Looking to make this Easter extra special for the little ones? Dive into the world of baking with our delightful raspberry and white chocolate Easter Cupcakes. These treats are sure to bring joy to your Easter celebrations.
These Easter-themed fairy cakes are a perfect combination of flavors and textures. The light vanilla, chocolate chip sponge provides a delicious base, while the raspberry jam filling adds a burst of fruity sweetness. Topped with creamy white chocolate buttercream, these cupcakes are a true indulgence.
These raspberry and white chocolate Easter Cupcakes are not only delicious but also visually appealing. The festive decorations and pastel colors make them a great addition to any Easter gathering. Plus, the combination of flavors is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
So, this Easter, get creative in the kitchen and treat your loved ones to these delightful cupcakes. The process of baking and decorating these treats is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy together. Make this Easter a memorable one with these raspberry and white chocolate Easter Cupcakes.
For the Sponge:
For the Butter Cream:
For the Filling:
For the Decoration:
Pre-heat the oven to 180°C/160°C /Gas Mark 4. Line 2 muffin tins with 16 baking cases.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and butter and cream until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla and whisk until smooth. If the mixture starts to curdle, add a teaspoon of flour. After sifting in the self-raising flour, beat again until well blended. Divide the mixture between the cupcake liners and add 5 chocolate chips to the top of each cupcake and lightly press in. Bake for about 20 minutes until risen and golden brown. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the baking tray for 10 minutes and then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
For the Butter Cream
Melt the couverture chocolate slowly in a bain-marie over hot water. Allow to cool. Place the butter into a large bowl and beat until smooth and glossy. Add the icing sugar in a couple of intervals and mix well. Finally, stir the melted white couverture chocolate and whisk the buttercream until light and fluffy. Split the buttercream into two piping bags one fitted with an open star nozzle and one with a plain nozzle.
For the Decoration
Once the cupcakes are cooled, take a sharp knife and cut a circle out of the top of each cake at an angle about 2 cm from the edge. Remove the circle of sponge and fill each cupcake with a dollop of raspberry jam, then place the piece of sponge back on top. Repeat to fill each cupcake.
Using the piping bag with the circle plain nozzle in, pipe a circle of buttercream around the edge of the cupcake, and then dip all around in the Easter Sprinkles.
Using the star nozzle, pipe a swirl of buttercream over the center of the cupcake. Finally, decorate with Easter Pastel Pearls or Chocolate Easter toppers. That's the ideal Easter treat right there!
Recipe Source: Dr. Oetker
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It's Veganuary! The goal of veganuary is to promote sustainable living by creating awareness around the benefits of adopting a vegan diet. According to research, a vegan lifestyle could be beneficial to your health. Whether you are transitioning to a vegan lifestyle or just want to reduce your consumption of animal products, following a balanced vegan meal plan is essential. If you’re considering making the switch towards a plant-based lifestyle, this dessert would make an excellent starting point.
There's nothing like a deliciously creamy cheesecake dessert to celebrate any occasion. But what if you could enjoy the same flavors and textures without any animal products? That's where this dairy free raspberry cheesecake comes in. It's light, fluffy and kissed with a raspberry and chocolate flavor.
This light and creamy vegan Raspberry Cheesecake with a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce is perfect for anyone looking for an easy dessert that tastes delicious and is healthy too!
Place the all the ingredients for the base in a blender or food processor and mix until the dates have a smooth texture. Put the base mixture into a cake tray, base of jars, or cheesecake molds and press dough evenly. Place in the fridge to chill.
Put the soaked cashews in a food processor mix on a high speed until smooth, this might take a while depending on your equipment. Once the cashews have a smooth texture, add the coconut milk, maple syrup, lemon juice, coconut oil and Vanilla Paste to the food processor and blend the mixture until all combined. Finally add in the raspberries and mix until fully blended. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the chilled bases, making sure you divide the mixture equally between the bases and place in the freezer for 4 hours or overnight.
The chocolate sauce can be made ahead of serving and keeps in the refrigerator for up to a week. If it becomes too thick in the refrigerator place it in the microwave to soften for 30 seconds. To make the chocolate sauce, heat the coconut cream in a pan over a low heat until just boiling. Remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate until it has melted. Add the icing sugar, cocoa powder and Vanilla paste and stir through the mixture until dissolved – place the pan back on a low heat if the sauce is not fully melted and stir over the heat until smooth. Leave the sauce to cool and place in the refrigerator until required.
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What is nougat? If you've ever been stumped by this question, you are not alone. Nougat is a sweet treat that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is made from almonds or hazelnuts and sugar, but it can have many different varieties and flavors depending on where it is made.
The word nougat comes from the Latin word nucatum, which means nut. The first documented mention of nougat dates back to 1271 in Italy, where candied nuts were combined with honey or sugar syrup to make a hard candy called Torrone.
White nougat is a candy made from sugar, honey and egg whites. It is white in color, has a creamy texture, and is often flavored with almonds, pistachios or fruits. It reminds us of marshmallows.
The origin of white nougat seems to be in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. It is popular and well-known as Turkish Delight, Turrón or Montélimar-Nougat.
The most popular type of nougat by far is dark nougat or praline - it is also called "nougatine" our "noisette" in French, which has a nutty flavor thanks to its main ingredient: hazelnuts. The Italian term Gianduja, which refers to the province of Piedmont and especially the city of Turin as the origin of today's nougat, is also common.
Today dark nougat is mainly produced according to the old gianduja tradition from Turin. Hazelnut kernels are carefully roasted and then mixed with sugar and ground into a fine paste. Praline-type nougats are combined with chocolate and blended until it has a creamy consistency. The homogeneous mass typically contains 30% hazelnuts. Dark nougat is a popular filling for bonbon chocolates and chocolate bars. It has a soft texture and melts in your mouth when eaten.
Nougat is not only popular in chocolate candies, but it has been a staple of many breakfast tables. Chocolate hazelnut spreads are primarily inspired by gianduja. Who doesn't love pancakes or toast with a delicious hazelnut nougat spread on it? There are many options available on the market, from brands like Nutella to artisan-crafted ones. For a homemade alternative follow the steps below. This hazelnut spread is sure to be your new favorite!
Roast the hazelnuts in a pan without fat or roast them in the oven at 150 degrees Celsius (300 F) for about ten minutes. Allow them to cool and rub the hazelnuts with your hands and a kitchen towel to remove the brown skin. Alternatively, you can also leave the skin on the nuts.
Place the roasted nuts in small portions in a powerful blender. Add the melted cocoa butter or plant oil in portions as you mix. It's best to give the mixer short breaks every now and then, as it takes time to achieve a creamy consistency. Add the vanilla extract to the mix.
Temper the couverture chocolate and blend it with the hazelnut mixture until fully combined. Finally, pour the cream into a clean screw-top jar!
With this easy recipe, you can now make your own delicious nougat at home! Homemade nougat also makes for a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
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Are you looking for a delectable dessert that will impress your guests at any gathering? Look no further! This creamy chocolate cake is easy to make and tastes delicious. Advocaat cake is a true German classic, and not just for the holidays. The cream, chocolate, and egg liquor combination is popular all year. This mouthwatering treat is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion. With its rich flavor and creamy texture, it is sure to leave everyone craving for more.
The foundation is a luscious chocolate hazelnut base. Hazelnuts, both ground and roasted, pair well with cocoa and grated dark chocolate. A layer of cream that has been refined with the popular egg liquor followed by a generous Advocaat mirror glaze completes this delicious cake. On top, add a few cream puffs and grated dark chocolate.
Advocaat Cream Cake is a unique dessert that combines the richness of advocaat liquor with the lightness of a classic sponge cake. Advocaat liquor is made from eggs, sugar, and brandy. The flavor is comparable to eggnog but it is sweeter and thicker. The creamy beverage has a custard-like consistency to it and that adds a velvety smoothness to the cake, making it incredibly indulgent.
Not only does this cake taste amazing, it also looks stunning. The chocolate cake is beautifully decorated with whipped cream and garnished with grated chocolate, giving it an elegant and sophisticated appearance.
When serving this delicious cake, it is best to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend together. Cut the cake into slices and serve it on individual dessert plates. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an extra touch of decadence.
Pair the cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or hot chocolate for a truly indulgent experience. The combination of flavors will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
There are many reasons why this homemade Advocaat Cream Cake is the perfect choice for any occasion. Here are just a few:
So, the next time you are planning a special event or simply want to indulge in a decadent dessert, consider this Advocaat Chocolate Cake. Its unique flavor, impressive presentation, and versatility make it the perfect choice for any occasion. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful dessert, and you won't be disappointed!
ALL IN BATTER
ADVOCAAT CREAM
ADVOCAAT MIRROR GLAZE
FOR DECORATION
Place cocoa, baking powder, and flour in a mixing bowl. Add the remaining ingredients, excluding the grated chocolate, and combine everything with a handheld mixer on the lowest level first. Continue mixing the dough for approximately two minutes on the highest setting to create a smooth dough. Stir in the grated chocolate. Use a Ø 24 - 26 cm springform pan and line it with baking paper. Pour the dough into the mold evenly. Preheat the oven to 180 c (356 F) and put the cake pan on the oven's rack (middle). Bake for approx. 25 min.
Once done let the cake base cool down. Loosen and remove the edge of the springform pan and place a cake ring around it.
Pour the Advocaat liquor into a mixing bowl. Stir 1 bag of instant gelatin powder into the Advocaat with a whisk for about 1 minute. Whip the cream with 2 packs of instant gelatin until stiff and finally stir in the vanilla sugar. Fold the cream into the Advocaat and spread everything evenly over the cake base. You have to be quick with the preparation as the instant gelatin is setting fast.
Preparing the mirror glaze is the last step. Stir the gelatin into the Advocaat liquor with a whisk for about 1 minute. Pour the liquid into the middle and distribute evenly by rotating the cake. Place the finished cake in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
Decorate your cake with whipped cream and chocolate shavings before serving.
Recipe Source: Dr. Oetker
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Chocolate is a treat beloved around the world — the silky mouthfeel and sweet taste are a combination that’s hard to beat. When it comes to food, it’s one of the most ubiquitous flavors, likely because anyone can enjoy it no matter their age. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the most widely-consumed products in the world.
However, there’s a flip side to its popularity that many don’t realize. The staggering global demand requires a staggering global production, yet over the next 30 years, the areas suitable for producing cocoa are predicted to shrink by 20% to 30%. This presents a worrying future for chocolate lovers everywhere. But it’s not an entirely hopeless situation just yet.
Thanks to efforts from organizations like the World Cocoa Foundation, the Rainforest Alliance, and One Tree Planted, the cocoa industry is slowly building up the necessary programs and protection to save cocoa. To learn more about the solutions they are implementing, namely agroforestry, check out the rest of the article.
First off, it’s important to understand why cocoa growing communities are currently facing a bleak future. Chocolate comes from the fruit of the cocoa tree, which is traditionally grown under the diverse and dense canopies of shade trees. Right now, over 60% of all the chocolate enjoyed in the world is produced by smallholder farmers in Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and Indonesia. Due to the high global demand for chocolate, these smallholder farmers use a system called “full sun cocoa production” to pump out higher yields. This practice involves constantly expanding cocoa-planting areas, reducing shade trees, and increasing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
While these techniques do lead to higher yields, they’ve also resulted in many negative environmental side effects — more frequent outbreaks of diseases and pests, loss of biodiversity, deforestation, and poor ecosystem properties. These effects, combined with rising global temperatures and extreme weather events from climate change, lead to smallholder farmers producing less cocoa per unit area on their farms. In addition, the negative effects left behind by current cocoa production practices lead to less and less available area for farming.
According to a report by the Rainforest Alliance, sustainable cocoa production faces four challenges:
To address these challenges, many members of the chocolate industry are taking an interest in agroforestry. Agroforestry is the practice of planting (or managing the regeneration of) companion shade trees alongside cocoa. It comes with several key benefits that can put the cocoa industry on a brighter path forward.
Here are some of the main benefits of agroforestry:
The standard set by the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) calls for at least 12 trees per farm hectare, 40% shade cover, and two layers of vertical canopy cover. It also has criteria for protecting the natural ecosystems and buffer areas around bodies of water.
This means that a healthy cocoa growing system features various other plant species, which can include timber trees, food trees (which produce nuts, fruits, vegetables, and oils), food plants, and medicinal plants. The yield from these additional plant species can allow cocoa growing communities to diversify their income.
As mentioned above, the companion plants for cocoa production can include food-producing trees and plants. Cocoa farmers can also use these plants to meet their household food needs, reducing their cost of living.
When farmers expand into neighboring forests or remove native tree species from their farms, the surrounding ecosystem suffers the loss greatly. By replanting trees, cocoa farmers can rebuild connectivity in crop areas, increase tree species diversity, reduce pest and disease outbreaks, and promote higher crop yields.
More trees mean better soil health, nutrient flow, and pollination. These are all positives for cocoa farms and their local area. However, more trees also make a difference on a worldwide scale — better carbon sequestration means less carbon and other greenhouse gasses trapped in our atmosphere. These gasses are the cause of climate change.
Currently, the effects of climate change are already being felt around the globe but they still have the potential to get worse. This makes eliminating carbon an incredibly important directive for the world at large. Luckily, it’s a directive that cocoa farms can directly contribute to through agroforestry.
Ghana, located in West Africa, is the world’s second-largest cocoa producer yet it suffers heavily from deforestation. By 2016, the country had lost 80% of state-managed forests due to illegal logging. Worse still, from 2017 to 2018, the country saw a 60% increase in forest loss. The effects of this deforestation are widespread and rampant — previously productive agricultural soil turns into sand and the increased soil erosion reduces the quality and quantity of their water supplies.
To address this crisis, the Ghanaian government pledged to stop deforestation in their cocoa industry and launched the Green Ghana Initiative dedicated to planting trees.
In 2019, One Tree Planted successfully planted 25,000 trees in northern Ghana. This success was achieved through partnerships with the Ghanian Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and roughly 300 local volunteers. When these trees are fully grown, they will enhance both the health of the soil and the lives of the people nearby. They can increase the quality of water supplies, provide much-needed vegetal cover, and reduce soil erosion, allowing other native plant species to flourish and cocoa growing communities to prosper. This will be the beginning of a positive, regenerative feedback loop that will hopefully continue well into the future.
At Chocolate & More Delights, we understand the importance of looking towards the future. We want to continue providing you with sustainable and fair-trade, artisan, organic chocolate for years to come, which is why we want to do our part for sustainable cocoa production. We actively support One Tree Planted through our online store — with every order, you too can plant a tree through One Tree Planted. Place an order today at www.chocolateandmoredelights.com and join us in planting trees to save cocoa!
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The summer season can be brutal, with temperatures soaring and humidity levels making it unbearable. If you're exhausted from trying to stay cool, it's time to switch things up and embrace the holiday season in the middle of summer with Christmas in July festivities. It's a time to wear ugly Christmas sweaters, sing carols, and decorate your home with lights and ornaments. By celebrating Christmas in July, you can take a break from the heat and enjoy some festive cheer. In this blog post, we'll cover everything you need to know about planning a Christmas in July celebration, from party ideas and decorations to food and drink recipes. So, let's dive in and beat the summer heat with some holiday cheer!
Christmas in July is a delightful concept that brings the joy and festive spirit of the holiday season to the summer months. The idea behind Christmas in July is to recreate the magical atmosphere of the holiday season during a time that we typically associate with sunny beaches and outdoor activities. It allows us to experience the joy of Christmas traditions, such as gift-giving, decorating, and indulging in delicious festive treats, in a unique and unexpected way.
Whether you live in a tropical paradise or a place where winter dominates the holiday season, embracing Christmas in July offers a chance to escape the heat and immerse yourself in the enchanting spirit of the holiday season. It's a time to gather with loved ones, exchange heartfelt gifts, and partake in merry activities that bring a sense of nostalgia and warmth.
From hosting festive parties complete with twinkling lights and Christmas carols to organizing outdoor movie nights featuring beloved holiday films, there are endless possibilities for celebrating Christmas in July. You can also engage in Christmas-themed crafts, bake gingerbread cookies, or even plan a visit to a local Christmas store for a dose of holiday cheer.
As the temperatures rise and the sun shines brightly, embracing the concept of Christmas in July adds a touch of whimsy and excitement to the summer season. So, dust off your Santa hat, hang some tinsel, and get ready to beat the summer heat with a joyful celebration that will make you feel like it's December all over again.
The concept of celebrating Christmas in July may seem peculiar to some, but it has gained popularity in recent years as a way to beat the summer heat and enjoy the festive spirit outside of the traditional holiday season. But have you ever wondered where this unique tradition originated from?
The history of Christmas in July can be traced back to a variety of sources. One popular theory suggests that the tradition began in the southern hemisphere, where Christmas falls during the summer months. In countries like Australia and New Zealand, where December is warm and sunny, celebrating Christmas in July allows residents to experience a taste of the traditional winter festivities they see in movies and television shows from the northern hemisphere.
Another theory points to a more practical origin. In 1933 a summer camp called Keystone Camp in Brevard, North Carolina, started celebrating an annual Christmas-themed event in July. The campers and staff would decorate trees, exchange gifts, and even sing carols to create a festive atmosphere during the summer months. This tradition eventually spread to other camps and communities, leading to the widespread adoption of Christmas in July celebrations.
Moreover, the concept of Christmas in July gained further traction through marketing campaigns. In the 1940s, retailers began promoting mid-year sales and promotions as "Christmas in July" events to boost sales during the typically slow summer season. This allowed shoppers to enjoy Christmas-like discounts and deals during a time when they least expected it.
Today, Christmas in July festivities have evolved into a cherished tradition for many. People embrace the opportunity to decorate their homes with lights and ornaments, exchange gifts, and indulge in festive feasts. It also serves as a reminder to cherish the joy and spirit of the holiday season throughout the year, spreading happiness and cheer during the summer months.
Whether you choose to participate in Christmas in July for the nostalgic winter vibes or to simply escape the summer heat, this unique celebration offers a chance to create lasting memories and experience the magic of Christmas in a new and refreshing way. So, get ready to deck the halls, sing carols, and spread the holiday spirit as you beat the summer heat with Christmas in July festivities!
Who says Christmas is only for the winter season? Embrace the festive spirit all year round and beat the summer heat with some exciting Christmas in July festivities. Here are some fun ways to incorporate Christmas into your summer activities:
1. Beachside Christmas Party: Organize a beach-themed Christmas party complete with Santa hats, tropical decorations, and a BBQ by the shore. Swap the traditional roast turkey for grilled seafood or tropical fruits for a refreshing twist. Set up beach games like volleyball or sandcastle competitions to keep everyone entertained.
2. Christmas Movie Marathon: Beat the heat by hosting a Christmas movie marathon in the comfort of your air-conditioned living room. Prepare popcorn, hot cocoa, and some holiday-themed snacks. Choose some classic Christmas movies like "Home Alone," "Elf," or "The Polar Express" to transport you to a winter wonderland, even in the midst of summer.
3. DIY Christmas Crafts: Get creative and engage in some fun DIY Christmas crafts that are perfect for summer. Decorate seashells with glitter and ribbons, create beach-themed ornaments, or make paper snowflakes using colorful summer-themed patterns. These crafts can be a great way to spend quality time with family and friends while enjoying the summer vibes.
4. Christmas in July Picnic: Plan a festive picnic in a park or your backyard. Pack a traditional Christmas picnic basket with sandwiches, salads, and refreshing beverages. Don't forget to bring along some Christmas crackers, Santa hats, and a portable Bluetooth speaker to play your favorite holiday tunes.
5. Water Balloon Snowball Fight: Beat the summer heat with a thrilling water balloon snowball fight. Fill up water balloons and decorate them to resemble snowballs. Divide your group into teams and let the friendly competition begin. The ultimate goal is to stay cool while having a blast, just like a traditional snowball fight during the winter season.
In conclusion, embracing the Christmas in July festivities are a fantastic way to beat the summer heat and inject some holiday cheer into your life. Whether you are looking for a fun way to celebrate with friends and family or simply want to indulge in the joy of the holiday season during a different time of year, Christmas in July offers a delightful escape.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, the festivities are sure to bring joy, laughter, and a much-needed respite from the summer heat. Grab your Santa hat, embrace the holiday spirit, and make this July a month to remember.
We invite you to share your own Christmas in July celebrations with us! Tag us on social media using the hashtags #ChristmasInJulyFestivities #chocolateandmoredelights and let us know how you are beating the summer heat with holiday cheer. Together, let's create a virtual winter wonderland that will make this summer one to remember. Happy Christmas in July!
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Have you heard about the health benefits of Cacao and Yoga, and how both can help you live a more enriched life? Well, here is everything you need to know about it.
Cacao is a magical plant that has been used for centuries by indigenous cultures in Central and South America. It has been celebrated as a sacred food and spiritual tool, and was used as medicine and a currency for many centuries.
Cacao was first cultivated by the Olmec people and later spread to other regions of Central America. The ancient Mayans believed that cacao beans were a gift from their god Quetzalcoatl, and they would use cacao as a beverage, which was consumed during religious ceremonies and rituals to connect with him.
Yoga on the other hand has been practiced for over 5,000 years, spreading from India to all corners of the globe. It is an ancient practice that combines physical postures with mental focus and breath work to create balance within both body and mind. Yoga helps you connect with your true self while also helping to reduce stress levels, improve flexibility, increase strength, and so much more! It has been used as a means of purification, a path to enlightenment and union with the divine, and a way to reconnect with nature.
These two practices are so similar in their intentions—to bring people closer together and help them connect with their inner selves—that it seems almost inevitable that they would eventually come together in some way.
Today, cacao is gaining popularity as an alternative medicine that can help you enhance your spiritual connection, improve your health, and even boost your mood.
Cacao is still used today in ceremonies all over the world. It's often paired with yoga or meditation to provide an additional energy boost and heightened sense of well-being.
A cacao ceremony is a ritual that uses cacao to connect you with the energies of nature, and to help you connect with your higher self. Cacao ceremonies usually involve a communal gathering in a sacred circle, combined with yoga exercises, meditation, chanting or singing while drinking warm chocolate beverages made from artisan cacao beans that have been ground into a paste or powder.
Cacao has been used by humans for thousands of years as a source of nutrition. Cacao contains magnesium, calcium, iron and potassium and it is also packed with antioxidants that help fight disease. Moreover, cacao has been shown to have many health benefits including lowering blood pressure, improving mood, fighting depression and anxiety and helping with weight loss.
Cacao also contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid that makes us feel calm and relaxed; phenylethylamine, which makes us feel happy; anandamide, which helps us feel more connected; serotonin, which helps us feel less anxious; and theobromine, which gives you energy without making you jittery like caffeine does. In short, cacao can help you feel calm during times when life gets stressful—and who doesn't need a little more peace these days?
If you're not sure where to start when it comes to incorporating this amazing superfood into your life, check out the recipe below and hold your own cacao ceremony at home.
Ingredients:
Method:
Heat up the milk and add raw organic chopped cocoa mass or Artisan chocolate powder in a sauce pan over low/medium heat until the chocolate melts, whisking often. Add spices and honey according to your preference. Allow the mixture to nearly come to a boil, then remove from the heat. Pour into your favorite mugs, serve warm or cold and drink with intention and gratitude.
Cacao is an example of how traditional ritual practices can be blended with modern health, offering a variety benefits while also serving as a source of community, connectedness and human understanding. Whether you are looking to add an extra boost to your meditation or yoga session, or are just interested in trying a new tradition out for yourself, incorporating cacao into your routine may be a resourceful next step to take.
Dark chocolate is a healthy alternative for fitness-conscious chocolate lovers. It contains more cocoa than typical commercial chocolate bars, which have high quantities of sugar and milk.
Dark chocolate is made up of 50-90% cocoa solids plus cocoa butter and sugar, according to Harvard Chan School of Public Health. That’s why it can lead to lower blood pressure and other health benefits. In this blog post, we will discuss which dark chocolate is best for chocolate connoisseurs who want to boost their fitness level while enjoying its delectable flavor.
Dark chocolate can lower blood pressure, especially among people who have hypertension. It has a higher concentration of flavanols compared to other types of chocolate, based on a study by BioMed Central Limited.
Flavanols are compounds that cause the blood vessels to dilate by stimulating the production of the enzyme endothelial nitric oxide. The blood pressure reducing effects of dark chocolate is similar to 30 minutes of daily physical activity. It may minimize the risk of a heart attack by around 20% in a span of five years.
Aside from lower blood pressure, dark chocolate also has other health benefits. It can improve cholesterol levels by increasing good cholesterol and decreasing bad cholesterol, reports the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). It may also enhance insulin sensitivity, which reduces the risk of diabetes.
Dark chocolate may vary in terms of cocoa content and other included ingredients. That’s why chocolate enthusiasts need to be discerning when choosing the dark chocolate products that they eat. We recommend dark chocolate bars made from 70% or more cocoa. After all, the higher the cocoa content, the more flavanols it contains.
Chocolate buyers should carefully read the ingredient list of the products they are interested in. Select dark chocolate that lists cocoa first among the ingredients since the orders of ingredients represents which ones have the highest weight. Avoid products where sugar is the first item on the ingredient list.
The source of cocoa also matters when choosing dark chocolate since the geography and plant variety could affect the flavanol content of the product. Prevention explains that cocoa beans grown in Colombia have a high amount of flavanols, while Dutch-processed cocoa usually has a lower amount because of how the beans are processed.
Last but not least, choose dark chocolate free from gluten, nuts, dairy, or wheat, especially for people who are sensitive to these potential allergens.
There’s no need to deprive yourself of the luscious flavor of chocolate, even if you want to follow a healthy lifestyle. You can level up your personal fitness by eating moderate amounts of dark chocolate, which can lower your blood pressure. Just make sure to choose the best dark chocolate with high flavanol content to maximize its health benefits.
Bookmark our website now to learn more or shop your favorite chocolate.
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Easter is right around the corner, and you know what that means: it's time to get ready for the most exciting holiday of the year! Easter is also the time for families to spend time together. Here are some great ways to enjoy the holiday. Easter egg hunts, decorating Easter eggs and making Easter baskets are just a few of the fun things you can do to celebrate this wonderful time of year.
Decorating eggs has been around since ancient times when people believed that painting their eggs would bring good luck or fertility because of what bird's eggs symbolize: life and new beginnings (like spring time!). You can decorate your eggs using natural ingredients or special Easter egg dye. Many people admire the stunning colors of natural eggs and attempt to reproduce them. The truth of the matter is that nature has a few tricks up her sleeve that you can use to color your own eggs. We have tried a few natural ingredients using Tumeric and Safron for a rich yellow and chili powder and carrots for a deep orange.
There's nothing like a good old-fashioned egg hunt on Easter Sunday. Not only does it remind us of the religious aspect of what Easter is about, but it brings out the little kid in all of us. After decorating your own Easter eggs go hide them. Kids love hunting for eggs and there’s nothing quite like watching their eyes light up when they find one. You can hide the eggs throughout your home or yard and let your kids go crazy looking for them.
If you're looking for a way to spend some quality time with your kids this Easter, then making a DIY Easter basket is the perfect idea. Not only will your kids love it, but you'll also be able to take pride in the fact that you made something special with your own hands. You can use any kind of basket or bag as long as it's large enough to fit all of the items that you want to put inside. If it doesn't already have handles, consider adding some rope or twine so that you can carry it around easily.
Baking this traditional Easter bread is a very fun and rewarding experience, since the treat is deeply rooted in European tradition. There are many different ways of baking it. Just like with other homemade baked goods, there are specific rules for creating this holiday delight. Typically, the round-shaped Easter bread is sweet and made with yeast dough, raisins and almond splinters. Usually, it is cut in slices and spread with butter. People enjoy it either for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Here is a recipe for you to try.
Easter is a welcomed holiday filled with homemade chocolate, decorated eggs and jelly beans of all colors and flavor combinations. When it comes to baking and crafting, some days it seems like a talent is required rather than having the time or knowledge as these activities usually require patience. Apart from enjoying the treats, you will also feel the satisfaction for making your own holiday chocolates. The process is easy to follow but each step is important in producing the final recipe, so be sure to follow instructions carefully here. It will all be worth your while in the end when your family receives their homemade chocolate eggs.
Whether you're celebrating the holiday with family or friends, taking some time off of work, or just relaxing and enjoying spring's arrival—we hope you have a wonderful Easter.
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Chocolate truffles have a long and rich history. They are a delicious treat that has been around for centuries. Though the exact origin of the chocolate truffle is unknown, it is thought to have originated in France, where they were called "French truffles." The word "truffle" comes from the Latin word "trullus," which means "small, round thing". So these little balls of chocolate actually have a pretty appropriate name!
When you think of chocolate truffles, the most popular recipe that comes to mind is probably a boxed mix or something that’s commercially prepared. But have you ever tried making them at home? If not, now is the time to give it a try. This classic truffle recipe is incredibly easy to follow and yields a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth truffle every time. Here are the steps that you need to take to create this decadent treat:
Flavoring Tips: Instead of Vanilla you can also add 5 ml (1 tsp.) Lemon or Orange Extract to the cream. The flavor is more intense when the cream is infused overnight.
Chop couverture chocolate into fine pieces. Place chopped chocolate into a heatproof bowl or bain marie. Place bowl or bain marie over a saucepan of simmering water and slowly melt. Set aside for a couple minutes to cool down.
Pour the double cream into a sauce pan and warm it slightly. Scrape the vanilla bean pod and mix with cream. Stir cream into melted couverture and mix well. Let the ganache cool completely and chill for about 1 hour in the refrigerator until the chocolate mass is firm enough to shape.
Next comes the fun part: rolling them into balls. Scoop up about 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll it between your palms until it forms a ball shape. It should take about 20-30 seconds per ball before they start looking like truffles. When rolling truffles by hand it is recommended to use disposable gloves.
Alternatively, you can also pour the mixture into a dome shaped silicone mold or use two teaspoons to shape them into an oval piece approx. 4 cm long (11/2 inch) long.
If the chocolate ganache is to firm to work with, let it stand at room temperature for approx. 30 minutes to soften. Make 12 truffles out of the ganache and place them on a plate lined with parchment paper. Place them in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up.
Pour cocoa powder into a mixing bowl. Roll each truffle one by one in the cocoa powder until fully coated. Place the dusted truffles back on a plate and keep them in a cool place until they are served. The truffles can be stored in an airtight container for approx.. 1 week in the refrigerator.
Chocolate truffles are a decadent and delicious way to end a meal. Moreover, they are also a great gift. And making them at home probably wasn’t as hard as you may have thought. If you're interested in learning more about our recipes, products or ordering something delicious for yourself or a friend, click here!
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Dark chocolate is popular among chocolate connoisseurs in the U.S., Europe, and all over the world and it is one of the best feel-good snacks for health conscious individuals. In this blog post, we will explain what dark chocolate is and why people love it. Then, we’ll share some dark chocolate health benefits and describe the four main types of cocoa used to make dark chocolate. Finally, we will discuss why it’s important for chocolate enthusiasts to be discerning when choosing dark chocolate products.
Chocolate is a well-known food product created from cocoa beans that grow on cacao trees, based on Britannica resources. Dark chocolate is a type of chocolate that contains 50% to 90% of cocoa solids plus cocoa butter and sugar, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Unlike milk chocolate, it does not include milk among its ingredients, although some milk traces may be found due to cross-contamination during the manufacturing process.
Let us discuss the different reasons why chocolate lovers are passionate about dark chocolate:
Dark chocolate has a higher concentration of cocoa than other forms of chocolate. That’s why it is the preferred chocolate for people who want to enjoy the health benefits and pure taste of cocoa.
Dark chocolate health benefits arise from its rich antioxidant and flavanol content which can improve heart and brain health. BBC Good Food reports that eating foods with these properties can lower the risk of heart conditions, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Dark chocolate has a unique taste which features an attractive combination of sweetness, bitterness, and sourness. Many people enjoy the roasted, fruity aroma of cocoa and its creamy, velvety texture. Nevertheless, the flavor of dark chocolate may vary depending on its quality and production process. The percentage of cocoa has a major impact on the level of bitterness present in each chocolate confection. Aside from this, Barry Callebaut explains that the notes of dark chocolate may be fruity, flora, spicy, or vegetal, depending on the origin of the cocoa beans.
There are four main types of cocoa commonly used to make chocolate candy:
The bitterness of dark chocolate depends on the type of cocoa used, as well as the cocoa quality and production process. High-quality dark chocolate has minimal bitterness and different flavor notes, giving it an interesting, complex flavor.
That’s why chocolate lovers should be discerning when choosing chocolate products. Purchase premium dark chocolate from our website to maximize your enjoyment of cocoa goodness and dark chocolate health benefits.
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The year is coming to an end and we are excited to tell you that we have planted over 100 trees this holiday season thanks to your donations. How much would it cost to plant a tree? How about $1? Yes, our friends at One Tree Planted can still plant trees for just 1 USD and here is how.
Every One Tree Planted project starts with a detailed proposal from a local planting partner, which lays out where, why and how the trees are being planted. This goes through many steps of review before a single seedling goes in the ground. Every project has a budget, which breaks down the primary costs that are covered by One Tree Planted. At a glance, these are:
These costs vary greatly depending on the type of project and location — and often, the total budget required will be more than $1 per tree. This is where One Tree Planted works with the local planting partner to determine where the funds will have the most impact. Sometimes, the partner will already have some of the required resources covered — for example, landholders who are willing to let them plant on their land and help out with site preparation and maintenance; or a volunteer network that can help out with planting labor.
Typically, One Tree Planted will cover the cost of the seed/seedlings at a minimum, plus everything else that they can cover within their model. When One Tree Planted can’t fund absolutely everything that’s required for a successful tree planting project, they use a blended finance model to ensure success.
Many of One Tree Planted's projects involve blended financing, where the organization combines resources with other funders to make a bigger impact at scale. This helps ensure that the funds that One Tree Planted contributes go directly towards planting trees, and enables their on-the-ground partners to get additional support for other costs, or to support complementary activities.
One Tree Planted's objective is to scale up reforestation and get more trees planted, and to share these incredible projects with the world so that they can continue growing their impact and reach. You can rest assured knowing that your donations will always go directly towards restoring healthy and thriving forests and trees — and that every $1 is attributed to one tree planted.
Our store donations to One Tree Planted benefit reforestation projects in Guatemala. The Central American country south of Mexico is not only home to ancient Mayan cites, volcanoes and lush rainforests, but also to 'cacao fino de aroma', a classification used by the International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) to describe exquisite aroma and flavor of cacao. In other words, Guatemala produces one of the best cocoa beans in the world. There are around 250,000 mostly smallholder farmers that grow cacao in Guatemala, most of whom are organized into cooperatives or associations. There are two cocoa growing regions in the country: the Northern region include Petén, Alta Verapaz, Quiché, and Izabal; and the Southern region encompass Escuintla, Retalhuleu, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, and San Marcos.
The conservation efforts involve the reforestation of the southwest coast of Guatemala in the departments of Suchitepéquez, Retalhuleu and San Marcos. One Tree Planted states that mangrove forests and landscapes along the pacific coastal marine zone are essential to regional environmental stability and vital to the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of coastal people who earn a living through fishing, tourism, and farming.
Unfortunately, coastal landscapes and mangroves including the Manchón Guamuchal Nature Reserve are threatened by harmful activities on coastal land such as illegal logging and deforestation in watershed regions, solid and liquid waste pollution, and unnatural diversion dams that cause unbalanced hydrological conditions leading to a consistent deterioration of the mangrove ecosystem.
To overcome these challenges, this project proposes to plant and monitor the growth of 1,330,000 mangrove and broadleaf tree species to restore 1,025 hectares within the mangrove ecosystem of Guatemala over the next four years (December 2021-November 2025). Throughout 2021, One Tree Planted established a solid foundation to build off as well as a baseline for measuring impact through planting 125,000 mangrove trees to restore 62 hectares. Over the next four years, One Tree Planted will increase the number of mangroves planted within the Manchón Guamuchal mangrove forest as well as expand planting activities to include planting broadleaf tree species in local farms and watershed areas surrounding the mangrove ecosystem.
One of the ecological benefits is, for example, improved climate stability through carbon capture: mangroves and broadleaf trees act as carbon reservoirs and planting them will expand blue carbon sinks as they absorb carbon dioxide and store carbon. This protects coastal regions against extreme weather patterns, such as floods, tropical storms, and hurricanes.
To learn more about One Tree Planted and other amazing projects, click here.
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Written in co-operation with Meaghan Weeden, Sr. Content Manager of www.onetreeplanted.org
Source: Project, photo and model content were provided directly by One Tree Planted.
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Christmas is a holiday that's almost always associated with joy and happiness, but what most people don't know is that it actually has some pretty dark origins. In fact, the word "Christmas" itself comes from the Old English word "Cristes Maesse", which means "Christ's Mass". Even though Christmas is celebrated all over the world, it has a different meaning to each country and culture. If you've ever wondered what Christmas is all about, here are some interesting Christmas traditions from around the world.
The oldest Christmas tradition is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is believed that the festival of Saturnalia, which was a pagan celebration dating back to ancient times, was held between December 17 and December 23. This festival was likely the first major celebration of the winter solstice and was influenced by Roman customs surrounding Saturnus, a god associated with agriculture and harvest.
The festival occurred during this time because it was believed that during this period of time nature would be asleep. The shortest day of the year occurs around December 21 in the Northern Hemisphere. After that it's a time when the days start to get longer again, which is why it's also called "the return of light." The Romans celebrated this event and the festivities involved feasting, drinking, gift-giving, singing, and other forms of merrymaking.
The Christian Church eventually came to adopt these traditions and used them as an opportunity to evangelize others. The celebration of Christmas as we know it today began in the fourth century when Pope Julius I declared December 25th to be Jesus' birthday. The date was chosen because it was already a pagan holiday that celebrated the rebirth of nature, which fit well with Christianity's message of new life.
The Christmas holiday celebrations are a result of combining existing Roman traditions with Christian beliefs about Jesus' birth date.
The Romans celebrated the winter solstice by feasting and cooking with fat-rich foods such as goose, pork, and sausages. They believed that because the days were shorter in December, they needed to eat more food to keep them warm. Till to date we still celebrate Christmas with these traditional foods. Can you spot yours?
The Christmas wreath is also an ancient symbol that has been around for centuries. The Romans decorated their homes with evergreen plants like pine or fir branches during winter solstice to honor mother nature and to symbolize nature's rebirth. They later became popular among Christians because they were associated with Jesus' birth.
The Christmas tree is a pretty recent addition to the holiday season, but it's still one that many people enjoy. The first recorded use of a Christmas tree as we know it was in 16th century Germany, where it was used to celebrate the end of the harvest season. The trees were decorated with apples, nuts, and candles to represent the coming winter—a much different meaning than what most people associate with the holidays today!
The origin of Santa Claus is a subject that has been debated for many years. Many believe that Santa Claus began as St. Nicholas in the 4th century AD—a Greek Bishop who was known for his generosity towards the poor and his love of children. He was known to use his money to help families who were suffering financially and for giving gifts to children, like apples or coins (he even threw coins down chimneys!).
No one knows for sure if the story is true, but we do know that Santa's name comes from the Dutch word "Sinterklaas", which means "Saint Nicholas". St. Nicholas is still celebrated today on December 6th with a feast day called "Saint Nicholas Day."
Above traditions are still very much alive today and are practiced by millions of people all over the world!
Christmas is on everyone's mind during this festive time of year. To know how people celebrate Christmas in the different parts of the world, we dug deep around the internet and here are few things that we have found about Christmas celebrations. It can be a real treat to learn about how others celebrate this time of the year.
Christmas is a very important holiday in Germany. It is celebrated for a whole month, starting with Advent on December 1 and ending after New Year's Day. The Christmas countdown starts with the Advent calendar and the festivities include Christmas trees, plenty of Christmas lights and decoration, parades and concerts. The Christmas markets like our Dresdner Striezelmarkt, are well-known worldwide and very popular in Germany every year. These markets sell delicious food and drink as well as handmade gifts from local artisans.
The big day is December 24th! It's not on December 25th like in most countries, so don't forget to put your presents under the tree on December 24th, if you celebrate the holidays in our country!
We like to eat a lot during this time of the year. Specialities that have become popular around the world are "Lebkuchen", which are gingerbread cookies made with honey or molasses. Another popular food during this time is Stollen cake, which consists of dried fruit wrapped in bread dough and baked until golden brown on top. The most popular one is our Dresdner Stollen. And of course, there is the German chocolate. An endless array of chocolate candies awaits the holiday shoppers.
The traditional Norwegian Christmas traditions are very similar to those practiced in other parts of Northern Europe and the United States.
Christmas in Norway is a time for celebration and family, but it's also one of the most religious holidays in the country. The country's official religion is Lutheranism, and Christmas is a major holiday.
Norwegian families gather on December 24th to celebrate Christmas Eve, which is known as Juledag or juleavslutningen. The main dinner starts around 4 p.m., when everyone gathers together to eat traditional dishes like lutefisk and pork ribs with mustard sauce. This dinner is followed by a visit from Santa Claus (known as Julemannen), who brings gifts for the children.
After spending the day with their family members, they then go to midnight mass together on December 24th. On Christmas Day itself there will be more feasting and traditional foods like lutefisk or baked ham are served.
Christmas is a big deal in Italy. It's not just a religious holiday, it's also a state holiday and a national holiday. Christmas is typically celebrated by Italians with a full family meal, which includes the traditional Italian dishes of fish and seafood.
The Christmas feast is also accompanied by a variety of desserts, such as panettone (a sweet bread) and pandoro (another type of sweet bread).
Christmas Eve is celebrated by attending midnight mass or going to midnight mass together as a family. Afterward, it's common for people to go out and have some food and drinks together at a restaurant or bar.
Christmas in Japan is celebrated in much the same way that it is celebrated elsewhere. The holiday is simply about spending time with family and friends, enjoying good food and presents!
In addition to decorating the house with lights and trees, Japanese people often visit temples or shrines on Christmas Eve to pray for health and happiness. They also buy presents for their friends and relatives.
Instead of Santa Claus delivering presents to children on Christmas Eve, Sanki-tōri delivers presents. Sanki-tōri is an angel who lives in the sky and comes down only at Christmastime to deliver presents to good children.
In Australia, Christmas is celebrated with family and friends, especially at Christmas Day lunch, which usually takes place on December 25th. Other common Christmas traditions include decorating the house with lights and decorations, sending Christmas cards, and giving gifts. The Christmas traditions are similar to other Christian countries around the world.
South Africa is a country that has a diverse history and culture, so it's no surprise that Christmas is celebrated in various ways throughout the country.
The first thing that people do is decorate the Christmas tree. They put all sorts of decorations on it, such as lights, tinsel, and candy canes. The tree is usually put up in early December.
People also make gingerbread cookies and other types of treats for their friends and family members to enjoy during this time of year. People who celebrate Christmas often go to church on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning to worship God and ask him for blessings throughout the year.
Some popular traditional foods eaten during this time include roasted turkey with gravy or stuffing served alongside mashed potatoes and veggies like carrots or corn on the cob—all washed down with plenty of wine!
Christmas celebrations in the Polynesian Island of Samoa are full of traditional food and dance, including the infamous Samoan fire dance. The people of Samoa gather on Christmas Eve to listen to stories about Jesus' birth and sing carols. They also light candles and give gifts to one another.
The most important part of Christmas is the food. Samoan families prepare and serve large meals with traditional dishes such as coconut bread, chicken fale and fish fale (fried chicken or fish) and saimai (coconut milk pudding). Traditional desserts include coconut macaroon cookies, banana cake with custard filling or coconut syrup topping, mango cake with custard filling or coconut syrup topping. The desserts sound delicious, so here is a recipe link to more delicious treats.
In conclusion, Christmas is a special time for almost everyone around the world. There truly is something magical about the holiday season and we can all appreciate the traditions that have withstood the test of time. There are so many beautiful, festive ways to celebrate Christmas. Perhaps you celebrate the Christmas season with people from around the world by adopting one of their incredible traditions! After all, we've all heard that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.
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The best aspect of this season is the food, at least in our opinion. It's all about the holidays, family and of course the desserts. There are many chocolate tarts available in bakeries and patisseries. However, to make your own at home is more fun and this festive chocolate tart recipe is a great way of celebrating the holidays. If you love chocolate, then this decadent chocolate tart recipe is for you. It looks gorgeous, and your guests will be very impressed.
Make sure that you've got all your ingredients and tools ready. This easy dessert recipe takes about 60 minutes to make.
Mix the flours and cocoa powder together in a large mixing bowl. Then add the sugar and mix well. Next, add the butter and rub everything together until you get a crumbly consistency. Add the eggs and whisk together. Knead the dough gently with your hands on to a lightly floured surface until it is smooth.
Roll out your dough to fit a 2 cm (3/4 inch) deep, 24 cm (9 ½ inch) diameter round tart tin. Place the pastry into the greased tin and press down gently and even the sides. Cover with cling film and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Pre-heat oven to 180°C Fan (356 F) and bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Leave to cool then carefully remove from the tin and place on a serving plate.
Chop the couverture chocolate into small pieces and place into a mixing bowl. Pour the whipping cream into small sauce pan and gently heat over a low heat until just simmering. Do not boil the cream. Remove the cream from the heat and pour over the dark couverture chocolate. Leave the chocolate to melt without stirring for a minute, then begin to stir the chocolate and cream until it has fully melted. You should have a glossy chocolate ganache.
Spoon the chocolate ganache into the pastry case, smooth the top and chill for at least 2 hours to set. Decorate as you like with chocolate shavings, pistachios and sliced figs. The tart is now ready to serve. Enjoy!
Recipe adopted from Dr. Oetker.
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The Christmas train is a beloved symbol of the holiday season. It's also a great way to get in the spirit of giving, but the history of the Christmas Train isn't exactly well known.
The idea for the holiday train first came about in the late 1800s, when it was used to deliver gifts and toys to children who lived far away from their families during the holidays. It was also used as a sort of advertisement for businesses and towns that were along the route. The trains would stop at each town on their way, so people could get off and buy products from local merchants or look around at what they had to offer.
Others claim its original purpose was to transport children from their homes to the local church where they would see a live nativity scene.
Over time, however, many people began using the trains solely as a means of transportation rather than an opportunity to shop or socialize with friends and family members traveling from nearby towns where they lived together all year round.
Today, some people still prefer to see their Christmas train as nothing more than a relaxing way to unwind during the holiday season—but others embrace its deeper meaning: that this is an opportunity for us all to come together with friends and family and celebrate what makes us special as individuals and as a community.
These days, there are dozens of different routes available to choose from. You can ride a Christmas Train all across Europe, the USA or just around your own town! Here is a list of the most popular ones.
Enjoy the Christmas spirit in Europe and travel to Wurzburg and medieval Rothenburg, visit Prague and Berlin as well as the popular Christmas Markets in Nuremberg and Dresden on a 10-day Christmas Rail Tour!
Visit Santa Claus and cross the magical Arctic Circle every day of the year at Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. The Finnish double-decker night train, known as the Santa Claus Express, will take you from Helsinki to snow-covered Lapland in the north.
Trains have long been associated with romance and mystery. They transport us from place to place, and they always seem to be moving at a steady pace. Ride the Polar Express, in Phillipsburg, New Jersey and go on a magical journey. Inspired by the popular movie it has been a holiday favorite among families. To find more Christmas train rides near your between the East and the West coast read on here.
If you are living in the UK and want to experience the Polar Express, then you are in luck. This magical train experience is available in Yorkshire. Other Christmas train experiences include the Santa Steam Express departing from London.
The Christmas Train has become a tradition for thousands of families across the globe. If you want to experience the magic of the Christmas, then perhaps this blog inspired you to book a ride. Happy holidays!
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We love marzipan! It's sweet, it's smooth, and it is delicious. But where did it come from? And how is it made? Is there a special recipe for making the best marzipan? Let's find out!
Marzipan, a confection made from sugar and ground almonds, is popular throughout the world. The sweet delicacy originated in the Orient and Mediterranean region at around 850, when a Persian doctor prescribed the almond, sugar mixture as a remedy for illnesses. Since then the confectionary has been used for centuries in Europe and become a favorite sweet treat in Germany, Spain and Italy, especially during the holiday season. Today, it can be found in many different forms including bars, candies, cakes, cookies, and even ice cream.
In Germany, the invention of marzipan is often traced back to Lübeck, a city in the north of the country. When flour for making bread became scarce during the 15th century, the senate of Lübeck ordered bakers to produce a substitute. The clever bakers in Lübeck came up with marzipan using eggs, sugar, and almonds and thus this sweet delight was born. The city of Lübeck is also home to world renowned Niederegger marzipan, which was established by Johann Georg Niederegger in 1806. Till to date it is a family-run business and it is probably the most famous marzipan candy manufacturers in the world. If you want to try it for yourself, you can find this mouth-watering delicacy in our store.
Marzipan is a sweet confection consisting of primarily almonds and sugar. Depending where you are in the world, the definition of it varies greatly. Some brands in the USA specify 28% almonds in their marzipan and 45% almonds in their almond paste. In Sweden and Finland almond paste refers to a marzipan that contains 50% ground almonds and in Germany, the Lübecker marzipan contains 66% almonds.
The texture of marzipan ranges from crumbly to dense, depending on the amount of almonds used in its preparation. It can be prepared with either whole or ground almonds, and some varieties may also include other ingredients such as milk powder, glucose syrup, honey or glycerin.
In recipes two different terms are frequently used, which can be quite confusing “almond paste” and “marzipan paste”. Almond paste is softer and primarily used as a baking ingredient. It consists only of almonds; however, it can be quite dry because it does not contain any additional moisture or fat needed for softening. In contrast, marzipan is firmer and used for candy or chocolate production. The paste contains extra liquid such as water or alcohol that helps to soften the texture of the candy while adding its own unique flavor profile - often floral notes from rose water or orange blossom water.
The recipe below shows how to make marzipan quick and easy at home with almonds, or if you want it simple use ground blanched almonds or almond flour instead.
Ingredients:
Method:
Grind your almonds in a food processor until they're finely ground but not powdery. This takes about two minutes on high speed. You will know you are done when your almonds look like crushed nuts instead of large chunks. If this step seems too time consuming and tedious for you, don't worry: purchasing ground blanched whole almonds will also work fine here too!
Add all ingredients except for liquid / vanilla extract into mixing bowl; use electric mixer set on low speed until thoroughly combined - about 3 minutes total should do it just fine! To ensure smooth results try not overmixing your batter; otherwise it may end up grainy instead. Knead the dough with your hands until you have a smooth mass.
Now that you have your marzipan dough ready, you can continue to process it further to create delicious treats. Arguably the easiest way to turn them into bite-sized little delicacies is to make marzipan potatoes, which is a classic German Christmas treat. The candy got its name from the external resemblance to potatoes as you can see in the picture above. To do this, first roll the marzipan mass into small balls and then lightly roll them in unsweetened baking cocoa powder. Nicely packaged, they make a great gift and when stored in metal tins, they stay fresh for several weeks.
You can also turn your marzipan mass into a cookie. All you need to do is form small balls and press 3 almond halves onto each Bethmännchen. Whisk one fresh raw egg yolk and brush the Bethmännchen with it. Then bake the marzipan cookies at 160 degrees Celsius (320 F) for approximately 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. With a little bit of bitter almond oil, the marzipan taste can be intensified.
Marzipan is one of our favorite candies, and we hope you’ll try it for yourself! You can find a delicious selection of Niederegger marzipan pralines in our online store, or even make your own with above ingredients. With so many ways to enjoy marzipan, there’s no reason not to give this sugary treat a try this holiday season!
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It is this time of the year once again. Christmas is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to start thinking about gifts for friends and family. If you want to get them something special, then why not consider buying them an advent calendar?
Advent calendars are a fun and exciting way to count down the days until Christmas Eve. They have been around for decades, and they're still a lot of fun. The Advent Calendar was first used by German Lutherans in the 19th and 20th century. The word “advent” derived from the Latin word “adventus” meaning "coming or arrival," and it refers to the coming of Christ. In this case, it refers to the four weeks leading up to Christmas.
An advent calendar is a calendar that represents this lead up to Christmas, and it helps children and adults track the days. During these four weeks, people prepare for Christmas and include special activities often associated with some aspects of Christmas in their countdown to Christmas Eve, such as, buying or cutting down a Christmas tree, baking cookies and so on.
The first Advent calendars were handmade. They were made of paper and had doors to open every day from December 1st through December 24th and traditionally featured nativity scenes or bible verses. Till to date the doors are usually distributed across the calendar in random order. Part of the fun is finding the right one each day. The calendar door opens to reveal an image, poem, or short story and nowadays also a gift or sweet treat.
An advent calendar is a fun gift that encourages you to wake up early every morning to see what’s inside. This year, check out our selection of the top 5 Christmas countdown calendars for kids and adults.
This Christmas calendar is not only filled with the best of Kinder chocolate candies it also contains a fluffy Santa Hat and a whole lot of Kinder surprise eggs. The Kinder calendar is visually appealing and the 24 sweat treats are so exciting. This is a fun way to start the Christmas countdown and the ultimate Christmas season surprise for kids.
It is hard to decide which Niederegger calendar is best, but the most popular is the nostalgic Cafehaus calendar. This Advent calendar is, unlike any other. It has a total of 32 little doors with 43 delicious specialties of marzipan, nougat and brittle in different variations. Niederegger has been crafting its sweet, chewy marzipan since 1806, so there's no doubt each chocolate-covered variety behind the door of this advent calendar is just as delicious. The best part is you can enjoy the Advent season until January 1st with a delicious treat and celebrate both Christmas and New Year.
Here is a treat for all vegan lifestyle enthusiasts. The chocolate manufacturers heard your wish and we have two delicious options for you from Lindt and Niederegger. Filled with the finest vegan chocolates you can enjoy 24 mini plant-based candies filled with crispy waffles, almond brownie, hazelnut or double choc while you countdown to Christmas.
This is the ultimate gift for adults and liquor connoisseurs, who like to keep up with the Christmas tradition. The luxury Asbach advent calendar contains a selection of the finest Asbach brandy filled milk and dark chocolates, including the popular brandy bottles and cherry liquor pralines. The square chocolate beans are without a sugar crust, while the round chocolates have a finely sugared surface. Asbach acquires its unique and distinctive taste though traditional distillation, careful storing for at least three years and a secret maturation and refinement process. Liqueur connoisseurs will enjoy these 24 surprises.
This adorable calendar with a beautiful illustration of Dresden's Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) and surrounding historic buildings on the Neumarkt is a holiday favorite. It contains Saxony’s world-famous confectionary - the Dresdner Christstollen. Centuries-old baking tradition combined with a prevailing passion result in delectable treats. The advent calendar is filled with 24 individually wrapped mini Dresdner Stollen pieces in four different delicious flavors – classic, almond, marzipan or baked apple. The perfect companion for hot chocolate or coffee.
We hope this list has helped you find the perfect Christmas advent calendar for yourself or a loved one. It was hard to pick just five since we have a total of nearly 50 Advent calendars in store. You read that right! Plenty of great options to select from your favorite chocolate makers Lindt, Ferrero, Ritter Sport, Milka, Niederegger, Verpoorten and Nestle. You can’t go wrong with either of them.
Advent Calendars have become a staple Christmas tradition and they are a great way to celebrate the holiday season. Additionally, these calendars give you something exciting to look forward to each day. When you have eaten all your 24 candies in your advent calendar, it’s time for Santa Claus! Don’t miss out and pre-order your calendar today!
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However, is the world’s sweet tooth destroying plant and animal biodiversity? This article will discuss how sustainable cocoa production can benefit farmers and consumers alike. Read on to discover what you can do as chocolate lovers to protect the industry from harmful customs.
]]>Chocolate is the most recognized sweet treat globally. In fact, the annual global chocolate consumption has reached 7.2 metric tons and the demand for chocolate products is forecasted to grow even further. The world has smallholder farmers and cocoa-growing communities to thank for some of the best chocolate brands, since they produce the core ingredient from the seeds of the cocoa trees.
However, is the world’s sweet tooth destroying plant and animal biodiversity? The rising demand for chocolate led to more intense farming practices. Traditional cocoa farming focused on mass production and high-yield practices, whereby natural resources were exploited resulting in deforestation of primary forest and loss of biodiversity. Nowadays, governments in several cocoa producing countries have taken corrective action to stop the deforestation by declaring forests as protected areas and by restoring green areas through planting tree campaigns.
This article will discuss how sustainable cocoa production can benefit farmers and consumers alike. Read on to discover what you can do as chocolate lovers to protect the industry from harmful customs.
According to recent statistics, 70% of the world’s cocoa comes from smallholder farmers in West Africa, particularly Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Cameroon. Historically, they planted their produce randomly under thinned forest shade. This simple, low-input method explains why individual growers use most forest zones in the area to grow cocoa.
The farmers who wanted to produce more cocoa beans had to find additional planting areas to address the world’s growing demand. Apart from the lack of space, they also dealt with pests and diseases associated with growing cocoa, including mirids, beetles, flies, frosty pod rot, and swollen shoot virus.
Naturally, the top-of-mind solutions for the cocoa industry were expanding forest zones and increasing the use of chemical pesticides. Deforestation has been a major concern in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, where 25% and 8% of their primary forest was lost between 2002-2019 due to cocoa farming. A destructive cycle started in the hope of higher yield, but the cocoa farmers later discovered that these practices actually led to the opposite and did not impact production as much as they wanted. The worn-out soil and unsustainable farming practices stressed the cocoa trees and resulted in lower yields.
To eliminate deforestation from its cocoa supply chain the governments of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana and 35 leading cocoa and chocolate companies have joined together in the Cocoa & Forests Initiative in 2017. They promise that no that no further forest land will be converted for cocoa production and they commit to restoring forest land and shifting towards sustainable cocoa production and social policies. Since then 10.4 million forest trees were distributed. According to One Tree Planted, Ghana for example, aims to plant over 30 million trees in order to restore the environment.
In recent years agroforestry practices have been adapted in the cocoa industry as a viable option for sustainable cocoa production. In agroforestry systems, there are ecological and economical interactions between various factors. Essentially, these interchanges should benefit land users and environments alike.
Agroforestry is defined as agriculture with trees. The aim is to mix forest trees, fruit trees, various plant species and other food crops with cocoa trees. Cacao trees are delicate plants that grow 20 degrees north and south of the Equator in tropical areas with high rain fall. Although cocoa trees grow in full sun, they do appreciate protection from the elements, such as strong winds, intensive rainfall and solar radiation. Therefore, most cacao trees are planted among larger trees that serve as shade trees. Selecting adequate accompanying trees in cocoa agroforestry systems is complex as some shade trees might reduce the requirement for fertilizers and pesticides, but others may contribute to other pests and fungi.
Nevertheless, there are several benefits associated with agroforestry systems as shown below:
A Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) 2017 study assessed the productivity and return of labor of cacao agroforestry in Bolivia. It compared the long-term income of full-sun monocultures where farmers only grow cacao trees and agroforestry systems where they plant cacao trees with shade trees and by-crops.
The findings showed promising results. They demonstrated that the return on labor - or income per working day - was almost twice as high in agroforestry systems versus monocultures. Agroforestry requires more work hours, but because of additional trees to maintain, farmers can earn more by using the technique.
The Climate Change Resource Center shares that agroforestry is a helpful tool in climate change adaptation and mitigation because of the following capabilities: reduce threats and enhance landscape resiliency, help move species to more favorable conditions, sequester carbon and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.
Agroforestry offers a distinct advantage for climate change efforts because the woody plant approach adds functional diversity to any ecosystem. Using agroforestry to improve climate change resiliency is not a new idea. During the 1930s, individuals overseeing the Prairie States Forestry Project planted windbreaks to enhance crop yields and protect soil health. The strategy has proven effective in improving landscape resiliency against environmental threats.
Various factors cause biodiversity loss, including climate change, overexploitation, invasive species, habitat loss, and pollution. Using agroforestry — or planting trees on farms — is a potential solution to these concerns. A study conducted by the World Cocoa Foundation in Cameroon and Ghana found that shade cocoa farms had twice as much plant and animal species, such as birds and pollinators in comparison with nearby forest sites. They also produced higher quality cocoa. Historically, West Africa had a long tradition of shade-grown cocoa and farmers are now reverting back to traditional methods. The biodiversity-friendly practice enables farmers across West Africa to receive higher prices for their cocoa and recover a large portion of the land lost to deforestation and land degradation each year without the need for more land conversion.
Agroforestry systems ensure a longer product life-cycle as a result of the mixture of agricultural products available for retail, greater climatic resilience and a more stable and diversified income for farmers. Today, there are non-profit organizations helping farmers in West Africa grow cacao effectively without harming the environment.
As a consumer, is there a way to support such initiatives? The answer is an astounding yes! You can support them by getting involved with groups like One Tree Planted. One Tree Planted is a non-profit organization with one goal in mind: to achieve global reforestation. The institution wants to simplify the process of helping the environment by planting one tree for every dollar donated to the cause.
The group believes that donors and volunteers can restore forests, create biodiverse habitats, and make the world a better place, one tree at a time. Since 2014, One Tree Planted has doubled the number of trees planted annually across over 43 countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Cameroon. After almost ten years, the group now has over 260 planting partners and has planted over 40,000,000 trees. In 2021 alone, organizers and supporters planted 23.5 million trees. This year, the goal is to grow twice that number!
Our store, Chocolate & More Delights, supports this initiative and we invite our customers to plant a tree with every order. Customers can simply add a tree to their shopping basket when they shop their favorite German candies with us. Together, we can support cocoa farmers around the world to earn more, protect the environment, and restore biodiversity. Shop now to enjoy various German chocolate treats while making a difference in farmers’ lives. Thanks for stopping by.
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Moments we enjoy a lot are those quietly spent in the kitchen trying out new dessert recipes we find in our stack of recipe books and magazines. There is something relaxing about baking and having a cake in the afternoon is one of Germany's most beloved traditions. When we invite family or friends over in the afternoon for a 'Kaffeeklatsch' there is definitely cake around. The German word 'Kaffeeklatsch' literally means a little chat over coffee with friends.
Coffee and cake is a very important part of German culture. The afternoon coffee and cake tradition dates back to the 17th century when coffee beans were first imported to Germany. Coffee quickly became the preferred hot drink of the aristocracy, who paired it with cake. This practice eventually trickled down to all members of society and was wholeheartedly embraced. The Kaffeeklatsch was born, which refers to our afternoon coffee-and-cake sessions.
To date, people stroll into their favorite pastry shop in the afternoon for a leisurely cup of coffee, a slice of cake, and good conversation, if the busy work schedule permits. Otherwise, it is Kaffeeklatsch time, cake, and coffee galore on the weekends.
There are hundreds of delicious cakes to try and we bake cakes based on the season. In the summer they usually contain fresh fruits.
How would you describe strawberry cheesecake? Is it sweet or savory? Would you say it has a creamy texture or a crumbly crust?
Strawberry cheesecake is a classic dessert that combines two of our favorite foods – strawberries and cream cheese. Combining these two ingredients creates a rich and delicious treat everyone loves. This no-bake Strawberry cheesecake is a great summertime treat because it’s light and refreshing. Here is how to make it:
Slowly melt butter and set aside to cool down. Place cookies into a plastic bag and crush them into fine pieces. Mix butter with cookies to create a cookie dough. Spread cookie dough evenly into a greased springform pan. Place the cake pan into the refrigerator for approx. 30 minutes.
In the meantime mix Philadelphia cream cheese, with custard sugar and milk. Stir ingredients until fully combined. Spread cream cheese on top of the cookie crust. Sprinkle ground almonds on top until cream cheese mass is evenly covered. Place the cake into the refrigerator for 2 hrs.
Wash strawberries and remove leaves. Cut strawberries in halves. Set aside about five strawberries for decoration. Place strawberries on top of the almond layer. Whip the cream and spread it on top of strawberries. Prepare cake glaze according to the instructions on the package. Once done, let it cool slightly and drizzle over the cake. Place the finished cake into the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Decorate the cake with remaining strawberries and enjoy it with family and friends.
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If there is a season for white chocolate, it would be during the summertime. White chocolate is known for its rich and creamy taste, which makes it an excellent companion to acidic fruits like berries and citrus. It also works well with sweet fruits like peaches and melons.
Given how well it pairs up with these fruits, it’s only reasonable to believe that the best time to eat it is during the berry season — which is in the summer!
What exactly is white chocolate, and what makes it an amazing addition to mix with fruits? Let's find out.
White chocolate is a candy that has a pale ivory color. It is made from cocoa butter, milk powder and sugar. Sometimes, vanilla is mixed to add to its rich taste.
Compared to other types of chocolate — like dark and milk chocolate — white chocolate doesn’t contain cocoa solids and thus from a technical perspective, it is not really chocolate. Since the only cocoa bean component of white chocolate is cocoa butter.
The origin of it is a widely-contested topic. However, many agree that the Swiss multinational food and drink processing corporation, Nestlé, was the first to sell white chocolate bars to the public in 1936.
White chocolate follows a production process quite similar to that of milk and dark chocolate. The first step is the harvesting and fermentation of cacao beans. The fermented beans are set aside and taken out once they turn sweet. From there, the beans are separated from the pulp and shipped to chocolate makers around the world.
After receiving the beans, chocolate manufacturers then roast them. The outer layer of the beans is separated to allow the producers to crush the beans into small pieces called nibs.
The nibs are heated until they turn into a paste and eventually into cocoa butter. The cocoa solids are then separated, so they can be made into milk and dark chocolate. To produce white chocolate, the manufacturers combine cocoa butter with milk, sugar, and sometimes vanilla.
Today, white chocolate products need to maintain a certain composition before they can be considered white chocolate. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that white chocolate has to have a minimum of 20% cocoa butter, 14% total milk solids, 3.5% milkfat, and a maximum of 55% nutritive carbohydrate sweeteners.
You can think of white chocolate as the blank canvas in the world of chocolate, since the overall flavor of this chocolate isn’t as intense as its counterparts.
Since this sweet candy doesn’t contain cocoa solids, it has a taste that is less dominant than milk or dark chocolate. Although it lacks the rich and deep flavors presented by chocolate made with cocoa, white chocolate is far from being tasteless. It has its own complex flavor profile that makes it quite unique and many producers have found that the creaminess makes for an ideal match with a wide range of fruits.
White chocolate combined with raspberry is one of the most popular flavor combinations today. Raspberry is known for its tartness. When it’s eaten with white chocolate, it can negate that initial sour flavor profile.
People have found that combining raspberry with this type of chocolate in a cheesecake provides a creamy tang as the subtle sweetness of white chocolate makes for a great backdrop against the tartness of raspberries. Check out this White Raspberry Cheesecake Recipe here.
The citrus tang that comes from lemons or oranges also pairs well with white chocolate, because it balances out acidic fruits with it’s creamy taste. The sweet and sour combination of these two can make for a refreshing summer dessert.
Strawberry and chocolate is a classic combination. You don't need anything else but a bowl of fresh, juicy strawberries and heaps of melted white chocolate to dunk them in. These two ingredients can make for an excellent treat during a hot summer day.
If you’re looking for a more unique pairing, then you might want to consider mixing in passionfruit. The sweet and sour taste of this tropical fruit can make for an awesome dessert when it’s paired with white chocolate.
Summer is the perfect season to enjoy the rich, sweet, creaminess that white chocolate has to offer. We love the unique flavor profile it adds to the world of chocolate, and the way it mixes with different fruits provides a refreshing dessert to complement any hot day. Luckily, summer is berry season, so you can easily find plenty of options for a fruity chocolate snack.
If you’re looking for top-quality white chocolate candies today, then check out what we have to offer. You can start by browsing our website to find which German summer chocolate candies appeal most to you.
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Panna Cotta is a classic Italian dessert that seems to have it's origin in the northern Italian region of Piedmont. It literally translates into "cooked cream". Panna Cotta is essentially a pudding. We love making panna cotta because it’s easy to do and requires very little ingredients. It is practically fool proof. This delicious dessert is naturally gluten-free and therefore it caters to many dietary needs. It can also be turned into a vegan dessert option, if desired. You can also customize it by adding different flavors like chocolate or coffee. The taste of panna cotta is light, creamy and delicious making it the perfect sweet treat.
Here are three easy Panna Cotta recipes to try.
Chop the couverture chocolate into small pieces. Once done place the chocolate in a bowl.
Put the two sheets of gelatin in a bowl of cold water and leave it there until it is softened. Pour the milk and heavy cream into a sauce pan and bring slowly to a boil. Remove the sauce pan from the heat. Gently squeeze the gelatin to extract the excess water and stir it into the hot cream/milk mixture until is completely dissolved.
Pour the hot milk/cream mixture over the chocolate and whisk thoroughly. Equally divide the chocolate mixture between your dessert glasses and chill for a minimum of 2 to 3 hrs. Decorate the chocolate panna cotta as you like and enjoy!
Pour the heavy cream into a sauce pan. Split the vanilla bean in half, remove the seeds and add to the cream. Add a few drops of vanilla extract according to your preference. Stir well and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Fat is a flavor carrier and, if you want to maximize the vanilla flavor allow the mixture to sit overnight.
Place the two sheets of gelatin into cold water until they are soft. Chop the white couverture chocolate into small pieces and set aside in a mixing bowl.
Pour the milk into the cream/vanilla mixture and bring slowly to a boil. Remove from heat. Squeeze the excess water from the gelatin and stir into the cream/milk mixture until completely dissolved.
Pour the hot milk/cream mixture over the white chocolate and whisk thoroughly to combine the two. Divide the chocolate mixture between your dessert glasses and place into the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 hrs. Decorate the white chocolate panna cotta with a berry compote and enjoy.
Since this is a vegan Panna Cotta we use Agar Agar as a plant-based gelling agent. Agar is made from red algae and it is a popular vegetarian substitute for gelatin. It has no taste, color or odor and therefore can be used safely in any dessert or dish that requires thickening. Use 0.9 g agar agar powder to 100 ml of neutral liquid. Agar Agar sets more firmly than gelatin and can even set at room temperature.
Pour the coconut milk into a sauce pan. Split the vanilla bean in half, remove the seeds with the back of your knife and add to the coconut milk. Stir well to combine. Set aside for 30 minutes to infuse.
Bring the coconut milk to a boil over medium heat, add agar agar to it and mix well. Let is simmer until it starts to thicken for approx. 5 minutes. Pour the mixture evenly into your desired dessert glasses. Chill the coconut panna cotta in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 hrs. For the topping we recommend freshly chopped mangos or pineapples, since these tropical fruits complement the coconut very well. You can also cook a fruit compote, if desired.
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]]>Keep reading to delve into the compelling origins of chocolate. Learn how the Maya and the Aztec civilizations cultivated and used cocoa in the distant past. Find out what the role of Aztec leader Montezuma was in spreading the popularity of chocolate all over the world. Finally, explore interesting chocolate facts that will enhance your appreciation of chocolate.
]]>The history of chocolate is just as rich and intriguing as its fascinating taste. While chocolate is one of the most well-loved foods in the world today, it was considered the food of the gods even during ancient times.
Ancient Mesoamericans believed that the cacao tree was sacred, which is why chocolate became known as the food of the gods. They would make a drink from cacao beans that was believed to have spiritual powers and mood-enhancing capabilities. This drink was consumed during sacred ceremonies of birth, death, and marriage by nobles, priests, rulers, and warriors.
Keep reading to delve into the compelling origins of chocolate. Learn how the Maya and the Aztec civilizations cultivated and used cocoa in the distant past. Find out what the role of Aztec leader Montezuma was in spreading the popularity of chocolate all over the world. Finally, explore interesting chocolate facts that will enhance your appreciation of chocolate.
Chocolate is a type of food created by drying, roasting, and grounding cacao pods. These pods, which contain about 40 cacao beans each, grow on cacao trees native to South and Central America. According to Britannica, the cacao tree was initially cultivated over 3,000 years ago by people who belonged to the ancient civilizations of Maya, Aztec, and Toltec. They used the cacao bean to concoct a bitter drink.
The name “chocolate” actually comes from "xocoatl,” a term used by the Aztecs to describe their bitter cacao beverage. The cacao tree’s Latin name, “Theobroma cacao,” literally means "food of the gods."
Chocolate eventually made its way from Central and South America to Europe and other parts of the world. Christopher Columbus was the first explorer who transported cacao beans to Spain after his fourth expedition in 1502, although it did not immediately become popular among the Spaniards.
Montezuma II, the Aztec ruler of Mexico, is traditionally believed to play a major role in spreading cocoa to other countries. History relates that Montezuma supposedly consumed gallons of chocolate daily as an aphrodisiac and energy drink. He was also known to share his cacao beans with his warriors. In 1519, Montezuma II served a cacao bean drink to Hernán Cortés, a Spanish conquistador. In turn, Cortés introduced the beverage to his fellow citizens in Spain.
In 1544, the Kekchí Mayan people of Guatemala gave cacao beans to Prince Philip during their visit to Spain. The first official shipment of cacao beans was recorded in 1585, when a ship from Veracruz, Mexico, arrived in Spain.
Spain has the distinction of being the first country in Europe to include chocolate in its national cuisine. It grew in popularity in the Spanish court after the hot cocoa drink was sweetened with vanilla and cinnamon.
Chocolate was a trendy drink in Europe by the 17th century. At first, cocoa beverages were only enjoyed by rich people, but the invention of the steam engine in the late 1700s led to the mass production of chocolate. The creation of Dutch cocoa or powdered chocolate, which was formulated by a Dutch chemist in 1828, resulted in the formation of solid chocolate.
In 1823 Jordan & Timaeus founded the first German "Chocolate and Chicorium Factory" in Dresden, Germany, which produced the first edible milk chocolate in 1839. The two entrepreneurs and their company gained a worldwide reputation. In 1847, Joseph Fry made a chocolate paste with moldable properties by adding cacao butter to the Dutch cocoa in the UK. Cadbury began to sell chocolate candies in England by 1868. After a few years, Nestle introduced milk chocolate to the market.
During the Revolutionary War from 1775 to 1783, chocolate was highly treasured by Americans. It was a basic part of the soldiers’ rations. At times, it was even used as a substitute for the salary of soldiers. During the 20th century, chocolate evolved from simple chocolate drinks and bars to a wide range of delicious desserts and culinary treats.
At present, chocolate continues to make an impact on a global scale. According to Business Wire, Technavio analysts predict that the worldwide chocolate market will grow to 8.51 MT by the end of 2022.
Here are some engaging trivia tidbits about chocolate that will show you how much people value it:
Chocolate may be considered the food of the gods since the time of the Maya, the Aztecs, and Montezuma. However, everyone can enjoy its divine taste today. Be part of the rich history of chocolate by savoring your favorite chocolate treats. Bookmark this website now to learn more exciting facts about one of the most beloved foods in the world.
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Today, Europe is admired as a continent that produces some of the most premium chocolates in the world. Nevertheless, you might be surprised to learn that Europe started as a relative latecomer in discovering the joys of chocolate when compared to other continents.
Keep reading to trace the interesting origins of chocolate in Europe, ranging from Spanish, French, English, Dutch, and German chocolate. Find out how chocolate, which began as a luxury for royalty, eventually became a widely popular treat for most Europeans. Familiarize yourself with the well-known chocolate brands in Europe which you can enjoy, including Ferrero and Lindt.
Chocolate originally spread to Europe from Central and South America, where people from the Maya and Aztec ancient civilizations cultivated cacao trees as early as 1250 B.C. The Aztecs and Mayans concocted a bitter beverage made from cacao beans mixed with chili pepper and vanilla. They also used cacao beans as a form of currency in their society.
There are mixed reports on who brought the first cacao beans to Europe. According to WIRED, the navigator Christopher Columbus was the first person to import cacao beans to Spain as he completed his fourth and last voyage to the Americas. Nevertheless, cocoa did not immediately make a major impact on Spaniards during that time.
The Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes also transported cacao beans and brewing equipment when he returned to Spain in 1528. Legend says that Cortes was introduced to the cacao bean drink in 1519 by Montezuma II, who was the Aztec leader of Mexico. Dominican friars also provided cacao beans to Spanish royalty.
Chocolate became a popular staple among the Spanish court by the late 1500s. Spain started to import cacao beans from Veracruz, Mexico by 1585. As representatives from France and Italy traveled to Central America, they also brought back cacao beans to their own countries. The use of chocolate eventually spread throughout the continent of Europe.
The first chocolate house in England opened in London in 1657, based on History resources. Hot chocolate was once considered by the British people as an all-around medicinal beverage used to cure tuberculosis and other health conditions. The French royalty grew interested in hot chocolate after Louis XIV got married in 1660 to Marie Therese, who was a fan of cocoa. The courtiers of the Palace of Versailles believed that the beverage was an aphrodisiac.
Chocolate was introduced in Germany at the start of the 17th century. It was initially marketed as a form of medicine in pharmacies, although German chocolate recreational drinks began to be sold in the country in 1673.
During its early history, chocolate was mostly an exclusive treat for rich people. However, it eventually achieved popularity with more Europeans from different social backgrounds. At first, Europeans consumed hot chocolate beverages that were flavored with pepper, wine, and coffee. In the early 1700s, English and Dutch chocolate makers started adding milk and sugar to chocolate.
The mass production of chocolate began in the late 1700s after the steam engine was invented. According to Smithsonian Magazine, a Dutch chemist created powdered Dutch cocoa in 1828 by removing half of the cacao butter from chocolate liquor, grinding it into powder, and adding alkaline salts to reduce the bitter flavor. This powdered chocolate became the foundation for solid chocolate. Jordan & Timeus developed the first milk chocolate in 1839 in Germany. Their company “Dresdner Schokoladenfabrik” expanded year by year when the steam engine was installed to make production more efficient and the two entrepreneurs gained worldwide reputation. Joseph Fry made the very first modern chocolate bar in 1847 in the UK. He added cacao butter back to Dutch cocoa to form a moldable chocolate paste.
Despite its relatively late discovery of chocolate, Europe is now one of the most sought-after sources of luscious chocolate products throughout the world. These are some of the famous chocolate makers in Europe whose chocolate confections you can relish:
Become part of the exciting history of European chocolate by savoring delightful chocolate from the continent, such as Ritter Sport, Ferrero, Lindt, Milka, Niederegger and many more. Bookmark this website to learn more about chocolate in Europe and beyond.
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Create your own chocolates with this colorful chocolate bark recipe. A chocolate bark is essentially a slab of chocolate that is covered with fruits, almonds or nuts. The name 'bark' refers to the vague resemblance of the candy to a tree bark. We also call it hand-broken chocolate. The chocolate slab is broken by hand into shards of various sizes to serve. Chocolate barks can be made with any kind of chocolate. Combining different types of chocolate make it a unique piece of art. For the hobby chocolatier this is one of the easiest methods to create chocolates at home. All you need to do is temper your chocolate correctly. For tempering tips read on here. Homemade chocolates are a delicious holiday gift and you also can get your kids involved.
Place the dark chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate into separate microwave-safe bowls.
Place each bowl in the microwave and heat for short periods of 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and melted.
Divide the melted white chocolate between 3 bowls and add 2-3 drops of Dr. Oetker Extra Strong Color Gels or any other food color gel of your choice to two of the bowls. Stir, and add more drops for a stronger color.
Take a large baking tray and line it with baking parchment. Gradually spoon on the different chocolates one tablespoon at a time. Once all the chocolate is on the tray, take a cocktail stick and gently swirl it through the chocolate to create a marbled effect. Gently tip the tray from side to side to ensure the chocolate has set over an even surface space.
Decorate with the toppings of your choice. Leave to set in a cool place, or in the fridge, then break up to serve.
Recipe Source: Dr. Oetker
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Macarons are one of the most popular classic French pastries with numerous flavors and fillings. These elegant sandwich cookies are gluten-free and made of egg white, blanched almonds, sugar and flavorings. The filling consists of a ganache, buttercream or jam. The perfect French macarons have a slight crunch and chewy texture. Although these cookies require some practice, they are worth a try and it is a lot of fun to play around with different fillings. Impress your friends and family with these homemade, colorful Macarons, inspired by top French pastry chefs!
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C Fan, Gas Mark 4, 355 F). Sift the ground almonds and the icing sugar together onto a piece of baking parchment then sift again.
Using a freestanding electric mixer, whisk the egg whites to an airier texture. It is recommended to use the eggs at room-temperature. If you have the time, take your eggs out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you plan to bake.
Add the Cream of Tartar and whisk to soft peaks. The acidity helps the egg whites hold onto air. Reduce the speed and gradually add the caster sugar, then return to a high speed and whisk until the meringue mixture is firm.
Remove the bowl from the machine and add the Vanilla Extract and a few drops of Gel Food Color if desired. Using a large metal spoon, fold in the dry ingredients. The mixture should be smooth and shiny.
Using a piping bag fitted with a 1cm (½ inch) nozzle, pipe the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with baking parchment. The macaroons should be approx. 3cm (¾ inch) in diameter, with 2.5cm (1 inch) between each one. Tap the tray from underneath to flatten the mixture slightly.
Leave the macaroons for 15 minutes to form a skin and then bake in the center of the oven for 10 minutes, with the oven door open slightly to let the steam escape. They should rise from the bases a little and be crisp and firm on the top.
Remove from the oven and immediately run a little cold water between the baking parchment and the baking tray. This will make it easier to remove them from the paper. Allow 2-3 minutes for them to cool before lifting them off the baking parchment.
Leave until completely cool, then sandwich together with the filling. Make sure you use a good amount of filling, as it is always desirable to see a little of it.
For the buttercream, beat the butter and icing sugar together until light and fluffy. Add a few drops of Vanilla Extract to taste. To color the buttercream, add a few drops of your desired Gel Food Color to the mixture and gently fold in until even color is achieved.
Macarons need to soften in the refrigerator at least for 24 hours after baking. It is best to bring them up to room temperature 30 minutes before serving.Recipe Source: Dr. Oetker
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We are excited to announce our partnership with One Tree Planted. The organization made an incredible impact for the environment and local communities in 2021. Thanks to donors around the world 23 million trees were planted and another 25 million are committed to be planted in 2022 indicates the One Tree Planted Annual Report.
One Tree Planted is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to make it simple for anyone to help the environment by planting trees. Their projects span the globe and are done in partnership with local communities and knowledgeable experts to create an impact for nature, people, and wildlife. Reforestation helps to fight climate change, rebuild forests after fires and floods, provide jobs for social impact, and restore biodiversity. Many projects have overlapping objectives, creating a combination of benefits that contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. To learn more about One Tree Planted reforestation efforts and reforestation efforts, visit onetreeplanted.org.
Working with One Tree Planted is a great fit since the organization is actively participating in reforestation projects in cocoa growing regions like Ghana, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, the Amazon and Peru. Cacao trees are delicate plants that grow 15-20 degrees north and south of the Equator in tropical areas with high rain fall. Over 3000 different plants have been identified as cacao, but only one cacao bean is commercially produced, which is Theobroma Cacao. Cocoa farms are generally small, family owned and operated businesses. There are approximately 4.5 million cocoa farms around the world. The majority of cocoa farms are located in Ivory Coast and Ghana, where pre-dominantly common or bulk cacao is produced. Rare and fine flavor cocoa is native to Latin America and accounts for only 15% of the world’s cocoa production.
Deforestation and climate change pose imminent and growing threats for the future of cocoa production and community livelihoods. One solution to this concern is adapting organic farming systems or agroforestry techniques. A typical agroforestry system in Peru for example, includes a main crop, such as cacao; a shadow component, for example banana or papaya; a recovery crop, such as guava; and quick- and slow-growing timber species. According to One Tree Planted, growing a mix of trees and shrubs mimics the behavior of a forest, and helps the soil retain nutrients and water, protecting the land and increasing carbon absorption. Together these crops create short- and long-term income cycles for the farmers, like Pedro Villa, who has land on the outskirts of the rainforest in Peru.
His newly restored land appears to be forest but is, in fact, a cleverly arranged sustainable agroforestry system that contribute to the conservation of the regional ecosystems. As Villa restores the pasture, trees are returning to what is now a diversified farm where fruits and cacao are grown, and cattle and pigs raised. Villa was originally a papaya farmer, however, the single-crop farming practice, depleted the soil of nutrients after only a few years. Now papaya is still farmed, but it serves as a shade tree, sheltering the cacao that grows underneath. He also grows boliana, a quick-growing timber ready for harvesting within five years. Villa's main income comes from four varieties of cacao. In 2017, he processed 3 tons of cacao, the raw ingredient of chocolate, and now he feels comfortable in processing 20 tons through this sustainable farming technique (One Tree Planted, 2020).
If you wish to help restore cacao trees in the Amazon region or Peru and support farmers like Pedro then you can also donate to One Tree Planted directly.
The partnership is designed to be simple for our customers to get involved in global reforestation. We invite our customers to plant a tree for USD 1 with every order. At the end of each month, we will give all collected donations to One Tree Planted to plant trees. The trees are planted by local partner organizations and community volunteers in areas where there has been deforestation.
"We appreciate the support of Chocolate & More Delights and all the great work we will be able to do as a result of this partnership. The trees we plant will have a positive impact on nature, biodiversity, and people for years to come" - Ashley Lamontagne, Forest Campaign Manager
Trees are essential to the health of our planet, biodiversity, and reducing the harmful effects of climate change. Reforestation is consistently identified by scientists as one of the top solutions to the climate crisis and the trees planted as part of this initiative will support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. For the love of chocolate, let’s plant trees!
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One of the best ways to deal with the winter blues is to indulge in dark chocolates or perhaps a chocolate cake. Dark chocolate contains a compound called theobromine, which increases energy and mental alertness. It also contains magnesium, which is essential for production of serotonin. Serotonin is the feel-good chemical and influences your mood and therefore can increase your feelings of overall happiness. If you have a sweet tooth like us, this delicious chocolate bundt cake will make you happy. Generously smothered with a rich chocolate ganache glaze for the ultimate chocolate indulgence. It is an awesome mood booster and makes a great dessert.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C Fan, Gas Mark 4). Lightly grease a 24cm (9 ¾ inch) ring cake tin.
Break 100g (3 ½ oz) Extra Dark Chocolate into pieces and place in a small heatproof bowl over a pan of gently simmering water. Leave to melt, then remove from the water and set aside for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, sieve the flour and Baking Powder into a bowl and stir in the sugar. Make a well in the centre. Separately, Mix the egg yolks and oil with 100ml (3 ½ fl.oz) cold water. Then in another bowl, whisk the egg whites with the Cream of Tartar until stiff.
Pour the egg yolk and oil mixture into the well and add the warm chocolate. Mix to form a smooth batter. Carefully fold the egg whites into the chocolate batter until thoroughly mixed.
Pour into the prepared cake tin and bake for about 50 minutes until risen and firm to the touch, and a skewer inserted into the sponge comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before turning on to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the decoration, using a vegetable peeler, shave some of the Extra Dark Chocolate into small curls to make about 30ml (2 tbsp) shavings and set aside. Break the remaining Chocolate into pieces and place in a small heatproof bowl with the butter and 20 ml (4 tsp) cold water. Put the bowl over a pan of barely simmering water until melted then remove from the water and mix well until smooth and glossy.
Put a board under the cake rack and spoon a little chocolate glaze over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Sprinkle with the chocolate shavings, add berries and leave for a few minutes to set before slicing to serve with the remaining glaze to spoon over.
Recipe Source: Dr. Oekter
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]]>What would Christmas be without a delicious chocolate cake? This year, why not try out a new recipe for your family or friends?
Christmas is one of the most important holidays in the calendar. It is celebrated around the world every December 25th. The tradition dates back to ancient times and has become a part of our culture.
Chocolate cakes have always been a favorite dessert at Christmas time. There are so many types of cakes out there, from classic chocolate to fruit-flavored ones. This is hands down one of our most favorite Christmas cakes. It is easy to bake and it tastes great. If you want to impress your loved ones this holiday season, then you should definitely give this recipe a try.
1. Grind almonds, rusk and chocolate separately in a food processor and pour each ingredient one by one in a mixing bowl. It is important to grate the chocolate quickly on high speed to avoid melting. Cut dates into small pieces, place them in a separate bowl and mix them with flour.
2. Combine butter, sugar, salt and orange peel in a third mixing bowl and stir with a handheld electric mixer. Separate egg whites and add egg yolks one by one to the sugar and butter mass. Gently combine the eggs for a couple minutes. Add egg mixture to the almond, rusk and chocolate mass. Mix all ingredients until all components are fully combined. Beat egg whites until soft peaks emerge. Add dates to dough mixture and fold in the egg whites slowly.
3. Grease a springform cake pan with butter on the side and line the bottom with parchment paper. Pour dough into the baking form evenly. Pre-heat oven to 170 C / 338 F and bake for approx. 40 min. You may want to cover the cake with parchment paper after the first 20 minutes.
4. Remove the cake from the oven and poke it on top with a wooden stick. Let the cake cool down. Mix rum with fresh orange juice and pour it over the date chocolate cake. Remove the cake from the baking form and let it dry for a while.
5. Knead marzipan with icing sugar and roll out flat on your kitchen surface. Use tree and star shaped cookie cutters and cut out a few shapes for decoration. Roast sliced almonds or hazelnuts without any butter or oil in a sauce pan over low heat. Let the almonds or hazelnuts cool down.
6. Melt dark chocolate couverture in a bain-marie or in a bowl over hot water. Cover the Christmas cake with the chocolate and place the roasted almonds or hazelnuts around the edge. Decorate the top of the orange date cake with the marzipan tree and star shapes. Let the cake dry completely.
Enjoy this Christmas Cake with family and friends.
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]]>Happy fall you all. The leaves are falling and it is getting colder outside. The festive season is just around the corner and we are getting cozy with hot chocolate and a piece of cake. It is the pumpkin season and therefore we made a fresh pumpkin pie. This is absolutely the best and most delicious pumpkin cake we have ever eaten. Pumpkins symbolize the harvest time and during this time of the year you can see pumpkin spice everything all around you from lattes, chocolates, donuts and so on. When you take a closer look at what pumpkin spice actually is then you'll discover the spices used in the pie like ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon or gloves. Did you know that pumpkin pies are the single most requested dessert at Thanksgiving in the USA? A good reason to give it a try and make this delicious pie from scratch. Here is how:
Filling:
Batter:
Topping:
1. We used a Hokkaido pumpkin because the skin is perfectly edible and does not need to be removed regardless of how you want to prepare it. Cut the pumpkin in half, scrape out the insides and remove the seeds. Dice the pumpkin into medium size squares. Peel and finely chop the ginger. Place both in a saucepan with a bit of water and orange peel, cover the saucepan and gently simmer for about 15 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated and the pumpkin is soft and fully cooked. Puree the pumpkin and let it cool down. Grease the springform pan base. Preheat oven.
Top / bottom heat about 200 ° C / 390 F
2. Mix the flour with Backin or Baking Powder in a mixing bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and process everything with a handheld mixer (dough hook) first at the lowest, then at the highest level. You will have a bowl full of crumbs. Take about 2/3 of the crumbs and put them evenly in the springform pan and press them firmly onto the base. Put the form in the oven and bake the cake base for for about 15 minutes.
3. Let the cake base cool down a bit. Knead the rest of the dough, shape it into a roll and place it as an edge / crust around. It should be approx. 2 cm / 1 inch high. Reduce the baking temperature.
Top / bottom heat about 180 ° C / 356 F
4. Add the sugar, egg, cream cheese, Vanilla Sauce Powder or Corn Starch / Vanilla Extract and nutmeg to the pumpkin puree and stir it with a handheld mixer (stir sticks) at the lowest level until all ingredients are fully combined. The pumpkin should be like a mousse. Pour the mixture into the mold and bake.
Insert: lower third, Baking time: about 45 minutes
Let the pie cool down on a wire rack, then loosen and remove the springform pan.
5. Prepare the Dr. Oetker Paradise Cream according to the package instructions, but with 200 g / 7.05 oz Whipping Cream and 50 ml / 1.76 oz cold milk. If Dr. Oetker Paradise Cream is not available in your location then you can make a Cream Cheese Lemon Frosting instead by using 250 g / 8 oz Cream Cheese and 2 tbsp. Fresh Lemon Juice. Spread decoratively on the cake, sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top and put in the fridge for a couple of hours. Enjoy it with family and friends.
Recipe source: Dr. Oekter
You might also like this festive German chocolate cake for Christmas.
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]]>Sponge:
Decoration:
Preheat your oven to 180°C/ 160°C or 356 F. Grease and line a 30x20cm rectangular baking tray. Put the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cocoa powder and sugar in a large bowl and mix together. Make a well in the center.
In a separate bowl mix together the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the well in the center of the dry ingredients and gently begin to incorporate them together. Mix together until all ingredients are fully combined and your mixture is smooth.
Pour your mixture into your prepared baking tray and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until risen, to test your cake is baked insert a skewer into the center of the cake and if it comes out clean, your cake is baked!
Whilst your cake is baking it’s time to make a cherry drizzle for your cake. Defrost the cherries, drain the cherries and keep the juice. Pour about 150 ml / 5.29 oz of juice into a pan and add 1 tbsp of water to the juice. Gently heat up until the juice has a nice pouring consistency, add more water if required. Add the cherry liquor to it. Once the cake is baked pour the cherry drizzle over the top and allow to soak into the sponge.
Leave your cake to cool in the baking tray for 10 minutes, then remove and leave on a wire rack to cool completely.
Once your cake is cooled, it’s time to turn them into lovely mini gateau’s! Using a round cutter about 6 to 9 cm in diameter cut 10 to 12 circles out of the sponge. If your cake rounds are not level use a knife to gently level them off.
Put the whipping cream into a large bowl add the icing sugar and vanilla extract and whisk your cream until soft peaks emerge. Put and few table spoons full of cream into a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle. Add the cocoa powder into the remaining cream and stir thoroughly to create a chocolate cream mixture. Place the mixture into a piping bag and cut off the end of the piping bag to create a 1 cm hole in the end.
Pipe rings of whipped chocolate cream onto the 6 / 9 cake rounds and place a couple of cherries on top. Pop the other cake rounds on top to sandwich the chocolate cream and cherries. Pipe the remaining cream over the tops and sides of the mini cakes a smooth out using a palette knife.
To create the chocolate curls, use a vegetable peeler and scrape down the sides of the chocolate bar and watch the chocolate curls form! You can also use store bought chocolate curls instead.
Press the chocolate curls by hand around the sides of the cake and sprinkle over the top. Finally pipe a swirl of whipped cream onto the top of each mini gateau and decorate it with a cherry on top!
Now you are ready to enjoy these little Black Forest cake delicacies. Make sure you store the cakes in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve them. If you can't get enough of Black Forest cake then check out these chocolate cherry cake inspired creations by Lindt or Niederegger.
Recipe Source: Dr. Oetker
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