Chocolate Specialties

A Starbucks Frappuccino for Chocolate Lovers

It's well known amongst my friends that I can't go a day without a cup of coffee. Like most of America, my favorite place to head for a pick-me-up is Starbucks - not because I like to support big corporations, but rather because there is literally one on every street corner.

My regular drink includes some form of mocha syrup to make my concoction a bit more indulgent. Recently, I was invited to sample the Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino, and I've been addicted to this chocolate masterpiece ever since.

Never heard of the Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino? I'll be the first to admit that I didn't even notice it on the menu until the barista put them out on a serving plate. As I sipped my free sample, I instantly realized that it was the most chocolaty drink Starbucks has ever offered.

It starts off with the normal Frappuccino coffee base. A few pumps of their famous mocha syrup is added to the blender, along with some ice. Then the magic happens. Chocolate cookie pieces are tossed into the blended, and it is mixed until smooth. After being poured into a cup, the barista adds whipped cream. This isn't your normal vanilla whipped cream either. Someone at Starbucks decided it was time to add a rich chocolate whipped cream to the menu. A swirl of chocolate drizzle completes this solid chocolate beverage.

Don't drink it too quickly, however, or you'll end up with a dreaded brain freeze. Trust me...I know from experience. My mouth is already watering. I better hurry over to Starbucks right now so I can relax with this frozen drink created especially for chocolate lovers. Have you tried it yet?

The Best Movies about Chocolate

Chocolate is not only a yummy treat after a long day, but it also makes for a great movie plot. There are several famous movies that are centrally based around the melt-in-your-mouth concoction. Since so many people can relate to chocolate creating wonderful memories in real life, it's only suiting that these movies are also centered around feel-good emotions.

Here are my two favorites:

Chocolat

This foreign film may have English subtitles for those of us that cannot speak French, but that doesn't make it any less attractive. The plot is full of romance, and chocolate is a main theme throughout the entire movie. Chocolat tells the story of a young woman who opens a chocolate confectionery shop in a small French village. The chocolates she sells, however, are not your typical candy. Instead, they alter the lives of those who consume them. These chocolates help start a forbidden love, rekindle the fire in an older marriage, and even end an abusive relationship. Cuddle up with your sweetie when you watch this film for the first time. The power of the French chocolates may even permeate into your union.

Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

Perhaps one of the most famous children's films of all-time, Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory chronicles a poor boy's adventure at a wild candy plant. Charlie is a sweet, young boy who dreams of touring Willy Wonka's famous chocolate factory. When Mr. Wonka hides golden tickets in chocolate bars around town, Charlie tries his hardest to find one. Just when it seems that luck is not on Charlie's side, he locates the last golden ticket. Along with his grandfather, Charlie has the adventure of his life at the factory. While the other children misbehave, Charlie stays true to himself, and Mr. Wonka takes note of this. Being in a room full of candy and chocolate doesn't turn this good kid into a little brat like the others.

If you've never seen these films before, I highly recommend that you watch them. They both will make you smile for different reasons. Of course, before sitting down in front of the television, make sure you have your favorite chocolate snack ready.

A few of my favorite things

The best chocolate bars out there

Nothing speaks to me more than a chocolate bar wrapper. Before I even open the treat, I imagine what it will taste like when it touches my tongue for the first time. There's nothing better than sampling a new chocolate concoction, but of course, I still have my all-time favorites that I just can't resist.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Endangered Species All-Natural Extreme Dark Chocolate

This bar, also known as the Panther Bar, is the darkest chocolate distributed by the brand. With a staggering 88 percent cocoa content, it's not for the lightweights. Only serious chocolate lovers should try this one. The chocolate is pure, unadulterated goodness. It only takes a small nibble to beat a chocolate craving. Slightly bitter and intensely rich, this Extreme Dark Chocolate bar is always in my candy stash. You never know when you might need a power pack of chocolate.

Ghirardelli Espresso Escape

Two of my favorite things under one wrapper - dark chocolate and espresso. The Ghirardelli Espresso Escape Bar is 60 percent cocoa, mixed with ground espresso coffee beans. The combination is mouth-watering. I prefer to eat this one whenever I'm down in the dumps. The caffeine from both ingredients really helps to lift my spirits. No coffee shop drink can compare to this bar.

Lindt Excellence Chili Bar

Chilies and chocolate - what happens when sweet meets heat. The Lindt Excellence Chili Bar is simply divine. Many of my friends are reluctant to taste this masterpiece. Sadly, they are missing out on greatness. A touch of red chili is mixed with dark chocolate, for a velvety smooth sensation that leaves a little bit of a kick behind.

Milky Way

Yes, this one seems out of place after a long list of dark chocolate bars, but the Milky Way has always been one of my favorites. I remember begging my mom to buy them as a little girl. Nothing beats creamy milk chocolate, layered with nougat and caramel. It's always a crowd pleaser, and the least expensive on the list to buy.

I could continue on for days with this list, but I'm starting to get a craving. Which chocolate bar should I pick up at the store next time?

Take a Sip of a Chocolate Beverage

Oh chocolate, how I love thee so!

Mmmm....just thinking about chocolate is waking up my taste buds. We are lucky to live in a world where there are so many different ways to enjoy this yummy treat. Not only can we eat a pure dark chocolate bar, but we can also savor the delicacy in savory meals, sweet desserts, and one of my favorite ways, as a satisfying beverage.

Whether it's morning, noon or night, there is a chocolate drink waiting just for you.

Chocolate Milk

Probably one of your first chocolate memories is of a tall glass of chocolate milk. Since white milk is so unappetizing, moms across the nation mix in chocolate syrup to help make it go down easier. Kids drink every drop without a fight. Do you remember blowing bubbles in your chocolate milk?

Mocha

If you are like most adults, you need a cup of coffee to get your motor running in the morning. Instead of drinking a boring mug of black coffee, I prefer to head to the local coffee shop for a specialty drink - a hot mocha. This concoction consists of steamed milk, espresso and chocolate syrup mixed together in harmony. Top it off with some whipped cream, and you have a winner.

Hot Chocolate

While the parents are enjoying their caffeinated mochas, the kids like to partake in a hot chocolate. Depending on how you make it, this drink features either steamed milk or hot water mixed with cocoa. Marshmallows are always a welcome addition to the top. There is no better drink on a cold, snowy day.

Yoo-hoo

If you are from the North, then you probably have a few bottles of Yoo-hoo in your pantry. This chocolate soft drink is the only of its kind. The taste is velvety and rich - there is nothing quite like it. You guys in the South need to taste it. I'm a lucky Texas girl that just happens to have Yankee relatives, so I've was exposed to this drink at a young age.

Are you getting thirsty yet? You should be! Did I leave your favorite chocolate drink off this list? Tell me all about it!

Is Chocolate Actually Good for You?

As I sit here popping dark chocolate chips into my mouth, a little voice pops into my head. It urges me to stop. Eating too much chocolate is bad for you. The doctor says that the sugar and fat in chocolate can lead to health problems, such as diabetes and obesity.

But, I LOVE chocolate! I can't stop eating it. It has to be doing something good in my body. After all, when I finish eating it, I feel better. My mood is lifted and I am calmer.

Then the other half of my brain takes over. It reminds me that chocolate actually has several health benefits. Eating dark chocolate on a regular basis can help my body become stronger.

I smile to myself, while letting another chocolate chip melt in my mouth.

Antioxidants

Dark chocolate contains a lot of antioxidants - even more than blueberries and green tree. How do antioxidants help your body? Think of them as a strong army inside your body. They go to battle fighting all the free radicals, or the "bad guys." If the free radicals aren't destroyed, they may lead to many health issues, such as cancer and chronic disease. Antioxidants work to neutralize the "bad guys," promoting a healthier you.

Protects the Heart

Not only does chocolate look cute in heart-shaped boxes on Valentine's Day, but it also work to protect YOUR heart. People who consume dark chocolate or cocoa on a regular basis are at a decreased risk of heart disease. The flavonoids in the chocolate actually relax artery walls, allowing blood to flow easier. Chocolate even thins blood, which makes your heart have to work less to pump the blood. Do your heart a favor and indulge in a piece of dark chocolate.

The next time someone gives you a guilt trip about eating chocolate, remind them of these health benefits. Don't forget, however, that these findings are only for dark chocolate and cocoa - not a candy bar filled with nougat, caramel and nuts.

The Midnight Truffle Blizzard

After dinner tonight, I had an intense craving for chocolate. Sure, I get these all the time, but tonight for some reason, I really NEEDED the chocolate. To solve this problem, I sent my husband to the local Dairy Queen. I told him to bring back whichever Blizzard Frozen Treat seemed the most chocolaty.

When he arrived back home, he handed me my concoction - The Midnight Truffle Blizzard. Boy, did it deliver. I thought I had died and gone to chocolate heaven.

What exactly is a Midnight Truffle Blizzard? It's a rather ingenious blend of soft serve, cocoa powder, bits of chocolate pieces, and these luscious, tiny truffles. Instead of having a sprinkling of mix-ins at the top, this Blizzard was packed with chocolate from the first bite all the way to the last.

The Midnight Truffle Blizzard really stands out from the rest of the chocolate Blizzards because of those little truffle pieces. Each one is abut the size of a raisin. I separated several from the soft serve to get a closer look. They were unlike any truffle I've ever had, probably due to the small size. The truffles were soft and melted quickly in your mouth. Against the cold ice cream, they stayed easy to chew, unlike other candies that freeze and get hard.

I have no idea how many calories or fat grams were in my cup of goodness, nor do I want to know. I choose to stay blind to that sort of thing. Why ruin a perfectly indulgent chocolate snack with facts and numbers? You only live life once, so enjoy these pleasures without feeling guilty.

Thank you Dairy Queen for satisfying my chocolate craving. I now know where to go whenever this uncontrollable chocolate urge arises again.

Is White Chocolate Really Chocolate?

As you gaze down the chocolate aisle, you will find three different varieties of chocolate - dark chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate. We all know that dark chocolate is cocoa at its purest. Milk chocolate relies on the addition of dairy and more sugar to create a sweeter, lighter brown delight. White chocolate...well, what is white chocolate anyway?

My husband really enjoys the flavor of white chocolate, but I've never been a fan. Chocolate is supposed to be a shade of brown, not ivory. Why is this albino treat categorized as a form of chocolate? What makes it so different from the others?

Contrary to popular belief, white chocolate is not actually chocolate. It is a product that is derived from raw cocoa, but the chocolate properties have actually been removed. The cocoa liquor is separated from the fat (cocoa butter) during processing. When making dark or milk chocolate, the liquor is later mixed back into the cocoa butter, but this is not the case for white chocolate. The liquor is what makes chocolate truly chocolate.

In order to make white chocolate, the cocoa butter is mixed with sugar and other flavorings, such as vanilla. It is perfect for making mixing with artificial colors to make brightly colored candies. It is also popular amongst people who do not like the richness of chocolate - yes, those people actually exist.

So from here on out, remember that white chocolate is not truly chocolate. It's just a byproduct. Don't be fooled by its creamy appearance, you will not get the same antioxidant boost or serotonin rush that only pure chocolate can offer.

Hershey's Air Delight vs. Nestle's AERO

Every time I turn on the television, a commercial for the new Air Delight by Hershey's comes on. While my American friends may think that this chocolate filled with bubbles is a new concept, a very popular bar by the name of AERO has been sold by Nestle in the UK for many years. I love the flavor and texture of the AERO bar, so I knew that I had to try out the Air Delight for comparison.

To begin my study, I headed to my local Kroger supermarket. It is the only place that I am able to purchase the British AERO bar in the states. They have a huge selection of confections that are usually only available by special order. I picked up two AERO bars - one in original milk chocolate and one in mint chocolate. I then wandered over to the mainstream candy aisle to grab a Air Delight bar - which I had a money saving coupon for.

The first thing I noticed about the candy was how much larger the AERO bar was when compared to the Air Delight. The AERO bar is much thicker, while the Air Delight is the same thin chocolate that has made Hershey's famous.

Then I was ready for the fun part. I bit off a small bite of my milk chocolate AERO bar. The bubbles are almost champagne-like. You can literally feel them bursting in your mouth. Aww....heaven. I like to let them melt completely before chewing and swallowing.

Next up was the Air Delight. I really had high expectations for this candy bar - after all, Hershey's has spent a large sum on commercial advertising. The bubbles were not as big as those in the AERO bar. While I did enjoy the lightness of the chocolate, the bubbles seemed to vanish as soon as they hit my tongue. The chocolate itself was also a bit too sweet for my liking.

The verdict? For me, the AERO bar still remains supreme. It's a shame that it's only marketed in the UK. I would love to be able to buy it at any drugstore. I still have the mint chocolate one in my stash, so I'll be saving that for a rainy day. Have you tried either of these chocolate bars yet?

How Sanitary is a Chocolate Fountain?

Chocolate fountains sound almost too good to be true. Rich, velvety chocolate pouring continuously over a tiered fountain, while you enrobe your favorite treat in the gooey satisfaction. Connoisseurs can choose between dark, milk or white chocolate to make guests at their events drool. I think I had dreams of such a device as a child.

At first, I was really enticed by the idea of a chocolate fountain, but as I started to think about it more, I suddenly became disgusted by how many germs these devices must have flowing down the tiers.

My chocolate fountain phobia did not start off right away. I have to admit that I have held a strawberry or two underneath a fountain, coating it in my favorite treat. I even considered renting one of the contraptions for my own wedding.

However, after seeing a recent advertisement for a popular buffet restaurant chain, it suddenly dawned on me - chocolate fountains are pools of germs. Do I really want to dip a marshmallow into a ribbon of chocolate that may be tainted with someone else's germs? Take a look around at any buffet restaurant. You are almost guaranteed to find a few "patrons" who probably have not bathed for a few weeks. Add tons of snotty-nosed little kids to that mixture, and you are sure to have a fountain of streptococcus.

Now, to be fair to the restaurants, I am sure that they take proper safety measures to make sure that these fountains are maintained and cleaned on a regular basis, but all it takes is one double-dipper to ruin the fun for us all.

The next time I see a chocolate fountain at a wedding or gathering, I will think twice before partaking. Perhaps I just need to buy my own so that I can be assured that the only germs I'm ingesting are my own.

The Versatility of Cooking with Chocolate

Chocolate is perhaps the most favorite ingredient for desserts, but few understand its potential in non-dessert dishes. Ever considered chocolate for dinner? Contemplated drinking chocolate at a bar? The uses of chocolate are endless, and as a female who needs a chocolate fix on a daily basis, I am more than willing to explore the versatility of the great cacao bean.

Savory Chocolate

For many centuries, chocolate has been used in savory dishes. The most famous of which is the Mexican mole sauce. This sauce is made from chili pepper (often poblano), a mixture of spices and chocolate. Why is the chocolate added? Since the chili peppers tend to be extremely spicy, the chocolate is used to combat the heat. The mildness of a bitter dark chocolate blends well with the spicy peppers, resulting in a sauce that is neither too hot nor too mild for Mexican dishes. It is often served overtop a grilled meat or enchilada platter.

Chocolate is also commonly used as a dry meat rub. It is combined with other spices and peppers before spread on the meat of choice. It is very popular on short ribs. When used in as a savory ingredient, the sweetness of chocolate is overcome by the other flavors. In fact, most people do not realize they are consuming chocolate until after their meal is complete.

Chocolate and Alcohol

Chocolate liqueur has become an increasingly popular mixer at many bars. It all starts off with chocolate liquor, not to be confused with liqueur. Simply speaking, chocolate liquor is pure chocolate in a liquid state. It comes from cocoa beans that have been fermented and separated from the skins. It is usually hardened and sold in a bar form. The less sweet the chocolate, the more liquor it contains.

Some chocolate companies, such as Godiva, have taken chocolate liquor to a new level. Instead of using it in only solid form, they have added alcohol, usually vodka, to keep it in a liquid state, resulting in the liqueur (note the spelling difference). The result is a chocolaty liqueur that tastes like nothing else. It is especially delicious when mixed with ice cream for a frozen beverage, but many people drink it straight up.

Have you tried chocolate as a main dish or as an after-dinner drink? If not, then you are missing out on all the things chocolate has to offer.

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