Chocolate :: The Extensive Gourmet Guide
Ranked #1,240 in Food & Cooking, #23,876 overall
Almost Everyone Loves Chocolate - A Few Strive To More Fully Understand It.
From the moment the aroma rises to your nose, to the sensual bliss of the feel and taste, fine chocolate is a gastronomic experience like no other. The focus of this lens is on the finest chocolates available. Understanding the differences between the grades and flavors can help you better judge the good stuff from the junk and make your chocolate tastings a much better experience.
By the way, I've added some TRULY TREACHEROUS chocolates NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART! If you were hoping for your death to be by chocolate instead of some other way, START THERE AND GET TO WORK!
What's your favorite kind of chocolate?
Okay, 99% of us love chocolate - the dividing line is which type...
Loading poll. Please Wait...
Chocolate Valentine Hearts
Classic Chocolate every year
Dove Valentine's Truffle Hearts, Dark Chocolate Raspberry, 6.5-Ounce Heart Tin
Amazon Price: (as of 05/30/2012)
It isn't hardly Valentine's Day without a heart shaped box of chocolates!
Valentine's Chocolates for kids
Retired Disney Hot Stuff Valentine Lover 10" Mickey Mouse Heart Shaped Chocolate Box Plush Bean Bag Doll
Amazon Price: (as of 05/30/2012)
Mickey mouse is everyone's favorite, but when he comes with chocolate, he's the KING.
Valentine's Day traditions can be good for the heart
A little chocolate, a glass of wine and intimacy are just the prescription for your heart
Chocolate, wine and romance aren't just the quickest ways to your true love's heart. A University of Michigan Health System cardiologist says these Valentine's Day traditions are also the way to a healthy heart.Read the story.
The world's finest chocolate
Not your average treat...
You can click on these links without fear. I don't make any money from them. They're here because they truly are the world's best chocolates. Gourmet chocolates that consistantly please any palate.
- Bonnat Chocolatier
- Chocolatier and confectioner in Voiron since 1884
- Bernard Callebaut
- Master Belgian Chocolatier
- Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker
- An American made chocolate that has gained world attention.
- Domori
- Mack Domori's passionate expression for chocolate permiates everything in this beautiful Italian website.
- Divine Chocolate
- A "Fairtrade" Chocolate that pays farmers from Ghana a fair price for their crop.
- Godiva
- I can't help it. It's a sentimental favorite.
- Green & Black's
- Green & Black's make award winning quality organic chocolate combining the highest environmental and ethical standards.
- Guittard Chocolate Company
- Discover the passion of one family for 4 generations.
- Leonidas
- Leonidas offers an wide and exclusive assortment of Belgian chocolate and Belgian prelines, truffles, orange peel, and marzipan. The chocolates are all made in Belgium and shipped to the US weekly.
- Chocolaterie Auer
- Craft chocolate factory founded in 1939 by M. Henri Auer.
- Valrhona
- Fine French chocolate.
- Teuscher Chocolates
- Highly sought treats from Swiss maker teuscher chocolates.
- The Chocolate Fetish :: Award Winning Chocolate Truffles
- A highly recommended chocolatier.
Belgian Chocolate- For an Emergency?
It could happen...
Stash one of these babies in your nightstand drawer.. emergency chocolate when you can't run to the store in your jammies!
They won't stick around long, I promise!
They won't stick around long, I promise!
Chocolatiers I've found on the net that I haven't tried... but would love to : )
These site really grabbed my attention. If you have a personal experience with any of them, please let me know.
- Norman Love Chocolates
- :: These look incredible!!
Here's what their sites says...
Enjoy our delicious gourmet chocolate, including selections of fine dark chocolate,
white chocolate, milk chocolate,and gourmet chocolate truffles. Each handmade chocolate is an edible work of art that will arouse all of your senses. - Burdick Chocolate - gourmet confections; artisanal and world class quality
- L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates. Gourmet,artisan chocolates for wedding favors, holiday and corporate gifts.
- MarieBelle: Fine Chocolates
- MarieBelle offers fine gourmet chocolates for the true connoisseur. This luxury chocolatier specializes in delectable chocolates, hot chocolate, teas, and coffee. Shop on-line for perfect gifts, special treats, luscious flavors, stunning packaging.
- Recchiuti Confections -- Welcome
- Lovely little treasures.
A Little Wine with a Little Chocolate: Gifts from the heart!
Now that we know it is GOOD for you....
So here they are, the ULTIMATE romantic 'healthy' gifts. Finally. Some things we like are GOOD FOR US!
Now you can indulge your romance full speed ahead.
Now you can indulge your romance full speed ahead.
Chocolate & Chocolate Related Suppliers
A world of chocolate treasures for the taking...
Just like the chocolates above, I don't make anything from these links. They're here to be helpful.
- The Godfather of Chocolate - Chocosphere
- While the 8 million folks who live in New York city can find any chocolate they want, the rest of us have a harder time. If it's chocolate and it's any good, Chocosphere has it in every percentage. Mmmmm.
- Pastry Chef Central - Pastry & Baking Tool and Ingredient Superstore
- Professional Pastry Tools, Bakeware, Kitchen Equipment, Culinary Gadgets and Ingredients. Incredible Prices, Quality Products, Great Service and Fast Delivery. The Internet's oldest baking & pastry website, since 1997.
- Chocolate Transfer Sheets - Beryl's Cake & Pastry Supplies
- Imported British cake decorating and French pastry supplies for professional and hobbiest chefs and bakers. Many hard-to-find products.
- Chocolatesource.com
- Chocolatesource.com is a premier source for Gourmet Chocolate. Solid and filled dark, white, and milk chocolate bars, baking chocolate, chocolate sauce, chocolate novelties, chocolate gift baskets, cocoa powder,
All About Dark Chocolate!
Gourmet Chocolate Tips
Some make sense, some are surprises - all are 100% helpful.
1. Store chocolate in a cool place, approximately 65°F (18°c) but not in the refrigerator, as any moisture will alter the chocolate's appearance.2. A "bloom" will develop on chocolate that has been exposed to high temperatures. This doesn't affect the flavor or freshness, but gives the chocolate a grey cast which is the cocoa butter rising to the surface.
3. Be careful not to drop water into your chocolate unless the recipe specifies it. The water will change the consistency of the chocolate, causing it to tighten or harden.
4. Don't cover melting chocolate with a lid as the steam will collect and fall as water droplets. Use a light cloth cover if needed.
5. Use low heat when melting chocolate. Chocolate scorches easily and becomes a grainy mass unsuitable for use.
6. Do not use butter as a thinning agent. If you need a less viscous chocolate for a particular purpose, look for one with a higher cocoa butter content.
7. Chocolate will continue to melt even after it is removed from a heat source. Care in heating is needed as the temperature will rise well after removal from heat source.
8. Unsweetened chocolate will liquefy when melted. Sweetened chocolate will hold its shape until it is stirred.
9. Chocolate flavored coating is used for glazing, dipping and molding as it needs no tempering. Coating contains cocoa plus a vegetable oil instead of cocoa butter. the quality, consistency and flavor is no where near real chocolate but coatings are popular because they are easier to use.
10. Chocolate is very sensitive to odors. Be careful when storing near other foods. Also make sure all utensils are clean and odorless.
11. When blending chocolates such as milk chocolate with bittersweet chocolate, make sure and use the same brand. Different companies put different ingredients into their chocolate which may not mix smoothly.
Cocoa, Cacao, Nibs
Organics, Exotic Ethnic Interpretations & Fine Unsweetened
Each of these wonderful cocoas have a special place!
Essential Chocolate Utensils
Simply must have items for chocolatiering
Chocolate Classification
Dark Chocolate, Bittersweet Chocolate, Milk Chocolate-What's the difference?
Chocolate is an extremely popular ingredient, and it is available in many types. Different forms and flavors of chocolate are produced by varying the quantities of the different ingredients. Other flavors can be obtained by varying the time and temperature when roasting the beans.Unsweetened Chocolate is pure chocolate liquor, also known as bitter or baking chocolate. It is unadulterated chocolate: the pure, ground roasted chocolate beans impart a strong, deep chocolate flavour. With the addition of sugar, however, it is used as the base for American-style layer cakes, brownies, confections, and cookies.
Dark Chocolate: is chocolate without milk as an additive. It is sometimes called plain chocolate. The US Government calls this Sweet Chocolate, and requires a 15% concentration of chocolate liquor. European rules specify a minimum of 35% cocoa solids.
Couverture: is a term used for cocoa butter rich chocolates of the highest quality. Popular brands of couverture used by professional pastry chefs and often sold in gourmet and specialty food stores include: Valrhona, Felchlin, Lindt & Sprungli, Cacao Barry, Esprit des Alpes, and Guittard. These chocolates contain a high percentage of chocolate liquor (sometimes 70 percent or more) as well as cocoa butter, at least 30-39%, are very fluid when melted and are generally regarded as having an excellent flavor. Chocolate of this quality is often compared to fine wine because subtleties in taste are usually apparent, especially given the variety of semisweet and bittersweet couvertures with different percentages of sugar and chocolate liquor.
Milk Chocolate: is chocolate with milk powder or condensed milk added. The US Government requires a 10% concentration of chocolate liquor. EU regulations specify a minimum of 25% cocoa solids.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate: is used for cooking purposes. It is a dark chocolate with higher sugar content and often lower cocoa content than true dark chocolate.
Bittersweet Chocolate: is chocolate liquor (or unsweetened chocolate) to which sugar, more cocoa butter, lecithin, and vanilla has been added. It has less sugar and more liquor than semisweet chocolate, but the two are interchangeable in baking. The best quality bittersweet and semisweet chocolate is produced as couverture and many brands now print the percentages on the label.
Special Chocolates When I can find them.
Gourmet Chocolate & Its Rich Relatives (Gold Leaf)
When I find something great I can show it here: vegan chocolate, chocolate pasta, iced chocolate and so on. Here are few current beauties on this roster.
Cooking with Chocolate
- Best Chocolate Recipes: The Web's Best Recipes for Chocolate
- You'll find favorite chocolate recipes that will please the chocolate lovers in your life. Check out the many categories of chocolate recipes available here, FREE.
- Cooking with Chocolate and Cocoa: cakes, cookies, candies and more.
- Information about chocolate and cocoa, recipe for cakes, cookies, fudges and dishes with fish or meat and chocolate.
- Chocolate Kitchen
- Assorted chocolate receipes.
- For Chocolate Lovers Only: Archive on StarChefs
- Chocolate Lovers Only recipes: For gourmet cooks, foodies and the curious. Secret ingredients, anecdotes, tips, and recipes from famous chefs and cookbook authors.
- Glenn's Recipes: Chocolate Recipe Collection
- Glenn DuHart's recipe collection, from recipes with lots of chocolate, to other delights.
- The Chocoholics Guide To Chocolate
- I offer recipes & interesting facts about chocolate. Everything from how to cook with chocolate to the history of chocolate.
Tools for working with Chocolate
Keeping that chocolate perfect!
Chocolate Utensils: When you need them, you just need them.
Increase your options
My favorite chili secret is to add dark chocolate- it deepens the flavor. Then I put a dollop of sour cream on top and -shaved chocolate pieces to serve! (Sssh- its a secret- don't tell anyone).
Great tools & appliances mean you can experiment and find incredible ways to bring chocolate to your life and loved ones.
Great tools & appliances mean you can experiment and find incredible ways to bring chocolate to your life and loved ones.
Tips for Working with Chocolate
A few more handy dandy working tips.
Measuring Cocoa, Confectioners' Sugar and Flour
Measure these dry ingredients by lightly spooning the ingredient into the appropriate dry measuring cup and leveling it off with the straight edge of a knife or spatula. Tapping the measuring cup will result in an inaccurate measure.
Chocolate Key
Be sure to check your recipe before setting out to buy the chocolate for it - if you use the wrong type of chocolate, all your efforts may be wasted; certainly the results may be different. Within the following categories, you may use the brands named here interchangeably with only subtle differences in taste and/or texture.
Unsweetened chocolate:
Baker's, Ghirardelli, Hershey's or Nestlé Swiss dark chocolate/bittersweet chocolate Ghirardelli, Lindt Excellence or Callebaut Semisweet chocolate Ghirardelli, Hershey's, Nestlé or Baker's Semisweet chocolate chips Ghirardelli, Hershey's,
Nestlé or Baker's Sweet chocolate Baker's German Sweet Chocolate or Ghirardelli Sweet Dark Chocolate Swiss milk chocolate Lindt Swiss Milk Chocolate Milk chocolate chips Baker's, Hershey's or Nestlé White chocolate Lindt Swiss Confectionary Bar or Nestlé Premier White Baking Bar White chocolate chips Hershey's or Nestlé Couverture
Coating chocolate:
It is not a brand or type of chocolate but rather a term used to describe professional- quality coating chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa butter -- at least 32 percent and often as high as 39 percent for good-quality couverture. The extra cocoa butter allows the chocolate to form a thinner coating shell than noncouverture chocolate: Cacao Barry, Carma, Ghirardelli, Lindt or Valrhôna. Unsweetened non-alkalized cocoa powder Hershey's, Ghirardelli or Nestlé Unsweetened alkalized cocoa powder (Dutch processed or European style) Droste, Fry's, Hershey's European Style or Poulain
Measure these dry ingredients by lightly spooning the ingredient into the appropriate dry measuring cup and leveling it off with the straight edge of a knife or spatula. Tapping the measuring cup will result in an inaccurate measure.
Chocolate Key
Be sure to check your recipe before setting out to buy the chocolate for it - if you use the wrong type of chocolate, all your efforts may be wasted; certainly the results may be different. Within the following categories, you may use the brands named here interchangeably with only subtle differences in taste and/or texture.
Unsweetened chocolate:
Baker's, Ghirardelli, Hershey's or Nestlé Swiss dark chocolate/bittersweet chocolate Ghirardelli, Lindt Excellence or Callebaut Semisweet chocolate Ghirardelli, Hershey's, Nestlé or Baker's Semisweet chocolate chips Ghirardelli, Hershey's,
Nestlé or Baker's Sweet chocolate Baker's German Sweet Chocolate or Ghirardelli Sweet Dark Chocolate Swiss milk chocolate Lindt Swiss Milk Chocolate Milk chocolate chips Baker's, Hershey's or Nestlé White chocolate Lindt Swiss Confectionary Bar or Nestlé Premier White Baking Bar White chocolate chips Hershey's or Nestlé Couverture
Coating chocolate:
It is not a brand or type of chocolate but rather a term used to describe professional- quality coating chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa butter -- at least 32 percent and often as high as 39 percent for good-quality couverture. The extra cocoa butter allows the chocolate to form a thinner coating shell than noncouverture chocolate: Cacao Barry, Carma, Ghirardelli, Lindt or Valrhôna. Unsweetened non-alkalized cocoa powder Hershey's, Ghirardelli or Nestlé Unsweetened alkalized cocoa powder (Dutch processed or European style) Droste, Fry's, Hershey's European Style or Poulain
Couverture
The Most Useful & Interesting Chocolate Books
Excellent Resources
It adds a LOT of confidence to have great reference material at hand when you are making your chocolates for the first time. I have found these books to be incredibly informative and useful.
Articles about Chocolate
- Best Chocolate For The Buck - Forbes.com
- For those days when a Hershey bar just won't do, we offer these suggestions.
- NY Times Article: Chocolate that flashes its Passport
- As chocolate moves from a diversion to a full blown trend in "affordable luxury", chocolate is poised to become "the next wine". This article discusses the growing trends in cocoa bean varietals, countries of origin and what this means to the world of chocolate fans.
The New York Times requires a registration in order to read their articles. - The Fifth Cardinal Virtue « The Black Cordelias
- Chocolate is the Fifth Cardinal Virtue!
Cocoas you will probably need!
When you begin making your own chocolates
Making your own chocolates & specialty chocolate can be a daunting but incredibly rewarding experience. To begin from the beginning is a tactile & sensual experience that takes you to a much higher level of sophistication and understanding. It is ALWAYS worth the effort!
Chocolate & Champagne Brownies - A Recipe
Strictly for lovers, or weddings, or anniversaries!
- A recipe from Lovescool, a Creative Commons website.
- For the love of dessert. Documentation of a journey to discover what sweet things are out there, why people love them so much, and perhaps what it takes to start something new.
Chocolate & Champagne Brownies
Yield: 16 brownies
Pan: 9in. x 9in. square baking pan
Ingredients:
16 oz. (1 lb) 70% dark chocolate, chopped
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed, plus extra for buttering the pan
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups of sugar
4 large eggs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup champagne
Directions:
1. Adjust the rack 1/3 from bottom of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees. Butter a 9in. x 9in. baking pan and line with parchment paper (leave extra overhanging the edges for easy removal.)
2. Melt the chocolate and butter in a microwave or double boiler. If using the microwave, heat in 30 second increments and stir between each addition. Do not overheat or chocolate will seize.
3. Beat the salt, vanilla and sugar into the melted chocolate mixture.
4. Add the eggs one at a time to the chocolate mixture and beat thoroughly to incorporate.
5. Add the flour and mix just until blended.
6. Add the champagne and continue mixing the batter vigorously until it becomes very shiny and pulls away from the sides of the bowl (I use my stand mixer for this, and let it run for 2-3 minutes on high. If you don't have a mixer, just keep beating hard for several minutes.Work off those calories you're about to consume!)
7. Turn the mixture into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out moist, but free of batter, about 45-50 minutes.
Champagne Glaze:
Place a heaping tablespoon of champagne jelly into a microwave safe cup. Heat the jelly until it becomes liquid (about 30 seconds.) Using a pastry brush, brush the warm brownies with the champagne jelly glaze. The liquid should be completely absorbed into the brownies, leaving a moist, shiny top.
Tip: The brownies should be completely cool before cutting. I recommend placing them in the refrigerator overnight to set.
Lens of the Day!
Chocolate is EVERYONE'S Favorite!
This lens was selected as Lens of the Day on: 02/10/2006It was a contender for the Lens of the Year!
Chocolate esoterica
- Cloister's Chocolate Review
- Offering reviews of different chocolates and a brief overview of chocolate history and production
- Complete Chocolate
- FAQs, recipes, and a link directory with links to schools, shops, and suppliers.
- Chocolate
- Article on chocolate as a psychoactive food, references, and links to supporting and additional information.
- Johnny's Chocolates and Pralines Survival Guide
- Guide to selecting, buying, and enjoying gourmet chocolates and pralines.
- Chocolateinfo
- Information provided by the chocolate industry. Covers health and science related to chocolate.
- Chocolate Craze
- A Yahoo club and discussion group.
- Chocolate's Frothy Past
- BBC news article on the possibility that Mayans were cooking with chocolate as early as 900 B.C.
- Chocophile
- Contains reviews and lists of manufacturers of fine chocolates and personal accounts of experiences with chocolate.
- Fine Dark Chocolate
- Site focusing on premium brands of dark chocolate. Also contains articles and a chocolate FAQ.
- Chocolate.com - The Official Chocolate Site of the Internet
- Yep... it's chocolate.
- Chocolate Reviews
- What you will find reviewed here are solid chocolates and chocolate
bars. I will review milk chocolate as well as dark chocolates. - Eric's Chocolate Store Reviews
- Reviews of chocolate stores and chocolatiers.
- Chocolate and Candy Books
- Relax, it's not Amazon.
- Yummy Baguette
- This page lists the best chocolates in New York, Chicago, Pittsburg, Paris and Toronto.
- +++ New York City Chocolate Guide - Chocolate Map of Manhattan
- Map of chocolate shops, and chocolatiers in Manhattan
- BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Pre-dating the love of chocolate
- Like your cocoa beans? So did the Mayans. They were using them in chocolate drinks in 1000 BC.
- BBC NEWS | UK | England | Dorset | Chocolate lorry goes to Timbuktu
- Two British adventurers are setting off on a journey across Europe to west Africa in a lorry powered by chocolate.
- The World is Flat and Chocolatiers Want to Coat it.
- NY Times
The Chocolate in our Lives!
For every celebration and every season
Things just aren't festive or as much fun without lots and lots of chocolate...
Awesome Recipe to Dip in Chocolate!
When it JUST HAS TO BE FABULOUS!
I've had these, and they've become nearly an obsession. I'd use these for wedding showers, baby showers, graduation desserts, anytime you want something fabulous and special!
Chef Keem is our own celebrity chef!
Chef Keem is our own celebrity chef!
- Chef Keem's Squid Kitchen: Chef Keem's Big Bang #1 "Tres Leches Coconut Macaroons"
- (Not so) Secret Recipe for Chef Keem's Original Tres Leches Coconut Macaroons
2 - 14 oz packs of sweetened coconut flakes
1 - 14 oz can of condensed milk
2 tablespoons of sour cream ("secret ingredient")
2 tablespoons of heavy cream
1 teaspoon of Mexican vanilla
Combine in mixer (paddle) or by hand with a spatula until well blended.
Use any size ice cream scoop to make half spheres on a parchment-lined baking sheet, 1 inch apart.
Bake at a moderate (325 degrees F) temperature on the middle rack in the oven, until you see dark brown tips on the top of light brown macaroons, about 10 minutes.
They should be "underbaked" in the center - there's no ingredient that needs to be fully cooked.
These things are incredibly good the way they are, but if you want to go overboard - and I think you should - dip them in dark chocolate. The best way to do this is with a good-quality dipping chocolate.
Frothy Cocoa or Mocha Lattes!
Back to Basics CM300BR Cocoa-Latte Chrome 32-Ounce Hot-Drink Maker
Amazon Price: $30.80 (as of 05/30/2012)
Make your own frothy cocoa or mocha lattes!
It can be hard to get that texture at home, but it is impossible to beat!
Pour over ice in a frozen glass for summer drinks!
Special Dark Chocolate for True Connoisseurs!
Chocolate Pearl Jewelry!
Delicious Chocolate Pearl Jewelry
Chocolate Pearl Jewelry is a magnificent and delicious change from regular pearls. When chocolate pearls are paired with rose gold, the effect is elegant, l...
User recommended chocolate links
One of the great things about Squidoo is the sharing of information. Bearing that in mind readers often share their suggested links. While I can't recommend them based on personal experience, I do check all links to see if they are "worth checking out". The ones that look pretty good will be listed here. Enjoy.
- The Chocolate Garden - Extraordinary Handmade Chocolate Truffles
- This page was recommended by Jennie Harris."Extraordinary Handmade Chocolate Truffles So extraordinary, our chocolate truffles have been featured repeatedly on The Food Network!"
Don't Try These!!! DANGER DANGER DANGER!!!
You'll NEVER be the same!
Some things are just too good to try one time, you'll be back over and over again!
Add Your Favorite Chocolate Links Here!
Everyone has a favorite!
For those of us who love to make a project of trying every great chocolate on the planet... share your great links, so the rest of us can too!
Cocoa Puro Kakawa Chocolate Covered Cocoa Beans
The Worlds Finest Fresh Roasted, Whole Cocoa Beans more...3 points
Confiserie Sprüngli / Geschenke aus feinster Schokolade - Praline, Luxemburgerli, Truffes und vieles mehr als Geschenkidee!
Muttertag! Süsse Muttertags-Grüsse weltweit vers more...2 points
http://www.laboratoryequipment.com/news-Chocolate-Can-Improve-Skeletal-Muscle-Function-030512.aspx?xmlmenuid=51
A small clinical trial found that patients with ad more...0 points
Private Chef Toronto | Private Event Catering Toronto| by Elle Cuisine
Toronto's best private chef and private event cate more...0 points
Chocolate Grater for Garnishing
Swissmar Imports Manual Rotary Cheese Grater/Shaver with 2 Measuring Cups
Amazon Price: (as of 05/30/2012)
If you want to do special curls and shaving for your spectacular desserts or as a garnish, this is a particularly fine, high quality European way to do that!
You may like these pages
Chef's secret: Chocolate Extract
Nielsen-Massey Chocolate Extract - Pure - 2 oz
Amazon Price: $5.75 (as of 05/30/2012)
Increase your options with this Chocolate extract.
Cookies, muffins, pancakes, coffees, so many things can be dressed up in chocolate with this extract!
Tell me what you think...
Talk about Chocolate
-
-
Teapixie
May 17, 2012 @ 12:48 am | delete
- Comprehensive! In my world, not so necessary because I've given my heart to Leonidas Chocolate. ;)
-
-
-
KateHon
May 16, 2012 @ 11:34 pm | delete
- So many delicious chocolate ideas here! Congratulations on being featured on the chocolate monsterboard!
-
-
-
pyngthyngs
May 16, 2012 @ 9:48 am | delete
- Wow! So much chocolate knowledge in one place. Great job and I see why you received lens of the day
-
-
-
FashionMommy
May 6, 2012 @ 9:48 am | delete
- This lens is very informative and delicious as well. Chocolate puts most people in a happy place.
-
-
-
minaliyengar
May 3, 2012 @ 7:28 am | delete
- I just love anything with chocolates cant wait to eat one now.
-
-
-
RohanParekh
Apr 30, 2012 @ 3:39 am | delete
- A real great lens! Some great chocolates displayed over here! I wsih i could cherish all of them!
-
-
-
rheapai
Apr 27, 2012 @ 3:24 pm | delete
- I had tried Bernard Callebaut when i was in Belgium in one of the chocolate shops! Great taste!! :)
-
-
-
kns1988
Apr 27, 2012 @ 4:51 am | delete
- Chocolate! Sinful, Mesmerizing, Tempting, Mouth-Watering Chocolate! Delicious Lens!! Very Yummy to read and dreammm!!
-
-
-
RohanParekh
Apr 26, 2012 @ 3:40 am | delete
- Domori and the Valrhona chocolate is what is looking forward to buy! They seem real good! :)
-
-
-
RohanParekh
Apr 26, 2012 @ 3:40 am | delete
- Domori and the Valrhona chocolate is what is looking forward to buy! They seem real good! :)
-
-
-
OrganicMom247
Apr 21, 2012 @ 9:45 pm | delete
- Delicious looking lens. Learned something from this lens, too.
-
-
-
RohanParekh
Apr 26, 2012 @ 3:41 am | delete
- Delicious as well as tempting!
-
-
-
kns1988
Apr 27, 2012 @ 4:51 am | delete
- Yes informative and yummy at the same time!
-
-
-
rheapai
Apr 27, 2012 @ 3:25 pm | delete
- This lens looks delicious! :) And tasty!
-
-
-
equityreleasemortgage
Apr 9, 2012 @ 5:59 am | delete
- I can assume why people would enjoy chocolate with peppers and so forth, but everyone loves so chocolates as they are yummy too :)
-
-
-
RohanParekh
Apr 26, 2012 @ 3:42 am | delete
- they are also yummy! I never would let go the taste of a fresh chocolate from the mouth. :P
-
-
-
rheapai
Apr 27, 2012 @ 3:26 pm | delete
- You need to try a chocolate with chilly! :) It is great!
-
-
-
ayushag
Apr 8, 2012 @ 1:50 am | delete
- Chocolate's are my favorite. They have a chemical which pleases our taste buds.I really prefer milk chocolates to dark ones.
-
-
-
RohanParekh
Apr 26, 2012 @ 3:43 am | delete
- Milk chocolates are preferred by a lot of people where as they consider dark chocolates being quite bitter.
-
-
-
kns1988
Apr 27, 2012 @ 4:52 am | delete
- Yes Ayushag! They not only please our taste buds but also our minds as they give a feeling of psychological satisfaction too!
-
-
-
rheapai
Apr 27, 2012 @ 3:27 pm | delete
- I love chocolate!! A chocolate can disrupt my work and give me peace!
-
-
-
mini100
Apr 6, 2012 @ 5:06 pm | delete
- LOL - chocolate, I think it can be a love/hate relationship for some... I am not a chocolate addict, but I do tend to prefer chocolate over any other type of candy. My personal favorite is Organic chocolate, which is much more pure, with less additives, therefore it tastes much more chocolatey, and not as overly sweet.
-
-
-
RohanParekh
Apr 26, 2012 @ 3:44 am | delete
- Chocolate gives a relation to great continuation! You seem to be really fond of chocolates! :)
-
-
-
kns1988
Apr 27, 2012 @ 4:53 am | delete
- Organic Chocolate though pure and good to taste, does not match the quality of original chocolates I think!
-
-
-
rheapai
Apr 27, 2012 @ 3:28 pm | delete
- I cannot understand how one can hate chocolate!And organic chocolates are really delicious! :)
-
-
-
Pinkchic18
Apr 6, 2012 @ 11:35 am | delete
- Yum. This was bad for me because I really, really want chocolate now!! But you made it look so, so good here! Props to you and your chocolatey lens :)
-
-
-
Ajeet
Apr 6, 2012 @ 11:37 am | delete
- Thanks. Please have some chocolate :)
-
-
-
RohanParekh
Apr 26, 2012 @ 3:46 am | delete
- Surely! And great and tempting presentation! :)
-
-
-
RohanParekh
Apr 26, 2012 @ 3:45 am | delete
- As I read down it is getting more and more tempting! :)
-
-
-
rheapai
Apr 27, 2012 @ 3:28 pm | delete
- This has got me tempting too! But well I really appreciate the lens! :)
-
-
-
JoolsObsidian
Apr 2, 2012 @ 7:55 am | delete
- Nice lens - lots of lovely chocolatey facts and tips!
-
-
-
RohanParekh
Apr 26, 2012 @ 3:48 am | delete
- True that! :P
-
-
-
rheapai
Apr 27, 2012 @ 3:29 pm | delete
- And a yummy lens too! :)
-
-
-
Aquavel
Apr 1, 2012 @ 3:17 am | delete
- Yummm! My mouth was watering as I read this! French chocolate is my favorite these days!
-
-
-
RohanParekh
Apr 26, 2012 @ 3:48 am | delete
- French chocolate ! You can try the delicious Valrhona chocolates then! :)
-
-
-
rheapai
Apr 27, 2012 @ 3:31 pm | delete
- Yeah like the earlier reply you should try valrhona then!
-
-
-
gatornic15
Mar 30, 2012 @ 10:45 pm | delete
- I love milk chocolate and white chocolate. I did not know how chocolate got its designation as dark, white, etc. I found that very interesting!
-
-
-
RohanParekh
Apr 26, 2012 @ 3:47 am | delete
- Oh yeah! that is because of its colour! :)
-
-
-
kns1988
Apr 27, 2012 @ 4:54 am | delete
- Interesting Yummy and sinful...all at the same time! That's what this lens is all about!
-
-
-
rheapai
Apr 27, 2012 @ 3:31 pm | delete
- Yeah the designation part was really interesting!
-
-
-
JohannTheDog Mar 24, 2012 @ 9:42 pm | delete
- My Mum loves dark chocolate.....but I can't ever have any, sniff..sniff....it smells so good! Woofs to you my pal!
-
-
-
rheapai
Apr 27, 2012 @ 3:32 pm | delete
- Dark chocolate is YUMMMYYY!! :D
-
-
-
Joan4
Mar 24, 2012 @ 9:18 pm | delete
- I love chocolate, but I do have to watch my intake these days!
-
-
-
kns1988
Apr 27, 2012 @ 4:55 am | delete
- That's the sad part for all of us! Cant seem to comprehend the fact that something so tasty is soo sinful!
-
-
-
lisadh
Mar 22, 2012 @ 5:56 pm | delete
- I love chocolate - white, dark, milk, it doesn't matter. I'll eat it all!
-
-
-
kns1988
Apr 27, 2012 @ 4:55 am | delete
- its the same with me! Though my favorite is dark chocolate with nuts!!
-
-
-
Spook
Mar 20, 2012 @ 4:13 pm | delete
- Amazing, now I haven't got a sweet tooth, so seldom if ever eat chocolate. However what I can say (personal preference) is that those Lindt chocolates are really something quite tasty, never found anything come close to them. You can't beat the Swiss for chocolate or is that Belgium?
-
-
-
kns1988
Apr 27, 2012 @ 4:56 am | delete
- I agree Spook. Lindt's chocolates are indeed very tasteful and good to the taste buds. No wonder they are famous all over the world!!
-
-
-
WriterJanis
Mar 9, 2012 @ 4:09 am | delete
- Please give me some now!!!!!!!
-
-
-
24websurf
Mar 5, 2012 @ 10:17 pm | delete
- **Dreamy sigh** Chocolate heaven :)
-
-
-
aishu19
Mar 5, 2012 @ 2:45 pm | delete
- yum yum yum i love chocolates and this was a wonderful range of them. Loved it and now I am hungry
-
-
-
Heather426
Mar 5, 2012 @ 2:24 pm | delete
- This is like the coolest chocolate page I've ever seen!
-
-
-
vallain Feb 29, 2012 @ 8:21 am | delete
- I'm sorry that I drooled on your web page. I knew I shouldn't start reading about chocolates when I have none in the house. Sigh
-
-
-
TheLifestyleChanger
Feb 28, 2012 @ 1:38 am | delete
- I am sure this covers everything I need to know about chocolate. Now craving some!
-
-
-
nancycarol
Feb 27, 2012 @ 11:44 pm | delete
- I'm a natural-born chocoholic and can never get too much chocolate. I love the good stuff too...my friends all know...get me Ethel M or Godiva chocolates for any occasion. Love this lens, thanks for sharing.
-
-
-
Margaret_Schaut
Feb 28, 2012 @ 12:22 am | delete
- Thanks for dropping by, Nancy. I'm with you, there can never be enough reasons to get chocolate, and the best stuff at that!
-
-
-
snazzy
Feb 26, 2012 @ 8:34 pm | delete
- A little bit of the finest chocolate is way better than pounds of inferior stuff.
-
-
-
Margaret_Schaut
Feb 27, 2012 @ 11:48 pm | delete
- Isn't it the truth!
-
-
-
pkmcr Feb 20, 2012 @ 4:12 pm | delete
- Like so many I love chocolate but have to deal with being wheat/gluten intolerant and having problems with dairy! However, there are an increasing range of chocolates made without them and they too are delicious :-)
-
-
-
Margaret_Schaut
Feb 27, 2012 @ 11:49 pm | delete
- Fortunately for folks like you with such difficulties, they really have come a long way to provide great chocolate for you.
-
-
-
CCGAL Feb 13, 2012 @ 5:44 pm | delete
- I love chocolate - in fact, the only chocolates I've ever tried that I didn't like had jalapenos and habeneros and black pepper in them. My husband and his youngest son liked the super spicy hot chocolate bars, but I didn't care for them at all. This is a lovely Chocolate Gourmet Guide with a great deal of information!
-
-
-
Margaret_Schaut
Feb 27, 2012 @ 11:50 pm | delete
- Thanks for dropping by! I can see why people would enjoy chocolate with peppers and so forth, but also why people wouldn't want that. Each to his own!
-
-
-
JennySui
Feb 3, 2012 @ 9:46 am | delete
- I love chocolates. A nice chocolate guide.
-
-
-
Margaret_Schaut
Feb 27, 2012 @ 11:50 pm | delete
- Jenny, thanks for dropping by!
-
-
-
Wordwinder
Jan 8, 2012 @ 4:18 am | delete
- A world without chocolate wouldn't be worth living.
-
-
-
Margaret_Schaut
Feb 27, 2012 @ 11:50 pm | delete
- Yes, a whole food group on its own.
-
-
-
jksterling
Dec 14, 2011 @ 7:30 pm | delete
- This is so helpful. We had a rough time getting some chocolate just right for the fondue last night. Thank you.
-
-
-
rauspitz Dec 7, 2011 @ 10:58 pm | delete
- Chocolate will distract me anytime. Easy to see why this page is so highly regarded. It is absolutely awesome. Now where did you say you were hiding the chocolate?
-
-
-
OhMe Nov 15, 2011 @ 3:41 am | delete
- Ok. My mouth is watering so if that is what you were going for with this great Chocolate page, you have achieved your goal.
-
-
-
Moore
Nov 8, 2011 @ 7:03 pm | delete
- I never met a chocolate I didn't like. When someone ask me for a dating, I'll tell him to bring chocolates :D
-
-
-
fanfreluche Oct 28, 2011 @ 2:28 am | delete
- I use Valrhona cocoa for my hot chocolate. It's more expensive but the taste is amazing. I love dark chocolate better than milk chocolate because you really taste the real thing. Dark chocolate is also a good for those who try to avoid eating too much carbs. Blessed
-
-
-
christinsword
Sep 25, 2011 @ 2:13 pm | delete
- a fellow chocolate lover has stopped by your fabulous lens!
-
-
-
blanckj
Jun 1, 2011 @ 7:37 pm | delete
- Unfortunately, I received Amedei a couple times for Christmas. Now I AM spoiled.
-
-
-
sunita Feb 26, 2011 @ 7:36 am | delete
- Fine lens with lots of chocolates.
Blessed by Squid Angel.
-
-
-
KokoTravel
Feb 18, 2011 @ 7:36 am | delete
- There simply isn't anything better than chocolate, is there? Not even coffee measures up.
-
-
-
Jodi_k Oct 14, 2010 @ 1:54 pm | delete
- Chocolate is DEFINITELY a food group - and Michel Cluizel chocolate is divine. I can't tell where you live, but if you're ever in New York City, go to the Michel Cluizel store and then to Murray's Bakery (in winter) for the hot chocolate festival.
-
-
-
Jodi_k Oct 14, 2010 @ 1:54 pm | delete
- Chocolate is DEFINITELY a food group - and Michel Cluizel chocolate is divine. I can't tell where you live, but if you're ever in New York City, go to the Michel Cluizel store and then to Murray's Bakery (in winter) for the hot chocolate festival.
-
-
-
Tipi
Oct 9, 2010 @ 11:48 am | delete
- Milk chocolate is my favorite, and my sweet tooth is acting up right now.
-
-
-
Ricky
Sep 6, 2010 @ 9:02 am | delete
- I got these amazing chocolate croissants from Trader Joe's for my stepkids this weekend! left 'em to rise over night, put 'em in the oven, and WALLA! best stepmom ever! (for five minutes!) :-)
___
home furniture
-
-
-
JaguarJulie Jun 15, 2010 @ 6:44 am | delete
- Yo Yo Yo Margaret! Please check your guestbook as I do believe you have some UNRELATED and unwanted links. OH, I truly love chocolate ... chocolate is my treat.
-
-
-
nDee
Jan 19, 2010 @ 12:42 pm | delete
- Fabulous chocolate lens . . . 5* and lensrolled!
-
-
-
Heather426
Oct 22, 2009 @ 1:35 pm | delete
- ~Blessed by a new Squid Angel~
-
-
-
JoyfulPamela
Oct 17, 2009 @ 7:35 pm | delete
- My mouth is drooling! Thank you for all the chocolate tips and information. Yum, yum!
Pamela :)
-
-
-
kns1988
Apr 27, 2012 @ 4:57 am | delete
- Its really a great lens! fantastic information! never knew that the first chocolate was made as early as 1884!
-
-
-
Irenemaria
Jul 9, 2009 @ 11:27 am | delete
- I really liked this lens. Guess I gained oz just reading it. Interesting and lots of facts .
Thank you and congrats to the purple star!!
-
-
-
TheGreenerMe
Jun 21, 2009 @ 3:47 pm | delete
- I can't get by very long without a good dose of chocolate. It works wonders for headaches, but it's quite addictive! A good addiction to have ~ at least I think! Excellent work on this lens!
-
-
-
kns1988
Apr 27, 2012 @ 4:58 am | delete
- A good addiction indeed! Just need to make sure that we do not over indulge in the same!
-
-
-
Margaret_Schaut
Jun 12, 2009 @ 10:15 pm | in reply to janices7 | delete
- Thanks!!! That's an unexpected surprise! I'm delighted- though it would be tastier if it was made of chocolate!
-
-
-
janices7 Jun 12, 2009 @ 1:07 pm | delete
- A former LOTD and today a purple star award winner....woo hoo! Congrats!
-
-
-
KarateKatGraphics
May 4, 2009 @ 12:28 pm | delete
- Wonderful resource--love the links to gourmet providers. Some awesome ones are included! 5*****
-
-
-
kns1988
Apr 27, 2012 @ 4:58 am | delete
- I agree Chocolates always top my shopping list nad thanks to this list, I can get awesome stuff at great prices! Great Lens 5*****
-
-
-
hempnecklace
Apr 22, 2009 @ 6:36 pm | delete
- You are cordialy invited to join my shopping group if you havn't done so already.
My Squidoo Shopping Group
Click here To join the shopping group.
thank you
David Depape
p.s Feel free to leave a comment in my guest book. :)
-
-
-
Heather426
Apr 15, 2009 @ 11:46 am | delete
- Fantastic lens about my absolutely favorite food! When I was getting a divorce, I ate nothing but chocolate and bread for 6 months! I know, totally unhealthy, but it is how I coped. Nowadays, I sometimes have to stop eating it for a few weeks to kick the habit because I am truly addicted to it. 5*, fave, lensroll. And thanks for the resources!
-
-
-
Marelisa Apr 4, 2009 @ 5:20 pm | delete
- Chocolate and coffee are my two guilty pleasures. What a beautifully crafted lens! The only problem is that now I can't stop thinking about chocolates :-)
-
-
-
StephanieManning
Mar 11, 2009 @ 9:12 am | delete
- Nice lens...I added your lens to my featured Chocolate Lens module on my Hershey's Chocolate Recipes Lens www.squidoo.com/hersheyschocolaterecipes. 5*
-
-
-
cakegirl
Jan 17, 2009 @ 10:15 pm | delete
- I love chocolate! I love to make my own home made chocolate milk with cocoa. Thank you for the "education" on chocolate. A girl doesn't have to feel so guilty now for loving it!
-
-
-
EverythingMouse Jan 5, 2009 @ 10:21 pm | delete
- Blessings to you for a wonderful lens.
-
-
-
Rewards4life Jan 5, 2009 @ 5:26 am | delete
- Excellent lens! Very interesting info! This lens will be featured at the best chocolate recipes lens. 5* and have a lovely day!
-
-
-
totosmom
Nov 24, 2008 @ 6:22 pm | delete
- My mouth is watering - What a great Lens! Thanks.
-
-
-
Mazzer
Nov 22, 2008 @ 10:13 am | delete
- If I were to fully describe my passion for chocolate the 1,000 characters allowed for comments would just not be enough. In short, I LOVE it! I also love that your lens references my absolute favorite chocolate - Valrhona. If anybody likes hot chocolate, treat yourself to Valhrona Celaya hot chocolate - you deserve its yumminess! Also I recommend Pierre Marcolini 9www.marcolinichoclatier.com), a belgian choclatier. His rasberry ganache heartds with white chocolate are a taste sensation even for a dark choclate lover. Love chocolate, love your lens!
-
- Load More
by Ajeet
Gourmet Chocolate is, in my estimation, one of the major food groups! Along with a few other staples, I like it to improve my mood, make me feel huma... more »
- 397 featured lenses
- Winner of 19 trophies!
- Top lens » 2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8
- This lens »
Won purple star
- This lens » Selected as Lens of the Day
Feeling creative?
Create a Lens!
Explore related pages
- Hershey's Candy Kisses Hershey's Candy Kisses
- Top Gourmet Chocolate Gift Baskets Top Gourmet Chocolate Gift Baskets
- Chocolate Goodies Chocolate Goodies
- Molded Chocolates, Chocolate Candy and Truffles Molded Chocolates, Chocolate Candy and Truffles
- Love That Chocolate For Mother's Day Love That Chocolate For Mother's Day
- Give Me Chocolate Kisses Give Me Chocolate Kisses
Chocolate Diamonds for a valentine's gift
Dark Chocolate- in diamonds!
10K Yellow Gold Heart Channel Set Round White and Chocolate Brown Diamond Pendant - (.53 cttw)
Amazon Price: $299.00 (as of 05/30/2012)
If you need a dark chocolate valentine gift that will say 'LOVE FOREVER' you can't possibly do better...
My Latest Amazon Recommendation
The Grey (Two-Disc Combo Pack: Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet)
Amazon Price: $17.50 (as of 05/30/2012)
