Tag: Gourmet

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.

Southern Cooking Brings Soul to Food

I was born and raised in the heart of the Deep South. From as far back as I can remember I remember long summer afternoons spent drinking iced tea and shelling peas and butterbeans on my grandmother’s porch. I have moved on from my roots and have made my way into other regions of the world. One thing, however, that has remained constant in my life is my deep and abiding love for southern cooking and cuisine.

I was probably well into my teen years before I realized that tea could be served any other way than loaded with sugar and over ice. It was about that same time that I realized some folks would eat vegetables that hadn’t been soaked in batter, dredged in cornmeal, and deep fat fried. Southern cooking is not for the faint of heart though it can cause many hearts to grow faint. One thing that can be said is that you’ll never find anything else like it on earth.

People in the south learned to make do with little in many instances. Some of the poorest people in America live in the southern part of the country. Of course, you will find that many of these people despite their poverty are also among the most generous. The same can be said of food. It’s the one thing that seems to be in ample supply in most southern homes and very few will turn you away with an empty stomach.

Perhaps it’s the seasonings that are often used when cooking southern food. From the crab boil and gumbo file of Cajun Cuisine to the secret ingredient that almost every southern kitchen contains for their fried chicken recipes (and no one on earth can fry chicken like a born and bred southern grandma). Perhaps it’s the Sunday church dinners where everyone shares a little of what they have with others or the love that goes into preparing these meals that are shared with friends and family. Whatever the case may be, if you ever have the occasion to experience real southern cooking, do not pass it up. You might shave a day off your life, but a good southern fried chicken leg is really living and well worth the sacrifice if you ask me.

Of course it would be remiss to mention southern cooking without bringing up some of the more delicious desserts that seem to be perfection for the south. I mentioned banana pudding above but there are so many more. Pralines are a perfect for those living down around New Orleans as is bread pudding. A little to the east there are grandma’s who have taken their lemon icebox pie recipes to the grave with them so coveted were these delicious deserts and the same holds true for pecan pies as well. We should never forget the flavorful Mississippi Mud cake though, and so many other wonderfully delicious treats that southern cooking has introduced to the world at large.

Favorite vegetables in the heart of the south as I mentioned above included peas and butterbeans, snap beans, corn, summer squash (after all, it’s summer all year in the south), and okra (fried or boiled in many southern kitchens). Not all vegetables were deep fried though few were off limits. I remember eating my share of fried okra, fried squash, and yes, fried green tomatoes. Life was good back when calories weren’t counted and no one really worried about clogging arteries. While I wouldn’t make these a daily dish in any household, I certainly would recommend trying them out if you ever find the opportunity.

Another great thing about southern cooking is the wonderful fried seafood that seems to abound. From fried fish (almost any variety works well when it’s southern fried) to fried oysters, seafood just seems to taste so much better in the south. If you are hoping to learn some of the southern cooking and cuisine you will most likely need to order your spices and have them shipped unless your grocery store has a rather extensive ‘exotic’ foods selection. You can sometimes find great southern seasonings on the International food aisles in grocery stores as well. If you want to really treat your family to an outstanding meal, you should really try southern cooking for the night.

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Favorite Drinks of Mexico

Mexico offers quite a few unique drinks. Some include fruits, and nuts while others include milk. Some are served warm, while others are chilled. These drinks have become a favorite in Mexico. There are traditional drinks, some of which originate from Spain.

Horchata is a drink that originates from Spain. It is very popular in Mexico. It is perfect for hot days. Nuts are used for this drink. They are ground and mixed with water, sugar and sometimes lemon juice. The mixture is then put through a filter process. The drink is served ice cold. It refreshes and cools down the drinker. Horchata is also popular with rice added. It can be found at Mexican restaurants in the United States along with Mexican grocery stores.

Aguas Frescas are another popular drink found in Mexico. It consists of water, fruit juices and sugar. Many vendors in Mexico sell Aguas Frescas. Flavors you may find are Watermelon, Mango, Pineapple, and Strawberry. These types of drinks are also made in other countries under different names.

In Mexico you will still find brands for soft drinks that are familiar in America, such as Coca Cola, Sprite, and Pepsi. They also have their own brands, on being Sidral, which is apple-flavored. Coffee is also another popular drink in Mexico. You will be able to find Espresso and cappuccino in the cafes. For something more exotic there is the drink, caf de olla. It is made by being stewed for hours with the ingredients being cinnamon and sugar, which gives it a sweet and rich flavor. Outside of the cafes, it is common to find people making instant coffee. Mexicans also enjoy tea. The tea of choice is usually mint or chamomile.

Mexico also offers many drinks of alcohol. One that is much known in America is the Margarita. Tequila is the alcohol in the drink. Margaritas come in a variety of flavors and colors. It is served with ice, or blended with ice making it a frozen drink. There are a few tales on who is the original maker of the margarita. It is known that people in the 1930s were enjoying these drinks. This drink is still popular to this day. Mexico also drinks beer. They have several brands, the biggest being Cerveza. Mexican-made brands that are popular in the United States include Corona and Sol. Pulque is a milky style beer that is popular amongst the poor. It is made from sap and is thick. It usually takes some time to get used to drinking. A drink that makes people think of Mexico is Tequila. It consists of agave cactus and is produced mainly in the Mexican state of Jalisco. It is served with a side of lime and salt.

There are many more drinks that are found in Mexico. There are recipe books that can help you create new drinks. Next time you are planning a backyard fiesta, try adding some new flavor. Your guests will not be disappointed to quench their thirst with south of the border drinks.

Information About French Wine

Whenever wine comes up in a conversation or a thought, we often find ourselves thinking of where the wine came from. If you study the name of the wine, such as Burgundy or Champagne, youll find a log about the origin of the wine. Burgundy for instance, we all known comes from France, same as Burgundy. There are many wines out there – several of which come from France.

In the times of the old, wine in France was made by peasants, who drank it themselves. Wine is very old in France, which is really no surprise as French wine is some of the best in the world. New world wines have the ingredients that were used in the label, while French old world wine is labeled with the location. In doing so, the French have left a bit of a romantic message when you purchase any of their wine.

A lot of wine enthusiasts all over the world consider French wine to be the best. Wine lovers from all over the world prefer French wine over any other. There are several different kinds of French wine available, giving you plenty to choose from. This way, you can experience and compare wine based on aroma, taste, and even the texture.

There are thirteen different regions in France with literally thousands of vineyards that produce wine, making the possibilities for French wine endless. French is also known for having the ideal location for growing grapes, including the perfect soil conditions and vineyards that are very close to the water. The climate in France is always good, making it one of the best locations in the world for wine.

French wine varies from the most common types that you can find virtually everywhere that sells wine, to the rare variants, which can be very difficult to come across. If you are looking for one of the more rare types of French wine, your best bet would be to use the Internet. You can find hundreds of thousands of different types of wine, including rare French wine. Rare vintage French wine can be extremely hard to find, even sometimes so online. You can always look at wine forums as well, including the many different wine websites.

All in all, French wine is a cut above the rest. Although other wines may use the same ingredients and methods in production, they dont taste the same as those made in France. When you taste a wine that was made in France – youll know it. Even though other wines may be preferred by some, French wine has a taste and aroma like no other. Wine that comes from France is all about quality – and a taste youll never forget.

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.