Friday, November 11, 2023

Top 10 Chocolate Ideas

Top 10 Chocolate Ideas

Top 10 Chocolate Ideas

Top 10 Chocolate Ideas

There are many types of chocolate available to enjoy ranging from:

  • Milk
  • Dark
  • White
  • Bittersweet
  • Semi sweet to
  • Unsweetened

 

 

Did you know that chocolate and cocoa contain a large amount of antioxidants known as flavinoids?  In small amounts chocolate may help reduce high blood pressure and reduce the risk of a stroke or heart attack.  Darker chocolate with a concentrated level of cocoa will have more benefit.  Eating larger quantities will not provide any additional benefits.

 

Ways to Enjoy

1.       Trifle – A layered chocolate with cream trifle makes a wonderful dessert.  Why not try several different types of chocolate within the dish.  Layered up will make an attractive dish display or could be layered in cocktail classes for individual portions.

 

2.       Mousse

The saying “All good things come to those who wait” is very fitting for a chocolate mousse.  Although the recipe may only take around 30 minutes to make, you may need to wait up to 6 hours for it to chill.  Once ready, you will end up with a light, bubbly chocolate dessert that once eaten I’m sure will leave you wanting more!

 

3.       Cookies

White or milk chocolate chip cookies have to feature on the top 10 list.  Who can resist a freshly made cookie?  Little chips of sweetness inside a delicious cookie dough either eaten warm or cold for a firmer finish.  They work perfectly with a morning coffee.

 

4.       Truffles

Little balls of chocolate which can have all sorts of different flavours added to the recipe mix including;

  • Orange
  • Mint
  • Chilli
  • Flavoured Liqueur

Covered with cocoa powder and you have a delightful little chocolate treat.

5.       Chocolate and Ginger Cheesecake

Adding ginger to the recipe changes the chocolate flavour completely.  By using dark chocolate you will have a balance of sweetness and bitterness that compliments each other perfectly.  

6.       Strawberries

 A fresh strawberry that is covered in chocolate is a match made in heaven.  It is

Chocolate and Strawberries

Chocolate and Strawberries

becoming very popular at special occasions to have a chocolate fountain hire at the celebration.  Individuals are able to dip various skewered items such as strawberries and marshmallows into melted chocolate and then devour.

 

7.     Hot Chocolate – Whether it is on a cold winter’s morning or late in the evening a mug of hot chocolate is a wonderful way to warm you up and give you a happy feeling inside.  Indulge further with whipped cream or marshmallows for the perfect sugar boost.

 

Looking for something a little bit different?  Why not try;

 

8.       Chocolate and Chili Cake

This is not an unusual combination.  The chocolate works really well with the spice from the chilli.  Depending on the chilli chosen will reflect in the heat given.  A mild chilli will give a subtle flavour to the recipe.

 

9.       With Venison

A small amount of chocolate melted into a sauce which is accompanying the venison will compliment the dish.  A sauce made from shallots, red wine, raspberry vinegar, herbs and stock will give a deep flavour to the sauce. 

 

10.   Chocolate in Chilli Con Carne

In Mexico it is quite common for a small amount of chocolate to be added to the recipe.  When the chocolate has melted into the sauce it gives a rich deep flavour.

 

This article was written by chocolatier Ceri Joleys who runs a chocolate fountain hire company specialising in wedding chocolate fountain hire

Friday, February 06, 2024

Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate

Decadent Hot Chocolate

Ingredients
3 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
Bring the milk, cream, cocoa powder, and sugar to a boil in a medium saucepan. Turn off the heat, stir in the chocolate and the vanilla. Cover, let the chips melt for about 1 minute, then whisk smooth before serving.

To Make Ahead:
Hot chocolate can be refrigerated, covered tightly with plastic wrap, for up to 24 hours before serving. Reheat in the microwave or in a medium saucepan set over low heat.

This  recipe is from Cook’s Illustrated and I love it. It’s rich, creamy and has a silky smooth texture. Scatter the top of the hot chocolate with real cocoa bits to give it an additional punch.

You can get a subscription to Cook’s Illustrated right now for $26.95 at Amazon. That’s a good deal and it makes a nice gift. Please use our affiliate link if you are interested in subscribing to Cook’s Illustrated.

Cook’s Illustrated

PRINTABLE VERSION OF RECIPE

 

Hot chocolate

Thursday, February 07, 2024

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon butter
10 large strawberries with long stems

Line a baking sheet with foil or waxed paper.
In the top of a double boiler set over hot water melt the chocolate, stirring. Add the 3 tablespoons of cream and the butter and stir until smooth.

Holding each strawberry by the stem, dip into the chocolate mixture allowing the excess chocolate to drip back into the pan. If necessary, add additional cream to the chocolate to achieve desired coating consistency.

Transfer the coated strawberry to the lined sheet and repeat process.

Allow the chocolate to cool and then chill the strawberries until chocolate is set, about 20 to 30 minutes.