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...
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Chocolate News
Yes, its even in the news!
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.
- Pralus
- French chocolatier.
- Amedei
- Italian chocolate sought the world over.
- 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.
- Dolfin
- Masterfully blended chocolate confections using ingrediants as diverse as Earl Grey Tea to orange peel.
- Domori
- Mack Domori's passionate expression for chocolate permiates everything in this beautiful Italian website.
- Chocolates El Rey
- Venezuelan chocolate master.
- 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.
- Michel Cluizel
- "My chocolates have a story" -Michel Cluizel
- 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!
Assorted Belgian Chocolate Truffles. Note: Please choose expedited shipping to warmer states (above 75 degrees)
Melt in your mouth luscious chocolates!
Amazon Price: $23.00 (as of 07/25/2008)
1 lb Napolitain Sampler Ballotin - Mint, Cinnamon, Orange, Nibs, Feuilletine, 72% Pure Origin Sao Tome, Milk, White, Dark
Chocolates for the moody types- in the mood for this, in the mood for that; sometimes an exquisite chocolate surprise.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/25/2008)
Leonidas Belgian Chocolates Dark Chocolates Assortment - Truffles, Pralinés, Fresh Butter Creams - Signature Ballotin
When it MUST be dark chocolate.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/25/2008)
Leonidas Belgian Chocolates General Assortment - Truffles, Pralinés, Fresh Butter Creams - Signature Ballotin
Milk, dark and white; melt in your mouth chocolates.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/25/2008)
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.
Wine Lover's Chocolate Collection : Three-tin Set - 55/61/72
Amazon Price: (as of 07/25/2008)
Wine Lover's Chocolate Collection
Amazon Price: $37.95 (as of 07/25/2008)
Deluxe and Decadent All Chocolate Sampler Chest - Gourmet Food Gift Basket
Amazon Price: (as of 07/25/2008)
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!
Enlightened Chocolate: More Than 200 Decadently Light, Lowfat, and Inspired Recipes Using Dark Chocolate and Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Amazon Price: $15.61 (as of 07/25/2008)
Bitter Chocolate: The Dark Side of the World's Most Seductive Sweet
Amazon Price: $16.77 (as of 07/25/2008)
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!
Organic Raw Chocolate Cacao Nibs 8-oz.
Amazon Price: $10.95 (as of 07/25/2008)
Rapunzel 100% Organic Cocoa Powder, 7.1-Ounce Canisters (Pack of 6)
Amazon Price: (as of 07/25/2008)
Ibarra Mexican Chocolate, 18.6 oz
Amazon Price: $4.25 (as of 07/25/2008)
Ghirardelli Unsweetened Cocoa, 10 oz
Amazon Price: $6.25 (as of 07/25/2008)
Working with Chocolate
Working with chocolate can be pretty intimidating when you first start out. Here's a collection of helpful hints to chocolate success.
- Storing Fine Chocolate
- Read some tips from one of the world's foremost chocolate experts on proper chocolate storage at Fineliving.com
- Tempering Chocolate | Ghirardelli
- Recipes and Baking Tips : Tempering ChocolatePurpose
Tempering is a method of heating and cooling chocolate for coating or dipping with chocolate. Proper tempering results in chocolate that has a smooth and glossy finish.
Essential Chocolate Utensils
Simply must have items for chocolatiering
Chocolate Chipper
Amazon Price: $5.99 (as of 07/25/2008)
Chocolatiere Electric Chocolate Melting Pot
Amazon Price: $25.85 (as of 07/25/2008)
Cuisipro Accutec 2 way Grater
Amazon Price: $19.50 (as of 07/25/2008)
CDN Chocolate Tempering Thermometer
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 07/25/2008)
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.
Bissinger's Solid Chocolate
Amazon Price: (as of 07/25/2008)
Sunfood Nutrition Healthy Raw Vegan Organic White Chocolate Cacao Cocoa Butter - 14 Ounces
Amazon Price: $34.95 (as of 07/25/2008)
Callebaut Baking Cocoa Powder 11lb. Bag
Amazon Price: $65.00 (as of 07/25/2008)
Edible Gold Leaf for Cakes & Chocolates 25 Leaves 23kt
Take ANY chocolate- cake, brownies, anything, and dress it up for a special occasion, formal occasion or just an exquisite surprise.
Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 07/25/2008)
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!
Rev1 Chocolate Temperer, Revolation 1
Amazon Price: (as of 07/25/2008)
List Price:
Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel Double Boiler
Amazon Price: (as of 07/25/2008)
List Price: $60.00
Mauviel Copper 1.9-Quart Sugar Saucepan with Copper Handle
Amazon Price: $104.99 (as of 07/25/2008)
List Price: $130.00
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.
Chocolate Shaver
Amazon Price: $11.00 (as of 07/25/2008)
Norpro Stainless Steel Commercial Drum Grater
Amazon Price: $15.99 (as of 07/25/2008)
Sephra CF18L-SST Classic Chocolate-Fondue 3-Tiered Fountain, Stainless Steel
Amazon Price: $99.99 (as of 07/25/2008)
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
Santander Chocolate Couverture - 65% Cocoa Baking Discs
Amazon Price: $83.00 (as of 07/25/2008)
Santander Chocolate Couverture - 65% Cocoa Baking Bar
Amazon Price: $18.00 (as of 07/25/2008)
Santander Chocolate Couverture - White Baking Bar
Amazon Price: (as of 07/25/2008)
Traite technique de couverture
Amazon Price: (as of 07/25/2008)
Ethical Chocolate
Change can begin with you.
Consideration should be given to the origins of chocolate we consume. Slavery and abuse have long plagued the industry as "third world" traders have long exploited the world's poorest people to meet the demands of the global market for chocolate.
- Certified "Fair Trade" Chocolates
- The bulk of the world's chocolate comes from "third world" countries. Exploitation has often been rampant within the industry. These companies have shown and been certified as "fair trade" companies that treat farmers and workers with the highest degree of ethical standards.
- Sustainable Cocoa Farming Efforts
- The cocoa and chocolate industry's sustainable cocoa farming efforts are having an increasing, positive impact on farm families in the world's cocoa regions. Working in partnership with producing countries, NGOs, government agencies and development organizations, industry-supported programs are driving improvement in farm family incomes, labor practices, access to education and protection of the tropical ecosystem.
- Anti-Slavery - news cocoa report child labour on Africa cocoa farms
- Around 284,000 children work in hazardous conditions in West Africa's cocoa industry, and some 2,500 may have been trafficked, this report says.
- Chocolate and Child Slavery: Unfulfilled Promises of the Cocoa Industry
- It is estimated that America spends $13 billion a year on chocolate. However, in the past few years, it has become increasingly clear that this favorite American product is tainted with the labor of innocent young children.
- Chocolate and Slavery
- There is a surprising association between chocolate and child labor in the Cote d'Ivoire. Young boys whose ages range from 12 to 16 have been sold into slave labor and are forced to work in cocoa farms in order to harvest the beans, from which chocolate is made, under inhumane conditions and extreme abuse.
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.
Fine Chocolates: Great Experience
Amazon Price: $59.85 (as of 07/25/2008)
Chocolates and Confections: Formula, Theory, and Technique for the Artisan Confectioner
Amazon Price: $40.95 (as of 07/25/2008)
Chocolate Decorations
Amazon Price: $59.85 (as of 07/25/2008)
The Science of Chocolate (Rsc Paperbacks)
Amazon Price: (as of 07/25/2008)
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. - Chocolatier Magazine Homepage
- Home A Chocolate Lover's Guide
to the world's greatest recipes, restaurants and insider information
Chocolatier Magazine features detailed recipes and stunning photography, allowing home cooks to make thier own rich, decadent desserts at home. You'll get an insider's look at the world's best - 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!
Whole Dried Cocoa Beans Unroasted 3lbs
Amazon Price: (as of 07/25/2008)
Scharffen Berger Natural Cocoa Powder - Unsweetened (6 Ounce) by igourmet.com
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 07/25/2008)
Callebaut Baking Cocoa Powder 2.2lb. bag
Amazon Price: $29.00 (as of 07/25/2008)
Saco Premium Baking Cocoa, 10-Ounce Canisters (Pack of 12)
Amazon Price: (as of 07/25/2008)
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.
Kosher Chocolates
While the chocolates below are kosher, I can not guarantee that all are considered "Kosher for Passover". Read the helpful guide from Godiva, and then consult sellers before purchasing. -marty
- Godiva: Kosher Chocolate Explanation
- A very helpful guide from Godiva that clarifies and defines "kosher" in the manufacturing of chocolates.
NOTE: Godiva offers fine Kosher chocolates but they DO NOT offer confections that are considered "Kosher for Passover". Wise reading before purchasing other products. - Kosher for Passover at Chocolategelt.com
- ChocolateGelt.com has the biggest selection of chocolate gelt available online. They also have chocolate coins made in Israel by Elite & Paskez plus a variety of dreidels/draydels.
- Vital Choice
- Kosher Chocolates
- Kosher Chocolates from Lake Champlain
- Rich dark chocolate "coins".
- Empress
- Assorted Passover Chocolates
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 Paradyce
- Covers the history, making, usage, and different types of chocolate, along with recipes.
- All Things Chocolate
- Offers recipes, trivia, cooking tips, and links to related websites.
- All About Chocolate
- Information about growing, eating, and making chocolate, its history, and educators' resources. Provided in conjunction with an exhibit at the Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
- 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.
- Dale's Gourmet Chocolate Tasting
- A connoisseur's tasting guide to dark chocolate bars.
- 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.
- The Chocolate Society
- UK site devoted to fans of fine chocolates.
- 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 Hot Drink Maker, Chrome
Amazon Price: $34.99 (as of 07/25/2008)
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!
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!
Amedei Toscano Dark Chocolate Bar, 70% Cocoa
Amazon Price: (as of 07/25/2008)
70% Cocoa Extra Dark Sugar Free Low Carb 3 oz. Bars, Twelve (12) Bars, (36 Ounces Total)
Amazon Price: $36.00 (as of 07/25/2008)
Amedei Limited Edition Porcelana Napolitains
Amazon Price: (as of 07/25/2008)
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...2 points
The Joys of a Chocolate Wedding Cake
There%u2019s a range of chocolate wedding cakes av more...2 points