Chocolate University Online Blog
Yep, chocolate and beer pairing is getting so popular I might as well share a recipe that has it.
It may sound bizarre to others who don’t experiment with food much, but beer and chocolate go together splendidly, especially the dark variants. The pairing sounds pretty strange but boy does it work!
People who aren’t crazy about beer often have a fancy for chocolate, so it’s safe to say it’s a win-win recipe. Huge beer fanatics can find flavors in beer that can also be found in chocolate.
With some experimentation, foodies now have come up with something that would make beer fans and chocolate lovers meet halfway. Those who have a sweet tooth are the ones who will enjoy it better, though!
Chocolate Beer Pudding Cake
Batter:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup beer
• 1/3 cup oil
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
Syrup:
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
• 3/4 cup beer
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/3 cup sugar
For batter, mix dry ingredients; make a well in center. Add beer, oil and egg to the well. Beat just until smooth. For syrup, make a paste of cocoa and a little beer. Add remaining beer and sugars. Heat to boiling. Pour batter into a greased 8-inch square baking pan. Drizzle syrup over top. Bake at 350° for 40 minutes. Cool about 5 minutes, loosen sides of cake from pan; invert onto platter. Even out pudding layer with knife. Serve warm or cool. |
Enjoy!
Categories: chocolate recipes
Tags: baking chocolate, beer, cake, chocolate dessert, chocolate pairings, food pairings, pudding, snacking
As much as soufflés sound and look intimidating, they are totally easy and simple to prepare. If done right, they can be served as a savory main dish or a sweet dessert like this Easy Chocolate Soufflé Recipe.
A soufflé is a baked cake with a light and airy texture, basically composed of egg yolks and whipped egg whites along with other uncomplicated ingredients.
The term was derived from the French word ‘souffler’ which means “to blow up” or “puff up”. In accordance with its name, a soufflé should be puffed up and fluffy when it comes out of the oven.
Ramekins are the conventional container for soufflés but it is still your call where you want it placed. There is an array of soufflé themes, but just because we’re going for the easy one doesn’t mean it’s gonna be any less good!
Easy Chocolate Soufflé
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 ounces unsweetened, fine chocolate
• 5 large eggs, separated
Preheat oven to 375° degrees. Grease and sugar the inside of a soufflé dish. Melt butter and flour in a pan over medium heat. Add milk and stir constantly. Mix in vanilla and chocolate. Mix until well blended and smooth. Cool chocolate mixture slightly and add three to four of the egg yolks; blend until smooth. Beat egg whites until firm, but not fully stiff. Place chocolate mix in a bowl; carefully fold in egg whites. Place mix in the soufflé dish. Bake for 20 minutes or until top appears to be floating, but isn’t oozing liquid. Serve immediately. |
Enjoy it right after a delightful meal or just about any time you want, fresh out of the oven.
Categories: chocolate recipes
Tags: baking chocolate, chocolate dessert, confectionery, snacking
Chocolate covered cherries have been around for quite a stretch of time already, its origins can be traced back to the 19th century when the recipe was invented by some candy making companies. Many people have it as their favorite, not only because of the pleasure it gives to the palate, but also because of its many nutritional benefits.
Cherries are known for their important nutrients such as beta carotene (19 times more than blueberries or strawberries), magnesium, potassium, fiber, folate, iron and vitamin C. New studies have revealed that a cherry-enriched diet can lower cholesterol, total weight and body fat, especially along the midsection or more commonly known as ‘belly fat’.
The festive seasons are just around the corner and one of the best ways of showing your affection to your loved ones is through gifts. Give these treats and see the joy on their faces.
Chocolate-Covered Cherries
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 16 ounces maraschino cherries with stems, well drained
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons shortening
In mixing bowl combine sugar, butter, milk and extract. Mix well. Knead into large ball. Roll into 1-inch balls and flatten each into a 2-inch circle. Wrap around cherries and lightly roll in hands. Place with stem up on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Cover loosely and refrigerate 4 hours or over night. Melt the chocolate chips and shortening in a double-boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Holding on to stem, dip cherries in to chocolate. Set on waxed paper to harden. Store in a covered container. |
Enjoy! 
Categories: chocolate recipes
Tags: cherries, chocolate covered cherries, chocolate covered fruit, chocolate dessert, favorite food, snacking
A muffin is a type of bread baked in small portions. Many forms are rather like mini cakes or cupcakes in shape, although they are often not as sweet as cupcakes and normally lack frosting. Its name was derived from the French word moufflet which generally applies to bread and means soft.
Muffin recipes originally materialized in print by mid 18th century and quickly stepped forward. By the 19th century muffin, as a marketing strategy, men walked the streets of England at tea time. They wore trays of muffins on their heads and rang their bells to attract customers.
As a matter of fact, three states in the United States of America have embraced their own official muffins. Minnesota, Massachusetts, and New York, have adopted the blueberry muffin, corn muffin, and the apple muffin as their official muffin of choice, respectively.
Enough with feeding the brain? Then go feed your tummy.
| Chocolate Chip Muffins
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Heat oven to 400°. Line 12 medium muffin cups with paper baking cups or grease bottoms only of muffin cups.
Beat milk, margarine and egg. Stir in remaining ingredients, all at once, just until flour is moistened (batter will be lumpy). Fill muffin cups about 2/3 full. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. |
Go nuts!
Categories: chocolate recipes
Tags: chocolate dessert, favorite food, muffins, snacking
Whenever we hear the word “fudge”, the soft chocolate squares we all love suddenly come into mind.
Chocolate fudge was reputably invented by an American confectioner in Baltimore, Maryland who mixed soft chocolate with caramel by accident and the rest, as they say, is history. Some people beg to disagree though as they strongly believe that fudge was a British invention. According to them, there are some variations of fudge found in the British midlands and Scotland. Nevertheless, even the best of the best British confectioners admit that chocolate fudge is indeed an American invention.
Fudge can be used both as a main or auxiliary ingredient in certain confections such as fudge-filled candies, fudge-filled cakes as well as cakes made with fudge, among so many other mouthwatering desserts.
Whether you are a chocoholic or simply enjoy chocolate, chocolate fudge can surely make for a good chocolaty treat.
Chocolate Fudge
• 2 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup margarine or butter
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk
• 7 ounces marshmallow crème
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
Line 9-inch square or 13×9-inch pan with foil so that foil extends over sides of pan; butter foil. In large saucepan, combine sugar, margarine and evaporated milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add marshmallow crème and chocolate chips; blend until smooth. Stir in walnuts and vanilla. Pour into buttered, foil-lined pan. Cool to room temperature. Score fudge into 36-48 squares. Refrigerate until firm.
Remove fudge from pan by lifting foil; remove foil from sides of fudge. Using large knife, cut through scored lines. Store in refrigerator. |
Enjoy!
Categories: chocolate recipes
Tags: chocolate dessert, favorite food, fudge, snacking
Food has a way of tasting more enjoyable when you know you have poured your heart into making it, most especially when it’s your favorite food.
The fascinating taste of chocolate pudding is considered a staple food of many people. Even when it usually contains high amounts of sugar and calories, a lot of people just can’t stay away from it. It is a necessary evil for many.
Chocolate pudding traces back its origins to chocolate custard. It was initially considered a food item suited for children with weak physical disposition because of the high calorie content, which in turn provides more energy. But it eventually became an item listed in the dessert menu of eateries.
Describing pudding as popular is an understatement. There is something gratifying about the word pudding. It brings a sense of comfort and contentment. Toss chocolate in, and bam! You come up with a chocolate pudding dessert to satisfy your every pudding and chocolate craving.
Very Chocolate Pudding
• 2 cups milk
• 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs, separated
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
Scald milk and chocolate in the top of a double boiler, stirring frequently to make it smooth. In a bowl, mix together cornstarch, sugar and salt. Slowly add chocolate mixture while stirring constantly. Return mixture to double boiler. Cook while continuing to stir until mixture thickens, then cover and cook 25 minutes stirring occasionally to keep smooth.
Beat egg yolks with sugar. Pour chocolate mixture over them while beating constantly. Return to double boiler and cook 1 minute more. Let cool. Add vanilla and beat well. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into chocolate mixture. Turn into individual bowls and chill thoroughly before serving.
For Chocolate pie, pour into 8-inch baked pie shell and chill. |
Enjoy!
Categories: chocolate recipes
Tags: chocolate dessert, favorite food, pudding, snacking
Pancakes are one of the most popular breakfast items ever created. Some people can’t get enough of them at breakfast so they have them even at dinner! But much of the time, we have a tendency to have them as snacks.
Pancakes are so mouth-watering all their own it’s hard to imagine you can jazz up its delicious taste. However, variety adds spice to life so if you ever get bored with the same old pancakes you are used to, there is an array of choices to enhance them. Squeeze out your creative juices when making them and you are bound to have interesting and new pancake recipes, be it zucchini pancakes, carrot pancakes, and yes, chocolate pancakes!
Most people typically have pancakes with just butter and syrup, but there are varieties of syrup you can choose from. Chocolate syrup, for one, can make your pancakes lip-smacking good! You can drizzle chocolate syrup or you can sprinkle chocolate shavings. Better yet, incorporate the chocolate into the batter! Here is a recipe.
| Chocolate Pancakes
• 2 cups flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 6 teaspoons cocoa powder
• 1 cup milk
• 4 teaspoons butter, melted
• 2 eggs
Combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cocoa. Add milk, melted butter, and eggs. Stir just until mixed. It’s OK if it’s still a bit lumpy. Pour or ladle on a hot griddle to whatever size pancake you’d like. Flip when bubbly and edges appear dry. |
Even William Shakespeare loved pancakes so much that he mentioned them in his plays!
Categories: chocolate recipes
Tags: breakfast, cocoa powder, snacking
With the 4th of July holiday weekend coming up, it’s time for a good party recipe. Chex mixes are always good for munching. This version is sweetened and has chocolate chips added.
As far as I am concerned the coconut, peanuts, and raisins are all optional. The chocolate is required. Modify the recipe to fit your tastes.
Chex and Chocolate Party Mix
• 9 cups your favorite Chex® brand cereals
• 2 cups shredded coconut, optional
• 1 cup peanuts
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate morsels
• 1 1/2 cups raisins
Preheat oven to 250°. Combine cereal, coconut, and peanuts in large, small roasting pan. In small saucepan over medium heat, heat brown sugar, butter and corn syrup to boiling, stirring. Then boil for 5 minutes without additional stirring. Stir in vanilla and baking soda. Pour over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly coated. Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool, stirring frequently. Stir in chocolate morsels and raisins. Store in an airtight container. |
Enjoy!
Categories: chocolate recipes
Tags: Chex, chocolate chips, snacking
Dr. Jean-Philippe Chaput of the University of Copenhagen speculates that mental stress from computer work triggers changes in blood sugar levels that trick the brain into thinking it has worked off calories that need replacing. This in turn increases an appetite for sweet treats like chocolate.
This all started when Dr. Chaput noticed a supervisor regularly snacking on chocolate when doing computer work. He then asked one group of female students to go to a computer and start working while another group was told to relax for 45 minutes.
The group doing the computer-based task only burned off three more calories than the relaxing group but later they ate 230 more calories when dining at a buffet afterwards. Much of the 230 calories came from sweets and other snack foods.
Dr. Chaput says that sitting at a computer makes you gain weight because you are sedentary, and working at one makes you gain weight because it increases your appetite.
Double Whammy.
The message in all this? Take regular screen breaks and get more physical exercise, says the doctor.
Excuse me for a second as I cut this post short. I need to get up and get some chocolate.
Categories: chocolate in the news
Tags: computers, snacking, weight loss
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