There is More to Chocolate Recipes Than Chocolate Dessert Recipes

Some of us have read research reports on the many health benefits that chocolate offers to us. Of course we want to believe these for it makes it easier for us to indulge in delicious chocolate recipes. I have found that this is pretty much the end of the chocolate knowledge for most of us. Not much consideration is given to the difference in taste of the chocolate, depending on the country of the origination of the cocoa trees. Likewise, not much thought is given to the variety of processing techniques, which can change the overall flavor. There is so much information available for people who truly love chocolate.

Cocoa trees are grown in countries around the world within ten degrees north and ten degrees south of the equator. This is the perfect climate for growing the trees. Although it is a small range of the equator, the growing conditions still vary considerably. The amount of rain and minerals add to the uniqueness of each country's product in chocolate recipes. Also, greatly affecting the final product is due to the processing plant. The temperature, time and degree of moisture are manipulated during the roasting, which can change the flavor from plant to plant. A manufacturer can change the flavor in the alkalization process or by aging the chocolate. It is best to sample chocolates from different countries and processed in different ways to find your favorites. You may discover a whole new taste of chocolates.

Chocolate recipes are not just desserts. The mole sauce recipe and the cocoa nib recipes are used as part of entrees. The mole sauce is like many consider to be gravy. It can be served over egg dishes, pork chops or other meat recipes, as you would a gravy sauce. It is especially delicious when seasoned with hot peppers. Cooking with cocoa nibs is a fairly new concept to most cooks. This byproduct of the cocoa bean is a little bitter tasted alone. Seasoned with spices like salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary or thyme, ground nibs makes a very good crust for chicken, fish or other meats.

It would be hard to convince many that there are not tremendous health benefits of chocolate. One taste of a luscious dark moist brownie drizzled with a chocolate liqueur would lift anyone from the pits of depression to a lighter spirit. Try to convince a chocolate lover otherwise. The ultimate chocolate recipe to a healthier life is being treated to a chocolate massage. Chocolate is a natural detoxification, which is very good for your body. Try relaxing in a dark room with the intoxicating aroma of the warm melted chocolate. Then have this warm melted chocolate lavished over your whole body. This sends your whole body, mind and spirit into a heavenly bliss. Now could anyone believe there are not health benefits from chocolate?

Frances Moore is a certified chef and with her daughter Kelly created http://www.painlesscooking.com to share information and easy instructions for cooking and baking. Learning chocolate facts will turn those ordinary chocolate recipes into extraordinary recipes.
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