Tag Archive: chocolate dessert

Chocoholic Frolic

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.
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Chocolate Mousse Tidbits

For such a valued and delectable dessert, information about the origins of chocolate mousse is rather sparse.

The word "mousse" is a French word which means "foam" or "lather". A mousse is a certain type of food that incorporates air bubbles to give it an airy texture.  Depending on how you prepare it, it can turn out light and fluffy or creamy and thick.

It made its way into the culinary world in the 18th century which was the period when chefs in Europe, especially in France, learned about the frothing power of eggs. A French writer Menon recorded the recipes which mostly involved different kinds of dishes from fish to vegetables. It didn't take too long until the infamous 19th century French painter and cook Henri de Toulouse came up with the idea of mixing in chocolate with mousse.  He originally called it "chocolate mayonnaise", which we now know by the more appealing name "chocolate mousse".
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60-Second Chocolate Mousse

If you're having guests come over to your house, you can always serve chocolate mousse as a dessert. Whether your visitors are kids or kids at heart, chocolate mousse will definitely make you hear them go 'mmmm'. Plus, you can make it without much hassle.

Just in case you wanted to know, the word mousse is French and it means foam or lather. This is a specialty in French restaurants, which made its way into the British and American culture in the 1960s. The most essential part in creating chocolate mousse is the foam, which gives this treat an airy and light texture. You have the freedom of choice to prepare it light and fluffy or creamy and thick. It all boils down to your liking.
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Chocolate Brittle

You have the freedom in selecting the way you make your chocolate brittle. In this particular recipe, we will be using semi-sweet chocolate, but you can always opt for white, milk, or dark chocolate. It's all up to your liking, or the one you plan on giving it to. Especially now that it's December already, you can make some of these to give as a holiday gift.

But don't stop here, you can modify the recipe by using other dried fruits and nuts available in your kitchen or fridge. And always keep in mind, the quality of the chocolate brittle will be as good as the quality of the chocolate you will be using, so see to it that you use quality chocolate!
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Orange Chocolate Crunch

Chocolate is divine all its own. I’d pretty much eat anything that has chocolate in it. But orange and chocolate combination is just downright scrumptious.

The tangy note of orange is just heavenly when united with the sweetness of chocolate. When a certain cake features the combo, it leaves an intricate taste in your mouth. You’ll know it's not just another boring dessert.

You can use this recipe for these up-and-coming holidays and entertain your guests with a cake that has the interesting combination of orange and chocolate with the crunch of walnuts.
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Chocolate Beer Pudding Cake

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!
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Easy Chocolate Soufflé

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!
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Chocolate Pecan Pie

Wow, it's November already.  As we're beginning the approach on the upcoming holiday season it's time to start thinking about great holiday recipes to share with guests.

Pecan pie is one of those desserts that is popularly served at Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.  It is also considered a specialty of Southern U.S. cuisine. 

Pecan pie is typically made of corn syrup and pecan nuts, but you're on my website and that means you expect chocolate.  So here's a chocolate pecan pie recipe for you to enjoy.  And, this one is quite simple to make.
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Chocolate-Covered Cherries

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.
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Chocolate Chip Muffins

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.
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