7 Tips On Using A Chocolate Fountain

Chocolate fountains are becoming a popular attraction in parties and other events. Kids and adults alike cannot resist the temptation of dipping different kinds of treats into an overflowing fountain of rich and creamy chocolate fondue.

However, knowing how to use this wonderful chocolate machine can make such a big difference between a mouth-watering dessert and an irritating mess in your kitchen or buffet table. Learning how to use properly also ensures that your party will never be forgotten. Here are some things that you should know about using a chocolate fountain.

1. Place the machine on a strong and steady surface. Make sure that it is placed on a surface that can carry at least 85 lbs. The machine itself is light but with the chocolate fondue, fresh fruits, plates and skewers, the entire display could be a lot heavier. In addition, a steady and level surface allows the machine to run properly and flow evenly.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Fountain

A chocolate fountain is definitely something that would add excitement to any party you will have. It is a way of taking desserts in a more fun and creative way. Your guests will surely enjoy your party more with delicious and smooth chocolate coupled with fresh and tropical fruits.

But to make the most out of your chocolate fountain, you need to know some basic things about it. Here are some frequently asked questions about chocolate fountain:

1. How does it work?

A fountain unit is composed of two basic parts: the fountain unit which has the auger and the heater base which has the basin that holds the chocolate liquid. The heater must be preheated at about 15 minutes prior to use and the chocolate that is pre-melted is poured into the basin. Once the auger is turned on, the chocolate will start flowing. However, if you put in chocolate that is not pre-melted, it will take about 30-40 minutes before the chocolate starts flowing from the fountain.

2. How does the liquid chocolate reach the top of the fountain?

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Gourmet Chocolate: Don't Miss Out!

Isn't gourmet chocolate great? If you are anything like most other people out there then you are really into chocolate! The fact of the matter is that chocolate of the gourmet variety is popular all across the world. Better yet, with the popularity of the internet it has become really easy to get the gourmet chocolate that you need at a price that you can really afford. There are literally hundreds of websites out there that will provide you with the gourmet chocolate that you want and ship it directly to your front door. You never even have to leave your house to get that great tasting gourmet chocolate that you desire!

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Chocolate and Other Treats

This week is National Chocolate Week in the UK. The mere mention of this fact is enough to bring a smile to many people's lips, especially for the ladies amongst us. Even if we rarely eat it, the thought of chocolate is a treat, a joy, synonymous with pleasure, reward, indulgence.

Let's think of some other treats that bring a smile into our lives:

- Clean sheets are, for many people a real treat. The thought of lovely fresh bedding makes bedtime even more pleasurable. Why not add a few drops of lavender to the final rinse cycle and make the experience all the more beneficial.

- An Autumn walk in the park, wrapped up warm and cozy can bring exercise, fresh air and a sense of really being alive into the day. It's so easy to think about going for a walk - another time. Decide to do it now, possibly with family or friends and enjoy the treat of going for a lovely Autumn walk.

- Use your slow cooker or put a casserole in the oven and while the meal's cooking play board games, cards, jig-saws, handicrafts with friends and family. You've probably got a cupboard full of boxed games. Dust them off and enjoy an afternoon or evening playing games with each other, enjoying each other's company, really talking to each other again.

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Chocolate - A Powerhouse of Nutrients

Plants produce antioxidants in an effort to survive the harsh environment. These beneficial compounds are enjoyed by people who eat those plants. This is one reason vegetarianism is so popular. Antioxidants are believed to reduce many illnesses such as heart problems and cancer. These antioxidants are plentiful in dark chocolate, which contains cocoa, and are linked to improved cholesterol levels and blood pressure, as well as improved blood flow.

Scientists have determined that after eating just 45 grams of dark chocolate, the level of epicatechin and catechin, two important antioxidants, are raised. Antioxidants protect the cells from dangerous free radicals, which can change and damage healthy cells. The damage done by free radicals is considered to be at the root of a number of chronic illnesses. It is antioxidants that enter the body and rid it of the free radicals. As we age, our body's antioxidants become less powerful, and the best way to improve their usefulness is by eating foods rich in antioxidants. That is why we eat fruits and vegetables. Now, we can add chocolate to that list.

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Chocolate Cysts: Treatment Options You Should Know About

Treating chocolate cysts naturally is the best treatment that any woman can use to prevent the discomfort that results from the severe symptoms of endometrioma and the risks of surgery that a patient with severe complications of this condition is usually exposed to. In fact, studies show that it is possible for any woman to prevent endometriosis and the development of endometriod cysts by watching her lifestyle and taking healthy and nutritious meals. However, by the time the symptoms of chocolate cysts start to show, use of natural treatments may not be as effective. The following are ways through which one may be treated after developing this type of ovarian cysts.

After the successful diagnosis of a chocolate cyst, your doctor will likely use non-surgical treatment options at the beginning stages of your efforts to eliminate this type of cyst on ovary. To reduce the swelling and pain that usually occurs as a result of having endometriosis and endometriomas, your doctor is likely to give you non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These will help to significantly reduce the pelvic and abdominal pain that is a common characteristic of ovarian cysts and endometriosis. This should make the pain manageable and thus making it possible for you to go about your daily duties as normal as possible.

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Gift Basket Ideas for Chocolate Lovers

While giving a bouquet of flowers to your loved ones, adding a basket of chocolate completes it as a perfect gift for any occasion. This is especially an ideal gift for chocolate lovers. When they will see different kinds of chocolate within a single basket along with the bouquet of flowers, they will simply love your choice.

Have a look below to apply different ideas of gift baskets while sending your loved ones flowers and chocolates:

Choose a Gift Container
To fill your gift basket with everything nice, a gift box is the first thing you should buy. Choose one in which you can keep a lot of items. You can also look for decorative tins from a gift shop. They are available in numerous craft shops. If you want to use your creativity, then simply purchase a tin and decorate it in your own artistic style.

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Like Dark Chocolate?

Dark chocolate is a great substitute for other sweet treats that are full of sugar and contain little in terms of nutritional benefit. This type of chocolate is actually good for you and can compete with super food vegetables such as broccoli. Hard to believe isn't it? But it is true and science backs it up.

Studies have shown that it is high in antioxidants and we know that these are the fighters that prevent free radicals from wreaking havoc on our bodies. It has also shown an effect on the brain and memory. There are studies that have clearly found a correlation between eating this sweet treat and improved retention of information. Just think of it as a great snack before you write that exam you have been cramming for!

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Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Recipe

So I had to find a way to have my cake and bake it too. This is not only a gluten free cake recipe but is also is sugar-free, dairy-free and uses organic ingredients. So whether you are a celiac, diabetics, lactose intolerant or just not wanting to have your thighs be as jiggly this is the chocolate cake to dive into.

I also have been cooking with some of the Healing Gourmet's desserts written by Kelley Herring. She is the Editor of Eat to Fight Cancer, Eat to Beat Diabetes, Eat to Lower Cholesterol and Eat to Boost Fertility. At the Healing Gourmet, Kelley Herring gives some great tips, suggestions and recipes on how to cook without gluten and often times without dairy.

Recipe for Gluten Free Chocolate Cake
Yield: 12 slices
Start to Finish: 1.5 hours
Nutrition Snapshot: 134 calories, 0 grams sugar, 3 grams fiber, 5 grams protein, 4 net carbs per serving
Preferences: Gluten Free, Dairy Free; Good Source of Fiber, Selenium, Copper, Phosphorous Ingredients
5 large pastured eggs

1 Tbsp. organic vanilla extract • 3/4 cup organic erythritol
8 Tbsp. organic cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 can Eden Organic Black Beans
1/2 tsp. Celtic sea salt
1 tsp. aluminum-free baking powder
1/2 tsp. stevia extract
6 Tbsp. organic virgin coconut oil Preparation

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Eating Sugar Free Chocolate

The consumption of chocolate and chocolate products has increased. This is due to the love that all people have attached to these products. The products are liked not only by the kids, but also by the adults. In fact, they are used by lovers as gifts, since ladies' love for them cannot be measured. Their unique taste that is not found in other products has also increased their popularity.

Chocolates are available in many different flavors and tastes. The mode of preparation may also differ from one person to another. Every individual has the brand that he or she considers to be the best. But the common practice amongst all is the trend to love the chocolate that is free of sugar. The brands that contain minimal or no amounts of sugar are bought in high levels and by many. This has been associated with the harmful effects that the sugary chocolates may have on the health of the consumer.

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What Is Caffeinated Chocolate?

Chocolate is a popular food among all generations especially the kids and the young adults. It is loved by all due to its sweet taste along other health benefits that are derived from its consumption. Many of the consumers wonder if chocolate has caffeine and if yes, what the amount is. This article explores the presence or absence of caffeine in chocolate and also the benefits or harms that this can cause.

One of the major ingredients in making chocolate is cocoa that is known to contain some little amounts of caffeine in its seed. The caffeine present in the cocoa seed will range from 0.1% to 0.7% depending on how the conditions the cocoa plant was grown in. Therefore the amount of caffeine will differ depending on what proportion was used when making the chocolate. High percentage of cocoa will lead to higher percentages of caffeine.

There are many popular flavors available in the market. Some of the most common ones include white, dark and milk chocolate. Of these three, the dark chocolate contains most amount of cocoa used as ingredient. The percentage is almost 40% of cocoa beans and therefore it contains a higher amount of caffeine than the other two. The white chocolate contains a higher percentage than the milk chocolate. Therefore depending on the amount of caffeine your body needs you can choose the appropriate kind of chocolate.

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Carpet Cleaning Tips for Chocolate Spills

Chocolate is one of the most delicious food items that you eat almost every day. But, you may not feel as good as the taste of the chocolate if chocolates spill on your valuable carpets. Though it seems strange enough but in reality, almost every carpet owners report of chocolate spills on their carpets. But, the question that is asked next is how to remove the chocolate spills from pricey carpets and rugs. However, following is a list of tips that will give you a detailed knowledge of what to do is chocolate creates stains on your carpet.

Chocolates are neither dry not wet. Therefore, if chocolates spill on your carpet, you should primarily take a white soft towel to remove the stains immediately. Waiting for a long time will help the fabrics absorb the chocolate stains which will make the removal process even harder. You can use some paper napkins as well.

Once the stains are partially removed, take a piece of ice and rub it on the stain. This will help the chocolate become harder. Do not forget that, chocolates start melting if they are heated. However, you can also use a sharp knife and remove as much of the chocolate particles as possible.

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Delicious Chocolate Torte Recipes

To all the chocolate eaters out there, if you are looking for some new chocolate recipes to add to your recipe files, look no further. This Chocolate Raspberry Torte combines two of my favorites. And who wouldn't love a Double Chocolate Brownie Torte?

CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY TORTE
1 pkg (8 squares) semi-sweet baking chocolate, divided
1 1/2 sticks butter
1 pkg (4 serving) raspberry-flavored gelatin
1/2 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans, optional
1 carton (8-oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed
additional chocolate for garnish, if desired
fresh raspberries for garnish, if desired
powdered sugar for dusting, if desired


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and lightly flour a 9-inch round cake pan; line bottom with waxed paper; set aside.

In a large microwave-proof bowl, microwave 4 squares of the chocolate with the butter on high for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes until the chocolate is almost melted; stir after 1 minute. Remove from the microwave and stir until the chocolate is completely melted. Stir the dry gelatin mix and the sugar into the chocolate until well combined. Mix in the eggs; stir in the flour and pecans (if using) until well blended. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.

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Cheap Chocolate - Find Deals on Gourmet Chocolate

I like high quality chocolate quite a bit but I don't like to spend a lot of money on it. That's why I buy cheap chocolate. Over the years, I have learned that just because a chocolate is inexpensive doesn't mean that it has to taste that way. It is possible to find some good deals on gourmet chocolate brands.

Have you ever taken a bite out of some chocolate that truly tasted cheap and low quality? It is easy to know the difference. Once you are exposed to the good stuff, it is really hard to turn back. That is why those of us with a chocolate habit need to be careful that we aren't spending all of our money on it!

Shop for Chocolate Online
The first thing you will want to try when looking for deals is to check the internet. There are some online specialty chocolate shops that will help point you to some of the best chocolate. Or, you could look on major retailers like Amazon to see if you can find any specials there.

After Holiday Sales
What happens to all that Valentine's Day, Halloween, Christmas, and Easter candy after the holiday is over? It goes on sale! You can find some fantastic deals this way. Though some of it is holiday-specific, you may be able to find things that look a little more neutral if eating an off-season chocolate Easter egg bothers you.

Buy from the Retailer

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How Much Chocolate Are People Eating?

There are definitely many things, especially food items that are loved by people from around the world. Let's take the example of pizza and you know how much people love eating pizza. Cheeseburgers, ice cream, pizza and French fries are all examples of food items that people love eating in every corner of the world. However, there is one more thing that people are indulgent about and love to binge on. That item is chocolate and it is one of the most addictive eatable that you will ever discover. With all the different types, forms and additions it is available with, you can't help eating one.

However, there are many countries where people eat so much chocolate that when you read about their yearly consumption, you feel as if chocolate is their daily food item. You might also think, "may be they eat chocolate as breakfast". Most of the studies and surveys have shown that Americans are eating around 11 to 12 pounds of chocolate per person every year. If that figure does not sound big enough to you and you were expecting some other mind-boggling figure then just remember that we are talking about chocolate consumption not wheat flour.

If we take it to a round figure and say every person is eating 12 pounds of chocolate every year in America, we can say to be an American, you need to be eating 1 pound of chocolate every month. You will see a lot of fight about eating raw chocolate more than roasted chocolate whenever there is a discussion about chocolates. Let's talk about some more countries in the context of chocolate eating habit per year.

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Tips To Make Chocolate With Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder is basically derived from cocoa beans. It is used to make delicious chocolates. Chocolates were first used by the Native Americans as a sweetener. Today it is consumed all around the world in different forms and shapes. Though chocolates can be bought from bakeries and shops, most people love to make this delicious sweetener at home.

Chocolates are made from cocoa powder which is derived from the beans of the plant. This plant is usually grown in the tropical climatic areas in countries such as Ghana, Brazil and South America. There are different methods to make chocolates quite easily at home and can be made in different shapes and sizes according to individual preferences.

How to Make Chocolates:
It is quite simple to make delicious chocolates at home without spending a huge fortune. There are some necessary items required for its preparation which include unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, butter, milk and nuts. Different recipes can be adopted to make delicious and rich chocolates.

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Holiday Chocolate Gift Baskets

Holiday chocolate gift baskets are the perfect choice for just about any holiday. When most people think of chocolate, Valentine's Day springs to mind, but really, chocolate is appealing for any holiday, from Christmas to Easter and far beyond. There are chocolate gift baskets for any occasion, from large to small that will fit any budget, too.

These luscious chocolate gift baskets are filled to the brim with chocolates, drink mixes, truffles, chocolate covered snacks, chocolate covered strawberries, mints, and other goodies that will keep your friends in chocolate heaven, and the containers will last long after the goodies are gone, reminding them of your thoughtfulness. These baskets are a feast for the eye as well as the taste buds, with all the chocolate goodness they contain.

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Reasons for Sending Chocolate Hearts to a Woman

Research, as published in Reuters Health, detailed that more than 33,000 Swedish women had a reduced risk of heart stroke because they ate chocolate regularly. Dark chocolate which contains more cocoa and less sugar and milk is also said to be more beneficial for women, especially when they are keeping a watch on their calorie intake. Chocolatiers these days customize chocolate hearts for every occasion. You can delight the woman in your life with appropriate heart shaped chocolate.

Chocolate Hearts for Various Reasons

Given below are the best reasons for gifting chocolate hearts to a woman:
1. The beginner's emotions: In the initial stages of a relationship, being expressive is very important. Leave a lasting impression by surprising her with a delivery of gourmet chocolate hearts. Customized foil in different colors can help you communicate the right emotion. Consider pink and red for passion and romance whereas gold and silver for an act of remembrance.

2. The proposal: As you decide to propose, ensure you have fine gourmet treats to celebrate with once she says 'yes'. Do not settle for those general store-bought ones when you can get chocolate hearts customized with photos of you and your sweetheart together. Select the color of true love for wrapping the treats. Glistening foil renders an elegant look to the gift.

3. Valentine's Day: Sweet treats and flowers are almost a must for any Valentine's Day celebration. Ask your retailer to deliver mini chocolate hearts in shades of pink or red contained in fine mesh bags, velvet pouches or organza bags. You may customize the wrapper with messages, photos or clip arts of your choice.

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Health Benefits of Organic Chocolate

Indulging in chocolates is probably one of the most popular guilty pleasures of people around the world. Chocolates are extremely versatile. It can be a snack, a candy, a drink, or even a facial treatment. Whether used to whip up the most delicious morning drink or the best moist cake, it is definitely undeniable that chocolate tops the list of the most versatile foods in the world. Our dentists always tell us to not eat lots of chocolates because it wreaks havoc to our teeth. But did you know that in its organic form, chocolates can actually be a healthy part of your diet? If you eat organic chocolate, you can do it guilt free because of all the health benefits that it offers. With this, let me share to you some of the health benefits of organic chocolate. Here are some of them.

1. It is rich in antioxidants. Organic chocolates contain lots of flavonoids which is a form of antioxidant. An antioxidant, as we all know is a chemical substance that can help defend our body's cells from free radicals. It is very important to consume lots of antioxidant rich foods such as organic chocolate as they can help boost the immune system, protect the body from illnesses and prevent premature skin aging.

2. It is rich in minerals. Did you know that raw organic chocolate contains more than 300 minerals such as copper, manganese and zinc? Copper aids in better iron absorption and it also promotes healthy enzymatic reactions. Manganese, on the other hand promotes healthy bones, while zinc is essential in maintaining a strong immune system and a healthy digestion.

3. It is heart friendly. The flavonoids in chocolate can help maintain a healthy heart by lowering levels of bad cholesterol (LDLs) and lower blood pressure. It can also win you some romance, if you know what I mean.

4. It helps improve mood. Studies have shown that chemicals found in chocolates such as serotonin, phenylethylamine, endorphins and stimulants such as caffeine can help improve one's mood. This is why most women crave for chocolates whenever they have PMS.

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How to Increase Concentration by Adding These Three Delicious Foods

You can increase your concentration and brain power by simply adding these delicious all-natural foods to your diet. These foods can not only increase your memory and preserve your memory, but can actually prevent and even reverse memory loss. Berries; Berries are not only is one of my favorite foods but they stand on the top of the food list. These delicious tasting berries can not only change your boring morning cereal into a delicious treat.

They can also help improve your memory and concentration. Blackcurrants, boysenberries, strawberries, and blueberries our brain boosting foods you should add to your diet Black currants are very high in vitamin C and essential fatty acids, these delicious tasting berries will help protect your brain from stress. Some researchers believe that Blackcurrants can help prevent or significantly delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Boysenberries come from the same family as blackcurrant and are believed to act in the same beneficial ways. An easy rules of thumb to remember when it comes to choosing fruits and vegetables are the darker the fruit the more potent the natural compounds it contains are. The darker the fruit the more antioxidant value it appears to have.

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Avail the Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

There are a lot of people who are greatly interested in dark chocolates because of their sophisticated taste. While this is true about dark chocolates, another less known fact that is about the health benefits that they have to offer. There are tremendous health benefits associated with these chocolates. For people who have high blood pressure, these chocolates can assist in lowering it down.

 If you are contemplating their intake for health purposes, you ought to bear in mind the factor of calories in the chocolates. Watching your weight is really important. You should also balance the rest of the diet, so that the calories in a chocolate do not result in weight gain. Chocolates also possess antioxidant capabilities, which can reduce the potential of heart diseases and a number of other ailments. While dark chocolates carry benefits for the heart and blood pressure, they are also immensely beneficial for your brain. There exists a slight amount of caffeine in them, which acts as a stimulant to the brain. Researchers have discovered the ability of chocolates to enhance cognitive function. Other than improving the functioning of your brain, they also reduce possibilities of stroke.

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Delicious Coconut Oil For Healthy Babies

Coconut oil is rapidly growing to be regarded as a healthy food and nutritional choice for use in our kitchens. It is also an ingredient that can be used in baby food. Origionally, this highly versatile oil was thought to contain a high saturated fat content, but more recent and accurate research suggests that the fat in coconut is highly beneficial. Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids, which are easily digestible, and provide good energy for your baby. It is high in lauric acid, which is also the medium-chain fatty acid found in breast milk. This is great news for your baby, because its healthful properties combat many of the bacteria, parasites and even fungi that sometimes cause indigestion in infants. This healthy oil also boosts the immune system and promotes health and wellness. Since a newborn baby's immune system does not fully develop until he is six months old, his only protection against viruses is through the lauric acid that is present in the mother's breast milk. Lauric acid-rich coconut is often used today as an ingredient in infant formula, and is also used in hospitals for babies as well as adults. With the consent of your doctor, coconut oil can be introduced into your baby's diet once he has started to eat solids like baby fruits and vegetables. Consider as well, adding a small amount of unsweetened coconut milk to food items that your baby has eaten before. Adding healthful fats to vegetables like carrots, spinach and squash helps in the absorption of nutrients like vitamin A, D and E. Coconut is not considered to be highly allergenic, but as with any new food you are introducing, do not give it to your baby at the same time as you introduce other foods that are new to him. This is a stable oil, even at high temperatures and can be used for all types of cooking. When cooking for your baby, use it in place of less healthful oils. Extra virgin coconut oil has a delicate, very faint taste of coconut, and it is delicious. Organic, or the extra virgin oils are considered to be much more healthful than the more common refined oils. These can easily be found in your local health food stores, some ethnic stores and online as well. Introduce organic or extra virgin coconut oil into your family's diet and you are one step farther along the road toward healthier eating, and healthy living. Smart parents are on the look-out for quality products, the best prices, and most healthful options that are available on the market today. Helpful information and highly rated baby products can be found at http://www.carouselbabyshop.com. Offering our babies and children healthy choices, a clean environment, safe products and organic options is important for today's families. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_E_Elliott Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6930953

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Wine and Chocolate - A Wonderful Romantic Treat

Looking for an incredible gift for that special someone? Trying to create a romantic atmosphere for a memorable evening? Nothing speaks romance better than wine and chocolate.

The wine community can literally produce volumes of guidelines and opinions on various food and wine pairings. There are endless opinions on what foods pair best with different wines. When paired correctly the flavor and taste of both food and wine should be enhanced, complemented and balanced by each other.

Pairing wine and chocolate can be tricky, but when you find the correct combination the results are outstanding. Below are listed some basic guidelines and rules of thumb to follow, but keep in mind that most of the fun in pairing wine and chocolate is experimentation - so be sure to do so!

Start with good quality chocolate - whether your preference is dark, milk or white chocolate; be sure not to skimp on quality ingredients. Retailers now specialize in chocolate specifically for pairing with wine.

The darker the wine, the darker the chocolate: this is a good guideline for a novice to follow when shopping for your first wine and chocolate pairing; but feel free to follow your own taste buds as you experiment with your favorite vintages.

Red wines typically pair well with dark chocolates; this is especially true of full-bodied red wines. A great wine from a local vineyard comes to mind when considering a dark chocolate pairing, Crane Creek Vineyards own Hellbender Red is a dry red wine crafted from the North American Norton grape and pairs wonderfully with rich dark chocolate.

Here are some general recommendations for types of red wines and chocolate:

Merlot - dark chocolate or milk chocolate

Cabernet Sauvignon - dark chocolate

Pinot Noir - either dark or milk chocolate

Zinfandel - dark chocolate

White wines as a general rule will pair better with milk chocolate than dark. Types that come to mind for chocolate pairings are as follows:

Riesling

Sauvignon Blanc

Chardonnay

As a general rule of thumb the sweeter the chocolate the sweeter the wine so when you consider white chocolate you may be relegated to the dessert wines and sherries. I have found port wine paired with dark chocolate to be a fine combination

If you are still not sure which way to go, you can always visit online merchants such as ShopWineStuff.com for wine and chocolate gift baskets in any number of sizes and combinations. They also stock a variety of chocolate specifically for wine pairings.

No matter which type of chocolate or wine you choose, remember to relax, sit back and enjoy the flavors and sensations of a delightful experience which is chocolate and wine.

Michele DeZayas writes from the North Georgia mountains and is a contributing editor for wine-for-beginners.com. To read more articles from this author please visit: wine-for-beginners.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michele_DeZayas

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Top 5 Trends in Chocolate in 2012

There really is no bad or out of season chocolates. We all love those little bite size morsels wrapped in silver foil. However, chocolatiers are now catering to adult palates. They are true artisans of gourmet chocolate that are developing visual and sensual delights. These are not mass produced candies.

The top trends of 2012 are:

1. Dark chocolate combined with super fruits: Dark chocolate in itself has been proven to be "healthy". With its antioxidants it is said to lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and help keep the cardiovascular system running properly. To make it even more desirable to health conscious consumers it is being combined with super fruits that also contain these antioxidants.

2. Artisan Chocolates: These chocolates are true works of art. Homemade treasures. They are not the chocolate that is poured into a heart mold and popped out. The cocoa is selected for aroma and texture. It is quality versus quantity. The chocolates are hand decorated or filled with high quality ingredients. Some look too good to bite into.

3. Chocolate covered tropical fruit: Strawberries are not the only fruit for dipping anymore. These gourmet chocolates bring you to the islands. They are sweet and tangy. Varieties include coconut, orange, passion fruit, and guava. You can hear the ocean when you bite into them. You can hear the breezes of a tropical rainforest.

4. Salt in Chocolate: Sea Salt from around the world has become a specialty food. Gourmet chocolate bars, truffles, wafers are all being sprinkled with finishing salts. Salts from all around the world are being used. Pink salt looks beautiful on white chocolate. The flavor is unique that satisfies both the sweet and salty craving.

5. Spicy: Hot! Hot! Hot! Chocolates are combing spicy jalapenos, chili powder, and smoky chipotles to name a few. As you smell the aroma and chew into the creamy chocolate the spice is the last to come. It is an eye opening surprise. You may want to have a big glass of milk on the side.

In today's recession more and more people are buying quality chocolates. Some feel it is a small piece of feel good that you can have daily for a very minimal cost. Also, being so high in antioxidants you have a great reason to splurge on quality chocolates. It is worth the extra cost to try some of these visual and tasty delights.

Debbie Mazzie is the owner of http://www.northjerseyfoodies.com. A website that finds specialty, gourmet, and home made foods in North Jersey.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Mazzie

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How to Make Chocolate Recipes Better

When you're wanting to learn how to make chocolate recipes better there are a few things you need to remember.

1. Follow the recipe before you make changes to it.
2. Use good quality, fresh ingredients only.
3. Make sure your measurements are right e.g. tsp is teaspoons, tbsp is tablespoons, gram to cup conversions vary depending upon the ingredient/s.

The main item I would like to focus on here to help us all make better chocolate recipes is the Star ingredient - Chocolate.

Chocolate would have to be one of the best ingredients ever! I thank God for the Theobroma Cacao tree from which chocolate is made. The scientific name Theobroma actually means "food of the gods".

If we stop long enough and just think about chocolate all by itself we would quickly realize what a magnificent food it really is. Here is a food type that will cheer up anyone who is feeling sad. It says "I love you" better than any other food type. When we think of Valentine's Day chocolate, flowers and jewelry usually come to mind.

It also makes an excellent gift for birthdays, Easter, Christmas, engagements, weddings, anniversaries, is a great way to say sorry, makes a good excuse to get together, is delicious with practically any beverage, it markets and sells well generally and for charity drives, has featured in so many movies e.g. Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, Like Water for Chocolate, Chocolat, In Search of the Heart of Chocolate and so many more.

Then we start to think of chocolate as an ingredient. Possibly the best place to begin is by thinking about chocolate bars. Brand names like Cadbury, Hershey's, Nestle have made very successful businesses by adding fruits, nuts and flavors to it. Change the shape and sell it again e.g chocolate chips, blocks of chocolate, little chocolate bars, milk or dairy, dark and white chocolate etc.

Put chocolate in biscuits, cakes, drinks - both non-alcoholic and alcoholic, mousse, brownies, pies, icing, desserts and the list goes on.

Chocolate really is superb!

If are wanting to know how to make a chocolate chip cookie recipe you would find a cookbook, website or blog that is dedicated to chocolate. You want to make sure that the author of the recipe/s really knows the ingredients they promote.

Also, remember the guidelines mentioned above - follow the recipe, fresh ingredients and correct measures.

Recently I decided to make chocolate brownies. A friend suggested I double the ingredients, which I did. I poured all of the brownie mix into a deep baking dish and baked it for the suggested time. Because of this the brownie recipe was a flop however, the chocolate lava cake was a huge success - thankfully. My mistake here was I should have stuck to the recipe and poured the mix into two shallow baking dishes just like it said.

Once you are confident, then experiment to your heart's desires. Have a go at using additional ingredients. For example where the chocolate chip cookie recipe calls for rolled oats, try a natural muesli. The addition of fruit, nuts and bran to these cookies is outstanding.

Finally, when most people think of chocolate they think of fun times. Chocolate and cooking are both fun, so relax and enjoy working with different recipes. This alone can improve the quality of your hard work and time in the kitchen.

Hello. My name is Geoff

I am the author, owner and photographer of http://www.chocolate-recipes-galore.com

I have enjoyed eating chocolate as a child and have worked with chocolate in many different recipes for many years.

My passion for chocolate is seen in the recipes located at the above website. All of the recipes listed on this site are actually made and photographed by me.

I hope you are or become as passionate about chocolate as I am and that you too would share these chocolate tips and recipes with your friends and family.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Geoff_PP_Auckett

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