Dark Chocolate

The Chocolate Connoisseur May 21st, 2007

Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate or any type of chocolate has been one of the most popular confections for people of any age for many years. Studies in scientific journals now say that dark chocolate is a healthy chocolate, so people who love to eat dark chocolate will never need to feel guilty again. Studies show that just two ounces, or fifty grams, of plain, dark chocolate, containing seventy percent chocolate solids, has a health benefit. It offers protection against high blood pressure, heart disease and other heath hazards by removing free radicals from the blood so that it circulates through the body more freely. Many people have always eaten dark chocolate because they love the taste so these newly discovered health benefits are a bonus.

Many wonderful recipes call for dark chocolate. A deep dark chocolate soufflé is a great dessert to serve family or company and is easy to make.

Ingredients

· ½ cup plus 3 tablespoons of white sugar
· ½ cup of cocoa
· ¼ cup softened butter
· ¼ cup of all-purpose flour
· 1 cup milk
· 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
· 4 eggs, separated

Preheat the oven to 350 F degrees. Butter a 6-cup soufflé dish and then coat, using one tablespoon of sugar. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the flour and cocoa, add butter and then mix well. Using a medium saucepan, heat the milk until very hot, reduce the heat and add your cocoa mixture. Beat this until it is thick and smooth, remove from the heat, and stir in a half-cup of sugar and then the vanilla. Cool this slightly and start adding the egg yolks individually, beating well after each one. Let this mixture sit until it reaches room temperature. In a large bowl, mix the egg whites until foamy, gradually adding the last two tablespoons of sugar and beating until the mixture is stiff. Stir in a little beaten egg white into the chocolate mixture and then fold the chocolate mixture into the rest of the egg whites. Carefully pour this into your six-cup soufflé dish and bake for forty to forty-five minutes, until puffed. Serve this wonderful deep dark chocolate soufflé immediately with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

A quick and easy dark chocolate topping for ice cream or any dessert requires only two cups of dark chocolate chips, one cup of whipping cream and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. In a medium, microwave-safe mixing bowl, stir together the whipping cream, dark chocolate chips and microwave this on high. Stir after one minute and continue heating and stirring if necessary, to melt any remaining chips. Serve this wonderful topping over ice cream for a taste-treat sensation.



Chocolate Online

The Chocolate Connoisseur May 15th, 2007

Purchasing chocolate online is a great way to enjoy some of the world’s finest chocolate, which is sometimes very difficult to purchase locally. Along with having a great variety of chocolate to choose from, there are often excellent discounts and promotions available as well. With just one click of your mouse you will find yourself in the wonderful world of luscious chocolate. Whether the chocolate your purchase is a gift or for yourself, the endless variety will keep you glued to your computer. There is gourmet food and chocolate available online, such as strawberry Bavarian mousse made with strawberries, real cream and vanilla on rich chocolate cake and finished with a wonderful strawberry glaze and apricot jelly.

When someone discovers shopping for food and chocolate online, they are very amazed at the variety of gifts, food and merchandise available. Think of your computer as a worldwide grocery store, with access to virtually any national specialty chocolate item. You have the ability to shop all over the world without ever leaving the privacy of your own home, which is extremely convenient. You can shop at four in the morning wearing only your pajamas, on your lunch break at work, or even from a hotel room when you are traveling. There is no fighting traffic, looking for a place to park, no fighting crowds or standing in line waiting for a sales person to serve you and no dragging screaming kids around a store. Because online shopping has grown in popularity, many price-comparison websites make it very easy to find lower prices on merchandise and chocolate products. Many also offer rebates or specials on shipping costs.

When shopping for merchandise and chocolate online, there are a few general tips that make shopping easier and safer. Be sure to shop only at reputable, familiar, secured web sites. To tell if you are looking at a secured website, check the bottom right-hand corner of the browser screen for a padlock. A locked padlock means a secured website and an unlocked padlock means an unsecured site. Make sure your login account information is confidential and extremely strong. Never use your name as the username, or your birthday or social security number as your password. A good password needs at least eight characters, such as numbers, letters, different capitalizations and special characters. This way it is extremely difficult for anyone to figure out your password. Never click on unfamiliar links and have an anti-virus program running which is up-to-date. Be sure the site you order your chocolate from has a money back or replacement guarantee. The next time you want to purchase chocolate online, get into something comfortable, put your feet up and enjoy yourself.



Chocolate Gift Baskets

The Chocolate Connoisseur May 3rd, 2007

Everyone loves chocolate gift baskets. Coming up with gift ideas can certainly be very difficult, so a chocolate basket can be an easy and well-loved idea. Everybody loves getting presents and gifts, especially one that is unexpected. That is why more and more people are choosing wonderful and unique chocolate gift baskets to give as gifts to family and friends. Although there are chocolate gift baskets already made, it is fun and easy to make your own. The only limit, when it comes to making a gift basket, is your imagination.

The first step in making a chocolate gift basket is selecting a basket or creative container for your masterpiece. In craft stores or large department stores, there are many wonderful, unique baskets and decorative paper available, but sometimes it is fun to be creative and use items such as:

· Wire container – great for a gourmet cook or wine lover
· Plant pot – indoor or outdoor gardeners
· Ceramic containers – works well for almost any occasion
· Ice bucket – men’s gift basket
· Toy dump truck or pail – children’s gift basket
· Cookie jar – house warming gift
· Basket made of chocolate – great for anyone

Come up with a theme for your chocolate gift basket so you can create a unique basket that is fun and different. Pick products for the gift recipients’ basket that fit the occasion, age, dietary restrictions, gender or other requirements. Start your chocolate gift basket by filling the bottom with decorative, shredded paper, which is available in several different styles and colors and add a piece of floral foam to anchor any enhancements. Start adding the products with the tallest or largest in the middle and then working forward. Strong, clear packing tape is a great way to anchor the items. Be sure to place your products outward at the back of the basket, so it also looks nice. Use items such as silk flowers, tissue paper, handmade bows, and chocolate bars, to fill in bare spots. Once your chocolate gift basket is complete, use either cellophane or shrink wrap to complete the basket. Curling ribbon works well for holding the cellophane in place.

In a chocolate gift basket for the true chocolate lover, fill the basket with chocolate goodies such as home baked chocolate cookies, chocolate recipes, chocolate bonbons, chocolate flavored coffee beans, chocolate sauces, chocolate covered coffee beans, hot chocolate mix and chocolate dipped coffee spoons. For the connoisseur on your list create a wonderful chocolate gift basket by filling it with two wine glasses, a bottle of fine wine, cheese and crackers, gourmet chocolate - and don’t forget the corkscrew.



Chocolate Chip Cookies

The Chocolate Connoisseur April 16th, 2007

The smell of a chocolate chip cookie baked in the oven brings back wonderful childhood memories to many people. Years ago, hot chocolate with a chocolate chip cookie was a perfect way to end a day of playing in the snow, a snowball fight with friends, making snowmen, ice-skating, tobogganing, or even a walk in the falling snow. To this day it is still a very popular tradition. Unlike years ago, today there are many delicious varieties and flavors of chocolate chip cookie. For anyone that loves fruit, try a cherry chocolate chip cookie or banana chocolate chip cookie. Chocolate lovers will find double chocolate chip cookies and double chocolate chip cookies delectable. Other versions are oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and mint chocolate chip cookies - or experiment by adding other mouth-watering morsels, such as candy bar pieces, candy cane, raisins, chucks of dark or milk chocolate, coconut or espresso beans. A gourmet chocolate chip cookie bar or chocolate chip cookie pie is a wonderful taste experience you will not forget.

The following recipe for soft, double chocolate chip cookies is always a huge hit at home, work or special functions. It makes approximately two dozen incredible cookies.

Ingredients

· ½ cup butter or margarine
· 2 ½ squares of unsweetened chocolate (one ounce squares)
· 2 cups of all-purpose flour
· 1 teaspoon of baking powder
· ½ teaspoon of baking soda
· 1 ¼ cups white sugar
· ¼ teaspoon salt
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 2 eggs
· 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips
· 2/3 cup sour cream

Before making your chocolate chip recipe, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Over a double broiler or in the microwave, melt together the butter and squares of unsweetened chocolate, stirring until smooth. In a mixing bowl, sift together baking powder, baking soda, flour and salt and set aside. Using a medium-size mixing bowl, beat the eggs, vanilla and sugar until light and then pour in the melted chocolate mixture, stirring well. Add the dry sifted ingredients and sour cream alternately and then the chocolate chips. Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for eight to ten minutes. Remove from the oven, cool and store in an airtight container. Grab a glass of milk, a few chocolate chip cookies and relax.

If you want to do something fun with your children, let them help you bake a batch of luscious chocolate chip cookies. It will be a bonding, memorable experience and eating the finished product will certainly be a hit. Kids can be a little messy, so keep it relaxed and fun. It will not take a lot of time to get your kitchen back into shape after the cookies are ready to eat. What a great way to spend time with your children.



Chocolate Mint

The Chocolate Connoisseur March 29th, 2007

Chocolate mint is a very popular form of flavored chocolate, created by combining plain chocolate and mint flavorings such as spearmint, crème de menthe or peppermint. There is also a hybrid mint plant called ‘chocolate mint’ that is a herb which smells and tastes like a chocolate and mint combination. You find chocolate mint in a large variety of food products such as ice cream, mints, hot chocolate, cookies and candy. Cheesecake is certainly the favorite dessert of many people and chocolate mint cheesecake is no different. Cheesecakes are luscious desserts and great for any occasion such as family dinners, weddings, birthdays or baby showers.

In a cracker crust, cream cheese, lemon juice, eggs, vanilla essence, sour cream and sugar are the ingredients found in traditional cheesecake but many people have their own variations. Some of the popular cheesecake flavors are chocolate mint, lemon, strawberry and peach. There are some very important steps to follow when making a cheesecake. Many people are not aware that these tips can make the difference between a wonderful cheesecake and one that falls apart.

Tips

  • Use only fresh, top quality ingredients
  • Use only real pasteurized cream cheese
  • If the cream cheese is frozen, microwave for about 45 seconds on high to soften
  • The ingredients, especially the eggs and cream cheese, should be room temperature. This is such an important tip because, without it, you will never have a smooth cheesecake
  • Never bake the fruit but add it on top later, so it retains its flavor, freshness and color
  • Never, ever, open the oven door to peek at the cheesecake before it is finished or it will crack or fall apart
  • Once the cheesecake finishes baking, turn the oven off but leave the cheesecake in the oven for another half an hour, to get perfectly moist, puffed cheesecake

In this chocolate mint cheesecake recipe, you make the crust by combining 3 tablespoons of melted butter or margarine, 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 cup of chocolate wafer crumbs. Press this into a nine-inch pan, bake for ten minutes in a 350 degrees F oven and cool.

Chocolate Mint Cheesecake Ingredients

  • 24 ounces softened cream cheese
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2/3 cup of sugar
  • 1 cup melted mint chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

In a large bowl, combine the sugar and cream cheese, mixing on medium until blended well. One at a time, add the eggs and mix well after each one. Blend in the vanilla, mint chocolate, and pour this into the crust. Bake in a preheated 350F degree oven for fifty minutes and then turn the oven off and leave your chocolate mint cheesecake in the oven an additional half hour.



Chocolate Fudge

The Chocolate Connoisseur March 14th, 2007

Almost everyone loves the taste of chocolate and has a personal favorite, such as sweet milk chocolate, dark, bitter chocolate, white chocolate, or even fancy Belgian chocolate. With the huge selection of chocolate available today, there is definitely chocolate perfect for everyone’s taste. The wonderful aroma of luscious chocolate tantalizes a person’s taste buds and the melt-in-your mouth taste of creamy chocolate makes anyone’s day. There is chocolate perfect to give as gifts on special occasions such as Valentines Day, anniversaries and birthdays. There are chocolate-shaped roses, hearts and delicious chocolate cakes and chocolate fudge.

Chocolate is a wonderful way to let someone know how much he or she means to you. Making luscious chocolate fudge to give as a gift does not have to be a difficult and challenging job. There are many easy recipes available for beginners, to the more advanced chocolate fudge recipes for experienced cooks. Here are two chocolate fudge recipes, one that is easy while the second recipe is a little more challenging - but they are both scrumptious.

It is fun to use different chocolate chip types such as peanut butter/chocolate chips or caramel/chocolate chips for a different flavor. Instead of, or along with, the chopped nuts, try M & M’s or miniature marshmallows in the following easy recipe.

Ingredients

· 1 ¼ cups of chopped nuts
· 1 can of condensed milk
· 12 ounces of chocolate chips
· 1 teaspoon of vanilla

Combine the condensed milk and chocolate chips together in a double broiler, stirring until smooth. Remove from the heat, stir in the vanilla and nuts and pour into an 8” square buttered pan. Chill until firm and then cut into pieces.

This chocolate fudge recipe is a little more difficult but heavenly to eat. The ingredients needed are:

· 1 pound each of semi-sweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips
· 1 can of evaporated milk (12 ounces)
· 2 ½ tablespoons butter
· 2 cups of chopped nuts
· 1 pint of marshmallow cream
· 4 cups of sugar

In a large bowl, combine butter, marshmallow cream, milk and semi-sweet chocolate and nuts, and then set aside. In a large saucepan, over medium heat, mix together sugar and evaporated milk. Stirring constantly, bring this to a boil for four minutes. Remove from the heat and immediately pour this hot mixture in the bowl with the chocolate mixture, stirring with a large wooden spoon until well blended. In a buttered 9 x 13 inch baking pan, pour in the fudge, smooth, let cool for approximately six hours, then cut, and serve. This wonderful chocolate fudge will be a hit with your family and friends and is great for gift giving.



Chocolate Desserts

The Chocolate Connoisseur March 12th, 2007

A chocolate dessert is perfect for any occasion and always a big hit, whether it is for the family after a meal or you take it to a special event or dinner. Here are two chocolate dessert recipes that are delicious and easy to make. The first is a chocolate dessert pudding.

Chocolate Dessert Pudding

Chocolate Crust Ingredients

· 1 ½ cups of flour
· 1 ½ sticks of butter
· 1 ½ cups of chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans

Combine the butter, flour, and chopped nuts and press into a cake pan that is 13 x 9 x 2 inches. Bake for fifteen minutes in a 350F degree oven. Remove this and let it cool.

Filling

· 1 cup of cool whip
· 1 cup of confectioners sugar
· 8 ounces of cream cheese

Combine these three ingredients and then spread this on the chocolate crust.

Pudding Filling

· 3 cups of cold 2% milk or whole milk
· 2 packages of chocolate instant pudding
· 1 cup of cool whip

Combine the milk and instant pudding, mix and then pour this onto the top of the filling. Top with cool whip and then refrigerate. This chocolate dessert pudding is scrumptious.

The second recipe is a chocolate dessert cake that will draw raves from everyone lucky enough to have a piece. This is great alone or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipping cream.

Chocolate Dessert Cake

Ingredients

· 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour
· 2 cups of granulated sugar
· 2/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa
· ½ teaspoon of baking powder
· 1 teaspoon of salt
· 1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda
· ¾ cup of water
· 3 eggs
· ½ cup of oil
· 8 ounces (1 container) of sour cream

Start by preheating the oven to 350 F degrees and then flour and grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients, mixing thoroughly and then add the oil, water and eggs. Beat with a mixer at medium speed for approximately two minutes, and then add the sour cream, stirring well. Pour this into the baking pan, and bake for 40 to 45 minutes.

An easy and delicious chocolate dessert frosting that is wonderful with chocolate dessert cake contains 1/3 cup of margarine or butter, 4 ½ cups of sifted powdered sugar, ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla and ¼ cup of milk. Beat the margarine or butter until fluffy, mix in the unsweetened cocoa powder and only 1½ cups of the powdered sugar. Add the vanilla and milk, mixing well. Beat in the remaining 3 cups of powdered sugar. Add a little more milk if you find it a little difficult to spread.



Belgian Chocolate

The Chocolate Connoisseur March 9th, 2007

The words ‘Belgian chocolate’ bring a smile to people’s faces and make their taste buds salivate. Whether you add rich, dark, decadent chocolate to fresh fruits, cereal, bake with it, drink it or use it on pastries, there is nothing as delectable to a person’s taste buds as chocolate, especially Belgian Chocolate. Many believe that Belgian chocolate is the best gourmet chocolate in the world. Even the Swiss, known for their own excellent, high quality chocolate, originally imported the basic recipe from Belgian chefs.

Old world manufacturing techniques and high quality ingredients are what makes Belgian chocolate delicious and unique. Tourists visiting Belgium will find small chocolate shops that still make chocolates by hand using the original equipment. With their expertise and experience, Belgians have definitely perfected chocolate making.

Real chocolate lovers have eaten Belgian chocolate, and they know how luscious this chocolate tastes. Although expensive, pure Belgian chocolate, considered by many to be the best chocolate in the entire world, is definitely worth every penny. When biting into a quality Belgian chocolate, whether it is milk chocolate, dark chocolate or even white chocolate, a person immediately forgets about the cost and just enjoys the experience of eating the most delicious, incredible chocolate ever.

Belgium produces approximately 172,000 tons of luscious chocolates from over two thousand of the country’s Belgian chocolate outlets. People of all ages love the soothing, fabulous taste of Belgian chocolate and the perfect gift for almost anyone is a Belgian chocolate gift basket.

There are different flavors and varieties of chocolate, such as bitter or sweet chocolate and many wonderful fillings. On a romantic occasion, such as Valentines Day or a birthday, give your sweetheart a Belgian chocolate gift basket with heart-shaped and rose-shaped chocolates and a bottle of wine. Many shops have a great selection of Belgian chocolate gift baskets already made, with some even offering you the option of personally selecting the items you would like included in your basket.

A great dessert that you can make the day before and gives everyone his or her own individual serving is Belgian chocolate mousse.

Ingredients

· 4 ½ ounces finely chopped Belgian bittersweet chocolate
· 2 tablespoons strong coffee such as espresso
· 2 tablespoons or 1 ounce diced, unsalted butter
· 3 large eggs, separated
· 1 cup of cold, heavy cream
· 1 tablespoon sugar
· (Optional) Raspberries or strawberries and extra whipped cream

Whip the cream into soft peaks and place in the refrigerator. Over hot water, using a double boiler, combine butter, espresso and Belgian chocolate, stirring until smooth, remove and let this cool until it is just a little warmer than body temperature. Mix the egg whites until foamy, add sugar and beat, forming soft peaks. Stir the yolks into the warm chocolate mixture; add a third of the whipped cream, fold in the whites and the rest of the whipped cream. Spoon into individual dishes and refrigerate for eight hours.



Fine Gourmet Chocolate

The Chocolate Connoisseur March 2nd, 2007

Most people love to eat chocolate, especially fine gourmet chocolate. Unlike inferior chocolate products, gourmet chocolate boasts a glossy, smooth appearance with no marks or streaks. It has a rich, wonderful cocoa aroma instead of a faint chocolate smell, or even a chemical odor. Gourmet chocolate melts in your mouth, releasing an almost sinful, rich, wonderful taste that has chocoholics wanting more.

It also has many proven health benefits along with being delicious, containing essential elements such as iron, vitamins, potassium and calcium. Chromium, found in high levels in gourmet chocolate, helps control a person’s blood sugar. Some people even feel that chocolate works as an antidepressant, making them feel better instantly after eating it. Fine gourmet chocolate also makes a wonderful gift, which is perfect for any occasion such as Christmas, Valentines Day and birthdays, or sometimes just to put a smile on a loved one’s face just because you care.

Fine gourmet chocolate comes in many different types, such as dark chocolate, cocoa powder, unsweetened chocolate, milk chocolate, couverture, bittersweet chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate, often used in cooking. To enhance the wonderful taste of fine gourmet chocolate even more, some common additives are liqueur, all kinds of nuts, mint, caramel, rice crispies, orange, dry fruits, strawberry and cream.

Fine gourmet chocolate has certainly become more popular over the last few years, with some chocolate connoisseurs talking about chocolate the way wine critics talk about exceptional wines. Gourmet chocolate tasting is a trend that many of the top-line chocolate producers now encourage. Tasting the many different fine gourmet chocolates available is a wonderful pastime that lets people develop their own dislikes or preferences. Not only is this like chocolate heaven, but you have the opportunity to buy as little or as much of the gourmet chocolate you want. There is such a large range to select from that you do not necessarily have to buy only the most expensive chocolate, as it really is a matter of personal taste.

Here is a recipe for gourmet hot chocolate that is relatively low-calorie and low-sugar but wonderful in taste. To make this drink super creamy, you use cornstarch, which thickens the chocolate. This recipe serves two or three.

Ingredients

· ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
· ½ cup sweetener
· 1 tablespoon sugar
· ¼ cup water
· 3 teaspoons cornstarch
· 2 cups skim milk

In a medium saucepan mix together the cocoa powder, sweetener and sugar. Combine the cornstarch and water and add this to the saucepan, being sure to blend the mixture until it is smooth. Over medium-low heat, slowly pour the milk in, stirring continuously until the gourmet chocolate mix comes to a simmer. Let this simmer for an additional ten minutes, stirring often. When the chocolate is thick and smooth, your fine gourmet chocolate drink is ready for you to enjoy.



Chocolate Covered Fruit

The Chocolate Connoisseur March 1st, 2007

Most people love chocolate and fruit, so any chance to combine the two and have chocolate covered fruit is a wonderful taste experience. In the past, chocolate, which originated in Central America, was a luxury that only royalty and the wealthy were able to enjoy. Nowadays almost everyone has the opportunity to indulge him or herself by enjoying the wonderful taste of chocolate.

One way to enjoy chocolate covered fruit is a chocolate fountain, which is always a huge hit at functions such as dinner banquets, weddings, a family gathering, birthday parties or even a night hanging out with your friends. Not only is it an elegant, unique way to serve fruit and chocolate but people of all ages love to watch warm chocolate cascade over each tier of the chocolate fountain until it reaches the bottom. There are chocolate fountains made for smaller gatherings and home use and commercial fountains that are available to rent for large gatherings. Most places that rent or sell chocolate fountains also sell the milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, and many mixtures, formulated especially for using with a fountain so it streams down the tiers properly.

Another wonderful thing about a chocolate fountain is that your imagination is the only limit to what you dip into that river of luscious chocolate. Avoid foods that crumble or fall apart and air-dry any fruit you dip, as a lot of excess moisture could cause problems. Chocolate covered fruit is as easy as making a fruit platter for dipping, using fruits such as grapes, whole strawberries, pineapple chunks, whole raspberries, banana chunks, melon, kiwi chunks, dried fruit, apple slices, and fresh cherries. This is sure to be a hit with all age groups. Other great dipping items and popular choices are rice crispy treats, biscotti, meringue cookies, pretzels, cheese, orange slices, marshmallows, and assorted cookies.

Another way to enjoy chocolate covered fruit is a chocolate fondue, which is easy and makes a decadent, fantastic dessert. Here is an easy recipe for the chocolate.

Ingredients

· 1 cup sifted premium cocoa powder
· 1 ¼ cups of water
· ¼ cup of corn syrup
· 1 ½ cups of sugar
· ½ cup plus 5 tablespoons of heavy cream
· 5 ounces of chopped semi-sweet chocolate

Place the sugar, water and corn syrup into a saucepan and bring this to a boil, allowing it to simmer for up to fifteen minutes. You want this to reduce by thirty percent, then remove from the heat. Gradually add the cocoa powder and whisk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, slowly adding the heavy cream, until it reaches boiling point. Turn the heat down and simmer for an additional five minutes. Remove this mixture from the heat, stir in the chocolate pieces and then pour it into your fondue pot. Serve bite size pieces of fruit for delicious chocolate covered fruit.



Chocolate Brownies

The Chocolate Connoisseur February 28th, 2007

During the Columbian Exposition in 1892, the chef of the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago invented the brownie. Bertha Palmer wanted a dessert that women could eat without getting their hands dirty when put into box lunches. Sears and Roebuck published the first chocolate brownie recipe in their 1898 catalogue.

Just the mention of chocolate or a chocolate brownie has most people’s faces light up and their mouths water. Often referred to as ‘America’s favorite dessert’, chocolate brownies, named after their rich brown color, are popular not only across America but are known and eaten around the world. Many like their chocolate brownies covered with fudge icing, or with chips such as chocolate, peanut butter or butterscotch, while others prefer nuts or a combination of both. People also love fresh, hot chocolate brownies served with toppings such as vanilla ice cream, fresh whipped cream or hot fudge. In most fine dining establishments, country diners or other restaurants, brownies are often the most popular dessert item.

For people that love to cook, there are thousands of recipes for chocolate brownies, which are available in cookbooks, magazines and on the internet. You can even experiment to create a chocolate brownie recipe all your own or try different ingredients in a recipe you already have. Here is a brownie recipe with nuts that is not only delicious but also easy to make.

Ingredients

· One cup flour
· One cup sugar
· One cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans etc.)
· One teaspoon vanilla
· One teaspoon baking powder
· One quarter cup of cocoa
· One stick or four ounces of butter or margarine
· Three eggs

On low heat, melt cocoa and butter in a small saucepan and then remove this from the heat. In a bowl, beat the eggs until foamy and then slowly add in sugar and the melted cocoa and butter mixture. Sift together the baking powder and flour, and add half of this into the cake batter. Mix the nuts into the remaining flour mixture and then add this to your cake batter, being sure to blend it together well. Stir in the vanilla and then spread the batter evenly into an 8 x 8 inch greased and floured baking pan. Place this into a preheated 350-degree oven for twenty to twenty-five minutes.

You can make a quick and easy chocolate icing by sifting two cups of powdered sugar and four tablespoons of cocoa together. Add one teaspoon of vanilla and stir in enough half-and-half or heavy cream, until you get the desired spreading consistency. Make sure the brownies are cool and then apply the icing.

Taking a delicious plate of chocolate brownies to any gathering is sure to be a big hit. Be sure to make lots, as it is almost impossible for most people to eat only one chocolate brownie.



The History of Chocolate

The Chocolate Connoisseur February 27th, 2007

Discovered over two thousand years ago, the Aztec and Maya people made chocolate from the pod seeds of the cacao tree, which they created into frothy, spicy, bitter drinks. In both Aztec and Maya religious and royal events, chocolate played an important role as priests offered cacao seeds to the gods during sacred ceremonies and served chocolate drinks. Spanish explorers discovered this Aztec custom and shipped cacao tree seeds back to Spain. Chocolate was an expensive import, so for the next three hundred or so years it was an elite beverage enjoyed only by the upper classes of Europe. They designed luxuriant silver and porcelain serving cups and pieces for drinking chocolate that represented symbols of the power and wealth of society’s upper crust. In the mid seventeen-hundreds, after hundreds of years of remaining relatively unaltered, new chocolate making innovations changed the very future of chocolate. In the industrial age new machinery was able to mass produce solid chocolate making this wonderful treat affordable to just about all of the general public.

Early in the seventeen-hundreds a Frenchman invented the hydraulic machine, followed by another French inventor who developed the steam-driven chocolate machine. This steam-driven mill allowed mass-production of huge amounts of chocolate quickly and inexpensively. With these new machines chocolate was no longer an oily, gritty paste but became a creamier, smoother chocolate. In 1828, the cocoa press, invented by a Dutch chemist named Coenraad Van Houten, was able to make powder or cocoa by squeezing out all the cocoa butter, thus making the cocoa uniform and far less expensive to produce. To powdered chocolate, Van Houten also added alkaline salts, making it mix with water better and giving it a milder flavor and darker color. In 1875, Henri Nestlé and Daniel Peter joined forces and combined chocolate and condensed milk, creating a creamy, smooth milk chocolate. It did not take long for this to become increasingly popular.

As culinary experimentation continued, instead of just using chocolate in hot drinks and candy bars, people started using cocoa powder in desserts, cakes and other foods. In North America, around the American Revolution, the Bakers Chocolate Company began manufacturing chocolate on a huge scale, while the Dutch produced a fine-grained powder, which they called the ‘Dutching’ method and which is still popular today with chocolate connoisseurs. They soon began making chocolate into such things as various types of candies, moldable treats, baked goods and chocolate truffles. The first recipe for brownies, published toward the end of the nineteenth century in the Sears Roebuck Catalogue, is still a beloved American baked good. Chocolate has continued to increase in popularity over the years, with the average Swiss adult eating approximately twenty pounds and the Americans eating approximately twelve pounds of chocolate annually.