Kiwifruit Mint Lemonade

(ARA) – With the economy affecting your budget, your family is staying home for more meals. So it’s more important than ever to get the most for your dollar when shopping for healthy foods at the grocery store.

Besides eating healthy, you want to provide a variety of food choices to keep mealtimes interesting and flavorful. Here are three items you can add to your grocery list:

1. Kiwifruit.
During the months when finding American-grown fresh fruit is a chore, look for California-grown kiwifruit, typically available between mid-September and June. Buying fruit grown in America supports our domestic economy and is better for the environment since shipping requires fewer resources. Plus, you know you’re getting fresher fruit.

A Rutgers University study found that of the 27 most commonly consumed fruits, kiwifruit is the most nutrient-dense, containing vitamin C, potassium, folate, fiber and vitamin E, to name a few. Plus kiwifruit is very versatile. It can be eaten raw, sliced up on top of foods, blended into drinks and salsas or tossed into salads.

2. Rolled oats.
Yummy for both breakfast and in cookies, oats are full of fiber and complex carbohydrates. The grain has been linked to lowering bad cholesterol and reducing the chance of heart disease. Buying plain oats in bulk costs less per serving than buying most other cereals.

3. Wild Rice.
Wild rice not only is native to the U.S., but is also rich in protein and a good source of calcium and potassium. Plus, it’s an energy food high in carbohydrates and fiber, helping to balance out your healthy meals. Wild rice can be served cold or hot and mixed with nuts, vegetables and all kinds of meat.

Saving money and eating healthy will benefit not only your family but your wallet. California Kiwifruit Commission has several recipes available for your family to try including Kiwi Mint Lemonade — perfect for a warm afternoon on the porch, and Mediterranean Kiwifruit Couscous — which compliments any lunch or dinner menu.

Kiwifruit Mint Lemonade
Serves 4

1 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves
3 California kiwifruit
2 to 3 lemons
Sparkling water

In a medium saucepan, heat water with sugar over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved. Simmer, uncovered, for five minutes. Remove from heat and stir in mint leaves. Let stand 20 minutes

Meanwhile, peel kiwifruit and cut into chunks. Puree in a food processor. Place puree in a pitcher. Strain cooled syrup into pitcher, pressing on mint, then discard leaves. Refrigerate until cold. Squeeze juice from 2 lemons. Stir into kiwifruit mixture. Taste, squeeze in juice from remaining lemon for a more tart lemonade.

Pour into glasses. Top with sparkling water. Serve garnished with a slice of kiwifruit.

Mediterranean Kiwifruit Couscous
Serves 4 to 6

Mediterranean Kiwifruit Couscous

3/4 cup water
1/2 cup couscous
salt
3 California kiwifruit
1 yellow or orange pepper
1 cup colorful cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, preferably spicy
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
pepper
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup shredded fresh basil

In a small saucepan, lightly salt water then bring to a boil. Add couscous, stir, cover and remove from heat. Let stand until water is absorbed, about five minutes. Meanwhile, peel kiwifruit and cut into bite-size chunks. Dice pepper and slice large cherry tomatoes in half. Pit olives if needed and thinly slice green onions. Place all in a medium bowl.

Whisk vinegar with oil, garlic, oregano and generous pinches salt and pepper. When couscous has cooled, gently stir with kiwifruit mixture. Toss with as much dressing as needed to just coat. Stir in feta and basil. Salad will keep well refrigerated for one to two days.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: kiwi recipes, kiwifruit, Kiwifruit Mint Lemonade, Mediterranean Kiwifruit Couscous, mint, rolled oats, Wild Rice

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Thick avocado slices take the lead in a main-course salad that also features grilled beef strips.

(ARA) – The days when salads were strictly a side dish to something more important — they’re so over. A big, bountiful salad deserves to be the center of attention.

Whether you’re on a special diet or just looking to eat in an interesting, healthful way, there’s no reason to settle for boring combos. A well-made salad should deliver a lively interplay of flavors and textures. What’s more, the salad needs to be substantial enough that you don’t get hungry an hour later. On both scores, ingredients such as avocados, nuts and hard-cooked eggs qualify as great salad builders. Each contributes a distinctive flavor and texture, while satisfying hunger pangs for hours.

Take “Avocado Beef Salad with Asian Dressing,” for instance. Thick avocado slices take the lead in a main-course salad that also features grilled beef strips — all presented on a bed of greens and dressed with a brightly flavored Asian dressing.

This inspired combination not only delights the eye and appetite, but equals a well-balanced meal. The beef provides protein, of course, but many people don’t realize that avocados supply nearly 20 vitamins and minerals. In addition, these rich-tasting fruits contain “good fats” — the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated kinds that are considered good substitutes for foods high in saturated fat. Also worth noting: Avocados can help the body absorb higher levels of fat-soluble nutrients, such as beta-carotene, that might be found in other salad ingredients.

You may think that a salad with exotic flair, like this one, is hard to shop for. Not true! The beef, greens and dressing ingredients are easy to find — and Hass avocados are always in season because they grow year-round in Mexico’s rich volcanic soil, with just the right mix of rain and warm sun.

Buy avocados from Mexico ripe for immediate use, or firm for salad making later in the week. Firm avocados will ripen to perfection when held at room temperature for one to three days. When soft to the touch, they’re ready for the big salad toss.

Avocado Beef Salad with Asian Dressing

8 ounce flank or round steak, grilled
3 cups mixed salad greens
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced red bell pepper
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (green onions)
3/4 cup snow peas
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
2/3 cup bottled or homemade Asian salad dressing (recipe below), divided
1 fully ripened avocado from Mexico, halved, pitted, peeled and diced

Slice steak thinly across the grain; set aside. In large bowl, combine salad greens, red pepper, scallions, snow peas, cilantro and 1/2 cup salad dressing; toss gently. Place on four serving dishes, dividing equally. Top with sliced steak and avocado, drizzle with remaining dressing. Garnish with cilantro or parsley leaves, if desired.

Asian Salad Dressing: In measuring cup, whisk together 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger), 2 teaspoons sugar and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil until well combined. Makes about 2/3 cup.

Serves 4.

For more information and great recipes, visit www.theamazingavocado.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: Asian Salad Dressing, Avocado Beef Salad with Asian Dressing

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(ARA) – Whether dining out or making a night of it at home, it’s easy to turn everyday meals into special treats by adding healthy, versatile and affordable options. With more than 40 years of experience, Tony Seta is one of only 61 Certified Master Chefs in the United States, an accreditation awarded by the American Culinary Federation. Now, Seta is serving up five tasty tips to makeover your next meal, at home or out on the town. 

Dining Out 
* It’s always tough to decide on a restaurant for a large group with varied tastes. Seta suggests opting for a variety of sharable appetizers and small plates to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Restaurants with communal bar tables and specialty cocktails also make a night out with friends a fun, shared feast. 

* Sticking to a diet can be a challenge when dining out, but grilled options are an easy and delicious way to savor healthy options. Enjoy leaner cuts of meat and seasonal vegetables prepared with olive oil instead of butter and layered with fresh herbs and spices to amplify taste. To bring out the best flavor with no additives, try market fresh fish seared over a wood-burning grill. Bonefish Grill, an upscale casual restaurant in 29 states around the country, specializes in wood-grilling and features an innovative menu of fresh, seasonal offerings that can be grilled to perfection and topped with a variety of original sauces. 

* The best tasting food is always based on the freshest ingredients selected at the peak of perfection and doesn’t have to be expensive or unattainable. Look for offerings that are timely and seasonal, such as Bonefish Grill’s Rockefeller topping, made with sharp, creamy spinach and succulent lump crab, served on a variety of regionally-available fish such as Arctic Charr, Dorado and Wolfish. 

Eating In 
* The old adage says drink white wine with white meat and red wine with red meat. “Out with the old, and in with the new,” says Seta. There are plenty of delicious red wines that are perfect for fish, seafood, and white meat. When there is no sommelier to guide your wine choices at home, Seta’s rule of thumb is to pair lighter red wines, such as Sangiovese, with delicate, flaky fish, while full-bodied, robust wines like Shiraz stand up against heartier, buttery seafood and shellfish. 

* Sauces and condiments can jazz up a meal and add a whole new flavor profile to salmon or chicken. Try warm Mango Salsa on top of simply grilled tilapia for a flavorful, healthy treat, or whip up Seta’s favorite – Bonefish Grill’s signature Chimichurri Sauce – for a garlicky, fresh herb kick. 

Bonefish Grill’s Chimichurri Sauce 
Ingredients: 
8 cloves garlic, minced 
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (or to taste) 
1 teaspoon oregano, dry leaves 
1 teaspoon black pepper, ground 
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 
Finely grated lemon zest from 3 lemons 
4 ounces fresh lemon juice 
1 bunch flat leaf (Italian) parsley 
1 cup virgin olive oil 

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse chop until all ingredients are approximately 1/8-inch in size. Add Italian parsley and pulse chop until parsley is 1/8-inch in size. Add the olive oil and blend in quickly. Allow the sauce to marinate for 30 minutes before serving. 

For more fresh fish and seafood inspiration, visit www.bonefishgrill.com. 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: Bonefish Grill, Chimichurri, Chimichurri Sauce, fish sauce

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Antojitos or "little cravings" are small dishes of traditional Mexican cuisine that bring Latin flavor into your kitchen.

(ARA) – Most at-home chefs have five to 10 go-to recipes for the week, leaving them in a repetitive cooking rut. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just making your way around the kitchen, exploring different cuisines and experimenting with flavors can be simple and bring fresh life and authenticity to everyday meals. One tasty cuisine with readily available ingredients that is growing in popularity in the United States is Latin cuisine.

“Latin and Mexican flavors offer rich, bold tastes, textures and possibilities,” says 2008 James Beard Award winner Chef Michelle Bernstein-Martinez, author of the new cookbook, Cuisine a Latina. “Authentic, ethnic ingredients are widely available in supermarkets, allowing any at-home chef to try something new in their meals.”

Here are a few of Bernstein-Martinez’s secrets to bringing her love of Latin and Mexican flavors to your kitchen:

Fresh, natural ingredients
The ingredients you choose for your dishes are just as important as the preparation of the food. Latin meals are known for their freshness and authenticity. To kick things up a notch, incorporate different fruits and vegetables such as plantains, limes, avocados and Spanish or yellow onions into everyday meals. Adding spices like ginger, chilies and cilantro, often used in the Latin culinary world, can add bold flavor to a dish.

One of the top and most easily accessible ingredients in Mexican cuisine is cheese, so look for natural and authentic cheeses with distinctive and full flavor, such as the El Regalo Manchego and Anejo Enchilado found in Sargento Artisan Blends Shredded Authentic Mexican Cheese.

Comfort food
Many Latin dishes offer the hearty and rich characteristics of comfort food, with a few twists and exciting flavors. Creamy polenta (corn grits) with sausage, poblano peppers stuffed with shrimp and rice and chili-spiced onion rings with Mexican cheese fondue are all rich and warm meals sure to become favorites.

Authentic antojitos
Antojitos, also known as appetizers or “little cravings,” are small dishes of traditional Mexican cuisine. Often found in Latin restaurants, these small meals are great for entertaining or offering variety during dinnertime. One antojito recipe idea is mini open-faced plantain sandwiches with grilled steak, avocado, chilies and Sargento Artisan Blends Authentic Mexican Cheese.

This recipe for Sweet Corn and Cheese Empanadas by Bernstein-Martinez is another antojito that is sweet, savory and perfect for bringing Latin flavor into your kitchen.

Sweet Corn and Cheese Empanadas
Serves 4

Ingredients
Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 pound plus 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small cubes
1/3 cup cold water
Canola oil for frying
*May substitute refrigerated or frozen pie crust dough

Filling:
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon oil
1 Spanish or yellow onion, chopped fine
4-1/2 cups (6 ears) corn, off the cob
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
1 bunch scallions, sliced thin
1 cup (4 oz.) Sargento Artisan Blends Shredded Authentic Mexican Cheese
1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 to 400 F.

2. To prepare the dough: Combine flour, salt and butter in food processor; run until it becomes a coarse meal. Add all the water and pulse until it forms a dough. Allow to rest.

3. To prepare the filling: In a saute pan on medium heat, place the butter and oil. Add the onion, cook for 3 to 4 minutes; add the corn. Cook, stirring, for about 4 minutes. Lower the heat and add sugar, salt, pepper and cream. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the scallions, parsley and cheese. Stir until all ingredients are incorporated well. Remove from heat and allow to cool in the refrigerator.

4. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface, making a circle about 1/8-inch thick. With a cookie cutter 5 inches in diameter, cut circles. Place about 1 to 1-1/2 tablespoons of the filling into the center of each circle. Moisten the exposed dough with water. Fold the empanada in half, pressing the edges firmly together and press the tines of a fork around the edge to seal.

5. Bake about 10 minutes or until golden or heat 2 inches of oil to 325 to 350 F in a large pot; fry in hot oil until golden.

For more recipes, visit Sargento.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: antojitos, corn, empanadas recipe, Latin, Latin flavors, Sweet Corn and Cheese Empanadas

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(ARA) – No matter the occasion or season, love of chocolate is universal. America’s cocoa worship continues to grow and, despite a down economy, people are treating themselves to a small luxury with premium chocolates.

Though they may skip a trip to their favorite restaurant or bakery for dessert, chocolate enthusiasts continue to look for everyday indulgences in products with the finest ingredients. In fact, U.S. chocolate sales are expected to grow to nearly $18 billion by 2011.

Often times, those who prefer premium chocolate reach for darker varieties, and have taken up using only cacao percentages to measure what makes a “better” chocolate. The percentages refer to the total amount of cocoa beans in the bar by weight. Traditionally, a higher percentage provides a more intense and less sweet flavor. What they often forget, however, is that it’s not just cacao percentages, but also the overall quality that can make the difference between a good chocolate and a great one. Milk chocolate must be at least 10 percent chocolate liquor by weight, and the current trend favors formulations that contain more than that amount, which produces more chocolate flavor and less sweetness.

Despite the attention on dark varieties, milk chocolate is Americans’ true love, accounting for 80 percent of total chocolate sales, according to the market research firm ACNielsen. Milk chocolate fans have cause to rejoice — more premium offerings are becoming available with launches of new products, including Ghirardelli LUXE milk chocolate.

With delectable all natural flavors including milk, hazelnut, almond, crisp and duet, the Ghirardelli LUXE milk chocolate collection offers satisfaction for every craving.

What should you look for in a high-quality chocolate?

* An attractive gloss — The surface of chocolate should be tight and even-colored.
* A pleasing aroma — Before even tasting it, rub the piece of chocolate with your thumb to warm and release its aroma. Milk chocolates often give off aromas of milk, cream, caramel or malt.
* The “snap” factor — It’s the first clue to texture. Milk chocolate bars have a gentler snap than dark or semi-sweet chocolate because their milk and butter fat content make them naturally softer.
* Creamy feel in your mouth — Premium chocolate should not be described as “gritty” or “waxy.”
* Flavor — It’s the ultimate criterion for quality in chocolate. Every palate is different, but don’t forget that above all, your chocolate must taste delicious!

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: Ghirardelli, Ghirardelli LUXE milk chocolate, Milk Chocolate

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From Creme Fraiche to Ricotta Cheese

(ARA) – Whether you’re looking to liven up your favorite soup, add a creamy twist to a newly-discovered dessert or lighten your grandmother’s old-fashioned pancake batter recipe, look no further than a few simple ingredients that can easily become a part of your culinary line-up.

One of these increasingly popular staples — creme fraiche made with Real California Milk offers an easy, flavorful, special touch to thicken soups, top fresh fruit, make custard creamy or give mashed potatoes more body. Creme fraiche also stays fresh for up to 12 weeks, making it a cost-effective staple to keep in your refrigerator and usable in multiple dishes.

Using creme fraiche as an added ingredient or a substitute to recipes is a surprisingly easy and inexpensive way to pep up many everyday meals, but it’s not the only secret to success. Try using these other dairy products as simple ingredient suggestions to bring out the best in your recipes:

* Fold ricotta cheese into pancake batter to make it lighter and fluffier.
* Drain low-fat yogurt through a coffee filter for a few hours and sweeten with honey for a rich-tasting, low-calorie dessert topping.
* For the most tender fried chicken, marinate overnight in buttermilk before breading.
* Use milk instead of water in bread dough for a sweeter, more tender crumb.
* To thicken sauces without lumps, knead together equal amounts of butter and flour and stir into hot sauce.
* Add a spoonful of heavy cream to scrambled eggs just before they are done to make them extra-rich and creamy.

For more tips and recipes using California dairy products like creme fraiche that carry the Real California Milk seal, check out www.RealCaliforniaMilk.com

To start discovering the unexpected with creme fraiche, try this easy recipe using California creme fraiche:

Baked Pears with Creme Fraiche

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:
3 medium pears, peeled, halved and cored
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon apple pie spice*
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup creme fraiche
2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted (optional)

Instructions:
1. Heat oven to 350 F. Place pear halves, cut side down, on cutting board. Starting about 1/2-inch from stem end, make 7 lengthwise cuts in each half, cutting to the bottom but leaving pears slices attached at the stem end. Arrange pear halves, cut side down, in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish.

2. In small saucepan, combine sugar, water, apple pie spice and vanilla. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved. Pour sugar mixture over pears.

3. Bake, covered, 40-45 minutes or until pears are tender, basting occasionally with sauce.

4. Spread two tablespoons crème fraiche onto one side of each of 6 dessert plates; spoon one tablespoon sauce from pears on the other side. With slotted spoon, place pear half in center of each plate; garnish with almonds, if desired. Serve immediately.

*To make apple spice, combine 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice and 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom.

Recipe provided by the California Milk Advisory Board and Bellwether Farms

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: almonds, apple pie spice, Baked Pears, Baked Pears with Creme Fraiche, brown sugar, Crème Fraiche, Ricotta Cheese, vanilla

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There is really nothing more delicious and delectable than milk chocolate fondue. Milk chocolate fondue, especially when used with Belgian chocolate, is perfect for any special occasion, from a birthday to a wedding. Of course one of the biggest problems here is going to be you learning where to go for this milk chocolate fondue, where you will not have to spend a fortune.

Betty Crocker

If you want top of the line fondue, then head to Betty Crocker. One of the best known names in baking of all time, Betty Crocker’s products are all top quality and also very affordable which is important. You can even purchase the chocolate and make the fondue yourself, although there are fondues already made so if you want the easiest route to getting milk chocolate fondue, these are the products you are going to want to go for.

Nestle

Another great option for fondue is Nestle. In particular they feature the Aero fondue, which basically tastes just like the Aero chocolate bar you would buy at a store. It is rich and delicious and oh so delectable, and all your guests are going to be dying to know where you got your fondue from.

Milk chocolate fondue is always delicious and a great treat to serve to guests at a special occasion.

Also keep in mind that by going with dark chocolate fondue over the milk chocolate versions, you will be receiving a plethora of wonderful health benefits. More than anything this is due to the fact that dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, which are substances that are able to fight off free radicals in the body.

If you are really strapped for cash or want to add a little personality to your fondue, never forget that there is always the option of making yours from scratch. All you need is a bit of chocolate and a warming pot, and you will be able to make as much or as little fondue as you like. Just be careful when you are melting the chocolate and make sure that you never really stop stirring it around, otherwise it will end up sticking to the pot.

This is a fun and easy recipe, one that is super enjoyable to prepare and one that anyone can make, and one that is super quick and perfect for spur of the moment events such as anniversaries, surprise parties, and gatherings of friends and family members.

Tags: Belgian Chocolate, Milk Chocolate Fondue

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We all hear about how fresh fruits and vegetables offer nutrition and how we need the vitamins and minerals in them to strive, but have you ever heard about the health benefits that chocolate offers, because many people have not. Many people are not aware of it but dark chocolate offers a lot of nutrition. Don’t get it confused with your regular milk chocolate which does not offer the same health benefits, but as long as you eat it in moderation, you will receive an array of dark chocolate nutrition.

The Difference with Dark Chocolate Nutrition

One of the biggest differences between dark chocolate and other types of chocolate is that it is rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants work to kill off free radicals in the body which are harmful molecules that are destructive to the body and which are implicated in heart disease and other ailments.

Besides this, there are also many other components to dark chocolate nutrition that you will want to be aware of. Recent studies have shown that dark chocolate – when eaten in moderation of course – offers an array of health benefits, and actually contains flavonoids similar to those found in green tea, and we all know how healthy green tea is.

It can help to decrease blood pressure, improve circulation, lower death rate from heart disease, improve function of endothelial cells that line the blood vessels, improve digestion and stimulate the kidneys, and dark chocolate has even been used to treat patients with anemia, kidney stones and poor appetite. Obviously this dark chocolate nutrition information is very interesting and makes us all feel as though we now have a reason to eat more of the stuff, but make sure that you do not go overboard. You can really only benefit from dark chocolate nutrition if you eat it in moderation.

If you start eating the stuff back like there is no limit, you are going to end up taking in tons of calories and packing on a bunch of weight. Of course eating large amounts of chocolate is going to end up causing you to gain weight, but as long as you take it in smaller quantities you will be fine and will be able to reap the benefits. Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist if you are interested in getting more information on this and if you want some tips on where to find the best, highest quality dark chocolate.

Tags: Dark Chocolate Nutrition

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Gourmet chocolate bars are the best way to celebrate events and have a tasty treat around. There are many different uses for gourmet chocolate bars including party favors, gifts, and chocolate to use in some old and new recipes. Try some gourmet chocolate bars today.

Buying Gourmet Chocolate Bars

If you are in the mood for chocolate and you want to celebrate something special, you will want to buy gourmet chocolate bars. These tasty treats are a great way to relax and unwind from a hard day at work. Gourmet chocolate bars not only taste good, but they also contain substances that are good for you. Even in dark chocolate, you will find antioxidants that help your body rid itself of free radicals. In the long run, this will keep you healthier. And not only that, but gourmet chocolate bars taste really great.

When you want to eat chocolate for health benefits, the one thing that you will want to remember is that moderation is key. In order to get all the benefits from chocolate, you will first want to limit the amount that you eat. While there are beneficial substance within chocolate, the kinds that many people eat also contains a lot of sugar, butter, and cream. These are not good for you if you eat a lot of chocolate, so remember that a serving size is probably enough chocolate each day to get the benefits without adding to your waistline.

Chocolate is best used by those who has an active lifestyle and who are not overweight or obese. A little bit of chocolate every day will help those who get out and stay active, but it will just add to the problems of those who are overweight or who do not get out and get enough exercise each day. So if you want to get the benefits, make sure you are taking care of yourself when you indulge in gourmet chocolate bars.

You can find gourmet chocolate bars in a variety of different locations, including grocery stores. Where at one time you had to make your way to a chocolate shop in order to find this great food, you can now get gourmet chocolate bars nearly everywhere that food and chocolate are sold. So why not indulge in a little gourmet chocolate tonight? You may find that it is just the thing that you need in order to relax and prepare yourself for tomorrow.

Tags: Gourmet Chocolate Bars

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Pulled Pork Appetizer

Holiday Menus

(NC)—Try making this delicious Homegrown Ontario Pulled Pork simple slow cooker recipe this holiday season and see the difference a little planning makes. Great as an appetizer served on a crostini, this savoury morsel will save you time in the kitchen while impressing your guests. More delicious appetizer recipes can be found online at homegrownontario.ca.

3-1/2 lb  Homegrown Ontario pork shoulder blade roast 1.75 kg

1/2 tsp  each, salt and pepper     2 mL

2 tbsp  canola oil     30 mL

2  onions, chopped    2

4  garlic cloves, minced    4

2 tbsp  chili powder     30 mL

2 tsp  ground coriander    10 mL

3  bay leaves     3

1/4 cup  tomato paste     50 mL

1  14 oz (425 g) can tomato sauce   1

2 tbsp  packed brown sugar    30 mL

2 tbsp  Worcestershire sauce    30 mL

2 tbsp  cider vinegar     30 mL

2  green onions, thinly sliced   2

Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat and sear pork until brown all over. Transfer to slow cooker.

In the same skillet, add onions, garlic, chili powder, coriander and bay leaves. Fry ingredients while stirring occasionally, until onions are softened, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, Worcestershire sauce and cider vinegar, scraping any brown bits from bottom of pan; bring to a boil. Pour sauce into slow cooker, cover and cook on low until pork is tender, 8 to 10 hours.

Once cooked, transfer pork to cutting board and tent with foil; let stand for 10 minutes. With two forks, shred or “pull” pork.

Meanwhile, pour liquid from slow cooker into large saucepan and skim off fat. Bring to a boil over high heat and let boil vigorously until reduced to 3 cups (750 mL), about 15 minutes. Discard bay leaves.

Add pulled pork to reduced sauce mixture and lower heat to simmer until hot, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle with green onions. Serve on crusty rolls with a green salad. For an appetizer, place pulled pork on a crostini and top with caramelized onions.

Makes 8 servings.

Per serving: 341.0 calories, 45.2 g protein, 9.7 g carbohydrates, 1.0 g dietary fibre, 324.0 mg sodium, 12.8 g fat, 2.4 g polyunsaturated fatty acids, 3.8 g saturated fatty acids, 139.6 mg cholesterol

Source: Homegrown Ontario (www.homegrownontario.ca)

- News Canada

Tags: pulled pork

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You’ve seen the chocolate bars in the stores, sold in the movie theaters and even the gas stations but have you ever thought about how they’re made? Have you ever considered making your own chocolate bars? You should. It’s a great feeling to know that you made something so delicious yourself. All you need to do is find a good chocolate candy recipe and then you can amaze your friends and family, you can give them away as gifts or you can sell them if you happen to be really good at making them. Give a chocolate candy recipe a try and finally see what it’s like to make your own candy.

Where To Find Recipes

To find chocolate candy recipes, you can pick up a candy cookbook where you’ll not only learn how to make chocolate bars but you’ll also learn how to make all types of candies. The ingredients you’ll need will be listed in the chocolate candy recipe itself and it’s very easy when you’re following the directions in these types of cook books.

The Internet

You can also search the internet for good chocolate candy recipes. Chocolate candy recipes can be found on how to websites and they can also be found in certain website forums where likeminded people share recipes, secrets and tips for all sorts of subjects. You’re bound to find someone, or a website, with a great chocolate candy recipe you’ll love to try.

Ask Your Friends And Family

It’s likely that someone you know has a good chocolate candy recipe. Ask around and see if anyone you know, your family or friends, make their own chocolate. This can be a great way to get chocolate candy recipes because you’ll know they come recommended from someone you know and trust.

Once They’re Made

It may take you a few tries to perfect the chocolate candy recipe but once you have the recipe down pat, you’ll be able to give them to your friends and family as gifts, you can just eat them yourself whenever you need a treat or you can sell them at the local church bake sale or wherever you can set up a booth and try your hand at the chocolate candy business. Another idea is to give them away at Halloween. The kids dressed in their costumes are so used to getting the usual boring candy that they’ll love the recipe you made yourself and are now giving them for trick or treat.

Tags: Chocolate Bars, Chocolate Candy Recipe

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Fondue is basically a type of dip, in which foods such as fruit are usually dipped in. It is a quick and easy recipe to make and is perfect for a variety of occasions, everything from birthdays and Christmas parties to weddings and anniversaries. Everyone loves chocolate, and fondue is always a huge hit, no matter where you are or what you are doing it is always going to get a round of applause.

Perhaps you have not heard of the milk free chocolate that is out there, but know that it does exist. This is great news to many people, especially those who are lactose intolerant and who are not able to eat the majority of chocolate because it contains milk.

Milk free chocolate is out there, but there are a limited number of companies and chocolateers that offer it. Here are a few that you will want to check out for the best selections of milk free chocolate.

Goodness Direct

This is a real top of the line store, one that offers an array of different chocolate and chocolate-based items. They specialize in the alternative chocolate products, such as milk free chocolate, to ensure that everyone gets to taste delicious chocolate, no matter what foods they are unable to eat.

Just a few of the many products they offer includes the Cavalier Belgian dark chocolate bar, Cavalier milk chocolate tablet, Cavalier Woodies Belgian orange chocolate, Conscious chocolate best ever chilli hot, Divine Fairtrade milk chocolate bar, and the Divine white chocolate.

Artisanal Organics

Another company offering milk free chocolate products is Artisanal Organics. They ensure that all of their products are organic and made of the best quality, so that consumers can always rest assured knowing that they are getting the best of the best, each and every time.

There is even no milk chocolate fondue that you can purchase as well, so you can experience the delicious, delectable taste of fondue even if you are lactose intolerant.

Dark Chocolate Too?

If you love dark chocolate for the numerous health benefits that it offers, then you should know that there are also milk free options available here as well. Just make sure that you read the ingredients label before eating any chocolate product, dark chocolate or other, to ensure that you know exactly what is contained in the chocolate and whether or not you are going to have an adverse reaction to it.

Tags: Milk Chocolate Fondue, Milk Free Chocolate

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Dark chocolate is the best type of chocolate that you can eat. Not only because it is so delectable and delicious, but also because it offers an array of different health benefits. Dark chocolate nutrition is a very important issue to be aware of. Believe it or not, as long as it is eaten in moderation it can do everything from lower your blood pressure to stimulate blood flow. If you are interested in finding a dark chocolate gift to give to a loved one for that special occasion, there are a few places in particular that you are going to want to check out.

Online Gift Baskets

For an extravagant dark chocolate gift, the Online Gift Baskets store is perfect. Here you will find an array of different dark chocolate products to choose from, including bars and truffles. They also feature recipes that you can choose to make on your own, if you want to create your own dark chocolate gift for that special somebody.

The Sweet Basket

This is one of the best companies you can visit if you are interested in getting a luxurious, delectable dark chocolate gift. Their rich chocolate gift baskets include only the finest gourmet products from Godiva Chocolatier, Ghirardelli, Guylian Belgian chocolate, Lindt and Saxon chocolates, and more.

You can browse their online catalogue or download their corporate brochure to check out their vast and comprehensive selection of gourmet chocolates. They have 9000 square feet of corporate showroom, offices and production facilities, and take their chocolatiering business very seriously.

They should definitely be at the top of your list if you are looking for dark chocolate, or any type of gift baskets such as balloon bouquets, coffee and tea baskets, Christmas baskets, corporate gift baskets, Father’s Day gift baskets, get well soon gift baskets, Godiva gift baskets, gourmet baskets, healthy choice baskets, just because baskets, gifts for him, or gifts for her.

Obviously as you can see from this, finding a dark chocolate gift is certainly not hard, but it can be difficult to find just the products you are looking for and for a price that you can afford. You may even want to tell the person when you are giving them the gift about all the different health benefits that dark chocolate offers, because most likely they are not aware of it. This is even more reason to give out dark chocolate as a great gift for any occasion.

Tags: Dark Chocolate Gift

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Custom chocolate bars have everything that you need – a way to give a special gift, a way to promote a business, and a way to give back to the community the type of special feeling that you get when something sweet is shared. If you have a business, organization, or party to promote, you will want to check out custom chocolate bars. They are a great, tasty promotional tool that will easily get people’s attention. And that is what you need in order to have a successful way to advertise.

Chocolate Gifts

If you want to make a child’s birthday party special, you can get custom chocolate bars as party favors. These will go over well with children and parents alike. You can get the chocolate customized in many different ways, including the child’s name or some special design that fits into the theme of the party. Since you will be ordering a small amount of gourmet chocolate bars, the cost may be a little higher than your expect, but still worth it in order to make your child’s birthday party special for them as well as the other children that attend.

You can also use custom chocolate bars to promote your business or organization. If you plan to promote a business at a town fair or other type of special event, you will easily be able to buy enough custom chocolate bars in bulk so that you are only paying pennies per bar. And this advertising will give you the returns that you will want from using custom chocolate bars as a promotional tool.

An organization can greatly benefit from the use of custom chocolate bars as a giveaway. An organization can give away custom chocolate bars that have the organization’s information and logo on it and give them away when someone donates money or other things that are needed to the organization. This is a great way to build a base of people that are willing to give their time or money to an organization that is doing good deeds. This is a small cost to pay in order to get people to notice your organization and see the good that it is doing for the community or for other communities around the world that you may be helping.

Custom chocolate bars are great ways to have someone notice anything from an organization to a business, or just to make them feel special about themselves. Use them in your own advertising and party planning and see what happens.

Tags: Custom Chocolate Bars

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Are you dying to get someone you care for something special but you don’t know what to get? Flowers can be a little too formal and they can be expensive, especially if you go with an entire arrangement. Why not, then, try a chocolate candy gift? A chocolate candy gift will give someone the feeling that you were thinking of them, they’re inexpensive, they’ll definitely be enjoyed more than flowers since they can be eaten and they are just the perfect inexpensive gift for that person you care about.

Holidays

There are many holidays when it’s great to give a chocolate candy gift. Valentine’s Day is the obvious one. On Valentine’s Day, it’s very common to give heart shaped candy boxes, candy bars and other chocolate candy gifts. However, Christmas, Easter and most other holidays, it’s pretty normal to give chocolate candy gifts. Every holiday, the candy companies create marketing campaigns for their chocolates and candies and tailor them to fit the holiday. If you don’t know what to get someone for a holiday gift, a chocolate candy gift will always satisfy.

Add A Personal Touch

If you want to add a personal touch to your chocolate candy gift, you can always go to one of those candy stores and have the person’s name put on the candy gift. They can do this with a different colored chocolate, such as white chocolate on dark chocolate, or you can just put their name on a card on the gift box. You can make chocolate candy gifts yourself as well. All you need is a good chocolate candy recipe and then you can make that special person a gift they’ll absolutely love. It doesn’t matter if there’s a special occasion or not, giving someone the gift of chocolate shows that you were thinking about them and it shows that you care. Everyone loves chocolate and when they eat the chocolate candy gift, they’ll think of you. The thoughts of you mixed with the delicious taste of the chocolate will ensure that you remain in their minds for a long time.

So whether you buy the chocolate candy gift just as it’s sold in the store or you make your own gift using a good recipe, the gift of chocolate is inexpensive, it’s special, it tastes great and it makes the perfect gift for any occasion. So go out and show that special someone you care by giving them a gift they can really sink their teeth into…literally.

Tags: Chocolate Candy Gift, Chocolate Candy Recipe

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Deciding on the best chocolate fudge is not easy to do.  There are so many great local fudge makers out there that you or I will never have a chance to try.  Naming someone as having the best chocolate fudge without tasting these is a bit hollow, but in the interest of those out there trying to find new fudge to try I will try to pick one to the best of my ability.  Personally I think that my fathers fudge is the best chocolate fudge you can get, but since you have no chance of every trying that I will have to pick a fudge that everyone can get.

Deciding on the Best Chocolate Fudge

There are several criteria to being considered as the world’s best chocolate fudge.  The first is the chocolate flavor.  The fudge must have a strong chocolate flavor to it, but it can not be too overpowering.  Strong enough to give you a true taste of chocolate without being so bitter that it burns is the key to great chocolate fudge.  This careful balance is very difficult to achieve and in order to be considered the world’s best chocolate fudge you have to do this perfectly.

Next up is texture.  The texture of the fudge should be smooth and silky, not at all chalky or rough.  It should hold its shape and stand up to heat well without falling apart.  It should not be waxy, but rather creamy and smooth.  This is very difficult to achieve especially for commercial fudge.  For the chocolate be able to hold up and have a solid consistent texture through shipping is not something that every fudge maker can do.  There are many types of fudge that taste and feel great right after they are made, but quickly lose this if left to sit.

Lastly to be a contender for best chocolate fudge a chocolate fudge must be simply that.  No nuts, caramel, vanilla flavoring, or any other additive for this title.  While this will eliminate some truly great confections, it is needed to weed out what is the best chocolate fudge.  Best fudge might have some wiggle room for these things, but not best chocolate fudge.

The best chocolate fudge that meets these criteria that I have ever had is One World Fudge.  Their fudge is simply amazing and has all the qualities of a truly great fudge.  Take some time to try some and you will not be disappointed.

Tags: Best Chocolate Fudge

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The sugar-free Belgian chocolate tastes very much like chocolate with sugar. The sweetening is done with maltitol, which is an approved ingredient by Whole Foods Grocery Stores. These stores do not permit the use of preservatives or artificial flavors in any of their foods.

Ingredients

Hence the ingredients of any sugar-free Belgian chocolate will be whole milk powder, maltitol, bittersweet chocolate, cocoa butter, whey powder, emulsifier, soya lecithin, natural vanilla, organic cream, fine liquors and natural flavors. One can barely taste the difference between the truffles that has sugar and the one that is sugar-free.

If the sugar-free Belgian chocolate is being given to a diabetic, one should check with the doctor to see whether maltitol is an approved substance for that person. The FDA can claim that a food substance is safe, but cannot claim that it is safe for a particular type of illness; hence the doctor should be consulted.

With Nuts

Every sugar-free Belgian chocolate especially the truffle is handmade and has an assortment of milk and dark chocolate. There are no preservatives and waxes at all, which are found in other chocolates. Besides, there are delicious handmade sugar-free Belgian chocolates available with assorted nuts. These could be an ideal treat for diabetics or any low sugar dieters. The nuts used are macadamia, cashew, peanut, walnut, pecan, hazelnut and almonds.

There is a twenty-five-piece assortment of sugar-free Belgian chocolate with nuts. The basic chocolate is in three varieties: milk, dark and white Belgian chocolate. All types of nuts are included in this package and then it is an ideal gift for the die-hard nut lover.

Health Benefits

As maltitol is used to make the sugar-free Belgian chocolate sweet, it is beneficial for diabetic individuals. Maltitol is a corn-based sweetener and it tastes, functions and gives food the same value which sugar does. It is also beneficial for all those who eat low carbohydrate diets. And it also prevents tooth decay. So, anybody who needs to cut down on sugar can taste this sugar-free Belgian chocolate.

Another great advantage of a sugar-free Belgian chocolate is that it has a low amount of calories. Also, these chocolates can be compared to green tea and red wine which contain more antioxidants. Antioxidants help in the prevention of stroke, cancer and heart diseases.

Along with antioxidants, sugar free Belgian chocolates may also contain flayonoids which can prevent allergic reactions, fight off viruses, and prevent inflammation and an abnormal increase in platelets.

In this way the diabetic and the health conscious can get a taste of the best chocolate in the world without their health being affected. Nothing should stop them any more to take a bite of a sugar-free Belgian chocolate because many dangers have been eliminated with it.

Tags: Sugar-Free Belgian Chocolate

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Whether you are planning to use milk chocolate or milk free chocolate, there are some terrific milk chocolate truffles recipes available that you can use to make the most delectable, delicious chocolate truffles you have ever tasted.

Amaretto Truffles

This milk chocolate truffles recipe for Amaretto truffles is nothing less than perfection. For it you will need 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate chopped, 1/3 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon Amaretto, 4 ounces milk chocolate, and some unsweetened cocoa.

The preparation process for these milk chocolate truffles is quite simple. You start by placing the chocolate for the milk chocolate truffles in a stainless steel bowl, and then you want to combine the cream and the butter together in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Pour this over the chocolate, and then add the Amaretto and stir until the mixture is smooth.

The next step is for you to chill the mixture in the refrigerator for a couple of hours, or until it has set. Now you take the chilled mixture and shape it into separate 1-inch balls, rolling them with the palms of your hands and put them evenly spaced apart on wax paper. Chill again for about an hour, and then melt the milk chocolate and drip the chocolate balls onto the chocolate and roll each in cocoa.

Again you want to refrigerate, this time for about two to three hours, and then you can store the truffles in an airtight container and they will last for weeks, longer if you freeze them.

Choco-Cherry Truffles

This is another milk chocolate truffles recipe that is quite popular. For it you need 12 ounces semisweet chocolate, 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, ¼ teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons cherry-flavored liqueur, ¼ chopped nuts, ½ cup maraschino cherries, 12 ounces premium white chocolate baking bars, 2 teaspoons vegetable oil, and assorted colored sprinkles.

To prepare, you start by heating all the chocolate, milk and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Make sure that you are always stirring, and then remove this from the heat. Add the liqueur, nuts and cherries. Refrigerate for several hours, scoop out tablespoons of the mixture and roll into separate balls between the palms of your hands, then place on waxed paper.

Melt white chocolate with oil in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly again, and then let stand until it is cool to the touch. Now you want to start dipping the balls into this mixture, and transfer back to waxed paper and let dry.

Tags: Milk Chocolate Truffles, Milk Free Chocolate

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In today’s world, where it seems as though we are all seriously concerned about the weight issue, whenever we are eating anything we tend to think about how healthy or unhealthy it is for us. The same goes for when we are eating chocolate, and you may find that if you are eating a dark chocolate gift such as a dark chocolate bar that you are wondering how many dark chocolate calories are in it.

If you are in fact thinking about dark chocolate calories and wondering how many are in the product you are eating, it is very simple to find out just how many dark chocolate calories are contained in it. All you need to do to find out how many dark chocolate calories are in the product is to check the label. This nutrition label will offer all of the important health information to you, including how many calories, how much fat, and how much sugar is in the product.

Does the Number of Calories Change?

The number of calories will absolutely change, depending on which and what size of product you are eating. The type of chocolate that the product is made of will also have an affect here, and so if you are trying to be very health conscious you are going to want to make sure that you stick to dark chocolate and no other type.

This is because dark chocolate, unlike other types of chocolate, offers many health benefits. Dark chocolate has been shown to lower blood pressure for one, and also it is rich with antioxidants which eliminate free radicals, the harmful molecules thought to cause heart disease.

Just keep in mind that there are still dark chocolate calories, just as there are calories with any other sort of chocolate, and so although you are offered health benefits you can definitely go overboard and eat too much. If you eat too much chocolate you will probably end up gaining a bunch of weight because chocolate contains a ton of calories and is full of sugar, although you can find dark chocolate products that are sugar free and sweetened with Splenda or a similar product.

Just make sure that you take your time, make sure that you get the best chocolate, and then eat it in moderation. Just be sensible, stick to eating a few pieces of the dark chocolate a couple of times a week for instance, and you will be fine and will be able to reap all of the benefits offered.

Tags: Dark Chocolate Calories

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A big chocolate bar is something that people will really respond to. In order to best use the attraction of a big chocolate bar for your advertising needs, you can create custom chocolate bars that bare the logo or brand of your company. This way, you can advertise and attract customers like never before.

A Simple Way to Advertise

Although it may not work for all companies and businesses, giving out a big chocolate bar as an advertising strategy is one way to attract more customers. You can easily spend thousands of dollars a year on conventional advertising strategies with little success of bringing in the business that you need. But, if you have your company passing out a big chocolate bar that bares the name of your company on it, you might find that this will attract more attention to your company. The best way to utilize this strategy is a festivals and events where a lot of people will be gathering together.

You can get a big chocolate bar customized to bare the logo and brand name of your company on either the chocolate itself, or on the outer wrapper. These custom bars will be a big hit with people and even children. This is a great way to advertise to many different people all at once. Once you find all the customers that you need, you will be able to have good business throughout the year. This is just one way that a small town business can succeed and also give appreciation to people that are already your customers.

Since many people would love a big chocolate bar, you can also use it in other ways to promote your business. Depending on the type of business that you run, you can give it away at promotions, as an incentive for services, or any other ways that you can think of to use this promotional tool.

The cost of the chocolate bars is relatively low if you plan on using this as one of your big advertising campaigns. You can get the bars in bulk and be able to pay just pennies per bar. This will work out well especially if you have drawn a lot of new customers from the promotion. If you take the time to think about it, this could be the promotion that your business is looking for so that you will be bringing in new customers and keeping a good image in the community.

Tags: Big Chocolate Bar

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