Author Archive: Joanna Maligaya
About Organic Chocolate
April 12, 2012
Organic chocolates are made of cacao beans that are cultivated without using any synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Authentic organic chocolates also utilize organically grown sugar.
In America, specific standards of qualification (set by the USDA) need to be met in order for a product to be called organic. That said, when you eat organic chocolate, you can rest assured that you are consuming those ingredients that have been farmed in an environmentally-suitable manner.
One primary reason why it is best that you opt for organic chocolate, instead of its non-organic version, is the fact that you decrease your chances of ingesting harsh pesticide residues. Non-organic chocolate, especially dark ones, are fine to eat all their own. However, the drawback there is the possibility of also eating the pesticide residue, if any, in the cocoa used. In great enough quantity, this could lead to certain health problems.
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Marshmallow Puffs
April 11, 2012
Marshmallows are perfect for a mug of hot chocolate. Roasting them over an open fire is not too shabby, either. Marshmallows just spell fun.
Let me give you some interesting tidbits about this well-loved treat. Egyptians had their version of this treat through combining grains and honey with the sap of the mallow root. Such mixture was baked into a cake, which was only served to royalty and gods.
The French were held responsible for the marshmallows that we are enjoying today. Candy manufacturers mixed the sap of the mallow with corn syrup and egg whites. Such mixture was individually molded by hand.
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3D Chocolate Printing
April 10, 2012
The concept of 3D printing is not a new concept. It involves layer by layer printing of three-dimensional objects. Printing plastic-like 3D objects is a commonplace. Why not print 3D food items, right?
The concept of a 3D chocolate printer is not the latest one, either. The ideas has been around since 2007. However, it is still working its magic.
The reason why this quirky 3D chocolate printer is creating a buzz lately is because the masterminds at Choc Edge finally made it available to the masses. It's called Choc Creator Version 1. It's really cool, but not priced for home use.
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Chocolate Allergy and Cockroaches
April 5, 2012
A lot of individuals who have allergies to chocolate are not actually reacting to cocoa or any other official ingredients of chocolate, for that matter. A series of research has indicated that such allergic reactions are may be caused by ground cockroach parts that have contaminated the chocolates. Gross!
In accordance with ABC News, a typical chocolate bar may contain eight insect pieces. The Food and Drug Administration considers it safe for every 100 grams of chocolate to have fewer than 60 insect parts.
Allergy experts claim that the majority of foods normally contain contaminants. Chocolate is not the only one in this. Aside from chocolate, cockroach pieces are also present in the manufacturing of wheat, popcorn, cheese, fruit, macaroni, and peanut butter. These bits and pieces could bring harmful effects on individuals suffering from asthma. Also, they could cause itching, cramps, as well as migraines to certain people.
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Chocolate Apple Bread
April 4, 2012
"An apple a day keeps the doctor away." True enough, research has it that consuming apples helps us in controlling weight gain. Also, apples could lower our risks of developing certain heart diseases and cancer, among others.
The flavors of chocolate and apple combined works so well in this subtly-spiced bread recipe. The chunky apples even retain some of their crunch and firmness such that every bite will be a delight! And you can never take for granted the scattered chocolate chips throughout, as well as the crunch of the chopped walnuts.
It goes perfectly well with a cup of Joe or a cup of warm tea on days you like to unwind.
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The Chocolate Canvas
April 3, 2012
A husband-wife team who has chocolate imaging for business never thought that The Chocolate Canvas would be such a hit in the market.
Having a business of their own while being clients to other people, they have observed that client appreciation is significantly declining. This is according to Sherrie Calvano, 39, a licensed real estate broker. She has noticed that people nowadays greet each other on special occasions through e-mail. Gone are the days when cards and snail mails ruled. This is how they came up with the idea of putting up such business.
With the use of bulk chocolate, along with software and printing equipment purchased from a New York distributor, the couple prints photos from home on edible coins, lollipops, and other forms that can be used for special events such as wedding and holidays.
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Indulging In Chocolate This Easter
March 30, 2012
Easter is just around the corner. It wouldn't hurt to treat ourselves in this time of the year to some chocolaty goodness. It can be our way to celebrate the rising of the Son of God. Besides, Easter and chocolate have a sweet link.
In accordance with my blog post yesterday, chocolate eggs are among the symbols of Easter. Quintessentially Foundation is encouraging you to treat yourself with a chocolate egg, of course, for a cause.
This coming Easter, Britain’s Best Chocolatier William Curley will donate 10% of what they will be able to generate from chocolate sales to Quintessentially Foundation. Just quote QFE2012 on the Internet or Quintessentially Foundation when purchasing in store. The proceeds will benefit the charities that Quintessentially Foundation supports this year, namely Maggie's Cancer Care Centres, The Prince's Trust, and War Child.
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The Chocolate Egg-Laying Easter Bunny
March 29, 2012
Easter is our chance for renewal and rebirth. It is the holiday where we celebrate the resurrection of the Lord, Jesus Christ. And, adding to the happiness we feel, is the fact that we also get our annual chance to have a visit from the infamous bunny and his heaps of Easter candy.
Contrary to popular belief, bunnies do not lay eggs. 🙂 Also, they don't have anything to do with how chocolate eggs are produced. However, we just seem to be huge fans of associating rabbits and eggs. Why did we even think that the Easter Bunny lays chocolate eggs?
How these two Easter symbols originated can be traced to some centuries back, and they have just drastically evolved as time passed by. The Easter Bunny and Easter eggs both started out symbolizing fertility. They surface when celebrating the arrival of spring. Like the majority of creatures, rabbits breed the most in the spring. Also, they are remarkable procreators. That's practically the reason why these lovely animals were used as a symbol of fertility.
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Peach Chocolate Cake
March 28, 2012
We always want the best for our children, especially when their health is on the line. However, it can be such a chore to feed your children with vegetables and even fruits. Thus, you have to come up with ways to successfully do so.
Peaches pack a lot of nutritional value that we need, such as niacin, thiamine, potassium and calcium. They also have high levels of beta carotene, an antioxidant that converts into Vitamin A, which the human body requires to have a healthy heart and eyes. Peaches also have high fiber contents, and this is helpful in maintaining healthy bowel.
You can let your kids eat peaches by incorporating them into other food you give them. To get them to eat more fruit like peaches, try whipping them up with fruit smoothies, and yes, cakes!
Here is a recipe that combines chocolate and peaches. A pairing that even the pickiest eater will love!
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Chocolate Makes You Slimmer?
March 27, 2012
It may sound too good to be true, but according to a new research, chocolate can help people slim down. The study has shown that those who have frequent consumption of chocolate possess a lower body mass index (BMI) as compared to people who don't. Body mass index is the ratio of weight to height, and this indicates the body's fatness.
The results were discovered in spite of the fact that people who eat chocolate more frequently tend to have more calorie consumption, and these people didn't make up for it by exercising.
Research has it that chocolate may contain something that makes the calories from other food you eat less likely to be stored as fat. This was according to Dr. Beatrice Golomb, associate professor in the department of medicine at the University of California, San Diego.
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