Chocolate
Are you a fan of chocolate and enjoy the flavor and taste of dark chocolate? There are a lot of varieties of sweet that you can choose from and one of the healthiest kinds of sweet to eat is dark chocolate. The best kind of dark sweet to find is organic dark chocolate. When you have organic sweet you know that it is made with all natural ingredients and can be good for you. If you want to surprise someone with a show of gratitude who is a fan of sweet, you can give them dark sweet gift baskets full of their favorites.
You can go online to find the best deals and varieties of dark sweet and gift boxes. This web site has all of the varieties of dark chocolates and organic dark sweet that you can choose to create a unique gift box for yourself or for someone else. When you are selecting your sweets, you may want to find out what kind of cocoa beans is used in making the sweet and where they came from. The quality of sweet can come from the type of beans that are used in making it. They are what give dark sweets the unique flavor that is rich and full.
Dark chocolates are said to be healthy and good for you and of the different varieties of sweets that you can eat, dark sweets are the healthiest. You can find a variety of all of your favorite kinds of sweets from rich and smooth to sweet that are filled with some of your favorite flavors. You can find the dark sweet gifts that you are looking for and know that you are getting organic products. Organic chocolates are healthy and delicious and you can find all of the varieties that you are looking for at the web site.
If you are looking for a certain kind of sweet that is made with organic ingredients, you can discover that they are all on the web site online. You can choose the sweets that you want or try a variety of them to find the ones that you like the best. If you want to surprise someone with a special gift that they will enjoy, you can create a gift box of dark sweets on the web site and show them that you are grateful for them. You can also find a variety of other chocolates on the web site and organic chocolates that are made with natural ingredients. Go online and find the kind that you like the best and try new ones to find new flavors.
By: Justin Helan
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From the time the first coca beans were harvested by the Mayans, there has been the belief that chocolate has a euphoric impact on the body’s senses. The conquistadores saw the Emperor Montezuma of the Aztecs consuming a large quantity of cocoa in the form of a beverage called chocolatl before entering his harem. The invading Spaniards spread the Emperor’s belief that cocoa was an aphrodisiac and brought it to Europe. This belief was also shared by one of history’s most famous lovers, Giacomo Casanova.
Since then, the use of chocolate as part of the mating ritual has been firmly established. . More recently it has been shown that not only does chocolate increase the sexual appetite but also produces a sense of elation similar to an orgasm.
It has only been in recent times that scientists have unravelled chocolate’s psychotropic properties and the effects it has on us. Chocolate has been found to contain modest amounts of the stimulants caffeine and theo-bromine, (much less than in coffee or tea) Chocolate is also known to generate increased levels of serotonin, a chemical naturally produced by the brain, which is known to reduce anxiety. Serotonin is most commonly associated with the effects of marijuana or getting ’stoned’ (you would have to eat 25lbs of dark chocolate at once to achieve the same effect).
Neither of these properties by themselves provides the connection between eating chocolates and heightened sexual pleasure. It is in fact the rush of endorphins produced by eating chocolates, particularly dark chocolates, which is most similar to the bliss associated with a healthy sexual relationship. Chocolate also contains phenyl-ethylamine which is known to stimulate the release of dopamine into the pleasure centers commonly associated with an orgasm.
In addition to this scientific evidence, a great deal of behavioral research has been done to study the sexual behavior of women who eat a lot of chocolate and those who don’t. The conclusion of this is that women who consume large quantities of chocolate have more satisfying sex lives. However the reverse correlation could also be assumed where women with satisfying sex lives tend to eat more chocolate.
Despite the fact that the relationship between sex and chocolate can’t be proven with 100% certainty, the scientific evidence combined with behavioral studies provides a compelling argument for cocoa’s impact on our sexual drive – it is convincing enough for chocolate to have become a part of my daily diet!
I recommend that you buy chocolate with a high cocoa content which taste better and do not contain extra sugars and oils like candy bars found in most shops. My personal favorite, Neuhaus chocolates, is an example of where you can get dark chocolate with a high cocoa content and a resulting surfeit of pleasure. To paraphrase the Song of Solomon, ‘Stay me with flagons and comfort me with chocolates, for I am sick with love’.
By: Shalin Popat
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Take advantage of this easy to make chocolate cake dessert. Here are the ingredients that will be needed to prepare this chocolate cake dessert:
2 Cups Granulated sugar
3/4 Cup water
1/2 Cup oil
3 eggs
1 Container sour cream (8 ounce)
2 1/4 Cups all-purpose flour
2/3 Cup unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 Teaspoons baking soda
1 Teaspoon salt
1/2 Teaspoon baking powder
Also, here’s what you will need to prepare the icing for this chocolate cake dessert:
1 Teaspoon vanilla
3 Cups confectioners sugar
1 Cup coarsely chopped pecans
1/2 Cup butter or margarine
1 Cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/3 Cup milk
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat over to 350 degrees F. Generously grease and flour a 9×13 baking pan.
Mix all of the dry ingredients in large bowl thorougly. Add water, oil and eggs and mix until combined. Beat at medium speed
for two minutes. Next, stir in sour cream and pour into pan. Bake 35-45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes
out clean. Cool on wire rack.
Finally, the praline pecan frosting. You’ll need to…
Melt butter in medium saucepan. Stir in brown sugar and milk. Bring to a boil and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove
from heat. Stir in vanilla and confectioners sugar. Beat until smooth. Immediately spread on top of cake, or if preferred,
remove cake from pan and frost entire cake. Finally, you can prinkle with pecans.
The Chocolate Cake Dessert Recipe is popular due to its simplicity. You will find it easy to make and a lot of fun. We hope you enjoy this chocolate cake dessert recipe! Have a great day.
By: Krissy Leighton
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For Details on How You Can Easily Churn Out Scrumptios Desserts at Record Speed Click Here -> Chocolate Cake Dessert
It is common perception that chocolate is a mood elevator although some people believe that it causes headaches and migraine. Though it is widely accepted that chocolate affects our moods, the research on this is still in a fluid state. Every contention is fiercely debated. We will discuss various ways that chocolate affects our moods and emotions, according to the present set of beliefs.
Chocolate affects us both negatively and positively. Some people, when they are sad or depressed, experience a craving for chocolate. On eating chocolate they report that their mood is elevated and they feel better. This elevation in mood is temporary though and when this effect wears off, they again revert to their previous state of mind.
There are many health benefits that are attributed to chocolates. It is good for the heart. It increases the responsiveness of blood vessels which is useful for preventing heart disease. It also increases glucose tolerance. Chocolate also contains some substances which have an anti oxidant effect. This is helpful in preventing cancer.
Chocolate is reported to cause headache, obesity, rectal itching, heart burn and emotional problems like irritability, confusion, anger and depression.
Chocolate is rich in carbohydrates, which increase the rate with which tryptophan enters the brain. This increases the level of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates moods, creating a good feeling.
The addictive property of chocolate is also well documented. This is evidenced by the fact that some people, when trying to give up alcohol, depend on chocolate to satisfy their cravings. This drug-like property is attributed to caffeine, anandamines, phenylethylamine and magnesium that are present in chocolate. The presence of caffeine and magnesium can contribute to a feeling of craving for chocolate. Ananadmides affect the brain in a similar way to marijuana, though research in this field is still debated.
There are more than 350 chemicals in chocolate. Some of these are believed to cause allergic reactions. Some scientists believe that phenylethylamine and theobromine could cause changes in moods. Phenylethylamine causes blood pressure and blood sugar to rise. It generates a feeling of alertness and contentment thus creating a feeling of well being. But, a short period of emotional high is followed by a period of emotional low. Theobromine is found naturally in cocoa and acts as an anti-depressant, but has been known to be toxic to animals.
Eating chocolate can also give rise to a feeling of anxiety. Phenylethylamine is said to cause dilation of blood vessels in brain causing headaches. Though it is still debatable whether phenylethylamine reaches the brain.
One ounce of chocolate contains 20 mg of caffeine. Researches on the effects of caffeine have reported that caffeine can cause problems in sleep, restlessness, irritability, heartburn and anxiety. Withdrawal from caffeine causes fatigue and headaches.
Tyramine is another amino acid present in chocolate. Though it is not certain whether any significant amount of tyramine reaches the brain, yet it is known that it causes blood vessels to expand and contract causing dull headaches.
Women appear to crave chocolate more than men, including diabetics. Some amongst these women reported that only chocolate and nothing else could satisfy their craving. The presence of magnesium in chocolate can account for the fact that during PMS (Post Menstrual Syndrome) craving for chocolate increases in women, as during this period a deficiency of magnesium may arise.
With all this contradictory information on the effects of chocolate on mood, one has to observe from one’s experiences and decide whether chocolate is right for one. But, certainly, large amounts of chocolate will effect us physically or emotionally one way or another.
By: Michael Russell
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Chocolate was created to be enjoyed every day of the week, it can be savoured by yourself or shared with friends and loved ones. A great way to share your favourite chocolate, is to arrange a relaxing evenings entertainment with a few close friends, some fresh fruits and a chocolate fondue set.
What Kind of Chocolate?
You can use any kind of chocolate, from the most expensive to everyday cooking chocolate. A smooth textured chocolate is great and dark, milk, white chocolate or your favourite choclate bar can really work well. The plainer chocolate the more creative you can be with adding your favourite ingredients.
What to dip
A variety of foods lend themselves to being dunked in warm melted chocolate and as long as they are cut into bite size bits you can go a bit crazy, a few of my favourite choices are: fresh fruits: strawberries, grapes, apples, bannanas, pineapple, if your lucky enough to have fresh apricots they are fantastic, if not dried fruits are a great alternative.
You can also use almond bread, marshmallows, jube lollies, or small cakes and sweet breads that are firm enough not to dissolve in the chocolate.
Adults Only
For an Adults Only fondue you can add a little luxury with your favourite liquer, think: Kahlua, Tia Maria or Rum you are only limited by your imagination or your liquer cabinet.
Easy Chocolate Fondue Recipe
1/3 Cup of Thickened Cream
350g Chocolate
3 Tablespoons of Liquer (optional)
Selection of Dippers
In a medium sauce pan, slowly bring the cream to simmer, remove pan from heat and add the chocolate a bit at a time. Gently stir until the chocolate has completely melted.
Add the liquer and stir away from heat until combined. Place in your Fondue set with candle light beneath.
Serve immediately with your dippers and enjoy.
By: Sandy Prosdocimo
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Many people have no idea where chocolate originated, if you asked some they might say Hershey, Pennsylvania! In actuality the confection that is adored by millions of people all over the globe comes from the Amazon region of South America and Central America where it was found my the Mayans and then was spread through the rest of America coming through Mexico and the Aztec Empire. Like many other things, the Aztecs attributed the existence of the Cacao plant to their god, Quetzalcoatl.
We don’t think anything of it when we eat chocolate but to the Aztecs Cacao beans existed as food for the gods, literally. These beans were valued so highly by their culture that they were used as money for a time. The way modern chocolate came into being is from when the conquistadors came to America and then brought it back to Europe with them in the 1500s. This is when the dark confection was introduced to the Western World.
The chocolate we know of now exploded in popularity in the 1900s in the United States. Before this time only the wealthy and affluent could afford chocolate because it was so expensive. As a chocolate lover myself I know that I am grateful to Milton Hershey for making it affordable for everyone through delicious creations like the chocolate bar and kisses. The way he accomplished this is by taking after the Swiss milk chocolate making process and combining it with the recipe he came up with which brought the United States into the world of chocolate lovers.
In the U.S. medical doctors have been touting the benefits of the dark variety of chocolate because research seems to indicate that the darker the chocolate is the higher it is in antioxidants. Milk chocolate remains more popular because it tastes much better, the darker chocolate has a higher percentage of cacao which makes it more bitter, like baking chocolate.
I can almost guarantee you that somewhere in your home that you will have something that contains cocoa somewhere. I love the taste of Haagen Daz, especially in any form of chocolate. They have even come out with a special Mayan version of chocolate that will give you a little insight on how the taste may have been back in their day.
No you should see why we really owe the ancient Mayans and Aztecs a great debt of gratitude for bringing chocolate to the world. If it hadn’t been for them you would have never had that chocolate bar you are munching on.
By: Gregg Hall
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Sinful is how women has always described chocolate. But despite so, do you know that 99% of all women love chocolate and that they may actually prefer chocolate more to than to sex?
What exactly about chocolate is it so wonderful? Well, in fact it is not just the women who love it but almost everybody would love it too. I believe you enjoy chocolate just as much? It always feels so nice to have it melted in your mouth, delivering its wonderful taste right through your tongue, doesn’t it?
Well its wonderful taste aside, chocolate contains phenylethylamine – the same chemical that is released in your brain when you fall in love; leading to that increase in the pounding of your heart, feeling of a sudden gush of excitement. “Love Chemical” is what some would call it. It is also believed by researcher that phenylethylamine in turn causes the brain to release mesolimbic dopamine in the pleasure centers of the brain, another chemical where its presence is at peak during an orgasm.
Nevertheless, the sweetness from chocolate also triggers the release of endorphins. Think about those blissful feeling you had after a wonderful session of lovemaking. That is the effect from the production of endorphins in your body. Perhaps that is why some women actually remarked that they felt a feeling of elation when eating chocolate.
Well, a perfect gift for your love, chocolate will be. Just like buying roses during Valentine’s Day, chocolate can never go wrong. In fact, the both could be the best combination ever. Do you know that roses also contain the “Love Chemical”, Phenylethylamine? That explains for its distinct scent.
Giving of chocolate, as gifts of love has been long popular in Japan since the late 1950s. A bit different though; during Valentine’s Day, the ones doing the giving are the women instead and usually, chocolates were sent as gifts to confess their love for that special guy. Heart-shaped chocolates would usually be given. To nevertheless balance out this unique custom, “White Day” was later invented in Japan. On 14th of March it falls, one month after Valentine’s Day exactly. During this day, guys who received the chocolate will be given the chance to reciprocate their valentine gifts with soft, fluffy marshmallows. This would be the happiest day for girls who receive their fluffy gifts. Isn’t it so lovely?
Well, giving of chocolate as a gift of love has today, definitely become more and more popular. Along with the greeting card, your message of love will be delivered. Filled with your most genuine love, each chocolate will contain. Melting one’s heart as they melt in the mouth, warming up their heart as sweetness run through their tongue.
Why not send some to your loved ones today, brightening up their day with a chocolate so full of love.
By: Rick Valens
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Staff Writer for Love Relationship Discussion Forum, http://www.loveletterbox.com and nevertheless also a freelance writer for http://www.fashion-in-style.com, bringing to you new fashion ideas & lifestyle.
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Wouldn’t it be wonderful if chocolate and heart health went hand in hand. However, there is so much information lately about the health benefits of chocolate that it is only natural that people get a little confused.
It is true, that if people only ate pure cocoa, then there might be heart health benefits. The problem is that most people eat unhealthy processed chocolate bars containing sugar, corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, dairy cream not to mention other “baddies” contained in some of those tasty fillings. Some of these added ingredients can clog up arteries and create havoc to your waistline and lead to obesity.
That said, you might be surprised to find out that chocolate isn’t all that bad. The fat content in chocolate, contained in premium grade dark chocolate, is comprised of equal amounts of oleic acid (a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil), stearic and palmitic acids. Stearic and palmitic acids are forms of saturated fat – not so good. Saturated fats are linked to increases in LDL-cholesterol and risk of developing heart disease.
Research indicates that stearic acid appears to have a neutral effect on cholesterol; neither raising nor lowering LDL-cholesterol levels. So far so good. Palmitic acid on the other hand, does affect cholesterol levels but only comprises one-third of the fat calories in chocolate. Therefore, if we base our chocolate eating habits on latest research, the fat issue isn’t so worrying.
Beware milk chocolate may not be so heart healthy
Like most things in life, there is a down-side to chocolate. When we eat milk chocolate or lower grade chocolate, a large part of the total fat content comes from milk fat or various other types of fat contained in the processed chocolate and fillings, and not from the pure cocoa, which do adversely affect cholesterol levels. This is especially true with a large slice of chocolate cake!
Despite all the good news on cocoa not raising LDL cholesterol, even dark chocolate is a very calorie-dense food, so while the fat content may not invite heart disease or clogging of the arteries, its regular consumption will add a lot of extra calories to someone’s daily total. In fact, many chocolate bars list sugar as the number one ingredient. And as we all know lots of white refined sugar is not going to help you keep your waistline nice and slim. Remember obesity is a serious risk factor for developing heart disease.
Concerning cholesterol, new and yet-to-be-published studies are showing that some antioxidants contained in chocolate, in particular dark chocolate and cocoa powder, may actually increase “good” (HDL) cholesterol levels by as much as 10 percent.
In the studies, the selected people ate 22 grams of cocoa powder and 16 grams of dark chocolate every day The result: Their “bad” (LDL) cholesterol was less susceptible to oxidation, a process that normally leads to artery-clogging plaques. While many people take vitamins and other antioxidants to help prevent plaque development, the study shows that cocoa could help.
In summary, whether chocolate and heart health do walk hand in hand is still an open topic, however, in moderation it won’t do your heart any harm, however, watch those calories. Most of all, enjoy it cause it tastes so good!
By: Nicholas Webb
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Just about everyone loves the sweet temptation of chocolate. Here are some intriguing statistics and facts:
1. The average American eats 10-12 pounds (4.5 kg) of chocolate a year. The average Swiss eats 21 pounds a year.
2. Chocolate is the food most commonly craved by women, but can contribute significantly to bulimia, obesity, and binge eating.
3. Several medical studies show that eating chocolate in moderation can actually prolong your life by reducing risk of blood clots and fighting bad cholesterol.
4. It is not physically addictive and does not cause acne, as shown in several medical studies.
5. Chocolate is not high in caffeine. A 1oz bar of milk chocolate contains only 5-6mg of caffeine. This is significantly less than in coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
6. Chocolates can absorb other flavors and scents, and should be kept away from other household chemicals.
7. It can be frozen for up to six months. It is best to seal it in a zip lock bag before freezing.
8. In general, the shelf life is a year. Chocolate that is refrigerated may not melt as readily. Thus it is best to store it in cool dry areas 55-60 degrees F.
9. U.S. manufacturers use 3.5 million pounds of whole milk every day to make chocolate.
10. The largest candy bar ever made weighed over 5,000 pounds and was made in Italy in 2000. The largest slab of fudge was over 2,000 pounds and was made in Canada.
11. Children are more likely to prefer chocolate when they reach 10-11 years old than when they are younger.
12. Chocolate is America’s favorite flavor, according to recent surveys with a little over 50% of adults preferring chocolate to other flavors.
By: Criss White
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