Dark Chocolate Escape

Create your own perfect moment with the richness of slow-melting dark chocolate paired with a wine specially selected to enhance its nuanced flavors

Just one sublime moment of indulgence is all it takes to make an ordinary day great, or to put a memorable end cap on a special evening. And when you pair a fine dark chocolate with a wine that brings out its complex range of flavors, a perfect moment of harmonious tastes is exactly what you create. INTENSE DARK is a line of exquisite dark chocolates from the master chocolatiers at Ghirardelli. Made with a high cacao content, these decadent bars are luxuriously deep and velvety, with a rich, glossy sheen. Infused with superior-quality ingredients that add another level of flavor and texture, they’re perfect for enjoying alongside fine wines and spirits, and a diverse array of other complementary foods.

Try Intense Dark Twilight Delight®, which contains 72% cacao dark chocolate and showcases notes of mocha, blackberry and dark cherry, with a Cabernet Sauvignon or a snifter of Cognac. Sea Salt Soiree® – with its bursts of sea salt and crunchy roasted almonds – is a perfect match for a dark beer like a porter or stout, or even an añejo tequila. Or nibble a piece of Midnight Reverie®, an intensely flavored 86% cacao dark chocolate with hits of dried cherries and plums, with Syrah, vintage Port, or Sauternes.

Plan your own perfect moment by pairing any of the eight luxurious varieties of INTENSE DARK with your favorite wine, spirit, tea, or snack. Have fun experimenting with your own creative combinations, or explore other tempting suggestions in the Intense Dark Chocolate Pairing Guide at http://www.ghirardelli.com/intensedark.

On April 26-27, 2014 attendees at the Austin Food & Wine Festival had the opportunity to savor the intense indulgence of Ghirardelli, the exclusive chocolate of the Grand Tasting. Ghirardelli was also enjoyed in the VIP lounge and at the Sips and Sweets Dessert Party. Guests sampled Midnight Reverie ice-cream sundaes, wine pairings with Trinchero Family Estates and Williamson Wines, and experienced a moment of sweet escape with on-site massage–all provided by Ghirardelli.

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Lindt Perfect Pairings: Matching Chocolate & Wine

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Lindt Perfect Pairings: Matching Chocolate & WinePhoto courtesy of Lindt.

When you enjoy decadent chocolate alongside a wine specially selected to bring out all its nuanced flavors, you create a delicious experience for all the senses. To find an ideal pairing, start by selecting a dark chocolate, which has a greater intensity and more complex flavors than other chocolate varieties. Then look for a wine with a similar body and complementary taste profiles (for instance a bright, citrus-scented chocolate with a floral white wine, or a dark, spicy chocolate with a heavier-bodied red). Savor the rich taste of the chocolate as it starts to melt in your mouth, and then slowly sip from your glass. As the two combine on your palate, the intricate flavors of each will be elevated, creating an entirely new taste experience.

A refreshing chilled white wine like a sweet Riesling is the perfect pairing for Lindt EXCELLENCE Intense Orange. The silky dark chocolate brightened with citrus is a wonderful complement to the lychee, pear, orange, and floral notes of the wine.

Reach for a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir to match with Lindt EXCELLENCE A Touch of Sea Salt. Made with delicate, hand-harvested Fleur de Sel sea salt crystals that give it a pleasant crunch, this dark chocolate beautifully complements the earthy and smoky flavors of a good bottle of Pinot.

For an adventurous combination with a little heat, try Lindt EXCELLENCE Chili alongside a glass of Syrah. Look for a juicy vintage with deep, ripe berry notes and a spicy finish. Enjoyed together with the sweetly perfumed dark chocolate infused with fiery red chili, the two create a spicy warmth that bursts onto the palate. Another distinctive coupling that’s too good to miss is a fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignon with Lindt EXCELLENCE 70%. The aromatic dark, ripe fruit flavors meld harmoniously with the chocolate’s sophisticated notes of tobacco, roasted nuts, and leather.

Enjoy these chocolate and wine pairings on their own, or use all four as the menu for a stress-free holiday party. Simply break the chocolate into pieces, pile them on pretty platters or in bowls, and set the partnered wines pairing next to each. Then sample them with your guests in the lightest-to-darkest progression above so you can build on the depth and complexity of the flavor profiles. You can also make pairing and sharing your love of dark chocolate even easier with the new Lindt EXCELLENCE individually wrapped chocolate diamonds. Perfect for enjoying on your own, sharing with friends, or with your favorite wine pairing.

To explore more delicious chocolate and wine pairings, visit: lindtexcellence.com.

F&W’s Masters Series: Chocolate Lessons from Jean-François BonnetAn Expert's Pairing AdviceDecadent Desserts and The Wines That Love ThemPairing Chocolate and WineYou Might Also LikeCommentsAdd A CommentAdd a CommentSee our termsPost to FacebookCancelYou must be logged in to comment.LoginorSign upadvertisementvar ad=adFactory.getMultiCmAd(new Array("300x250","300x150"),"globalsidebar","tout");ad.write();$('#newsletter_form').submit(function(){cm_tout='CM Tout';news_array=new Array();if($("#dish_newsletter").is(':checked')){cm_tout='CM Tout- ';news_array.push('Dish');};if($("#wine_newsletter").is(':checked')){cm_tout='CM Tout- ';news_array.push('Wine');};if($("#daily_newsletter").is(':checked')){cm_tout='CM Tout- ';news_array.push('Daily');};newsletters=cm_tout+news_array.join(", ");$('#newsletter_source').val(newsletters);});The DishReceive delicious recipes and smart wine advice 4x per week in this e-newsletter.Sign UpThe Wine ListWeekly pairing plus best bottles to buy.F&W DailyOne sensational dish served fresh every day.American Express Publishing ("AEP") may use your email address to send you account updates and offers that may interest you. To learn more about the ways we may use your email address and about your privacy choices, read the AEPPrivacy Statement.How we use your email addressadvertisement Top Chef 11: New Orleans Congratulations to Nicholas Elmi, winner of Top Chef: New Orleans, the 11th season of Bravo's Emmy-Award winning, hit reality series.

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Gourmet Chocolate - What Makes it so Special?

Gourmet chocolate has become a popular food item for special occasions, gifts, and occasional treats. But what is it that makes gourmet chocolate so special? There are 3 main factors that set it apart from regular chocolate. These factors are production process, ingredients, and packaging.

Many of the gourmet chocolate products are individually made by chocolatiers, the name given to professional chocolate makers, instead of being mass produced by equipment. While individual production takes more time, the quality of the final product is worth it. The high priority given to making each gourmet chocolate product a piece of perfection and the strenuous quality assurance process sets it miles apart from the run of the mill mechanically massed produced chocolate products.

Gourmet chocolate products have superior ingredients compared to regular chocolate. Many gourmet chocolate products have cocoa from only a certain origin or region instead of a mix of different types of cocoa beans. Also, the cocoa content in this luxury form of chocolate is often higher. These two factors along with quality production are what give this type of chocolate the characteristics that everyone loves: a stronger chocolate smell and taste, a smooth appearance, and a soft feel in the mouth with no aftertaste.

The last factor that gives gourmet chocolate its name is the quality of packaging materials used to wrap the chocolate. The higher quality foils and papers used to distribute gourmet chocolate help to keep it fresh and give it a look of elegance at the same time. Many of the packaging options are holiday specific, with different colors and wrappers to choose from for whatever the special occasion may be.

Learn more about the different types of gourmet chocolate [http://www.finegourmetchocolate.com] items available. Get information on different types of gourmet chocolate including gourmet dark chocolate, hot chocolate, and gifts by just clicking on the link at [http://www.finegourmetchocolate.com]

Do Gourmet Chocolate Gift Baskets Really Turn a Chocolate Lover On?

Do you have any idea how many food gifts have chocolate in them? I don't either, but it's a dream world come true for those who love the rich delectable delight.

And lucky for us, it solves some of our gift giving needs, too. The nature of the product, make us think of fall and winter birthdays, get well soon gifts, Mother's Day or gifts, simply because you care.

Did you know that gourmet chocolate gift baskets hold an abundance of the sweet and decadent gourmet chocolate gifts?

Dark chocolate truffles, pound cake, brownies, gourmet cookies, coconut delights, bars, pretzels, almond toffee, malt balls, and the list goes on for these gourmet chocolate gifts.

Chocolate lovers go bananas over each bite dipped in the delight.

It makes their world easy to satisfy. The love of that extra silky, creamy taste, melting in their mouths makes their world turns to cream and their eyes, dreamy eyed.

I'm serious. I have only known one hard-core chocolate lover in my lifetime. And if you even mentioned the word, she went bananas. She would become starry-eyed and it was like her tongue was hanging out, waiting for a bite to deliciously enliven her taste buds. No kidding.

So, just imagine when they receive beautiful baskets, filled to overflowing with gourmet chocolate gifts and a simple message stating, "Enjoy!" Did you see the sparkle in their eye?

Gourmet chocolate gift baskets -- really do turn them on!

So, if you wondering what to get the lover of this delight, gourmet chocolate gift baskets are perfect. And that word, "perfect" is typed with a lot of thought behind it.

It's a good feeling to please someone, so much, that their world glitters, their hearts quicken and their eyes gleam.

If you personally know someone, who absolutely loves chocolate candy, cakes, cookies and anything akin to those gourmet goodies - you know just how to please them.

For sweeter, delicious information on gourmet chocolate gift baskets [http://www.giftbasketjewels.com/gourmet_gift_baskets.html], we invite you to visit [http://www.giftbasketjewels.com] Where you'll always find friendly reliable service, fresh products, personalization of individual gifts and delightful gifts that show you care.

From Shirley Bass - The Gift Basket Expert at GiftBasketJewels.com

Gourmet Chocolate - Luxurious and Decadent Or Wholesome and Healthy?

Not long ago I read an article which started "Gourmet Chocolate is an unparalleled pleasure", I could not agree more. Good quality chocolate has a richness and sensuality that is not matched by any other food in my opinion. All the senses are stimulated by this luscious treat. The whole experience of eating a good chocolate starts with the crisp snapping sound as you break a piece from the bar which tells you that the amount of rich cocoa solids far outweighs the sugar. The rich, glossy colour with a shine that comes from deep within the bar is a delight to the eyes, the smell is a tantalising forerunner to the wonderful taste stimulating the appetite even before the chocolate reaches your mouth. Then comes the smooth silky feel as the chocolate starts to melt on your tongue and gently bathes your taste buds as it slowly releases the deep, warm flavors that are almost decadent in their luxury and richness.

The source material for any chocolate is cocoa beans, it is in the manufacturing process that the gourmet chocolatier demonstrates the skill that raises his product out of the ordinary. The skills involved in the making of good chocolate are little different from those required in the making of fine wine - the subtleties of blending and maturing are just as important, even down to judging the amount of fermentation that takes place. Most cocoa beans are fermented slightly before shipping to the chocolate manufacturing site for further processing and the amount of time spent in this state is critical to the development of the final flavors in the chocolate.

Once the fermented beans arrive at their destination they are roasted and crushed to release the full flavors before being mixed with the bare minimum of ingredients. In the finest chocolates only a very small amount of sugar and a hint of vanilla are added, just enough to open the taste buds for the fuller flavors of the cocoa. Most gourmet chocolates stand alone without the need for additional ingredients but they do lend themselves to the more exotic combinations which delight our minds with their complexity, such as the truffles flavored with Sloes soaked in Gin that I recently had the pleasure of eating. Most chocolate of this quality is produced by artisan chocolatiers who produce small batches of exquisite handmade delights, however there are some larger manufacturers who produce their chocolates in this way, Hotel Chocolat for example.

The cocoa beans used in quality chocolate are finely ground before being mixed with the other ingredients and the length of the cooking time is critical to the development of the flavors as well as the consistency of the finished product - and most important, how smoothly it melts. Chocolate should never be chewed, but rather allowed to gently wrap itself around your tongue before melting away leaving the memory of its flavor lingering in the mouth and the mind.

Good quality chocolate is not only a pleasure to eat but also has considerable health benefits over the rather more unpleasant 'candy' style products which are laden with sugars and additives. The high quality of the ingredients ensures that the vitamins and minerals which are essential to good health are present in a form which is easily accessible to the body providing nutrition and allowing the release of endorphins within the brain that raise your mood and make you feel better.

At one time gourmet chocolate was considered to be a luxury and was both difficult to obtain and expensive. However, with the growing awareness of the damage that poor quality foods can do to us, more and more people are appreciating the pleasure of good food - and good chocolate is no exception to this rule. It's beauty lies in it's simplicity, just a few, high quality ingredients blended to create a harmonious whole. What better choice of gift could there be than something that seems so luxurious and decadent and is at the same time so very wholesome and healthy.

Cherrie Carew has a passion - Chocolate. It is a passion made for sharing and The Chocolate Casket is a box of chocolate lore, recipes, news and more that you won't be able to resist diving into. There is absolutely everything the chocoholic could desire....

Luxury Chocolate - Is It The New Health Food?

Luxury chocolates contain just as much fat, if not more, then common chocolate but fat isn't the only thing to think about when considering how eating chocolates affects your health. The quality of the ingredients certainly has an effect and the more expensive or gourmet chocolates are made with higher quality ingredients. Of course, if you are really concerned you will want to eat only chocolate made with organic ingredients.

In fact, it has been found that eating chocolate can be good for you - but not cheap chocolate. Luxury chocolate made with 60% or more cocoa solids contain nutrients and vitamins and has a large amount of magnesium which is beneficial for the cardiovascular system and hypertension.

Chocolate has also been found to contain catechins, the same antioxidants found in green tea, which can help prevent cancer and heart disease so eating chocolates in moderation can be healthful!

Dark chocolate is the healthiest of the luxury chocolates as it has less sugar and fat and a higher concentration of cocoa solids. Cheap chocolate is a bad choice as it contains much more (and lower quality) fats and sugars and has less than 20% cocoa solids. Put side by side, you will find that eating chocolates of a higher quality will be much more enjoyable and well worth the extra expense for the taste if not the extra health benefits!

Some of the health benefits of dark chocolate include positive effects in fighting cardiovascular disease, aging and even cancer. In fact, some recent studies have shown that dark chocolate reduced blood pressure and increased blood flow as well as having potential anti clotting properties. Not only that but it also has a low glycemic index so it helps you manage your blood sugar better whereas other snacks will spike your blood sugar leaving you craving more, dark chocolate will keep it even making it a perfect treat that you won't be tempted to overindulge in.

Dark chocolate even contains some vital minerals that you might not already be getting in your diet. Iron, copper, calcium and magnesium are all present in chocolate. It contains 8% of your RDA for Calcium, 7% of your RDA for iron, 14% of the RDA for copper and 12% of the RDA for magnesium as well as being a natural source of potassium.

So if you enjoy eating chocolates, go ahead and splurge on some luxury chocolates, but remember to eat only in moderation as over consumption can lead to an unhealthy fat intake and weight gain!

Next, find out more about luxury chocolates as well as how you can enjoy gourmet foods every day at http://www.online-gourmet-foods.com.

5 Reasons to Desire Gourmet Chocolate Chip Cookies

We desire Gourmet Chocolate Chip Cookies like no alternative cuisine. We yearn for it. We hunt it out. It is our number one enjoyment cuisine. Here are the arguments why Gourmet chocolate chip cookies run us crazy!

1. Cultural Customs

Approximately all, proclaimed chocolate cravings are women (sorry men, but it's unquestionable). Various professionals indicate that may be due to the psychological connection between chocolate, extravagance, and love. We speak about chocolate "melting in your mouth," and we've all heard of the impeccable present: "flowers and chocolate."

And people doubt why we need chocolate??

2. Chemical Feedback

It's a unquestionable fact: chocolate makes you feel good. It has inherent uppers. Anandamide, is a natural flavor enhancer, that some compare to authentic drugs. Something about the fusion of cocoa, fat, and sugar is exactly the right balance to excite every feel-good chemical in your brain to resound! It simultaneously releases endorphins and serotonin (your brain's "feel-good" neurotransmitter) and controls your appetite for fat.

But, hold-up, there are extra rationale to crave chocolate!

3. Chocolate has Theo-bromine and caffeine, furnishing a mental "pick me up". It combines sugar and caffeine...this has been professed before, but this makes chocolate the totally flawless food!

4. Phenyl-ethylamine, which boosts your nervous system, may give reactions similar to -- seriously -- standing next to your latest crush..it is that STRONG.

5. Last, but certainly, not least, chocolate is fabulous for your sex life! It is an instinctive aphrodisiac. Recent studies have shown that women who eat a little bit of chocolate a day have significantly more sex than women who don't. This could be because of those brain-pacifying chemicals (serotonin and endorphins) that are found in chocolate, and it boosts the brain to release more of it as it's eaten.

Of course, we yearn for chocolate and not, say, luncheon meat, which also consists of phenyl-ethylamine and tryptophan. It implies that unmatched fusion chocolate nails that sends our brain into "la-la land".

M.B.Roberds is a social butterfly by nature. They consider themselves a chocolate devotee. But, Gourmet Chocolate Chip Cookies are their number one choice. Visit Gourmet Chocolate Chip Cookies for distinctive gift giving ideas and DISCOUNTS!

Difference in Chocolate Fudge Candy and Gourmet Chocolate Fudge

Gourmet Chocolate Fudge differs from normal Chocolate Fudge Candy due to the ingredients used and the production process.

The definition of Gour-met is "a connoisseur of fine food and drink". A gourmet is a person with discriminating taste in food and wine.

Therefore, we would expect that Gourmet Chocolate Fudge Candy would taste better and in today's society would also cost more.

Chocolate differences are based on the level of cocoa content, the cocoa origin and the craftsmanship involved in the chocolate making process.

The color will be consistent throughout in Gourmet Chocolate Fudge Candy. It will be creamy, extremely smooth, have a glossy appearance that is not marred by streaks and dots, is soft when you bite it, will break but not splinter and is most definitely not brittle. Gourmet Chocolate will have a rich aroma of cocoa.

Normal Chocolate Fudge Candy will be hard, brittle and when you let it melt in your mouth it will be a little grainy. It may splinter in your mouth when you bite it. You may also notice that it is a little white on the edges.

Makers of Gourmet Chocolate by and large use real chocolate liquor and only or mostly cocoa butter, while mass market producers of normal Chocolate Fudge use chemicals and substitutions for the chocolate liquor and only some coca butter and supplement with other types of fats. Making chocolate liquor is a very time consuming and expensive process which raises the cost of making the chocolate.

Gourmet Chocolate Fudge Candy also provides a number of health benefits. This kind of candy will have essential elements of calcium, potassium, iron and vitamins A, B1, C, D and E. Gourmet Chocolate also has high levels of chromium which has been shown to help control blood sugar.

Hope this helps when you are purchasing your next gourmet chocolate fudge candy for yourself or as a chocolate gift for someone else.

For some great tasting gourmet chocolate selections visit: Gourmet Chocolate Fudge Candy

Dark Gourmet Chocolate is Healthy - Is it Really?

There are a lot of "dark gourmet chocolate" companies entering the wellness industry over the last year. The claim is that the product is "healthy." We've seen the commercials, ads and the media feature it. So I decided to look in to this myself from a health and nutrition perspective.

I am personally not a chocolate eater so I've never had any interest except that I find it intriguing from a marketing perspective. How can a "chocolate product" be marketed as healthy?

I selected one of the Direct Selling "healthy gourmet chocolate" companies and reviewed its marketing materials and ingredients.

Ingredients & Marketing

The main source of the product is dark chocolate, with each of the packaged varieties having added nutritional elements including sweeteners, berry powders, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and omegas.

While the story of the "healthy chocolate" makes for great marketing and lends itself to a greater interest from the poor dietary habits of people today; after further reading it appears this requires further investigation (even more than what I will provide here). Besides the antioxidant story the main selling feature in the product is the natural sweetener called agave.

The dark gourmet chocolate product I reviewed lists these key selling features:

It is diabetic friendly due to the sweetener from agave, which comes from a cactus like plant. The literature claims the agave is very safe.
The product itself has a low glycemic index and will not cause increases in blood sugar, and that the antioxidants found in this gourmet chocolate, helps promote cardiovascular health.
The literature says that it may help with weight loss as it provides natural energy and increases your sense of well-being.

Agave Sweetener - what is it?

The Agave syrup found in "healthy chocolate" was originally used to make tequila. When Agave syrup ferments it turns to tequila. The enzymes activity must be stopped so that the syrup will not turn into tequila for use in healthy chocolate.

Agave Syrup is advertised as low glycemic and marketed safe for diabetics. According to my reading, it is true that agave itself is low glycemic but we have to consider why. The reason is due to the unusually high concentration of fructose (90%) compared to the small amount of glucose (10%).

Even though fructose is low on the glycemic index, there are numerous problems associated with the consumption of fructose in such high concentrations, the same as found in other sweeteners.

High Amounts of Fructose

High amounts of concentrated fructose may cause health problems ranging from mineral depletion, to insulin resistance, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and it even causes miscarriages in pregnant women.

Whole foods such as fruits contain a much smaller amount of fructose compared to sucrose and glucose, as well as a full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, fiber, enzymes and other nutrients. These are the nutritional needs of the body. Concentrated sweeteners from food sources such as the agave plant contain no fiber and have much greater concentrations of simple sugars than are found in fresh foods.

Fructose also appears to interfere with copper metabolism. This causes collagen and elastin being unable to form. Collagen and elastin are connective tissue which essentially hold the body together. A deficiency in copper can also lead to bone fragility, anemia, defects of the arteries and bone, infertility, high cholesterol levels, heart attacks and ironically enough an inability to control blood sugar levels.

The Research

Research suggests that fructose actually promotes disease more readily than glucose. This is because glucose is metabolized by every cell in the body, and fructose must be metabolized by the liver.

Tests on animals show that the livers of animals fed large amounts of fructose develop fatty deposits and cirrhosis of the liver. This is similar to the livers of alcoholics.

Very few agave studies have been documented, and most involved rats. There have been no clinical studies done on its safety for diabetics.

Fructose - Blood Glucose, Leptin

It is important to understand that the glucose in other sugars are converted to blood glucose, fructose is a relatively unregulated source of fuel that your liver converts to fat and cholesterol.

A significant danger here is that fructose does not stimulate your insulin secretion or enhance leptin production, which is involved in appetite regulation.

Because insulin and leptin act as key signals in regulating how much food you eat, as well as your body weight, dietary fructose can also contribute to increased food intake and weight gain.

Weight Loss

Fructose is one type of sugar you'll definitely want to avoid, no matter what the source is. Therefore, "healthy chocolate" does not have any weight loss benefits.

We now understand that chocolate has no weight loss benefits, we also know that it provides a feeling of well being through a sense of euphoria. The coca solids in dark chocolate contain alkaloids such as theobromine and phenethylamine, which have physiological effects on the body. It has been linked to serotonin levels in the brain.

In Summary

My recommendation is that if you are going to eat this gourmet chocolate it would be better than eating chocolate bars (albeit more expensive). I would not suggest consuming a lot of it on a regular basis and don't expect it will offer you any real medicinal benefits.

For more information on chocolate and other nutrition topics visit my Blog or contact me.

Doug Collins, C.N.C.
Certified Nutrition Consultant
Riverview, New Brunswick

Doug is a Certified Nutrition Consultant and experienced entrepreneur living in New Brunswick, Canada. He is a 'Difference Maker' building a global networking health & wellness business; as well as writing about many Health, Nutrition and Business related articles.

The Exclusive World of Gourmet Chocolate Manufacturers

The world of Gourmet Chocolate Manufacturers is an elite club. The point of the club is to create those special scrumptious chocolates which can leave a lifelong impression on the chocolate lovers of the world. Recently, the word "gourmet" has become a fashionable adjective to be used in describing beverages and foods. Extensive world of chocolate is one place where it is most used.

There is no literal definition of gourmet chocolate but most connoisseurs agree that it integrates three different ideas; the first is high quality constituents, second is skillful preparation and final is the aesthetic presentation. We have to be very careful in seeking out gourmet chocolate these days since the word gourmet has become a common catchphrase used to identify everything from drinks to dog food. The fact that it is being marked as one of the fastest growing industries, there are bound to be quite a few Chocolate Manufacturers, who are nothing but imposters who are simply using this expression to make a little money.

So how does this all come down to information that we can use when choosing which chocolate manufacturers to choose? A gourmet chocolatier knows his chocolate, and we are going to give you a list of some famous Gourmet Manufacturers whose chocolates you can buy with your eyes closed. Here is a list of some well-known gourmet chocolate manufacturers:-

Valrhona: Valrhona is a French manufacturer based in Hermitage near Lyon. It is one of the leading producers of chocolate in the world. Their products include plain and flavoured chocolate bars and bulk chocolate.

Michel Cluizel: Michel Cluizel is a manufacturer of high-quality chocolate situated in the town of Damville in Normandy, France. They are amongst the world finest chocolatiers and produce the most amazing gourmet chocolates in the world.

Domori: Domori is located in the Piemonte Region of Italy. It is the first company in the world to work exclusively with fine cacao.

Bonnat Chocolatier: Chocolat Bonnat is based in the small town of Voiron in France. Their products include a line of ten origin chocolates consisting of seven seventy-five percent dark ones and three sixty-five percent milk chocolates.

Besides above mentioned Chocolatiers, there are also many famous candy manufacturers such as Chocolates El Rey (Venezuela), Dagoba (USA), Callebaut (Belgium), Theo Chocolate Company (USA) Galler (Belgium), Chocovic (Spain), Santander (Colombia) and Venchi from Italy.

Frazer Foods is one of the leading chocolate manufacturers in India. It specializes in moulded chocolate, hard boiled candy, deposited candy, chewing gum outsourcing and contract manufacturer confectionery.

Chocolate As a Healthy Alternative to Harmful Foods

Today we face a singular crisis that will point the way toward our own end or our beginning. Of course, that sounds foolish. But the important matter is that we now accept the fact that good nutrition is what matters in keeping our health in shape.

It is important to eat good, healthy, well-prepared food. It tastes better and it seems to appeal to most. All well and good.

Well, good healthy chocolate is one thing that will provide lots of good nutrition. In fact, good healthy chocolate that is not cooked at all is tasty and full of vitamins that are removed during the regular chocolate process. Good raw chocolate that is free of additives like sugar and other chemicals is, in fact, loaded with vitamins and nutrients that keep us in good health.

This healthy chocolate is easily available now.

The truth is that healthy chocolate is not processed but is made available in delicious form to all. We can all enjoy good chocolate now. The important matter is that nutrition means vitamins and enzymes and antioxidants that complete our daily intake of food get used by the body more readily.

Years ago it was discovered that free radicals caused disease and aging on the cellular level and that doses of vitamins and antioxidants do slow the process of cell damage and thereby the aging that takes place over the years. Cellular damage occurs all the time because of free radicals that interlink with our cells but which have no nutritional value. The use of vitamins can limit the damage; however vitamins that come in a bottle are not good tasting and only a small amount of the actual vitamin is actually used. The rest is simply lost in the process.

Studies in Europe have shown that those who consume chocolate on a daily basis can avoid by 80% the harm that comes along in aging. In fact, stroke and heart attacks and other life-threatening events are seen only rarely in those who ate chocolate every day. And this is for chocolate that is for the most part considered candy. Real chocolate that is natural and raw has very high content of nutrients and antioxidants that protect the body from cellular damage.

These antioxidants can prevent and even reverse damage that occurs over time. And unlike the vitamins that come in a bottle, the nutrients found in natural chocolate taste great and are absorbed by the body. Pills and other forms of nutrients do not get absorbed easily by the body. Those nutrients are in pill form and are made to be easy to swallow and to have a long shelf life. But they are not a good form of nutrition.

It is better to take high concentrations of antioxidants in forms that the body can use. The uncooked chocolate is very high is nutrients and antioxidants. It is a real food that is much higher in nutritional value than other fruits and vegetables. And the digestive process makes the nutrition available all day long.

Because of the high content of nutrition, raw chocolate is excellent for dieting. The body gets its necessary nutrition but the calories are less. It is easy to diet using raw chocolate.

Finally, raw chocolate is delicious and will satisfy the palette of any chocolate lover. Good healthy, raw chocolate can be a real gourmet food.

I want to bring the facts of raw chocolate to the public at large. People generally do not see chocolate as a real food; understandably they think it is candy. But I ask that we all do our own research and learn.

My site is [http://www.YourHealthyChocolateShop.com] where much information is available. There are links at the site where one can explore more. Go to http://www.MyDrChocolate.com and see other links there.

Thank you,

Warner

The Chocolate Experts

Five bakers tell you everything you want to know about the food of the gods.

By Dorie Greenspan, Peggy Cullen, Nick Malgieri, François Payard, Colette Peters

View the original article here

The Chocolate Experts

Five bakers tell you everything you want to know about the food of the gods.

By Dorie Greenspan, Peggy Cullen, Nick Malgieri, François Payard, Colette Peters

View the original article here

Why Is Gourmet Chocolate Better?

When it comes to picking out a great chocolate why exactly should you consider going with gourmet chocolate? After all, it often costs more and can be harder to find in certain candy store and grocery stores-so why go through the trouble? Luckily you're about to discover why gourmet chocolate is the best kind to buy, eat and give as a gift to a loved one or friend. If you've never quite understood why this kind of confectionary is better than the standard form read on to learn more.

Firstly, what exactly constitutes "gourmet"? Generally speaking this term is used to describe a higher quality premium food that often costs more. Often times something that is gourmet is generally something that's just more rich and natural. One of the biggest benefits of gourmet chocolate is the simple fact that it just tastes better. Sure, a typical Hershey bar tastes great but a gourmet bar is a completely different experience.

What causes this difference in flavor and quality? Obviously it has a lot to do with the ingredients. The more natural and pure the ingredients are the more rich and flavorful the end product will be. This is a major contributing factor in why gourmet chocolates are what they are. This also means that the price you pay is slightly more but many people who learn to appreciate the flavor and art of gourmet foods have little issue paying a bit extra for higher quality.

If you ever want to give chocolates as a gift then going gourmet is a great idea. Since the chocolate costs a bit more it fits in the range of something you can give as a gift that many people will be happy to receive and appreciate. Shopping online is a great way to save a few bucks on your gourmet gifts.

If you want great gourmet chocolate go to Best-Gourmet-Chocolate right now to learn more and see what's available. Going gourmet is a great way to give a thoughtful gift that everyone can enjoy. Visit right now to learn more and see how you can get your hands on high quality chocolates.

The Top Places To Get Gourmet Chocolate

Chocolates are popular as a toothsome sweet treat as also as a gift item. This speaks of passion and love. Whether it is Valentine's Day or Christmas or simply a weekend chocolates can be taken to the heart's content and offered to others too to win over their hearts. Indeed, chocolates are romantic gifts. Information about the top places for obtaining gourmet chocolate is important for going about with making the best chocolate purchase deals. One can simply chance upon some truly marvelous products by approaching the top gourmet chocolate concerns of esteem.

The name of Godiva comes first to the mind with the mention of premier gourmet chocolate providers. This is a popular luxury brand that makes a great presentation in terms of taste and gifting qualities. Apart from the range of delightful caramels, truffles etc. there is also a range of sugar free chocolates on offer.

Christopher Norman Chocolates is another top provider of extraordinary luscious and sensory provoking chocolate confections with classic flavors. One can get a taste of freshness in the unique products that are created in the New York factory from time to time using all natural ingredients.

Chocolates resembling semi precious gems can be secured from the top chocolate provider- Marie Belle New York. This is a provider of a signature line of chocolates made combining the best chocolate and the finest chosen ingredients while employing superior skills and techniques. A range of exotic flavors can be obtained displayed like gems in beautiful Italian boxes.

Lake Chaplain Chocolates is a top Vermont based producer of sweet indulgences- gourmet chocolates. From here is obtained the special combination of a rich fine-chocolate-making history, a heritage of craftsmanship and wonderful Vermont flavors.

The favorite truffles can well be obtained from the esteemed chocolate destination- Romanicos Chocolate. Hand rolled chocolate truffles with delectable flavors are its specialty. There are also beautifully packaged gifts of chocolates made available from here. The special Piccolo Art Collection offered from here contains hand painted chocolates that are filled with almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios and caramel from Argentina.

L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates also feature among top gourmet chocolate destinations. The providers of the premier quality chocolate profess to procure the chocolates directly from the authentic sources. The chocolates contain herbs, spices, local honey, Mexican vanilla beans, nuts and dried fruits secured from the very best sources. Securing a box of chocolate from these people can certainly be a worthy buy.

Gourmet chocolates can indeed make special occasions seem all the more special. And with the chocolates obtained from the top gourmet chocolate providers an awesome experience worth cherishing for a long, long time is assured.

Tania Penwell is a professional author who writes for A1 Gourmet, where you'll find gourmet chocolate facts and more.

Chocolate - Once Believed to Be the Food of the Gods is a Great Gift For Any Occasion

The cacao tree (botanical name Theobroma cacao, means "food of the gods") was an important part of the Myan and Aztec royal and religious cultures for centuries. Christopher Columbus is credited with introducing the cocoa bean, the main ingredient in chocolate, to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella upon his return in 1492. Initially, chocolate was primarily enjoyed as a drink and was so expensive to produce, it was available only to the wealthy. By the 1800's, with the invention of the cocoa press, mass production, and processing techniques, the old coarse grained cocoa was replaced with a smoother textured cocoa creating the solid chocolate similar to the chocolate we enjoy today.

Chocolate was brought to the colonies in North America in the 1700s and has grown to become a major part of American culture. Chocolate enhances the flavor of almost everything. It covers nuts, pretzels, fruit, jellied candies, cookies, donuts, we dip it, we sip it, we serve it hot, we serve it cold, we add it to coffee, tea, cereal and protein bars. The variety of chocolate items available makes it a number one choice for gift giving. A elegantly packaged box of chocolates is an appropriate gift for almost any occasion with the largest percentage of boxed chocolates being sold for Valentine's Day and during the months of November and December.

The variety of chocolate items also makes it a wonderful choice for gift baskets. Several different boxes of chocolates can be combined with a box of cocoa, fudge, chocolate chip cookies and chocolate covered pretzels to create a gift basket that will please almost anyone. You'll find chocolate in some form or other in many themed gift baskets. It may be a chocolate scented candle, chocolate covered espresso beans or chocolate covered jalapeno chips. There's a chocolate for every taste.

One great feature of chocolate is that in its semi-liquid state, it can be poured and cast into any shape. Seasonal representations, like roses for Valentine's Day, bunnies for Easter, and Santas for Christmas are common. Chocolates imprinted with company names are being used to promote businesses. The imprinted chocolate may be a simple as a candy bar or may be somewhat creative. A software development firm may choose a chocolate CD imprinted with the company name as a promotional item, while a building contractor may choose a set of chocolate tools.

An elegant box of imported chocolates makes an impressive warm call gift or a thoughtful thank you for a referral. When you think gift, think chocolate.

Marie is the owner and chief designer at Laurel Mountain Basket Company, the New England gift basket service voted "Best In The Valley" by the Valley Advocate Readers Poll 5 years in a row and chosen amoung the Rave Reviews! Top 100 for 2007. Visit her at http://www.laurelmtbasket.com

Healthy Dessert Recipes: Chocolate

Blogger Joy Wilson uses every smart trick for eking out maximum flavor with minimum fat.

Joy Wilson’s baking career got off to an early start: When she was growing up, her father would wake her up at 4 a.m., when he came home from work, so they could make cookies or pie together. Today she’s the creator of the quirky, beautiful Joy the Baker blog; her cookbook of the same name comes out this month. While she describes herself as “powered by an unbelievable amount of granulated sugar,” she enjoys finding clever ways to make desserts healthier. For instance, she’s a fan of cocoa nibs, the unsweetened seeds of the cacao pod, which are high in antioxidants. “I like eating them by the handful, like M&M’s,” she says. In the recipes here, she uses nibs as well as cocoa powder and chocolate to make delicious, surprisingly light desserts.

Some small, socially conscious chocolate companies are working directly with farmer co-ops rather than buying cacao from middlemen. Here, a few F&W favorites.

TCHO makes chocolates to evoke different flavor notes, like citrusy or fruity. Like many chocolate companies, it buys beans from Ghana, where the state-run cocoa industry can make it hard for companies to trace beans to the source. But TCHO recently formed partnerships to work directly with farmers, aiming for better cacao and more money for growers. tcho.com.

Shawn Askinosie makes earthy, single-origin bars, sharing profits with the cacao farmers he buys from. askinosie.com.

David Elliott and Nat Bletter produce artisan-quality chocolate and often source their ingredients locally, from cacao to flavorings like strawberry guava and pink peppercorns. madrechocolate.com.

Joy Wilson creates healthy dessert recipes made with chocolate. Photo © Michael Friedman.

View the original article here

Gourmet Belgian Chocolate - They Are Simply Irresistible!

Is there a mortal on earth who does not love chocolate? The very thought of this rich brown indulgence is enough to make your mouth water. There are many different varieties of chocolate available today. Among them the Belgian Chocolates, especially the Gourmet varieties are simply irresistible. Once you taste these sweet temptations it will be hard for you to stop at just one. Well, all chocolates are generally very tasty but if you want an extraordinary experience you should do something to preserve these chocolates in good condition.

You might be under the misconception that Gourmet Belgian Chocolates should be preserved in the refrigerator. These chocolates are best preserved in a cool place at a temperature of 17 degrees centigrade. Keeping them at lower temperatures in the freezer is going to alter the properties of the chocolate. It is going to become stiff and the presence of moisture in the freezer is going to change the texture and appearance of the chocolate. All these factors are going to change the taste of the chocolate. If you are a gourmet you will be sensitive to even minor changes in the texture and taste of the chocolate.

In the case of exposure to high temperatures, the chocolates develop a sort of a grey casting on their surfaces as the molten cocoa butter rises to the surface. This does not have any effect on the taste or the freshness of the chocolate. Another care that should be taken is that the Gourmet Belgian Chocolates should be kept away from moisture and water as this will make the chocolate stiff by altering its consistency. Of course, if you are making some recipes using these chocolates, you can add some water as required by the recipe.

You can make some really delicious recipes with Gourmet Belgian Chocolates. While cooking the chocolate, do not cover it with a lid because if you do not allow the steam to escape, it will collect as droplets of water on the surface of the chocolate and alter is consistency. If covering is inevitable, it is better to use a perforated lid or a piece of cotton cloth. Gourmet Belgian Chocolate recipes are best prepared by heating the chocolate on a low flame. You should first allow the chocolate to melt slowly. If you heat it at high temperatures it will turn grainy which is not at all suitable for making any recipe.

Gourmet Belgian Chocolates are a rare delight. Many confectioners manufacture some really alluring varieties. They come in a variety of forms and tastes. Some of them are enriched with dry fruits. These are chocolates that are to be relished in a relaxed mood. It can be safely said that you get a gourmet Belgian chocolate for every occasions.

Learn more about gourmet chocolates. Get information on different types of gourmet chocolate including gourmet dark chocolate, gourmet Belgian chocolate, gourmet chocolate truffle, handmade gourmet chocolates, luxury gourmet chocolates and many more on the link at http://gourmetchocolates.bestofresults.com