fun chocolate facts
Lollipops: Humble Beginnings
September 13, 2012
Lollipops are a sweet treat, loved by adults and children alike all over the world. They are available in a variety of colors and flavors, often fruit flavors, but there are also chocolate-flavored ones.
With many companies competing to create and distribute lollipops, the candy has become available in many different shapes too. They range from small ones that can be purchased in bulk and given away as mini gifts, to large ones that are made with candy canes twisted into a circle.
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The ‘Emotional’ Benefits of Chocolate
September 6, 2012
Many experts have advertised that it takes only a spoonful of chocolate to send a person into a sense of bliss and ecstasy. This may sound like it's a bit of an exaggeration, but recent research shows that certain foods can affect people's mood similarly to prescription medications.
Naturally occurring chemicals in foods can be considered as a smart and safe choice rather than having to take pills for mood enhancement. I personally believe that it is just wise and healthy to go 'green' and natural in the food we consume. Aside from the many benefits it brings, it also assures us of no harmful synthetic chemicals entering our bodies.
The Torrey Pines Institute of Molecular Studies located in California conducted a study of the effects of more than 1,700 commonly occurring substances that are present in everyday foods. The fact that chocolate is known to have a 'positive' boosting effect on people's mood made it a good candidate for further scrutiny in the study.
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Is Your Chocolate Ethical?
August 30, 2012
That's an interesting question, isn't it? Perhaps not something you've considered. In our chocolate classes, two important lessons include "Responsible Cacao Farming" and "Preventing Exploitation in the Chocolate Industry."
But answering that single question may be even more complex that what most of us may think. Chocolates are undeniably tied to many cultures, many holidays, and many more celebrations.
There are chocolate birthday cakes, chocolate eggs for Easter, chocolates for Valentine's Day, and even chocolate bars for Halloween. These are just a sampling of the occasions that utilize these sweet and luscious treats.
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More Chocolate In Maya History
August 23, 2012
Anything you serve me, as long as it has a touch of chocolate in it, will one hundred percent put a glow on my face. It has that strong effect on me being I am a sucker for it and all...
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Eat Chocolate and Do The Math
August 16, 2012
Not to brag, okay, to brag... Ever since childhood, I’ve always liked numbers. I was even involved in the Mathematics’ Trainers Guild back in the 5th grade. Only the chosen few were, and I happen to be part of it. As a matter of fact, I even competed in math competitions during those days. Ahh… Glory days.
Even in high school and in college, I kicked butt at Math. I loved numbers almost as much as I loved writing. You had to go through reading that self-absorbed story I have about Math because it has something to do with chocolate, like always.
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All Hail Mighty Cheesecake
August 9, 2012
Cheesecake, oh I just swallowed my saliva right there. You are the ultimate culprit behind the smiles painted on our faces--especially on mine, most of the time. I swear by this cake, and I crave it even when I have it in my mouth.
Cheesecake is perfect with coffee in the morning, with an orange juice for lunch, and hot milk before going to bed. But if you cannot get enough of it like yours truly, you can still sneak in a few bites during snack time.
Cheesecake also has that magical taste that comforts longing hearts and tired bodies. Seriously, I may sound animated and overboard, but I dare you to try one for yourself and I would sashay away saying I told you so.
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Chocolates Are The Bomb
August 2, 2012
Upon seeing the title, I bet you immediately assumed that I was just describing how head over heels devoted I am to chocolates and that I went all metaphorical. You would think that I formulated this catchy title in order to lure you into reading.
Well, now that you started the second paragraph I can say that the reading goal is met. But really now, chocolates are totally the bomb. Ask the Nazis and they will tell you why.
I cannot believe I'm saying this about the people who painted our world's history with tragedy, but the Nazis were pretty creative. I would like to think that the term "death by chocolate" was coined from their efforts. If you don't like gruesome tales, then maybe now is the time to stop reading and click on the ad at the top of the page.
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Chocolate Myth vs Fact
July 26, 2012
In all the years of my existence, there is not one person I know who does not like chocolate. I mean if you dislike this sweet treat then you must be seriously disturbed, right? Kidding aside, the thought of hating chocolate does not simply register in my mind. But if you really do, then I demand a detailed explanation.
Yes it is true that chocolate contains caffeine, but not in dangerous amounts. You can still enjoy chocolate with only little touches of caffeine like the ones in milk chocolate.
They also say that chocolate is associated with acne. You can put the blame in the natural changes in the body as one ages, or charge chocolate for causing your breakouts. But truth be told, there has been no evidence-based proof that chocolate is linked to acne.
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Chocolates, Drugs Of The Past
July 19, 2012
Do not let the "drug" word fool you because there is actually more to that than meets the eye. In our current society, we often use drug to refer to illegal chemicals that will cause you a lot of jail time. However, the kind of drug we are about to discuss entails not only benefits to the body but also sweetness to the taste buds from then until now.
Dating back to the days when Mayans, Aztecs, and Early Europeans roamed the earth, chocolates were already within their midst. As opposed to the many variety of chocolates we have nowadays, the most popular for these earlier civilizations was chocolate in the form of a drink.
For the Aztecs, the cacao beans were brewed and drank in the belief that it was an elixir of life. It strengthened their warriors, cured the sick and awakened those who were weak and asleep.
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Chocolaty Bread
June 28, 2012
The Netherlands is probably one of the biggest fans of bread in Europe. A lot of tourists who get to swing by are enamoured with the assortment of their breads. Generally, their breakfast and lunch mainly consist of bread. That being said, you won't be surprised by the variety of bread and sandwich toppings you can find there. "Luxury" isn't the right term for it, you might want to lean toward "necessity".
Typically, breakfast consists of 2-4 slices of bread, and it depends on whether you'd like an open or closed-face sandwich. Margarine or butter is spread onto the bread in order for the toppings to stick. One sandwich will have a cover that is on the more savory side, and the other one will be on the sweeter side. Dutch children typically eat the savory sandwich first, followed by the sweet one which they usually crave.
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