Apples, caramel, and chocolate.......what a combination. Take a sweet, tart, Granny Smith apple, insert a holder, add caramel and chocolate, Viola, a chocolate caramel apple. This makes a remarkable treat. A sweet confection on a stick that is so good for you!
Apples have phytochemicals (that can act as antioxidants) that may fight some cancers, help cholesterol and can promote healthy lungs. Apples are low in calories, fat free, sodium free, and even caffeine free.
Americans eat approximately 19.6 pounds (about 65) of fresh apples every year; and about 12 pounds of chocolate.......so why not add some soft, chewy, caramel to that combo? Apples and chocolate (remember endorphins) are good for you! An apple a day......good, sweet and healthy!
Remember....
October is National Caramel Month
October is National Apple Month
October 16 is National Boss Day
October 21 is Sweetest Day
October 22 is Mother-in-Law Day
October 28 is National Chocolate Day
October 31 is Halloween
October 31 is National Caramel Apple Day
Some studies suggest that Dark Chocolate may have some health benefits. Dark chocolate has a high cocoa content, and the darker the better for you, so they say!Some people may think it is “junk food”. Lets look at some of the information that is available about dark chocolate:~a cocoa bean has more than 600 components; 230 of those have potential health benefits~clinic tests show polyphenols improve cardio-vascular health and mental function, also it may counteract the effects of aging~it is a rich source of flavonoids epicatechin and gallic acid which possess cardio protective properties~some studies observed a reduction in blood pressure~LDL cholesterol levels may be lowered~regular consumption may increase the blood flow in hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women, and may reduce the formation of clots~rich, dark chocolate contains as much fiber as an apple~is a low glycemic treat (means it releases the sugar slowly)~has essential trace elements, also magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium and vitamins A, B1, C, D and E~eating chocolate releases endorphins in the brain, which may act as pain relievers
Does this sound like “junk food”? I think NOT! Awaken your senses!! Immerse yourself in the sweet satisfaction that when you eat dark chocolate you are eating healthier. Remember the apple......take a look at this one “Dark Chocolate Delight”. Approximately 2 pounds of healthy eating, well almost!
Unbelievably, smooth, rich flavored centers coated in a delicious gourmet chocolate blend. Delight your taste buds, with this wonderful chocolate experience. Meltaways are so decadent, they will surprise you! The creamy centers simply will melt in your mouth! Try some today, as you "meltaway" the last days of summer.
Remember....
September 4th is Labor Day
September 10th is Grandparents Day
September 13th is International Chocolate Day
September 22nd is National White Chocolate Day
Yea, right!
Once upon a time.....money did grow on trees. (Well sort of!!) On the cacao trees. Cocoa beans were used as currency by Mayan and Aztec civilizations over 1400 years ago.
According to history, 100 cocoa beans would buy a slave, 10 cocoa beans bought the services of a prostitute, 4 cocoa beans would buy a rabbit dinner. Some just exchanged their cocoa beans for gold. When they had too much money to spend, they brewed the excess into hot chocolate drinks.
In Spain around 1625, 200 small cocoa beans were valued at 1 Spanish real or 4 cents.
So money did grow on trees!! Today we spend our money on the chocolate, and forget about beans.
Some steps to making chocolate are fermenting and drying, cleaning, sorting and roasting, winnowing, grinding, pressing, conching, tempering and the tasting.Oh Yes! Everyone’s favorite thing to do...tasting or eating the chocolate. Candy and especially chocolate makes any day an occasion. Chocolate has been used for celebrations for thousands of years.Enjoy some luscious, creamy, sweet, rich gourmet chocolate right now. Be a happier person....eat more chocolate.
More chocolate, you need more chocolate to make it through this summer’s hot, hot heat!! Rich, smooth, creamy decadent chocolate and fudge together. This is an unbelievable happening. It will give you energy, refresh your taste buds and satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Fudge, an all time favorite and three kinds of chocolate added in, yes three, WOW!! Don’t let the summers heat deprive you of your chocolate delights. You love chocolate, you need more chocolate and who doesn’t love fudge.
Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate a cool sensory indulgence for summer. Enjoy!!Remember.....
August 4th is National Chocolate Chip Day
August 10th is S'mores Day
August 14th - 18th is National Friendship Week
August 30th is National Toasted Marshmallow Day
In 1519 Cortez discovered that Emperor Montezuma was a chocoholic. He had more cocoa beans than anybody else at that time. Montezuma drank nothing but chocolate, especially before entering his harem. His belief was that the concoction of chocolate was a powerful aphrodisiac.
His theory has some truth and merit to it. Chocolate does contain a natural substance that can stimulate the same reaction in the body as when you are falling in love. We believe the whole world needs to eat much, much more chocolate. Think how wonderful everything could be if everyone loved everyone else!! Eat more chocolate. We might even have world peace.
Chocolate candy does not contribute a large percentage of the fat and sugar in the American diet. In fact, less than two percent of the fat and ten percent of the sugar in our diets are supplied by any candy.
Are you a connoisseur of chocolate? You may prefer dark chocolate to white chocolate. Chocolate tasting is a lot like tasting wine. You have your favorites, but you move beyond that. You develop a appreciation for each chocolates strength by applying all your senses. Enjoy!!
Chocolate is the most commonly craved food in North America. 40% of American women and 15% of American men are "chocoholics".
Chocolate can be an alternative to cupids arrow, or help it out!!!
