The Chocolate Box for Chocoholics
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Chocolate for Chocoholics
This lens is dedicated to all chocoholics and aims to give you all the good news that you already guessed about chocolate -- which chocolate is best for you, the history of chocolate and more....
The 12-step chocoholics program: NEVER BE MORE THAN 12 STEPS AWAY FROM CHOCOLATE!
Terry Moore
Chocolate Contents Found Here
- Can't Live Without Chocolate?
- Studies show you can lower blood pressure with dark chocolate.
- Healthy Chocolate Recipe Books
- More Good Chocolate News
- Chocolate Beauty Tip
- Chocolate Gifts for Your Mother
- Chocolate Links to Vote on
- Vote on your favorite chocolate
- Easter -- A Chocoholic's delight
- Steak and Kidney Pie
- Chocolate Biscotti
- Chocolate Pecan Cheesecake Bars
- A Brief History of Chocolate
- Books on all things chocolate
- Recipe: Chocolate Cake In A Jar
- Chocolate Bites
- Chocolate Recipe Links
- Chocolate Blogs
- Chocolate News
- Del.icio.us bookmarks
- Chocolate Lovers Leave Your Note!
- Final Chocolate Nibbles
Can't Live Without Chocolate?
No problem. Scientists may one day claim you need the stuff to be at your healthiest.
It's a theory growing from a study of the diets of a small Indian tribe in the Panamanian islands. High blood pressure is virtually unheard of within the group. And tribe members drink three or four 10-ounce servings of cocoa per day. Coincidence?
Killer Compounds
The Panamanian tribe doesn't drink run-of-the-mill cocoa. Because of the gentle way they process their cocoa beans, their cocoa is chock-full of epicatechin, a flavonoid that helps widen and relax blood vessels. If the tribe's lack of high blood pressure (as well as other diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer) does turn out to be because of epicatechin, researchers speculate that the flavonoid could one day be given vitamin status.
Other Potential Reasons
But before you buy stock in Hershey's, there's still research to be done. The tribe members also eat lots of fish and fruit, and their diet or their lifestyle -- or both -- may be part of the lack-of-disease equation. So far, researchers have ruled out genetics.
Bottom Line
What remains true: Flavonoids are good for your heart; lots of research points to this. But dark chocolate is just about your only hope for chocolate that hasn't had its flavonoids completely destroyed by processing. And if you need to cut calories to lose weight, a little bit of chocolate goes a long way.
Article used with the kind permission of RealAge.com
It's a theory growing from a study of the diets of a small Indian tribe in the Panamanian islands. High blood pressure is virtually unheard of within the group. And tribe members drink three or four 10-ounce servings of cocoa per day. Coincidence?
Killer Compounds
The Panamanian tribe doesn't drink run-of-the-mill cocoa. Because of the gentle way they process their cocoa beans, their cocoa is chock-full of epicatechin, a flavonoid that helps widen and relax blood vessels. If the tribe's lack of high blood pressure (as well as other diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer) does turn out to be because of epicatechin, researchers speculate that the flavonoid could one day be given vitamin status.
Other Potential Reasons
But before you buy stock in Hershey's, there's still research to be done. The tribe members also eat lots of fish and fruit, and their diet or their lifestyle -- or both -- may be part of the lack-of-disease equation. So far, researchers have ruled out genetics.
Bottom Line
What remains true: Flavonoids are good for your heart; lots of research points to this. But dark chocolate is just about your only hope for chocolate that hasn't had its flavonoids completely destroyed by processing. And if you need to cut calories to lose weight, a little bit of chocolate goes a long way.
Article used with the kind permission of RealAge.com
Studies show you can lower blood pressure with dark chocolate.
Health benefit of chocolate
Just a nibble a day can keep blood pressure at bay!Between January 2005 and December 2006 Dr Dirk Taubert of University Hospital of Cologne, Germany conducted a study with 44 adults aged 56 to 73. All participants had hypertension but no other health problems.
Dark chocolate contains polyphenols which is a group of chemical substances believed to have health benefits.
During the study participants were randomly selected to receive a 30 calorie (0.126 kilojoule) square of dark chocolate and the other group received a square of white chocolate that has no polyphenols. The dark chocolate used was 50% cocoa.
After 18 weeks those eating the dark chocolate had a three-point drop in systolic blood pressure (that's the top reading) and a two-point drop in diastolic blood pressure (the bottom). There were no changes to their weight, cholesterol or blood sugar.
Dr Taubert concluded that "Chocolate may be helpful for reducing blood pressure and therefore, the risk of heart attack and stroke".
So, chocoholics, go eat your dark chocolate square and be healthy.
Healthy Chocolate Recipe Books
Here's a range of books that feature the health benefits of chocolate plus a low fat cookbook featuring our favourite food.
The Bonus Years Diet: 7 Miracle Foods Including Chocolate, Red Wine, and Nuts That Can Add 6.4 Yearson Average to Your Life
Amazon Price: $20.76 (as of 07/11/2009) 
The New Low Carb Way of Life: A Lifetime Program to Lose Weight and Radically Lower Cholesterol While Still Eating the Foods You Love, Including Chocolate
Amazon Price: $21.51 (as of 07/11/2009)
Cholesterol Cures: More Than 325 Natural Ways to Lower Cholesterol and Live Longer from Almonds and Chocolate to Garlic and Wine
Amazon Price: $15.25 (as of 07/11/2009)
Ultimate Foods for Ultimate Health: And Don't Forget the Chocolate!
Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 07/11/2009)
Chocolate and the Art of Low-Fat Desserts
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
More Good Chocolate News
...keep the good news coming , I say.
Eating dark chocolate, having plenty of sex, and eating cold meat and fish for breakfast all boost your brain power! The eating of chocolate can help sharpen the mind and possibly even help fight fatigue -- helping you when you've had a lack of sleep. Yes, it may even help the effects of aging.As many chocolate lovers will know, trying to resist chocolate is futile as you end up eating a whole lot more than you would have -- particularly women.
The NZ Sunday Star Times(4 Jan 08) states that "A stroll followed by a glass of chocolate milk could help maintain muscle function and promote longevity amoung older people."
Dark chocolate has been found to be as effective as asprin in preventing blood clots.
It has been found that the Kuna Indians of Panama who drink large quantities of flavonoid-rich cocoa do not suffer age-related rises in blood pressure.
What more can I say? Chocolate is just magic.
Chocolate Beauty Tip
According to a recent article in Real Age Chocolate is great for your skin. It does have to be dark chocolate but a daily dose makes the skin smoother, more hydrated and less sensitive to the sun. >>Read the article here and there is also a recipe for Healthy Hot Cocoa.
Chocolate Gifts for Your Mother
Mother's Day is in May but what the heck she's special any day....
Chocolate Delights: Gourmet Chocolate Gift Basket
Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 07/11/2009)
Timothy's World Coffee, German Chocolate Cake, K-Cups for Keurig Brewers, 24-Count Boxes (Pack of 2)
Amazon Price: $23.00 (as of 07/11/2009)
Leonidas Belgian Chocolates: 1 lb Signature Dark Chocolates Assortment
Amazon Price: $36.00 (as of 07/11/2009)
Leonidas Belgian Chocolates: 1 lb General Chocolate Assortment
Amazon Price: $36.00 (as of 07/11/2009)
Chocolate Links to Vote on
Virtual Chocolate - Mouthwatering Chocolate E-Postcards, Chocolate ...
Virtual Chocolate, send fellow chocolate lovers, v more...1 point
Chocolate Fountain | Chocolate Fountain Search - Chocolate Fountain Hire
Chocolate Fountain Directory to hire, rent and sea more...1 point
The Joys of a Chocolate Wedding Cake
There is no reason at all why, if chocolate is you more...1 point
Chocolate: a Comfort Food that's actually Healthy
There are two types of food that I know of that ar more...1 point
Coconut Milk Recipes
There is coconut milk-not to be confused with the more...1 point
Chocolate Recipes
A collection of mouth watering chocolate recipes1 point
Chocolate - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Chocolate most commonly comes in dark, milk, and w more...0 points
Chocolate and Truffle Gifts from Godiva: Home
Chocolate Recipes and Shopping online presented by more...0 points
Chocolate Fountains in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset.
Chocolate fountain for rental and hire in Devon, C more...0 points
UK Chocolate Fountain Rental
Chocolate fountain and Champagne fountain rental i more...0 points
Chocolate Recipes
A collection of mouth watering chocolate recipes0 points
Vote on your favorite chocolate
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Easter -- A Chocoholic's delight
Easter eggs and chocolate...yumm
Remember to eat milk chocolate in moderation...but you can eat more of the dark stuff!
Cadbury Mini Eggs Easter Chocolate Mix 40 Ounce Bag
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
Flop Eared Bunny in Milk Chocolate 2.5 oz
Amazon Price: $5.75 (as of 07/11/2009)
Springtime Easter Chocolate Candy Assortment 55 Ounce Bag
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
Traditional Sitting Chocolate Easter Bunny, Milk Chocolate
Amazon Price: $5.25 (as of 07/11/2009)
Steak and Kidney Pie
What....on a chocolate lens? This is a new treatment of an old favourite
2 lb steak and kidney cubed pieces1/2 cup flour
2 tsp salt and 1/4 tp black pepper
3 tbl butter or dripping
1 clove crished garlic (optional)
1 breakfast cup coarsley choped onion
1/4 tsp each dried savoury and majoram
1 1/2 cups water or stock
1 desertspoon Bournville Cocoa
Pastry for crust
Sprinkle the meat with half the flour, seasoned with pepper and half the salt. Brown in the butter. Sprinkle on the remainder of the flour and gradually add the stock. Add the rest of the salt, garlic, onion and herbs and cook on a low heat until tender. Mix the cocoa to a paste with cold water and stir into the steak and kidney. Pour into a pie dish and cover top with pie crust. Bake in a hot oven (450 deg) for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 for a further 20 minutes, or until the crust is nicely colored on top.
Chocolate Biscotti
4 oz Unsweetened chocolate1/2 c Butter
1/2 ts Vanilla extract
3 lg Eggs
1 1/4 c Sugar
3 c All-purpose flour
1/2 ts Baking powder
1 c Hazelnuts or walnuts; chop
1 Egg white; lightly beaten
Melt chocolate and butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat. Beat eggs at medium speed with an electric mixer until frothy; gradually add sugar, beating until thick and pale (about 5 minutes). Add chocolate mixture, stirring until blended. Combine flour and baking powder; stir into chocolate mixture. Stir in nuts. Flour hands, and form dough into a 13" log. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Brush with egg white. Bake at 350F for 45 minutes; cool on a wire rack. Cut log with a serrated knife crosswise into 24 (1/2-inch) slices, and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350F for 10 minutes on each side. Remove to wire racks to cool.
Chocolate Pecan Cheesecake Bars
Crust:
1 pk Chocolate cake mix
1/2 c Butter or margarine -- Softened
1 Egg
1/2 c Pecans -- chopped
Filling:
8 oz Cream cheese -- softened
14 oz Sweetened condensed milk
1 ts Vanilla
1 Egg
Heat oven to 350. Grease 13 x 9 pan. In large bowl, combine cake mix, margarine and egg; mix at low speed until combined. Stir in pecans. Reserve 1 cup for topping; set aside. Press remaining mixture evenly in bottom of greased pan. Beat cream cheese in medium bowl until fluffy. Add remaining filling ingredients and beat at medium speed until smooth. Pour over crust; sprinkle with reserved topping. Bake at 350 for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely. Cut into bars. Store in refrigerator.
1 pk Chocolate cake mix
1/2 c Butter or margarine -- Softened
1 Egg
1/2 c Pecans -- chopped
Filling:
8 oz Cream cheese -- softened
14 oz Sweetened condensed milk
1 ts Vanilla
1 Egg
Heat oven to 350. Grease 13 x 9 pan. In large bowl, combine cake mix, margarine and egg; mix at low speed until combined. Stir in pecans. Reserve 1 cup for topping; set aside. Press remaining mixture evenly in bottom of greased pan. Beat cream cheese in medium bowl until fluffy. Add remaining filling ingredients and beat at medium speed until smooth. Pour over crust; sprinkle with reserved topping. Bake at 350 for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely. Cut into bars. Store in refrigerator.
A Brief History of Chocolate
It was over 2,000 years ago that the Aztec and Mayan Indians discovered the importance of the cacao plant.The frothy beverage that came from the crushed cocoa beans was used in Mayan sacred ceremonies and among royalty. References to a plant etched on the walls of their temples referred to the "food of the Gods".
The Aztecs served a warm beverage that they called "chocolatl" or translated "warm liquid". Only certain honored members where allowed to partake of the ceremonies where chocolatl was consumed. The Aztecs also used cocoa beans as a currency.
The beans where brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus who presented them to the King and Queen of Spain. It was thought that they had no value.
It only when Hernando Cotes was offered the chocolatl beverage by the Aztecs while in what is now Mexico that his interest was aroused. He decided to try experimenting with sugar cane to sweeten the bitter taste for the Spaniards. Realizing the potential of this cocoa bean he established plantations.
Back in Spain the beverage became popular when mixed with spices and served hot. Spain now saw the potential and began planting cacao trees in Venezuela, Jamaica, Peru and Ecuador. Spanish monks were appointed to process the beans for consumption.
Mass production began with a mechanized press in early 1800 and more people now had access to the beverage. In 1847 a British company introduced a solid chocolate made by blending cocoa powder with melted cocoa butter and sugar.
Some thirty years later a Swiss, Daniel Peter, began adding milk to the chocolate and this made chocolate even more popular. Henri Nestle joined forces with Peters and formed the Nestle Company.
In World War 1 the US Government supplied chocolate bars to the troops serving overseas as it was noticed that chocolate was a great source of energy.
Books on all things chocolate
Yeah Dave's Guide to Livin' the Moment: Getting to Ecstasy Through Wine, Chocolate and Your iPod Playlist
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 07/11/2009)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 07/11/2009)
The Chocolate War (Readers Circle)
Amazon Price: $8.95 (as of 07/11/2009)
Recipe: Chocolate Cake In A Jar
Makes an unusual gift
1 stick plus 3 T. butter or margarine
3 c. white sugar
4 eggs
1 T. vanilla
2 c. applesauce, unsweetened
3 c. white flour
3/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. salt
Prewash 8 pint-sized wide mouth canning jars (be sure to use the kind
that have no shoulders) in hot, soapy water. Rinse well, dry and let
them come to room temperature. Grease insides of jar well with
butter.
Beat together butter, and half of sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and
remaining sugar, vanilla and applesauce.
Sift dry ingredients together, and add to the applesauce mixture a
little at a time. Beat well after each addition.
Pour 1 c. of batter into each jar, and carefully remove any batter
from the rims.
Place jars in a preheated 325 oven, and bake for 40 mins.
While cakes are baking, bring a saucepan of water to a boil, and
carefully add jar lids. Remove pan from heat, and keep lids hot until
ready to use.
When the cakes have finished baking, remove jars from oven. Make sure
jar rims are clean. (If they're not, jars will not seal correctly)
Place lids on jars, and screw rings on tightly.
Jars will seal as they cool.
Cakes will slide right out when ready to serve.
Eat within 1 month.
3 c. white sugar
4 eggs
1 T. vanilla
2 c. applesauce, unsweetened
3 c. white flour
3/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. salt
Prewash 8 pint-sized wide mouth canning jars (be sure to use the kind
that have no shoulders) in hot, soapy water. Rinse well, dry and let
them come to room temperature. Grease insides of jar well with
butter.
Beat together butter, and half of sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and
remaining sugar, vanilla and applesauce.
Sift dry ingredients together, and add to the applesauce mixture a
little at a time. Beat well after each addition.
Pour 1 c. of batter into each jar, and carefully remove any batter
from the rims.
Place jars in a preheated 325 oven, and bake for 40 mins.
While cakes are baking, bring a saucepan of water to a boil, and
carefully add jar lids. Remove pan from heat, and keep lids hot until
ready to use.
When the cakes have finished baking, remove jars from oven. Make sure
jar rims are clean. (If they're not, jars will not seal correctly)
Place lids on jars, and screw rings on tightly.
Jars will seal as they cool.
Cakes will slide right out when ready to serve.
Eat within 1 month.
Chocolate Bites
Bits and pieces about chocolate
"Nine out of ten people like chocolate....the tenth person always lies."
- Chocolate n. 1. A preparation of the seeds of cacao, roasted, husked and ground (without removing any of the fat), often sweetened and flavored, as with vanilla. 2. A beverage or confection made of this. 3. Dark brown. 4. A divine substance inspiring passion in those who consume it.
[Sp., from Nahuati chocatl bitter water] - The start of: Mars Bar 1932, Aero Bar 1935, Maltesers 1936, Kit Kat 1937.
- Swedish botanist Linnaeus christened the cacao tree Theobroma which translates from Greek as 'the food of the gods'.
- Chocolate is first recorded as being for sale in England in 1660
- AD 600 The Maya in Yucatan cultivated the cacoa tree and used the beans as currency
- The flavor of milk chocolate starts to deteriorate after about six months whereas the flavor of dark chocolate, like a fine wine, improves for up to 24 months.
- Sir Hans Sloane (1660 - 1753), Queen Anne of England's physician, is reported to be the first person to mix chocolate successfully with milk - for restorative purposes.
Chocolate Recipe Links
- Died and Went ti Heaven Chocolate Cake
- A guilt-free chocolate cake recipe
- Blarney Stone KISSed Cookies
- A recipe from Hersheys for St Particks Day...or any time really.
Chocolate Blogs
Chocolate News
A Wairarpa "chocologist" says our choice of chocolate flavours and centres says a lot about our true personalities.
Read the article Chocolate and personality linked says 'chocologist' here.
Read the article Chocolate and personality linked says 'chocologist' here.
Del.icio.us bookmarks
Chocolate Lovers Leave Your Note!
StephanieManning wrote...
Nice lens...I added your lens to my featured Chocolate Lens module on my Hershey's Chocolate Recipes Lens www.squidoo.com/hersheyschocolaterecipes. 5*
Posted March 11, 2009
janices7 wrote...
Hi Lyn -
Glad you liked my kicked up brownie recipe lens. I have lensrolled your fantastic chocolate lens to All About Chocolate!
Posted October 20, 2008
SoundFinance wrote...
Thanks for all the great comments:)-- Grace have you tried Orange Intense and Chilli?.....heaven.
Posted October 05, 2008
Lensmaster
Grace wrote
Hey, You need to try the Lindt 60% Cocoa Bars. They are great! You can buy them at Walmart.
Chocolate won't be the same to you ever again.
Posted September 28, 2008
mosaic wrote...
The steak and kidney totally made me do a double-take. Hahaha. This is a fantastic lens!
Posted August 19, 2008
Final Chocolate Nibbles
To round off your chocolate experience....
- For a wintertime taste sensation try some raspberry or peppermint scnhapps in hot chocolate.
- Chocolat -- a traditional chocolate drink.
Break 40 g of sweet chocolate pieces into a small amount of water or hot milk in a saucepan on a low heat. Cover the pan.
Once chocolate has softened, take it off the stove. Using a small whisk or wooden spoon make a smooth paste.
Add two or three tablespoons of boiling liquid (water or milk), stir, and thn add the remaining liquid. Stir cotinuously, but do not allow to boil.
Pour into an elegant cup or glass, admire, then drink. - Enjoy!
by SoundFinance
Hi, my name is Lyn.
I'm a chocoholic....
I'm also a Certified Financial Planner with my own business in New Zealand. I came to NZ&...
(more)
