New Kind of Chocolate to Help with PMS Problems

Chocolate is craved by women! When women are premenstrual the cravings are even stronger. Most would say chocolate is essential around this time, for everyone’s sanity.

Some chocolate manufacturers are adding natural botanicals to alleviate or soothe the symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Most boyfriends, husbands, and even some friends would say if it works, it would be fantastic!

Kwanzaa

In 1966 a African-American holiday, "Kwanzaa", was created by a California professor, Dr. Maulana Karenga. Kwanzaa is not religious, political; or is it a substitute for Christmas.

Kwanzaa is celebrated for seven days, December 26 to January 1. And the name "Kwanzaa" comes from a Swahili phrase which means "first of the harvest". It celebrates family, community responsibility, self-improvement, commerce and culture.

Seven candles are placed in a candle holder (Kinara) which is set on a mat made of straw, with an ear of corn for each child in that family. The candle holder has three green candles on the left, three red candles on the right and a black candle in the center. One candle is lit each day of celebration beginning from left to right.

Merry Christmas!!

Happy Holidays, Season’s Greetings, Celebrate the Season, Holiday Greetings, Joyeux Noel, Frohe Weihnachten, Mele Kalikimaka, Feliz Navidad, Christmas Wishes, Joy To The World, Happy Christmas, Buon Natale, and Season’s Eatings!!

Christmas Traditions

Christmas is a time for families and friends to celebrate and enjoy the warmth of home, and to have fun. Children look forward to all the gifts under the tree, and will always promise to be good. Adults look forward to the planning, preparing and consuming lots of good food. And probably the wonderful exchange of gifts.

The more common traditions we know are: Santa Claus, decorating, ornaments, singing carolers, sleigh rides, stars, cutting your own Christmas trees, large holiday meals, wreaths, Christmas fudge, poinsettias, candy canes, Rudolph, Christmas cookies, stockings, Christmas candy, and gift exchanges.

Christmas celebrations vary greatly in different regions of the United States; because of the variety of nationalities that have moved into these regions. Some shoot off firearms or fireworks, some places Santa arrives by boat and the people eat outside, some place stars on mountains, others have parades, Santa helps hand out presents and in Washington D.C. the president pushes a button and turns on the lights of a huge Christmas tree. Christmas traditions are enjoyed wherever you are!

Merry Christmas!

Singing Christmas Songs or Christmas Carols

Do you sing Christmas songs of Christmas carols? Do you know what the difference between the two? A Christmas carol has a rapid, regular beat, with simple and straight forward rhythms and can be sung by a choir or small group. Christmas songs have a much more complex compositions.

But either, a song or a carol can bring back many fond childhood memories. They spread the tidings of Christmas, they gather families and friends together, and make everyone feel the Christmas spirit and spread joy.

Some favorites are: Jingle Bells, Here Comes Santa Claus, White Christmas, A Holly Jolly Christmas, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. But the most famous Christmas carol is "Silent Night".

A Red-Nosed Reindeer – Named Rudolph

We all know the story and the song; but do you know where it originated? It was created for an appreciation gift to customers of a well known department store. In 1939, an employee of the Montgomery Ward stores created a book called: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The store handed out 2.4 million copies that year to their customers. And by 1946 over 6 million copies had been given away.

A song writer Johnny Marks wrote lyrics and melody for the song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and a phenomenon was born. In 1949 Gene Autry recorded the song, and it sold 2 million copies that year. Everyone, children and adults alike sing this song at Christmas. It is a true favorite and puts a smile on all of our faces!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer song became one of the best selling songs, second only to Bing Crosby’s "White Christmas". A 1964 television special about Rudolph still remains a holiday favorite to this day. Whenever you think of Christmas you think of Rudolph with his nose so bright!

Do You Need Christmas HELP?

Need help with your holiday activities....letters to Santa, games, recipes, stories or puzzles. Try : http://www.northpole.com/

For parents, kids, and teachers. Free things to do to occupy the time until Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas!!

Decorating Christmas Trees and Hanging Stockings

The Christmas tree is a family’s center of attention for holiday celebrations. The scent of fresh cut Christmas trees are enjoyed by 25 to 30 million Americans, every year. There are over 600 different kinds of Christmas trees, but most of us only choose between fir, spruce and pine.

Some trees are decorated with strings of blinking lights, stars, ornaments, garlands, tinsel, bows, bells, your special family collectibles, popcorn, candy canes, baubles, beads, angels or snowflakes. The kind of tree and decorations depend on where you live, or what theme you have chosen for that year. Some unique themes are military, Victorian, western, children’s toys, a favorite sport or team, music, or even a certain business theme.

Stockings resemble the shape of an empty sock or a sock shaped bag. They can be any color and can be made from any type of material. Christmas stockings are filled with candy, fruit, chocolate coins and small toys; or it could be a lump of coal if the child has been naughty!! Some stockings have a name at the top, (so Santa knows which stocking gets the lump of coal). The fireplace mantel is the usual place for hanging stockings; but they can be hung almost anywhere!

We all remember: "The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there!"

Holiday Chocolates

Many holiday celebrations are not complete without candy and the candy of choice is usually chocolate. Chocolate candy is for all holidays; Valentine’s, Easter, Mother’s Day, Halloween, Father’s Day, and of course Christmas.

Some people use holiday chocolates for parties, decorating, gift giving and even snacking! Nothing compares to chocolates freshness, richness, and allure of the smooth, velvety sweet delights.

When you give holiday chocolates, you give a gift of sophistication.

Sending Greetings with Christmas Cards

Today, Christmas cards can be purchased in all shapes and sizes. The most popular are the old fashioned and nostalgic cards. The sending of Christmas cards began in 1843. These cards were produced in England, and for more than 30 years Americans had to import them. Now, millions of cards are produced each year in the United States.

An average family in America will mail out about 20 Christmas cards each year; and may receive that many cards back. Some write a Christmas letter, to inform everyone of what they have done over the past year. Also, sending electronic Christmas cards is a fast growing trend.

Seasons Greetings!!

The Christmas Plant - Poinsettias

This holiday plant was named after Joel R. Poinsett, who was a U.S. ambassador to Mexico. The native Mexican plant was brought to America in 1828.

Poinsettias represent over 85% of the potted plant sales during the Christmas holiday season. California is the top poinsettia producing state, with the Paul Ecke Ranch in Encinitas, CA growing 70% of the poinsettias sold in the United States.

There are over 100 varieties available. Most Americans prefer the flaming red poinsettias. Some other colors available are: white, pink, yellow, red marbled, deep pink, salmon orange, pale green and coral.

Candy Canes- Old and New

These sweet holiday candies; once called "candy crooks" were invented during the 17th century. The canes were made by hand and only were white in color. The canes were used to decorate Christmas trees and help keep small children quiet during ceremonies. In 1950 a machine was invented to automate the candy production. Candy canes increased in popularity and are still a favorite holiday treat and decoration today.

Today candy canes are available in many different shapes, colors (they usually reflect the canes flavors), sizes (between 2 and 12 inches in length) and flavors. The flavors number many. Some flavors of today are; pineapple, chocolate mint, mixed berry, watermelon, butterscotch, caramel corn, wintergreen, cinnamon, pina colada, tutti fruiti, cappuccino, coconut, blueberry, peppermint, green apple, orange, strawberry, cherry, bubble gum, and raspberry.

Each year 1.76 billion candy canes are made. That is enough candy canes to stretch from Santa Clause, IN to North Pole, AK and back again 32 times.

Do You Celebrate Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is a widely celebrated American Jewish holiday. The celebration includes food, exchange of gifts, playing the dreidel game, and lighting of the Menorah, that is filled with brightly colored candles.

The Menorah is a candle stand that has nine branches. It holds eight candles, one for each night of Hanukkah, plus a shammus (servant) candle at a different height. Each evening, one candle is lit, from right to left, with a special blessing. The dreidel game, that is played with a square top is also a tradition. Most play for pennies, matchsticks, m&ms or chocolate coins.

The traditional foods are fried or baked in oil; such as potato pancakes, or a jelly filled doughnuts. Dairy products and especially cheese is another Hanukkah tradition.

The Jewish festival is celebrated on eight consecutive days. It is also known as the Festival of Lights, Feast of the Maccabees and Feast of Dedication.

Need a Gift?

Chocolate is a great gift for the holidays; and is the single most craved food item in the United States! Everyone loves chocolate and appreciates receiving it.

But really any day could be a holiday; a birthday, a wedding day, Christmas, a romantic day, New Years Day, a promotion, a party, an engagement, a graduation, a house warming, a baby, an adoption, Hanukkah, Mother’s Day, Easter, Father’s Day, Valentine’s, today or even tomorrow.

Mistletoe - What Do You Believe?

Mistletoe is a plant that has no roots and yet it stays green during the cold winter months; and is revered and believed to have magical healing powers. (Some people feel that way about chocolate.)

The Celtics used mistletoe as an antidote for infertility, poison, and to ward off evil spirits. The Romans saw the mistletoe as a symbol of peace. Scandinavians associated it with their goddess of love. (Chocolate is also known as "food of the gods".)

It is said that if you kiss under the mistletoe you have happiness and good luck for a year. I say bring on the mistletoe; and the chocolate!

Why Do We Give Gifts?

A gift is something we give to someone without expecting something in return. We give gifts for a birthday, for love, for gratitude or any celebration. The kind of gift you give may be something someone especially likes, a charitable donation, a re-gift (something that is unwanted, that was previously given to the giver) or even a virtual gift.

Chocolates are a sophisticated gift, they are always appropriate and appreciated. Chocolates can be given along with flowers, or diamonds, or even cash, which all are also appreciated. Gifts such as these are given to see the smiles on the someone’s face.

There is a gift that should put a smile on anyone’s face. It is called "The Frrrozen Haute Chocolate", and was created by Serendipity 3, in New York. This dessert, is one cup of haute chocolate and has been declared the most expensive dessert in the world; at $25,000 per serving. It features a slushy mix of cocoas from 14 countries, milk, and 24-carat edible gold, shavings from a La Madeline au Truffle, and is topped with whipped cream. They serve it in a goblet with a band of gold, that is decorated with 1-carat of diamonds.

You eat this wonder with a golden spoon; which diners may take home with them when they finish the dessert, and after paying the check!

For whatever reason for giving a gift; make the gift a memorable one. Give a gift that makes you and the one you give it to happy!!

Eating To Much on Turkey Day!

After having two or three average servings of turkey and all the trimmings, go for a walk, play a game, get some exercise; help all that food to digest. Yes, exercise, we all know the worst thing you can do is sit down; and then, right away you will fall asleep. Trust me; you will not feel better for two or three days (or even longer, if you are the host; and there are leftovers).

Things you could do; if you don't want to over eat:
*Eat breakfast, don’t starve yourself while waiting for the BIG meal.
*Drink lots of water before you indulge in the Thanksgiving Feast.
*Eat only 3/4 of the food on your plate, and no second helpings. (Right!)

Remember; this is the first big holiday meal, and many more are to come before the end of the year. Yes, yes!!

Let’s Give Thanks

On Thanksgiving day we offer thanks, we gather friends and family together to EAT! It is the time for all the turkey, stuffing, vegetables, hot rolls, cranberries, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, apple pie, or even pumpkin cheesecake that we can possibly eat. Also it is time to watch Macy’s Parade and the football games.

Remember the Mayflower, and the first Thanksgiving? The Pilgrims at Plymouth feasting with the Indians in1621? Their celebration lasted three days!! We really shouldn’t mess with that custom, should we! Let’s embrace it; and enjoy, the family, friends, football, giant balloons, and the food for as many days as we can.

We need to be thankful; for everything life offers us, and that we didn’t have a heart attack after stuffing ourselves all day.
Happy Thanksgiving!!

Eat Fruits and Vegetables or Chocolate?

What a choice! You really don’t need to choose. You can enjoy the goodness of your favorite fruits and vegetables and the delectable taste of rich chocolate. They have catechins in them that are good for you and help make you eat healthier.

Catechins are found in cocoa beans; (the main ingredient of chocolate) and can help protect your body against some degenerative diseases.

Fruits, vegetables, red wine and green tea also contain catechins. Your body needs as many different types as possible. A good reason to eat all your fruits and vegetables; drink your tea and have your chocolate every day too! This way you can eat it all and feel good too!!

Better Health With Dark Chocolate

American’s favorite confection may have significant health benefits with only eating one ounce a day, researchers say .
But; not all chocolates are created equal. Dark chocolate has more flavoniods than are in blueberries, black tea, red wine and green tea. These flavoniods can improve circulation and lower blood pressure. A little dark chocolate is very good for you; but nutritionist and researchers say; "a lot is not always better."
Dark chocolate is a good choice for better health, although the favorite of most has always been milk chocolate.

Do You Know What You Are Eating; Is It Chocolate?

If you are a chocolate lover, you should pay attention to this startling information.
The Food and Drug Administration has received a citizen petition calling for modernization of food standards of identity; some of the proposed changes would impact chocolate; and this would change chocolate as we all know it.
The only way you will be able to tell if your chocolate is "chocolate" is to read the nutritional label on each product. That label should list all of the ingredients that were put into that product. The important item you will need to look for would be cocoa butter, (which is extracted from the cocoa beans and makes chocolate smooth and flavorful) or some kind of vegetable fat. You want to see cocoa butter listed, not the vegetable fat!!
I am elated that it will be years before the final changes are made, if at all.

Is Chocolate Good For You?

Chocolate’s nutritional content varies. But most chocolates contain:

Protein - for cell maintenance and repair
Fat - 30% (cocoa butter)
Vitamin E - essential for cell membranes
Calcium, Phosphorus and Magnesium - for strong bones and teeth
Iron - needed to form hemoglobin (has more than beef liver)
Caffeine and Theobromine - these are nervous system stimulants
Copper - assist iron metabolism, for hair, skin and central nervous system
Sugars - 50%
Flavonoids - antioxidant phytochemicals

As you can see rich, creamy chocolate is good for all of us, and nutritionists say the darker the better! But as with almost everything, in moderation.

What Chocolates Are!

Chocolates are many things to many people. Chocolates are "satisfying", "heaven sent", "a friend", or even "a chocolate lovers dream". Chocolates also would proudly display your affection or appreciation to anyone that you give them to.
Most all kinds of chocolates are craved by men and women alike. The endorphins in chocolates make you feel good. You crave gourmet chocolate; and you imagine what the smooth, creamy dark chocolate inside and out of a gourmet chocolate mousse truffle, would taste like. Or possibly the thought of the heat of spicy ancho chilies, the dark chocolate ganache, and the dark chocolate covering of a mexican heat truffle. Satisfy a craving with chocolate and feel good; sounds good to me.
Chocolates are what you want them to be; make your world a better place (remember the endorphins). But I feel sharing chocolates would be optional!!

Do You Eat Terrapins?

Most people don’t know what a terrapin is, so they wouldn’t know if they eat them or not. But I know and I do eat them! To add to all the confusion; there is a terrapin beer company, a terrapin restaurant, a terrapin salad, a terrapin athletic team, a terrapin guitar, and even a turtle living in water, called a terrapin.
But to a chocolate lover a terrapin is a irresistible and delicious piece of chewy, crunchy candy, with chocolate. The name comes from the appearance; a terrapin looks somewhat like a turtle; you know, four legs, a head and a rounded shell. They are called different names in different parts of the country. Terrapins can also be called snappers, fiddlers, chewy crunchers, pixies, turtles, tootles and tortoises.
Terrapins of the chocolate variety always includes roasted nuts, chewy caramel and the crowning sweet, rich layer of chocolate. Some are completely covered in chocolate, others leave the nuts extending out to appear like legs.
The nuts are usually pecans, but some are made with almonds, macadamia nuts or cashews. The caramel is always fresh made, and chewy. The top layer of chocolate could be a rich milk chocolate, or even a decadent dark chocolate. I do eat terrapins, as often as I can.

What Americans Believe About Chocolates

Americans taste and enjoy many different kinds and varieties of chocolates. Most believe that some kinds of chocolates do help them.

They believe that chocolate:

Revitalizes them (46%)
Enhances sexual performance (16%)
Contains anti-cancerous ingredients (31%)
Enhances memory (16%)
Boosts moral (50%)
Is good for the heart and cardiovascular system (31%)
Helps prevent hair loss (5%)

Americans know they like chocolate, and they seem to know the reasons why.

Do You Want to Eat Chocolate or Spray It?

Imagine the pleasure of biting into a simply decadent, creamy, rich gourmet chocolate. The aroma, the taste, the smooth texture of something so incredibly fresh and satisfying; what a truly enjoyable experience.

With this delectable vision in your head, be aware, there is a company producing (what they call) a "dessert spray". You are suppose to just spray it into your mouth. This spray will eliminate calories and high fructose corn syrup; so they say! I say this could eliminate the simple indulgence, of a eating chocolate. They say the flavors could be: strawberry cheesecake or milk chocolate turtles. I don’t think this spray is for a true chocolate lover.

For my personal enjoyment I would rather have of a piece of real chocolate. That irresistible freshness and sweetness, the allure of a smooth interior, bursting with flavor, as I take a bite. Yes, my vote is for a real piece of chocolate!

Kisses Made of Chocolate

Hershey is celebrating a 100-year anniversary. To help raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network, the women of the Kissmobile hand out free bags of chocolate kisses. Free chocolate kisses; what could be better than that.

The Kissmobile; that they ride around in is a General Motors W-4 Series vehicle, with a custom made body. It has 3 shapes on the top that are giant, foil-covered kisses, sprinkled with hard plastic kissable mini candies. What a sight to see coming down the road!

The first giant kiss is for the driver and a passenger. The next kiss has a cargo area, sound system and flat-screen television. The television and attached camera allow children to perform, and see themselves on the screen. The third giant kiss would be my favorite; it is refrigerated and stores up to 200,000 chocolate kisses.

Children’s Miracle Network, supports improvements to children’s hospitals. http://www.childrensmiraclenetwork.org/

Halloween is for Everyone

Halloween (October 31) is almost always celebrated everywhere with costume parties, haunted houses, horror films, bobbing for apples, school carnivals, carving jack-o-lanterns, and of course trick or treating. Candy, candy, and more candy!

Retailers say that Halloween is the sixth most profitable holiday in the United States. Decorations sometimes include: witches, skeletons, ghosts, spiders, scarecrows, jack-o-lanterns, spider webs, mummies, bats, ghouls, black cats, vampires, pumpkins, tombstones and gargoyles. Anything that will scare anyone!

Children love going to the "Pumpkin Patch" and picking out their very own pumpkin. This choosing might be at the local farm or the corner lot now transformed into the "patch". Some children prefer not to cut the jack-o-lantern face into their pumpkin; so parents can draw on a face.

All kids; young and old, like to receive wonderful, sweet treats. A favorite part of the festivities is the chocolate candy bars, bubble gum, caramel apples, suckers, cookies, corn candy, and many other sweets, or better known as the "treat". Some over indulge and miss the next day of school or even work.

Q: How do you mend a broken Jack-o-Lantern?
A: With a pumpkin patch!

Wildfires and Chocolate

It’s been a while since we have written. Sorry, but we were unable to do so, because of the California wildfires, and being ill from breathing the smoke and ash. But now it is time to get back to wonderful, decadent sweets......chocolate!!

Chocolate Survey Says

81% Adults of the United States eat milk chocolate
50% Eat white chocolate
64% Enjoy dark chocolate (12% of those believe it will have a positive effect on their health)
54% Stated they eat chocolates with cream filling, fruit or a soft praline
70% Say they eat chocolate with a nougat, nuts or raisins
24% Enjoy sugar-free chocolates

An Apple a Day - Make Mine Caramel

We all know the saying, an apple a day, keeps the doctor away. I have read there are over 7,500 varieties of apples. And 2,500 varieties of those are grown in United States; that should be enough to keep the doctor away. But only 100 varieties are grown commercially; for us to consume; still should be enough.

Some distinct facts about apples are that they are colored in shades of red, green and yellow. They are large in size, by the numbers or they can be very small, such as a crab apple. Apples are used for eating, cider, cooking or juice.

My list of favorite apples, that are definitely for eating:

Caramel Apple - covered with melted caramel
Toffee Apple - coated with hot toffee
Candy Apple - drenched with melted red hots
Gourmet Chocolate Caramel Apple - coated with chewy, melted caramel, and hand packed with many different nuts, candies, fruits and drizzled with rich, sweet, yummy gourmet chocolate.

Unique Chocolates

Unique items are distinctive, unusual, one of a kind, and sometimes rare. Chocolates are made from crushing cacao beans and adding other rich, wonderful ingredients.


Combine the unusual and chocolate and you have delicious unique chocolates. Some of these unique chocolates are: lunch bars (soda crackers and peanut butter), chocolate covered oreo cookies, chocolate covered filled pretzels, smores (marshmallows and graham crackers), coconut clusters, chocolate covered popcorn, chocolate covered crackers (ritz crackers and peanut butter), or even chocolate covered gherkin pickles.


Some of these items are just what you would expect, but some are only for that midnight raid of the sweet shelf. To enjoy the sweet, salty, crunchy, and favorite flavors of satisfaction of that must have chocolate.

Love of Chocolate

According to a recent survey, nearly half of Americans (46%) eat chocolate at least a few times a week. With some it is more than a "few".

Spicy Chocolates

Bold, distinctive and unexpected flavors are found in spicy chocolates. Many are hot-spicy, others are strong-spicy. Some flavors are in the chocolate centers, some may be found in the chocolate coating or some are waiting for you to make a cup of "HOT" chocolate. The chocolate and the spice are wonderful together.


A short list of items that I found that could be in spicy chocolates. Cayenne, ginger, black pepper, Habanero pepper, cinnamon, cardamon, nutmeg, chipotle, chili powder, paprika, ancho chilies, garlic, pink peppercorns, lemon pepper, or wasabi.

Don't Get All Shook Up!

Hershey is making 50 million candy bars called "Elvis Cups". That might be enough!

An "Elvis Cup" is a version of the King’s favorite sandwich. (But it won’t be fried!) The bar is a peanut butter cup with a thin layer of banana creme, and of course covered in chocolate.

They offer four different package images: Vegas Elvis & 50's Elvis on a standard size package. Also Hawaii Elvis on the king size and on the minis is ‘68 Comeback Elvis.

Elvis is still the "King", even 30 years after his passing.

Milk Chocolate Math

The irresistible, tempting, sweet chocolate bar----but not for eating.....well not at first!

When trying to learn adding, subtracting and fractions I didn’t have a chocolate bar to help. But now kids can learn how to count, subtract and to do their fractions with the use of a chocolate bar.

The hands on learning gives children a tactile concept of math; and not just a visual from the black board. And, the great part for the children is: when the lesson is over they get to devour the pieces of chocolate.

Though some teachers advise the use of printed paper chocolate bars, due to sticky fingers and the eating of chocolate pieces before the learning is over!!

Gourmet Chocolate

Gourmet chocolate is an exquisite experience, it stimulates the brain the way that a passionate kiss would.

Gourmet is an adjective describing many wondrous varieties of chocolates. Chocolate is made from crushed cacao beans. The process of crushing the beans, provides cocoa solids and that wonderful cocoa butter that makes chocolate have a smooth texture that melts in your mouth.

Experts say that gourmet chocolate candy consists of three different ideas; skillful formulation, high quality components, and a pleasing display.

Gourmet chocolates also should be, made fresh with no preservatives, handmade in small batches for a desired presentation; and without a doubt, should cost more.