Chocolate Covered Strawberries - A Delicious Combination!

The dipping of lush red strawberries into chocolate for the making of different types of desserts has been a common practice for many years. As a matter of fact, no one can quite recall when this tempting dish was first created. However, the idea of mixing sweet and tart has led to this dish becoming a particular favorite of many people!

Since fruits are our top vitamin providers, dipping different fruits into chocolate has become a favorite method of creating a healthy, scrumptious dessert! The different types of fruits that can be covered with chocolate are: apples, apricots, cherries, strawberries, peaches, grapes, and a variety of other tropical fruits. In today's world, strange and exotic tasting chocolates are favored more than the normal chocolate bars. In fact, different chocolates are being tried out and released into the market every year, with claims of exotic tastes to tempt the jaded palate! Bearing this in mind, the makers of chocolate covered strawberries create new recipes, with a special flair used to bring out the tart sweetness of the berry, mixed with the melting scrumptiousness of the chocolate covering!

In some countries, chocolate covered strawberries are created using dried strawberries. Although these do taste wonderful, there is nothing quite like the taste of freshness! If you're ever on a tour to Malaysia, make sure you visit their chocolate industry. While the actual chocolate is rather standard, the fruits that are dipped in it are so varied, it boggles the mind! However, you ought to be prepared for dry, tart and spicy!

So where was this art of making chocolate dipped strawberries first born? Although it isn't exactly known, there are some wild theories that this practice first began with the Sultans in the Arab World. However, considering the fact that strawberries seem to be found mostly in wet climes, this theory doesn't seem to be valid!

Chocolate covered strawberries are a treat in any season and more so when they're out of season! When creating this wonderful dish, make sure that you've got the freshest strawberries in the market! Perfectly ripened ones have a taste that's out of this world, but ensure that there are no stragglers with green on them, or you might just be serving more tartness than sweetness!

What you need to create this wonderful dessert:

30-40 fresh, ripe strawberries (with the green stalks cut off)

250 g of Chocolate chips or your favorite chocolate bar whether dark or milk chocolate

Approx. 40 thin skewers of bamboo

How to make chocolate dipped strawberries:

* First of all, wash the strawberries with warm water, to remove any dirt and germs. Let them dry out gently, but completely, or the chocolate won't take.

* Place the chocolate chips or favorite chocolate bars in a small pan. Take a larger pan, and add some water, and then put it to boil.

* Cover the smaller pan containing the chocolate to prevent any moisture from mixing with the chocolate, since this may cause it to seize. Place the smaller pan atop the larger one, but not so that the water from the larger one overlaps the smaller pan.

* Alternatively, just place the chocolate chips or chocolate bars in a glass bowl, cover and use the microwave to melt it. A minute should be enough!

* After the chocolate has melted, place each strawberry onto a skewer, and then dip into the melted chocolate. While removing the strawberry, rotate the skewer to form swirling patterns as well as to cover any nooks left with chocolate.

* Turn the strawberry upwards by inverting your hand to let the chocolate settle with an extra bite at the tip!

* Place the dipped strawberries on absorbent paper after the chocolate has hardened slightly.

* And you're done!

For the ultimate chocolate sensation, chocolate dipped strawberries should be eaten the same day that they're dipped, for the ultimate decadent delight! Storing these in the fridge is done, but not advised since the chocolate may firm up in a haphazard manner.

Chocolate covered strawberries can be served as an elaborate dessert, normally set within a silvered tray, and eaten with a chilled glass of red! However, having chocolate dipped chocolates for high teas or during breakfast is also a wonderful idea (even if it isn't mother recommended)!

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Gourmet Chocolate Gifts for Valentine

Remember when you were a kid and couldn't wait for Halloween - dreams of candy swirling in your head? Valentines Day is like that for chocoholics dreaming of gourmet chocolate gifts. Chocolate lovers dreams come true when you also tell them it's good for their heart.

In a recent Japanese study, researchers found that dark chocolate rich in flavonoids can actually improve coronary blood flow. People who ate 550 milligrams of dark chocolate a day showed vast improvement of coronary blood flow after just two weeks compared to participants who ate white chocolate without flavonoids. Flavonoids are what gives chocolate it's antioxidant power. Antioxidants help protect the body from damage to our cells by free radicals - formed by environmental pollution and normal cellular activity. These antioxidants are what helps keep plaques from forming in our arteries. Good news for gourmet chocolate lovers.

Dark chocolate contains the most flavonoids because it is the less processed than milk chocolate or white chocolate. Flavonoids also give dark chocolate a stronger flavor. As a cocoa bean goes through fermentation, alkalizing and roasting (more processing), more flavonoids get lost.

Other chocolate research has shown dark chocolate and cocoa powder may raise good cholesterol (HDL) levels by up to 10%, while keeping bad cholesterol (LDL) levels at bay. Stearic acid, one of the fats in chocolate, can actually boost HDL levels according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. And although, one would expect bad cholesterol levels to rise because of the increased fat intake, this was not the case. This is more good news for chocoholics.

They say that laughter is the best medicine, chocolate in moderation may be a close second.

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The Real Reasons Women Love Chocolate

For most women, when they want to eat something to make them feel better, they choose chocolate. Women all over the world think of chocolate as their comfort food. Why do so many women consider it their favorite flavour?

First of all, the chemical phenylethylamine, in chocolate has a good reaction with the human brain. One interaction with the brains chemicals produces a mild antidepressant effect. Nothing major, just a mild feel good reaction. Anadamide is another chemical in chocolate that gives us feelings of calmness, well being and a ìrightness with the world. Neither of these chemicals causes a big change, but both are strong enough to be felt. Xocai chocolate also helps your brain release serotonin which gives you a feeling of pleasure.

Chocolates melting point is just above body temperature. So it melts in your mouth perfectly. This feeling is associated with sensual pleasure. A study found that the melting in your mouth effect results in an increase in the brain activity and an increase in heart rate. These increases are stronger than what a passionate kiss gives you. And they last up to four times longer.

Phenylethylamine has also been shown to bring on the same feelings of happiness and joy as being in love. Chocolate is obviously delicious and now there is an added benefit, Xocai produce fine dark healthy chocolate that is

Shortly before a womans menstrual cycle, blood glucose and serotonin levels drop. Eating Xocai chocolate raises those levels and helps adjust the hormone imbalance. The serotonin that chocolate encourages the brain produce also acts like a sedative.



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Why Men Give Women Chocolate?

For generations men have been giving women chocolate to show their affection for them. Chocolate makers love to see Birthdays, Christmas and Valentines Day come around. They know that it's money in their pockets. It's as common a gift as flowers and diamonds when a man wants to apologize or make up for something. But what is it about chocolate that's made it the symbol of love? Is it more than just a modern marketing ploy?

One chemical in chocolate is phenethylamine. It acts like a antidepressant and makes us feel good. Another chemical in chocolate is anadamine. It also contributes to feelings of well being and euphoria. These chemicals encourage the brain to produce serotonin which encourages feelings of well being. These chemicals combine to give women many of the same feelings as being in love. So you can see why men are so keen to give it as a present!

Research shows that the chocolate melting in your mouth causes an increase in your brain activity and in your heart rate. The chocolate increases these even more than hot and heavy kissing does.

This phenethylamine has the same affects as a sexual stimulant. Women who eat chocolate have been found to have more interest in sex. They have higher levels of desire and arousal. They also reported greater satisfaction.

Chocolate makes women feel better, helps relieve stress, helps get them in a romantic mood and results in greater pleasure and satisfaction. Why would any man not want to give chocolate to the woman heís in a relationship with or cares about?

The author has been a healthy chocolate promoter and lifestyle journalist for over five years who's latest project is taking the Xocai healthy chocolate world by storm. A fan of the healthy chocolate and business industry is always on the look out for new and exciting ways to improve your health and Xocai is one of them

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For the Love and Thought of Chocolate - Give Chocolate Gifts

Once you sink your teeth into a piece of chocolate and allow it to rest in your mouth to liquify on the surface of your tongue, almost instantaneously you are sent into a creamy, melted, and all-too-pleasurable state of being. It's truly a remarkable and quite addicting experience. But, have you ever wondered why this ecstasy-type of feeling occurs? If you've been curious as to why this intriguing phenomenon occurs once having ingested a piece of chocolate, you should first know that chocolate is much more than it appears and has more than mere taste and treat benefits.

A Food With A Hidden, Happy Agenda

In fact, chocolate is a food with enough hidden potency to trigger particular areas in your brain that produce and prolong happy thoughts. And this is not to say that chocolate is at all related to that pixie dust in which Peter Pan's, Tinkerbell, uses to lift individuals off the ground. But, what it does imply is that chocolate does indeed have the powerful ability to generate positive emotions in peoples' brains.

Chocolate On The Brain: Neurotransmitters Spur Happiness

So, this feeling of delight that comes from every bite is almost unbelievable, yet it is most certainly explainable, especially from a scientific angle. Within chocolate exists a few essential ingredients that are known for their neuro-activating tendencies and overall mental stimuli statuses - of the active ingredients include both Tryptophan and Phenylethylamine.

Tryptophan triggers the brain to produce more serotonin, a neurotransmitter assigned to assist in the modulation of positive moods and sexualities, among other many other traits. Considerable levels of serotonin can be released into an individual's brain after eating chocolate and the results are heightened feelings of excitement, elation and even ecstasy. With phenylethylamine as a neurotransmitter, after consuming chocolate, feelings of attraction, giddiness and apprehension are all rendered.

Giving Chocolate Gifts and Spreading Positive Feelings

So, with all this upbeat scientific knowledge, I'm sure you're already enjoying a piece of chocolate or two already. And if not, you should be! But, in all seriousness, why would anyone not want to eat chocolate now, especially with knowledge of gaining positive mental outcomes? It's fair to say that eating chocolate is enjoyable, so why not get the most out of it and reap the benefits of being elated while eating it? And also, why not spread the love while you're at it too?

Spread those positive feelings that come with eating chocolate by giving your family, loved ones and friends some chocolate gifts. Once you do, it's certain you and your gift-receivers will be smiling from ear to ear with, of course, chocolate-covered faces.

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Chocolate - Soul Food!

Chocolate - Soul Food!
By Brian McCoy


Indulging in your favorite sweet treat is an experience treasured and enjoyed by many. Everyone has their own different and specific favorite treat. However, most anyone will agree that chocolate ranks right up there on their list.

For centuries, chocolate has been seen as a delicacy. It used to be that only the wealthy could afford such enjoyment. Nowadays, there is temptation of a chocolate treat lurking around every corner. From the aisles at the convenience store or supermarket, to the pan of brownies on the kitchen counter, chocolate is readily available at every turn.

Chocolate is soul food. Not only good for the soul, but also therapeutic. Most people have a treasured memory to go along with their favorite treat. Chocolate is no different. From licking the bowl of chocolate chip cookies as a child, to sitting and chatting with a loved one over a piece of chocolate cake, memories have been made while eating chocolate.

While chocolate is good for your taste buds and your soul, it may also be good for your health. What better news could there be?

When it comes to your health, dark chocolate is definitely the most nutritionally sound. This is due to its high content of cocoa. From the cocoa brings other helpful benefits such as flavonoids, antioxidants, and a high ORAC value. Essentially what these healthy properties equate to are to assist you in fighting the free radicals that lead to heart attacks, cancer, and strokes.

All of these properties work together to give you a food that is literally good for your soul. Eating a moderate amount of dark chocolate can help to lower your blood pressure, bad LDL cholesterol, and increase your mood. Chocolate has natural properties that help to increase the serotonin level in your brain, thus increasing your general mood.

With all of these added benefits, chocolate is not only good for your soul, but also good for you. So enjoy your delectable treats and know that you're giving your body added benefits.

How To Make Your Wedding Chocolate Cake Special

How To Make Your Wedding Chocolate Cake Special
By Remy Na

Your wedding is going to be one of the best days of your life and it should be memorable for everyone. Why not make it extra special with an amazing caterer that will go beyond everyone else. Go ahead and get an ultra special favor, place card, save the date cards or anything you desire, all personalized for your wedding. The best thing is they all can be done out of chocolate! Not only that but you place an image of your choice on a candy bar, on a cookie or lollipop and they will be 100 percent edible.

I recently went to a wedding where the cake, the placecard, the date cards, all were made out of chocolates and looked so special. Everything was crafted with the utmost care and attention and not only that, everything seemed to be made with love.

The provider for the wedding was a PA based chocolate firm that personalizes in making delicious tasting chocolate especially for weddings. They even make chocolates with edible images. These would make amazing favors for the guests. No, these aren't keepsakes; though I'm not sure how long one would keep them for long as they taste so amazing.

What about having some personalized chocolate lollipops for your wedding? You can put the picture of your choice along with your wedding date or any message that you wish. Put them in a beautiful gift bag, so not only they look great but taste spectacular!

Why not add something different to your wedding and have chocolate place cards for your guests. They are 100 percent edible and they are not only the sweetest thing to look at, they are also the sweetest thing to taste! Plus you are saving money since the place cards act as the favor too. You can even put the guest's names and table numbers on each card.

For the people who love Oreos and I know there are a lot of you, you can also make special photo chocolate covered Oreos. They can be put in a gorgeous gift box and they are a delight to eat. If you want to give someone that extra special gift at your wedding, then you can do individual chocolate covered Oreos with a photo and personalization.

You don't have to just use these special chocolates for your actual wedding day. Why not use them for a bridal shower or maybe even a bachelorette or bachelor party. Your limits are endless.

If you and your guests want truly delicious and edible treats for any special occasion then chocolate is the way to go. You could even announce your engagement on r special chocolate gifts. It doesn't matter if you have guests that prefer white chocolate to dark, or maybe they are a milk chocolate lover. You can cater for all needs and offer special low carb and low calorie chocolate in milk and dark.

You may wonder how much all of this is going to cost you! Well there is no need to worry, there are lots of places that offer all the above at low prices so everyone is able to enjoy the great taste and flavor of chocolate.

Chocolate Dreams & Wishes, LLC - is located in Pittsburgh, Pa. We think you will be pleasantly surprised at the amazing taste of our chocolate as well as the price. Give us a call and let us help you make your wedding gifts a little more exciting.

Hot Chocolate - Love Potion #1 in Winter

Chocolate… this word evokes such wonderful old memories – family holidays, mom’s chocolate cakes and chocolate chip cookies on Sundays… But it turns out that in the adult world this dessert has so much more to it! Did you know that chocolate is also known as a perfect seduction product?

A legendary Italian Mr. Lover Giovanni Casanova considered chocolate to be an indispensable part of any courting. The famous tempter always carried a silver box of chocolates that ladies simply could not resist. Besides, Casanova believed that the secret of his sexual strength laid in a ritual morning cup of hot chocolate.

This delicious drink is not difficult to prepare:

U’ll need:
2 table spoons of cacao powder
1 table spoon of cane sugar
100 ml of milk
a dash of chilli pepper
U’ll have just to mix it well and to put it on a slow fire. Don’t forget to stir it till it boils. As soon as it does – the drink is ready!

A cup of hot chocolate will warm your partner’s “feelings” up when it is so cold outside! ;)

P.S. Do not forget that chocolate is very rich in calories, so do not abuse with it. Its calorie count is over 500 Kcal per 100g. Among the popular chocolate bars Snickers and Mars are the most rich in calories.

Women's Blog - All Women's Talk
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Hot Chocolate - Love Potion #1 in Winter

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The Magic Of Chocolate

The Magic Of Chocolate
By Bhatnagar Sumit


Do you want to win your girl’s heart? Gift her a chocolate! Girls are very fond of chocolate.

Chocolate is a very good mood booster. It can bring a smile on your face even when you are angry or sad. Moreover, chocolate is known to boost up the sexual desire as well.

It is much better than a tranquilizer. It has been scientifically proven that chocolate is good for aged men and women. It has been suggested that chocolate can reduce the risk of heart disorders. It is also good for those who suffer from sleeping disorders.

Since ages, chocolate is considered to be a symbol of love and friendship.

No doubt, chocolate is the best gift and it can be gifted on any occasion. It can be gifted on Valentine's Day, Christmas, Friendship Day or on a birthday.

There are several kinds of chocolate. The main ones are as follows:

• 'Truffle' has a smooth center full of cocoa and ganache butter. The outside is just chocolate.

• 'Pave Glace' is 75% dark chocolate. But, it is soft and squishy. In my view, this is the best chocolate you can ever get to taste.

• 'Cherry Liquor' contains a real cherry dipped in chocolate sauce.

• 'Praline' chocolate is any chocolate that has nuts.

• 'Milk chocolate' has only 50% dark chocolate. Rest is made out of cocoa beans and sugar.

• 'Caprice' contains hazelnut paste and milk chocolate. It has praline covered in dark chocolate.

No matter what kind of chocolate you end up buying, it will definitely show you the magic of its taste.

Gift Ideas, Unique Gift Ideas, Basket Gift Ideas - the magic of chocolate

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Chocolate - Food For Love

How often do people take in chocolates? Certainly, people from all walks of life have a great passion for eating chocolates. In all occasions, chocolates seem to be the greatest presents ever. The seeds from the tree known as Theobroma cacao make up chocolates. The Greek term "Theobroma" stands for "food of the gods". It traces its roots from the ancient culture of the Aztecs wherein the cacao tree has been widely venerated while the beans were utilized as some kind of currency. The Aztecs saw the potential of the cacao tree to invigorate wealth as well as strength so their god name Quetzalcoatl was assigned to guard it.

Who is not addicted to chocolates, anyway? Among all foods, chocolate is one of the best that never fails to entice someone. These chocolates obviously taste good. Chocolates are deemed to be the best presents ever, so to speak, especially that they never run out of fashion. They are likewise well loved by many recipients. Aside from being a sweet and delicious food, chocolate also has plenty of good points to show off that prove its trademark as the food for love.

Chocolate as a Health Food

Most experts claim that chocolate is one healthy food particularly because of its aphrodisiac quality. It has been found out to be good for the human heart aside from piquing romance right into the atmosphere. The chocolate aids in cleaning out the blood vessels. Basically, we all require an escalated rate of pumped blood in the human body as we commit to exercising or lovemaking, then, chocolate's aphrodisiac elements are just perfect.

More so, chocolate also motivates the discharge of endorphins, the natural body hormones which promotes the feelings of well-being and pleasure. It contains the so-called natural love drug. Tryptophan is that chemical that is utilized by the brain in order to create the neurotransmitter known as serotonin. Amplified levels of serotonin makes way for the production of the feelings of ecstasy and elation. Researches from the California University in 2001 published the findings pointing to the importance of consuming some kind of chocolates which has the ability to modulate the hormone compounds called cicosanoids. These compounds may aid in the maintenance of cardiovascular health by means of lessening the vulnerability of the blood vessel and the clumping of the platelets.

The final chocolate product always contains the healthy extract of the compounds from the plants including zinc, iron copper, antioxidants like polyphenols, and magnesium.

Chocolate as a Present

As chocolate boasts of its great taste and texture, they can be made and found in a variety of forms. There are different tastes that chocolates have that are the reason as to why lots of people are attached to these specifics. They have their favorite brands and kinds too. This makes chocolate a typical item to be given as a gift to almost anyone.

Chocolates are great breakfast and after meal treats. They are perfect gifts to be given on almost all occasions such as Mother's Day, Father's Day, Valentine's Day, Christmas, New Year, birthdays, romantic encounters, and several other events. The giving of chocolates is one way of saying "I love you" and letting the other person know how one feels. The food is a great gift for kids and adults alike.

As the most precious and treasured dessert for men and women alike, chocolates could be made in a variety of recipes. As we look into all traditional cultures, there is certainly not one of those which puts chocolate aside. In every occasion, there is always a chocolate recipe involved. These treats are too common that it is never hard to spot one to be given as a great gift for all occasions.

There are a range of at least three hundred eighty known chemicals found in chocolates so it is not to be doubted that most people find the treat heavily appealing. Chocolate treats may likewise be found in several other forms and combinations like caramel, berry, vanilla, and many more. Aside from being sweet, tasty, and delicious, chocolates have the power to enhance one's mood. Indeed, chocolate is a food for love that is great to be served and given to loved ones, pals, and romantic partners.

For more information on chocolate, please visit:
http://www.chocolatedotcom.com/
http://www.chocolatedotcom.com/Order_Chocolates_Online.html
http://www.drnathaliefiset.com

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