Chocolate Indulging Tips

If you love it, then make the most out of it!

 Although we know that eating too much chocolate has its disadvantages in our health, we still continue to crave for it and try to look for different ways and tips to still relish its unfading taste without putting ourselves in danger. For chocolate lovers, each and every one out there, here are some tips and ways for you to enjoy more of this sweet dessert.

       Push for the Dark Chocolate

The darker the chocolate, the better it is for your health. Dark chocolate is the healthiest type of chocolate compared to the milk chocolate, white chocolate and even the caramel chocolate. This is mainly because of the presence of more cocoa solids that it contains than others.

dark chocolate bars

·        

      Cleanse your Palate

If you eat any other dishes before indulging in chocolates as dessert or an after-meal snack, then better gargle with water first. This is to allow and let the chocolate be the only flavor in your tongue, free and far from any other intervening taste. This is for more experience and taste on what chocolate really has to offer.

·         

      Stay Put

For some moments, try to forget all your worries and stop doing those that you are currently doing. Focus and savor on the moment with your bar of Cadbury chocolates and spoil your taste buds for even just a few minutes. Let it thank you later for taking the time to really divulge you in its sweetness. Be moderate in eating every bit of it and be satisfied with its flavors. Have a break, have a Kitkat.

·         

      Savor the Moment

Before actually eating the chocolate, try to smell its delectable aroma because it will make you to starve for more. Eat a little bit of it while experiencing its true taste and flavors because some of chocolates’ flavors really vary depending on their brands.

·         

      Balance the Calories

In a common sense, we know that chocolate is still a high-fat and high-calorie treat. So remember that if you eat chocolate today, then you should eat less of something else to balance your calorie intake. You can either walk to burn some calories from the food that you've eaten or minimize some of the other fats one usually takes.

·         

       Avoid Nougats

The simpler it is made of, the better. You can just eat the pure dark chocolate without the nougats, caramel, or other filling. These additives will just simply erase the health benefits of the dark chocolate because it replaces them with sugar and fat that might be harmful for us.

·         

      Skip Milk

Some chocolate lovers out there might be eating chocolate while dipping it in a glass of milk because it might add for some taste to the flavor. This practice is not advisable as researchers would say, because a glass of milk prevents our body from absorbing the antioxidants that mainly gives chocolates its health benefits.

Munchy Tidbits: Chocolate Truffles & Munchkins

Most of us love chocolates in one form, but it’s also good to try something new. A new form that you’ll surely enjoy and will still gives you the same happiness as any other forms of chocolate. I am delighted to introduce to you to the world of chocolate truffles and munchkins.

As we talk about desserts, we’ll probably think that it will take a long time to be served and enjoyed. But have you ever wished you could 

grab just one little bite of the sweets that are running all over of your mind? Well, with munchkins and truffles time was never an issue. It’s really impossible for anyone not to love these tidbits especially the glazed ones. They will require you one perfect bite of vigor. Sure enough, just a piece is not enough to give that “vavavoom” feeling of delight and happiness.

Speaking of munchkins, I miss making some of these affordable treats and eating them as well during our snack time. I wasn't only enjoying munchkins for my own good, but for our class as well. Before, we were selling munchkins around the campus to fund raise an activity. It’s really nice that my passion for eating chocolates turned into something productive along with the effort of my awesome classmates. Making chocolate munchkins brings so much happiness to me especially because I was doing this together with my high school friends. And until now, I’m not missing any other day than those when I used to make and buy munchkins.

On the other hand, making chocolate truffles is also easy and enjoyable. Gladly, I've tried making one before because my aunt loves doing activities like these. Just hearing the word “chocolate truffles” really makes me excited most especially because I’ll be doing it myself. I didn't hesitate and started trying that thrilling trip with my aunt’s own recipe in making chocolate truffles.

You too can make your own touch in making these chocolate tidbits.You can also add some other delicious and nutritious elements like nuts that will make them crunchier, taste yummier and deceptively new. Also, you can make your own munchy tidbits together with your own bunch of friends to add up some happiness and enjoyment. What fun it would be making these tidbits by your very own hands as well as getting that satisfaction you've been looking forward to. In the same way, your creations could even taste better than those on cafes. So don’t wait and don’t be lazy, make your own and start enjoying these delectable chocolate tidbits today.

Simply Elegant Dessert: Chocolate Mousse

   

Chocolate lovers, behold! For just one taste of this simple yet elegant dessert will hook you up and nail you to it forever. This fluffy and light chocolate mousse will make your taste buds party and dance harder. Although it only uses a few ingredients, its texture is still silky smooth, airy, slightly foamy and its chocolate flavor is rich in sweetness. If you want a perfect pick-me-up treat anytime and you’re fond of chocolates, then try this and let it amaze you.

chocolate cake mousse

To die and go to heaven is to eat this chocolate mousse, as every single scoop is rich with chocolate madness, melting in your mouth, making you crave for more. And the special part is, you can make this chocolate mousse in the healthiest form you want it to be. Of course, using dark chocolates should be first in the list because it’s the most nutritious. You could also mix these chocolates with some other ingredients like unsalted butter, whipped cream, and coffee powder.

Red Ribbon cake mousse

Chocolate mousse can also be used in baking cakes as well. As a matter of fact, I once tried eating the chocolate mousse of Red Ribbon. When I first tasted this, it was really hard for me because half of my mind wants to eat it, and the other half doesn't because it was so beautifully shaped that no one should dare harm its form. But it was bought for eating and not just merely for a display. So with no one else around, I spent time with my mother and tried making this bubbly fluid form, the chocolate mousse.

Through this time, nothing is really impossible. With the new technologies that we have and grasp upon our hands right now, our needs can be given and bought directly in few minutes. But, let us not this take for granted. In a micro-practical level, creamy mousse that melts in my mouth and transfers me to a sweet blissful world that is more pleasurable knowing I’m spending less for it.

Eat Well, Spend Less: Chocolate Coated Snacks

Chocolate fruit bites

Are you craving for some chocolate-flavored, sweet, tasty, tangy, or just plain fun today? Then, treat yourselves in eating these perfect yummy chocolate coated sweets that will satisfy your taste and desires. There are different ways in eating chocolates; you can either enjoy it in its pure chocolate flavor and form, or relish something more decadent like your favorite fruits smothered and coated with deep, rich, dark chocolate. In one way, you’re delighting your sweet tooth while nibbling on the small bits of your favorite fruits covered with chocolates. In another way, you are also getting all the nutrients that these fruits contain. Two benefits in one treat!

Chocolate coated snacks

These cute little treats can be served frozen or fresh, either way they make a perfect little dessert or snack. This is a simple delectable, though its simplicity makes us smile especially when the covered fruits and snacks are served together with little twists of chocolate strips and colorful toppings on it. You can also bob them on sticks or use your fingers in picking and biting these delightful indulgences. Enjoy its different flavors, from sour to sweet, normal to bizarre. These bites can be your new best friends, but I’m warning you, they can be highly addictive!

But there’s more, the best us still yet to be stated. It will just take a few minutes of your time and viola; you've got a taste of varieties of virtual, chocolate, heavenly tastes. Together with your family and colleagues; unplug, relax, and enjoy while tasting the combination of different flavors with your melted dark chocolates. Also these fruit snacks are healthy with the vitamins and minerals that your body needs from the chocolate and the fruit as well because I’m sure you can’t live with eating just one. So what are you waiting for? Eat well, spend less! Let your imagination and taste buds take you to a whole new luscious level as you give your own touch to them. Indulge yourselves in one of these pleasurable meals and make your own Chocolate experience.

Too Much Is Not Enough

It is very obvious that many of us love chocolates. And we know that chocolate doesn't only tickle our taste buds, but also has health benefits that benefit our body. But, don’t overdo it because too much of anything is bad for your health. Too much is not enough, too much could be more than enough, more than enough to do some damage.  True enough, it has advantageous effects, but like any other material on earth, when overused could have some dangerous risks in our body.

Chocolates would have never been the chocolates we taste right now without its added preservatives. These preservatives maintain and preserve the taste in packed chocolates to provide the satisfaction our taste buds’ want. This means that chocolates are not purely natural; they have been through artificial processes which may render it harmful for some of the people eating chocolates. Cocoa beans are naturally bitter, to sweeten, it has been added with sugar to make it desirable for its consumers. To keep it fresh and pleasing to the eyes, many chemicals are also added to it. Some of these chemicals may have some negative side effects to one’s health.

Before you grab these chocolate bars in the supermarkets, one should also understand that not all forms of chocolate are good for the heart. Not all of them contain high level of flavanols that makes chocolate healthy for your heart. These chocolate products undergo processes to reduce its original bitter flavor; transforming it into the sweeter ones using the sugar.  And some processes may inevitably decrease the amount of flavonols while increasing the chocolate’s sweetness.  Sugar is known to cause high blood pressure, diabetes, and hardening of the arteries which may lead to even serious heart diseases. For some kids who eat a huge amount of chocolate, hyperactivity is present and observed. The presence of caffeine and sugar that yields to difficulty in concentration may result them to be inattentive in class. Also, to produce different varieties of chocolate, high artificial flavors are being added to it. These flavoring and coloring additives cause harm to our liver and kidney.

Too much intake of chocolates would result to too much sugar in our bodies that could suppress some functions of our immune system.  The excess sugar in our body results to unwanted nutrients or toxins inside our body which may cause headache and fatigue.

So the next time you eat chocolate consider the darker chocolates because it doesn't have as much sugar as any other type of chocolates in the market and it contains more cacao beans. Always remember that a small amount of chocolate is okay but too much quantity at one time is another thing. Enjoy eating chocolates; at the same time while being careful with amount of quantity that you are enjoying.

A Dark Heart Is A Healthy Heart

Do you love chocolates as much as you love yourself? Then, you’re on the right track. Eating chocolates is not merely just about the pleasure that it gives to your taste buds every time you smell and indulge in its undying flavor, but it is actually like hitting two birds with one stone. You are giving yourself a break and happiness while enjoying these bars of chocolates; and at the same time making yourself healthy with the nutrients that it gives to your body.

We have long known that chocolates are mainly made up of cacao beans. This is the main reason why chocolate doesn't only boost and energize our mood but also offers chocolate lovers some cardiac health benefits that are very useful in the long run.  Eating chocolate lowers the risk of heart failure in your body. This is mainly because cacao beans contain flavanols, an antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals that may cause these heart diseases. The more cacaos, the lower the risk, so bear in mind that the darker the chocolate the healthier it is because of the presence of more cocoa solids in it.

Chocolate also lowers your blood pressure through the production of nitric oxide. In fact, daily consumption of just a small amount of dark chocolate could also make your heart and the rest of your cardiovascular system run well.  Researchers also stated that dark chocolate can help in reducing the bad cholesterol in your body by up to 10%.

Aside from its good taste and the cardiovascular and respiratory benefits, it also activates one’s body and gives you not only the energy to fulfill your assigned tasks but motivate you as well.  This is because it contains endorphins, theobromine and caffeine – which is also found in coffee. These serve as stimulants to your awaken body and liven up your mind. If you are having a hard time, feeling down or sad, chocolate is on your way to help; with its extracts of serotonin that acts as anti-depressants, a small dose can sure help put a smile on that face! This is probably why most heartbroken girls divulge themselves into chocolate ice cream to lessen the sadness. The fact that chocolates contain fat though may be a negative side but it is not a major problem for chocolate lovers out there especially considering that the brain also need a few fats to function. Only the Palmitic acid in the chocolate is known to be unhealthy. Fortunately, it only comprises 1/3 of the total fat present in the chocolates.

So now that you know all these facts, do you love chocolates even more? Well, no one can blame chocolates for its numerous delights and the satisfaction it offers. But let us also remember that these benefits will not directly give you the results that you want. They can only lighten your mood, but not keep it that way. Let us also remember to balance intakes of indulgence to appreciate the true beauty and taste of this gourmet. 

Whichever You Prefer!

                

varieties of chocolate

With just a single touch of this tasty treat upon on our tongues makes one lose our appetite for any other thing. The sweet aroma that drives us into our most pleasurable dreams and imaginations captivates the taste buds. Chocolate lovers we may be, but we have different kinds of taste. Although not every one of us has the same taste when it comes to chocolate, some prefer the bittersweet kind and some like the coffee-caramel taste, some just prefer the ordinary sweet ones. Not to worry because there are varieties of flavors of chocolate to choose from! This tempting treat is not limited to just one flavor. It is available in different assortments that can satisfy our own tastes.

White Chocolate

A chocolate has basically three major types. One of these types is the White Chocolate. As one sees, it has a different color compared to the usual picture of common chocolates. Its off-white color is the effect of discarding any of the non-fat ingredients from its major ingredient, cacao. White chocolate is basically made up of cocoa butter, sugar, vanilla, milk, emulsifier, and the addition of any other additives to add up the taste. Some people argue if white chocolate really is a chocolate because it has a low percentage of cocoa solids in contrast with the normal chocolate which normally contains 10-20% of cocoa solids.

Milk Chocolate

Another type of chocolate is the Milk Chocolate which is mainly composed of either condensed milk or milk powder. This is different from white chocolate considering the amount of fat. Milk chocolate has more fat compared to white chocolate and is mostly composed of milk. 10-20% of the composition of milk chocolate is through the cocoa solids which are made up of the cocoa and the cocoa butter. Since it is a milk chocolate, the milk solids should be at least 12 % of its total composition.

dark chocolate cake

The most common kind of chocolate that carries most of the health benefits is Dark Chocolate. It is high in cocoa solids that give its dark color. As much as possible it should contain 0-12 % of milk solids. Dark chocolates can either be sweet, semi-sweet, bittersweet, or unsweetened. The difference of sweet and semi-sweet is very small that one can no longer notice its difference as you taste it. Semi-sweet dark chocolate is usually used for baking cookies, cakes, and brownies. Semi-sweet dark chocolate has 40-62% cocoa solids which gives a difference of 35-45% to the cocoa solids making up the sweet dark chocolate. The bittersweet dark chocolate must be higher in its cocoa content and should be lower in its sugar level to give a different variety of flavor. This is usually used in baking and cooking. Because of its bitterness, unsweetened dark chocolates are not good for eating. This is only good for baking purposes. Its content is mostly made up of cocoa solids.

Inevitably, humans may have different taste and preferences but it’s still the same chocolate, no matter the variety. It is still the same chocolate that was garnered from cocoa beans and still the same chocolate made of the same cocoa. There may be a difference in color or taste but inevitably, these chocolates, whether milk or white, light or dark, chocolate or caramel, are of the same kind. Much like us humans, whether light or dark in color, different in ideals and culture, we still are of the same human race.

               

Origin and Past : Europe

From the New World’s bitter chocolate beverage, did you ever wonder how it came up to be the sweet, delectable solid bar of chocolate most of us are enjoying today with its different forms?

"from chocolate beverage to
a solid bar chocolate"

Tracing back from the Mesoamericans, whose first record of chocolate’s origin was accounted, it reached the land of Europe during the Spanish conquest. The first person who was known to bring cocoa beans in Europe was Christopher Columbus. But he was not able to realize the value of the cocoa beans during that time and didn’t give much attention to it. This paved the way for the Spanish conquistador, Hernan Cortez to ship these tasty cacao beans back to their country.

By this time, the bitter beverage of Mesoamericans had improved to be more suitable for the taste of the Europeans by adding sugar. The addition of other ingredients like vanilla and cinnamon made the chocolate more appealing to the Europeans. This new discovery of a delicious drink remained to be unrevealed for almost 100 years. Like the Mesoamericans, only a few of Europe’s population were able to afford this luxurious beverage wherein the majority who drank was the wealthy number.

"steam engine for production of
chocolates"

But throughout the course of time, the source of this sweet delectable leaked out and eventually spread all over Europe. As the drink gained popularity over the public, the production of chocolate became rampant and the Spaniards planted more and more cocoa beans on its colonies. The development in the production of chocolate made this delectable treat affordable for almost everyone including the majority of the masses which churned out many improvements for chocolate lovers. Also, the once bitter drink evolved to be the solid bar of chocolate through the addition of cocoa powder.

Chocolate is not only known for its heavenly taste. It is also used for medicinal purposes because it is known to give health benefits to the people eating it. Up to this day, chocolate is still known all over the world and highly enjoyed by each and every one of us.  Chocolate may seem to be simple, but it went through a long run before reaching its present form , before being sweetly chewed and digested buy us today.

"In 657, the first chocolate house was opened in London, England"

Reference: http://www.chocolatesource.com