Life by Chocolate!!

It has been some time since I wrote on this blog, or any of my blogs for that matter. Why? My lack of writing as been the direct result of getting married to my former high school sweetheart, Richard, and the traveling back and forth between two households (Maine and Florida). Yes, he is the very same man who sent me the chocolates! We got married on June 25 and yes, there was plenty of chocolate! He's a good man, and a great husband - he ensures that there is always dark chocolate in the house!! Life by chocolate is a good life!

15 Pounds of Dark Chocolate!

I just recently reacquainted with a former boyfriend. This reunion has been blessed, not only with good intentions but with good dark chocolate! He creatively and spontaneously put together a bountiful and beautiful box of dark chocolates. He expressed mailed it to my office. What a surprise I had on Monday! Wow! I have been eating the chocolate every day and night. Incredible! I have been losing weight along with eating the dark chocolate. Eat up and enjoy! Dark chocolate is good for you.

Scientists share the news that eating dark chocolate can help you lose weight. Research shows that dark chocolate is far more filling than milk chocolate, lessening your craving for sweet, salty and fatty foods. A study from the University of Copenhagen states eating dark chocolate may be an efficient way to keep your weight down over Christmas. They got volunteers to fast for 12 hours before eating 100g of either dark or milk chocolate. Two and a half hours later they were offered pizza and told to eat until they felt comfortably full. After the meal, the individual's calorie intake was registered and it was found those who had eaten the dark chocolate had stuffed themselves with 15 percent less pizza. Merry Christmas!

The Trouble with Truffles

"Exercise is a dirty word. Every time I hear it I wash my mouth out with chocolate" - Charles M. Schultz

"What kind of world would this be if there was no chocolate? It may not be such a kind world." - A Chocolate Practitioner

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Did you have your fill of chocolate? I am looking forward to the coming holiday so I can make chocolate truffles. The trouble with truffles is that there is never enough! Here are some great recipes:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/chocolate-truffles-recipe/index.html

http://www.famousfrenchdesserts.com/chocolate-truffle-recipes.html

http://www.cookingforengineers.com/recipe/195/Chocolate-Truffles

Bon Appetit!

Fun Facts

~*~It is reported that Napoleon carried chocolate with him on his military campaigns, and always ate it when he needed quick energy.
~*~Ten percent of U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance of iron is found in one ounce of baking chocolate or cocoa.
~*~Consumers spend more than $7 billion a year on chocolate.
~*~US consumers eat 2.8 billion pounds of chocolate annually, representing nearly half of the world's supply.
~*~Annual per capita consumption of chocolate is 12 pounds per person.
~*~Most Americans prefer milk chocolate, approximately 92 percent, but dark chocolate's popularity is growing rapidly.
~*~Although chocolate is not an aphrodisiac it contains phenylethylamine (PEA), a natural substance that is reputed to stimulate the same reaction in the body as falling in love.

Accidental Eating Leads to Discovery

Today I had a craving for onion rings. I enjoy these golden deep-fried rings once in a blue moon. That's roughly about two times a year! While I was waiting for the order to arrive I popped a chocolate nugget in my mouth and it was melting so sweetly when the crisp, hot, onion rings arrived. I waited just a few minutes for the rings to cool and then CRUNCH. I bit into the ring with chocolate still in my mouth! Truly everything DOES taste better with chocolate! What a delightful, tantalizing sensation -- my taste buds exploded! Too bad I didn't have another chocolate nugget with me. You have got to give this a try, dark chocolate covered onion rings ... really!

To get your very own chocolate nuggets, click on Healthy Chocolate located in the sidebar. Yummy!

Do not feed chocolate to your dog!

Cocoa bean has theobromine. It stimulates the central nervous system, relaxes muscles and dilates blood vessels. Dogs should not eat cocoa or chocolate because it can cause cardiac arrest in dogs, since they lack the enzymes necessary to metabolize theobromine. Dogs like to eat chocolate and will more than likely gorge themselves on any chocolate they find. So do not leave chocolate where your dog can get at it and most definitely do not feed it to your dog for a treat!

Achieving Success!

Tonight I went to a seminar with my friend, Gail Bond. The presentation was given by a pal of mine, Gary Cardone. The topic was Being Successful in Business. He told tales of his self-discovery and disclosed his mistakes made along the way. Gary had been the "Energy Man" of all of Europe during the 90s. He did what many of us only dream of - retired in his early 40s. So to be given an opportunity to hear him speak on what it took for him to get to where he is today was like stumbling upon a treasure chest! He emphasized four major points - each woven in and around tales of college, early years in the gas industry and life in Europe. His points were: 1. Make yourself known to the ones who know and ask them to "help" you make more contacts (they will help you!). Plus take your clients/customers/competitors to breakfast/lunch/dinner. Get to know each other! 2. Disconnect from the nay-sayers on your quest for success. 3. Find out what is needed and wanted then fill the gap! 4. You cannot steal 2nd base without first getting on 1st. So keep producing. While others may take trips and vacations, put your hard work in now and retire early.

Websites:
http://garycardone.com/ http://twincapitalholdings.com/

I have a Chocolate Tooth

Several studies have been done on the effect of chocolate on tooth decay. One study conducted at the Eastman Dental Center showed that while chocolate does contain sugar, it contains certain phosphates and other minerals which minimizes the effect of the sugar. The Center further reported that the protein, calcium and phosphate content in milk chocolate may provide protective effects on tooth enamel. Additional studies at Forsyth Dental Center showed that chocolate has the ability to off-set the acid-producing potential of the sugar it contains. Acids, produced by certain oral bacteria that digest or ferment the sugars, may damage tooth enamel and cause decay. A study conducted at Osaka University (Japan) showed that there are antibacterial agents in cacao that actually counteract tooth decay. Therefore, chocolate is one of the least likely desserts to cause cavities. Get rid of your sweet tooth and get yourself a chocolate tooth!

Dreaming of Chocolate!

Creamy, delicious, smooth, decadent, sinful, delightful and ....

Why Belgian Chocolate is the BEST!

First thing in the morning and last thing at night - eat chocolate. In doing so you will always have something to look forward to upon waking and at the end of the day. ~~Chocoholic Proverb~~

In the late 1800’s Belgium’s chocolate manufacturing industry began to evolve. This was aided by the acquisition of the Belgian Congo, which gave easy access to Africa's cocoa. It is claimed that the African cocoa bean is stronger and more assertive than the milder South American beans favored by American chocolatiers. Also, it is claimed that it is higher in antioxidants due to its survivability of the severe conditions in which it grows.

Real Belgian chocolate! African cocoa bean!

Visit: http://mxi.myvoffice.com/genismouse/.

It's Show Time!

A chocolate show! How delicious! This weekend you can OD on chocolate at the show at Pier 94, 711 12th Avenue and 55th Street, NYC, NY! Sylvie Douce and her husband Francois Jeantet first organized the show in France but soon moved to New York to attract a global audience. I am so glad that they did! I love NYC and I love chocolate!

Opening Night Preview: Fashion Show on * Thursday, November 6th, 6:30-10:30pm

The Chocolate Show Date & Times: * Friday, November 7: 10am to 8pm, * Saturday, November 8: 10am to 8pm, * Sunday, November 9: 10am to 7pm

Website: http://www.chocolateshow.com/ (photo credit)
Additional site: http://www.bakershours.com/
Additional site: http://www.thenibble.com/fun/events/chocolate-show.asp

Health Benefits from Eating Dark Chocolate

According to a study, eating dark chocolate may be good for you. Some of the health benefits are: * Lowers your risk of heart diseases. * Lowers blood pressure. * Lowers cholesterol. * Promotes a feeling of joy. * Promotes good digestion. * Potential cancer prevention. * Antioxidant.

Dark chocolate comes from the plant seeds of the cacao plant - a fruit. The flavonoids found in dark chocolate is believed to contain more antioxidants than a number of other fruits such as blueberries or strawberries.

While dark chocolate has less fat than other chocolates and other sweets, you may eat more chocolate which may result in consuming more calories. So you definitely want to make sure that you maintain your daily calorie intake to avoid those unwanted pounds. Eating chocolate that is higher in quality will satisfy you more quickly which will help in limiting those calories. It is possible that the health benefits of dark chocolate may surpass those of some other fruits and vegetables.

Chocolate can be a part of your life. Chocolate can be your way of life!

Chocolate in the News

BBC News -
"Dark chocolate can protect against tooth decay, researchers have found. Eating dark chocolate could help control diabetes and blood pressure, Italian experts say."

Newsweek -
"Great news! Research suggests dark chocolate to be good for you… Dark chocolate contains flavonoids."

The New York Times -
"Eating dark chocolate appears to bring down blood pressure in people with hypertension..."

Time -
"Antioxidants in dark chocolate may help protect against cancer, dark chocolate has been found to moderate blood pressure, and other ingredients elevate mood."

Men's Fitness -
"Dark chocolate has more disease-fighting antioxidants per ounce than almost any other food, but here's an even better reason to crave it: eating chocolate may lower your blood pressure!"

I voted!

Voting is a civil right and it is the foundation of democracy. Many people around the world have no say - no vote - in who governs them. Believe it or not, every single vote really does count. It's possible that this November 4 will go down in history as having the highest nationwide voter turnout. Yes, it is true that the President of the United States is elected by the Electoral College, not by popular vote. The framers of the U.S. Constitution created the Electoral College as a compromise between electing the president by popular vote or by members of Congress. The compromise was to set up an Electoral College system that allowed voters to vote for electors, who would then cast their votes for candidates, a system described in Article II, section 1 of the Constitution. Each state's U.S. senators (two) plus the state's U.S. representatives (number determined by population) are part of the Electoral College and cast their state's electoral votes. Most of the time, electors cast their votes for the candidate who has received the most votes in that particular state. Some states have laws that require electors to vote for the candidate that won the popular vote, while other electors are bound by pledges to a specific political party. However, there have been times when electors have voted contrary to the people's decision, and there is no federal law or Constitutional provision against it. Truly, every vote counts.

A True Leader - Dark Chocolate

The 2008 Election Day is fast approaching and there has been much discussion as to why our individual choice candidate for President should be elected. There are many to choose from, McCain, Barr, McKinney, Nader, Obama, Baldwin and many more! (Click on the following link to view all Presidential Candidates http://www.votesmart.org/election_president_search.php?type=alpha.) To make the best choice you first must know what is inside. Don’t let hype and fancy marketing fool you. Stay with the basics, and you’ll select the best every time.

I cannot tell you which candidate to choose but I can help you learn how to select the best CHOCOLATE. Choosing the best means knowing what's inside the wrapper. You need to pay attention to the ingredients and the processing. If you do that then you will be able to select the best chocolate every time. The first thing I do when selecting a chocolate is check the ingredients, all of which should be recognizable. If you cannot pronounce it then stay away from it.

Dark chocolate should have the following:
1) Cocoa liquor. Sometimes called cocoa mass, cocoa solids, cocoa, or chocolate. It is not actually a liquor and does not contain any alcohol.
2) Sugar. Cane juice, molasses, and other natural sweeteners are acceptable substitutes. AVOID aspartame - it's a killer!
3) Cocoa butter.
4) Vanilla. NOT vanillin!
5) Soy lecithin (optional). It's used to make the chocolate bind together better. It is sold as a health food supplement, although it is controversial.
6) Any add-ins, such as nuts, fruits, or natural flavorings. AVOID hydrogenated and/or partially-hydrogenated!

If the manufacturer sticks to the basics, and pays attention to where their beans come from (different flavors from different beans and growing conditions) it's a pretty good bet that their chocolate will be good. Look for Fair Trade and organic. You will pay a little more, but you'll be helping human-kind and the planet, PLUS you will get a better tasting chocolate!

That’s all there is to it! Simple, uh? Learning what is inside the wrapper is worth it! Check out the link on the sidebar - Healthy Chocolate. Now THAT is good chocolate!

Chocolate Trick or Treat!

Happy Halloween! Ghosts and gobblins, pirates and princesses, ghouls and pumpkins ... oh, my, what a cast of characters and creatures that knocked on our doors!

There are amazing health benefits of chocolate. First and foremost, chocolate is an extremely powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants help rid the body of free radicals, molecules that run amok in your body causing aging and disease. Antioxidants bond to free radicals and remove them from your body through digestion and other means. You may of heard of many of the best antioxidants such as red wine, green tea, cherries, pomegranate, and blueberries. Dark chocolate is far ahead of them in the race for the highest antixodiant rating. The USDA published a chart of antioxidant foods measured in ORACs (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity Units). For every 100 grams, dark chocolate has 13,120 ORACs, and blueberries have only 2,400. Antioxidant-rich diets have been linked to a lowered risk of heart attacks, stroke, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, cancer, cholesterol problems, arthritis, Alzheimer's and more. Being that chocolate is chock full of antioxidants, it's actually good for you. So why is it widely believed that chocolate is bad for you? It is the sugar and milk products along with the processing of the chocolate that is bad for you. Eating chocolate that has more cacao and less to no milk products, and made with natural sugars are better. Click on the link for Healthy Chocolate located in the sidebar for more information. You will be in for a delightful treat with no tricks!

Shared Chocolate

I have witnessed the evolution of the seasons go from the cool breezes of autumn to the bitter cold stillness of winter. The past few days have tantalized my senses and tested my emotions.

I celebrated my birthday weekend with many friends and activities. Saturday evening we drank wine and listened to music as we sat out under the stars at the Purple Moon discussing every taboo subject we could think of! Sunday morning we ate a bountiful brunch at Island Way Grill, followed by an afternoon walk in Safety Harbor. Later we sat out on the veranda at The Vinoy Resort sipping Frangelica as the day turned to night. The desserts at The Vinoy are d-e-l-i-c-o-u-s !! Chocolate desserts, of course!

One of my dear friends, Tina Wyatt, passed away Tuesday, 10/28/08. Oh, how she loved chocolate! I am filled with many memorable moments of her and I seeking the best chocolate desserts throughout the Tampa Bay area. She so loved chocolate that she even created natural bars of soap with the scent of chocolate! How delightful! Enjoy the journey my friend and come back soon! I love you.

There is good news ...

Eating equal amounts of dark chocolate and white chocolate will keep you balanced.
~~Chocoholic Proverb~~

It is the best medical news in ages ... since the dawn of mankind! Studies in two prestigious scientific journals say dark chocolate, not white chocolate or milk chocolate, is actually good for you. The darker chocolate with the most concentrated cocoa will be the most beneficial for your health. Yippe! I knew it all along. I tried to tell "them" but "they" just did not listen!

Dark chocolate lowers high blood pressure, say Dirk Taubert, MD, PhD, and colleagues at the University of Cologne, Germany. Their report appears in the Aug. 27 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association. Do not go on a chocolate binge ... you have to balance the extra calories by eating less of other things. I believe I could sustain myself on a chocolate diet. Yep, three "chocolate square" meals a day!

In the beginning, I took a stroll ...

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."-- Ralph Waldo Emerson