The Versatility of Chocolate
October 3, 2014
I’ve been eating a different chocolate each day for more than eight years. I love the unadulterated flavor notes in a well-made single origin chocolate bar. However, I’ve also come to admire the amazing versatility of cacao after blending different chocolates with fruits, nuts, spices, beverages and savory items over time.
What makes good flavor blends in food? Fresh ingredients, and a skillful mix of the five basic tastes--salty, sweet, bitter, sour, umami (meaty, savory)--are two considerations. And these do apply to chocolate as well.
Hot Fudge Sundae Cake Recipe
October 1, 2014
Being a self-confessed chocolate addict, I’m always on the lookout for remarkable chocolaty treats. This one, however, was shared with me by my sister. Aware of the fact that I’m obsessed with chocolate, she sends me treats and recipes from time to time.
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Chocolate Legos?
September 26, 2014
A recent study indicated that 89% of chocolate buyers purchase it as a reward or treat, and 87% consider it as a regular snack, whereas 83% of them take into consideration the size of chocolate candy packages to know the best bang for the buck, and 72% opt for chocolate to enhance their mood or to get an energy kick.
The giants in the chocolate industry know the significance of consumer concerns. No wonder miniature versions of chocolate bars came surfacing to help generate sales within the growing snacking sector.
Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies Recipe
September 24, 2014
As a kid, I grew up not so fond of meringue cookies. The ones my mother got from the store always reminded me of Styrofoam. I always thought they didn’t have enough flavor to even bother with.
Then, in the past few years, I started playing around with chocolate left overs. Those combined with some egg whites would always make a meringue cookie worth drooling over. They have a great texture and deep chocolate flavor.
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Chocolate Craving Mysteries Debunked
September 19, 2014
Chocolate candy bars can naturally contain chemicals that simulate everything from coffee to marijuana, which can be a good excuse as to why we crave it. It will always be a mystery that we are unable to abstain from it, yes? No. This research shows we are simply greedy.
Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe
September 17, 2014
This Chocolate Buttercream frosting is what dreams are made of, I’m telling you. Fluffy, creamy, smooth, rich, indulgent, chocolaty, head-tilting good. The melt-in-your-mouth sensation screams pure love.
It might turn out pale, but it doesn’t make it less chocolaty. The pale color might be just because of all the whipping of the butter. The rich chocolate flavor may take you by surprise. Take my word for it.
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Growing Cacao on American Soil
September 12, 2014
Did you know that there is an increasing amount of high quality cacao being grown in the United States?
We know there is a massive amount of chocolate being produced in the US, but until recently, there were no cacao trees being grown on American soil, and all chocolate being made in the US was made from imported cocoa beans. That is slowly changing.
Chunky Chocolate Pudding
September 10, 2014
Chocolate pudding, to me, will always be dreamy. Something I will always be willing to spare some space for in my stomach even after a pretty heavy meal. This chunky version, the one I sifted through dozens and dozens just to get that oomph I’ve always been yearning for, is chocolaty but not too heavy, indulgent yet not overly rich.
Exploring Cacao in Southern Belize
September 5, 2014
If you’re willing to fly over rain forests and aqua colored Caribbean shores in a small plane to learn more about chocolate, you may want to consider a trip to Southern Belize.
Why travel there? The Toledo District in Southern Belize has a rich cacao history (and an annual chocolate festival *). You can also experience chocolate as it originated hundreds of years ago, as a beverage and rustic confection, before European explorers arrived.
Disappearing Marshmallow Brownies
September 3, 2014
I have been using my oven more than I usually do, but I ain’t complaining! This dessert is outrageously decadent & comforting any day of the week.
Moist fudge brownies with marshmallows. It’s not a true “brownie”, though, it’s a blondie! Stopping while there’s still some left in your plate is almost impossible! It’s sooo rich, so a glass of milk or coffee might come in handy!
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