Belgian chocolates are considered as the food of the champions, the rich people's indulgence and also the masses, and a temptation for lovers. Every year, Belgium is able to produce chocolate products of about 172,000 tons. You can even find over 2,000 shops offering their precious chocolate goodies.

The sublime chocolate confection of Belgium is praline. This is a skillfully sculpted shell made of chocolate that conceals a filling in the center; and once you eat it, it explodes in your mouth with an astounding texture. Most of the chocolatiers in Belgium make their chocolate products like praline by hand. They believe that this brings out the best in chocolate. You can find chocolate stores that sell luxurious pralines in almost every small village or town.

You can also find Belgian sea shells like that of GUYLIAN and Parthenon foods. The price of the chocolate shells range from $10 to $13 and is very affordable for chocolate lovers. There are different online stores that can provide you with this great product. The shells are made from the finest quality Belgian chocolate, a name that you can truly trust.

Chocolate shells, especially that of the Belgian chocolate, are all hand-made. You can use the chocolate shells as cake decorations, or you can give it as party favors. If you want to use it as a favor, for every pound, you can get a maximum of 65 pieces of the chocolate shells. For your cake decoration, you can purchase 40 large pieces of the chocolate shell. When you place an order, especially in an online store, make sure that you specify how you're planning to use the shells. The chocolate shells are edible, and just to ensure its freshness, place an order the day before your party.

Any form of chocolate is well-loved by almost any individual. Aside from using chocolates in cake decorations or as delicious treats in parties and social gatherings, it is also a perfect gift that can melt your loved-ones heart. Show your loved-one how much you cherish and love her by giving her Belgian shells chocolate. This is an excellent gift idea that you can use this coming Valentines Day.

Give her something new this Valentines. Sometimes, flowers and jewelry are so ordinary during this special occasion. So why not give her Belgian shell chocolate? And if you can actually make one yourself, so much the better; just order a Belgian chocolate from your nearest chocolate shop. By adding a personal touch to your gift, you can give her the most romantic gift that will be remembered for life.

Belgian chocolates are not only perfect for Valentines Day. In fact, you can use it for almost any occasion. People from all walks of life love chocolates because of its delicious sweet taste. It is not only loved by children but also of adults as well. Give your friend or a family member a sumptuous Belgian shells chocolate treat for his or her birthday, or even without a specific occasion.

When you give other people gifts, they will somehow feel that they're extra special. This can even be more felt if you give a chocolate gift. So when a certain occasion is about to come up, don't forget to include Belgian chocolate in your list. This is a party must-have that fits for any occasion.

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The Original Post is Located Here: How to Find Belgian Shell Chocolate

Who can really resist prime quality chocolate? When you open the wrapper and your heart beats in anticipation, the mere thought of rolling your tongue around the little delight makes your mouth water. Indeed, chocolate is one of those sins that even the stars confess to. Chocolate favors are a natural extension of this intense love for chocolates. Chocolatiers procure the best quality of chocolate from around the world and blend them with the right ingredients to give birth to their signature chocolates. Thus, premium chocolates are definitely a cut above the rest. This explains why there are many people who consider such chocolates to be excellent gifts.

A chocolate truffle box is an exciting gift idea. Many companies obtain the finest quality of cocoa and sell handmade chocolate truffles. Handmade chocolate truffles are considered to be of superior quality because these chocolates have a velvety finish and some of the best flavors you’ve ever tasted. These truffles may be free of extracts and artificial flavors.

A boxful of decadent chocolate truffles is a delightful treat for anyone receiving them. In fact, anyone who loves truffles knows that they cannot stop with one. Truffles are very addictive whether they are the dark chocolate, milk chocolate or nutty varieties. Proper blending of the finest quality of chocolate along with premium ingredients like fresh cream and high quality nuts ensures that the chocolate truffles explode in a riot of flavors and tastes in your mouth. Truffles may seem small, but they pack a great punch, bringing you a mouthful of paradise. No surprise then that a personalized truffle box is considered to be the ultimate in luxury gift ideas.

Chocolate truffle boxes generally contain an assorted collection of truffles. These boxes are ideal gift ideas whether you are hosting a small celebration or a big party. You find them not only at wedding ceremonies and bridal showers but also at corporate events.

To give the gift more warmth, many people ask for personalized truffle boxes. These truffle boxes contain a collection of truffles and the entire collection is beautifully packaged in attractive boxes. Personalization is achieved by splashing a picture, a message or a logo on the face of the box. These pictures or messages serve to remind the receiver of the occasion (like a baby shower or a wedding) or of the sender (like a company). A corporate truffle box generally contains different types of truffles. You may find dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolates and bitter chocolates.

While you may buy standard truffle boxes from your local store, personalized chocolate truffle boxes are best from the chocolatier’s. Many internet web stores specialize in making chocolate favors. An internet search will help you identify a number of reputed stores. Visit these stores and browse through their collection. Compare prices, quality and make. Also, pay close attention to the delivery and return policies of the website. Buy from an online vendor only after you have checked out all these important details.

Chocolate Favor World offers delicious chocolate truffle box delighted with a pleasant taste.

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The Original Post is Located Here: How To Select And Order A Chocolate Truffle Box

You may have already heard that chocolate contains beneficial flavonoids and antioxidents. Flavonoids are naturally-occurring compounds found in plant foods that are full of recognized health benefits. There are more than 4,000 flavonoid compounds, which are a subgroup of a large class called polyphenols. Phenols are believed to help reduce the risk of heart disease by helping prevent atherosclerosis. The flavanols in chocolate appear to help the body use nitric oxide, which is crucial for healthy blood flow and blood pressure, which means that chocolate might help reduce hypertension as well.

Red wine is know for its high phenol content, but an average bar of dark chocolate contains more phenols than 8 ounces of red wine. Scientists at Cornell University and Seoul National University examined the cancer-fighting antioxidant content of hot cocoa, red wine, and tea, and found that cocoa had nearly double the antioxidants of red wine and four to five times more than tea.

Holland's National Institute of Public Health and Environment found that dark chocolate contains 53.5 mg of catechins per 100 grams. (Catechins are the powerful antioxidants that fight against cancer and help prevent heart disease). By contrast, a cup of black tea contains only about 14 mg of catechins and green tea has about 30 mg of catechins.

A study at University of California Davis found that participants who ate chocolate showed a reduction in platelet activity. This means that chocolate has an anti-clotting, blood-thinning effect that can be compared to aspirin.

A Harvard University study of 8,000, with an average age of 65, revealed that those who consumed chocolate lived almost a year longer than those who did not. Those who ate one to three candy bars per month had a 36 percent lower risk of death (compared to the people who ate no candy), while those who ate three or more candy bars per week had a 16 percent lower risk.

A study of older men in The Netherlands, known for its chocolate, showed that those who ate the most chocolate, an equivalent of one-third of a chocolate bar every day, had lower blood pressure and a 50 percent lower risk of death. The researchers also noted the men eating the most cocoa products were not heavier or bigger eaters than the men who ate less cocoa.

And it's not just dark chocolate that is the only healthy type of chocolate. Most studies talk about the benefits of dark chocolate, but some of the most recent news about chocolate includes good news for milk chocolate lovers, who have been left out in the past.

The Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia did a study that shows that milk chocolate seems to boost brainpower. The groups in the test consumed, on different occasions, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, carob and nothing. Then they were tested for cognitive performance including memory, attention span, reaction time, and problem solving.

According to Dr. Bryan Raudenbush, "Composite scores for verbal and visual memory were significantly higher for milk chocolate than the other conditions." The study also found that consumption of milk and dark chocolate was associated with improved impulse control and reaction time. It seems that by consuming chocolate you get stimulating effects from substances found in chocolate, such as theobromine and phenylethylamine, which then lead to increased mental performance.

Chocolate really does make you feel good, too. It is known to stimulate the secretion of endorphins, producing a pleasurable sensation similar to the "runner's high" a jogger feels after running several miles. Chocolate also contains a neurotransmitter, serotonin that acts as an anti-depressant. Studies in England show that even the aroma of chocolate gives a bout of euphoria and will help lift the spirits.

And now people are looking at chocolate for skin care. According to Marlies Spinale, director of Tru Spa, "Like many other antioxidants, cocoa polyphenols are thought to offer the skin protection from free-radical damage caused by sun, pollution, stress, alcohol consumption and other factors. I believe that we will hear more about the benefits of chocolate in skin care."

Some people have been avoiding chocolate because one of the main ingredients of chocolate is cocoa butter. It was thought that it was an unhealthy fat, but actually cocoa butter is not unhealthy. It is made up of the beneficial fatty acids-- oleic acid (a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil), stearic and palmitic acids. Stearic and palmitic acids are healthy forms of saturated fat. Plus chocolate contains vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E, as well as potassium, sodium, and iron.

So go ahead and indulge in a little chocolate, in moderation of course. I would recommend that you try to find organic chocolate, and stick with darker chocolate because it has more chocolate flavonoids and less sugar. (Sugar weakens the immune system; so don't consume sugar if you are ill.) And a little bit of milk chocolate is alright when you need an occasional milk chocolate brainpower boost, such as before a test. All you students take note!

Chocolate as a health food-- can life get any better?

By Dianne Ronnow, © 2006 Mohave Publishing.

If you need a little extra help losing weight, I have good news for you. I found an excellent safe diet aid that really helped me lose weight, burn fat, and get my metabolism going!

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The Original Post is Located Here: Chocolate– The Newest Health Food?

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• 72 individually wrapped DARK chocolate covered cherries

Product Description
What a great way to say happy holidays to your family member, friend, or loved one. This beautiful box of delicious Cellas candies comes with 72 individually wrapped Dark Chocolate Covered Cordial Cherries.100 Percent Liquid Center, delicious cherries covered with real Dark Chocolate. Great for any dark chocolate lover, makes a perfect Christmas, Hanukkah, or Thanksgiving Gift. Cellas Dark Chocolate Covered Cordial Cherries 72 Count Box.
Cellas Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries 72 Count Box

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Instead of baking brownies, try this recipe for white chocolate Blondies from Rachel Allen. Watch the video recipe or download the ingredients and instructions at uktv.co.uk

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The Original Post is Located Here: White Chocolate Blondies – Dessert Recipes – Rachel Allen

• The Gran Collezione gift box contains an assortment of Pernigotti's best-selling Italian chocolates, including the traditional Pepita, the Pepita Fondente, Gianduiotto, Cremino, Cremoso Gianduia and Cremino Latte.
• Since 1860, one of the leading Chocolatiers in Italian confectionary.
• Top quality confections from the Piedmont region of Italy.
• Known for traditional Italian favorites: Torrone, Gianduiotto, Pepita and Cremino.
• Beautiful clear window gift box

Product Description
The Gran Collezione gift box contains an assortment of Pernigotti's best-selling Italian chocolates, including the traditional Pepita, the Pepita Fondente, Gianduiotto, Cremino, Cremoso Gianduia and Cremino Latte.
Pernigotti Gran Collezione - Collection of Best Selling Italian Milk Chocolates

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The Original Post is Located Here: Pernigotti Gran Collezione – Collection of Best Selling Italian Milk Chocolates

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• Only distillery in world with chocolate factory

Product Description
This gift tin contains 16 pieces of Asbach's best assortment including bottle-shaped, cherries and beans. (180g)

Due to the high quality and delicate nature of the Asbach Uralt liqueur filled chocolates, we do not ship between April - September.
Asbach Uralt Brandy Filled Chocolate in Christmas Oval Gift Tin - 180g/6.4oz

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The Original Post is Located Here: Asbach Uralt Brandy Filled Chocolate in Christmas Oval Gift Tin – 180g/6.4oz

The Secret for Making the Best Belgian Chocolate Fondue

One essential instruments for making Belgian chocolate fondue is called the chocolate fountain. A chocolate fountain stands 2 to 4 feet high with multiple tiers. It is made of stainless steel and has a built-in motor at the bottom. The motor is used to heat the prepared morsels of chocolates on the heating trays. The central corkscrew will push the molten chocolate vertically upward through the fountain's column. When it reaches the fountain's top, the chocolate will flow like waterfalls. The chocolates will fill in the cascading tiers until the bottom tier is filled. Then the same procedure is repeated over and over again. Melting the chocolate can also be done using a double boiler or a microwave. Put the fountain in a sturdy base, near a power socket. Make sure that it can carry up to 40 kilograms of chocolates.

A chocolate fountain is available both in commercial and home versions. It can be utilized for different types of occasions including film premiers, product launches, parties, and bar mitzvahs. It is perfect for around twenty five people.

You can rent chocolate fountains from party supply shops and catering companies. Attendants are ocassionaly provided to ensure that the chocolate fountain is working properly, it cascades the chocolates smoothly, and no fountain abuse for excited children. This apparatus is rented at an hourly basis and include charges on the services provided by the attendants and the cost of chocolates used. Chocolate fountains operate for a maximum of two hours or less during the party and starts to function when desserts and appetizers are served.

Tidbits including cheesecakes, fruit pieces, and marshmallows are placed around the chocolate fountain for added excitements. Skewered these using toothpicks and dip it in the chocolate fountain. However, never put anything that can be easily crumbled when dipped in the chocolate fountain. Never install chocolate fountains outdoors because the chocolate aroma can attract insects and the flow may be distracted by the breeze.

Chocolates contain higher amounts of cocoa butter, like couverteur chocolates which is perfect for making chocolate fondue. Make sure that you are using either the dark or milk chocolates. Chocolates that have low contents of cocoa butter can be substituted with vegetable oils. But expect that the taste and smoothness of the chocolates are affected. These Belgian chocolates are prepared from dried cocoa seeds. These seeds are first roasted and then crushed to become powder. After that, cocoa butter is made though a squeezing process. Cocoa butter and powder are combined adding milk powder and sugar. The proportions of each element determine the color of the chocolates. Black chocolates contain 70 percent of cocoa, milk chocolates contain more milk powders, and white chocolates are made from sugar, milk, and cocoa butter without cocoa.

The Belgian chocolate fondue fountain is a very innovative product which elegantly enhances wedding receptions, special events, and buffet. It is because it offers an exciting dimension new in making chocolate fondues. Your guests can be drawn into amazement especially when dipping strawberries as well as other appetizing desserts in the flowing waterfalls of chocolate. Hotels, restaurants, event planners, and catering companies can offer unlimited varieties of food services which can attract more clients. Purchase a chocolate fountain and make your own version of a Belgian chocolate fondue fountain.

Image by jessicafm

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The Original Post is Located Here: Chocolate Fondue Fountain – Belgian

Copyright (c) 2008 Stephen Lau

Many find chocolate irresistible - including myself. We crave chocolate, we savor it, and we enjoy it. There comes the passion for chocolate - or rather the chocolate addiction.

What is the chemistry inherent in this passion or addiction? How does it make so many of us become addicted to chocolate?

The reason is simple: chocolate is an addicting drug. Scientists have found that naloxone, an opiate blocker, reduces chocolate addiction. This is strong evidence that chocolate is addictive, just like any other drug. However, chocolate is only a mild version of addicting drug - but enough to have the brain effect that creates the real, compulsive attraction.

In addition to caffeine (although not nearly as much as coffee), chocolate contains other chemicals, such as theobromine, phenylethylamine, that create marijuana-like effect on the brain. Such chemical effect of chocolate on the brain is significant and substantial, especially when the chocolate seduction is reinforced by the smell, taste, and texture of chocolate.

But the chocolate industry would like us to believe that chocolate is good for our health.

Chocolate is good for you because it comes from a fruit tree, which contains antioxidants with beneficial heart benefits, especially dark chocolate. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, chocolate reduces your body's absorption of fat. In addition, chocolate contains flavonoids more potent than vitamin C in reducing your bad cholesterol.

But, is chocolate really healthy for you?

The truth of the matter is that if you absolutely love chocolate, you would like to believe anything - especially what you want to believe.

Firstly, most scientific studies on the health of chocolate are funded by the industry - a valid reason to take every positive finding with a grain of salt.

Chocolate is made from cocoa beans from a fruit tree. Almost all plants contain antioxidants. If you really love antioxidants, then go for vegetables and fruits, not necessarily chocolate. The problem with chocolate is that coca beans are so bitter that loads of fat and sugar are added to make chocolate taste good and sweet. As a result, chocolate is loaded with calories, sixty percent of which come from fat, which contributes to cholesterol increase and weight gain. One ounce of chocolate contains as much as one-hundred-fifty calories with forty to fifty percent fat. M&M semisweet baking chocolate contains a whopping almost four hundred calories, over ten grams of saturated fat and more than forty grams of sugar! Do you honestly think these ingredients are healthy for you?

In addition, chocolate, which contains caffeine, not only irritates your kidneys and thins your blood, but also changes your mood.

Chocolate is unhealthy due to its unhealthy ingredients, which may cause headaches, obesity, heartburn, and emotional problems. If you must eat chocolate occasionally, go for quality ones, not the cheap ones which are mostly sugar, trans fats, artificial colorings, flavorings, and preservatives. Read the label! Watch out for additives and added fats! Or simply resist the chocolate temptation, if you can!

Eat chocolate just because you like it, and not because it is healthy!

If chocolate does not make you any healthier, does it make you happier?

A study of self-confessed chocolate addicts found that chocolate could give them a sense of contentment. However, the pleasure was accompanied by a sense of guilt, which could trigger an eating disorder. Worse, chocolate cravings were not driven by hunger: they binged on chocolate even when they were full.

If you crave chocolate only occasionally, you need not be overtly concerned. However, if you binge on chocolate, it could spell trouble down the road. Chocolate can do a lot more than just packing on the pounds if the addiction intensifies. The addictive effects differ from one person to the next. So it is of paramount importance that you pay attention to how chocolate affects your mood.

Image by Cupcake Sisters (Senel)

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The Original Post is Located Here: Why are you Addicted to Chocolate?

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• Ideal for parties, gifts and self-indulgence

Product Description
Lindt Master Chocolatiers have created an exquisite milk chocolate truffle. This delicious Lindt Chocolate is smooth and rich and will melt in your mouth.
Lindt Chocolate, Lindor Milk Chocolate Truffles~60 Ct Bulk

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The Original Post is Located Here: Lindt Chocolate, Lindor Milk Chocolate Truffles~60 Ct Bulk