Monthly Archives: September 2012
Hot Chocolate
September 12, 2012
Winter is coming. Dang. That felt so good! I‘ve been wanting to say that and actually mean it since I just recently hopped on the Game of Thrones bandwagon. If you happen to be as crazy about the series as I am, telepathically highfive me!
Again, winter is coming. It will get nippier by the minute outside. Wouldn’t it be nice to just stay in the house and feel all snuggly with a cup of good ol' hot chocolate in tow? And a good book wouldn’t be so bad, either.
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Chocolate Losing To Cocaine?
September 11, 2012
Colombia is often viewed as a large supplier of narcotic drugs to the USA. It turns out that cocaine has surpassed chocolate as being the more "in demand" product from that country.
Part of the problem is that cocoa bean prices have really hit a downward spiral, dropping 40% in 2012 alone from Columbia which is the third-largest supplier in South America. While the prices for cocaine has been rather constant and stable, as stated by both the police and growers alike.
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Milk Chocolate Fans Don’t Dig Bitter Chocolate Taste
September 7, 2012
On a personal note, as a consumer of chocolates as a child, I used to despise the taste of dark chocolates. For me, you don't get to enjoy the fullness and richness of the chocolate if it tastes so bitter.
Of course people carry with them a number of cultural and emotional biases whenever they eat. What you have grown up with, what you always consumed, for example, can really influence the way you view foods as they are. Chocolate is the same way. Therefore chocolate manufacturers have to constantly invent and make new innovations to satisfy the worldwide market of chocolate consumers.
In the technological and digital age, foodies are almost everywhere. More and more people are taking photos and videos of their food, blogging about certain dishes, and boast of having such a delicate palate that they are keen enough to find the exquisiteness of some food.
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The ‘Emotional’ Benefits of Chocolate
September 6, 2012
Many experts have advertised that it takes only a spoonful of chocolate to send a person into a sense of bliss and ecstasy. This may sound like it's a bit of an exaggeration, but recent research shows that certain foods can affect people's mood similarly to prescription medications.
Naturally occurring chemicals in foods can be considered as a smart and safe choice rather than having to take pills for mood enhancement. I personally believe that it is just wise and healthy to go 'green' and natural in the food we consume. Aside from the many benefits it brings, it also assures us of no harmful synthetic chemicals entering our bodies.
The Torrey Pines Institute of Molecular Studies located in California conducted a study of the effects of more than 1,700 commonly occurring substances that are present in everyday foods. The fact that chocolate is known to have a 'positive' boosting effect on people's mood made it a good candidate for further scrutiny in the study.
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Bourbon Fudge
September 5, 2012
Bourbon Fudge is described as a luscious dessert which is composed of Bourbon whiskey, almonds, and of course, chocolate.
Bourbon refers to a type of American whiskey. It's a barrel-aged distilled spirit that is made mainly out of corn. The history of the name of the spirit can be traced back to an area called Old Bourbon. It has been around since 1800. You may come across it anywhere in America, but it's strongly linked to the American South in general, and Kentucky in particular.
Go ahead and whip this up as soon as you hit the kitchen and you just might make a treat which will make you the talk of the town (or household)!
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