How to Make Chocolate Recipes Better

When you're wanting to learn how to make chocolate recipes better there are a few things you need to remember.

1. Follow the recipe before you make changes to it.
2. Use good quality, fresh ingredients only.
3. Make sure your measurements are right e.g. tsp is teaspoons, tbsp is tablespoons, gram to cup conversions vary depending upon the ingredient/s.

The main item I would like to focus on here to help us all make better chocolate recipes is the Star ingredient - Chocolate.

Chocolate would have to be one of the best ingredients ever! I thank God for the Theobroma Cacao tree from which chocolate is made. The scientific name Theobroma actually means "food of the gods".

If we stop long enough and just think about chocolate all by itself we would quickly realize what a magnificent food it really is. Here is a food type that will cheer up anyone who is feeling sad. It says "I love you" better than any other food type. When we think of Valentine's Day chocolate, flowers and jewelry usually come to mind.

It also makes an excellent gift for birthdays, Easter, Christmas, engagements, weddings, anniversaries, is a great way to say sorry, makes a good excuse to get together, is delicious with practically any beverage, it markets and sells well generally and for charity drives, has featured in so many movies e.g. Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, Like Water for Chocolate, Chocolat, In Search of the Heart of Chocolate and so many more.

Then we start to think of chocolate as an ingredient. Possibly the best place to begin is by thinking about chocolate bars. Brand names like Cadbury, Hershey's, Nestle have made very successful businesses by adding fruits, nuts and flavors to it. Change the shape and sell it again e.g chocolate chips, blocks of chocolate, little chocolate bars, milk or dairy, dark and white chocolate etc.

Put chocolate in biscuits, cakes, drinks - both non-alcoholic and alcoholic, mousse, brownies, pies, icing, desserts and the list goes on.

Chocolate really is superb!

If are wanting to know how to make a chocolate chip cookie recipe you would find a cookbook, website or blog that is dedicated to chocolate. You want to make sure that the author of the recipe/s really knows the ingredients they promote.

Also, remember the guidelines mentioned above - follow the recipe, fresh ingredients and correct measures.

Recently I decided to make chocolate brownies. A friend suggested I double the ingredients, which I did. I poured all of the brownie mix into a deep baking dish and baked it for the suggested time. Because of this the brownie recipe was a flop however, the chocolate lava cake was a huge success - thankfully. My mistake here was I should have stuck to the recipe and poured the mix into two shallow baking dishes just like it said.

Once you are confident, then experiment to your heart's desires. Have a go at using additional ingredients. For example where the chocolate chip cookie recipe calls for rolled oats, try a natural muesli. The addition of fruit, nuts and bran to these cookies is outstanding.

Finally, when most people think of chocolate they think of fun times. Chocolate and cooking are both fun, so relax and enjoy working with different recipes. This alone can improve the quality of your hard work and time in the kitchen.

Hello. My name is Geoff

I am the author, owner and photographer of http://www.chocolate-recipes-galore.com/

I have enjoyed eating chocolate as a child and have worked with chocolate in many different recipes for many years.

My passion for chocolate is seen in the recipes located at the above website. All of the recipes listed on this site are actually made and photographed by me.

I hope you are or become as passionate about chocolate as I am and that you too would share these chocolate tips and recipes with your friends and family.

Original article

Chestnut Chocolate Cake

Chocolate cake with chestnut filling

I made this cake because one of my sons very often eats chestnut cream. So I came up with the idea of a chestnut filling, and I don't regret it, because this chestnut filling cake came out delicious. The chestnut cream in a jar is very thick, that is harder, and it must be mixed with whipped cream so that it is easier to spread on the cake layer. I could have made a separate chocolate cream or ness coffee cream to soften the chestnut cream, but I thought it's better to put whipped cream so as not to mix the fillings too much, and it came out very good. It takes some time to prepare this cake, but the result will be a truly special one.

Ingredients:

• 1 chocolate cake layer
• 2 chestnut cream jars
• 2 jars of cherries in cherry juice
• 1 box of liquid cream from the brand "Hulala" (500 ml)
• 2 packages of chocolate icing
• 300 gr. of nutmeats, cut into small pieces with a knife
• Raw sugar for the whipped cream, 3 or 4 spoons
• 50 ml amaretto liqueur for the syrup

Preparation:

First, we prepare the chestnut cream using the 2 jars, mixing it then with some "Hulala" whipped cream spoons. I've used 6 whipped cream spoons for 600 gr. of chestnut cream. We thoroughly mix the cream with a wooden spoon, so that the cream homogenizes well and then we put the cream into the refrigerator. We also prepare the "Hulala" whipped cream, to which we add 4 spoons of raw sugar. After that we put it into the refrigerator.

We prepare the syrup for moistening the cake layers. I've prepared it out of 250 ml of water, to which I have added 4 or 5 spoons of raw sugar, depending on your taste. We put the kettle on the fire, until the sugar dissolves entirely, and then we add 50 ml of amaretto liqueur. We pass on to moisturizing the cake layers, we add plenty of cream and on top of the cream we also add a generous layer of nutmeats, crushed or cut into small pieces with a knife. I've cut the nutmeats with a knife, because we like it to be a little bigger, not finely crushed. After we have moistened the cake and added the cream and nutmeats, on top we put the icing, the whipped cream and the cherries taken from the jar. The cake is served after keeping it into the refrigerator for a while, and then it is cut into squares. Enjoy!!!

Original article

Fannie May Chocolates - The History of an American Original

Fannie May Chocolates has had a long and somewhat tumultuous history, more indicative of the times than of their wonderfully rich brand of chocolates. Nearly a hundred years ago, H. Teller Archibald opened his now famous chocolate shop in Chicago, Illinois, intent on selling quality chocolates in the neighborhood. Over the next two-and-half decades, Archibald's dream grew to nearly 50 such stores, scattered conveniently around America. Fannie May was renowned for her gourmet chocolates and strong sense of commitment to excellence, a sense which would shortly lead to a temporary downfall.

With the arrival of World War II, many companies - not just chocolate companies - experienced an unprecedented shortage in the supplies they used to make their own specialty brands of chocolates, and so shifted their recipes temporarily to ingredients that were available. Archibald's company refused to do this, and paid the price by having to close their many retail stores much earlier in the day, when their original ingredients ran out. They simply refused to compromise quality, even to turn a profit. Sadly, the world doesn't often reward idealism, and the Fannie May floundered for a time.

Predictably, for such a candy company with a loyal base of customers, Fannie May returned to the scene in full force after the end of the War. A spirited campaign of chocolate-making vaulted off the return of their ingredients, and Fannie May introduced new chocolates that quickly became American favorites. The windfall from enabled them to buy a competitor-company (Fanny Farmer, no relation) in the early 1990s, and expand their operation.

Although Fannie May performed admirably for the half-century after World war II, their parent company - Archibald Candy Corporation - didn't do so well overall, and called it quits. This had the inevitable effect of bankrupting Fannie May, as well; although they would not be long without a capable suitor. Alpine Confections Corporation realized the utility of the history, profitability and customer base of Fannie May and bought the company shortly afterward, moving their base of operations to Ohio in the process, in the year 2004. This would not, however, be her final home.

Fannie May was always going to be worth something; particularly with the raves regarding her special Mint Meltaways, and two years after the move to Ohio, she was bought by the national conglomerate 1-800-Flowers.com, Inc for nearly $100 million, keeping the manufacture of her confectionary brands in Ohio, while allowing the headquarters to remain in her birthplace, Chicago Illinois. She has expanded her repertoire beyond chocolates and candy, and now delights her ever-growing fan base with gift baskets, gourmet foods other than chocolate (and, of course, as well as chocolate), and uniquely delicious trademark chocolate combinations.

Fannie May chocolates is one of the most popular chocolates in America, with its long line of delectable milk chocolates and sweet combinations. Perfect for sharing with a friends or loved ones during the holidays, Chris fell in love with their mint-melt-aways when her husband introduced them to her. Whether as decorations for a Christmas tree or presents for Valentines Day, you simply can't go wrong with Fannie May.

Original article

When Can You Gift Chocolate Gold Coins?

Chocolate gold coins have been around since the times of Julius Caesar! These coins were engraved with the ruler's face and gifted to the courtesans. However, they were draped with gold sheet so that the countrymen also received something valuable along with the chocolates. Today, we have identical coins covered in golden foil which are highly popular as gifting items. You can also choose to personalize them in whichever way you please. In order to customize it, you can get the coins engraved with special dates, logos, photos or even religious symbols.

Chocolate gold coins can be gifted for a host of occasions and purposes. However, their value would be more appreciated when they are gifted on certain special occasions. Read up on the occasions when you can actually gift chocolate gold coins before you buy them.

Best Uses of Chocolate Gold Coins

Chocolate gold coins can be offered as gifts for one of the following occasions:

1. Hanukkah celebrations

Coins made from chocolate are substituted for "gelt" which is the Yiddish term for money, during the holidays of Hanukkah. Confections are distributed around this time instead of cash coins, for playing the game of Dreidel. These confections can also be stored in small organza pouches to make it presentable. However, make sure that you place your order for these coins well in advance so that you can receive them at the desired time.

2. Baptism

You could use chocolate gold coins souvenirs to commemorate the event of being baptized. You can have the coins distributed among women attendees. Alternatively, they can also be thrown along with real money, as a part of the ritual performed by the godfather of the baptized child.

3. Anniversary centerpieces

Chocolate gold coins can be suitably used to decorate the centerpiece of your anniversary party. They would be most suited for your silver or golden jubilee celebrations! You could also have them distributed among your guests with the anniversary year printed or engraved on it.

4. Birthday parties

These coins could also be used as confections for birthday parties. You can fill up balloons and toys with them and gift them to young children. Having your child's name or date of birth engraved on them would also be a suitable personal touch. You could simply hand out coins to your guests as a part of the return booty they would take back home as well.

You can buy chocolate gold coins from ChocolateFavorWorld.com. The range of options hosted by the shop is truly amazing and you can easily find ones that suit your gifting needs perfectly.

Original article

How Hershey's Changed the Face of Chocolate in the USA

When people talk about chocolate in the States it is a pretty safe bet they will be talking about Hershey's chocolate. Hershey's has become as synonymous with the candy as Kellogg's have with breakfast cereals.

Why is this? Why Hershey's as opposed to any other chocolate manufacturer in America? They are innovators and have been since Milton Hershey created the company in 1894. You only have to take a look at their extensive range of chocolate bars and chocolate related products to see that.

The first product was a chocolate covered caramel. The latest product with Hershey's branding is Hershey's Cookies and Creme bar introduced in 1994. In between there have been many, many more but perhaps the most famous is Hershey's Kisses, little drops of chocolate wrapped in silver foil and sold in bags. There are few people in the world, let alone the States, that haven't at least heard of Kisses.

Over the years Hershey has introduced many Hershey branded products, many of which are still in production today. These include Mr Goodbar, combining chocolate and peanuts, Hershey's Milk Chocolate, a plain milk chocolate bar also available in dark chocolate, or with almonds, and a few other varieties too.

Under the same brand name the company has also launched related products, like syrup for making chocolate milk, dessert toppings, cocoa powder, milkshakes and baking chocolate.

Of course, clever marketing has helped Hershey's stay on top, from the strong, instantly recognisable brand logo through advertising to what could be considered appreciated 'charity work'.

A prime example of this last effort is the company's production and supply of over one billion chocolate bars as rations for American troops during the Second World War. A wonderful gesture but also, perhaps cynically, a fantastic way of cementing the brand name in the minds of young men who would return home looking for Hershey's in peacetime.

The current Hershey's range has a more modern look. Air Delight is an air bubble filled bar like the Aero in the UK, Drops are round, almost UFO-like pieces of milk chocolate and Hershey's Miniatures provide bite sized pieces of most of the current range of bars.

However, in order to become truly dominant, the company has also introduced products under different brand names, most notable Reese's. Like Hershey's Kisses, there can be hardly anyone that hasn't at least heard of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

The Reese's range doesn't end there though. Yes, all of them provide a combination of peanut butter and chocolate but there are innovations here too. Dark chocolate, white chocolate, wafer bars, peanut butter, chocolate and nuts, cremes, crunchy versions and crispy versions. Not to mention the simple but remarkably successful tactic of offering the original Peanut Butter Cups in miniature and larger sizes.

The Hershey company was founded on innovation, when Milton combined chocolate and caramel, and it has never lost that ability to create something new and keep itself at the forefront of not only the American candy market but the minds of an entire nation and beyond too.

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of American Soda, importers of American candy, including Hershey's and Reese's chocolate products, into the UK.

Original article

Delicious Chocolate Recipes - Truffle Cookies, Frosting Made From Chips, Pudding Pie in Crumb Crust

We chocoholics, and yes there are millions of us out there, are constantly looking for another delicious chocolate recipe! This article is all about chocolate with recipes from Chocolate Truffle Cookies to Frosting Made From Chocolate Chips to a Chocolate Pudding Pie in a Crumb Crust. Chocoholics are going to love these chocolate goodies!

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE COOKIES
1 1/4 cups butter, softened
2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup baking cocoa powder
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup chocolate sprinkles

In mixer bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and cocoa until light and fluffy. Beat in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Add the flour and mix in well. Stir in the chocolate chips. Refrigerate dough for 1 hour. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls; dip in the chocolate sprinkles. Place the balls, dipped side up, on an ungreased cookie sheet, 2-inches apart. Bake at 325 degrees for 10 minutes or until set. Cool 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool.

Yield: 5 to 6 dozen

NOTE: These make great Fall and/or Halloween cookies when you use the chocolate and orange sprinkles.

CHOCOLATE FROSTING FROM CHOCOLATE CHIPS
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
3 tbsp milk
1 1/4 cups sifted powdered sugar

Combine the chocolate chips and butter. Melt in the microwave until chips are melted enough to make mixture smooth when stirred. (Or cook over hot water until melted.) Remove from heat or microwave. Mix in the vanilla and add the salt. Beat in the sifted (important to eliminate lumps) powdered sugar alternately with the milk until of a spreading consistency.

Use this delicious frosting to top off your favorite chocolate, vanilla, marble, etc cake!

CHOCOLATE PUDDING PIE
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Chocolate Cookie Crumb Crust:
1 1/2 cups chocolate wafer cookie crumbs
1/4 cup butter, melted

Mix the cookie crumbs and the melted butter together. Reserve a couple of tablespoonfuls for garnish. Press mixture firmly and evenly against the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate to form a crust. Place in the 350 degree oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool.

Filling:
1 envelope (approx 2-oz)dessert topping mix
1 pkg (4 serving size) instant chocolate pudding and pie filling mix
1 4/5 cups cold milk
6 to 8 nice pecan halves, for garnish

Prepare the dessert topping mix according to the package directions; set aside.

Prepare the pudding mix as directed on the package using the 1 3/4 cups of cold milk. Gently fold 1 1/2 cups of the prepared topping into the pudding, blending together well. Pour the pie filling into the cooled crust. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate about 4 hours or until set. Before serving, pile the remaining topping into the center of the pie and sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top. Place the pecan halves out from the topping in spoke fashion for garnish, if desired.

Enjoy!

For more of Linda's dessert recipes visit her blog at http://ladybugssweettreats.blogspot.com/
For her diabetic dessert recipes visit her at http://diabeticenjoyingfood.blogspot.com/

Original article

Did You Ever Consider Buying Chocolate Candy Molds Wholesale? Here Are the Facts You Must Know!

From time to time, we shop for the ideal chocolate for special occasions. Ironically, despite hovering around numerous stores, it's hard to find what you are really looking for. Isn't that frustrating? For those who can make candies themselves, things really could be much different. Putting it straight and simple, why should you spend more on commercially sold candies, if you can make candies of the same quality yourself. And if you think it's a good idea preparing chocolate candies on your own and in bulk, consider purchasing those supplies wholesale.

There are myriad of candy supplies that you can buy online or offline. Just think of the fun supplies you can buy for making hard candies, truffles or bon bons! Again, chocolates remain among top favorites of all time. But needless to say, the best deals are online! There are different kinds of ingredients that can be used. It's real fun for candy making enthusiasts to shop for supplies like chocolate, molds, pots or different kind fun candy ingredients that keep guests charmed and delighted. Doing a little bit of research online also lets you to get an overall idea on the tasks and costs involved. Besides, candy stores are feasible pots if you intend to locate wholesale deals to buy candy supplies.

Today, you can find lots of online communities which host candy lover members. If you read online forums and blogs on candy making, it's so easy for you to get valuable insights online. You also get to understand the views or experiences of veteran candy makers. If you have the patience to read, you'll get lots of real life tips on shopping for wholesale candy making supplies. Fortunately, many online candy stores are ready to offer useful insights for you to help you with your quest for candy supplies.

And just look at the bright side here. If you shop online, you'll save yourself the hassle of visiting typical stores offline. If you're just new with your candy making, it's safer to stick to the easy recipes only. Ironically, making hard candies is indeed hard for some beginners. Sounds funny though, but it's hard for some people to make even hard candies. You need to face the fact that it takes some tricks and tactics to make good candies. You can't just rely on the best recipe to make candies. But if you keep going, you'll grasp the art sooner or later. Even if it feels cumbersome to handle molds in the first place, you'll get used to it eventually.

To be on the safe side, get started with only flat candy molds, since they happen to be among the simplest ones and hence will hardly require any skills at all. And you're also at your liberty to choose from different kinds of molds and shapes. Like we just said, flat molds are the safest for most novice candy makers. You don't need to do much more than simply pouring the liquid candy into the molds, so you can let it dry for some time. Regardless of the initial choices you have, you'll see your candy making skills flourishing. Then you could simply start trying out molds like 3-D and hollow molds. And be sure to gauge the demand of candies for the occasion you're preparing for. This will help you understand how much you will buy on wholesale deals.

Original article

The History of Truffles

The chocolate truffle today is at the top of all the collections of self-indulging delicacies and has remained a superior chocolate candy in France, Italy, Switzerland, North America, and the rest of Western Europe for more than a century. Thanks to the invention of the cocoa press and the ideas of a few prestigious chocolatiers, the history of truffles remains a very rich one. By definition, a truffle is not just a truffle unless it contains Ganache inside, which is a paste of dark chocolate and heavy cream.

Chocolate started out as a beverage for the Aztecs during the Maya civilization dating all the way back to 400 AD. It ws introduced and spread all over Europe after some Kekchi Maya nobles were escorted by Dominican Friars to Spain in 1544 to visit Prince Phillip. The Kekchi gifted him with many gifts including their chocolate beverage which they called "Chocolatl". Since then large shipments into Europe of cocoa beans allowed Royals to enjoy Chocolatl and different chocolate beverages as an elite drink.

Eating chocolate alone was not possible due to its very bitter taste. When the Cocoa Press was invented in 1828, the process of separating the cocoa solids from the cocoa butter in the beans gave chocolatiers the ability to add sweeteners and other ingredients and shape them into candy. The first edible chocolate bar was introduced in 1847 by Fry Chocolate Factory in Bristol, England. In 1879 Swiss chocolatiers Henri Nestle and Daniel Peter added two ingredients to the chocolate: powdered milk and sugar, making the now famous milk chocolate. Continued experimentation of adding other ingredients back in France and Switzerland lead to the mixture of heavy cream and cocoa powder, which was named Ganache. Check out what the cocoa press looks like here.

One christmas day in 1895, French Patissier Louis Dufour in Chambery, France had run out of ideas for his christmas confections. Instead of going to suppliers to get more sweets, he put together the Ganache mixture, rolled it into a ball, dipped it once in melted chocolate and then into cocoa powder. It looked just like the rough round black mushroom truffles grown in the deep forests of France, so these chocolate ganache balls were named right after the mushrooms, Truffles.

The recipe was brought back to London by Antoine Dufour and introduced in his new Prestat Chocolate shop in 1902 in order to take advantage of its growing popularity in England. He named the cocoa powdered truffle the "Napoleon III", after the 19th century Emperor that spent many periods in exile with his loyal chef. The shop made chocolates for Queen Elizabeth II and many other future royals including Princess Diana.

Chocolate truffles were considered an exquisite dish to be enjoyed by the royal wealth due to the high costs of imported cocoa beans. Today it is still considered a luxury, however it is rejoiced worldwide and in different varieties. Decorated in powdered sugar, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut are just a few of the kinds of coatings truffles are dipped in and relished.

Ana Gonzalez
Vanillana.com - The Art of Chocolate
For more information on chocolate history, the Maya Civilization and their chocolate legend, click here.

Original article

Making Chocolate Candies? Pick the Right Molds to Entertain the Wedding Guests!

There are various kinds of candies. But homemade chocolate candies are among the best ones out there. They're simply great for wedding ceremonies. You can buy ingredients for wedding candies at specialty stores. Mix these ingredients and enjoy the fun of making candies. You can make any shapes you want with chocolate. Enjoy the fun of making designer chocolates to cater to your wedding guests. But you need the right chocolate candy molds for this.

For wedding occasions, there are various types of molds that come in diverse shapes and designs. You could buy silicone or plastic molds. There are metal molds as well. Silicone made molds or their plastic counterparts happen to be among the simplest ones you can find. Still, other ones can meet your standards too. Normally, as your chocolates become hard, they'll separate easily off the candy molds. And it's so simple to pop out the candies off their molds. It's also a great idea to add some pressure to make the chocolate candies pop out. Be it silicone or plastic molds, you can bend them a little bit, which helps the popping out.

Flat ones happen to be the most common ones among chocolate candy molds. They're quite simple for everyone to use. Again, they're suited if you make a lot of chocolates together. Flat molds create chocolate candies flat on a side and a bit decorated on the other side. They can be filled with different types of fillers as peanut butter, berry paste or caramel. Another type of chocolate is 3-D chocolate mold. They're great for much larger candies. Oftentimes, they feature a wide range of details on both sides.

However, you have to maintain the chocolate molds well. These molds usually are a one-time buy. Washing chocolate molds too often isn't the best way. At least, you don't need to wash the candy molds after each use. Instead, wash the molds if you are completely done with the candy making. Use liquid soaps for washing those. Remember that no matter how durable your candy molds look, they deserve mild cleansing and soft handling. That's the way they are made!

Regardless of how you are planning to maintain the molds, DO NOT soak those. Some people put their chocolate molds into dishwashers. But this can virtually damage the chocolate candy molds. Another mistake people make is, they break sweats by scrubbing their chocolate molds. But it is quite enough to rinse the molds in lukewarm water. Use fingers for rubbing off the liquid soaps. Be sure it's within the crevasses. Only rinse off and get it dried later on by using a tiny spongy cloth. A paper towel would also do.

Choose a cool and dry place for storing the molds. Avoid storing your chocolate candies in hot areas. This tip applies more in the summer. Some molds lose their special finish when they're exposed to heavy heat. Be sure to store your candy molds securely to ensure their longest possible lifetime.

Original article

Cherry Ripe: An Aussie Icon

Like Crocodile Dundee, Uluru, Skippy the Kangaroo and Neighbours, Cherry Ripe is right up there as a true Aussie icon.

That delicious saliva inducing blend of moist coconut and juicy cherries enrobed in generous ripples of rich Old Gold® dark chocolate, Cherry Ripe is as distinctive as it is unique. Some people refer to it as a kind of Cherry Bounty. My four year old son refers to it as a party in his tummy.

Introduced in 1924 by MacRobertson's, a respected Australian confectionery manufacturer who for decades were the largest confectioner in Australia before Cadbury acquired them in 1967, and whose portfolio of chocolate products also included Freddo, Crunchie, Picnic, Rose's Chocolate Box, Old Gold® and Snack, Cherry Ripe remains not just Australia's oldest chocolate bar but also one of its most popular. Presently it is ranked the fourth most popular chocolate bar in Australia with a retail value of over $35million.

Available in a range of formats including 55g and 85g bars as well as 216g Share Packs and 18g Special Treats pieces, Cherry Ripe has stood the test of time. Other variations most notably Apricot Ripe have come and gone but Cherry Ripe has been the only flavour to enjoy any kind of success or longevity. As well as my four year old son, my thirty six year old wife and my seventy six year old mother-in-law both grew up with Cherry Ripe. Presumably with parties in their tummies too.

So what is it about Cherry Ripe that makes it an Australian powerhouse chocolate brand?

Well for a start it tastes really good. The Old Gold® dark chocolate coating strikes that perfect balance between cocoa and bitterness, that is so often over powering in other chocolate bars, and in doing so provides the perfect accompaniment to its delightful centre of sweet coconut that is soft and slightly chewy without being coarse or crumbly, and cherries that are neither too sweet and nor too sour as to face-screwingly be off putting. It also smells pretty good too. Resonating a subtle aroma that falls somewhere between chocolate and, somewhat bizarrely, raspberry the smell would actually make quite a good perfume. Now that I come to think of it perhaps I should give Cadbury Australia a call?

As the only bar to offer you the 'Big Cherry Taste' Cherry Ripe also sits in a bit of a niche in the marketplace which is always a good thing to achieve. However perhaps the most influencing factor to the continued success of Cherry Ripe is the way it has been marketed over the years. In particular its television adverts through the years dating from as far back as the famous 'Wild Woman' adverts of the early 1970s right through to the recent advert at the turn of the century which featured a vintage red car being smothered in chocolate against the musical score of a cover version of Brenda Lee's 'Sweet Nothings', have arguably been almost as popular as the chocolate bar itself.

When Sir Macpherson Robertson launched the Cherry Ripes in 1924 I wonder if he could possibly have imagined the kind of legacy he was creating with the chocolate bar, which up until 2002 still sported the MacRobertson's logo. Given that Cadbury Australia has only as recently as last year released a new variation, entitled the Cherry Roll which they describe as 'Ripe Juicy Cherries and Coconut all dipped in Old Gold® Rich Dark Chocolate, sprinkled with Coconut', I would say there is still some life in the iconic brand yet.

Spencer Samaroo, Managing Director, Moo-Lolly-Bar
http://www.moolollybar.com.au/
The best online chocolate lolly and confectionery store on the web!

Original article

Hershey's Chocolate - The American Original

The secret to good commercial chocolate is comprised of three things: longevity, good taste, and affordability. Only after these three things are secured can the maker think of anything else. Way back in 1894, a certain Mr. Milton Hershey realized all this, and set his mind to making what would ultimately be the largest chocolate company in America.

The range of Hershey's chocolate products is mind-numbing; they either make or sell just about everything in the stores that you see. In the U.S, they actually sell Cadbury chocolate through their own stores. From the old favorite coconut chocolate Almond Joy Bar, to the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup and Kit Kat bar, Hershey's has a solid chocolate imprint on the whole works. What makes their chocolate so manageable and reproducible?

The process of gathering the raw ingredients for Hershey's eventual milk chocolate - as well as the dark chocolate brands they make - has remained the same for over a century: the cocoa beans are picked from their indigenous countries and shipped to Hershey's headquarters in Pennsylvania (charmingly called "The Sweetest Place on Earth"). The little township of Hershey, Pennsylvania is ideal, precisely because the cows outnumber the people, and the natural reservoirs of spring water round out what's needed for milk chocolate.

The next step in the cocoa beans' short journey to becoming milk chocolate is a huge automated process, once they're loaded by Hershey employees onto a conveyor belt. The cocoa beans will be heated, roasted, and smashed; all for eventual human pleasure. The smashing is necessary because it liberates the part of the bean that is used in the milk chocolate, shedding the shell.

The coca bean's torture is hardly through; it is then fed into more giant machines which pulverize it to such an extent as to liquefy the hard nut. In this state, the chocolate is dubbed "chocolate liqueur", until yet another process removes the cocoa butter from the liqueur; it is now a solid, waxy-looking mound of chocolate. The cocoa butter isn't thrown away; in fact, this is the key ingredient to chocolate, as the type of chocolate you end up with - whether milk, dark, etc - is determined by how much cocoa butter is reintroduced into the waxy chocolate mound.

By this time, the chocolate is nearing the end of its long journey to the storefront. It is mixed in rarely-varying amounts of milk, sugar, and chocolate, and pounded relentlessly to imbue it with that smooth consistency for which commercial chocolate is famous. The tireless machines will eventually produce a million pounds of chocolate daily.

A chocolate-lover born-and-bred, Chris and her husband love their holiday-centered day jobs of tasting and testing chocolates of all brands. From Godiva to Hershey's chocolate, she has probably had 20 different types of chocolate; usually, the most prolific time for tasting is on a holiday like Valentines Day.

Original article

How to Make Chocolate Peanuts, Turtles and Other Chocolate Covered Products

One of the most interesting ways chocolate candy is made is a modern method that involves a machine called an "enrober". Imagine a cupcake cup in which you place a pretzel. Fill the cup up with warm chocolate. Then make slits or slots on all four sides so that the extra chocolate will run out of the cup and into a catching tray.

Now when you flood the cup with chocolate it coats the pretzel, but as the chocolate flows back out of the cup the pretzel remains coated. If you move this cup on a belt through a cooling tunnel the chocolate will harden to its final form. Suppose there are 12 cups in a row on a conveyor line, all filled with pretzels. The cups pass beneath a nozzle that fills the cups with chocolate. The overflow runs out through the slits in the cup.

The above method would not be perfect if you need to have chocolate on the bottom of the piece. When you make chocolates in an enrober that needs a chocolate bottom first, before you place an item in the cup you add a small amount of chocolate in the cup bottom. The cup then passes through a chilling tunnel where the bottom sets. The cup is then filled with a nut or fruit center. Then the cup is top flooded with chocolate. The entire piece passes through a cooling tunnel to make the final hard set. Often this is the way production chocolate pieces are made for the large companies.

The excess chocolate recirculates and is used again to flood the next cups with chocolate. This is an enrobing line and you can always tell enrobing because there is a flat bottom on the chocolate item.

Smaller chocolate makers hand dip the chocolates - one at a time - and this is slower but more individualized. An enrober give constant quality, appearance, and large volume of products.

This method of chocolate coating is machinery intensive and requires expensive equipment. A normal plant might make 2,000 pounds of enrobed chocolate pieces on a typical production run!

Have you ever wondered how it is that we can dip nuts into chocolate so that the chocolate comes out distributed evenly all around the nut?

When the nut is coated commercially it goes through an enrobing process. If you had a cup and poured a little chocolate in it and set the chocolate, then placed a nut in the cup on the chocolate bottom, and then flowed chocolate over the nut with the excess flowing out of the cup, you would be enrobing. The finished coated nut goes through cooling tunnels to harden the chocolate and is then popped out of the cup.

You can not do that at home. About the best you can do is to pour chocolate in a mold and then push the nut into the center. As it sets the nut will form a core. Sometimes you can buy these molds at cake decorating specialty shops. They are usually made of flexible rubber or plastic.

You might also try an easier method, but more specialized. Take the nut in your hand and dip the nut into the chocolate and give your wrist a quick turn as you lift the chocolate-coated nut out of the bowl. The chocolate will run off, but some will stay on the nut forming a thin layer. Set on wax paper to dry. You can dip several times and this will build up a mass.

This method is an art-form and when you hear of "hand-dipped" chocolates, this is what they mean. It takes about a year of steady dipping and twisting to get talented so don't be discouraged if it does not go well.

Original article

A Brief History of the Candy Bar

Most people have had a craving for a candy bar at some point in their life. They're easily accessible at work, at home, or at the supermarket. It can give you a "pick me up" for a burst of energy. If you're hungry, it can curb your appetite until lunch or dinner. When you're feeling down, eating one can put a smile on your face. Chocolate, the prominent ingredient, has been around for hundreds of years, but it wasn't until the nineteenth century that it was developed into a candy bar. Here is its brief history:

1500 BC to 400 BC - The Olmec Indians of the Eastern Mexico lowlands are thought to be the first people to grow cocoa beans as a domestic crop. It took hundreds of years before cocoa became widely used as a remedy and as an aphrodisiac, and so it became known as a food from the gods. The Aztecs used cacao beans as currency and as a drink for people with high social status. Europeans were first introduced to chocolate as a beverage, and they loved it so much that a chocolate house was opened in London in 1657 where drinks were served to the upper class. Within twenty years, chocolate was found in tea cakes and other sweets. It took almost ninety years after Europe discovered chocolate before it was introduced to the United States. Dr. James Baker and John Hanan built America's first chocolate mill, and soon after, they were making Baker's chocolate.

1830- A kind of solid chocolate was developed by a British company called Joseph Fry & Sons. 1847- Fry's chocolate factory molded the first chocolate bar. 1866- The Fry's Chocolate Cream bar is produced for mass sale. 1900- Milton S. Hershey introduces the first Hershey milk chocolate bar in the United States. It sold for a nickel. 1920- The Baby Ruth candy bar is first sold. There is still an ongoing dialogue whether is was named after President Cleveland's daughter or Babe Ruth. 1923- Mounds, a double chocolate coconut concoction, is first made. 1924- Milky Way is introduced. 1928- Heath Bar, a chocolate coated toffee is introduced. 1936- The 5th Avenue Bar is created.

Hundreds of candy bars have come and gone. Some popular ones are: 100 Grand Bar, Almond Joy, Charleston Chew, Chunky, Clark Bar, Goo-Goo Clusters, Marathon Bar, Milkshake, Mr. Goodbar, Nestle Crunch, Oh Henry, Powerhouse, Seven-Up Bar, Skybar, Snickers, and Three Musketeers. Most candy bars are made with chocolate, but an occasional non-chocolate one becomes a favorite, such as Payday, Zero, and Zagnut. Time will tell which ones will be favored by future generations.

Bridget Sweeney is the owner of Woodstock Candy, an online store that specializes in retro and nostalgic candy gift boxes. Please visit Woodstock Candy for all your favorite old time candies.

Original article

Chocolate Can Help You!

In a dieter's perfect world, all diets would include chocolate. For years researchers have been trying to convince us that chocolate is beneficial to our health. Many chocoholics ran with this idea and started eating chocolate like crazy; that didn't turn out very well for some. Researchers have recently found out that chocolate is actually incredibly beneficial to many areas of the body including the heart and the brain. This does not mean that we can run to the nearest grocery store and buy five candy bars; the key to chocolate being beneficial is to eat it in moderation and to eat chocolate in the purest, darkest forms possible.

The most recent research studies have shown that by regularly eating chocolate you can reduce the risk of both high blood pressure and diabetes. High blood pressure and diabetes are both leading risk factors for heart attack, stroke and heart disease. Chocolate contains polyphenols which are antioxidants that help produce nitric oxide. An increase of nitric oxide could help with circulation and blood flow in general which would then lower blood pressure. Chocolate is also rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants have been found to lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Chocolate has also been proven to help cure emotional stress. The consumption of an ounce and a half of dark chocolate for two weeks straight has shown to lower stress levels tremendously.

If you are planning are adding chocolate to your diet for beneficial reasons always remember; the more cocoa present in whatever chocolate treat you are enjoying, the better. The majority of fat found in chocolate is coco butter. Coco butter is composed of oleic and stearic acids, having a diet containing foods that have these two acids in them have been known to lower cholesterol. Some people might question the sugar found in chocolate. Sugar is definitely going to be present, but what some do not understand is that there is approximately ten to fifteen grams of sugar per serving of dark chocolate. Most fruit juices contain three times that amount of sugar in one eight ounce glass.

At the end of the day, chocolate is still chocolate. It has been proven to do great things but if you go off the deep end you could end up doing more harm than good. As stated before, if you do decide to add chocolate to your diet, make sure you are choosing the healthiest forms of the tasty treat.

Original article

Classic Candy Bars That Are Perfect For The Holidays

Candy has existed in one form or another for thousands of years. Ancient peoples enjoyed honey right out of the hive and later combined it with nuts and fruits to create tasty confectionary treats. Sweets were typically served at the end of a meal for dessert or were eaten as a snack. For most of its history, candy made from sugar was too expensive for commoners. It was a delicacy only the rich could afford.

After the Spanish rediscovered cacao, from which chocolate is made, in Mexico in 1519, the price of candy fell precipitously. By the 17th century, hard candy was wildly popular in North America and chocolate was all the rage in Europe. Large factories were suddenly springing up on both sides of the Atlantic. Though the chocolate bar was invented in England in 1847, it was popularized by an American company at the dawn of the twentieth century.

The Hersey Company introduced the first wrapped chocolate bar in 1900. Its success encouraged countless candy makers to develop their own candy bars. The Hershey Bar has been one of the best-selling candies on earth for most of its history. However, it is not the company's most popular product. Miniature chocolate droplets called "Kisses" were introduced in 1907. The Hershey Company ships about sixty million of them each day! Their diminutive chocolate bars, Hershey's Miniatures, are also extremely popular with chocolate lovers everywhere.

Holiday Candies

Chocolate bars have never been particularly popular during the holiday season. As you might expect, the nearly ubiquitous candy cane is the most common holiday treat. According to reliable estimates, about 1.76 billion of them are made each year! But chocolate bars and candies have gained a loyal following of late.
Hershey's Kisses

As we mentioned, Hershey's Kisses are one of the most popular products in the history of chocolate. Tens of billions of them are shipped and sold each year. Though annual sales peak just before Halloween, they also spike during the holiday season. They are so popular, in fact, that Hershey's produces a special holiday edition of its famous candies wrapped in festive red, silver and green foil. With 7 ounces of milk chocolate, the Giant Hershey's Kiss has also become a trendy stocking stuffer and holiday gift.

Hershey's Holiday Miniatures

Modeled after their original chocolate bar, Hershey's Miniatures are a common holiday gift. Whether deposited into stockings or left out in bowl, miniatures make for a tasty treat when the weather gets cold. Just like their more famous cousins (the Kisses), Hershey's Miniatures are wrapped in festive foils for the holiday season. They are sold in variety packs at most major supermarkets and department stores.

Advent Calendars

The holidays are a hectic time of year for any parent. Crowded stores, annoying in-laws, and boring office parties make the season a chore for most. Of course, most parents forget all about those minor frustrations when their kids open their presents. An easy and affordable way to prolong the air of magic and mystery that surrounds the holiday season is to give your little angel an advent calendar.

The standard advent calendar contains twenty-four doors, and behind each one is a tasty milk chocolate treat. Most calendars also include information about the holiday, so that your child can learn the story and meaning of Christmas as the big day approaches.

Chocolate Ornaments

As popular as candy canes are, they are rarely eaten. Sure, the kids might have one or two of them. But if you decorate your tree with dozens of cane-shaped candy treats, most of them will probably end up in the trash. We're not saying that candy canes have fallen out of fashion, but a little variety never hurt anyone. Chocolate ornaments wrapped in festive foils are an attractive and tasty accessory for any tree. And don't worry, they will not melt!

Chocolate Dreidel

A dreidel is a popular toy Jewish children play with during the holiday of Hanukkah. The four-sided spinning top is used in a gambling game where contestants bet raisins, chocolate, pennies or candies. Chocolate dreidels may not spin like their wooden brethren, but they are far tastier!

Holiday-inspired chocolate candy bars can be purchased from reputable sellers on the internet.

David Shirey is a freelance writer who writes about shopping and food products including candy bars.

Original article

The Hershey Company - The Journey of Milton Hershey

From the western coasts of California to the eastern beaches of New Jersey, it is easy to see why The Hershey Company is America's favorite candy company. It seems today that the simple, brown packaged chocolate bar embroidered with the famous Hershey logo has become an American Icon as recognizable as the great bald eagle. The company has always been uniquely American, from its humble, hardworking roots to its successful launch into global market. All the success is credited to one man, who showed perseverance and inspiring resolve despite being presented with failure during the bleakest of times.

It is said that it all started with an idea. Milton Hershey, born September 13, 1857, had an insight to cover his caramel with a sweet chocolate coating. However, the truth is that it all, in fact, started with a critical loss. Hershey Milton had founded a candy shop in Pennsylvania, which to his despair failed to bring prosperity. It seemed as if Milton's passion in life had come to an end. Hershey tried his luck in the great state of New York but again was greeted with disappointment. Nevertheless, Milton Hershey had a fundamental characteristic which saved him despite his losses. Milton Hershey knew having a strong resolution was key in being triumphant.

Hershey continued with his dreams and founded the Lancaster Caramel Company in Pennsylvania, where he infused fresh milk into his golden caramel to create the most palatable treat. This business flourished and eventually fetched him an incredible one million dollars, enough money to expand and explore as Milton Hershey pleased. At this point in his life, Hershey returned to his humble roots in Derry Church Pennsylvania which would later be renamed after the great entrepreneur himself. In Derry Church Hershey decided to move beyond the popular caramel candies and visualized a new dream. His goal was to commercialize chocolate, once a luxury item available only to the rich and wealthy. Hershey erected a chocolate manufacturing plant which proved more successful than he could have ever hoped.

Where others would see success and perfection, Hershey would only see opportunity and room for further improvement. Regardless of his success in manufacturing sweet chocolate, Hershey knew he had a destiny in making milk chocolate. Hershey built a milk-processing plant in hopes of creating the perfect recipe for milk chocolate. Many believe he succeeded with his discovery of the Hershey Process. The process is still a company secret, but it is presumed that Hershey used butyric acid to stop the fermentation of milk and created a uniquely tangy chocolate, that grew to be loved by the American public.

Hershey's company continued to grow at an outstanding rate. With the invention of the Hershey "Kiss" and the companies' role in the Second World War, the Hershey Company had carved its place in the history of the American economy. Milton Hershey was a husband, a philanthropist and one of America's most iconic entrepreneurs. He paved the road for future candy industries and showed the world what quality before profit truly meant. His unparalleled dedication to charity and his creation of the Milton Hershey School Trust Fund showed that he was one of a kind. A true inspiration and a gentle soul. Milton Hershey died at age eighty-eight on October 13, 1945 in Hershey Hospital.

Joel Bernstein
BS Management Science Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
MBA Rutgers University.
Joel Bernstein writes about candy and confectionery products. Candy is great to write about because it is a happy topic that people enjoy. Enjoy this article about Milton Hershey. Candy manufacturers, end consumers and Wholesale Candy store owners should find it interesting.

Original article

Money and The Chocolate of Love

Despite the continuing recession it is estimated that revenues for US chocolates sales could reach about $18 million. Apparently, the down turn in industrial growth has not affected the appetite people have for chocolate. Chocolate lovers owe it to chocolates' background for its success. In reality, if the numbers are right, individuals are finding a lot more ways to enjoy chocolate and fulfill their great craving for this tempting sweet.

Food for the Gods

Give thanks to God for chocolate. Chocolates come from the Amazon, were the first cocoas were discovered in 2000 BC. Largely utilized by the Maya Culture, the word chocolate comes from xocoatl which means bitter water. The Mayas love for cocoa is marked in history thru their wood carvings dating all the way back to about 300 AD. These wood carvings depict pictures of cocoa pods. The Mayan territory increased in 600 AD and they took their cocoa with them to the northern parts of South America as far as the Guatemalan shores. This place became the birthing soil to vast cocoa plantations where the pods were often offered as a holy substance in rituals. The Mayas assume cocoa to be an exclusive food for the consumption of gods.

Dark Waters in Gold Goblets

As a hot drink xocoatl is a dark drink that is sweet to the taste. This was viewed by the Aztecs and Mayans to be a sustaining drink and utilized it for a lot of medical purposes. They additionally believed that drinking the dark juice or eating the fruits would deliver them wisdom. Even then, the natives believed in xocoatl's nourishing powers. Their leaders drank gallons of dark chocolate served in gold goblets.

The Bean Pay Ups

Due to its recognition and importance, the cocoa beans grew to become a kind of currency amongst Mayans and Aztecs. They used cocoa beans to trade and procue commodities.

In 1492, Columbus introduced King Ferdinand and his Queen to cocoas but little attention was given to cocoas. Columbus didn't realize the fantastic potential of chocolate; otherwise, he could have been the one who introduced the immense potential of chocolate to Europe.

And so as more and more individuals began utilizing chocolates as an essential currency, its significance grew. For example, an explorer by the name of Hernando de Oviedo y Valdez claimed to have brought slaves and prostitutes using cocoa pods.

By 1519, many parts of Mexico were conquered by Hernando Cortez who was fascinated by xocoatl, more for its currency value than its taste. Cortez cultivated the cocoa tree and made this into a profitable business. He also established multiple plantations making a handsome income for Spain.

Well, could we envision a world where there was no chocolate delicacy in our lives? As a chocolate lover, I have constantly had the yearning to find new kinds of enjoying chocolates. May there always be regular or ordinary chocolate, connoisseur chocolates or home-made, but exceedingly delectable chocolate, as my love and passion for them will always be there!

To find out more about chocolate for love visit chocolate for love. Also, to get immediate access to my FREE email chocolate health mini-course, visit Extraordinary Health Benefits of Chocolate.  Steve Campbell has a keen interest in chocolate, health and nutrition.

Original article

Why Retro Sweets Were Made for the Internet

The internet because it can reach a bigger audience has been a godsend to a niche market seller and none more so than retailers of retro sweets.

If you went back to the fifties and sixties in the UK every high street would be able to support a sweets shop selling a range of sweets. These were slowly replaced by corner shops who sold all manner of items from newspapers, tobacco, spirits and essential food items such as bread and milk to attract sufficient custom because high street traffic was and still is in a downward spiral.

The reason for this was the growth of supermarkets and out of town shopping malls. Many independent retailers such as grocers, bakers' tailors and hardware stores have disappeared through a lack of custom off UK high streets.

Supermarkets and shopping malls have the advantage of selling many products under one roof with free parking on the door step. Some independents have successfully transferred to shopping malls but they do tend to be dominated by national companies who can apply economies of scale to their business.

Some independent sweet shops have managed to stay in business and tend to be located in fashionable tourist type cities of York, Harrogate, Chester, Ely, Oxford and Cambridge and in the larger UK cities where there is high footfall. Rent and rates at these locations is high and a sweet is a low margin item, so huge volumes need to be sold which also means a higher ratio of staff.

As a result, the number of locations capable of supporting a shop only selling sweets has dwindled enormously, meaning that customers have got out of the habit of buying their favourite sweets and would only visit these shops if they were visiting these locations for other reasons.

Thanks to the world wide web this has all changed and the customer can visit their own retro sweets shop from the comfort of their own home and look for the sweets of yester year.

These include such classics as aniseed balls and twists, caramel merry maids, fruit salads and black jacks, taverners bob bons, liquorice all sorts, midget gems, Kendal mint cake, orange creams, Turkish delight, walnut whips, the list just goes on and on.

The beauty of these products is postage fees are relatively low with £5.50 for deliveries in the UK being the maximum amount you will pay, with orders over £50 usually free. Given the ridiculously high cost of petrol or diesel in the UK postage will work out far cheaper.

Indeed many people will often buy in bulk with family and friends which will more than cover the cost of the postage. Buying in full jars instead of 200g packages dramatically cuts the cost by as much as 30 per cent. For example Retro Sweets shop sells aniseed balls in 200g packs for £1.70 and in 3kg jars for £19.50 making a saving of £6 or 30 per cent if you buy the jar.

American Sweets have always been popular in the UK starting way back when candy first became a hit. The current top of the pops is nerds and Wonka sweets which kids in the UK cannot simply get enough of and it is through the wonder of the internet and social networking that these products become almost an instant hit in the UK as they do in America.

Lynne has operated a Retro Sweets shop in the small town of Retford for many years and latterly a second unit at the Meadow Hall shopping mall in Sheffield.

In response to customers who are only able to visit the shops every once in a while and to offer our range of Retro Sweets to a wider UK audience Retro Sweets Shop web site has been built providing over 500 different sweets.

We therefore welcome new and old customers to visit our http://www.retro-sweets-shop.co.uk/ and browse at your leisure your favourite sweets that will bring back fond memories of your childhood.

Original article

Why You Should Consider Eating Sugar Free Candy

As much as most people love candy, for some folks, sugar is not an option due to medical reasons such as diabetes. For those affected by this disease, consuming excess sugar leads to unbalanced blood sugar levels. This in turn can do long term damage to kidneys, eyes nerves and the cardiovascular system. For healthy people, candy is often avoided because sugar can put a major dent in their waistlines if not consumed in moderation. Thankfully, there is an alternative out there for those adverse to consuming candy due to health or dietary issues. With no sugar versions candy no longer needs to be the proverbial forbidden fruit. Instead, everyone can enjoy an occasional sweet treat without putting their health at risk.

For folks who just cannot bear the thought of life without candy, candy versions are definitely something to consider. The main benefit to going the candy route is that they are less caloric than their sugar-laden counterparts. Now granted, just because you save some calories because of the absence of sugar does not mean you can eat the entire bag in one sitting. Chocolates still have calories from fat so while they are waistline friendlier, they will pack on the pounds if eaten to excess. Non-chocolate sugar free candy gives you a bit more play in the calorie department, though as they do not usually have a high fat content. On average, sugar free candy has an average of 40% less calories than their regular counterparts.

Another benefit to taking the sugar free candy route is that Xylitol, the chemical used to sweeten many of these treats, has some positives things going for it as far as your health is concerned. Xylitol is a 100% natural sweetener that is found in berries, fruits, and vegetables. It is not an artificial sweetener like saccharine or aspartame. Xylitol is also naturally found in our bodies with the average adult manufacturing up to 16 grams of it during metabolism. Pure Xylitol is a white crystalline substance that looks and tastes like sugar. On food labels, Xylitol is classified as both a carbohydrate and more narrowly as a sugar alcohol or polyol, which can be confusing because it is considered a sugar free sweetener.

The main benefit of Xylitol sweetened candies is that they have 40% less calories and 75% fewer carbs than regular sugar. Xylitol will not raise blood sugar so candy sweetened with it is safe for diabetics.

Folks who chew sugarless gum sweetened with Xylitol also benefit because this it has been found to reduce the risk of tooth decay. Tooth decay happens because sugar feeds bacteria in your mouth, which causes them to multiply. This metabolic process then produces acids that cause cavities to form. Using gum or mints with Xylitol stops this acid attack for over a half hour. This is because mouth bacteria cannot ferment xylitol in their metabolism, thus reducing their growth, inhibiting acid formation and keeping the pH of saliva steady.

Another reason to opt for candy is on par with the old beer commercial tag line "tastes great, less filling." While in the past anything labeled sugar free had that medicinal, chemical aftertaste, advances in how today's products are made have improved the taste significantly. The use of xylitol, stevia, or Sucralose as sweeteners puts these candies on par with their sugar-laden counterparts so the taste factor is no longer a valid reason to shun candies This is great news for people who cannot consume sugar, as they are no longer stuck with subpar products.

So now that the benefits of candy are clear, and you are considering making the switch, it is time to explore just what kinds of confections are out there. For folks in need of a chocolate fix, movie theater favorites like chocolate covered peanuts or raisins are two great choices. Delicious milk chocolate will satisfy your craving just as well as the classic Goobers or Raisinets but with less calories and no sugar to bust your belt.

Folks who want sweet but are not in the mood for chocolate can get their candy fix with classics like gummy bears and jellybeans. Gummy bears look, taste and have the texture of their regular counterparts and come in the traditional gummy flavors or cherry, lime and pineapple. Or, for an Easter treat any time of the year, Gourmet jellybeans are the perfect choice. Enjoy classic flavors like cherry and grape or go for more exotic tastes like buttered popcorn, cream soda, juicy pear, pomegranate and tons more!

For those who want a sweet treat that is long lasting, curbs cravings, and is incredibly diet friendly, sugar free gumballs are the way to go. Pop a few in your mouth and you will immediately think back to when you were a kid begging for a quarter at the old grocery store gumball machines. The only difference is that the gumball of yore could warrant a trip to the dentist while sugar free xylitol sweetened gumballs help to prevent tooth decay.

No matter what your reason is for considering a switch to sugar free candy, the benefits to your waistline, teeth and overall health are undeniable. In addition, with the improvements in the types of sweetener available and the actual candy processing, the difference in taste between sugar free and regular varieties are virtually indistinguishable. No more bitter aftertastes or waxy textures. Today's sugar free candies are the real deal and a perfect example of how a product adapts to fit society's needs.

David Shirey is a freelance writer who writes about shopping and food products including sugar free candy.

Original article

Godiva - A Gentleman's Gift to a Lady

Godiva Chocolates are manufactured by the Godiva Chocolatier Company, originally of Belgium - it was purchased for nearly a billion dollars recently by a Turkish group. Thankfully for many ceaseless fans worldwide, the chocolate itself remains the same.

Godiva was founded nearly a century ago, and just 30 years after Hershey's, by Pierre Draps in Brussels, in the equivalent of a mom-and-pop store. The premium chocolates would not actually obtain the name Godiva until Pierre's son Joseph inherited the family business and named it after a nude woman of legend. Before you think "figures", just know that the name was suggested by Joseph's wife!

As the name of Godiva has persisted through the century, it isn't the only thing that Joseph and his well-read wife did right: they turned Godiva into a veritable national treasure through Joseph's business acumen and his wife's dedication and skill in chocolate-making - high-quality chocolate making, in fact; to distinguish it from the others about. Through the years, their repertoire would expand from a gorgeous hazelnut praline centered milk chocolate, to varieties of creamy dark chocolate and mint chocolate. Godiva chocolate even fashioned special treats to celebrate the marriage of a king and queen (how many chocolates can say they did that!); and was commissioned to be the official Chocolatier of the Royal Belgian Court.

From there, it was off to the Moon. Godiva would soon take America by storm, where its extravagant packaging and selective disbursement - as well, of course, as its gorgeous taste - garnered demand like few others. As such, Godiva could pretty much charge anything they want; and, in the early years, they did. Originally marketed as the "holiday" or "special occasion" treat, Godiva made big sales for the 3 months between November and February. As the popularity - and revenue - spread, the number of stores more than doubled in the 6 years between 1988 and 1994, and Godiva started preparing to cater to a larger market by dropping many of its prices. With the influx of business, they could well afford to.

Godiva offers the gamut of lovely gifts, and is a favorite for Valentine's Day or birthdays; the best part about them is that everyone is aware of the exclusivity of the brand. We absolutely love Hershey's Chocolate, but it simply doesn't say the same thing as giving a loved one a box of Kisses as opposed to a decadent box of Godiva truffles. From their holiday-appropriate, wonderfully-appointed gift baskets, to their brand of ice cream, the quality never decrease, and the gift-receiver will appreciate it.

The current century, as of 2000, sees Godiva as a foremost provider of luxury chocolates in the world, with powerful allies in the business world (Campbell Soup), all backed by the wonderful and unique chocolate recipes first hashed out in a little mom-and-pop store in Brussels, Belgium.

Chris remembers the first day she had Godiva Chocolatier's exquisite brand of gold balloting assorted chocolates; it was like a new world of chocolate taste opened up for her. Today, she and her husband gift Godiva chocolates and other high-quality chocolate brands to friends and family for Valentines Day.

Original article

Chocoholics Dream Comes True

I am an admitted chocoholic. Every trip to a chocolate store is heaven. The rich chocolaty aroma sends me into rapture. My mind conjures up steamy cocoa on a cold winter day and rich, flowing chocolate fountains. It is synonymous with contentment. There is no substitute for a piece offline dark chocolate. It is a universally welcomed dessert. They are both gastronomic delights. The finer the product, in both cases, the more wonderful the dining experience. Offer me a chocolate soufflé or a mousse and I will be your willing kitchen slave. The chocolate hunt just got easier. Thanks to modern technology, you can now search for the perfect dark chocolate from the comfort of your home. It's a great way to find the finest chocolate and at great prices. The only drawback to online gourmet chocolate stores is that I miss that wonderful smell and the chance to taste test.

What makes a fine dark chocolate? Dark chocolate is sometimes referred to as black or bittersweet chocolate. It is the purest and richest of chocolate varieties. It is also good for your health. Research has shown that eating small amounts of chocolate is medically sound for your heart. Like dark vegetables, it also contains flavonoids. These antioxidants block free radicals which have been shown to be contributors to heart disease. It is even better for you than some fruits. It has eight times the antioxidants of strawberries and three times as much as blueberries. These substances lower blood pressure and cholesterol. They also serve as an anti-depressant. No wonder we chocoholics are happy!

Not all chocolate varieties are considered top quality. Ghirardelli gets highest marks. They also produce blended flavors like mint, toffee, strawberry, hazelnut and raspberry. Their Evening Dream variety combines dark chocolate and cacao. Another variety, Midnight Reverie, has a large amount of cacao and a small amount of it. Ghirardelli is an American company out of San Francisco. They were started by Swiss specialists over a half century ago. They have earned a great reputation as fine chocolate manufacturers. Their product is easily recognized by chocoholics like me.

Astor also has a great name as premium dark chocolate. Another American company--this time out of New York-Astor works with only Belgian. Perhaps you know the company best for its individual bars commemorating several American cities. Kids love them. Astor also manufactures dark chocolate treats which combine it with rare fruit such as pomegranate. Astor are always beautifully wrapped. They are a gustatory and an aesthetic treat.

Learn about the traits of fine dark chocolate. For more details, please visit MyReviewsNow.Net

Original article

Chocolate Information 101

For people who are going on a diet, sweets is probably the most avoided food but did you know that based on chocolate information facts, this particular food is good for the body. There are benefits that you can get from this particular product thus destroying the myths that it's not healthy to eat chocolates. It's really just a matter of finding a chocolate in its purest form or chocolates with a high substance of cocoa because this is the one that provides the nutritional value of this particular dessert. Let us learn more about this particular product for you to have a better understanding why it can be good for the body.

Chocolate Information that you should know about

• Chocolates are made from cocoa beans that grow from cacao trees. The beans are crushed and are added to milk to make the finest chocolates that people have grown to love.

• It used to be that chocolates are reserved for wealthy people and high ranking officials in the government. Through the years this particular product has become more affordable and is now being enjoyed by millions of people all over the world.

• It's rich in anti-oxidants which is good for the body. Dark chocolate is probably the best to consume because its cocoa content is very high and less sugar is being incorporated in the process of making this particular product. Anti-oxidants can help boost your immune system and help prevent numerous diseases plus the fact that it helps in reducing stress. This is probably the reason why most people address chocolates as comfort foods.

• Chocolates can be a source of fiber does resulting to a better digestive system. The cholesterol content is very low and it is actually the additives like milk and other fatty contents which makes the chocolate unhealthy.

• It contains caffeine which is also good for the body. It's like drinking coffee; the only difference is that it's in a form of a chocolate bar.

Hopefully these chocolate information can help you understand better that this particular dessert should be enjoyed and not to be avoided. Having a bit of chocolate each day is healthy, you just need to have the discipline and know when to stop eating. Chocolates especially the dark ones can allow you to enjoy your cravings without having to think of health issues. So, grab one and enjoy your favorite desert of all time.

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Chocolate: A Way to a Woman's Heart - The Reasons Women Who Crave Chocolate Aren't Crazy

"I need chocolate" Is what I usually say when I'm starting (or before I start) my monthly cycle. I've always felt bad about it even!

I was watching the news when I saw them mention a recent study about chocolate and women. The reasons we have this craving is because chocolate has something (I'm not sure what, but it's yummy) that provides our bodies with what it needs.

Not only that, it helps fight breast cancer, and even osteoporosis!

So don't feel so bad, ladies, the next time you're feeling a strong chocolate craving. Though it hasn't quite been pin pointed what it is exactly the chocolate provides for women and why we need it so often, I'm now confident enough to say that it's a safe thing to stock up on every month in case of emergencies.

I always like the real fudge around that time of the month, so stopping by a place like the chocolate factory or Willy Wonka's house (I know, I had to say it though) every few weeks is probably a great idea. Though, I'm not saying it's okay to eat chocolate every single day (is that even possible?) because that will just leave us with really large love handles, muffin tops, cushin' for the pushin' or whatever you wanna call it. I call it FAT.... or adipose cells... not sexy. Save the chocolate for a rainy day. Whether it's raining inside or outside, take it from me, you don't want to be caught without the chocolate. I can't drive with tears in my eyes. It's a comfort food. So take comfort in the fact that it's good for you and thank the scientists that prove to women all over the world that they aren't crazy. Even more importantly, to our guys.

Whether it's a snicker bar, milky way bar or some other form of chocolate, don't feel so bad about picking it up. If your body tells you that you need a king size, then go for it. I am a strong believer in listening to your body. HOWEVER, you have to learn the difference between your body's needs and your body's wants. It can be tricky, but if you're thinking about pushing that person out in front of the train it's probably a good idea to just buy the chocolate bar, everyone will be happier that way.

As for the guys.... no skipping out on the chocolates on valentine's day! No wonder it's a way to a girl's heart.

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One of Most Delicious Coconut Chocolates in the World - Bounty Bar Chocolate

Chocolates are considered to be the most scrumptious snacks when it comes to sweets. There would be no one, who wouldn't love chocolates. Some of these chocolates are completely made up of cocoa beans and some of them come with different fillings in them as well, such as orange, coconut, banana and caramel fillings. These chocolates have made their own place amongst people and are always in demand, as many people cannot eat pure chocolates because of their slightly bitter nature. Mars Incorporated was the first company, which introduced the coconut chocolate, named as Bounty Bar Chocolate.

Introduced in the year 1951, these coconut filled chocolates became an instant hit and people thronged to buy these immensely delicious chocolate bars. Bounty bar chocolate basically has a coconut filling, which is made by crushing coconut into very small pieces and mixing it with dark chocolate. Another bar with milk chocolate coating is also produced. It comes in a blue wrapper, whereas the dark chocolate comes in a white wrapper. In beginning, cherry and mango flavored bounty chocolates were also introduced but these could not match the popularity of coconut filled dark bounty chocolate.

What makes this chocolate very desirable is the combination. Coconut, when mixed with dark chocolate gives a very succulent and tender taste to the chocolate, which instantly melts into the mouth when eaten. The chocolate with the coconut filling serves as a good appetizer and can be used as a lunch snack. Bounty bar chocolate needs to be eaten straight out of the refrigerator. If you keep it out of the fridge for some time and then eat it, you won't be able to enjoy the flavor completely. So, it is important to make sure that these chocolates were kept in a fridge while you are buying them. If you are buying them in a stock, keep them stored in a refrigerator, so you get to enjoy the real taste of these every time you get one out to eat.

A normal Bounty bar chocolates pack has two mini chocolate bars, each 6 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. The palm trees printed over the wrapper make you feel like you are near a beach full of coconut trees. One mini bar seems to be too short to enjoy the taste fully, but there is another mini bar to follow. If you haven not eaten this chocolate, you definitely should try this heavenly treat.

If you are searching for any type of online gifts for your loved ones then click here MyGiftShop and if you are searching for delicious Bounty Bar Chocolates, then click here Bounty Bar Chocolates.

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Types Of Chocolates

Some of the benefits of milk chocolates are that it contains phosphate, which protects your teeth from decaying. They are also high in vitamins, vitamins like B1, B2, D and E. It also contains potassium and magnesium. Milk chocolates can also help boost the immune system because of the antioxidants it contains. These are the few benefits that milk chocolate has to offer, also it contains more sugar then cacao.

Dark chocolates also have strong benefits. It can help prevent heart diseases, dark chocolates contains flavonoids that can lower your blood pressure. It can also improve your mood where it stimulates the production of endorphins. Lastly dark chocolates can protect your skin because it contains flavonoids that will absorb UV light, it also helps increase blood flow to the skin and improves the skin's complexion and hydration. Dark chocolate contains the most cocoa out of all the chocolates.

White chocolate unfortunately is said to be the unhealthiest. It contains none of the antioxidants benefits of a real chocolate. White chocolate consist of milk with added coco butter and sugar, so technically it is not a chocolate at all.

Though dark chocolate have strong benefit, it also has some disadvantages. Firstly, they are high on calories with high fat and sugar. Furthermore, it contains some elements that are addictive such as caffeine, theobromine, and sugar which results in mood elevating. It also contains vasoactive amines that lead to migraine problems.

Semi-sweet chocolate is about 60 percent bitter chocolate and 40 percent chocolate. It contains Antioxidant Boost, all chocolates contains some cocoa, which contains a polyphenol group called flavanols. These flavanols act as antioxidants which can fight dangerous free radicals that damages cells. It also has reduced LDLS and raised HDLS. Lastly it also can cause mood alteration, where most people instantly feel better after eating semi-sweet chocolate, research has said that chocolate contains chemical compounds that acts on the brain way the same way falling in love does.

Chocolates could go well with many things as well. You can make mix them into ice creams, fondues, fruits, cake and many more. For people who want to lose weight, it is highly recommended to avoid chocolates, but at the same time it gives you energy. Chocolates at the end of the day have its pros and cons, some people love eating it and some people tend to avoid it. The truth is Chocolates make people happy.

Sam W is the author of this article in reference to Types Of Chocolates. He has been a chocolate lover for a long time and loves to share his experiences with different types of chocolates.

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Why Is a Chocolate Truffle Box an Ideal Gifting Idea?

Interestingly, cocoa beans were used as currencies even as late as the 19th century in Latin America! Therefore, cocoa, or chocolates as we know them today, have always been valued by people. Today, they make for excellent gifting ideas, both at the personal and professional level. What makes a chocolate truffle box an ideal gift item? Well, of course, a lot has to do with the exotic taste and the artistic packaging which makes the recipient feel special. They can even be personalized for that unique touch.

So, are the advantages limited to such superficial attributes alone? When you gift someone a chocolate truffle box, do you really express that you care? Well, you certainly do! Besides titillating the taste buds, chocolates bring along several health advantages which are extremely important in today's world. Therefore, a chocolate truffle box works as a gift that facilitates happiness and health.

How Does a Chocolate Truffle Box Prove Beneficial?
Listed below are some of the health benefits that a chocolate truffle box can bring along:

1. The primary cause behind cardiovascular illness is rise in bad cholesterol or the LDL. In case LDL levels rise they cause depositions within the artery walls, reducing the passage for blood flow. Chocolates thwart the process of oxidation of the LDL and helps in reducing the levels of LDL in the blood. Therefore, a chocolate truffle box can actually work towards a healthier heart.
2. Concurrently, chocolates also help in raising the levels of HDL in the blood. HDL is the good cholesterol which improves cardiac health.
3. Chocolate also controls the process of activation of platelets.
4. Chocolates help in enhancing insulin sensitivity, thus managing diabetes in the process.
5. Chocolates also help in managing high blood pressure, thus proving to be beneficial for patients suffering from hypertension.
6. Chocolates are also known to be excellent mood enhancers. Having a truffle when you are really down or depressed can truly help in enlivening your spirits.
7. The aphrodisiac properties of chocolates have also been extensively spoken about.

Gifting chocolate, therefore, can truly bring along several health benefits. Some of the goodness can be neutralized by the amount of sugar present in some forms of chocolate preparations. Therefore, it would be a great idea to opt for makes which go a little easy on the sweetening part, for keeping the health benefits intact. Striking a balance between health and taste would perhaps be the best option.

For gifting a chocolate truffle box in all its goodness, have them personalized at ChocolateFavorWorld.com. Exotic flavors and innovative packaging art facilitated by personnel at the shop can make your gifts truly special.

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Chocolate - The Health Benefits of Chocolate

Science has confirmed with many studies and research that eating chocolate is indeed healthy. Researchers have found that dark chocolate in particular has both emotional and physical health benefits when consumed in healthy portions. Chocolate has properties that increase mental awareness as well as a multitude of health benefits for our body. Studies have also shown that people who eat two to three chocolate bars a month live longer than those that don't consume any chocolate.

Researchers have found that consuming chocolate increases the dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain indicating that this food has an antidepressant effect. Also, chocolate helps to decrease fat intake by curbing a person's appetite for fats. In addition, one of the properties of cocoa is that it has the overall effect of decreasing appetite.

The chocolate that is most beneficial to our health is dark chocolate. One of the main ingredients of dark chocolate is cacao that contains flavonoids, and these are an excellent source of antioxidants that protect our bodies from the effects of free radicals that can be very damaging.

Unfortunately, we are always being threatened by free radicals from the air that we breathe and the different foods that we consume. Eating foods that have plenty of flavonoids also helps our immune system and helps the body fight diseases such as cancer, asthma, allergies, and type2 diabetes.

The flavonoids that are found in Cocoa prevent harmful clots from forming that may cause damage to the heart and other areas of the body. These flavonoids also allow increased blood flow by aiding the blood vessels to dilate with ease. In addition, cocoa has properties that aid in the stopping the inflammatory process that can be very damaging to the body.

Dark chocolate also helps your heart by helping your vessels retain their flexibility. And, it helps with your body's blood circulation therefore improving your blood pressure levels. Also, epicatechin, a nutrient found in chocolate, helps to avoid heart attacks and strokes by relaxing and widening our blood vessels.

Cocoa is known to reduce cardiovascular problems by increasing the amount of good cholesterol (HDL) in the body. HDL is responsible for cleaning and removing the harmful fats from the body's blood vessels.

In fact, several years ago a study was conducted in Germany with over nine thousand participants, and it revealed that people who ate on an average more than seven grams of chocolate daily had lower risks of stokes and heart attacks, and they also experienced lower blood pressure levels.

Cocoa and dark chocolate are also a good source for the fiber needs of our diet. And, believe it or not chocolate hardly contains cholesterol, and if it does it is because of the milk ingredients that are added. Chocolate is a food that is derived from a plant and plants do not produce cholesterol.

Source of Vitamins and Minerals

Dark chocolate is a great source of vitamins and minerals. It is full of magnesium and iron, and it also contains vitamin B that helps to boost your energy levels. It also contains copper and potassium that are important for maintaining good health.

The magnesium levels that are found in a dark chocolate bar typically contain over 12% of the body's daily requirement. This is important preventing chronic diseases like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular health problems.

History

Chocolate first appeared in the Mayan and Aztec cultures approximately 4000 years ago. The cacao plant is thought to have originated in the Amazon region and is the main ingredient in chocolate. According to Aztec legend their god Quetzalcoatl gave the cacao tree to the Aztec people. He taught them how to prepare the seeds by roasting and grinding them to form a paste that could be mixed with water. This mixture became known to the Aztec's as chocotatl and they believed that it provided a person with knowledge and wisdom when consumed.

Chocolate was introduced to Spain by the Spanish conquistadores in the 1500s. The Spaniards added different condiments and sweeteners to enhance its flavor. Chocolate was considered a delicacy among the wealthy and became the favorite drink in Europe until it was replaced by coffee and tea in the 19th century.

In the twentieth century solid chocolate bars were introduced in Europe. At about this time the cocoa bean was discovered to have beneficial health properties, and that's when the popularity for chocolate began to surge.

Chocolate as Part of Your Diet

If you are going to include chocolate as part of your diet, then what is recommended is dark chocolate. Eat the amount that is healthy for your daily nutritional needs. Whether you like your dark chocolate with nuts or just plain, dark chocolate is the best choice. Always try to avoid any fillings in chocolate, such as nougat or caramel, these fillings just add extra calories.

The whole purpose of eating pure dark chocolate is for its health benefits aside from its delicious taste. A person should not consume more than three and a half ounces of chocolate per day. This is the recommended amount of chocolate to eat to be on the healthy side.

And, just because you are eating chocolate does not mean that you are receiving its healthy benefits. Avoid consuming dark chocolate while drinking milk because this prevents the antioxidants from being absorbed by your body. There are also several types of chocolates that are not healthy for you because they're loaded with fats and sugar.

Here is a list of top quality dark chocolate bars:

Dagoba Eclipse - 87% Cacao

Green and Black's Dark - 85% Cacao

Valrhona Noir Extra Amer - 85% Cacao

Scharffen Berger Extra Dark - 82% Cacao

Chocolove XOXOX Extra Strong Dark - 77% Cacao

Chocolate is great to eat because of its health benefits and nutritional value, but like everything else if we consume too much of a good thing it can also be bad. So, the next time that you are eating a delicious dark chocolate bar think of all of the health benefits that you are receiving, but just remember to eat with moderation.

For more helpful articles like this, visit our blog and our livejournal blog, your best resource for healthy tips and cooking tips. We provide the most important info that you need to know about kitchen appliances and cooking in general.

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Hershey Foods Corporation and the Love of Chocolate

Among the largest manufacturers of chocolate and confectionery products in America is known as a company called The Hershey Foods Corporation. The company is a major exporter of chocolate-related products and has additional factories in Canada and Mexico. This company was founded in 1894 by Milton Hershey which is located in Hershey Pennsylvania.

By the age of fifteen, the young Hershey, following a candy apprenticeship attempted to run his own candy shop in Philadelphia which failed after six years. But undeterred by his failure he continued to operate on his business idea of making caramel with fresh milk until in 1886 he returned to Lancaster founded the Lancaster Caramel Company and made a success of the company until he sold it for $1 million in 1900.

Seven years after founding the Lancaster Caramel Company, Hershey made a decision to concentrate on making chocolate-covered caramels after buying a German chocolate-making machine and in 1894 he established the Hershey Chocolate Company that manufactured baking chocolate, chocolate coating, sweet chocolate and cocoa. A dedicated chocolate manufacturing plant was constructed by the company in 1905 and shortly the local community was dominated by the Hershey name together with the company's activity for chocolate for love.

The firm went from strength to strength although Hershey would not trust in advertising and marketing and he made a poor investment in Cuban sugar in the 1920s. The Great Depression saw a downturn in the market but to survive Hershey open his doors to public tours to promote his chocolate by referral and kept the regional population employed through various construction projects.

However, Hershey generously did not stop there, he and his wife, who were childless established a school for orphans in 1909, the Hershey Industrial School, which has eventually renamed the Milton Hershey School in 1995 and still owns 35.5 percent of the company's stock via a trust fund.

In 1945 following Hershey's death the firm continued in the 'giving' tradition of its founder and established the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center of Pennsylvania State University in the town of Hershey.

The company continued to prosper during the 1960s and began diversifying its product range outside of chocolate for love towards pasta and it brought two pasta companies established the company name to Hershey Foods Corporation. As the company expanding into Europe it started advertising and marketing and in 1980 it acquired rights of the British candy maker Cadbury Schweppes PLC. The expansion grew with acquisitions in Canada, Sweden and the Ronzoni Foods Corporation, that make Hershey the most significant supplier of dry pasta in the north American market.

The following is a snap shot of the more popular Hershey products:

Hershey: milk chocolate bars, Kisses chocolates, Jujyfruits candy, Twizzlers licorice candy, cocoa, chocolate syrup, baking chocolate, peanut butte, ice cream toppings, Cadbury's chocolate bars, York peppermint patties, Luden's throat drops, Jolly Rancher, Whoppers, Milk Duds, Good & Plenty, PayDay, Heath, asaU Chuckles, dry pasta

Reese: peanut butter cups, Almond Joy and Mounds candy bars. Pieces Candy

Canadian Products: Chipits chocolate chips, Eat-More candy, Glosette candy. Pot of Gold boxed chocolates, Oh Henry! chocolate bar

To date Hershey remains committed to producing chocolate for love for all their clients.

Find out more about healthy chocolate visit chocolate for love and to get immediate access to my FREE email chocolate health mini-course, visit Extraordinary Health Benefits of Chocolate. Steve Campbell has a keen interest in chocolate, health and nutrition.

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Cookie Recipes For the Chocoholic in You

Chocolate, now who doesn't love chocolate? And cookies are on of our favorite things from our toddler days to the grave! Chocolate and cookies; two of our favorite things. The recipes in this article will bring the two together for some awesome cookie treats! Whether you like your chocolate in chunks, or chips, there is a recipe here for you! The Mocha Chocolate Chips are made with a healthier cookie in mind. They have both all-purpose and whole-wheat flours, less sugar, and healthy walnuts. Yet they are delicious!

CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIES WITH OATS
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup quick oats
1 1/4 cups chocolate chunks

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Lightly grease 2 large baking sheets; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl combine the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat at medium speed with electric mixer until creamy. Beat in the egg and vanilla.

Into a small bowl sift the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Add flour mixture to the creamy mixture, beating constantly. Stir in the oats and chocolate chunks.

Spoon dough by tablespoonfuls about 2-inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Allow cookies to cool 1 minute on the baking sheets. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

HEALTHIER MOCHA CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup whole-wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup Splenda Granulated
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup instant coffee powder*
2 squares (1-oz each) unsweetened baking chocolate
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/4 cups chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place the chocolate in the top of a double boiler over simmering water and cook, stirring often, until melted; remove and allow to cool.

Mix the all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, baking soda, and salt together in a small bowl; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl beat the butter with the sugar and Splenda, with mixer on medium speed, until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, coffee powder and then add the melted chocolate; beat until blended.

With mixer on low speed, gradually beat in the flour mixture just until blended. With a silicone spatula or a wooden spoon, stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts. Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls, two inches apart, onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until cookies puff up and the dough loses its shine. Allow to cool 1 minute before removing from the cookie sheet to wire racks to cool completely.

Yield: Approximately 40 cookies.

*If using instant coffee granules, you need to crush them or powder them in a blend or food processor.

Enjoy!

For more of Linda's dessert recipes visit her blog at http://ladybugssweettreats.blogspot.com/
For her diabetic dessert recipes visit her at http://diabeticenjoyingfood.blogspot.com/

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