Monthly Archives: April 2014
Pecan Turtle Brownies
April 30, 2014
Here is something you will learn eventually. Either a person like nuts in his or her brownies, or they don’t.
There are people that I personally know who had sworn off nuts, and it’s not because of allergies and whatnot. They simply aren’t fans of the taste. Or texture? But whatevs. Me, I will forever love nuts in my brownies (and cookies, and frosting, among many others)!
There is one thing that’s hard to resist, though. And it’s turtle brownies! Even the finickiest eater cannot say no when you play the turtle card. I’ve always been a loud and proud pecan-lover, and it goes without saying it’s one of the things that make me gush about this recipe. However, you can choose to top these brownies with a thick layer of caramel, chocolate chips and pecans.
Problems with Chocolate Milk Ban
April 25, 2014
Recently, a pilot study done by scientists at Cornell University's Food and Brand Lab has shown that offering skim milk in lieu of chocolate milk during school lunch diminished the milk sales by 10% and amplified milk waste by 29%. 11 Oregon elementary schools participated in an effort to eliminate unnecessary sugar intake.
The school district's PTA members were against chocolate milk, believing it’s equally bad as soda. Such a policy may get rid of the added sugar in chocolate milk, but it’s also in some sort asking for trouble, nutritional- and economic-wise. Little kids, more often than not, don't choose foods for health, but instead for taste.
German Chocolate Cake Frosting
April 23, 2014
German chocolate cake, initially dubbed as German's chocolate cake, refers to a layered, chocolate cake filled and topped with a coconut-pecan frosting.
Contrary to popular belief, German chocolate cake does not trace its roots back to Germany, as it originated in the United States. It was 1852 when an American named Sam German developed a type of dark baking chocolate for the American Baker's Chocolate Company.
Just so you know, making German Chocolate cake frosting from scratch makes an astounding difference! If the canned stuff is all you’ve ever tried, then have a blast with this one. It’s actually a breeze to make, too. I could make the icing all the time and just eat that!
Beacon Hill Brownies
April 16, 2014
Fun fact! Where did the term ‘brownie points’ come from? Oops. Sorry. I don’t know either.
All I know is it’s a hypothetical social currency, and you can earn them by doing good deeds or earning favor in the eyes of a certain person. Here’s a legit fun fact: Albeit cannabis is the most controversial brownie mix-in, walnut tops the list of favorite brownie add-ins. And it’s legal.
I believe that brownies are best when they’re chewy. However, there are two kinds of people. Those who like cake-y brownies, and those who like fudgy ones. To which group do you belong?
Your Gut Bacteria Makes Chocolate Healthier
April 11, 2014
Dark chocolate has been known to have a plethora of health benefits. We’ve heard it time and again that it’s good for the heart and that having chocolate regularly gives you lower body weight.
Just recently, scientists have unveiled one of the many reasons. Bacteria in the gut turn cocoa into compounds that lower inflammation and make us feel full.
Well, isn’t it a delightful time to be a dark-chocolate lover! Word has it that the magic may reside in our own bellies. Science says so. Yeah, science!
Chewy Chocolate Orange Bars
April 9, 2014
Remember the days when you got all giddy just thinking of those chocolate oranges wrapped in foil? You could only enjoy on after whacking it on a hard surface so the "slices" are separated inside. Many adults consider those one of their favorites.
To this day, the combination of chocolate and orange is still dearly loved. Here’s a chewy brownie recipe with a pleasant hint of orange and just the right amount of sweetness.
Chocolate Cravings Explained
April 4, 2014
Chocolate is one of the world’s favorite things. It’s way beyond just a treat. It’s unimaginable, even, to know there’s chocolate in the pantry and just ignore it. Why can’t we just resist its allure? Why can’t we do without it? The psychology behind these intense chocolate cravings is becoming more and more controversial a topic for researchers.
Dr. Amy Jo Stavnezer, a professor of psychology and neuroscience, can give some explanation for the existence of such cravings. “The experience of eating chocolate releases dopamine in particular brain regions. That same dopamine is released during sex, laughter and other activities that are enjoyable. Moreover, the frontal lobe creates a memory of this experience, so whenever people think of chocolate, the brain craves for that same experience again.”, she says.
Mint Chocolate Chip Milk Shake
April 2, 2014
You may not be in the warmest place as of the moment, but in some parts of the globe, it’s summer-like!!
Warm days are the perfect time to indulge in icy treats on the back porch after you’ve called it a day at work. There’s something comforting about sitting around with family enjoying frozen treats. It never fails to wake up the kid in me and makes me remember my glory days running around with nothing to stress about. Ah, childhood memories!
A milkshake made with fresh milk and cream, dark chocolate chips, peppermint extract and chocolate fudge sauce make about as good as a dessert can get in my book. Even diabetics can tweak this recipe a little bit and enjoy this cold treat!