Chocolate University Online Blog
You may ask what is better than a breakfast cereal that can also provide that sugar rush you need on a daily basis? But since you’re on this website, I think you and I agree, that there’s nothing better than chocolate!
 Candy giant, the Hershey Company, has taken another step into making their chocolates a little bit health friendly while providing the same great taste. They will soon be launching Hershey’s Simple Pleasure, a little cream filled chocolate that will contain up to 30% less fat than other milk chocolates.
These will contain 110-120 calories that will surely be a phenomenal hit. Each serving will include a six pieces that contains 22 grams of sugar. By law, the FDA sets restrictions on the amount of sugar, fat and calorie contents found in everyday treats like chocolates and cereals. They are monitoring these contents and have commended Hershey’s that their latest creation is a bold move.
People are fond of eating candy and chocolates not because of their nutritional content, however. They eat treats like these because they are just really yummy. So one has to figure that if people are going to be indulging from time to time, any big and leading candy company must come up with a product that caters to people’s ever changing needs.
This significant decrease in the calorie content can be considered as a smart move. People can enjoy the chocolates without worrying so much about their weight. Of course this assumes they don’t eat 30% more than they would have otherwise. 
But, even though lower fat chocolates have had a tough time catching on, Hershey’s can be commended on this move that advocates for a healthier chocolate-consuming-community coupled with a more conscious approach for people’s health.
On the business side, Hershey’s is very much expecting an increase not only in revenue but as well as money spent on advertising. Surely, Simple Pleasures will be supported and backed up by a very large and dedicated ad campaign program.
Categories: chocolate in the news
Tags: chocolate candy, Hershey Company, low fat chocolate
In celebration of excellent pairings, the Hotel Los Gatos now gives you Fireside Fridays as the perfect getaway from a seemingly busy week in Silicon Valley. This event features a wine and chocolate ensemble from 5pm to 7pm every Friday for the whole month of April and May.
Every week, they will also showcase a local variety of cheeses and an array of delectable taste tests. If this sounds good to you, you’ll find the hotel located in the friendly neighborhood of Los Gatos, just a few minutes away from the airport of San Jose.
Local wines from the Santa Cruz Mountain area are served. So enthusiasts can enjoy Testarossa, Thomas Fogarty, the Mountain Winery to name a few. The tangent Dio Deka restaurant and a Michelin-star treasure is a sight for anyone who wants to enjoy a very relaxing couple’s weekend. Reservations of the surrounding hotels and any conference facilities can be reserved and booked through their website of www.hotellosgatos.com.
For people who prefer a different twist, chocoholics can attend and enjoy the Rivers of Chocolate festival being hosted at the Mountain Winery located in Saratoga on April 29. The festival is known as the wine, chocolate and savory event of the Northern California area. Last year the event boasted 80 chocolatiers, restaurateurs, confectioners, vintners and other vendors. Live music, as well as silent auctions, are some of the side events being offered.
Passport wineries are being opened every third Saturday of January, April, July, and the month of November from 11am up to 5 in the afternoon, as well during the very regular hours. Each season hosts something new and different to the vineyards. From the pruning in the winter, to crush in the fall, wineries are a hotspot bustling with lots of activities all year round!
You can even meet the talented and professional wine makers of Santa Cruz Mountains and witness how some of the world class wines are being made from the start. Wine tasters can take their time and choose lots of options as to where to look for wines. Once these passes are completed, they can be changed to prizes, as well as event tickets.
So much to check out!
Categories: chocolate in the news
Tags: chocolate destinations, chocolate pairing, wine
The cacao tree is the source of all the chocolates in the world. It grows in abundant and rich soils in tropical rainforests, located around a global belt that is situated from 10 degrees north to 10 degrees south of the Equator.
While the source of the cacao flavor comes through the genetics of the plant, the drying and fermenting process of the cacao beans after harvest are large contributing factors. Aside from that, the rich composition of soil in the tropics, as well as the climate, contributes to the varying regional differences in the flavors of these cacao beans.
Have you ever heard about Single-Origin Chocolate? Single-origin chocolate indicates that the cocoa beans used to produce the bar are from one specific region or country.
The processes of producing chocolate vary among the many and varying regions of Venezuela such as the Chuao, Porcelana, Maracaibo and Sur del Lago; to the regions of Java in the Pacific, Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean and Sao Tome, a far flung island off the west coast of Africa.
Different types of chocolates are produced from different areas, and their tastes can serve as a geographic point of reference.
Just so you know, Single Origin Cacao pertains to a pure and monorigin cacao that has been cultivated in one particular region or any chocolate that is derived from these beans.
On the other hand, Grand Cru Cacao is a term originally coined for a larger area origin bar, composed of a mixture of beans originating from South America rather than a specific country or region within. Premier Cru/Estate Grown Cacao is also a marketing term.
These days chocolate bar manufacturers like to promote their cacao origins so if they produce from a specific region they are likely to put that on the label. Take a look next time you grab a bar. Chocolate may originate from different parts of the world, but one thing’s for sure, chocolate tastes divine in every form or type.
Categories: fun chocolate facts
Tags: chocolate facts, single origin
If you have a fancy for baking sweet treats but you don’t have the luxury of time, you can always look for certain ways that you can still squeeze your creative juices out, sans spending a lot of time. Microwave can come in handy, too.
Did you know that chocolate accidentally paved way for the creation of the microwave oven? Scientists during the World War II were building devices called magnetrons for radar sets. One of them allegedly walked by a cavity magnetron while it was at work. Then, he suddenly felt some heat and realized that the chocolate bar he had with him melted into a sticky mess.
Enough with the fun fact for the mind, now you can go ahead and whip up something to make your tummy happy!
Microwave Fudge
• 2 cups miniature marshmallows
• 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 dash salt
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1/2-1 cup nuts
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
In 2 quart glass measure, combine marshmallows, milk, and salt. Microcook on HIGH 3-4 minutes. Stir until marshmallows melt and mixture is smooth. Add chips and stir until melted. Stir in nuts and vanilla.
Line 8 or 9-inch square pan with wax paper. Spread fudge evenly in pan. Chill 2 hours, until firm. Turn on to cutting board, peel off paper and cut into squares. |
Enjoy!
Categories: chocolate recipes
Tags: chocolate dessert, favorite food, fudge, snacking
It started out with a rather simple idea. It’s Valentine’s Day, and your better half is going to bring home some chocolate treats for you. That’s almost always the case, even for the founder of Decadence, Audrey Romanski. We are all just hanging around thinking how to lose some weight, so she was able to come up with the idea of chocolate lingerie. Instead of surprising your wife with a box of ordinary and unsurprising chocolates, why not give her some chocolate lingerie?
The proprietor, Romanski, started with this business a few years ago, just operating from her home in Forestdale Avenue situated in Kinnelon, New Jersey, which incidentally is still the main headquarters up to this point in time.
Romanski had been doing well in the business of selling lingerie, but if not for an old friend’s help, the business couldn’t have boomed as it has been doing now. One of the clients did a Republican Convention situated at the Trump Plaza. She blurted out about a runway show. Romanski was head over heels about the idea. That fast and that early? She called Greg Pires and didn’t have to ask twice.
Romanski immediately sought a meeting with Pires when she was still working as a fabric manager at the Rag Shop in Kinnelon. After they officially presented their wears, they moved to showcasing their masterpieces at home parties. Decadence has been asking for 10-20 invitations for the hostess while the guests gather at the house and the partners show off an entire collection of 30-40 pieces, according to Romanski herself.
The two have shown a flair for this type of business as far north as West Milford and as far south as Phillipsburg. The dubbed “lion’s share” of the shindigs are held in this area of New Jersey.
What they’re trying to voice out to people is that, everyone is beautiful the way they are. No matter what size you are, it doesn’t matter. You can feel the best you just by being you. They wanted all women to feel that way. And, what better than chocolate to make the point!
Categories: chocolate in the news
Tags: chocolate lingerie, chocolate novelties, not quite chocolate
Regular consumption of chocolate has been recently linked to healthy weight, based on a study involving 1,000 adults done at the University of California at San Diego.
Dr. Beatrice Golomb, who led the research which is published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, said: “People have just assumed that because it comes with calories and it’s typically eaten as a sweet… it would inherently have been one way: bad.”
1,000 mostly middle-aged adults participated in the research. They had their dose of exercise three times a week and their dose of chocolate twice a week. People who had more frequent ingestion of chocolate usually had lower body mass indexes.
It’s understandable that chocolate manufacturers are quick to cite the benefits of chocolate, and so are fitness trainers.
A lot of personal trainers are attesting to the contributions of chocolate to fitness, particularly when you engage yourself in a strenuous workout or right after exercising.
Blake Raun, a trainer at Lifetime Fitness in Chicago, said, ”Chocolate can increase one’s resting metabolic rate.” He added, ”Having a higher resting metabolic rate means better metabolism and the more calories one can burn.”
The resting metabolic rate (RMR) refers to the minimum amount of calories that the body requires in supporting basic physiological functions. However, fitness trainers are not recommending chocolate as a separate supplement to their client, but they admit that chocolate indeed packs a lot of benefits in exercise performance.
Golomb also commended the benefits of chocolate in fitness. She also pointed out how chocolate milk is all the rage as a sports drink during and after a strenuous workout these days. She cited the results from the research that involved lab rats.
She said, ”Chocolate essentially acted as an exercise magnet, allowing rats to run farther and increase muscle mass.” She also added that such studies involving rats have indicated that these animals tend to have an increase in their endurance, thus giving a reason to anticipate this pattern in humans.
The next time you want to break a sweat at the gym, you might want to consider bringing along some chocolate with you. You can share it with your gym buddies, too!
Categories: chocolate in the news
Tags: chocolate studies, healthy chocolate, metabolism, nutritional benefits
Chronic fatigue syndrome refers to a disorder which tends to cause extreme fatigue. It’s not the exhausted feeling you get which just goes away after you get some rest. Rather, it typically stays around for at least 6 months and holds you back from going about your daily routine efficiently.
Symptoms of chronic fatigue include physiological problems like tender lymph nodes, sore throat, sleep problems, pain in multiple joints, headaches, memory problems, and muscle pain, among others.
Other medical disorders come with these symptoms, as well, making it difficult to diagnose. The precise causative factors for chronic fatigue syndrome are still unknown. Practically anyone can suffer from it, but it is commonly seen in women in their 40′s and 50′s. It can’t be cured, but it is highly treatable.
Chocolate, which is rich in polyphenol, could improve the symptoms of this illness. Cocoa has been proven to boost the production of neurotransmitters in the brain such as anandamide, phenyl ethylamine, and serotonin.
Studies were done regarding the impacts of polyphenol-rich chocolate in individuals suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. Turns out, polyphenol-rich chocolate helps in improving the symptoms experienced by the patients. Two participants were even able to go back to work after experiencing all the troublesome symptoms for two years long. Thus, they stayed on high cocoa polyphenol-rich chocolate.
To sum it all up, having 15g high cocoa polyphenols rich chocolate thrice every day can improve the tired feeling and enhance the overall function of patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome over an 8-week period.
It’s official, chocolate studies just keep getting better!
Categories: chocolate in the news, fun chocolate facts
Tags: chocolate facts, chocolate studies, neurotransmitters, phenylethylamine, polyphenols, serotonin
Chocolate and coconut makes an excellent combination when you want to come up with a delectable chocolate lover’s recipe.
This recipe is easy to make and calls for only a few ingredients. These chocolate coconut bites are perfect as a family snack time treat. They’re also delightful if you’re looking to come up with something that’s easy to whip up and serve at parties. Also, they make for a good gift, especially when the person you’re giving them to is a self-proclaimed chocoholic.
Coconut, when blended in with chocolate, provides with a deliciously succulent and subtle sensation in the mouth. Whether you’re making them to make your children jump for joy or you’re aiming to impress people at your office party, you might want to consider this recipe. It’s extremely easy to make as balls or bars.
Chocolate Coconut Candies
• 1 cup cold or warm mashed potatoes
• 1 pound powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 pound flaked coconut
• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons shortening
Mix potatoes, powdered sugar, and almond extract in large bowl. Stir in coconut. Heat chocolate chips and shortening over low heat until melted.
Coconut Balls: Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper; shape into balls. If mixture is too soft, refrigerate until able to handle. Dip 1 ball at a time until coated; place on waxed paper. Chill balls until firm.
Coconut Bars: Press mixture into an ungreased 13×9-inch pan. Spread with melted chocolate. Chill until firm; cut into bars 2×1 inch. |
Enjoy!
Categories: chocolate recipes
Tags: chocolate candy, chocolate dessert, chocolate pairings, coconut
Chocolate is deemed healthier compared to a lot of fruit juices. It’s even considered as a superfood in its own right, according to a recent research conducted by an American-based chocolate company.
Superfoods are foods that contain high levels of compounds and antioxidants that help in preventing damage to healthy cells. Scientists from the Hershey Centre for Health & Nutrition in America discovered that powdered dark chocolate contains higher amounts of polyphenols and antioxidants, which are known to protect cardiac conditions and cancer.
Take fruit juice out of the picture as chocolate proves to be much better in boosting one’s health, a recent study has indicated. Cocoa and dark chocolate have higher antioxidant capacity compared to fruit juices, such as pomegranate, cranberry, and blueberry powder, based on a study seen in Chemistry Central Journal.
Chocolate products also prove to contain higher levels of polyphenol and flavanols. The difference between dark chocolate and pomegranate juice wasn’t massive, researchers discovered. But still, dark chocolate outdid other juices in the antioxidant department. However, it’s not applicable to hot cocoa mix since it is highly processed.
“When looking for a sweet snack, a square of dark chocolate might, in fact, be your healthiest choice,” says Suzanne Steinbaum, who is a cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital based in Manhattan. The findings came as no surprise to her though. It has long been known that antioxidants help keep the arteries in good shape, thus preventing heart diseases.
The researchers said: “Cocao seeds should be considered a superfruit and products derived from cocao seed extracts, such as natural cocoa powder and dark chocolate, as superfoods.”
Dark chocolate has always been hyped for the health benefits it packs, such as lowering blood pressure. Nevertheless, these healthy perks do not necessarily extend to chocolate milk.
Categories: chocolate in the news
Tags: antioxidants, chocolate science, chocolate studies, flavanols, healthy chocolate, polyphenols, super foods, super fruits
May and June are months that are typically jam-packed with all sorts of academic graduations, which is yet another accomplishment to be celebrated in life. That said, all graduates deserve some special award for all the efforts they have put in to finish this long journey in their lives. Chocolate Graphics International can deliver to that specific need.
Chocolate Graphics International offers some customized chocolates intended for graduates. Any gift with a personal touch is a sure hit to the recipient. These personalized chocolates use top quality milk chocolate, white chocolate, as well as delectable dark chocolate. The process involves the creation of raised embossed chocolate design, which is way better than simply printing on the chocolate. Not only is it in style, but it also tastes sensational.
This is such a groundbreaking product, and it stands out in the market. Since its debut, it has been tremendously liked by consumers.
“The attraction to Chocolate Graphics® is the unique business concept and the fact that from a competitive standpoint, there are no other companies with the same process.” says Carol Webster, Marketing Manager of Chocolate Graphics International USA.
Chocolate Graphics International is an Australian-based company offering customized, embossed chocolate treats. Such treats are perfect gifts for weddings, promotional purposes, and practically any occasions. Chocolate Graphics International is a progressing company. It grew from a small cottage-based business in the year 1996 to a worldwide industrial venture in 2008.
Categories: chocolate in the news
Tags: chocolate celebrations, chocolate gifts, chocolate graphics, personalized chocolates
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