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The Best Chocolate & Mint Cookies

Chocolate and mint cookies

Alexia Castellon, Entertainment Editor on NW The Website, asked around which brand of chocolate mint cookies people ate. The most common ones are: Girl Scouts Thin Mints, Oreo Thins Mint Flavor Creme and Keebler Grasshopper Mint & Fudge. After that, she put together a team of cookie enthusiasts and rated the cookies on a scale of 1-5 based on taste, texture, appearance and overall cookie experience. Click, HERE, for the results!

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Why This Neuroscientist Says We Should Eat More Chocolate

Why This Neuroscientist Says We Should Eat More Chocolate

MINDBODYGREEN.COM

The heart and the brain are undoubtedly two of our body’s most vital organs. Thankfully, taking care of one inadvertently tends to the other. One simple way to support our brain and our heart is by eating nutrient-dense foods—and no, it’s not all fruits and veggies. According to neuroscientist and neurodegenerative disease researcher Kristen Willeumier, Ph.D., dark chocolate is one of the most powerful functional foods we can add to our diet.

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Swiss chocolate consumption dips to lowest levels in 40 years

Swiss chocolate consumption dips to lowest levels in 40 years

SWISSINFO.CH

For the first time since 1982, average annual chocolate consumption in Switzerland has fallen below the 10 kg per person mark. On average, a Swiss resident munched 9.9 kg of chocolate in 2020, 6.9% less than the year before, according to the Association of Swiss Chocolate Manufacturers (Chocosuisse). This decline was at the expense of Swiss-made chocolate, as the import volume of foreign-made chocolate increased by 1.8%. and its share rose from 41% to 43%. The industry body blames protectionist measures at home for the rising sales of imported chocolates in Switzerland.

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“I ate 40kg (about 88 lbs.) of chocolate”, says Yorkshire teacher, 21, on rowing solo across the Atlantic

“I ate 40kg (about 88 lbs.) of chocolate”, says Yorkshire teacher, 21, on rowing solo across the Atlantic

THEGUARDIAN.COM

Jasmine Harrison, the youngest woman to make the 3,000-mile journey alone, relished the freedom of doing it all by herself. Instead of the ration packs people normally eat on these long journeys, she lived off biscuits and chocolate – “I think I ate 40kg of chocolate,” she laughed – and could choose to avoid rowing in the rain. “I could do what I liked. If it’s raining outside, and I’m in my cabin because I’ve just woken up, I ain’t gonna go out and row.”

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Ghirardelli launches low sugar and no sugar chocolate baking chips

Ghirardelli chocolate baking chips

Ghirardelli has launched two new better-for-you baking chips. The 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate Chips are now made with 50% less sugar and the 100% Cacao Unsweetened Chocolate Chips have no sugar. “Now, consumers can enjoy premium chocolate while reducing or adjusting the overall sugar in any recipe to control their desired sweetness,” the company said. Ghirardelli said the 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate Chips “are made with high quality cocoa beans, real vanilla and 50% less sugar than Ghirardelli’s popular semi-sweet baking chips. With no sugar added, the 100% Cacao Unsweetened Chocolate Chips are a true blank canvas for a baking creation.”

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Hershey unveils organic Reese’s cups, chocolate bars set to hit shelves this month

Organic Reeses cups

The famous chocolate company of central Pennsylvania is unveiling options that allow nearly every chocolate lover to enjoy. Hershey’s announced the sale of organic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Hershey Bars. “The Reese’s brand is quite literally finding ways for everyone to enjoy that same sought-after taste only achieved with a true and unmatched Reese’s chocolate and peanut butter combination,” the Hershey Company said in a release. They’ll be available in milk and dark chocolate, and certified organic by the U.S.D.A. The organic sweet treats will not contain any genetically modified organisms (GMOs), as well.

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Vegan Chocolate Race Heats Up as Nestle Plans Rice-Based KitKat

Vegan Kit Kat

 

Nestle SA is adding its first vegan milk chocolate to its products as the world’s biggest food company expands beyond meat alternatives. The Swiss food giant will start offering plant-based KitKat bars this year, called KitKat V, according to Alexander von Maillot, head of Nestle’s confectionery business. The product will be for sale online and at selected stores in a handful of markets including the U.K. as a test run before a possible wider rollout. The bar, which uses a rice-based formula as a milk substitute, took about two years to develop. The main challenge in making alternatives to milk chocolate is ensuring it blends well with cocoa and sugar for a creamy texture. Other substitutes, such as soy or almond formulas, can create off-notes, von Maillot said.

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Chocolat Chaud (Hot Chocolate)

Hot chocolate

The secret to David Lebovitz’s Parisian-style hot chocolate is whole milk and plenty of high-quality dark chocolate. The optional addition of raw or brown sugar lends a wonderful toasty toffee flavor. Mr. Lebovitz recommends making the drink a day or two in advance and storing it in the refrigerator, then rewarming it: The drink gets thicker the longer it sits. Serve it in small tea cups, the way the French do, as this intense hot chocolate packs a punch. To give the hot chocolate a nice frothy texture, zap it with an immersion blender for a few seconds before pouring it into your cup—a technique recommended by both chocolate/cacao scholar Maricel Presilla and Wonderbon Chocolate Co. co-owner Maury Rubin. It’s a worthwhile extra step that gives the drink a light, airy mouthfeel, and it works well with packaged cocoas, too.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups whole milk or neutral plant-based milk, such as Oatly Barista Edition
– 5 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
– 1-2 tablespoons raw or light brown sugar (optional)
– Whipped cream or marshmallows, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm milk and chocolate, whisking occasionally until chocolate is melted.
Bring mixture almost to a boil, paying close attention. (If it comes to a full boil, it will quickly boil over.) Reduce heat to lowest setting and gently simmer hot chocolate, whisking constantly, 3 minutes. Remove pan from heat.
When chocolate is cool enough to sip, add sugar to taste, if using. To serve, pour hot chocolate into cups and top with whipped cream or marshmallows, if using.

—Adapted from “Drinking French” by David Lebovitz (Ten Speed Press) as published in WSJ.

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U.S. Chocolate Giant Hershey To Launch Low GI, Plant-Based Chocolates

U.S. Chocolate Giant Hershey To Launch Low GI, Plant-Based Chocolates

GREENQUEEN.COM

Hershey recently announced that it will be launching its plant-based sugar chocolates as a part of the ‘Better-for-you’ category with an investment in a company that is developing sugars that have fewer calories than conventional chocolates and a negligible glycemic index impact.

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How To Taste Chocolate Like An Expert

How To Taste Chocolate Like An Expert

NPR.ORG

Simran Sethi – she hosts “The Slow Melt” podcast, where she explores all things chocolate. And she reports on the latest episode of NPR’s Life Kit podcast, which is titled How To Savor Chocolate Like A Cocoa Expert. Sethi says the first step to enjoying chocolate like a pro is picking the right bar. For more tips, click, HERE.

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From beverages to cocoa bombs: A brief history of chocolate

From beverages to cocoa bombs: A brief history of chocolate

RADIO.COM

Before industrialization, chocolate was expensive and often only consumed by the elite. And, it wasn’t wrapped in the heart-shaped foil we recognize today. “Chocolate for thousands of years has been consumed traditionally as a beverage”. “It was ground with honey as a sweetener and the nibs were ground with a mortar and pestle, like a ground tea.” The chocolate industry was eventually revolutionized by Milton Hershey, who had roots in Philadelphia and brought chocolate to the masses.

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Chocolate Consumption and Sex-Interest

Chocolate Consumption and Sex-Interest

CUREUS.COM

Media and popular literature link chocolate and sex-interest in women, but there is little research examining their association. This cross-sectional analysis sought to address this gap by assessing the relation of chocolate-consumption frequency to self-rated interest in sex. Seven-hundred twenty-three (723) Southern California men and women, age >20, completed surveys providing chocolate-consumption frequency (Choc0, x/week) and interest in sex (rated 0-10). Check out the findings by clicking HERE.

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A Sweet Valentines Strawberry & Chocolate Delight

Strawberry chocolate dessert

Chocolate and strawberries – it is a classic combination and the perfect finish after a great dinner. This dessert combines both and is the ultimate dessert for your upcoming Valentines dinner (or any time of the year!). The recipe is easy, but you need to organize ahead of time as the recipe requires preparation over 2 days. It is all well worth it for this delight! You can choose to buy chocolate decorations instead of making them, which makes the preparation less long. Click, HERE, to see the step-by-step preparation and to find more intriguing recipes to try!

Ingredients:

For the crust:
50 gr speculoos
30 gr butter

For the filling:
90 gr milk chocolate pistoles
½ tbsp honey
60 gr cream
180 gr cream cold (day 2)

For the compote:
150 gr fresh strawberries
25 gr coconut sugar
1 pc gelatine leaf
1 pinch freshly ground pepper
1 tbsp chopped fresh mint

For the garnish:
Fresh strawberries
120 gr milk chocolate optional

Method:
Day 1
• Prepare the ganache:
Bring 60gr of cream with the honey to a boil and pour it over the chocolate to create chocolate Chantilly. Leave it 3 minutes before stirring to combine and obtain a smooth and shiny texture. Place a cling film on top then refrigerate overnight.
• Prepare the crust:
Process the speculoos to crumbs with the help of a food processor. Add the butter and blend together to combine.
Arrange this mixture into a mould, press it down and bake at 150°C for 8 minutes. Allow to cool and refrigerate in the mould.
• Prepare the chocolate decoration: (optional)
Place the chocolate in the microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat until the chocolate is half melted, half solid; then quickly stir to melt the milk chocolate completely.
Pour the chocolate on a plastic sheet and cover with a second sheet. With a rolling pin spread the chocolate to a thin layer and let it set. Cut the forms of your choice and refrigerate for 5 minutes. Transfer the chocolate decoration into a sealed container and keep below 24 degrees.

Day 2
• Prepare the strawberry compote:
Clean and cut the strawberries and keep 8-10 calibrated pieces to garnish the mould. Place the remaining in a saucepan with the sugar and cook over a medium heat for 3 minutes.
Stir in the freshly ground pepper and the soaked gelatine leaf and dissolve.
Remove from the stove, cool down and add the fresh mint.
• Prepare the filling:
Pour the remaining 180 gr of cream over the firm chocolate ganache from day 1 and gently whip until combined. Speed up the whipping at the end until the Chantilly cream has soft peaks. Transfer the fluffy filling into a piping bag.
• Finish the cake:
Arrange the halved strawberries around the mould. Spoon the strawberry compote on the bottom of the tart and fill the center with the milk chocolate chantilly.
Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving. The milk chocolate ganache must firm up before unmolding.

NOTES
• Speculoos can be replaced with shortbread biscuits, Oreo, palet Breton biscuits.
• Chocolate starts melting in the centre, which is why microwaving it shouldn’t exceed 30 seconds at the time.
• When you temper chocolate, you are heating and cooling the chocolate in a specific way. When it’s done correctly, the chocolate is shiny, firm at room temperature and has a sharp snap when you bite into it.

For full recipe with detailed instructions and pictures, go to CulinaryAmbition.com (click, HERE).  You will also find many other delicious recipes!

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How to Keep Chocolate Covered Strawberries Fresh

Chocolate covered strawberries

Chances are, if you’re reading this article you’ve mastered how to make chocolate covered strawberries, or you’ve received a chocolate covered strawberry delivery (lucky you). Now that you’ve got the strawberries, you need to figure out how to keep those beauties fresh.

For all your answers, from the best way to store, to how long, etc., take the advice from the Food Network Kitchen, and click HERE.

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If loving a piping hot chocolate lava cake is wrong, I don’t want to be right!

Lava cake recipe

Enjoy a personal chocolate cake that comes with a built-in sauce, that can be whipped up and on the table in less than an hour. And made with pantry staples. And is ideal for a special date night at home (this is a rich, once-in-a-while treat, though feel free stretch each cake to 2 servings if you happen to have four people around to eat them!).

Ingredients:

– 4 tablespoons (2 ounces/57 grams) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, plus more for greasing the molds
– Cocoa powder, for dusting (natural or Dutch process)
– 2 ounces (57 grams) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
– 1 large egg, plus 1 large egg yolk
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour

Directions:

Step 1
Position the rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees.

Generously butter and dust two 4-ounce molds, custard cups or ramekins with cocoa powder, tapping out the excess.

Step 2
Combine the butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan with a few inches of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water, and stir until the chocolate is almost completely melted. (Alternately, you may heat them together in a microwave, starting with 1 minute on HIGH, then stirring, and finishing in short bursts on 50 percent power as needed until almost melted. Stir together until thoroughly combined.) Remove the bowl from the pan.

Step 3
While the chocolate and butter are melting, in a medium bowl, using a whisk or handheld mixer on medium-high, beat together the egg, yolk and sugar until light, thick and pale yellow.

Step 4
Finish stirring together the chocolate and butter; it should be quite warm. Gradually whisk the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, then quickly beat in the flour by hand, just until combined.

Step 5
Divide the batter between the molds. (At this point you can refrigerate the desserts for up to several hours. Bring them back to room temperature before baking.)

Step 6
Transfer the molds to a baking sheet to make them easy to move in and out of the oven (and contain any possible overflow). Bake for 7 to 10 minutes — the longer you bake, the less “sauce” there will be. The center will still be quite soft and slightly dipped, but the sides will be set. Let rest for about a minute.

Step 7
Place an overturned plate on top of the mold and, holding onto the mold in one hand with a potholder, mitt or dish towel, invert the plate and the mold. (If you have a lightweight pot rest or trivet, you can set the ramekin on top of that and use it to help you invert as well.) Let sit for about 10 seconds. Unmold by lifting up one side of the mold; the cake will fall out onto the plate. It’s okay if you have to tap or gently shake the ramekin to nudge it out. Serve immediately.

Adapted from “Jean-Georges: Cooking at Home with a Four-Star Chef,” by Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Mark Bittman. As published in The Washington Post.

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Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: The Most Artistic Chocolate Gift Boxes

Valentines Day chocolate box

 

Chocolate is synonymous with Valentine’s Day. That said, not all chocolate is created equal, and when it comes to impressing your loved one why wouldn’t you want to get them the best? Presentation is a big one for this day of romance, so surprise your significant other with a box of chocolates that’s not only delicious and indulgent, but also handcrafted and artfully designed. Click HERE to see a selection of high quality chocolates that are as tasty as they are visually appealing — guaranteed show stoppers.

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Origins of the heart-shaped chocolate box

Origins of the heart-shaped chocolate box

WYOMINGNEWS.COM

Hearts abound on Feb. 14, and few symbols (and gifts) are more widely associated with a holiday than heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are with Valentine’s Day. Chocolates became trendy in the mid-19th century when the first chocolate bar was made by British company J.S. Fry & Sons by combining cacao powder with sugar and cacao butter to make a rich, melt-in-your-mouth treat that was markedly different than the gritty and greasy drinking chocolate that was losing popularity in Europe. Within a few years, competitor Cadbury introduced the first box of chocolates. It was called the “Fancy Box” and it didn’t take long to become wildly popular.

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Is Chocolate Addictive? All You Need to Know

Is Chocolate Addictive? All You Need to Know

HEALTHLINE.COM

Chocolate is a sweet, creamy treat made from fermented, roasted, and ground cacao tree fruit. People have enjoyed chocolate and similar treats made from cacao fruit for thousands of years. Today it’s eaten in many different ways and is arguably among the most popular foods — so you may even wonder if it’s addictive. This article compares healthy and unhealthy relationships with chocolate and addresses whether chocolate and its ingredients may be addictive.

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A guaranteed moose sighting in Maine — and this one’s made of chocolate

A guaranteed moose sighting in Maine — and this one’s made of chocolate

BOSTONGLOBE.COM

Maine is home to the largest chocolate moose — yes, that’s moose — in the world. His name is Lenny, he weighs 1,700 pounds, is 9 feet long and 7 feet tall, and has been making candy-crazed kids squeal with delight since 1997. Lenny resides in a blue-tinted white chocolate pond at Len Libby Candies, along with a 380-pound chocolate black bear named Libby and her 80-pound cubs, Cocoa and Chip. Check out a picture of Lenny, HERE.

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Famed Parisian Tearoom Angelina Changes Name of Hot Chocolate After Social Media Callout

Famed Parisian Tearoom Angelina Changes Name of Hot Chocolate After Social Media Callout

NYEATER.COM

Famed Parisian tearoom Angelina has renamed its signature hot chocolate drink in New York City and Paris. The drink’s name — formerly “L’Africain,” or “the African” — has been in use for more than a century and appears on the menus of more than 30 international locations. The original name of the drink will remain at Angelina’s 30 plus international locations, except at its flagship tearoom in France, and in NYC, where the company has decided to rename the drink “chocolat chaud à l’ancienne,” which roughly translates to old-fashioned hot chocolate. The website for Angelina Paris, however, still identifies the drink as L’Africain at the time of publication.

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Ritter Sport is told its new no-sugar bar is not chocolate

Ritter Sport is told its new no-sugar bar is not chocolate

THEGUARDIAN.COM

The German chocolate manufacturer Ritter Sport is embroiled in a row with food law regulators after being told it cannot call its latest creation a chocolate bar because it contains no sugar. The company, which has been producing chocolate at its factory near Stuttgart for more than 100 years, has been told the new bar contravenes Germany’s strict cocoa regulations. The so-called Kakao-Verordnung deems that anything labelled as chocolate must contain cocoa mass, cocoa powder, cocoa butter and sugar. But Ritter’s new bar, called Cacao y Nada (cocoa and nothing) is 100% cocoa, sourced from its own plantation in Nicaragua. It is sweetened with cocoa juice, which is naturally found in the pulp of the cocoa bean.

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Make this chocolate walnut brownie in just one minute!

1 minute walnut brownie

Mug cakes became a popular trend during the pandemic. They are not only hassle-free but can also be whipped up in just a few minutes. If you are craving cake, all you need to do is to procure the required ingredients, mix them in a mug and microwave, and your cake is ready. MasterChef runner-up Neha Deepak Shah recently shared a simple one-minute mug recipe for making chocolate walnut brownie, using simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp – Chopped chocolate
2 tbsp – Butter / ghee
2 tbsp – Powdered sugar
2 tbsp – Maida (all-purpose flour) / atta
1 tbsp – Cocoa powder
¼ tsp – Baking powder
Lots of chopped walnuts

Directions:

* In a cup, add chopped chocolate and ghee or melted butter.
* Microwave for 15 seconds.
* Now add powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and water. Mix all the ingredients.
* Add chopped walnuts and some chopped chocolate.
* Microwave for one minute.
* Serve with ice cream.

As published on IndianExpress.com

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Valentines Day Still Prime Occasion for Chocolate and Candy

Valentines Day Still Prime Occasion for Chocolate and Candy

PROGRESSIVEGROCER.COM

Despite a lingering public-health crisis that Americans have been told will get worse before it gets better, Valentine’s Day chocolate and candy can enable loved ones to connect and spark moments of joy during a worrisome period, according to a report from the National Confectioners Association (NCA). In fact, the trade association found that a whopping 86% of Americans intend to share a gift of chocolate and candy this V-Day.

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Win Over Hearts this Valentine’s Day with Baskin-Robbins’ New Box of Chocolates Ice Cream Cake and February Offerings

 

Move over, Cupid, Baskin-Robbins’ sweet February offerings, including the new Box of Chocolates Cake and the Flavor of the Month, Love Potion #31®, are sure to win hearts this Valentine’s Day. The only thing better than a box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day is Baskin-Robbins’ adorable new Box of Chocolates Cake. Designed to look just like a classic heart-shaped candy box – complete with real milk chocolate candies – this customizable cake can be easily mistaken for the real thing. But don’t let the design fool you, it’s made-to-order with your favorite ice cream flavor, topped with a layer of rich fudge and adorned with an assortment of milk chocolate candies. Baskin-Robbins is also bringing back a Valentine’s Day favorite flavor, Love Potion #31®. Featuring raspberry-filled chocolate-flavored hearts and chocolate-flavored chips, swirled with a raspberry ribbon in a white chocolate and raspberry ice cream, February’s Flavor of the Month is a Valentine’s Day classic. Delicious in a scoop, cone or milkshake, this beloved flavor can be added to the new Box of Chocolates Cake or returning cake designs, like the Valentine’s Day Unicorn Cake or Valentine’s Day Heart Cone Cake.

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Artisanal chocolate shops create bite-sized edible works of art

Artistic chocolates

 

When it comes to candy making, two Buffalo chocolatiers want to do more than satisfy your sweet tooth – they want to create individual works of art, too. Blue Table Chocolates and the Sweet Whisk create artisanal chocolates defined by their hard-shell exterior, hand-painted designs and carefully curated ganache or jelly fillings. Some call them truffles, others, bonbons – most would agree to call them delicious. Blue Table Chocolates is known for its out-there combinations like blueberry-sake, raspberry jasmine and cashew cardamom thanks to owner Ben Johnson interest in going beyond the ordinary. Husband and wife team Amanda Page and Kenny Williams founded their boutique chocolate and pastry shop the Sweet Whisk after they were inspired by a trip to Paris where they “fell in love with all the pastries, and chocolate, and everything over there,” Page said. Check out their websites  at TheSweetWhiskBoutique.com and at BlueTableChocolates.com.

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Message in a Chocolate Box

Message in chocolate box

 

Here’s an invitation to consume an entire box of chocolates. Truffolie, from the chocolatier Wendy-Dawn Wintcentsen, is offering assortments of 12 or 24 heart-shaped bonbons, with an optional custom message in the box, tucked letter-by-letter under the chocolates. Of course, you could just peek and then eat or share the chocolates one at a time. There are three flavors: Carla, with dark chocolate and hazelnuts; Benni, white chocolate with assorted nuts; and Bing, white and dark chocolate with a layer of strawberry. Truffolie chocolates, 12 for $40, 24 for $75, truffolie.com.

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Hot chocolate: Americans say it’s the most-loved part of winter, survey reveals

Hot chocolate: Americans say it’s the most-loved part of winter, survey reveals

PENNLIVE.COM

While some Americans are counting down the days until spring, there are plenty of others who are savoring the cold and cozy days of winter. According to a report by StudyFinds, a recent survey, which polled 2,000 Americans, revealed that for those Americans who are fans of winter, their favorite thing to do during the cold months is to enjoy “a marshmallow-filled cup of hot chocolate.” In fact “sipping on some cocoa” was named the “best part of the season,” – winning out over, watching the first snowfall and warming up by the fire, the report said.

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Montpelier chocolate company wins national award

Montpelier chocolate company wins national award

WCAX.COM

Thirteen Vermont businesses recently received a national award for their tasty goods and good deeds, including one that makes sweet treats in Montpelier. Rabble-Rouser Chocolate and Craft Company is a locally-owned business that can now add a 2021 national award for its Dulcey chocolate to its repertoire. Employee-owned Rabble-Rouser won in the Good Foods awards confection category. It was selected out of more than 1,900 entries in 16 categories. The chocolatiers say they pride themselves on not just making sure their products taste great but also having a strong emphasis on supporting others in the process.

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Godiva to close its boutiques by end of March

Godiva to close its boutiques by end of March.

USATODAY.COM

Godiva is closing all of its U.S. locations as in-store visits for its luxury chocolate dip during the coronavirus pandemic. The company plans to shutter its 128 locations in North America, which includes 11 in Canada, by the end of March. But Godiva chocolates aren’t disappearing completely. You can still get them online as well as at grocery and other stores.

 

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Li-Lac Chocolates

Li-Lac signature box

 

Li-Lac Chocolates

 

If you live in NYC or nearby, you’re in luck! You can visit Manhattan’s oldest chocolate house, Li-Lac Chocolates – since 1923. And if you’re not nearby, visit their website. Take it from one who knows, it’s certainly worth the tasting experience! Visit their website and purchase gourmet chocolates, signature gift boxes, specialty molds, corporate gifts, holiday and celebration gifts, and much more. Li-LacChocolates.com.

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Can you lose weight with chocolate?

Can you lose weight with chocolate?

TIMESNOWNEWS.COM

The chocolate diet is about the consumption of dark chocolate, in moderation. The diet works on the principle of tricking your sweet tooth to get used to low levels of sugar. According to studies, chocolate can activate the pleasure sensors in your brain. This helps elevate stress, which helps in improving metabolism and thus in weight loss. Since the chocolate diet is about dark chocolate, the food item has many health benefits such as relieving period pain, high antioxidant levels and more. As per a nutritionist, you should use the following tips when including chocolate in your diet for weight loss: Differentiate between good and bad chocolate; determine the right amount of chocolate consumption; use chocolate when you crave something sweet; avoid eating chocolate as comfort food or when you are stressed; use chocolates as a pre-workout snack to boost your energy levels.

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Baskin-Robbins Rings in 2021 with a New Trio of Chocolate Flavored Ice Cream Bliss

BR triple chocolate ice cream

 

After a year like 2020, Baskin-Robbins wants you to embrace your love for chocolate and indulge in a decadent chocolate experience with Baskin-Robbins’ January Flavor of the Month, Chocolate Trilogy, that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. A delightfully unique flavor with white, Belgian and malted chocolate-flavored ice cream, Chocolate Trilogy is an explosion of chocolatey goodness, swirled to creamy perfection. A match made in ice cream heaven, each unforgettable spoonful brings together the toasted, earthy notes of malted chocolate flavor, the buttery, sweet flavor of white chocolate, and the classically delicious, milky flavor of Belgian chocolate. If you are a chocoholic, this decadent flavor will be at the top of your list to indulge in.

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The best vegan chocolate

Vegan chocolate

 

The range and quality of vegan chocolate is increasing with all manner of dairy alternatives now being used, from nut milks, to rice milks and coconut cream. Whether you’re dairy-free out of choice or not, that shouldn’t mean you’re deprived of the most indulgent and delicious chocolate treats. Good Housekeeping’s Food specialist Alex Hale has scoured the shelves and web to bring you her favorite vegan chocolate. Included is everything from smooth and creamy vegan white and milk chocolate to bittersweet and sophisticated dark chocolate. There’s something for everyone with all manner of flavors and fillings, not to mention a few vegan chocolate desserts. Many of these delicious recommendations are also either ‘raw’, unrefined or gluten-free too! Click, here, to discover the best vegan chocolate available to buy now.

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Thomas Keller’s Olive Oil-Infused Hot Chocolate Might Be This Winter’s Most Delicious Indulgence

Oil fused hot chocolate

 

While most wouldn’t consider olive oil and chocolate a natural pairing, Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller and olive oil producer Armando Manni beg to differ. The pair launched K+M Extravirgin Chocolate a few short years ago as a lineup of chocolate bars infused with rich olive oil. Now, the brand is expanding the offering to include a lush hot chocolate perfect for getting you through the chilly winter months. Blended in California’s Napa Valley, the hot chocolate mix uses the very same high-quality beans found in each of the brand’s bars. The beverage is reported to have the same rich flavor profile as its solid counterpart, with an added dash of creaminess and nuttiness to round things out. Every element has been calibrated by the brand’s chocolatiers to achieve a cup of hot chocolate worthy of Keller’s famously high standards. The antioxidants in olive oil and chocolate are different. Chocolate has flavanols, where olive oil has polyphenols. The polyphenols create a synergy with chocolate’s flavanols that makes the antioxidants more available to your body. Health benefits aside, the combination leads to a richer, more velvety texture that also translates to the company’s hot chocolate. Truly the best of both worlds. A 14oz bag of K+M Extravirgin hot chocolate serves 10 and is available for $24.

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M&M’s Valentine’s Day Cupid’s Mix Milk Chocolate Candies are here!

 

Give your valentine M&M’S Candy made with milk chocolate crunchy candy shell. Pink, red and white M&M’S Valentine’s Day candy is perfect for candy buffets and Valentine’s Day parties. Share chocolate Valentine’s Day candy with the M&M’S Candy lovers in your life. Bake delicious festive desserts with milk chocolate candy. You can find these at Target and other retail stores.

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THIS ADULT VEGAN CHOCOLATE HELPS YOU HAVE BETTER SEX

better-sex chocolate

 

Premium vegan chocolate brand Eat Gold Organics has created chocolate bars with wellness-boosting ingredients for adults. Each bar ($13) in the eight-product lineup is infused with adaptogens and nootropics and serves its own purpose—each inspired by adults’ basic needs—such as “Be Happy” for good vibes, “Big Orgasm” for better sex, “Immune Shroom” for an immunity boost, “Menopausal Goddess” for hot flashes, and “Sweet Dreams” for better sleep. To create the chocolate bars, Milbradt worked with alchemists, nutritionists, herbalists, and chocolatiers to formulate recipes that ensure their wellness-boosting benefits. Eat Gold chocolate bars are available for shipping nationwide through the brand’s website.

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When it comes to sugar, not all chocolates are created equal

low sugar chocolate

 

These rather delicious chocolate bonbons by Aurosó that are so low in sugar – just over a gram per bonbon – you can really enjoy them without worry. Each is a perfect, beautiful shell of 90% Madagascan chocolate containing variously flavored ganaches all with honey as a common factor. So, although the chocolates are dairy free they are not vegan friendly.

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The Mint Chocolate Shake Makes Its Way Back To Select Arby’s Locations

Arbys chocolate mint shake

 

Arby’s Mint Chocolate Shake is back at select locations for a limited time. The Mint Chocolate Shake is a mint chocolate-flavored shake that’s finished with a whipped topping, real Andes candy pieces, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. The seasonal fan-favorite treat is available at select Arby’s locations nationwide for a limited time.

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Popeyes adds ’New Orleans-style’ chocolate beignets to its menu

Popeyes beignets

 

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is taking its dessert options to the next level this holiday season. The fast-food chain announced that it is adding chocolate beignets to its menu nationwide. The beignets are a deep-fried pastry stuffed with Hershey’s chocolate and covered in powder sugar. The dessert is a famous staple of New Orleans, where Popeyes was founded, although the chain now is headquartered in Miami.

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Sweet deal! Drinking hot chocolate makes you smarter, study shows

Sweet deal! Drinking hot chocolate makes you smarter, study shows

NYPOST.COM

Hot chocolate makes you a smarter and faster thinker, according to new research. In a study of 18 men, researchers at the University of Birmingham found that drinking cocoa improved participants’ ability to quickly solve a series of complex mental tests. The team chalked up the heightened sharpness — including that subjects finished tests up to 11 percent faster — to the brain-boosting compound flavanol, which is found naturally in chocolate, according to the study, published in the journal Scientific Reports.

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Stout and chocolate chunk brownies: You read that right. We’re making beer brownies!

Beer brownie

Chocolate lovers, rejoice! These brownies are dark, deep and rich – this is for serious chocoholics. The recipe is incredibly easy, light on sugar and made deliciously complex with the addition of stout beer. Yes. There’s beer in these brownies!

Stout and Chocolate Chunk Brownies

Ingredients:

1 ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup brown sugar
4 eggs, room temperature
½ cup sorghum
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup stout beer
1 cup semi- or bittersweet chocolate chunks, divided
½ cup chopped walnuts, optional

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9-by-9-inch pan with butter and flour.

Sift together the flour, cocoa and salt in a small bowl. In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar and eggs until light, then add sorghum, vanilla and beer, mixing thoroughly to combine. It will be lumpy – that’s normal! Add the dry ingredients in stages, mixing just until combined.

Pour half of batter into prepared pan, then sprinkle in half of the chocolate chunks and the walnuts. Top with remaining batter and then sprinkle top with remaining chocolate and more nuts if you’d like.

Bake brownies for about 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a bit of batter and crumbs. Allow to cool on a rack and turn the brownies out on a flat surface to cut into squares. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar if you like!

Recipe by Emmy-winning host Catherine Neville, publisher of Feast Magazine and producer of tasteMAKERS, as published in Wire.Lee.net.

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The Best Fancy Chocolate Bars

Fancy Chocolate bars

 

No matter who you’re shopping for (even if you’re treating yourself), you can’t go wrong with chocolate. Craft chocolate bars make an excellent gift, as they’re often packaged in beautiful boxes that don’t require extra gift wrapping and offer a sweet indulgence to the lucky gift recipient. From single origin dark chocolate bars to creations featuring fun inclusions like doughnuts and cereal, these are the best fancy chocolate bars to gift this holiday season. Check out these suggestions, click here.

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15 of the Best Chocolate Subscription Boxes to Gift Family and Friends (Or, You Know, Yourself)

 

Feel like you could use a little bit of comfort delivered to your doorstep these days? Fortunately, you can have exactly that, if you sign up for a chocolate subscription box—an ingenious service that sends a steady supply of high-quality chocolate straight to your home, so you can eat your feelings whenever you want.  Yep, there’s a subscription box for everything. However, there is an overwhelming number of options out there, so a little guidance might go a long way to helping you select the package that best satisfies your sweet tooth. Just pick one of these winners, (click here), and you’ll be able to curl up with scrumptious chocolate on the regular.

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The Best Dark Chocolate Truffles

Dark chocolate truffles

 

Chocolate should be your go-to gift this holiday season as chocolatiers report a pandemic-driven run on chocolate, especially ones that evoke nostalgia. It’s no surprise that chocolates that inspire warm, positive memories are so popular during such a trying time. Says Wendy Lieu, co-owner of Socola Chocolates, “Taste and smell have a visceral power to transport people to memories when they felt safe, seen, and loved.” She’s right on—transport your loved ones with these sumptuous, silken dark chocolate offerings. Click, here, for the Holiday Gift Guide for the “best dark chocolate truffles”.

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Ferrero To Build Its First North American Chocolate Manufacturing Center In Bloomington, Illinois

Ferrero To Build Its First North American Chocolate Manufacturing Center In Bloomington, Illinois

PRNEWSWIRE.COM

Ferrero North America, part of the global confectionery company Ferrero Group, today announced plans to build a new chocolate manufacturing center in Bloomington, Illinois. It will be Ferrero’s first chocolate production plant in North America.