Chocolates Drugs?
No, don’t be fooled by the drug drop. In this day and age, we almost always use the word to refer to things that are illegal and stuff. What I’m talking about leans toward the good stuff, how chocolate has always been good, even medically.
Going back to the glory days of Mayans, Aztetcs, and Early Europeans, chocolates have always been within their midst. Contrary to most chocolates we have these days, they always had theirs in liquid form.
For the Aztecs, cacao beans were brewed and then drunk thereafter thinking it was the elixir of life. It gave strength to their warriors, it allegedly cured the sick, as well as awakened those who were asleep and even the weak.
It may not sound very credible, but chocolate back then was celebrated more due to its medicinal effects than its taste. Chocolate was often served to the elite, but it was also given to soldiers, since like I said, it was a drink full of magic to them. They claimed that chocolates gave oomph to their stamina and helped them overcome fatigue.
When cacao beans reach European lands, people were taken aback. A taste of the chocolaty drink was reportedly therapeutic as it aided in digestion problems and even anemia. It has been written in black and white on a manuscripts from the 16th to 20th centuries that chocolate has over 100 medicinal uses.
England’s Dr. Hughes specifically pointed out that chocolate is beneficial to pregnant women. In the 18th century, it was even dubbed as the most excellent drink that can be used as an alternative for all other foodstuff. People of all ages and from all walks of life get to have it.
While for the Americans, chocolate has also swept them off their feet. The third president of the country, Thomas Jefferson, once said that “The superiority of chocolate, both for health and nourishment, will soon give it the preference over tea and coffee in America which it has in Spain.”
Unluckily though, with time, more and more ingredients have been added to the already stunning chocolate, making them less of a medicine and more of a sweet treat.
Categories: chocolate articles Tags: Aztec, Chocolate History, Mayans
How to Make Hot Chocolate Mixes and Drinks (Recipes)
How to Make Hot Chocolate Mixes and Drinks (Recipes)
How to Make Hot Chocolate Mixes and Drinks teaches you how to prepare creamy, spicy, healthy, herbal, minty, mocha, tropical, and decadent white chocolate gourmet drinks.
Price:
Categories: chocolate products Tags: CHOCOLATE, Drinks, Mixes, Recipes
Q&A: How do I make “mini cakes” in a microwave?
Question by : How do I make “mini cakes” in a microwave?
Well, I’m in a great mood to make some desserts today! 🙂
I wanted to make some ‘mini cakes’ (Like one of those cakes in the Easy Bake products)
I have one of those Easy Bake trays, but I don’t wanna use the oven it came with because the light bulb died, and I don’t have another one… So, yeah XD
But I do have some Chocolat Betty Crocker cake mix in the house! As well as white chocolate and Nutella… 🙂
Can you guys/gals help me with an recipe on what to make with these items that I currently have?
Thanks, xoxox
Best answer:
Answer by 143Princeton
I couldnt find any thing w/white chocolate, but i did find something w/peanut butter and chocolate. www.bettycrocker.com is the best site for recipies like this. They look so delicious and delectable! There r lots more recipies on here so i recommend tht site for ppl who lik desserts alot!
Mini Peanut Butter Crunch Ice Cream Cakes:
Blogger Cheri Liefeld of Adventures in the Kitchen shares a favorite recipe. The classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate makes these mini ice cream cakes taste like a frozen candy bar.
Ingredients:
1 Betty Crocker® fudge brownie mix
Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on brownie mix box
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (6 oz)
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup crisp rice cereal
1 pint (2 cups) peanut butter cup ice cream, softened
1 jar hot fudge topping
2 chocolate-covered peanut butter cup candies, unwrapped, cut crosswise in half
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350?F. Spray 2 (8-inch) round cake pans with cooking spray; line with cooking parchment paper. Make brownies as directed on box, using water oil and eggs. Divide batter evenly between pans.
2. Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side of pan comes out almost clean. Cool completely in pans on cooling racks. Use parchment paper to lift out of pan. With 2 1/4-inch round cookie cutter, cut out 6 rounds from each brownie. Place 8 of the rounds on cookie sheet; set remaining 4 rounds aside.
3. In 2-quart saucepan, heat chocolate chips and peanut butter until melted. Remove from heat; stir in cereal until coated. Spread thin layer of cereal mixture over 8 brownie rounds on cookie sheet. Freeze 15 minutes.
4. Remove brownies from freezer. Top each with small scoop of ice cream; stack 1 brownie round on top of another. Top each stack with 1 plain brownie round; press gently. (Clean up sides of cakes with knife, if necessary.) Top with dollop of hot fudge topping. Garnish with candy half.
Tips:
Do-Ahead
Make the brownies a day ahead and then assemble with the ice cream, hot fudge topping and peanut butter cup candies just before serving.
Substitution
Use a chocolate cake mix instead of brownie mix.
Add your own answer in the comments!
Categories: chocolate questions Tags: cakes, Microwave, Mini
The Truth Behind Chocolate Myths
In my many years of existence, almost all the people I know have a divine love for chocolate. You are seriously disturbed if you hate this treat, or you may be the biggest liar of all time. Levity aside, the mere thought of disliking chocolate is not really usual. However, if you’re really not crazy about chocolate, can you please explain why?
Chocolate contains caffeine, however not in dangerous levels. You may still savor it but it’s not going to make you jumpy and stuff.
You may have hears about the link between chocolate and acne. That’s not necessarily accurate. You may blame it on the natural changes that occur with age. Truth be told, there is no actual evidence-based proof that chocolate causes acne.
Same theory applies with chocolate being linked to hyperactivity. It can be considered as a stimulant, but not to the point that its stimulating elements go overboard and make you jumpy, like I mentioned a while ago. Studies have also failed to show any link between chocolate consumption and excessive energy. Call me when there is.
Furthermore, there has been no correlation and whatnot between chocolate and migraine. A lot of migraine sufferers seem to think this way, but it is not scientifically accurate.
Another very common notion about chocolate is that it causes tooth decay. That is a huge misconception. Research has it that the sugar content of any food is not the culprit behind tooth cavities, but rather the length of time that the food ingested will stay in your mouth. Any food you eat and any drink you have, once stuck in your teeth, will cause dental issues.
Moreover, only few people are allergic to chocolate. A greater part of the population is still allergic to all the other stuff.
Finally, as much as we want to always eat chocolate, it does not yet belong to the basic physiological needs of us humans. It is just that we crave always, I repeat, always. But yes, it is not addictive.
If you know the myths associated with chocolates, then you may tend to become skeptic about enjoying your chocolaty treat. But now, I have already let you in on some secrets. Not everything you hear is true. These are real and honest facts about chocolate that will eventually turn you from a cynic to a fan.
Categories: chocolate articles Tags: chocolate education, chocolate myths
Q&A: Does any have a no fail recipe (and tips) for making chocolate chip cookies?
Question by tigerstar06: Does any have a no fail recipe (and tips) for making chocolate chip cookies?
Every time I make chocolate chips, I mess them up. They either end up crunchy and burnt, or not cooked all the way. I’ve tried adjusting the heat and the time that they stay in the oven, but nothing helps. I don’t know if it’s the recipe or if it’s just me.
Best answer:
Answer by wigandw
These cookies come out perfect every time!!
Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies
Preparation time: 30 to 35 minutes
Baking time: 8 to 13 minutes/baking sheet
About 3 dozen cookies
1-1/4 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup Butter Flavor CRISCO all-vegetable shortening or 3/4 Butter Flavor Crisco stick
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup (6-ounce package) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup pecan pieces (optional)*
Heat oven to 375ºF. Combine brown sugar, Butter Flavor Crisco Shortening, milk and vanilla in large bowl. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer until well blended. Beat egg into creamed mixture.
Combine flour, salt and baking soda. Mix into creamed mixture until just blended. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts, if used.
Drop rounded measuring tablespoonfuls of dough 3 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheet.
Bake one baking sheet at a time at 375ºF for 8 to 10 minutes for chewy cookies (they will look light and moist), or 11 to 13 minutes for crisp cookies. DO NOT OVERBAKE. Cool 2 minutes on baking sheet on a cooling rack; remove cookies to rack to cool completely.
* If nuts are omitted, add an additional 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.
What do you think? Answer below!
Categories: chocolate questions, chocolate recipes Tags: Chip, CHOCOLATE, Cookies, fail, making, Recipe, Tips
Q&A: Chocolate “Salad” recipe?
Question by montanalilac: Chocolate “Salad” recipe?
a group of friends is having a Salad potluck for a get-together next week. I’m the unabashed chocoholic of the bunch and am subconsciously expected by them all to somehow make chocolate fit into the theme. Any recipes for layered chocolate dessert (other than pudding with whipped cream) or fruit and chocolate, or, or, or…? BTW, I’m not a fantastic cook, so the easier the better! Thanks!
Best answer:
Answer by MissMary
Try this one for a chocolatey salad, good luck!
Arugula & Mango Salad with White Chocolate & Sriracha Vinaigrette
All i can say is that this salad had me at hello… it was impressive in every way. the white chocolate is very subtle and the acidity of the vinegar breaks the cocoa butter perfectly.
Ingredients:
1 package baby arugula leaves
1 mango – sliced
1/4 cup cilantro leaves
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/2 tablespoon sriracha
1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup grated best quality white chocolate
3 tablespoons olive oil
salt and freshly ground pepper
Preparation:
In a sauce pan over medium heat, combine the sugar, orange juice, sriracha, and white wine vinegar. Stir and bring to a simmer to dissolve the sugar. Remove from heat and add the white chocolate, stirring well to melt and incorporate it into the dressing. Set aside and let cool, but do not refrigerate or the chocolate will set and become hard.
Combine the arugula, cilantro, and mango in a salad bowl whisk the olive oil into the white chocolate mixture to incorporate, season with salt and pepper, and toss well.
Give your answer to this question below!
Categories: chocolate questions, chocolate recipes Tags: CHOCOLATE, Recipe, Salad
The Chocolate Travel Guide: United States Edition 2010
The Chocolate Travel Guide: United States Edition 2010
- ISBN13: 9780615339702
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
This book will guide the reader on their quest for the most delicious chocolate in all of the United States. All things chocolate are covered including bean to bar makers, chocolatiers, confectioners, chocolate festivals, luscious hotel chocolate buffets, chocolate classes for the novice and the professional, and chocolate travel destinations. The Chocolate Travel Guide: United States Edition 2010 features over five hundred addresses and websites showing the chocolate lover where to go to taste and buy the products of these establishments. Whether you are in the mood to travel the country searching for the best chocolate available in the United States or prefer to be an armchair traveler and buy online, this guide will not disappoint. It is essential reading for anyone looking for the ultimate chocolate experience. Find detailed entries explaining where these artisans are located, how to get in touch with them , their websites, best selling items asked for time and time again, and little tidbits about them. If that is not enough, tempt your taste buds by leafing through the photos to get a glimpse of what they are all about. A wonderful gift for any chocolate lover or traveler in your life! 10% of the Gross Profits from this book will be donated to Heifer International to help entire communities rise above poverty.
List Price: $ 19.95
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