6 Big Mistakes to Avoid When Making Homemade Chocolates
June 30, 2020
Chocolate is meant to bring a smile to your face… but what if it doesn’t? Well, you are not alone. The chocolate-making process is sometimes not so sweet!
While making chocolate may seem simple, it can be very technical to work with. Preparation, attention to detail, and the way you handle chocolate will have a huge impact on the end result.
To prevent your chocolatey treat from turning into a cocoa-tastrophe, here are 6 big mistakes to avoid when making homemade chocolate.
BarkThins Dark Chocolate Coconut with Almonds
May 22, 2020
I have to be honest. Staying at home during the corona virus pandemic is leading to weight gain! Seems that “snacking” has become a new hobby of mine. I try to snack in the best way possible, if that’s possible.
I’ve been creating my own snacks by making healthier substitutions in the traditional recipes. I counter balance with exercise (I love getting out for a bicycle ride) and I eat nutritious, healthy meals. Yet, there’s something so attractive about reaching for a ready-made, crunchy, sweet and salty something that takes over my rational mind.
Endangered Species Cacao Nibs + Dark Chocolate Review
May 15, 2020
Greetings from my “safer-at-home” office! I’m still here, quickly eating through my stash of chocolates. My previous bar, Mr. Dot Bar, did not satisfy me in the least so I made sure I grabbed a familiar, never fails to please, chocolate bar brand – Endangered Species.
Mr. Dot Bar Review
May 7, 2020
Still staying safely at home during the Covid-19 pandemic. As part of my everyday regimen, I exercise, keep connected on Zoom or Facetime, and of course, eat chocolate. I’ve dabbled in yardwork and organizing junk drawers, but for some reason those activities just don’t have the same appeal as chatting with friends and blogging about chocolate!
Raaka First Nibs
April 30, 2020
Last week I started talking about the chocolates I’ve been eating during my time of “safer at home.” I hope you were able to find or make stuffed dates covered in chocolate. Or, if not, had something equally fruity and delicious (chocolate covered strawberries or apricots comes to mind!).
So, what am I eating today? Right now I’m enjoying the last of my First Nibs selection from Raaka.
Chocolate Covered Stuffed Medjool Dates
April 22, 2020
Like most Americans right now, I’m following the guidelines of my state and federal governments’ orders for battling the global Covid-19 pandemic.
As I understand it, we all need to stay home and eat chocolate! (Didn’t I read that somewhere – especially the part about eating chocolate!?) Chocolate is comfort food in times of stress. And if eaten moderately with a 70% or higher cacao content, it’s good for the body as well as the soul.
Chocolate Bunnies: An Easter Tradition
April 8, 2020
It's no secret that chocolate is a crowd favorite, and if you're reading this blog, I'm sure you agree!
As spring comes around, and Easter gets closer, you might notice that chocolate bars are suddenly being replaced with chocolate bunnies. I'm sure this is something you have always accepted and never really questioned - but where did this strange tradition of chocolate Easter bunnies come from?
Clementine Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe
December 20, 2019
A chocolate lava cake (also known as a molten chocolate cake) is a combination of a flourless cake and a souffle. The name is a perfect description of the liquid chocolate center that makes this cake so decadent!
But what's better than a delicious, gooey chocolate lava cake? A delicious, gooey, orangey chocolate lava cake that can be made in just 15 minutes!
Cacao de El Salvador – Part 4 (Xocolatísimo)
December 15, 2019
Continuing the El Salvador chocolate experience, the first thing I noticed as I walked into Xocolatísimo chocolate shop was an impressive looking arrangement of colorfully packaged chocolate bars covering almost the entire back wall.
Cacao de El Salvador – Part 3 (JEZ Chocolate)
November 27, 2019
Typically, cacao is grown in one part of the world while chocolate is manufactured and consumed in another. If you live in the United States, chances are the chocolate you’re eating is made from cacao gown in Africa or South America even though it was made in Switzerland or Pennsylvania.
Although it is rare, there are exceptions to this situation. In El Salvador, for example, chocolate shops are crafting chocolate bars, truffles, and hot cocoa drinks from the cacao grown in El Salvador. Sometimes, the business owner grows the cacao too.