Tag Archive: dark chocolate
Ghirardelli Intense Dark Toffee Interlude
October 10, 2011
It is hard to choose my favorite among the Intense Dark varieties because they’re all so good!
I most recently had the pleasure of eating Toffee Interlude. This rich, bold chocolate surrounds crunchy toffee pieces and caramelized almonds. The buttery and caramel flavors blend nicely with the soft sweetness of the chocolate and the hint of salt from the almonds.
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Eat Chocolate, Help Beat Breast Cancer
September 23, 2011
In respect to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) through the program “Be an Intense Supporter”.
The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is a producer and seller of premium chocolate products. It was founded by an Italian chocolatier Domingo Ghirardelli and derived its name from him. The company was is the second-oldest chocolate company in the United States, incorporated in 1852 and still going on.
National Breast Cancer Foundation or NBCF, on the other hand, is dedicated to spreading awareness and encouraging optimism in the battle against breast cancer. The foundation brings motivation to fight this dreaded big C by backing free mammograms for financially-challenged women as its main mission is to save lives through early detection. They also support research programs across the country. They are standing their ground in increasing awareness through education, providing diagnostic breast care services for those who could otherwise not afford them and giving nurturing support services.
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Chocolate Covered Potato Chips
September 14, 2011
The temptation of chocolate-covered anything is indeed hard to resist. And almost anything can be covered in chocolate nowadays so people keep finding out more and more attention-grabbing and out of the ordinary combinations of chocolates and certain food.
I even heard someone jokingly saying, and I am paraphrasing, “I will eat anything covered in chocolate. You can cover a tennis shoe in chocolate and I’d still eat it.” Yes, you read right. Chocolate can certainly get the best out of us sometimes! Haha
Potato chips are one of the most popular and craved snacks enjoyed by many individuals worldwide. It is reportedly one of the most consumed food items next to rice. It is typically sliced thinly and deep fried in oil to come up with crispy potatoes that’s why it is also known as “crisps”.
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Chocolate as Part of a Weight-Loss Diet?
September 6, 2011
Contrary to popular belief, studies have shown that one can adhere to a certain diet even while enjoying a daily chocolate fix.
In an experiment funded by Hershey’s, overweight and obese women who were on a strict reduced-calorie diet but still had a bit of chocolate for snacks (of course, provided by Hershey’s) on the side were still able to lose about 11 pounds within four months on average. These women had BMIs ranging from 25 to 43 and they consumed 1500 to 1800 calories per day.
Body Mass Index, also known as BMI, is the measure of weight in relation to height. A person can be called overweight when his/her BMI is between 25 and 29.9; obese is a BMI above 30. A normal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9.
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Chocolate Pecan Caramel and Petite Sirah
August 29, 2011
Looking for a wine that would work with cluster, I described what I needed and then took the suggestion from a very knowledgeable wine guru. But up until serving it, I had not tried this particular combination. This always makes me a bit nervous because I am using something unfamiliar, yet I’m simultaneously excited to try something new.
The pairing did not disappoint! This wonderful twosome worked great in the tasting and would also be a very satisfying after dinner treat.
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Health Benefits of Chocolate
August 26, 2011
Gone are the days when chocolate practically screams “unhealthy”. Today, consumption of chocolate in appropriate amounts can actually be beneficial for you, health-wise. And it goes without saying that you should have the right kind of chocolates in hand, not the ones loaded with sugar and other not-so-healthy stuff.
Contrary to popular belief, eating chocolates can possibly improve cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and the risk of having diabetes. As strange as it may sound, it is true according to Harvard researchers. This study involved a review of 24 studies and 1,106 participants. And the said health benefits are due to the chocolate’s content called flavonoids which are of highest levels in the dark variants. Like I said, the right kind of chocolates, always keep that in mind.
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Fighting Cancer with Chocolate?
August 18, 2011
If that would be the case, who wouldn’t want to kick cancer’s butt? Here are some interesting tidbits of information to help you realize how good chocolate can be for your health!
Cacao seeds contain Flavonoids (specifically Flavanols) that are chemicals found in plant-based foods that give major health benefits. Over 4,000 flavonoids have been known and almost all of it are found in fruits, vegetables and beverages such as tea, coffee, beer, wine and fruit drinks. Good thing our beloved chocolate is part of the list!
When we eat foods that have flavonoids, it just means that we also take advantage of the antioxidants in it which are believed to help the body fight cell damage. In addition to that, studies say that flavonoids have other helpful influences on vascular health, such as lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow to the brain and heart, making blood platelets less viscous. Thus, keeping cholesterol from gathering in blood vessels. It also slows down the immune responses that lead to clogged arteries.
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Sweet Obsession Chocolate
July 11, 2011
Whatever happened to truth in advertising?
I review a lot of chocolate, and I’d be the first to emphasize that anything I report is a matter of subjective opinion and personal preference. That is, what I write is MY personal preference. Just because I like it, doesn’t mean everyone will like it. We all get that.
This time, however, you can take my review as gospel truth and just trust me…. YOU WILL NOT like Sweet Obsession™ chocolate.
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Cocoacara Orange and Chili
June 6, 2011
The Terravita line of dark chocolate uses 77% cocoa as a bold, chocolate base. The added, exotic flavor combinations include orange peels and chili, as well as coffee and cardamom.
What I like most about the orange and chili combination is the intense chocolate and orange up front when you first bite into it, and then just when you think you have finished, the heat from the chili kicks in. It is a pleasant finish albeit a surprise!
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Equal Exchange Chocolates
May 30, 2011
The Equal Exchange Co-op sells organic, fair-trade, premium chocolate bars. The chocolate is purchased from small-scale farmers and their families. The chocolate is made in the Swiss tradition from co-operatives in the Dominican Republic, Panama, Peru, and Ecuador.
You can go online to buy their products but chances are you will see them being sold as fundraisers for faith-based organizations, at community events, holiday bazaars and fairs, and even in farmers’ markets.
I was given a mini-sized 55% dark chocolate bar for a tasting sample at a volunteer fair last week. It was delicious! (I bought a full-size 71% dark for later!)
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