by Timothy Prahl


There has been a lot of publicity lately about the potential health benefits of quality Dark Chocolate. The primary area of benefit appears to be related to the extremely high concentrations of "antioxidants" in the raw cocoa bean, the source for chocolate.

An antioxidant is a molecule that is capable of slowing or preventing the oxidation process in other molecules.

Oxidation is a chemical process in which an electron is attracted from a stable substance and moves to an unrelated oxidizing agent. Oxidation reactions can be caused by "free radical" molecules, which by themselves, can cause harmful chain reactions that will damage otherwise healthy cells.

Healthy dark chocolate is an excellent source for providing your system with high concentrations of antioxidants, which can neutralize and thus limit the damaging effects of free radical molecules in your body

Let's take a look at this cell damaging villain ... the "Free Radical".

Free radicals are not the result of disease or injury. They are created naturally in our bodies as the result certain chemical reactions, such as generating energy to feed our cells during physical exertion. They can also be imported into your system through cigarette smoke and other airborne pollutants.

Free radicals are chemically imbalanced, missing one or more electrons and thus having a 'positive' charge.

These radical molecules will seek to balance their charge, and will attract or 'steal' electrons from other molecules, including the molecules that make up your body's DNA and the mitochondria in your cells.

The mitochondria creates the energy necessary to sustain the life of the cells. Damaged mitochondria are weak and have lower energy and less resistance to disease.

Your body's cellular DNA carries the blueprint necessary for duplicating and producing new cells.

When the DNA is altered as a result of the free radical, the new cells that are created are imperfect and possibly malignant with the potential to form tumors or cancers.

Free Radicals are linked as a significant cause of most degenerative diseases, including heart disease, premature aging, diabetes, high blood pressure, and the creation of cancer cells and tumors.

Enter Antioxidants! Antioxidants are molecules that have available one or more FREE electrons. They therefore have a "negative" charge, and attract wandering, positively charged Free Radical, rendering them neutral and removing the threat to healthy cells. This free radical is now chemically balanced, and is no longer a threat to 'steal' electrons from your body's healthy cells.

So, having established the vital importance of having free radical neutralizing antioxidant molecules in your body ... where do they come from?

The human body is an amazing organism. Much of what our body requires to sustain life can be generated from within. This also holds true for antioxidants; however, dietary supplementation is also required.

Vitamin C is a good example. Unlike most other animals, vitamin C is NOT created within the human body and must be acquired through diet.

Most people are well aware of the importance of a consistent source of vitamin C in their diet. Vitamin C is a monosaccharide antioxidant, and proper levels must be maintained either through diet or supplementation in order to maintain a healthy body.

So, what relationship do antioxidants have with a quality dark chololate?

Scientists have known for years that cocoa contains significantly high levels of antioxidants.

According to research cited in The New York Times, fresh cocoa beans are super-rich in the type of flavonoid called flavanols, which are very strong antioxidants. All 3 known flavanols are found in the cocoa bean at an amazing 10% antioxidant concentration level.

Another research study conducted by researchers of the Department of Food Science and Technology at Cornell University showed that flavanols in cocoa make blood platelets less likely to stick together and cause blood clots. They also prevented fatty substances in the blood stream from sticking together and clogging arteries.

So, simply eat chocolate and gain these healthy benefits? Well, it is not nearly that simple. Any product can technically be called chocolate if it is the result of processing of the cocoa bean; however, very few of these products would realistically qualify for a clinical definition of being 'healthy'.

An understanding of how the cocoa beans are processed and the type and quantity of additives in order to create a specific chocolate product is essential for determining potential health benefits.

The multitude of Health benefits certainly appears to justify doing some research and identifying a source for antioxidant rich, Healthy Dark Chocolate.

Labels: effects of chocolate

by Joe Young


Finding A Genuine Chocolate Candy Recipe

We have all enjoyed eating chocolate candy, right? I believe we have even watched documentaries on how it is done, and maybe visited a factory, like Hershey's, and seen it done. But, have we ever used a chocolate candy recipe ourselves and actually made our own? It is often said that those old time granny recipes are the best place to find good make it yourself chocolate candy recipe.

To find a chocolate candy recipe, you can pick up any cookbook, or one specific for just dessert and confections. Hershey's has one just for that. I bought one for my wife for Christmas. You may even have an old passed down from generation to generation cookbook with chocolate candy recipes no one has ever heard of.

The internet is another form of obtaining really good chocolate candy recipes. I know, I have looked. Whether it is on someone's personal blog, or listed from a major manufacturer, there are plenty of resources right on the web. Also, another web trick. If you want to find other listings that are not showing up immediately in the search engine, go to google images. Seriously, type in what you are looking for and listed below the image is the site or site listings for, in this case, chocolate candy recipes.

Your family and friends, or co-workers on the job, a teacher at school are all great sources for obtaining a top quality chocolate candy recipe. Some of them have been doing this sort of thing for years, and are quite the confectionist. Ok, here is a recipe from a 50 year old cook book my wife owns.

Chocolate Coconut Drops

They have: Melt over hot water, 2oz. of chopped up unsweetened chocolate (you can do this in a sauce pan as well on low heat)

Stir in: 1 can sweetened condensed milk 1/2 lb. coconut, chopped 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Drop by teaspoons onto baking sheet. Place in pre-heated oven at 350°. Once in turn off oven. Leave in for approximately 15-20 minutes, until chocolate candy has glazed appearance. Remove and cool.

Labels: chcolate candy, chocolate, chocolate rain

by Joe Young


Finding the best chocolate can be a fun and rewarding experience. Searching and trying all sorts of different kinds can be a tough task, but I am sure you are up to it. Although hundreds of different kinds of chocolate can be tasted I am going to share with you three of the best chocolates you can get. I know there are so many types, as milk, organic, belgian, and other gourmet chocolates, but this is just a few.

Best Chocolate in the World

First, the best dark chocolate in the world. The best ever is Chuao from Amedei Chocolates. An incredibly strong chocolate, It brings out all the intensity and complex character of the Chuao bean that is simply bliss. Amedei Chocolates was formed in 1990, by Cecilia and Alessio Tessieri. With great effort they have taken their family passed heritage to new heights through their carefulness nad research of the Chuao bean.

Next up is chocolate truffles. These are my favorite, especially the chocolate filled ones. Cherry filled ones are ok too. While technically not really a true best chocolate, truffles are a delicious treat that offer a unique take on traditional milk and dark chocolate. One personal favorite in this class is the Venchi Cubotto Chocaviar, which can be used for drink or additive to a dessert. It is really quite elogant in appearance.

Venchi's truffles come from over 150 years of experience in the chocolate making craft. The Venchi chocolate making tradition started in 1878, with quality and freshness and the use of all natural ingredients at the forefront. These truffles are one of the best chocolates on the market today. Such truffles include the assorted truffles, the cocoa powdered truffle, and a host of white, dark, and milk chocolate bars. They have quite the assortment.

The last choice to look at is milk chocolate. If I could only have one it would be a milk chocolate from Jean Neuhaus. Jean moved to Brussels from his native Switzerland and opened a shop preparing medicines in 1857. In his shop he also prepared candies which soon replaced the medicines. It is from here that the best chocolate in the world now comes from, including the praline.What are your favorites? We could go on and on here. One of my favorites as well is the turtle praline with pecan and caramel overlayed with chocolate!

Everone has a favorite best chocolate of some type. I suppose though with all the various flavors, and types, and shapes. Sometimes the best chocolate in the world is that simple chocolate you had when you were a kid, like Hershey's chcolate, and all you could think about was that certain chocolate bar. When I get my allowance I am heading straight for the candy shop and endulge! Mine was simple, and still is, the chocolate covered almond bar. I have tasted a lot of chocolate in my time, some good some bad, but mostly good. What's your favorite?

Labels: chocolate fountain, hot chocolate

by Vicki Churchill


Wedding cakes are probably one of the most thought about aspects when planning a wedding. When considering the various ideas for a wedding cake it is becoming more popular to choose something much more personal and in turn gives you the opportunity design a wedding cake that corresponds with the theme of the day, and more importantly your personality.

Some of the most popular wedding cake ideas include personalization and custom designs. It is even possible to have your wedding cake made to match your wedding dress.

Although most wedding cake ideas consist of a three tiered design with white icing, bold colours are becoming increasingly popular. These days you are not simply limited to just white and ivory. You can now choose vibrant coloured wedding cakes bursting with personality that are all the rage and become a real feature and focal point at a wedding.

You may decide that your wedding cake ideas should make a statement about the backgrounds of the two people who are getting married. Incorporating some form of cultural traditions such as Chinese characters into your wedding cake ideas will make the cake personal and unique for the happy couple.

Cakes can be designed and made in a number of ways, you may decide to leave your wedding cake ideas with a professional or to save cash you could even make your own.

Think about both your tastes, interests and personalities when putting together your wedding cake ideas. Remember the cake is for the bride and the groom so taking on your partner’s wedding cake ideas may be difficult but very necessary.

If you can not agree on a design one way to compromise would be to have a wedding cake made with four tiers, two that represent the bride and two that represent the groom.

If you are having a small wedding reception then you can be more creative with your wedding cake ideas as the cake will not have to be given to many people. Generally the more elaborate the design the smaller the cake will be.

Although traditionally wedding cakes normally have flowers somewhere in the design this is not essential. Do not feel obliged to stick with tradition, now is the time to create something personal and unique, something that the bride and groom will remember for a lifetime.

Furthermore do not be afraid to break away from tradition altogether and go for a chocolate fountain or fairy cakes. At the end of the day whatever suits you and your partner together with your budget should be what you end up going for. If money is no option employ the services of a professional cake designer to create an amazing design or alternatively if you are on a tight budget have a go at making the cake yourself with the help of your family and friends.

Labels: chocolate, chocolate no bake cookies

by Jonalyn Saplala


The kind of food that everybody surely love, Chocolates! Indulging ourselves with one of those delicious and yummy flavored chocolate in favor boxes will definitely be a nice treat. Prepared in different shapes and sizes and placed in fascinating packages simultaneously arranged in a variety of pleasing designs, chocolates are more enhanced not only in taste but also in mouth-watering appearance.

With a touch of imagination and creativity, chocolates today come in various flavors, color, taste and arrangement set-ups. What’s more fascinating nowadays is the birth of those amazingly-made chocolate fountains in California. Chocolate fountains are made of melted chocolate served on a stainless steel which has a heated base that keeps the chocolate in liquid form. With a system similar to fountains, the melted chocolate flows in a circular track and appears like a fountain depending on the base design made. These chocolate fountains are also set-up in diverse designs and size. They can be built accordingly to your desires. However, ca chocolate fountains are quite costly and eat a lot of cash because they are prepared dissimilar and more creatively than those usual chocolates sold in the market.

Despite of its quiet costly value, anywhere in California chocolate fountains are still considered as best sellers. This type of chocolate arrangement are usually purchased by party planners and caterers which are servicing for big events. And it’s mainly for the reason that chocolate fountains are very appealing and guests are entertained on their appearance. Chocolate fountains really suite any big event because they also add elegance and uniqueness to the occasion. Whether its for a wedding, social event, birthday, engagement and the likes, chocolate fountains will surely do great â€" a factor that make them in-demand during special occasions.

In line with flavor, chocolates are also made mixed with different tastes and aroma. To add a little twist to your usual favorite chocolate, manufacturers created chocolates varying in flavors with the use of fruits and nuts. A plain chocolate definitely taste scrumptious but a chocolate made with an added flavor will surely taste better and more delicious. Examples are chocolate strawberries in ca, chocolate avocado, chocolates with hazel or roast nuts and many more, which really taste excellent. In fact, there are other chocolate flavorings that one can savor making many chocolate enthusiasts crave more for their favorite chocolate taste.

With the transformation and additions made in chocolates, every individual on earth will certainly long for more. Chocolates are naturally nutritious and very healthy to eat, and with the additional flavorings supplemented to them, they become more nourishing and well to consume. In addition, chocolates are also very useful. They can serve as gifts for loved ones especially if you want to make them happy during a special occasion with them. They are considered as a good surprise to cheer up your sad buddy or just to express affection to someone special for you. A chocolate basket will unquestionably do great! Nobody will ever say “No” to chocolates right? So better get your favorite, indulge and satisfy your cravings or better get one for your love.

Labels: chocolate models

by: Gerry Lewis

The number of chocolate fountains should not exceed the amount needed to feed your party guests' hunger for dessert. The selection of a chocolate fountain is always a beautiful attraction for the crowd at even the most sophisticated parties. A chocolate fountain may not be good to own; the best idea may be to rent one, because more than likely you will only use it for really big events that may not happen often. A chocolate fountain can be bought by anyone, however in order to find a moderately priced one it is best to shop around. When it comes to interesting party centerpieces, a chocolate fountain can leave many a guest breathless with anticipation to try it. The building of a chocolate fountain can almost be as fun as tasting the end result of your project.

Chocolate fountains are not capable of melting chocolate directly in the base, therefore you have to melt the chocolate in the microwave before you put it in the fountain. The selection of the foods to dip in the chocolate fountain is also an important part of making the dessert a hit at your social gathering. The selection of several chocolates can be presented in more than one fountain which allows the guest to pick their favorite. The grocery supplies for your chocolate fountain need to be simple to get and not too expensive either, even if you buy the name brand items. When it comes spectacular desserts, you don't get much better than a chocolate fountain for your next party.

The building of chocolate fountains may be a piece of art depending on the styling and size of the fountain. The number of people attending your event will dictate how much of a chocolate fountain your party will need. Chocolate is pumped up the inside of the fountains and flows constantly over the tiers, creating a nice chocolate stream for everyone to enjoy. The number of chocolate bars used to make one chocolate fountain depends on how many guests will be served by the party. When it comes to having a chocolate fountain, it's like a molten sea of chocolate bubbling up like lava from a volcano and spilling down the side.

When it comes to outdoor chocolate fountain rentals, the best answer would be to browse online or ask a person who has done used someone local before. The place most chocolate lovers want to go would include a chocolate fountain that was big enough for them to step into. Chocolate fountains are now the greatest thrill at all big events, it does not matter if it is an anniversary or a big office party everyone will be searching for the chocolate fountain.

by: John Griffin

A chocolate fountain is essentially an apparatus made from stainless steel that serves molten chocolate fondue. A motor at the base of the fountain is used for heating the prepared chocolate morsels that are placed in a heating tray. A central corkscrew pushes the molten chocolate up through a column. Upon reaching the top of the fountain, which may be 2-4 feet in height and have multiple tiers, the chocolate flows down. The chocolate flows into one tray and spills on to the next till it reaches the bottom tier. After the chocolate cascade reaches the base of the fountain, the whole process is repeated again. The first melting of the chocolate can also be carried out in a microwave or a double boiler. The fountain is placed on a base that is sturdy enough to hold around 40 kilograms of weight and is close to a power socket.

Chocolate high in cocoa butter, such as couverture chocolate, is ideal for use in fountains. The chocolate can be either milk or dark. Chocolate low in cocoa butter must be supplemented with vegetable oil; however, this hampers the smoothness and taste of the chocolate.

Chocolate fountains are available as home and commercial versions that can be used for a variety of occasions such as parties, film premieres, bar mitzvahs, and product launches. A home fountain is ideal for a gathering of around 25 people.

Chocolate fountains are available for rent from catering companies and party supply stores. These also provide an attendant who ensures that the fountain works properly, the chocolate cascades smoothly, and there is no abuse of the fountain at the hands of eager children. Tidbits such as fruit pieces, cheesecakes, marshmallows, etc are kept around the fountain. These can be skewered on to toothpicks and dipped in the fountain. Generally, anything that is not liable to crumbling will be fine for dipping in a chocolate fountain.

Chocolate fountains can be rented at an hourly rate that includes the charges for the attendant’s services and the cost of the chocolate used. Usually, chocolate fountains are operated for no more than two hours during a party; normally they are functioning when appetizers and desserts are served. They can also be an additional item in a buffet. Installing a chocolate fountain in the outdoors is not recommended as insects get drawn by the aroma of chocolate and breeze may disrupt the flow.