Dark chocolate health benefits

Have you ever heard someone say chocolate is good for you? Well, you should know that there are actually many studies that show proven results indicating the great advantages of chocolate, especially dark chocolate.

When you think about buying a chocolate gift, or just buying fine chocolate to indulge yourself, what’s  the first thing that comes to mind? The rich flavor, or the guilt over the extra calories?

If you are worrying over the results of eating a few chocolate squares with your coffee every day, let me help you ease your worries once and for all!

Dark chocolate health benefits


Chocolate contains natural antioxidants. These antioxidants can help the body resist many serious diseases, by reducing blood pressure, reducing the risks of cancer, heart disease and more.

Dark chocolate has more cacao bean solids than milk chocolate and the greater the percentage of cacao in your dark chocolate, the better it is for your health. Why? Because it has less sugar in it and more cocoa beans  packed with antioxidants. Did you know, for instance, that baking chocolate doesn’t have any sugar in it whatsoever?

 

But what if I need to watch my cholesterol, you ask?


Well, studies have also shown that dark chocolate can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, that is, of course, if you choose to eat only a few squares a day and don’t overdo it (just like anything else in life).

So, the next time you’re trying to pick the best gourmet chocolates for your gift, why not select only dark chocolates - pralines and bars (keeping the dark chocolate health benefits in mind). The variety is huge (all kinds of fillings, liquor, nougat, marzipan, almonds..) there is a choice for everyone!

If you would like further information on chocolate ingredients, you can visit  this article explaining all you need to know about gourmet chocolate.

For your health and self- indulgence!  

How to Make Valentine Chocolate – #2 Step

Hi,

I hope you've managed to get all the supplies you need for this step (if not, look  at step #1 of my guide - how to make valentine chocolate).

We are going to temper 1 pound of rich dark chocolate for making beautiful Valentine chocolate hearts.

If you stick to these directions you’ll know how to make valentine chocolate in no time!

In addition- if you know how to make valentine chocolate then you’ll know how to make chocolate in any shape you like!

How to make Valentine chocolate - easy steps:

1. Divide your chocolate amount into 2 unequal amounts – the second amount of chocolate equal to 25 percent of the original amount.  
2. Melt the original amount of chocolate carefully using microwave & a glass bowl.
3. The melted chocolate should be 120⁰ F . 
4. Add the second amount of chocolate to the bowl.  
5. Stir the melted chocolate constantly until the temperature falls to 85⁰ F. 
6. Warm the chocolate again, not exceeding 89⁰F.   
7. Remove any unmelted chunks from the melted chocolate. 
8. Put the chocolate into a piping bag and squeeze the top of the bag over the cavities or just use a spoon.  
9. Use a palette knife to straighten the chocolate mold surface.
10. Tap the molds on your kitchen countertop. 
11. Put the chocolate molds in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.
12. How do you know that your Valentine chocolate hearts are ready? Look at the bottom of the mold and see if the color of the chocolates is light in all places.
     
13. If you choose to put all Valentine chocolate hearts in  a romantic box then place it on a cellophane sheet.

  

Now that you know how to make Valentine chocolate you can surprise your loved one with a special homemade gift - Valentine chocolate hearts in a romantic box! He/ she would know that you made an effort in learning how to make Valentine chocolate yourself and appreciate it!  

If  you are excited about knowing all there is to know about the professional way of how to make Valentine chocolate or all kinds of chocolates – check these comprehensive chocolate books -  

If you don’t have the time to learn how to make Valentine chocolate yourself and you‘re looking for a special gift, check these original ideas for best Valentines chocolates!

Have a romantic & creative Valentines day!

How to Make Valentine Chocolate - #1 Step

Hi everyone!

This post we are going to start look into the tempering chocolate world and discover how to make valentine chocolate – the professional way!
The most perfect Valentine chocolate hearts!

If you haven’t heard of tempering before or heard of it but didn’t try it, then this is the right time for you. The outcome of this tempering process is that the chocolate will be shiny and have a "snap" to it.

Why go through all the hassle of learning how to make Valentine chocolate instead of buy Valentines chocolates? Because no gift can excite your love one more on Valentines day than the gift you made yourself!

In order to succeed in doing the tempering process, you must pay attention to details and follow directions strictly.

How to make Valentine chocolate – #1 step

In this post I will elaborate all the things you need in order to do this right, so you can prepare yourself.

supplies
gourmet chocolate of your choice – chocolate rounds (about 1 pound)

chocolate molds (heart shaped)
a bowl
microwave
spatula
chocolate thermometer
palette knife 


an apron (this is going to be a little bit messy)
about 90 minutes of your time
So that was your #1 step on the guide - how to make Valentine chocolate and that’s it for now.


Prepare all you need because next time we are going to start the next step of  the chocolate melting celebration- bright & yummy valentine chocolate hearts will be created!

If you don’t have the time to learn how to make Valentine chocolate yourself and you‘re looking for a special gift, check these original ideas for best Valentines chocolates!

Have a great weekend!