Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Chocolate, the Gift That Practically Never Fails to Succeed!

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tom_Peter_Adams]Tom Peter Adams
It becomes difficult to get a more generally preferred snack, than chocolate. Young or old, basic or stylish, the large selection of chocolates fascinate equally significant a variety of people. Because of the Amazing capability to deliver delectable joy, chocolate gifts can be a no-fail method in order to strengthen anyone's time.
Decedent and delicious, cocoa-inspired enjoyment will place a grin upon any person face. A wonderful way to express 'Many thanks,' 'Best wishes,' or anything in the middle, this tasty suprise will send an enjoyable personal message. Considering the variety of patterns, colors in addition to ideas available, just about anyone's character may be demonstrated in a loving way. Essentially the most superior palette understand why high quality extravagance, and the easy palette can at the same time.
Partners will be able to experience the flavour of romance, by using this best aphrodisiac as the most tasty method to declare 'I love you.' Special feelings translate effectively when delivered by means of delectable enticement. Very good wine can be a yummy accompany to the candy-kiss. Breaks merely could not turn out to be complete without having this specific sweet treat. Important in many puddings, as well as a favorite which usually hardly ever does not work out, it is a required staple regarding events and gatherings. Popular for cupcakes, biscuits, ice creams, and lovely small appetizers. Meant for supreme indulgence it can also be dissolved and then flow openly in a fountain, an ideal dip for fresh strawberries, bananas, cherries in addition to berries.
This decadent super food contains a wide range of fans, and equally as broad, is normally the wide array of sweets as well as presents made of it. Typically working as a structure just for other delectable sweets, this particular prominent food can often be teamed along with a number of nuts, caramel, mint, vanilla flavoring, peanut butter, dried fruit, salty snacks, and even popcorn. This list connected with complimenting components continues. Simply mold-able this sweet treat may take shape to match any kind of concept. From elaborate to basic, innocent as well as naughty, there basically isn't a more functional element. Dark, white or milk, every single flavor features it's individual distinctive tastes.
Show your own admiration, and develop delight with the treat which simply cannot fail. Family, partners, friends, co-workers, and just about anyone else, will surely appreciate the delicious sentiment. Individualize the selection to satisfy the preference of the individual, with so much choice it's a straightforward task. Whether its a package of candy varieties, a themed-out tasty giftbox, or any other creamy delight, a grin will be ready upon the opposite end of your present. An indulgent gift will definitely be kept in mind as well as loved, and the purpose for contentment, without doubt can be accomplished.
Chocolate is really a successful method to enhance your senses. A vast selection of chocolates create a fairly easy suit for just about any occasion, or just about anyone. Chocolate gifts tend to be an all-around joy that are sure to bring delight and also joy.
Amelie Chocolat provide the very best chocolate related gifts for all occasions. To see how we can help you please visit our website at http://www.ameliechocolat.co.uk/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Chocolate,-the-Gift-That-Practically-Never-Fails-to-Succeed!&id=6461730] Chocolate, the Gift That Practically Never Fails to Succeed!

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Recipes for Making Your Own Delicious Chocolate Candies

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Linda_Carol_Wilson]Linda Carol Wilson
Impress your family and friends with homemade candies. With everything from Peppermint Bark to No-Fail Dark Chocolate Fudge, these candies are easy and delicious. And thinking ahead to the holidays, try these recipes now and decide which will be your go-to holiday candy recipes. The Peppermint Bark is a tasty year-round candy but would be an especially good holiday candy and gift. The Marshmallow Truffles are so easy and fun to let the kids roll in colored candies to decorate. Change the colors of the decorative candies to represent whatever holiday is being celebrated. For the fudge lovers, this is one of the easiest, tastiest recipes.
PEPPERMINT CANDY MARBLE BARK CANDY
6 squares semi-sweet baking chocolate
6 squares white baking chocolate
1 cup crushed peppermint candies* (about 50 round peppermint candies)
Put semi-sweet baking chocolate in a microwave proof bowl. Microwave on high for 2 minutes or until almost melted, stirring after a minute. Stir to melt completely.
Repeat the above process with the white baking chocolate.
Stir 1/2 cup of the crushed peppermint candy into each bowl.
Line a cookie sheet that has sides with waxed paper. Alternately spoon the two bowls of chocolates onto the waxed paper. With a butter knife, swirl chocolates together to create a marble effect. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Break into pieces.
This makes about 1 pound of candy.
*To crush peppermint candies, place candies in a zip-top plastic bag. Crush with a rolling pin or meat mallet. Or you could process in a food processor using pulsing action.
SO EASY MARSHMALLOW TRUFFLES
1 pkg (10-oz) large marshmallows
1 pkg (12-oz) chocolate chips
toasted coconut
various decorative candies (from the cake decorating section)
Arrange the marshmallows on a cookie sheet; freeze for 15 minutes.
Put chocolate chips in a small microwave safe bowl and cook in microwave for about 2 1/2 minutes or until melted. Stir every minute.
Remove marshmallows from freezer and using a wooden skewer dip each marshmallow in the chocolate mixture until the marshmallow is completely coated. Remove the skewer.
Have some toasted coconut in a small bowl, some decorative candies in other small bowls. Roll each chocolate coated marshmallow in one of the bowl to coat. Use a fork to transfer the coated marshmallow to a waxed paper lined cookie sheet or trays. Chill or keep in a cool and dry place.
Yield: 3 to 3 1/2 dozen truffles
NO-FAIL DARK CHOCOLATE FUDGE
1 can (14-oz)Sweetened condensed milk
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
dash of salt, optional
1 cup chopped pecans
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
In a heavy saucepan melt the chocolate chips with the sweetened condensed milk and salt, over low heat. Remove from the heat and stir in the pecans and vanilla extract. Spread the candy into an aluminum foil lined 8-inch square pan. Chill until firm, approximately 2 hours. Turn the fudge out onto a cutting surface, peel off the foil and cut into squares. Cover loosely and store at room temperature.
Yield: Approximately 2 lbs
Enjoy!
For more of Linda's dessert recipes visit her blog at http://ladybugssweettreats.blogspot.com/
For her diabetic dessert recipes visit her at http://diabeticenjoyingfood.blogspot.com/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Recipes-for-Making-Your-Own-Delicious-Chocolate-Candies&id=6477347] Recipes for Making Your Own Delicious Chocolate Candies

Friday, December 16, 2011

How to Keep Chocolate at Its Best

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Spencer_Samaroo]Spencer Samaroo
Living in a country like Australia whose weather fluctuates wildly between extreme heat or monsoon, chocolate lovers are always faced with the tricky dilemma of how to keep their chocolate fresh and at its mouth wateringly best. The obvious answer is to eat it as soon as you get it. But for those with more self control, who find themselves needing to store their chocolate for a particular length of time I have outlined below a few useful tips that will enable you to prolong your chocolate effectively.
1. Where possible keep the chocolate in a cool, dry place. The ideal storage location is around about 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 50% humidity. Although a range of approximately 10% in either direction will not have any adverse effect. A normal air conditioned room should provide adequate protection.
2. Under no circumstances should you ever store your chocolate near a major heat source or in direct sunlight. The light will fade the colour and the elevated temperature will cause tackiness and melting. Really this should be a no brainer but it is amazing the number of people who seem oblivious to the risks of doing so.
3. Chocolate readily absorbs other flavours and odours. So avoid storing it near anything with a strong smell like chemicals, plastic, cleaning solvents, perfumes or air freshener. Those who have ever eaten a chocolate that has been stuck in a plastic bag for a month you will attest to the reasons why!
4. Chocolate may be frozen for up to six months. If frozen outside of its original packaging, the chocolates should be wrapped double in air-tight sealed plastic freezer bags or cling film. When thawing the chocolates should remain in the bags or cling film until, and only until, they return to room temperature. This will keep moisture from condensing on the chocolate.
5. Never let moisture get directly onto the chocolate. High humidity or moisture may cause a white haze or spots, known as 'bloom' on the surface of the chocolate. As well as not looking especially appetising the chocolate taste can become somewhat rancid over time.
6. To reduce the risk of 'blooming' avoid transferring your chocolate from extremes in temperature. In other words do not move it from a warm place to a cool place to a warm place again on a regular basis. This will merely accentuate the process of blooming.
Spencer Samaroo, Managing Director, Moo-Lolly-Bar http://www.moolollybar.com.au/
The best online chocolate, lolly and confectionery store on the web!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Keep-Chocolate-at-Its-Best&id=6085653] How to Keep Chocolate at Its Best

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Top 10 Most Popular Chocolate Bars in the World!

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Spencer_Samaroo]Spencer Samaroo
Brand loyalty is something all businesses strive for. But in terms of chocolate which comes out on top? Below is a list of the Top 10 most popular chocolate bars in the world in terms of consumption. But before you read on why don't you take a guess as to what is number one?
10. Hershey Milk Chocolate Bars
Invented by Milton S. Hershey of Lancaster, PA in 1894, Hershey Milk Chocolate Bars were the first mass produced chocolate bar in the USA. Still going strong they have been described as 'The Great American Chocolate Bar' and possess a slightly sour and tangy taste that is distinctly 'Hersheys'.
9. Oh Henry!
Created in 1921 by the Williamson Candy Company, this chocolate bar contains a delicious mix of peanuts, caramel and fudge which is coated in smooth milk chocolate. Particularly popular in Canada this chocolate bar is believed to have been named after a boy who frequently flirted with the girls at the offices of the Williamson Company.
8. M&Ms
Named after the surname initials of the companies two founders, M&Ms were originally produced in the summer of 1941 and are now sold in over 100 countries world wide. Comprising of a different range of coloured candy shell with the letter 'm' imprinted on it in lower case, this product is now available with a number of fillings including milk and dark chocolate, crisped rice, mint chocolate, peanuts, peanut butter, almonds, orange chocolate, coconut, pretzel and wild cherry.
7. Baby Ruth
Originally known as 'Kandy Kake' this bar of chocolate covered peanuts, caramel and nougat was introduced to the U.S in 1900. Similar to a Picnic, this product was first produced in Chicago by the Curtiss Candy Company who renamed it to Baby Ruth in 1921, supposedly in honour of the daughter of President Grover Cleveland. Nowadays it is manufactured by Nestle.
6. 3 Musketeers
Made by Mars Incorporated, 3 Musketeers is a chocolate bar with a centre that many people incorrectly refer to as nougat. In fact it is actually made of chocolate marshmallow and whipped cream. Launched in 1932 it originally contained three pieces in one package, flavoured strawberry, chocolate and vanilla, which led to the product being so named. Costing five cents when it was first introduced it was initially marketed as one of the largest chocolate bars on the market and something that could be shared with family or friends.
5. Milky Way
Created in Minnesota by Frank C. Mars in 1923, the Milky Way was the first commercially distributed filled chocolate bar. The name and taste of the bar was taken from a famed malted milkshake of the day, not the earth's galaxy as many contend. In its first year of sales in 1924 the Milk Way generated $800,000 in revenue.
4. Butterfinger
Popularised by Bart Simpson this concoction of butter and peanut butter covered in milk chocolate was lauched by The Curtis Candy Company of Chicago in 1923. The product got its named after a public contest was run by the company and quickly became a firm favourite on the back of early marketing ploys which saw the company drop Butterfingers and Baby Ruth bars from airplanes in cities across the United States.
3. Kit Kat
First created by Rowntrees of York in 1935, Kit Kat's in its original four finger form were developed after a worker at the Rowntree York factory put a suggestion in a recommendation box for a snack that 'a man could take to work in his pack up'. Originally called 'Rowntree's Chocolate Crisp' the product was renamed to Kit Kat after WWII. Today it is produced by Nestle in 17 countries around the world including the UK, Egypt, Australia, Algeria, China, Malaysia, Turkey, Bulgaria and Venezuela.
2. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
Introduced in 1928 by Harry Burnett Reese, this chocolate has been one of the best-selling candies in U.S. History. Consisting of a delicious peanut butter filling enrobed in milk chocolate it comes as an individual 'Big Cup' or in a pack of 2, 4 or 8. Anyone who has seen the Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore film '50 First Dates' will recognise this product instantly.
1. Snickers
The best-selling chocolate bar of all time, the Snickers Bar was introduced to the world in 1930 by Mars Incorporated. Consisting of peanut nougat topped with roasted peanuts and caramel and covered in smooth milk chocolate the product was named after the Mars family horse. Today it has worldwide global sales of $2 billion.
Spencer Samaroo, Managing Director, Moo-Lolly-Bar http://www.moolollybar.com.au/
The best online chocolate, lolly and confectionery store on the web!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-10-Most-Popular-Chocolate-Bars-in-the-World!&id=6085695] Top 10 Most Popular Chocolate Bars in the World!

Monday, December 12, 2011

10 More Reasons to Love Chocolate

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Spencer_Samaroo]Spencer Samaroo
We have previously outlined 10 Reasons to Love Chocolate. Well here are ten more!
10. There is an endless supply of it!
If you run out of chocolate all you need to do is go to your nearest shop to buy some more. If your nearest shop is not easy to get to you can always order your next fix of chocolate online and have it delivered straight to your work or home address.
9. Whatever your mood chocolate suits the occasion!
It doesn't matter if you are celebrating Christmas, relaxing in front of the TV or mourning the break up of a relationship, chocolate is perfect for the occasion.
8. It is an addiction you won't get arrested for!
Chocolate can be addictive as it contains stimulant substances like caffeine, theobromine and methylxantinesand and in some people it actually works like a drug. Making them feel happier and more relaxed. Unlike other addictions however chocolate is unlikely to get you arrested. So you can possess or consume several pounds of it with the fear of being sent to jail.
7. Chocolate is good for you!
Well dark chocolate is anyway. Recent studies suggest that chocolate, and especially dark chocolate, contains chemicals that lower the risk of cancer and heart disease. Flavanoids and antioxidants in dark chocolate have been shown to make a discernible difference in cardiovascular health. Until recently, tea was considered the main source for these chemicals. But now, scientists recommend that you have a chocolate cookie or biscuit with black tea so your body gets more of those life-lengthening chemicals.
6. You can base your holidays around it!
There are several countries around the world that make a fantastic chocolate holiday destination. You might not have necessarily thought of it amongst their other tourist attractions but a trip to New York, Paris, St Lucia or Brussels can include a taste and exploration of some of the best chocolate in the world.
5. It makes a great gift!
Everybody loves chocolate so if you're ever unsure of what to get someone for their birthday, Christmas, retirement, graduation or any celebration or occasion at all, a chocolate gift box is bound to be well received.
4. Chocolate is cheaper than Prozac!
Let's face it we all know chocolate improves our mood. And I know what I would rather have prescribed to me.
3. You can take it anywhere you go!
It doesn't matter where you go - on a flight, on the commute to work, to the cinema, park, beach or on an errand - you can take a chocolate with you to any destination. The same can't be said for other things you cherish. (Try taking your cat/dog to the cinema or your favourite Slipknot CD to work).
2. You can get paid to eat chocolate!
Most chocolate companies employ tasters to monitor the quality of their produce. Generally these tasters possess no formal qualifications in chocolate production but they do have an acute sense of taste and smell. If this is you then a dream job like this one at Green and Black's awaits. Who wouldn't want to make a living eating something they love!
1. It tastes Great!
Whether it be milk, dark or white, combined with nuts, fruit or some kind of lolly, the taste of chocolate is something we simply all enjoy. After all that is why we eat it isn't it?
Spencer Samaroo, Managing Director, Moo-Lolly-Bar http://www.moolollybar.com.au/
The best online chocolate, lolly and confectionery store on the web!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?10-More-Reasons-to-Love-Chocolate&id=6085612] 10 More Reasons to Love Chocolate

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Chocolate Lovers

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=James_Anthony_Stanger]James Anthony Stanger
CHOCOLATE
The word CHOCOLATE I personally think always puts a smile on your face. It honestly doesn't matter what sort of mood you are in, if you hear someone mention 'Chocolate' you smile.
Let's admit it, we all love Chocolate. Some more than others, lol! I'll be honest and say I'm married with 2 teenage kids and all us like a bit of chocolate. However it's not easy to have any without my daughter eating it all before we get some. Whether it's just a simple bar of chocolate or some fantastic Chocolate cake. In fact my daughter insists that at her wedding, she intends to have a 'Chocolate' Wedding Cake.
Now one of the best inventions I think in recent years have been the invention of the 'Chocolate Fountain' I know my family was one of the first in our group of friends to buy one. Then again if we had waited a little while we could of brought one for far less than we paid. Since buying it I don't think we have held a party or some events, where we haven't used the fountain. Everyone loves it. Whether we keep it simple by just using strawberry's or got the full way so to speak and also have marsh-mellows and other fruits to dip into the running chocolate.
Now i'll be honest when we first brought the fountain we tried all different ways to make it work probably. Let's be honest the instructions that come with the machine make it sound so simple, but they're not. We found mixing a little cooking oil with quality eating chocolate made for the best option.
Obviously we use the 'chocolate fountain' on special occasions as I have already said. During the week we all love a bar or two, but nothing it better than when either my wife or my daughter decide to make cakes etc. Whether it's a nice chocolate cake to go with a nice cup of coffee on a winters afternoon or maybe a selection of frozen chocolate dipped strawberry's to accompany a nice cold drink on a hot summers afternoon, chocolate Helps.
My favourites are:
Chocolate Covered Truffles
Cookies And Cream Truffles
Triple Chocolate Fudge
Double Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Balls
Congo Bars
Chocolate Vanilla Chip Biscotti
Canal Street Brownies
Mudslide Brownies
Death By Chocolate
Rocky Road Candy
All of which my wife loves to make. Thankfully.
Now be honest with me. If whilst you read this article you mouth didn't water once, you can not be human! Or then again maybe your one of those very few people who doesn't like chocolate. Bad Luck.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Chocolate-Lovers&id=6470781] Chocolate Lovers

Thursday, December 8, 2011

5 Wording Ideas for Custom Candies Wedding Favor

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Quennie_V.]Quennie V.
Personalized M&M's can be used for many occasions. One of which is having them given away as a wedding favor. You could change the color that matches your wedding color, put your picture on it and put short phrases on it. If you preferred to give away custom M&M's on your wedding, you have the option to put short phrases and short messages on each M&M candy. But your option is very limited because only up to 19 characters are allowed on each candy. So you might have to go informal in some way by using "text message" wordings.
Here are 5 wordings that you can put on your personalized M&M's wedding favor:
1) Date of your wedding
It could be in formats like mm/dd/yy or mm-dd-yyyy. The candies will end up being eaten but your guests will surely remember the date and how cute your personalized M&M's wedding favor was.
2) The couple's names
Just the first names of course. It would not fit a single M&M candy if the complete name is used. For example, James & Gina, Rob & Tina, etc.
3) Together Forever!
This phrase will surely spruce up the romance on your wedding. Your guests will definitely think of your wedding favor as something sweet and I'm not just talking about the taste. It may be a short, common and simple phrase. But it would truly show the strength of your relationship.
4) Thx 4 coming!
Thank your guests for coming to your wedding. This may be a shortened phrase but they will still get the message and will truly appreciate it. You don't have to worry about informality at all once they put the M&M's candy in their mouth.
5) Mr & Mrs at last!
Show your guests how happy you are to be bonded with each other. Who cares if it's cheesy or mushy? It's your wedding and you should care less about what others would think. The only important thing here is that you and your wife-to-be or husband-to-be are now one.
Those wordings for your personalized M&M's wedding favor aren't even 19 characters long and will definitely make your guests smile. You don't have to worry about your wedding favor ending up in a clutter box or in the attic. Your guests will enjoy your M&M's wedding favor while they munch on it.
If you need more wording ideas to put on your personalized M&M's wedding favor, just visit this page: [http://www.squidoo.com/personalized-mms-wedding-favor-ideas]Personalized M&M's Wedding Favor Ideas.
Quennie V. has been writing since the age of 16. She can write about any topic but prefers to write on things that is of her interest.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Wording-Ideas-for-Custom-Candies-Wedding-Favor&id=6475427] 5 Wording Ideas for Custom Candies Wedding Favor