Chocolate University Online Blog
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and several events are already planned out in celebration of the love season, one of which is the 10th annual Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival happening on February 10-14.
Chocolate tasting and over fifteen sparkling and humongous ice sculptures are expected in the city center of Salem. Ice Sculpture Themes include the SSU Viking, a crystal snowflake, a single-room room school house, TinTin and Snowy, a dragon, Marilyn Monroe, and the Salem Witch. Huge discounts, along with free chocolate are also to be expected from a lot of many business establishments downtown.
The festival officially kicks off with a Chocolate and Wine Tasting which is happening Friday, February 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, at Hamilton Hall, 9 Chestnut Street. Wine and chocolate samplings that will be presented in this drool-inducing event are courtesy of premier Salem restaurants, stores and sweet shops. The tasting will be sponsored by the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites. Tickets cost $25 each and you can get them in advance at 265 Essex Street at the Salem Chamber of Commerce.
As long as the weather permits on February 11 & 12 from 12 to 4 pm, you can take advantage of the trolley rides around the festival offered by the Salem Trolley which costs $1 for adults, while children are charged nothing. Pick up locations include the Salem Visitor Center, Pickering Wharf and Washington Street near Eastern Bank.
Furthermore, downtown Salem has an abundance of places to eat. This makes it an ideal venue for a romantic dinner or a casual lunch. And to celebrate the chocolate weekend, a number of the most renowned restaurants in Salem will be offering special chocolate on their menus such as desserts and cocktails. Salem retailers who are taking part in the festival will be having in-store promotions, creative displays, and products that lean towards Valentine’s Day and chocolate. Such products include chocolate fondue/fountain and Valentine-inspired dog treats.
Salem Main Streets, the Salem Chamber of Commerce, and local merchants, restaurant and business owners are looking forward to have you in the 10th annual Salem’s So Sweet, Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival. If you are in the area, don’t miss out on the chance to be in Salem’s sweetest event of the year.
For any questions regarding the festival, contact (978) 744-0004 or visit one of these websites: www.salemmainstreets.org or www.salem-chamber.org.
Categories: chocolate in the news
Tags: chocolate celebrations, chocolate holidays, Valentine's Day
Chocolate, a native to Mexico, has been a staple there for centuries already. Initially, they enjoyed chocolate as a drink. They made variations og chocolate by incorporating different flavors and ingredients such as honey, spices, and nuts, among many others. The chocolate beverages they made did not have a sweet taste to them. Nevertheless, it was well-loved by the Aztec and Mayan royalty.
The Aztecs were whipping up and enjoying their hot chocolate drinks when the Spaniards arrived. They took the cacao beans along with them as they headed home, and started enhancing the flavors by adding milk and sugar. You can trace the roots of the hot chocolate drink recipe back to that. Shortly thereafter, chocolate became all the rage in European royal places. Special china pots and cups were produced, intended only for drinking hot chocolate. Nowadays, such kitchenware are considered as collectors’ items and can sell for a fortune if they come in a complete set.
  Hot chocolate drinks are still enjoyed by the people of Mexico today, and the rest of the world, for that matter. They prepare it with cinnamon and authentic Mexican chocolate. And if you have access to a disk of Mexican chocolate in local Latino markets, then your chocolate drink gets all the more authentic. Otherwise, just opt for unsweetened chocolate.
And among the things that make a real Mexican hot chocolate such a winner is the frothiness. In contemporary times, mixers or immersion blenders are utilized to create froth, but the authentic way to do so is by means of using a whisk called molinillo.
A molinillo is a wooden tool which was invented by the Spaniards in the 17th century in Mexico. The molinillo is held between the palms and rotated by rubbing the palms together. By doing so, you create froth in the drink. Molinillo’s are actually still available even in this day and age. You can look them up and buy them online.
But before anybody was able to come up with the idea of creating the molinillo, they used to create froth by pouring hot chocolate back and forth using two cups. This certain frothing process tends to make hot chocolate cool down, and you wouldn’t want your hot chocolate cold, do you?
Today, frothy chocolate is made using machines. But if authentic Mexican hot chocolate is your thing, a molinillo can always come in handy! 
Categories: fun chocolate facts
Tags: aztecs, chocolate drinks, chocolate facts, chocolate history, hot chocolate, mayans
Plain chocolate cake is downright delicious, but at times, it can become such a bore. (Did I really say that?) And what better way to give it more oomph than putting in additional ingredients. Case in point: carrots.
One of the most sought-after nutritional benefits you can get from carrots is the beta-carotene that gets converted into vitamin A, helpful for eyesight. But aside from that, carrots have been proven to lower the levels of cholesterol in the system and also aid in combating heart attacks and cancer.
However, there are people who just aren’t big fans of carrots, or vegetables, for that matter. If you’re one of them, fret not because the carrot-y taste is not gonna outstand the chocolaty taste. Instead, the carrot will just enhance the overall flavor of the chocolate cake.
You can serve this cake to your kids who hate vegetables with passion, and they will never even know it has carrots while getting all the nutrients carrot offers!
Chocolate Carrot Cake
• 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
Pre-heat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine carrots, sugar and oil. Pour water over the mixture. In a separate bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients. Add to the carrot mixture and mix well.
Pour into a non-stick or lightly oiled 8-inch square pan. Bake for 35
minutes. |
Enjoy!
Categories: chocolate recipes
Tags: carrot cake, carrots, chocolate cake, vitamin A
Good news to every chocophile out there. Pretty soon, your favorite guilty pleasure will be way more pleasurable! Students of the University of Applied Sciences in Wels, Austria are currently working to develop a certain type of chocolate that does not only taste good but also packs a lot of nutritional benefits.
I know where you’re getting at, and you may be right. Yes, it’s no surprise that chocolate has a lot of health advantages to offer, specifically because of the high antioxidant properties it contains. But this one is of different level, a higher one.
The students were able to come up with the special chocolate through a project in their course of organic and environmental technology. They were looking to bring the healthy apple back into the diet of Upper Austrians. The bitter-tasting and filled chocolate is made out of old, native apple varieties that are purified using apple brandy in oak barrels.
Certain varieties of apples contain high levels of polyphenols which are proven to prevent vascular deposits in humans, according to project leader Othmar Höglinger from the faculty for technology and environmental sciences at the University in Upper Austria. The main problem encountered, however, is the trouble in separating the healthy ingredients in the apple in order for them not to be harmed by oxygen so they are still able to seep through to the intestine when eaten in the chocolate, according to Höglinger.
The team, which is composed of biotechnologists with ages between 20 and 25 years old, is aiming to overcome this obstacle hopefully in two years’ time. The students of University of Applied Sciences are collaborating with chocolatiers, Martin Mayer Schokoladen in the development of this nutritious treat.
Sorry to pop your bubble, but you should still go easy on this particular chocolate as it still packs as many calories as a regular bar.
Categories: chocolate in the news
Tags: chocolate science, health benefits, healthy chocolate, nutrition, nutritional benefits, super fruits
Recent research has shown that a daily cocoa fix cuts down your risk of having bowel cancer. This is one of the newest findings with regard to the nutritional benefits of cocoa beans.
Previous studies have shown that, indeed, chocolate packs a lot of health benefits. Of particular interest is all the potent antioxidants it contains which are known to combat those detrimental molecules called free radicals. Consumption of cocoa has also been associated with diabetes control, as well as keeping blood pressure and heart disease under control.
Dr. Maria Arribas of the Science and Technology Institute of Food and Nutrition in Spain led the most recent research along with her team. They conducted an experiment aiming to find out if the food could prevent rats from developing bowel cancer as they are exposed to tumor-inducing chemicals. Arribas said: “Foods like cocoa, which is rich in polyphenols, seem to play an important role in protecting against disease.”
Bowel cancer, by the way, is a general term that refers to cancer that originates in the large bowel. At times, it is referred to as colon or rectal cancer depending on the location it originated from.
One group of rats used in the experiment was given daily supply of food that contains 12 percent of cocoa for eight weeks, while another group didn’t have any cocoa in their diet.
After some time, the lab rats were exposed to a carcinogen known as azoxymethane which is known to cause colon cancer. After four weeks of being exposed, these rats started having intestinal cancer. Turns out, the group of rats that received cocoa had a relatively lower number of pre-cancerous lesions as compared to the other group.
The study is supposedly the first to link cocoa to the prevention of bowel cancer. However, it is still premature and requires deeper exploration to know how humans could take advantage of the raw materials.
Nevertheless, Sarah Williams, a spokesperson from Cancer Research UK advised that high amounts of chocolate can have a negative effect. She commented this because the rats were given rather humongous quantities of cocoa. She also pointed out how sticking to a healthy diet like intake of plenty of fruits and veggies and cutting back on processed and red meat are of the essence. Staying physically active and avoiding nicotine and alcohol altogether are also among your best shots at decreasing your chance of having cancer.
Categories: chocolate in the news
Tags: antioxidants, azoxymethane, cancer, chocolate science, chocolate studies, polyphenols
Chocolate never fails to give an enjoyable experience, especially if you are enjoying quality chocolate. It provides rich and intricate flavors that vary from one chocolate to another.
Truth be told, the flavor components found in chocolate are more than those of red wine. You get the full experience in eating chocolate if you savor it by eating slowly. Every type of chocolate offers a different set of flavor profiles.
We know all too well that chocolate is derived from cacao beans, like wine comes from grapes. The flavors of the cacao beans are hugely affected by certain factors, namely geographical location, climate, conditions of the soil they’re planted into, the processes they undergo after being harvested, and their unique genotypes. And since there are a lot of factors that influence the flavor of a single chocolate bar, it’s crucial to taste meticulously to get the fullest flavor it can give.
And just like the unique characteristics of coffee and wine, chocolate is bursting in different complex and unique notes. The differences can bring about subtle distinctiveness in a particular chocolate. For example, cacao beans cultivated in the mountains yield a nutty flavor, while coastal Venezuelan beans give a dairy flavor. A lot of European or English milk chocolates give out a caramel flavor which is actually caused by the milk being caramelized.
Advances in chocolate-making today have reached the point of coming up with out of the ordinary flavors. You can even taste chilli in some chocolates. Other exotic notes include coconut, pineapple, cinnamon, and orchid, among many others.
When you do chocolate tasting, you also get to notice varying textures such as being buttery, sugary, and the like. The most common flavors you are likely to taste are nuts, herbals, and floral. These are specific to cacao beans, but some flavors are added by chocolate makers to somehow balance the mixture of chocolates, especially those of sweeter types like milk chocolate.
You may even read on the label that vanilla, or vanallin, is added into certain bars of chocolate. Vanilla is known to balance certain blends and by some means intensify or deepen the flavors present in chocolate. Some chocolate makers even drop in a teeny weeny bit of salt, especially to milk chocolate.
If ever chocolate tasting tweaks your fancy, you’re always free to come up with your own descriptions of chocolate. Eat your heart out as you scrutinize the distinct flavors of chocolate!
And review these other resources at Chocolate University Online:
2 minute chocolate tasting interview (video)
basic chocolate tasting
Of course, for the full chocolate tasting experience, become a student at here at CUO. The first 10 weeks of study are all about chocolate tasting.
Categories: chocolate education, fun chocolate facts
Tags: chocolate facts, flavors, tasting
Truffles are the bomb. They never fail to give us the little pleasure we root for when it comes to chocolates. Below is a recipe for a strawberry truffle which is quite a variation to the conventional chocolate truffle.
Even at first sight, the heart-shaped silhouette of strawberry would give you a hint that it is good for you. They pack a lot of nutritional benefits like vitamin C, fiber, manganese, potassium, and also contain a great deal of antioxidant properties called polyphenols. Strawberries are free of sodium, fat, cholesterol, and are considered a low-calorie food.
Did you know that strawberry is a member of the rose family? Truth be told, it is not actually a real fruit or berry, but the enlarged receptacle of the flower. Interesting, eh?
Try this recipe if you plan on throwing a party, inviting people to come over to your house, or just because!
Strawberry Truffles
• 5 ounces white chocolate
• 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root
• 18 medium fresh strawberries
• 1/4 cup finely minced crystallized ginger (get it in a gourmet food
store or well-stocked supermarket)
• 1/2 cup toasted coconut
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachio nuts
Melt white chocolate in the top of a double boiler, let cool.
Beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and ginger root until smooth. Add melted white chocolate and mix well. Chill for at least 1 hour or until easy to handle.
Use a small melon baller (or small spoon) to scoop out the center of each strawberry, half way down each fruit. Pat strawberry dry. Put a little crystallized ginger into each strawberry. Shape the cheese/chocolate mixture around the fruit. Coat one end in the toasted coconut, the other in the pistachio nuts. Place truffles in candy cups and chill until serving time. |
Bon appetit!
Categories: chocolate recipes
Tags: chocolate covered fruit, confectionery, nutritional benefits, strawberries, strawberry, super fruits, truffles, white chocolate
With Valentine’s Day nearing, it seems as though love is already in the air, but not necessarily the romantic kind of love. If you have been paying attention, numerous fundraising projects are taking place this February and many of them involve chocolates! Case in point: The 13th Annual Chocolate Love A’fair in Dover, Ohio.
Lucky are the chocoholics who will come and get the chance to spoil themselves with all the chocolaty pleasures. A generous assortment of chocolate treats such as candy, truffles, tortes, and cakes, are being presented by more than 20 area restaurateurs, chefs, bakers, and chocolate makers.
The fundraising event, which is sponsored by, and will also benefit the Union Hospital Auxiliary, will be located in a roomier place now in order to accommodate more exhibitors and chocolate lovers who will pay a visit. The Chocolate Love A’fair will be held at the Buckeye Career Center cafeteria from 1 to 3 pm on February 4.
“As this event has continued to grow over the years, we’ve had to move to ever-larger facilities to accommodate more and more chocolate sampling,” claimed Lynn Ballantyne, Auxiliary project chairwoman. “We stated in the Union Hospital cafeteria, moved to J.I.M’s Place, and now we’ll be at the Buckeye Career Center, where there will be more room for everybody.”
You can get tickets in advance at Buehler’s Supermarkets in Dover and New Philadelphia, and at the Corner Shop Gift Shop at Union Hospital, and they are put up on sale for $8 per head. However, tickets can still be purchased on the spot if any are left from the advance sale.
During the affair, a panel of local celebrity judges will taste test every creation from among the entries. The chosen one will be the Judges’ Chocolate Choice Award winner. Patrons can take part by voting for the People’s Choice Awards. At 2 pm, an array of donated chocolaty treats and other gift items and certificates will be sold at an auction.
Complimentary take-home containers will be given to everyone attending the event so that aside from indulging themselves in chocolates at the event, they can also savor them at home.
You can reach the Development & Community Relations Department at (330)602-0778 if you have any more concerns.
Categories: chocolate in the news
Tags: chocolate celebrations, chocolate destinations, chocolate exhibit
The Union County Literacy Council is throwing its first fundraiser called Chocoholic Frolic which will be held at Dale Jarrett Ford on Hwy 74 in Indian Trail, NC from 6 to 8 pm on February 9, just a few days before Valentine’s Day.
Chocoholic Frolic is a chocolate sampling event that will feature delectable bite-size tastings of foodstuff from participating restaurateurs, caterers, private chefs, bakers, and wine merchants coming from Union and nearby counties. Such food items include luscious desserts, sumptuous dishes made better with chocolate and chocolate beverages.
An estimated 20 to 30 vendors and about 400 guests are arriving who will get to listen to live instrumental music by My Gentle Harp and support the Council’s mission to teach adults to read, write, and understand English constructively. The beneficial programs involve one-on-one tutoring, group instructions, books, and working around computers. “Our goal is for adults to read with confidence the most basic daily information, such as a street sign, their child’s report card, a medicine bottle, and a job application,” said Kelly Norton, Executive Director.
Norton said: “The response has been really good. People are really intrigued by having a chocolate party, and vendors are really interested and excited about it. Some of the smaller vendors see it as a great way to get out in the community and let people hear about them.”
“Gallery Restaurant is looking forward to creating a delectable dish for Chocoholic Frolic,” said Heather Tapper, the Assistant Food & Beverage Director at The Ballantyne Hotel which was among the first ones to sign up for the said event, followed by Crossroads Grill , Dolce Paradiso, Gimme A Cupcake, Lone Buddy Boy Candy, Cone Toffee, Barking Dog Bakery, and Macaroni Grill, among many others.
And don’t worry about the drinks, they got it all covered. Bottled water, as well as coffee, will be served. Beer and wine will be put up for sale and you know how they go perfectly with chocolate-flavored dishes. The Council reportedly chose February as the date for the particular festive and playful affair since they thought it screams fun especially when Valentine’s Day is nearing.
You can get tickets beforehand for $25 online (www.literacyunion.org) and at the Literacy Council’s office, 105-A E. Jefferson St. in Monroe. But you can get your general ticket on the spot for $30. Or, for $50, you can get a Patron ticket which will enable you to come in an hour earlier (for 3 hours of tasting) and get one free beer or a glass of wine.
Categories: chocolate in the news
Tags: chocolate celebrations, chocolate dessert, chocolate destinations, chocolate party
It’s hard to resist chocolates, no argument there. What if they’re made with more cocoa butter than the regular ones? How mouth-watering could that get?
Couverture chocolate is a special form of high-class chocolate used by chocolate companies and chocolatiers. It has a way richer and creamier consistency as compared to regular chocolate due to the fact that it contains a higher amount of cocoa butter. And with the right tempering, you get a more polished and glossier chocolate with a crisper “snap” when broken. It’s perfect for coating, molding, garnishing and dipping.
Not more than 100 firms worldwide manufacture couverture chocolate. Some of them create exclusively for their own private usage, while others market to other chocolatiers who don’t possess enough capacity to make their own couverture.
Couverture chocolate outstands the regular chocolate by its unique properties. One of which is its quality. Couverture chocolate specialized chocolate gets help from chocolate scouts who go on a hunt for the best cacao beans in the world, and meticulous research is being done in order to come up with the perfect bean blend for that very distinct flavor profile.
In order to be considered couverture, the chocolate should contain 32 to 39% of cocoa butter and the overall percentage of the cocoa butter together with the cocoa solids must reach at least 54%.
Never get couverture chocolate confused with confectionery chocolate or compound chocolate as these contain much less cocoa butter, if any. In addition to that, they may also have vegetable/coconut/palm oil, hydrogenated fats, and even artificial chocolate flavoring in them.
Couverture chocolate is normally not blended in with any other ingredients due to its high price and quality. It is meant to stand out on its own as an ingredient. It is perfect for chocolate fountains, the cocoa butter acts as a lubricant to prevent the chocolate from getting stickier than it should.
When you plan on trying it out for taste, you can order samples from certain companies to get the flavor profile you personally like since couverture chocolates have varying tastes depending on the source of the beans and the process they undergo.
Categories: fun chocolate facts
Tags: chocolate formulas, chocolate fountain, cocoa butter, couverture, temper, working with chocolate
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