Category: Dessert Recipes

Gourmet Belgian Chocolates: A Taste of Heaven on Earth

When you think of gourmet food, you’d think of edibles that is expensive, heavenly delicious, and of very high quality. Gourmet Belgian chocolates are considered to be the best kind of chocolate in the world. It is so delicious that people from all over the world flock to Belgium just to experience the taste of the original Belgian chocolate because nobody in the world has successfully duplicated these sweet little things.

Belgian chocolates are the toast of the chocolate world. It is the gourmet of all chocolates that exist and nothing beats it for being in the number one list of all chocoholics. Even diabetics crave for it! The good thing is that there are now sugar-free Belgian chocolates that are now available in the market.

The special factor that makes Belgian chocolate standout among its contemporaries is the great respect for the chocolate manufacturing techniques that have been perfected by Europeans for centuries as well as the excellent quality of the ingredients used for making the chocolates.

In the age of mass production, everything seems to be just the standard to deliver the products to as many people as possible which sometimes have sacrificed a bit of quality of the products. Good thing that Belgian chocolatiers did not give in to the pressure of the global market and still stick with the old tradition of small production but with topnotch quality tastes of their chocolates.

The country of Belgium is populated with chocolate shops and manufacturers that up to now are still making chocolates by hand and/or with the original equipment from the olden days. The chocolate in Belgium is like wine to France. Like the French wineries, chocolatiers in Belgium provide chocolate tasting programs for the visitors to sample the gourmet chocolates.

Although Belgian chocolates has been around for a long time, the new way of making chocolates that is very popular nowadays only started in the early years of the 20th century. This new way of making chocolate is the placement of a filling inside a chocolate nugget. Fillings can range from fruits, creams, hazelnut, coffee, or other forms of chocolate. This kind of chocolate is called pralines, which refers to the chocolate covering.

Another factor that makes gourmet Belgian chocolates special is the technique of storing the chocolate nuggets before filling it up. The course of making the chocolates is quite interesting as the grounded cocoa beans are combined with the mixture of cocoa butter and sugar. It is then eventually spread out by tempering or gradual heat addition. A lot of chocolate houses in Belgium obtain their chocolate in forms of solid. These solid forms of chocolates are then heated again for it to be formed or structures into the desired shape and taste. Since the chocolates are not chilled, Belgian chocolates have the luck of preserving the cocoa essence much more than the other inferior chocolates.

A lot of Belgium’s old family owned chocolate houses have their own line of gourmet Belgian chocolates. They have been around for a long time and can be trusted of the high quality chocolates they manufacture. Through the years and generations of family owners, they have perfected the way of making the perfect gourmet Belgian chocolates.

These delicious sweets may come with a price but once you have tasted its palatable flavors you will realize that it is worth all your money. You can actually taste a part of heaven. And that is what makes gourmet Belgian chocolates tick.

Dark Chocolate: The Miracle Ingredients of Belgian Chocolates

Everybody loves chocolates. But because it is usually sweet, some people are banned from eating such delicious treats due to some diseases. In this way, they totally give up eating chocolates. However, most people are unaware of the health benefits provided by eating chocolates.

The scientific name of chocolate is thebroma cacao. When literally translated, it means “food of the gods”. Chocolate are composed of vitamins A, C, B1, E, and E, fluorine, iron, sodium, and potassium.

For the past centuries, chocolates are used for treating diseases and problems including depression. Mexican and European civilizations revealed the aphrodisiac characteristics of chocolates. The United States government formally recognized the virtues of chocolates during the Second World War.

Chocolate cravers do not have to be subjected to studies just to reveal the mood alteration power of chocolates. It is purely linked with feelings of comfort, safety and love. Some researchers said that confections of creamy chocolates can help people live longer.

One ingredient of Belgian chocolates is dark chocolate and is considered as a healthy chocolate. You don’t have to be afraid of eating chocolates because its side effects are not negative after all. In fact, this is the best news in the medical world today.

Dark chocolates are potent antioxidants that contain similar antioxidants such as wine or phenols. In chocolate bars, phenols help in preserving fats while it prevents atherosclerosis in the body. It also gobbles up destructive molecules and free radicals which are the main contributors for developing heart diseases and other illnesses. However, some findings revealed that milk found in chocolates interferes in antioxidants absorption. Therefore moderate consumption of dark chocolates is still advised.

In general, Belgian chocolates are enriched with cocoa phenols compared with other chocolates made from other countries. It is a hint for consumers that a darker color is better. Dark chocolates can lower high blood pressures provided that some factors are met. Large amounts of dark chocolates are only advisable for people at the right age and mild high blood pressures. Moreover, balancing calorie levels is needed by reducing other food intakes containing calories. Healthy foods must not be replaced by chocolates.

Consume chocolates up to 150 calories and 50% fats only, probably one ounce of solid chocolate pack. Too much consumption of chocolates must be avoided. It contains high levels of sugars of saturated fats which can cause obesity and health damage. If possible, minimize consumption of fat alternatives including chocolate syrups and foods covered with chocolates.

Another known antioxidants found in dark chocolates are flavonoids, the potent compounds in plants which is also found in red wine, tea, vegetables, and some fruits. This helps in fighting factors connected with stroke, and heart attacks. It slows down bad cholesterol processing which clog the arteries and prevents blood platelets from clumping. However, flavonoids contents may also vary. Some foods are more flavonoids enriched and more active which include cocoa, the main ingredient of chocolates. Consuming the right amount of Belgian chocolate can also improve the condition of the artery.

Knowing these medical benefits of dark chocolates really helps. It is not only about eating but also learning its ingredients to know both the advantages and disadvantages. So, think twice before you give up chocolates in your diet. If chocolates are eaten in right amounts, it can be truly considered as a miracle food.

What Chocolate Lovers Said About THe Belgian Chocolate Fountain

One of the famous types of chocolate is the Belgian chocolate. In fact, Belgian chocolates have become the standard of gourmet wherein all other confections of chocolates are measured. One example are the Swiss, they are also known for making chocolates of higher quality but are still adopting basic recipes from Belgian chocolatiers.

The uniqueness of Belgian chocolates among other chocolates lies in two factors. First is the adaptation of Old World techniques for manufacturing chocolates. Second is that the used ingredients have high quality. Until now, most Belgian chocolates are still made by hand in small chocolate shops utilizing original equipments, although mass production and automation already dominates the production technology. These shops are very popular for tourists who visit Belgium today. Moreover, exclusive souvenirs and test tastings are also included.

Among the amazing selections of Belgian chocolate is the chocolate fountain. Actually, the term “chocolate fountain” is derived from the name of the device itself used to serve a chocolate fondue. A cascading cone which stands 2 to 4 feet high with multiple layers is placed above a basin. Chocolates are melted from below by applying heat and then transported vertically by the corkscrew auger on the fountain’s top. From the top, it pours over the layers creating a waterfall of chocolates. People at the celebration can dip tidbits like marshmallows and strawberries.

Delicious and tempting as you may imagine, reading reviews from customers about Belgian chocolate fountains are still necessary.

The best part of a Belgian chocolate fountain is the unique taste. Most first timers have really enjoyed such a sweet treat. Dessert parties never have to be so boring. A Belgian chocolate fountain can make a big difference in the life of most party goers. The host can enjoy preparing the sweets with other people without a fuss. Instructions for setting up a Belgian chocolate fountain is very easy. This is also great after a tiresome meeting. Tidbits including bananas, orange slices, and other fruits can add to the excitement.

This is great for birthday parties. Chocoholic people can enjoy their appetite and feel very satisfied. However, party hosts must put a little warning during the celebration. There could been an incidence for choking when everybody perhaps dares a chocolate eating challenge.

A Belgian chocolate fountain is best for Christmas and can make your dinner more romantic and sweet. Not only that, chocolate fountains used for making Belgian chocolates can be ordered easily from reputable manufacturers on the internet. No hassles at all. You can start making your own Belgian chocolate fountain whenever you want. You can also give this as gifts, besides it being useful and fun.

Kids love chocolates the most. Children’s party can be so fabulous with a Belgian chocolate fountain giving them a wonderful experience. The desserts must be eaten after the meal rule is not really followed. In the case of a Belgian chocolate fountain, it is very difficult to resist. Kids are kids.

A Belgian chocolate fountain is completely a fantastic gift for the people you love that loves chocolates. You could express your overflowing love for them through the molten chocolates. It says it all.

So, get ready. Order now and see what a Belgian chocolate fountain can offer you. Next time, you are the one who would be writing the review. Never fail to thank the founder of Belgian chocolates, he is truly a genius.

Chocolate Belgian Waffle Recipe

The waffle is a cake-like breakfast bread made out of batter. The batter is usually a mixture of sugar, oil, flour, eggs and milk poured into a iron that has designs in it and no, we are not talking about the average flat iron that we use on clothes. The iron used in baking waffles generally has a honeycomb like design in it and can be bought in numerous shapes. Some are heart-shaped, cone-shaped or even shaped like a cloud. The common waffle iron has the distinctive crisscross pattern. The pattern is the result of the elevated divisions on the iron.

There are a large number of types of waffles. There are the light, crisp waffles; the waffles that are like apple pie that smells and tastes like the real apple pie; cinnamon waffles; the light and softy chocolate chip and butter milk waffles that are so fluffy and light; the cornmeal waffles that has a light and crunchy texture; the gingerbread waffles poured with a chocolate sauce; the crispy maple walnut waffle that has a full maple flavor within but the outer part is super crispy and of course who can forget the famous Belgian waffle. Most if not all of this are best served topped with butter, syrup or even fruits like raspberries or strawberries. And due to the insistent demand for Belgian waffles, below is a recipe of a chocolate Belgian waffle.

Ingredients:

For the Topping:

18 Ounces of dark chocolate, chopped up
1 Cup of heavy cream
12 Tablespoons of butter (unsalted) cut into cubes
1/2 Cup of corn syrup (light)
2 pinches of salt
4 Teaspoons of vanilla

Direction:

Throw in all the ingredients except for vanilla. Then mix everything in. Place over boiling water on a low heat; whip until melted and soft. Remove from high temperature and boiling water; beat with vanilla in a whisking manner. Place in a ceramic bowl them microwave at moderate power for a minute. Then fold the ingredients very well until very smooth. Then microwave for twenty minutes then stir well until the topping is silky soft. Chill for a moment. If you are not going to use it immediately, store it in the refrigerator. It is best served when warm.

For the waffles:

4 squares or 4 ounces of dark chocolate, chopped up
4 squares or 4 ounces of unsweetened chocolate, chopped up
4/6 cups of heavy cream
4 pieces of large eggs (Large, at room temperature)
6/8 cups plus 4 tablespoons of milk
4 cups of cake flour
1 cup plus 4 tablespoons of sugar
4 teaspoons of baking powder
1 pinch of salt

Direction:
In a little heatproof bowl, mix chopped chocolates with heavy cream. Put over boiling water on a low heat. Whip until almost thawed out. Remove from high temperature and boiling water. Beat until soft. Then cool by stirring the batter occasionally until room temperature.

In a medium sized bowl, beat the egg yolks and milk until well-mixed. Set aside. Sift the sugar, cake flour, salt and baking powder into a medium-sized bowl. When the chocolate mixture is at room temperature, add now the dry ingredients together with the egg yolk and milk mixture. Fold until blended, should a few lumps appear just ignore.

Preheat the waffle maker. While the waffle maker heats, you may start cleaning a small bowl with a clean beater, beat the egg whites on high speed to stiffen the peaks. Tenderly fold into the batter until there the white streaks disappears.

Then follow the manufacturers instructions for cooking waffles because waffle makers vary from the amount of batter you are going to put on the divisions.

Callebaut Belgian Chocolate: The World’s Finest Chocolate from Belgum

From chocolate bars to chocolate cakes, a lot of people simply love eating chocolate. Even people on strict diet have admitted that they cheated at least once when they were dieting by eating chocolate. In fact, dieting people have humorously said that chocolates were their number one enemy in a war and they always lose.

Although chocolates have existed for centuries, almost everyone still enjoys eating chocolate. Some people even dubbed this delicious treat as the “happy food” where it can put a smile to depressed people after eating one. In a more medical approach, researchers have found that chocolate is definitely good for your body. It reduces blood pressure, and it was also found that the chemicals found in chocolates keeps your blood flowing and it also keeps your heart healthy.

You also need to consider that old people who loves eating chocolate outlived other people of the same age because they testified that chocolates keeps them happy, and it keeps them feeling younger.

Indeed, this guilty pleasure candy is considered to be the most popular candy in the world.

If you love chocolate and you love to make chocolate products and delicacies, you should consider getting a Callebaut Belgian chocolate. Callebaut Belgian chocolates are considered to be the world’s finest chocolates and are used by popular restaurants all over the world for their chocolate delicacies.

Callebaut has been producing chocolates for 120 years and is a well known company for producing the finest chocolates in the world. In fact, Callebaut chocolates are the number one choice of professionally pastry chefs, chefs de cuisine, and even ice cream manufacturers all over the world. Callebaut chocolates are superior in quality and it can be used in any of your cooking with chocolates included in recipes.

Callebaut only makes its chocolates from the only finest grades of cocoa beans found in the south. They ensure high quality chocolates to their clients and are trusted by their clients all over the world. Whether you are a professional pastry chef, or you just like to cook chocolate delicacies, or you just want to eat chocolate, Callebaut chocolates is you chocolate of choice.

You can be sure that the chocolates provided by Callebaut (whether you like it mixed in with other foods as part of the ingredient or you just want to eat it in its pure form) are made with the highest quality cocoa beans that you will surely love.

If you love making chocolate pastries, Callebaut can offer a one-of-a-kind chocolate taste that will significantly improve your chocolate pastries where every member of your family and friends will surely love.

Callebaut chocolates can be ordered in blocks or it can also be ordered in its liquid form. Whatever kind of chocolate you want, you can be sure that Callebaut has it.

They also offer different kinds of chocolates, from dark chocolate to milk chocolate and even white chocolate, you will surely have what you want with Callebaut chocolates.

So, if you are looking for a way to improve your chocolate pastries and other chocolate delicacies, you should purchase Callebaut chocolates. This Belgian chocolate can satisfy your chocolate cravings and purchasing in bulk will provide you with great discounts.

Whether you own a pastry shop, or you just simply love cooking chocolate delicacies for your family and friends, you can be sure that Callebaut chocolates can satisfy your chocolate cravings. Your chocolate delicacies will be one of the best with Callebaut chocolates.