Chocolate

Triumph Cake

   A few days ago, I made a birthday cake.     I modified a recipe from Baby Cakes, a well-known vegan, gluten-free bakery in New York City.   It contains yam and applesauce, which are sweet and moist so less sugar and oil are needed.   Three layers were each topped with chocolate icing (my own recipe).    My masterpiece was decorated […]

Continue Reading

Why I Prescribe Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the most complex foods in the world. It contains ingredients which can enhance mood, concentration, energy, sleep, muscle flexibility, digestion, bone strength, hormone regulation, sexual arousal and function. An ounce (30g) of dark (70% cocoa) chocolate a day can be beneficial to health. Anandamide Called the “bliss chemical”.  It’s name is derived from […]

Continue Reading

Chocolate Tasting Tips

HOSTING A CHOCOLATE TASTING Tasting is a special art and one to enjoy in the company of others. A chocolate tasting party is a great way to have your guests experience the different aromas, textures and flavours a range of special chocolate has to offer.    Here are a few suggestions on how to heighten […]

Continue Reading

Origins of Chocolate

Chocolate secrets  Share202 inShare1 Email Chocolates. Photograph: Athene Donald       The origins of chocolate can be traced to (modern) Mexico and neighbouring countries, where Aztec myth has it that Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god, brought cacoa beans from Paradise to teach the Aztecs how to make the bitter drink chocolatl. (A similar story can be found in Mayan […]

Continue Reading

Chocolate and Nobel Prizes

Swiss folks eat the most chocolate per capita.According to a survey by Chocolate Manufacturers Association, Switzerland leads the world in chocolate consumption with 22.36 pounds per person. The most Nobel Laureates come from Switzerland.   When it comes to chocolate, several researchers have suggested dark varieties might benefit the brain, the heart and even help cut excess […]

Continue Reading

Chocoholism

Too much of a good thing: Chocolate Addiction Generally, raw cacao has less additives and  thus more likely to have positive effects.   Typical processed chocolate bars and cocoa mixtures contain phenylthalamine, (PEA), magnesium, methylxanthines (theobromine and caffeine) fat and sugar. Cravings may be due to any of these. The following may help reduce cravings: […]

Continue Reading

Complementing Cacao

Cacao’s taste and effects can be enhanced by Cinnamon  –  helps balance blood sugar levels. Helps dilate capillaries and deliver fat-soluble nutrients of cacao. Chilies  –  dried chilies were part of the Mayan sacred drink.  Like cinnamon, it helps cacao’s nutrients reach the cells more easily.  Vanilla  – the only orchid fruit produced by more […]

Continue Reading