocolate.
"Estimating rejection thresholds could be an effective, rapid tool to determine acceptable formulations or quality limits when considering attributes that become objectionable at high intensities," he said.
Chocolate Loaf Cake
July 24, 2013
This cake may be so humble, all in its unassuming shape, yet so delish. You can enjoy a slice with your favorite cup of Joe or if you're a tea lover, so be it. You can even have a dollop of double cream or dress it up further using with a thick layer of ganache. Roasted pears and vanilla custard wouldn’t be so bad, either!
A Cup Of Hot Chocolate A Day Can Prevent Diabetes?
July 19, 2013
Mice that were fed a high fat diet that is known to be a causative factor for type 2 diabetes (the obesity-related type) suffered less inflammation after having been given cocoa powder. Scientists assumed that such finding could be applicable to humans.
Dark chocolate is packed with flavanols, plant chemicals that enhance blood flow by widening vessels. It has always been associated with tons of health benefits. In this particular study, the mice were fed the human equivalent of 10 tablespoons of cocoa powder, about four or five cups of hot cocoa, in a 10-week span.
Professor Joshua Lambert said: "What surprised me was the magnitude of the effect. There was not as big of an effect on the body weight as we expected, but I was surprised at the dramatic reduction of inflammation and fatty liver disease."
Quadruple Chocolate Eclair Ice Cream
July 17, 2013
As I write this, I’m not at my happiest. Times like this, I find it challenging to have an appetite for food. Even my favorite foods, that make me a happy girl during ordinary days, just won’t cut it. Ice cream, on the other hand, is an exception!
I find the coolness and the flavor very comforting. I especially like mocha/coffee, pistachio, slated caramel, and of course, chocolate ice cream. This one's a nice, fancy take on chocolate ice cream. I'm sure anyone's spirit will be lifted.
Weight-loss Chocolate?
July 12, 2013
Math graduate Aneesh Popat took another route rather than the traditional one that uses butter and cream. He opted for flavor-filled water and cocoa.
A bar of Cadbury's Dairy Milk chocolate packs 240 calories, while Popat's only has 20 calories, reports the Daily Express.
Speaking about his product, Popat said: "Chocolate is good for you if made in the right way. My love of chocolate led me to devote and apply my mathematical and scientific backgrounds to create the most unique flavor combinations with utmost precision and creativity."