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Going Green for Halloween? Greenopia Analyzes the Top Candy Brands for Environmental Sustainability

July 30, 2011 By 1 Comment


Santa Barbara, California (PRWEB) October 6, 2010

Today Greenopia released an environmental analysis of 10 of the top candy manufacturers. The top brands receiving 4 out of a possible 4 leafs were Theo Chocolate and Endangered Species Chocolate.

Major brands such as Hershey?s, Mars, Wonka, and Godiva did not fare very well in the study, although many have significantly improved their supply chain over the past few years and have pledged continued action.

The U.S. buys over 90 million pounds of candy each Halloween for trick-or-treaters, but the vast majority of this is produced with little environmental or ethical consideration. Greenopia, in its mission to educate consumers as to the environmental affects of their purchasing decisions, aims to address this concern and show which brands are the most eco-friendly and where they can be purchased.

?We wanted to encourage parents to hand out more sustainable candy this Halloween,? said Gay Browne, Founder of Greenopia. ?Some of the major brands source unethical ingredients that are grown using unsustainable methods. Consumers should know the origin and impact of what they are buying.?

Greenopia used a comprehensive set of criteria to determine the candy company ratings. Data was collected from the companies themselves pertaining to the ingredient sourcing, transparency, transportation methods, attributes of the product?s packaging, and company logistics. Weights were set based off the relative life cycle impacts of each criterion during candy production.

?We were surprised about the lack of environmental progress and transparency by some of the top brands,? said Doug Mazeffa, Greenopia?s Research Director. ?The major brand who stood out in a positive way was Cadbury, having committed to utilizing a large amount of responsibly-sourced chocolate starting this year.?

Greenopia employs its award-winning eco-analysis method to deliver actionable green-assessments to the rapidly growing green consumer market. Green businesses and merchants use Greenopia’s targeted marketing methods to effectively reach consumers making greener choices.

About Greenopia: The leading online directory for green, sustainable and socially conscious, daily purchase decisions. Greenopia provides the market’s only independent rating and ranking of green services and products. Our rankings and ratings are based on our review of publicly available information and reflect our evaluation of such information. To find out more, please visit http://www.greenopia.com.

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Indulge at Spicers Balfour Hotel this Easter

July 30, 2011 By 3 Comments


Brisbane, Queensland (Vocus/PRWEB) March 25, 2011

Treat yourself to a delicious Chocolate Indulgence Package at Spicers Balfour Hotel in inner Brisbane this Easter long weekend.

The package includes overnight accommodation, a chocolate gift on arrival, a chocolate tasting class on Sunday, 24 April and breakfast the following day.

The package starts from $ 429* per room, per night.

The Chocolate ? From Columbus to Cadbury tasting class covers the history, growing and making of chocolate followed by a comprehensive tasting of a range of delicious chocolates.

Tasting includes Belgian white, milk and dark covertures, Italian Gianduia and the world?s greatest dark chocolate Valrhona, all served with exquisite ports, teas and coffees.

The class, led by Babak Hadi from Black Pearl Epicure, is a must for chocolate lovers and will open participants? eyes to the amazing flavours chocolate has to offer.

The class is also able to be booked separately from $ 75 per person. Bookings are essential.

Spicers Balfour Hotel offers a restful and sophisticated escape in New Farm, just three kilometres from Brisbane?s CBD. The boutique hotel features nine spacious rooms with individual elegance and charm and all the comforts and attention to detail expected from a leading hotel.

Spicers Balfour Hotel is located at 37 Balfour Street, New Farm, Brisbane. Phone 1300 597 540 or visit http://www.spicersgroup.com.au.

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Research and Markets – Cadbury Schweppes Makes a Strong Start in 2004

July 30, 2011 By 1 Comment


(PRWEB) November 10, 2004

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c8865) has announced the addition of Corporate Focus Foods: Cadbury Schweppes Q3 2004 to their offering.

After a difficult 2003, Cadbury Schweppes has made a strong start to 2004, especially in its core UK market where the Cadbury Dairy Milk masterbrand is going from strength to strength. The development of the company’s umbrella branding strategy in chocolate is becoming more evident. This report covers the global foods activities of Cadbury Schweppes during the third quarter of 2004.

Contents Provided includes:


Ranking Cadbury Schweppes

Growth in first half

Third quarter trading update

North American restructure

Communications & agency news

Chocolate confectionery

Sugar confectionery

Functional confectionery

Chewing gum

Cakes & biscuits

Milk modifiers.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c8865

Laura Wood

Senior Manager

Research and Markets

press@researchandmarkets.com

Fax: +353 1 4100 980

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Chocolatier – Chocolate Cigarillos

July 30, 2011 By 1 Comment

Cake decorating techniques remained unchanged for many, many years before the 1990′s. Since that time, literally dozens of new methods have emerged, giving birth to countless modern cake designs. Some names you may have heard of that helped spawn this dawn of advanced cake decorating, are people like John Slattery. A master chocolatier who created such things as chocolate cups, shapes and cigarillos, now he has a well established and successful chocolate gift business.

Heather Sweet formally known as Heather Higgins, has been the owner of the original Sweetart Cakes company in the UK since 1994. Her radical contemporary designs originate from her inspiration gained from famous artists like H.R Giger. She has always utilised modern methods when creating and decorating her cakes.

In addition to being able to create any wedding cake her client has in mind, she is also a talented sculpture artist.

Decorating a cake with cigarillos is an increasingly popular and delicious addition to most wedding and birthday cakes. These delicate chocolate curled cylinders are painstakingly made, when one bites into it, it breaks apart easily in the mouth and quickly melts.

Creating a chocolate cigarillo is a very slow process for beginners and requires a lot of practice and patience. The basic pieces of equipment needed are:

A plastic, sharp cutting knife.
Freezer.
Clean, smooth slab of rock, preferably marble.
Plastic bowls.
Gas cooker and utensils

1. Begin by breaking the chocolate up into a large plastic bowl with high sides (you will see why later).

2. Beat the chocolate with a wooden spoon so the chocolate breaks up even more. Don’t hold back, give it a good whacking with the spoon. If you have a mixing machine or blender you could use that to pulverise the chocolate for you. Make sure your bowl has high sides, or you will end up with more chocolate around your kitchen than in the bowl.

3. Bring a half full saucepan of water to a simmer, making sure that the plastic bowl that is going to sit on top of and inside the saucepan doesn’t touch the water.

4. Put every bit of chocolate into the previously mentioned bowl.

5. Slowly and carefully stir the chocolate, getting faster and more rigorous as it becomes softer. Continuing for awhile when it has totally melted. Be sure to keep the chocolate moving to avoid any chance of overcooking.

6. Turn off the heat, take out your marble slab that has been in the freezer for a few hours, and pour a little of the chocolate onto the slab.

7. You will notice the chocolate behaves abnormally, it is soft and flexible. Now cutout a rectangular section with your plastic knife.

8. With the edge of the knife, carefully slide the knife under one side of the chocolate rectangle by about half a centimeter, and turn through 180 degrees.

9. This folds the chocolate and it begins to curl as you repeat this process as quickly but steadily as you can.

This may take several attempts, you can reuse the chocolate as many times as you want provided you don’t over cook it. When you are successful you will end up with a very neat and tasty cigarillo!

Tom C W Higgins

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Chocolate Recipes: The Innovative Chocolate Recipes

July 30, 2011 By 1 Comment

Chocolate making is to some extent of an uninteresting business. You might sometime finish up messing the entire materials while making any forms of chocolates. Therefore, you actually needs plenty of practice and expertise to prepare any type of ideal chocolate. Besides these, most of the recipes involving chocolates also take a lot of time.

It generally begins with ripping the cocoa bean pods from the cocoa tree and removing the pulp. This pulp is then fermented for few days and the dried seeds are separated from the rest of the pulp. The cocoa seeds are separated from the pulp by producers. Later, the seeds are processed while roasting for losing the husks. Then, these roasted seeds need to blown inside a processor. The final task it to break the inner kernel of the seeds. These broken bits are known as nibs. These broken kernels often known as nibs are further utilised in various ways to produce several types of chocolates.

If the nibs are ground under heavy stone mills the nibs release oil which transforms the whole mass into what is known as chocolate liquor. Chocolate liquor is a quite thick substance which when hardened produces the bitter chocolate that is commonly used in many of baking and candy making chocolate recipes. Sweet chocolate is produced through the bitter chocolate by adding extra substances such as fat, sugar, and cocoa butter.

Cocoa butter is basically a byproduct of cocoa preparing process. Further, cocoa butter can double because of its incredibly helpful cosmetic and therapeutic properties.

However, the normal process of preparing chocolate is currently evolved a lot. The refined technique of chocolate preparing is the effect of variety of experiments. The taste of prepared products has played a pivotal role in changing technique of chocolate making.

The chocolate recipes have came a good way. The new chocolate making process is now called probably the very best ways of all types.

Chocolate is something people love, and what better gift to offer somebody than those handmade truffles and chocolate delights. But, we generally get confused what exact chocolate recipe is concept to prepare in every event? The best solution is to become part of a tasting club, where you may example different chocolates.

For additional details on chocolate recipes by clicking chocolate recipes. You can also have a peek at some tasty christmas cookie recipes by visiting christmas cookie recipe.

yummy :D this was really tastey :3 you will need; 2 types of chocolate OR one type of chocolate + sweets, some way of melting chocolate, a grater, a tub and some grease proof paper :) have fun :D !

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Xocai the Diabetic’s Chocolate

July 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Article by Chocolate Lifestyle

Xocai the Diabetic’s ChocolateXocai the Healthy Chocolate is a one of a kind nutritional food supplement. It is made up of rich dark Belgium chocolates, Acai berries and blueberries. It contains non-alkalized, unprocessed and non-lecithinized cacao powder. Xocai contains the highest amount of flavonoids than any other food.What makes Xocai chocolates better than others is that all its ingredients are in its natural state, free of additives and 100% healthy. Processed chocolates contain alkalized cocoa powder, sugar, fillers, preservatives, wax and contain high amounts of cholesterol.Treatment and processing of cocoa powder greatly reduces its antioxidant content. Antioxidants are beneficial compounds that remove toxins and inhibit oxidation. Studies show that antioxidants help regulate blood circulation, promote cell regeneration and strengthen arteries, veins and blood capillaries. Antioxidants lower the risk of having a heart attack and the development of colon cancers. It is also branded as an anti-aging compound.Xocai chocolates contain natural cocoa powders. It is rich in antioxidants such as cocoa flavonoids, flavanols, procyanidins and cocoa polyphenols. These antioxidants are known to strengthen endothelial cells that line blood capillaries. They prevent blood clogging and lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Xocai chocolates are rich in soluble and insoluble fibers that clean the digestive track. Individuals with regular bowel movement are less likely to develop colon cancer. Those that incorporate antioxidant rich foods into their diet are proven to be healthier and less susceptible to ailments.Xocai chocolates are recommended by dietitians and health specialists. They encourage people especially those with diabetes to consume at least 3 bars of dark chocolates per day. Diabetes or diabetes mellitus is a sugar absorption related disorder. There are two types, Type I is caused by the incapacity of the individual to produce insulin. These individuals are insulin dependent and require periodic dosage of insulin. Type II is caused by the inability of the individual to deal with any form of sugar. Usually affects people of old age. Those with type II diabetes, crashes almost all body system functions with the slightest rise in blood sugar level. Alleviated blood sugar levels induce micro blood vessel damage that may lead to clogging and internal damage. Micro blood vessel damage causes edema, neuropathy, kidney damage and blindness. Extreme cases require ulcerations and amputations. With the diabetics’ incapability to handle insulin, Xocai is the best indulgence for them. Xocai chocolates helps reduce blood pressure by ten percent. At the same time it improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Xocai chocolates are rich in flavonoid. Flavonoid is an antioxidant commonly found in red wine, coffee and dark chocolates. Researches show that flavonoid is the primary compound in dark chocolates that decreases blood pressure. Xocai chocolates also contain minute amounts of magnesium and copper. These minerals, if taken in correct amounts relax the muscle, improve nerve impulse conduction and promote good digestion.Xocai dark chocolates are available in powerhouse cookies, power squares, nuggets and Activ health drinks. It is also available in protein bars and choco powders. Choco powders may be blended with shakes, cold coffees and baked products.

Chocolate Lifestyle is author of this article on Diabetic Friendly Chocolate. Find more information about Chocolate & Weight Controlhere.







If you’re new to cooking with chocolate, the number of different types of chocolate can be daunting. Here’s an easy guide to the differences between the different types of chocolate. Watch More How To Videos on our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com Watch More How To Videos on About.com: video.about.com Connect with About.com on Facebook www.facebook.com Follow About.com Video on Twitter: twitter.com
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Chocolate Dipped Chocolate Chip And Coconut Cookies

July 30, 2011 By 1 Comment

Chocolate Dipped Chocolate Chip and Coconut Cookie Ingredients:

22/3 Cups (145g) of Flaked Coconut

2½ Cups (375g) of Sifted Plain Flour

1 Cup (170g) of Dark Chocolate Chips

1 Cup (150g) of Chopped White Chocolate Melts

1 Cup (250g) of Softened Butter

1 Cup (230g) of Caster Sugar

1 Cup (230g) of Firmly Packed Soft Brown Sugar

½ Cup (85g) of Milk Chocolate Chips

2 Eggs

2 Teaspoons of Vanilla Extract

1 Teaspoon of Bicarbonate of Soda

1 Teaspoon of Baking Powder

1 Teaspoon of Freshly Ground Sea Salt

Method:

In a large mixing bowl cream together the softened butter, the caster sugar and the soft brown sugar until light and fluffy

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition

Beat in the vanilla extract

In another mixing bowl combine the flour, the salt, the bicarbonate of soda and the baking powder

Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture and mix well

Stir in the flaked coconut, the dark chocolate chips and the milk chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 1800C

Roll three tablespoons of dough into balls

Repeat with the remaining dough

Place the dough balls 7cm (2¾”) apart onto non-greased baking trays

Transfer loaded baking trays into preheated oven and bake at 1800C for 15-18 minutes or until lightly browned

When cooked remove from the oven and transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool

White Chocolate Melts Coating Method:

Melt chopped white chocolate melts in a double-boiler or microwave on Medium (70%) for 1 minute. Microwave for additional 10 – 20 second intervals if required

Stir melted chocolate until smooth in texture

Dip one end of a cooled chocolate chip and coconut cookie into the melted chocolate

Allow any excess melted chocolate to drip off before placing dipped cookies onto baking paper lined wire racks and let stand until the chocolate has set before transferring the chocolate dipped chocolate chip and coconut cookies to an airtight container ready to be consumed

Serving:

These portions will yield around 2 dozen scrumptious chocolate dipped chocolate chip and coconut cookies

Not only do chocolate dipped chocolate chip and coconut cookies make wonderful lunch box treats they are truly awesome when served alongside beverages such as a cup of coffee, café late, Mocha, tea, glass of milk or milkshakes etc.

You will also no doubt find that; when presented in a jar or plate of assorted cookies, these chocolate dipped chocolate chip and coconut cookies will disappear very quickly indeed

Store the chocolate dipped chocolate chip and coconut cookies in refrigerator during warm weather to prevent melting

Written by techdoc

Filed Under: Soft Chocolate Tagged With: , , , ,

Chocolates and its Health Benefits

July 30, 2011 By 1 Comment

Article by La Chocolate

It sound may be a strange to hear but it true, chocolate is really good for health. A usually think that it is high calorie food so mainly people avoid it they take it like just celebration treat. But it is especially advantageous because it bring numerous good health issues. Now I am revealed some beneficial facts of it that make you fan. And one thing more now your favorite flavor easily brings to online chocolate store. In India there are lot of online chocolate stores are available.

Chocolate contain several vitamins, minerals like B1, B2, D, E, magnesium, potassium, and phosphate. Magnesium & potassium reduce the chances of heart disease and magnesium that maintains muscle and nervous function. Phosphate makes our teeth and bone healthier it can cover the lack of Vitamin B1, B2, D & E also. It Contain flavonoids, give the flavors that control the blood pressure from rising and also balance hormones in our body.

Dark chocolate contain high level of cocoa and small amount sugar that makes it more advantageous. Dark chocolate which is huge storage of antioxidants means small amount of bite beneficier than bunch of strawberries. Antioxidant that major substitute to improve or strengthen your immune system, prevent stroke, cancer and heart problems. And it controls the aging process, reduces signs of aging and makes you look younger. It is good for the heart and cardiovascular system if you are facing high blood pressure problem than it help to reduce it and reduce cholesterol level too. Dark chocolate considered as main beauty products. It stimulate kidney, improve digestion, blood circulation, appetite, and avoid anemia & kidney stone. It is known as “sweet chocolate” in USA because it contain more healthy facts it increase the serotonin level in your mind means make you stress free, more fresh.

Chocolate produce the endorphins in your body which acts as anti-depressant that avoid negative feelings, make you feel happy and sensational. If you are facing obesity and big appetite problem then take a cup of hot coffee before taking meal to reduce the appetite. Chocolate containing 280 -300 calories so it is healthy snack too.

It is work as a guard to avoid free radicals that make harm to our skin now it is not uses only for eat but skin care also. Today, many beauty spas use it as facial ingredients and skin care products. It makes your more skin soft and fresh. Now you can buy chocolate online easily. Online chocolate store that make your reach easy, after one click you can get your favorite flavor. For good health result take it in small amount. Don’t be Chocolate Addict. At last I am happy to talking about my favorite flavors like Choc Crackle, Crunch Mania, Chocolate Pearl, Assorted Nut Honey Lemon and Almond Float.

Lachocolat.in is Best Online Chocolate Shop India that facilitate to Buy Chocolate Online. Here you can find large collection of chocolates like plain, Almond Chocolate, ferrero rocher, marsh mellow and many more.










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Coconut Chocolate Swirl Cookies

July 30, 2011 By 1 Comment

Coconut Chocolate Swirl Cookie Ingredients:

4 Cups (680g) of Dark Chocolate Chips or Chopped Chocolate

2¾ Cups (410g) of Sifted Plain Flour

1 Cup (250g) of Softened Butter

1 Cup (230g) of Caster Sugar

¾ Cup (165g) of Firmly Packed Soft Brown Sugar

¼ Cup (15g) of Flaked Coconut

2 Eggs

1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

1 Teaspoon of Bicarbonate of Soda

½ Teaspoon of Freshly Ground Sea Salt

Method:

In a large mixing bowl cream together the softened butter, soft brown sugar, the caster sugar and the vanilla essence until light and fluffy, then add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition

In another mixing bowl combine the sifted plain flour, the salt and the bicarbonate of soda

Gradually add the combined dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix well

Stir in the flaked coconut and 2 cups (340g) of the dark chocolate chips (or 340g of chopped chocolate)

Preheat the oven to 1800C

Drop tablespoons of cookie dough 5cm (2¼”) apart onto non-greased baking trays and then place the loaded baking trays into a preheated oven and bake at 1800C for 10-12 minutes or until golden

Once the cookies are cooked turn the oven off and leaving the door ajar allow the cookies to cool in the oven on the baking trays for 10 minutes before removing the baking trays from the oven and transferring the cookies to wire racks to cool completely

Melt the remaining chocolate chips (340g) in a double-boiler or a microwave oven on medium (70%) for 1 minute, microwavefor an additional 10 – 20 seconds as needed.

Stir the melted chocolate until smooth and then allow the hot chocolate mixture to cool until warm before drizzling over the cooled cookies

Let the coconut chocolate swirl cookies stand to give the chocolate time to set before transferring the set coconut chocolate swirl cookies into an airtight container to await consumption

Serving:

These portions will yield around 4 dozen scrumptious coconut choc-swirl cookies

Coconut chocolate-swirl cookies are awesome when served alongside beverages such as a cup of coffee, café late, Mocha, tea, glass of milk or milkshakes etc.

They also make a very worthwhile contribution to a mixed cookie jar/plate as well as lunch box treats for kids of all sizes.

Written by techdoc

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Why Chocolate Gifts are So Popular

July 30, 2011 By 1 Comment

Article by Chocolates Expert

Chocolate gifts are one of the most popular gifts of all. For a start you can get chocolate in many different forms and all of them are attractive, so they are a visual feast even before they are opened. And when they are opened and eaten they become a sensory feast for the taste buds.You can choose chocolate boxes in many shapes and sizes and to suit every budget. And all of them look so attractive with vibrant rich colours and tinsel, ribbons and cellophane – and that is before you wrap them yourself.

There are many different types of chocolate, so there is plenty of variety. You can get dark chocolate for those who do not have a sweet tooth, milk chocolate for people who just love it and white chocolate for children or those who are trying to cut back on their caffeine consumption. There is chocolate with additives such as soft cream centres or crisp mint pieces. In fact, there is even dairy free chocolate for those who have a lactose allergy.

Chocolate is so popular that makers of chocolate products hardly need to bother thinking up yet another chocolate product. Even so, there is always something new coming onto the market to add to our favourites list. So how do you pick the best one for your loved ones gifts? Why not try a little of each with chocolate bouquets. That way they can get to sample many different choices.

You can add a gift of chocolate to many other gifts and it seems to blend in while still being special. Some people like to add such things as flowers, plush teddy bears or wine to their chocolate gifts. However the chocolate will easily stand on its own without any such additions. When you give chocolate as a gift you can be sure that you will please the recipient very much.

The Lollypotz web site has a secure online ordering facility in place. Simply browse our product catalog and ‘buy’ products to add them to your shopping basket. You may modify the contents of your basket by using the view basket page. When you are ready to purchase the products in your basket, proceed to the checkout area.Please place your orders early to avoid disappointment in busy periods eg. Christmas. Due to demand and availability if we are unable to provide a particular product, we guarantee to substitute the product with one of equal or greater value.

Chocolates expert is not only savouring them and appreciating them, but has been studying the art of chocolate making for over 11 years. She today talks about how chocolates have become a part of every aspect of our lives.










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