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rabbitcruiser · 24 hours ago

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National Chocolates Day

Satisfy your cocoa confectionary cravings by treating yourself to a box or handing out bars, truffles and candies galore at your workplace or school.

Chocolate is one of the greatest pleasures that life has to offer, providing hope in the darkness of what might be an otherwise drab culinary experience. Chocolate didn’t find its way into the culinary repertoire of the western world until the Spanish learned of it from the Mayan people of Mesoamerica.

From this simple beginning, it has spread throughout the world to be one of the most desired treats of all social and economic classes. National Chocolates Day celebrates the history of this delicious treat, especially in one of its most popular forms, a variety of chocolates.

History of National Chocolates Day

Once they discovered chocolate, the Spanish actually kept the new substance to themselves for many years, typically making it into a beverage and drinking it. But in 1579, a Spanish vessel was attacked by English Pirates, finding it full of cocoa beans. Being unfamiliar with the delicious substance, they set fire to the vessel thinking they had conquered a vessel full of sheep droppings. The Spanish fell in love with the substance and were the first to start adding sugar to it.

Through all this time it was being consumed in much the same way that people consume hot chocolate or coffee today, so when did solid chocolate candies eventually come about?

In 1829 the cocoa press was invented, and with it came cocoa powder, cocoa butter and then solid chocolate. This invention was used to bring chocolate to the world, bringing it out of the exclusive province of the wealthy. As a result, it created a whole new type of chocolate and changed the nature of desserts and sweet treats forever.

In 1847 the first chocolate bar was invented, and its one thousand year history as a substance consumed only as a liquid came to an end. Only two years later, the Cadbury company in England came up with the idea for a box of chocolates, which they made available specifically for Valentine’s Day. The company eventually became the official chocolatier for the royal house of Queen Victoria.

Following the invention of solid chocolate bars came the creation of chocolate covered candies. 1866 brought about the chocolate cream bar from J.S. Fry & Sons, which gave way to a variety of other ideas, including the combination of peppermint with chocolate, the evolution of truffles, covering fruit in chocolate and a wide variety of other ideas.

1875 saw the creation of milk chocolate, and every innovation from there on out has gone towards making chocolate richer, creamier, and more delicious than ever. It is this initial bar and everything after that National Chocolates Day celebrates.

National Chocolates Day Timeline

1847 J.S. Fry & Sons create the chocolate bar

The first solid chocolate bar is made from cocoa powder, cocoa butter and sugar. They will go on to introduce chocolate creams, Turkish delight and more.

1854 Cadbury becomes royal chocolate purveyor

Credited with pioneering the Valentine’s Day chocolate box and chocolate Easter egg, Cadbury earns the distinction of supplying chocolates to Queen Victoria.

1879 Nestlé Company is formed

The combination of two bitter rivals turns into a chocolate company that will eventually become the largest in the world.

1900 Hersheyville is created

Milton Hershey, founder of Hershey’s Chocolate, creates a model factory town dedicated to chocolate and resulting in the Hershey Kiss.

1994 Forrest Gump movie is released

With the famous quote “Life is like a box of chocolates”, Forrest Gump, played by Tom Hanks, is beloved all over the world.

How to celebrate National Chocolates Day

Certainly many creative ways can be discovered to celebrate and enjoy the beauty of National Chocolates Day, including some of these ideas:

Enjoy Eating Some Chocolates

The best way to celebrate National Chocolates Day is to head out and buy yourself a bundle of your favorite chocolates and enjoy eating them – alone or sharing with friends! Whether it’s a simple chocolate bar from a local convenience store or a rich and flavorful fruit, cream, or caramel filled dainty, this day offers every reason to indulge.

Here are some of the most famous and popular chocolate makers in the world and this would be a great day to try them out:

Lindt. Started in 1845, this Swiss company was originally called Lindt & Sprüngli, and was the first of its kind to supply solid chocolate in Zurich, an area of German-speaking Switzerland.

Cadbury. This chocolate company in England has been in business since 1831 and is famous for supplying chocolates to Queen Victoria. [yuck]

Ferrero Rocher. This Italian chocolatier was founded in 1979 and quickly grew to be a favorite in Europe and eventually North America. [yuck]

The Hershey Chocolate Company. Founded in 1894, this American chocolate company is famous for its chocolate bars and kisses and now has a town in Pennsylvania named after it. [yuck]

Try Making Some Chocolates at Home

Making your own specialty gourmet chocolates at home can be a fun and enjoyable way to celebrate National Chocolates Day! It could be something completely simple, like melting chocolate and dipping fruit in it, or making chocolate covered nuts.

Or, for those who are a bit more adventurous, tons of recipes are available to try making homemade chocolate covered peanut butter balls, mocha truffles, caramel turtle pecan clusters, rocky road fudge and so much more. The options are almost endless around what can be done with a few ingredients and some melted chocolate!

Create a Chocolate Themed Playlist

Celebrate National Chocolates Day with more senses than just taste by developing a fun playlist that’s made from songs that have a chocolate theme. Try out some of these song ideas for getting that chocolate themed playlist started:

Chocolate by Kylie Minogue (2003). Comparing love to chocolate, the lyrics to this song talk about candy kisses and melting slowly like chocolate.

Chocolate Cake by Crowded House (1991). Okay, so it’s about cake and not candies, but it’s still chocolate! This song retains some of the style of the 80s and has some amazing pop culture references.

Chocolate by The 1975 (2013). With a more updated vibe, the English Rock Band, The 1975, brings a fun beat that is great for playing at a party. The song was featured in the 2014 film, Love, Rosie.

The Candy Man by Sammy Davis Jr. (1972). Though he wasn’t the first to sing this song, Sammy Davis Jr. certainly has the most famous recording of this classic song that has been delighting audiences for more than 50 years. The first recording was made for the 1971 film, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.

Host a National Chocolates Day Party

Die-hard chocolate lovers know that National Chocolates Day is the perfect reason to throw a party! Invite some friends, coworkers or neighbors over to delight in everything related to chocolate. Have everyone bring their favorite box of chocolates to swap with other guests.

The food table for the party might include a chocolate fountain with all sorts of delicious items to dip, like marshmallows and fruit. The music playlist can be filled with songs that are all about chocolate, like the ones listed above.

For entertainment, go ahead and attempt a blindfolded chocolate tasting contest to see if participants can guess the kind of chocolates they are eating. Use some of the ideas above to make chocolates together. Or gather around and watch a movie based around the theme of chocolate.

Watch a Chocolate Themed Movie

Whether alone, with a group, or at the party above, a fun way to celebrate National Chocolates Day is by watching a movie that is based around the theme. There are many to choose from so it’s possible to watch just one or have a marathon and watch several together! Try out some of these chocolate-themed films for starters:

Chocolat (2000). Starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp, this rom com circles around a woman and her daughter who move to a sleepy little French town and cause a raucous as they open a chocolate shop just before Lent.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005). Also starring Johnny Depp, this is a film version of the 1964 book by Roald Dahl and a remade of the 1971 film adaptation which is a beloved childhood tale filled with magic and–chocolate!

Lessons in Chocolate (2007). This Italian romantic comedy, called Lezioni di cioccolato in Italian, centers around the plight of two people with complicated stories who end up in a chocolate competition together and fall in love with each other.

Nothing Like Chocolate (2012). Revealing the plight of those in the chocolate industry in the forests of Grenada, this is the true story of Mott Green, founder of Grenada Chocolate Company. The film shows the work put forth to try to correct the wrongs of the corrupt chocolate industry, such as child labor, corporate greed and synthetic products without taste.

Share Chocolates with Others

Even better, put together a bundle of your favorite flavors and host a chocolates exchange at your work or school, or even just among your family and friends. National Chocolates Day creates the perfect excuse to enjoy and share delectable, indulgent treats without having to feel guilty. Or, just buy a delightful box of chocolates for that special someone and surprise them with it in observance of the day.

National Chocolates Day FAQs

Are chocolates gluten free?

Chocolate, on its own, is gluten free. But when made into chocolate candies, it’s possible that some ingredients with gluten may have been added so be sure to read the label carefully.

Do chocolates make you fat?

Of course, the sugars and fat content in chocolate are not good for the body and can cause weight gain if eaten in excess. But, as an occasional treat, they will probably not make you fat.

How is chocolate good for you?

Dark chocolate (70%+ cacao content) contains substances that are good for heart health, fight free radicals, improve brain function and lower cortisol – when eaten in moderation.

Will chocolate keep you awake?

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, contains caffeine as well as theobromine, so it could potentially keep people awake at night when consumed later in the day.

How are chocolates made?

Chocolate candy is made from the seeds of the cacao tree that are fermented, dried, cleaned and roasted. The shells are removed to produce nibs that are ground and then mixed with other components to create commercial chocolate.

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swissforextrading · 5 years ago

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Domestic manufacturers contribute to “High Price” Switzerland

A price comparison study reveals that Swiss manufacturers charge domestic customers significantly more for their products than they do in foreign markets. While the price difference between Switzerland and the European Union has narrowed, many Swiss consumers still feel ripped off. The Schweiz am Wochenende newspaper on Sunday showed that it is not just foreign exporters who are charging more for their products in Switzerland. Swiss counterparts, such as Lindt & Sprüngli, dairy producer Emmi and potato snack manufacturer Zweifel, are also more expensive. Thomy mayonnaise is nearly 90% dearer in Germany than Switzerland, the survey found. And Emmi’s Caffé Latte Cappuccino is 73.8% more expensive when comparing prices in selected stores and online sites. The list goes on: a Curaprox toothbrush costs 23.8% more, Pralinés du Confiseur from Lindt & Sprüngli are 14.7% dearer and Paprika Chips from Zweifel have a 19.6% premium compared to Germany. The European Commission’s Eurostat ... http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/consumer-prices_domestic-manufacturers-contribute-to--high-price--switzerland/45168960?utm_source=multiple&utm_campaign=swi-rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_content=o (Source of the original content)

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rabbitcruiser · 10 months ago

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National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day

Chocoholics can find countless ways to indulge their passion, but there are those among us who hold a special place in their hearts for cream-filled chocolates. National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day has been created with these special people in mind!

An extraordinary feeling comes from snapping through the outer layer of chocolate and letting the luscious creamy centre melt on the tongue. Nothing else compares! Whether it is a craving for strawberry, butterscotch, peppermint or another scrumptious flavor, there is bound to be an option to satisfy anyone’s taste.

So is there any reason not to celebrate this most delicious day? We think not!

History of National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day

The interesting concept of cream-filled chocolates was actually based on simple pralines which were originally documented in the 17th century by a sugar industrialist named Marshal du Pessis-Praslin.

At the time, cocoa (and therefore chocolate) was relatively unknown in Europe, so the pralines of the day were mostly just nuts coated in a layer of caramelized sugar. Due to the many new ingredients becoming more readily available from the New World, slowly but surely pralines began to evolve and get ever more creative and fancy as the years went by.

The first cream-filled chocolates as we know them today were believed to be created in 1912 by Jean Neuhaus II, a Belgian chocolatier. It did not take long for these chocolates to contain everything from various liqueurs to marzipan, from fruits to caramel, and almost anything else you can imagine. But, of course, the most important aspect is that the center is creamy.

Because National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day coincides with another important chocolate-lover’s holiday (Valentine’s Day), it is expected that at least 58 million pounds of chocolate will be purchased on and around this day. Obviously, not all of this chocolate is cream-filled, but a good portion of it will be!

How to Celebrate National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day

Just like any other type of celebration, National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day may require a bit of planning ahead of time, especially for those who want to try their hand at making their own candies. But lots of options exist for enjoying this day, particularly for people who are willing to get creative!

Buy and Enjoy Various Cream-Filled Chocolates

The most obvious way to celebrate this day is to fill your mouth and tummy with the yummy goodness of luxury, gourmet chocolates. Many companies have made their chocolates famous around the world, and online purchasing makes it even easier to access them:

Lindt. This Swiss company was originally known for truffles but is now most popular for its chocolate spheres. Strawberries and Cream is a particularly favorite cream-filled flavor.

Hershey’s. Around Valentine’s Day especially, this American company often dabbles in cream-filled chocolate hearts.

Ferrero. Founded in Italy, this purveyor of fine chocolates has gained a worldwide reputation for their hazelnut filled Rocher candies.

Embaré. From Brazil, this company is particularly adept at creating chocolates filled with exotic fruit flavors.

Enjoy a Chocolate Guessing-Game

Cream-filled chocolates are often included as part of a box of various types of chocolates, which can be purchased at food stores, gift shops, or specialty chocolatiers. Many times, the manufacturer places a guide on the inside of the box so that each type of chocolate can be easily identified and enjoyed.

To make a game of it, buy a couple of boxes of chocolates to take to work or a Cream-Filled Chocolate Day party. But instead of leaving the guide for friends to see, keep it a secret and turn the eating of the chocolates into a guessing game to see who can identify what they get! (Just be careful of nut allergies.)

The winner? Well, of course, the appropriate prize would be a special selection of cream-filled chocolates.

Grab Some Heart Shaped Cream-Filled Chocolates

Since it overlaps with Valentine’s Day, people may find that their favorite cream-filled chocolates are available in heart shapes as well as the standard circles, ovals and squares, which adds something special to the way the candies can be enjoyed.

Make Your Own Cream-Filled Chocolates

If you have a hankering for something unique, or a craving hits you in the middle of the night, you can make your own cream-filled chocolates—surprisingly enough, it’s not really that hard at all! Chocolate molds are readily available from companies such as Wilton.

To make these delectable treats, simply line a mold with melted chocolate, let it harden, fill the shells with the filling your heart desires most (or three, or ten, the sky’s the limit), and then cover them with another layer of chocolate. Voila! You have your own custom-made filled chocolates, anytime you need that cream-filled chocolate fix.

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#Sprüngli Pralines #Lindt & Sprüngli #Lindt Pralines Connaisseurs #Lindt Pralinés du Confiseur #Lindt Truffes #Lindt Truffles #Chocolate Frey #I only eat Swiss chocolate #Swiss chocolate is the best #original photography #snack #close up #detail #food #National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day #14 February #NationalCreamFilledChocolatesDay #box of chocolates

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rabbitcruiser · 7 months ago

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National Walnut Day

Go nuts for walnuts! These crunchy delights pack a punch of flavor and nutrition in every bite. Sprinkle them on salads, bake them into treats, or snack on them straight from the bag. It's a nutty good time!

Go nuts about walnuts in honor of National Walnut Day! This ancient, healthful nut makes a great addition to sweet treats, salads, trail mixes and so many other interesting dishes. While other nuts often take center stage, the walnut is absolutely worth celebrating and appreciating on National Walnut Day.

History of National Walnut Day

As the oldest known tree that has provided food to humans, walnuts have a history that can be traced back for thousands of years. It didn’t take long for humans to discover that the walnut is an easy to store and simple to eat nut. Plus, it travels well and offers great nutritional benefits.

In Persia, the walnut was referred to as the Royal Nut and it was only allowed to be eaten by people of royal heritage. During the reign of Alexander the Great, the walnut was brought to Greece from Persia and it was referred to as the Persian Nut for more than 1000 years. However, over time, the Greek version became smaller and inferior to the Persian walnut. In fact, the Greeks were envious of the Persian walnut, so they brought some Persian cultivars back to Greece to improve their breeds.

The Greek name for the walnut is karyon, which means head. This is actually fairly spot on, because the outside shell resembles a human head and the interior nut looks a bit like a brain!

Walnuts likely made their way further into Europe somewhere between 500–700 BC and then moved west after that. The nut probably traveled to the British Isles with the Roman Empire. It was somewhere around this point that it picked up its name “English walnut”, which is used to distinguish it from the black walnut.

Eventually, the walnut crossed the ocean and found a path to the New World. It was a group of Franciscan Fathers who found that the climate of Southern California was an important one for growing these deciduous trees. And this is likely the reason they picked up the name “mission walnuts”. California walnuts have become so popular that they account for 99% of the commercial walnut industry in the United States, a large portion of walnut trade in the world.

National Walnut Day dates back more than 70 years! It was in 1949 that the Walnut Marketing Board in the United States established the day with the purpose of celebrating and promoting this delicious and nutritious nut. US President Dwight D. Eisenhower made the day a public holiday in 1958 and National Walnut Day has continued to be celebrated every year since that time.

National Walnut Day Timeline

7000 BC Humans cultivate walnuts

The oldest tree food known to man, walnuts are cultivated starting in Persia.

1754 BC First documented account of the walnut

The cultivation of the walnut is mentioned in The Code of Hammurabi, the oldest code of laws in the world.

600 BC Walnut plants arrive in Europe

Around this time, the walnut plant makes its way from Persia into Europe.

17th Century AD Walnuts land in America

English settlers are responsible for bringing walnut plants to the New World.

Late 1900s Walnuts are cultivated in Chile

The climate in Chile does well for growing walnuts and the country eventually becomes the world’s third largest walnut exporter.

How to Celebrate National Walnut Day

Enjoy tons of fun on National Walnut Day by celebrating in style with some of these tasty ideas:

Learn Some Health Benefits of Walnuts

National Walnut Day is a perfect time to get a bit more familiar with some of the health benefits that are offered by this little nut. Take a look at these ways that the walnut is a healthy choice for snacking and baking:

Filled with Antioxidants

High in Healthy Fat

Promotes Gut Health

May Decrease Inflammation

Walnuts contain the most antioxidants of any of the commonly eaten nuts. The high Vitamin E content, melatonin and polyphenols can help to prevent oxidative damage and promote the lowering of “bad” cholesterol.

Omega-3 fat is an essential ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) that is a vital part of the human diet, especially for the prevention of heart disease. A single one ounce serving of walnuts provides a full daily supply of this important nutrient.

Walnuts offer essential bacteria and microbes that help with the functioning of overall gut health.

One of the common triggers for health problems in inflammation and walnuts offer nutrients, such as polyphenols, that can reduce oxidative stress that tends to cause inflammation. This could be beneficial in reducing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and even cancer.

Make Some Candied Walnuts

While candied pecans and toasted almonds are often thought of as some favorite snacks made from nuts, candied walnuts are absolutely worth trying out. Candied walnuts are delicious for snacking, adding as a topping to salads or used as a garnish on cakes and other sweet treats. And, they’re super easy to make!

Really, it’s as simple as just three ingredients: walnuts, butter and sugar. Add all of the ingredients to a skillet and heat for five minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly. Separate nuts on parchment paper and allow to cool.

Share Fun Facts About Walnuts

One super clever way to raise awareness about the goodness and health of walnuts might be to learn a few bits of trivia about this nut that can be shared. Tell friends and coworkers about some fun facts while encouraging them to celebrate National Walnut Day in their chosen fashion.

Get started with some of these:

Even since ancient times, walnuts have been used for various health benefits and have even been considered to be medicinal for treating issues such as bad breath, wound healing and reduction of inflammation.

Walnut trees can grow to be very large, up to 60 feet tall. They can produce walnuts for more than 100 years!

Walnuts are best when kept cool, so it’s ideal to store them in the refrigerator or freezer for the best flavor and the longest life.

The state of California produces approximately one billion pounds of walnuts every single year. Now that’s a whole lot of nuts!

Make Baked Goods with Walnuts

Enjoy the delicious National Walnut Day by getting some walnuts for the kitchen and adding them to a variety of baked goods. This might mean adding chopped walnuts to a loaf of banana bread, a selection of oatmeal muffins, a pan of freshly baked brownies or a variety of other tasty baked treats. Be sure to bake up extra treats with walnuts and pass them out at work, share them with neighbors and offer them to family members in observance of National Walnut Day!

National Walnut Day FAQs

Are walnuts good for you?

Some studies have shown that walnuts are a source of vitamins and minerals, as well as lowering “bad” cholesterol.

How to toast walnuts?

Walnuts can be toasted in a single layer for 8-10 minutes at 350 F.

Can dogs eat walnuts?

Though it may not hurt them to have a stray walnut, dog owners should avoid feeding them to dogs as they can be a choking hazard.

Do walnuts go bad?

When exposed to heat for a period of time, walnuts can begin to smell rancid and taste bad.

Do walnuts have protein?

Yes, walnuts have 4.5 grams of protein per ¼ cup.

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rabbitcruiser · 5 months ago

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National Chocolate with Almonds Day

Chocolate covered almonds, Snickers, Almond Joy: take your pick of the many tasty treats that combine chocolate and almonds into a perfect snack.

There is little in the world as divine as chocolate, unless we consider the almond. What providence it is that these two things compliment each other so readily.

Truer words were never spoken. Chocolate is a delicious substance that has been loved and lauded by every tier of society from the poorest to the richest. Kings have traded for it, and men have killed for it, and even Gods have bowed for it. The almond is equally revered, referred to in the Bible as being “among the best of fruits.” Chocolate With Almonds Day celebrates the coming together of these two substances.

History of Chocolate With Almonds Day

Let us begin exploring its history in alphabetical order, shall we? The almond was spoken highly of in the Bible, and finds its origins in the Middle East. There it has been used as a source of food, medicine, and decoration for time out of mind. They are easily harvested from within the almond fruit, and are now grown extensively in California, and is the subject of the largest managed cultivation in the entire world of agriculture. That’s how important this humble tree nut is.

Chocolate is easily one of the most popular substances to every enter the world. It has been seen as a solution for sorrow and a great compliment for joy, and literally contains the stuff of love, at least chemically. Chocolate is used as a way to demonstrate your love for another and has been used in just about every culinary combination you could imagine. Its diversity is well loved, as well as its adaptability.

Chocolate With Almonds Day celebrates what happens when these two fantastic ingredients come together into one mind-bendingly delicious whole.

How to celebrate Chocolate With Almonds Day

Find your favorite source of chocolate drenched almonds and indulge your tastes appropriately! Snickers now makes a bar with almonds, as does Hershey’s with their almond variation on their traditional chocolate bar. But it can go so much further than this. Try your own hand at making a special Chocolate With Almonds Day treat.

Take some almonds and clean them thoroughly, salt them, and put them on a cookie sheet. Place them in the oven and roast them at 450 until lightly browned. While they’re roasting melt down the milk chocolate in a double boiler, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, and stir thoroughly. Then you just take the roasted almonds from the oven, allow them to cool, and toss them in the bowl until coated. Place on wax paper to let the chocolate harden and enjoy!

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#Sprüngli Pralines #tourist attraction #original photography #food #snack #Lindt CONNAISSEURS #Lindt & Sprüngli #Chocolat Frey #Sprüngli #Lindt PRALINÉS DU CONFISEUR #Swiss chocolate is the best #I only eat Swiss chocolate #travel #National Chocolate with Almonds Day #NationalChocolatewithAlmondsDay #8 July

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rabbitcruiser · 5 months ago

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World Chocolate Day

Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate…chocolate milk, truffles, Snickers, chocoate cake…indulge in any of the many kinds of chocolate out ther.

There are a number of dates throughout the year promoting variations of local, national or international World Chocolate Day – our research leads us to believe that this is the true, definitive, purist ‘World Chocolate Day‘, so celebrate with some of the high cocoa, rich, dark chocolate that makes you go tingly inside.

World Chocolate Day is nothing short of a special tribute to mankind’s greatest culinary invention. (Sorry Bread or even Pizza!) Chocolate can enhance and hlp to create the most luxurious desserts and can even be enjoyed and indulged on its own. Some of the most popular chocolate bars are plain and simple. If this is the one for you, try going for a high cocoa percentage with low added sugar.

The History Of World Chocolate Day

The history of chocolate goes back around 2,500 years. The Aztecs loved their newly discovered liquid chocolate to the extent that they believed the god of wisdom, Quetzalcoatl, literally bestowed it upon them. Cocoa seeds even acted as a form of currency. Could you imagine going shopping or buying a house will a huge pile of Cocoa seeds? It would be wonderful, no? These days, the chocolate was bitter, as it was long before sugar was added. Once chocolate took a turn and went sweet in a 16th Century Europe, chocolate caught on to the masses and became one of many households favorite treats.

Many present-day chocolate companies began operations in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Cadbury began in England by 1868. And then 25 years later Milton S. Hershey, purchased chocolate processing equipment at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, he is now one of the biggest and world-known chocolate creators in the world. He began the company by producing chocolate-coated caramels. Nestlé began back in the 1860s and has grown into one of the largest food conglomerates in the world. You’re bound to of heard of one of these if not all of them. Perhaps you even enjoy a bar or two or their fine chocolate creations at home.

World Chocolate Day Timeline

Beginning of Human History

Cacao Trees (the cocoa bean plant) may have been growing in the wild for 10,000 years or more

1500 BC – 300 BC

Cacao Plants Are Grown by Olmec Indians

Olmec Indians begin growing cacao domestically in the area that is now somewhere in the vicinity of southern Mexico. The beans were probably made into an unsweetened beverage consumed by elite, wealthy people.

300 BC – 500 AD

Cacao Adopted into the Mayan Culture

Mayan culture is developed in Central America and the cacao tree becomes part of that culture. The origin of the English word “chocolate” probably began here. The word for “tree” in the Mayan language was cacahuaquchtl, and the word xocoatl, which literally means “bitter water”, was likely based on the drink made from the cacao bean.

600-1000 AD Cacao Heads to South America

Mayans migrate south and take the cacao plants with them, beginning cultivated plantations. For many people during this time, the cocoa pod was considered to be a religious symbol, sometimes referred to as ‘the food of the gods’.

1200s AD Aztecs Drink Chocolate

The Azetcs learn about cacao plants from trade negotiations with the Mayans. They continue the tradition of making a chocolate drink, sometimes mixed with herbs and spices, such as chilli.

1500s AD Cocoa Beans Head to Europe

Cocoa seeds are so precious in South American they are used as currency. Around the same time, Spanish adventurers bring chocolate back to Spain. Finding it rather bitter, they begin adding cane sugar to it, as well as vanilla and other light spices.

1657 First Chocolate House Opens

As chocolate spreads throughout Europe, a chocolate house opens in England where chocolate drinks can be purchased.

1765 First American Chocolate Company

The first chocolate company in America opens, Baker’s Chocolate.

1830 Solid Chocolate Appears

Chocolate in a solid form meant for eating is developed by British chocolate maker, J.S. Fry & Sons.

1868 First Mass Produced Chocolate

After providing chocolate for Queen Victoria, Cadbury first sells boxes of mass produced chocolate candies in England.

1875 Milk Chocolate Arrives

The Nestlé Company begins in Switzerland with the newest version of the treat, milk chocolate. Nestlé eventually becomes the largest producer of chocolate in the world.

1895 Chocolate Becomes Affordable

Milton Hershey begins selling the Hershey Bar, making chocolate affordable for the average person.

1912 Chocolate Bon-Bons are Introduced

The chocolate filled bon-bon is introduced in Switzerland by Jules Sechaud.

1986 Single-Origin Chocolate Appears

The single-origin chocolate bar is introduced by Valhrona, taking designer chocolate to a whole new level.

2000s Designer Chocolate Develops

Chocolate becomes part of the trend toward fusion cuisine, pairing up with exotic spices such as curry, saffron, lemongrass, coffee beans and much more. Many people seek chocolate with a high percentage of cacao for its antioxidant health benefits.

How Is Chocolate Made?

Many people are unaware that chocolate is a fermented food. You heard that right, once the cacao pods are picked, and then cleaned of pithy white material from the fruit, they are dried and then the cacao beans are fermented. The cacao nibs are revealed once the papery shell is removed. This is where the fun and creativity come in.

Chocolatiers then grind the nibs into cocoa mass, separating them into cocoa solids and cocoa butter, they then combine them with milk and sugar. If they’re creating white chocolate then it’s just the chocolate butter with milk and sugar. It’s definitely worth celebrating this process, especially considering how much thought goes into getting it just right. Every Chocolatier has different methods and ideas that are all popular across the world.

As time has gone on, we have moved towards the indulgence of dark chocolate. It contains far less sugar and holds a higher percentage of cocoa. If you’re looking for the best dark chocolate it’s worth checking out the ones you find from the Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Ecuador. They have ideal climates for cocoa trees and they are known for producing some of the best chocolate. It certainly sounds good! When you purchase chocolate from these regions it’s always best to make sure it’s “fair trade chocolate,” this means you are helping to help make cocoa farming more sustainable. It’s certainly something to keep in mind!

How to celebrate World Chocolate Day

Although some would love to celebrate this day every day, the chocolate day gives you the perfect opportunity to eat your favorites in ample portions. Do you really need any more of an excuse to over indulge? It’s definite harmless once in a while.

The chocolate flavor is most definitely a favorite right throughout the world. It flavors cakes, breakfast cereal, toppings, desserts, candies, ice creams, and much more. Considering its popularity, it certainly deserves a day of honor.

We don’t need to tell you what to do to celebrate this day, do we? Eat Chocolate! Some ways you can incorporate chocolate into this chocolate day include:

Breakfast: How about your favorite chocolate cereal along with a few chocolate filled donuts and wash it down with a little hot chocolate or chocolate milkshake. Or maybe chocolate chip pancakes are more to your taste?

Mid-morning snack: A chocolate candy bar with your filled with your favorite goodies. There are certainly a lot of options to choose from now!

Lunch: If you skipped on the shake fro breakfast then a big tall glass of chocolate milk is a must at lunch! Oh, and don’t forget your dessert, how about a pie of chocolate pie or cheesecake?

Mid-Afternoon: Maybe try to be a little healthier with chocolate-covered strawberries or raisins? Ok, maybe not that healthy but at least t contains fruit!

Dinner: Adults this is your time to sip on that chocolate liqueur before you sit down for dinner. You could have a chocolate flavored coffee with a piece of chocolate cake for afters.

Nighttime snack: If you’re not already chocolate out, why not opt for a few chocolate mints or biscuits with a glass of ice-cold milk?

So, Why Do We Love Chocolate So Much?

Chocolate is certainly of the world’s favorite flavors, if not the most loved taste across 7 continents. Often referred to as the magic bean, it definitely deserves to be celebrated. Everyone loves it, and the recipes that come with it are nothing less than amazing!

You don’t need to be told to indulge in this treat, as and when you want, however, the chocolate day most definitely gives us a special day to indulge in the rich, creamy glory that is chocolate. You will find many bakeries, individuals, and candy stores joining in on the celebrations and you can expect to find some delicious recipes, from meringue pies, milk chocolate pudding through to giant decorative cakes in shop windows you are sure to find something to tickle your fancy.

Why not get the cookbook out of the cupboard, scour the internet for some ideas and get yourself in the chocolate day spirit, baking and creating some wonderful chocolatey creations?

Or failing that, stock up on chocolate biscuits, ice-cream, and enjoy a day of secret treats and indulgence…

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rabbitcruiser · 5 months ago

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Pralines Day

Indulge yourself in the rich, creamy, chocolatey treat known as pralines. Gather a few and host a taste-test, or try your hand and making them yourself.

Pralines are a delicious set of treats that are common throughout the world, they are a rich, creamy, chocolatey treat that is the height of confectionary decadence. There are also cookies that are called pralines that share similar sets of ingredients and properties as the chocolates themselves. Pralines Day celebrates these wonderful little bundles of sugary joy and their history in the world. We know you don’t need an excuse to enjoy one, but on Pralines Day you certainly have one!

History of Pralines Day

Long long ago a French sugar industrialist, the European praline came into existence at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte in the early 17th century. If you’ve ever seen pralines in the store that are little more than a whole almond coated in caramelized sugar, you’ve seen one of these original treats. This simple pleasure is where it all got its start before nougat came into the picture, and as chocolate had yet to be discovered by the Europeans, neither did chocolate.

As soon as chocolate was discovered it was a no-brainer to add it to the delicious ingredient known as praline. Praline is what you get when you take the nuts mentioned above and grind them into a powder, and once you finally add the last magical ingredient that is chocolate, it becomes praline. This wonderful little mixture is what’s used to fill chocolate treats that are now known as pralines.

Belgium came across it’s pralines after being inspired by these aforementioned delicacies, but they stood apart by having a rich chocolate center that was more liquid than solid. These soft-center Belgian Chocolates come in hundreds of varieties and are a favorite of confectioners everywhere. As any chocolate aficionado will tell you, these are the absolute bees knees of the chocolate industry.

How to celebrate Praline Day

Well, the first and best way of celebrating Pralines Day is to indulge yourself in the rich variety of flavors that are pralines. You can head down to your local candy shop and ask for samples, especially on Pralines Day, and they’ll help you decide which batch of them you want to leave with. Make no mistake, if you’ve never indulged in the delicious treat that is the Praline, you will be leaving with a batch of them, and be coming back for more. What’s that? You’re diabetic? No worries! So loved are the Pralines that you can actually find sugar free varieties of them that are just as delicious as the original. Pralines Day has something for everyone!

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#Sprüngli Pralines #Lindt CONNAISSEURS #Lindt TRUFFES #Lindt PRALINÉS DU CONFISEUR #Chocolat Frey #Swiss chocolate is the best #I only eat Swiss chocolate #box of chocolate #Pralineschachtel #truffles #food #snack #original photography #Pralines Day #PralinesDay #24 June #Lindt & Sprüngli #travel

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rabbitcruiser · 10 months ago

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Chocolate Day

Rich, velvety sweetness, cocoa's delectable cousin tempts with its luscious allure — a universal favorite that transcends borders and brings joy.

Since it falls as part of the celebration leading up to Valentine’s Day, Chocolate Day brings with it all sorts of ways to celebrate with love and affection.

History of Chocolate Day

Many chocolate lovers would say that the history of chocolate is directly related to the history of the happiness of humans! For thousands of years, cacao beans have been enjoyed and appreciated for their incredible benefits. Originally imbibed as a bitter beverage, chocolate has had a long and rich history, eventually evolving into the delicious confection as it is known today.

Chocolate actually has a number of days throughout the year when it is appreciated in its many different forms. From National Bittersweet Chocolate Day to National Chocolate Covered Anything Day, certainly chocolate offers tons of reasons to celebrate.

Today, Chocolate Day has been incorporated as part of a week-long celebration of days in conjunction with Valentine’s Day. The second of six days leading up to the holiday, Chocolate Day comes after Rose Day and before Propose Day. This week of gearing up to the ultimate celebration of love and affection is a natural space for Chocolate Day to find itself. Because everyone knows that chocolate is just one of the ways that lovers and romantics show each other how much they are adored!

Chocolate Day offers a variety of delicious and delightful ways to show affection and love. Get ready to celebrate Chocolate Day!

Chocolate Day Timeline

1894

Hershey’s Chocolate is started

One of the most famous purveyor’s of milk chocolate in the US, the company gets its start in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

1828

Cocoa powder is created

Changing the way chocolate is enjoyed, a water soluble cocoa powder is created by a Dutch chemist.

1922

Valentine’s chocolate is introduced

As part of the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day, chocolate is introduced by Baci as part of the holiday.

2017

World’s largest chocolate truffle

Made in Texas, this huge truffle weighs more than 2350 pounds and is flavored with mint.

How to Celebrate Chocolate Day

Consider implementing some of the following ideas for celebrating Chocolate Day in a deliciously fitting manner:

Give Chocolate as a Gift

Chocolate Day is a beautiful time to enjoy and celebrate the love that comes along with this week in February. And one way to show someone how much they are loved is to gift them with an amazing assortment of chocolate candies. Choose a collection of truffles, caramels or bon bons that a lover or friend would most certainly appreciate.

Those who are celebrating Chocolate Day by giving chocolate to friends or coworkers might want to consider gifting them with one of these popular brands of chocolate:

Godiva Chocolate. Named after the legendary 11th century noblewoman, Lady Godiva, who rode naked through town to convince her husband to lighten up the taxes, this chocolate company hails from Brussels, Belgium.

Harry & David Chocolate Basket. Known for their gift baskets, Harry & David has been offering fruit, popcorn and, of course, chocolate for many years. They even offer chocolate dipped strawberries.

Toblerone Chocolate Bars. Sure, just giving a lover a long, yellow, triangle shaped chocolate bar might not feel that special. But when it is special ordered and personalized with their name on the label? Incredible!

Dylan’s Candy Bar. Accessible from Nordstrom’s, Dylan’s offers their chocolate lover’s tackle box, a stack of signature chocolate swatches, and so many other delectable chocolate options.

Take a Chocolate Factory Tour

Those who live in or near a town that has a chocolate factory may just find that Chocolate Day is the perfect time to take a little tour. Learn how chocolate is made, see the processes and – hopefully! – get some sample tastes of the finished product.

Of course, there’s Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, PA; the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience on the pier in San Francisco; Big Island Candies in Hilo, Hawaii; or Anthony Thomas Chocolates in Columbus, Ohio. Whether sampling milk chocolate, dark chocolate, truffles or fudge, it’s fun to watch the candy making process from start to finish!

Try Making Chocolates at Home

Some people might think that making chocolates at home for Chocolate Day would be a massive project! But actually, it’s possible to offer homemade chocolates for friends, family and other loved ones in honor of the day – without going to a huge amount of trouble or spending a lot of time. Some of them even have as few as four ingredients! Check out some of these types of chocolate sweets that can be made at home in a fairly simple manner:

Four ingredient chocolates. The key ingredients (which may need to be purchased at a specialty baking store) are cacao butter, cacao liquid or paste, maple syrup and vanilla powder. Simply use a double boiler to melt and mix the ingredients. Add a pinch of salt as desired. Pour into chocolate molds, place in the freezer, then pop out and enjoy!

Peanut butter cups. Also only needing four ingredients, these little homemade chocolate peanut butter cups take Reese’s to the next level. Mix peanut butter with powdered sugar and salt. Fill mini-muffin cups halfway with melted chocolate, add a layer of peanut butter mixture and pour more chocolate on top. Yum!

Chocolate peanut clusters. Super easy, these just use melted chocolate mixed with peanuts and placed on baking sheets in circles to harden.

Cook with Chocolate

Of course, chocolate is mostly associated with baking, sweets and candies. But getting creative on Chocolate Day might mean including some chocolate in each and every meal that is cooked for the day! Consider making some unique savory meals that are cooked using trace amounts of dark chocolate that change the experience completely.

For instance, try a Chocolate Chipotle Sirloin Steak recipe that has been made with a rub of cocoa powder, chipotle peppers, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce. Chicken Mole (pronounced mo-LAY) is another traditional Mexican favorite that uses bittersweet chocolate in the tomato based sauce. Some people also love to put chocolate and cinnamon in their chili and serve Cincinnati-style, with pasta, red beans, chopped onion and cheese.

Choose a Chocolate Beverage or Cocktail

Going out for drinks after work in honor of Chocolate Day? Choose a spot that has some chocolate cocktails on offer! Of course, just a mug of toasty hot chocolate with whipped cream might taste just right, but ask for a shot of cinnamon or peppermint liqueur and make it super special. Other options might include a chocolate martini, chocolate mint julep, or chocolate old-fashioned to bring a unique flavor to Chocolate Day!

Chocolate Day FAQs

Is dark chocolate good for you?

Dark chocolate, when not filled with sugar and saturated fats, offers health benefits such as antioxidants and many nutrients.

Should chocolate be organic?

Organic chocolate can be purchased on a matter of principle, but it may not taste any different.

Is chocolate vegan?

Made from cacao beans, chocolate is a plant-based food and can absolutely be vegan.

Does chocolate have caffeine?

Yes, chocolate has caffeine and the darker the chocolate, the more caffeine there is.

Do chocolates need to be refrigerated?

No–don’t store chocolate in the fridge. Chocolate should be stored between 65-68°F at low humidity.

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rabbitcruiser · 1 year ago

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National Chocolates Day

Satisfy your cocoa confectionary cravings by treating yourself to a box or handing out bars, truffles and candies galore at your workplace or school.

History of National Chocolates Day

Through all this time it was being consumed in much the same way that people consume hot chocolate or coffee today, so when did solid chocolate candies eventually come about?

National Chocolates Day Timeline

1847 J.S. Fry & Sons create the chocolate bar

The first solid chocolate bar is made from cocoa powder, cocoa butter and sugar. They will go on to introduce chocolate creams, Turkish delight and more.

1854 Cadbury becomes royal chocolate purveyor

Credited with pioneering the Valentine’s Day chocolate box and chocolate Easter egg, Cadbury earns the distinction of supplying chocolates to Queen Victoria.

1879 Nestlé Company is formed

The combination of two bitter rivals turns into a chocolate company that will eventually become the largest in the world.

1900 Hersheyville is created

Milton Hershey, founder of Hershey’s Chocolate, creates a model factory town dedicated to chocolate and resulting in the Hershey Kiss.

1994 Forrest Gump movie is released

With the famous quote “Life is like a box of chocolates”, Forrest Gump, played by Tom Hanks, is beloved all over the world.

How to celebrate National Chocolates Day

Certainly many creative ways can be discovered to celebrate and enjoy the beauty of National Chocolates Day, including some of these ideas:

Enjoy Eating Some Chocolates

Here are some of the most famous and popular chocolate makers in the world and this would be a great day to try them out:

Lindt. Started in 1845, this Swiss company was originally called Lindt & Sprüngli, and was the first of its kind to supply solid chocolate in Zurich, an area of German-speaking Switzerland.

Cadbury. This chocolate company in England has been in business since 1831 and is famous for supplying chocolates to Queen Victoria. [yuck]

Ferrero Rocher. This Italian chocolatier was founded in 1979 and quickly grew to be a favorite in Europe and eventually North America. [yuck]

The Hershey Chocolate Company. Founded in 1894, this American chocolate company is famous for its chocolate bars and kisses and now has a town in Pennsylvania named after it. [yuck]

Try Making Some Chocolates at Home

Create a Chocolate Themed Playlist

Chocolate by Kylie Minogue (2003). Comparing love to chocolate, the lyrics to this song talk about candy kisses and melting slowly like chocolate.

Chocolate by The 1975 (2013). With a more updated vibe, the English Rock Band, The 1975, brings a fun beat that is great for playing at a party. The song was featured in the 2014 film, Love, Rosie.

Host a National Chocolates Day Party

Watch a Chocolate Themed Movie

Share Chocolates with Others

National Chocolates Day FAQs

Are chocolates gluten free?

Chocolate, on its own, is gluten free. But when made into chocolate candies, it’s possible that some ingredients with gluten may have been added so be sure to read the label carefully.

Do chocolates make you fat?

Of course, the sugars and fat content in chocolate are not good for the body and can cause weight gain if eaten in excess. But, as an occasional treat, they will probably not make you fat.

How is chocolate good for you?

Dark chocolate (70%+ cacao content) contains substances that are good for heart health, fight free radicals, improve brain function and lower cortisol – when eaten in moderation.

Will chocolate keep you awake?

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, contains caffeine as well as theobromine, so it could potentially keep people awake at night when consumed later in the day.

How are chocolates made?

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rabbitcruiser · 1 year ago

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International Chocolate Day

While there may be a few people in the world who don’t like chocolate, for most of the world chocolate is considered to be a delicious treat. And for some people, chocolate may even be considered an obsession.

International Chocolate Day was created to learn about, celebrate and enjoy everything that has to do with chocolate!

History of International Chocolate Day

Chocolate plants have probably been on earth since the dawn of history. But it wasn’t until around 4000 years ago that the Olmec people of Mesoamerica (present day Mexico) began turning cocoa beans into a beverage. At the time, drinking chocolate was a rather rare and special delicacy that was used in cultural rituals as well as for medicinal purposes.

When the Aztecs and Mayans got involved with it years later, cocoa beans eventually were cultivated and used as valuable currency for trading. Mayans even referred to chocolate as a “drink from the gods”, and the Aztecs considered it to be an important way to prepare for war as well as using it as an aphrodisiac.

Around the 16th century, chocolate made its way to Europe, although the Spanish kept it a secret for quite some time. Eventually, “chocolate houses” (something like a pub but for chocolate) began popping up in Britain and the trend spread through Europe.

The invention of the chocolate press influenced chocolate making and made the possibility of solid chocolates more feasible. In addition, the Dutch process to make cocoa powder allowed chocolate to be more accessible to more people, other than just the rich or royals.

By the mid-to-late-1800s, chocolate companies began manufacturing chocolate bars in Europe. Nestle, J.S. Fry and Sons and Lindt companies were all started during this time. Later, other companies came along such as Hershey’s, Cadbury, Mars and more.

As the processes of making chocolate have been refined over the years and access to sugar and other ingredients has become easier, chocolate has become part of everyday life for many people.

Recipes that call for the ingredient might include chocolate candies, cakes, brownies, cookies, cupcakes and so much more. And it can be used in the form of cocoa powder or baking chocolate in dark, semi-sweet or milk chocolate versions.

International Chocolate Day is about paying heed to everything related to this delightful treat that is now part of cultures all over the world. Enjoy learning about and taking part in the celebration of this day!

International Chocolate Day Timeline

2000 BC Cacao beans used in Mesoamerica

Ancient Olmec people in what is modern-day Mexico turn the beans into a chocolate drink and use it medicinally.

600 AD Mayan people begin cultivating cocoa

Understanding the great value of this plant, the Mayans begin growing cocoa beans on farms.

15th Century Aztecs use cocoa as currency

So precious were these beans, the Aztec people found them a convenient and valuable way to secure trade.

1875 First milk chocolate hits the market

Daniel Peter introduces milk chocolate in Switzerland.

1894 Hershey Chocolate Company is started

One of the most famous American chocolate companies, Hershey gets its start in Pennsylvania.

How to Celebrate International Chocolate Day

A favorite day of the year for many people, International Chocolate Day is certainly one that deserves celebrating. Consider some of these ideas for participating in and enjoying this day:

Enjoy Eating Some Chocolate

Whether it’s milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate or dark chocolate, International Chocolate Day is the perfect time to enjoy taking part in this delicious treat. Grab a favorite type of chocolate bar, like Hershey’s, Nestle or Ghirardelli, or try out some new and special types of chocolate that are sourced from different parts of the world.

Another fun way to celebrate the day is to buy a huge box of chocolates and try out the different flavors. Whitman’s Samplers, Fannie May, Richart, Lindt and Godiva are just a few of the companies that make assorted boxes of chocolates. Read the list on the lid to find out what you are eating, or hide the list and make a guessing game out of finding out which flavor each chocolate is!

Host an International Chocolate Day Event

Whether it’s a setup in the breakroom with coworkers at the office or a party at home including neighbors and friends, International Chocolate Day is a great time to gather chocolate lovers together and pay heed to this worldwide sensation.

Featuring everything chocolate, this gathering can include creative snacks like a chocolate fountain, homemade chocolate brownies or chocolate ice cream sundaes. For activities, try a chocolate tasting table where guests can sample a variety of chocolates that are sourced from around the world. Perhaps include chocolates that contain higher or lower percentages of cocoa.

Enjoy Chocolate For All the Meals

Chocolate doesn’t have to be only for dessert! It can be used in savory meals as well. So, in honor of International Chocolate Day, in addition to having it for a snack or dessert, try including chocolate in meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Chocolate for breakfast can be an easy inclusion. Chocolate yogurt, chocolate smoothies, or chocolate cherry muffins can be on the menu. If the chocolate included in breakfast is dark chocolate, it can even work in a healthy manner to help to burn body fat and decrease blood sugar levels throughout the day!

For lunch and dinner, savory meals can be created that include chocolate. Certain recipes for chili (specially Cincinnati style chili) include shavings of dark chocolate and cinnamon flavors and it’s served on top of pastas. Mole sauce, which is a traditional Mexican dish, is made with chocolate and spices and used on meat dishes, tortillas, or enchiladas.

Salads make a great light lunch and many salad recipes can be adjusted to incorporate some chocolate. Try a spinach pear salad with chocolate vinaigrette or a baby spinach and strawberry salad with vidalia onions and cacao nibs.

Bake Something with Chocolate

Of course, the easiest time to incorporate chocolate into eating is for dessert. Try whipping up a basic brownie recipe, baking some pre-made chocolate chip cookie dough, or preparing some easy no-bake chocolate, peanut butter and oat cookies without even having to turn the oven on. International Chocolate Day is a great time to enjoy baking with this versatile ingredient.

Share Chocolate with Friends

As long as you are cooking or baking, why not go ahead and share with someone special in celebration of the day? Or, for those who don’t feel like baking, feel free to pop over to a local bakery or grocery store! Box up some chocolate cupcakes to give to the neighbors, pass out some chocolate muffins at work or simply get a big chocolate bar and share it with the family!

International Chocolate Day FAQs

Can chocolate kill dogs?

Some properties in chocolate can be toxic. It may be poisonous to dogs depending on their size and how much they consume.

Does chocolate cause constipation?

Chocolate can slow down the digestive process and is one of the worst causes of constipation.

Did chocolate come from the New World?

Yes, chocolate originated in the New World and was brought back to Spain in the 16th century.

Does chocolate have caffeine?

Chocolate does have caffeine. The darker the chocolate is, the higher the caffeine content is.

Does chocolate cause acne?

While there is no evidence that chocolate causes acne, some people find anecdotal evidence that their skin condition is negatively impacted.

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#International Chocolate Day #original photography #food #snack #Chocolat Frey #Lindt CONNAISSEURS #Lindt & Sprüngli #Lindt TRUFFES #Sprüngli #truffles #Lindt PRALINÉS DU CONFISEUR #Swiss chocolate is the best #I only eat Swiss chocolate #InternationalChocolateDay #13 September #pralines #box of chocolate

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rabbitcruiser · 1 year ago

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World Chocolate Day

Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate…chocolate milk, truffles, Snickers, chocolate cake…indulge in any of the many kinds of chocolate out there.

World Chocolate Day is nothing short of a special tribute to mankind’s greatest culinary invention. (Sorry Bread or even Pizza!) Chocolate can enhance and help to create the most luxurious desserts and can even be enjoyed and indulged on its own. Some of the most popular chocolate bars are plain and simple. If this is the one for you, try going for a high cocoa percentage with low added sugar.

The History Of World Chocolate Day

World Chocolate Day Timeline

Beginning of Human History

Cacao Trees (the cocoa bean plant) may have been growing in the wild for 10,000 years or more

1500 BC – 300 BC

Cacao Plants Are Grown by Olmec Indians

300 BC – 500 AD

Cacao Adopted into the Mayan Culture

600-1000 AD Cacao Heads to South America

1200s AD Aztecs Drink Chocolate

The Azetcs learn about cacao plants from trade negotiations with the Mayans. They continue the tradition of making a chocolate drink, sometimes mixed with herbs and spices, such as chilli.

1500s AD Cocoa Beans Head to Europe

1657 First Chocolate House Opens

As chocolate spreads throughout Europe, a chocolate house opens in England where chocolate drinks can be purchased.

1765 First American Chocolate Company

The first chocolate company in America opens, Baker’s Chocolate.

1830 Solid Chocolate Appears

Chocolate in a solid form meant for eating is developed by British chocolate maker, J.S. Fry & Sons.

1868 First Mass Produced Chocolate

After providing chocolate for Queen Victoria, Cadbury first sells boxes of mass produced chocolate candies in England.

1875 Milk Chocolate Arrives

The Nestlé Company begins in Switzerland with the newest version of the treat, milk chocolate. Nestlé eventually becomes the largest producer of chocolate in the world.

1895 Chocolate Becomes Affordable

Milton Hershey begins selling the Hershey Bar, making chocolate affordable for the average person.

1912 Chocolate Bon-Bons are Introduced

The chocolate filled bon-bon is introduced in Switzerland by Jules Sechaud.

1986 Single-Origin Chocolate Appears

The single-origin chocolate bar is introduced by Valhrona, taking designer chocolate to a whole new level.

2000s Designer Chocolate Develops

How Is Chocolate Made?

How to celebrate World Chocolate Day

We don’t need to tell you what to do to celebrate this day, do we? Eat Chocolate! Some ways you can incorporate chocolate into this chocolate day include:

Mid-morning snack: A chocolate candy bar with your filled with your favorite goodies. There are certainly a lot of options to choose from now!

Lunch: If you skipped on the shake fro breakfast then a big tall glass of chocolate milk is a must at lunch! Oh, and don’t forget your dessert, how about a pie of chocolate pie or cheesecake?

Mid-Afternoon: Maybe try to be a little healthier with chocolate-covered strawberries or raisins? Ok, maybe not that healthy but at least t contains fruit!

Dinner: Adults this is your time to sip on that chocolate liqueur before you sit down for dinner. You could have a chocolate flavored coffee with a piece of chocolate cake for afters.

Nighttime snack: If you’re not already chocolate out, why not opt for a few chocolate mints or biscuits with a glass of ice-cold milk?

So, Why Do We Love Chocolate So Much?

Why not get the cookbook out of the cupboard, scour the internet for some ideas and get yourself in the chocolate day spirit, baking and creating some wonderful chocolatey creations?

Or failing that, stock up on chocolate biscuits, ice-cream, and enjoy a day of secret treats and indulgence…

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rabbitcruiser · 1 year ago

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Pralines Day

Indulge yourself in the rich, creamy, chocolatey treat known as pralines. Gather a few and host a taste-test, or try your hand and making them yourself.

History of Pralines Day

How to celebrate Praline Day

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#Lindt CONNAISSEURS #Lindt TRUFFES #Lindt PRALINÉS DU CONFISEUR #Chocolat Frey #Swiss chocolate is the best #I only eat Swiss chocolate #box of chocolate #Pralineschachtel #truffles #food #snack #original photography #Pralines Day #PralinesDay #24 June #Lindt & Sprüngli

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rabbitcruiser · 2 years ago

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National Walnut Day

History of National Walnut Day

The Greek name for the walnut is karyon, which means head. This is actually fairly spot on, because the outside shell resembles a human head and the interior nut looks a bit like a brain!

National Walnut Day Timeline

7000 BC Humans cultivate walnuts

The oldest tree food known to man, walnuts are cultivated starting in Persia.

1754 BC First documented account of the walnut

The cultivation of the walnut is mentioned in The Code of Hammurabi, the oldest code of laws in the world.

600 BC Walnut plants arrive in Europe

Around this time, the walnut plant makes its way from Persia into Europe.

17th Century AD Walnuts land in America

English settlers are responsible for bringing walnut plants to the New World.

Late 1900s Walnuts are cultivated in Chile

The climate in Chile does well for growing walnuts and the country eventually becomes the world’s third largest walnut exporter.

How to Celebrate National Walnut Day

Enjoy tons of fun on National Walnut Day by celebrating in style with some of these tasty ideas:

Learn Some Health Benefits of Walnuts

Filled with Antioxidants

High in Healthy Fat

Promotes Gut Health

May Decrease Inflammation

Walnuts offer essential bacteria and microbes that help with the functioning of overall gut health.

Make Some Candied Walnuts

Share Fun Facts About Walnuts

Get started with some of these:

Walnut trees can grow to be very large, up to 60 feet tall. They can produce walnuts for more than 100 years!

Walnuts are best when kept cool, so it’s ideal to store them in the refrigerator or freezer for the best flavor and the longest life.

The state of California produces approximately one billion pounds of walnuts every single year. Now that’s a whole lot of nuts!

Make Baked Goods with Walnuts

National Walnut Day FAQs

Are walnuts good for you?

Some studies have shown that walnuts are a source of vitamins and minerals, as well as lowering “bad” cholesterol.

How to toast walnuts?

Walnuts can be toasted in a single layer for 8-10 minutes at 350 F.

Can dogs eat walnuts?

Though it may not hurt them to have a stray walnut, dog owners should avoid feeding them to dogs as they can be a choking hazard.

Do walnuts go bad?

When exposed to heat for a period of time, walnuts can begin to smell rancid and taste bad.

Do walnuts have protein?

Yes, walnuts have 4.5 grams of protein per ¼ cup.

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rabbitcruiser · 2 years ago

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National Chocolate Candy Day

Chocolate candy is one of the world’s most popular sweets, and today it gets its own day. The candy is often created by mixing chocolate with ingredients like nuts and caramel. Some examples of chocolate candy include truffles and candy bars.

Chocolate comes from a bean called Theobroma cacao. The word “chocolate” itself comes from the Spanish, and it stems from the Aztec word xocolatl, which means “bitter water.” The Aztecs pounded the cacao beans and drank them without adding any sugar, and they thought the beans came from the gods. Indeed, Theobroma means “food of the gods.” Cocoa beans are about 50% “cocoa butter” and 50% “chocolate liquor.” Hernando Cortés brought cocoa beans back to Spain, and a chocolate drink that included sugar became popular right away. The word “chocolate” first appeared in print, in England, in 1604.

During the eighteenth century, a chocolate drink became fashionable throughout Europe, and it first became manufactured in what would become the United States in 1765. The first chocolate factory opened in the United States in 1780, but hard chocolate candy was not yet made until the dawn of the nineteenth century. Hardened chocolate candy bars first became being sold on a large scale by the Cadbury Company of England in 1842, and “chocolate creams"—candies with sugar-cream centers—were first eaten by Americans in the 1860s.

Milk chocolate was first made by the Swiss in 1875 when Daniel Peter added his chocolate to the newly-discovered sweetened condensed milk of Henry Nestlé, and it became popular in America and Europe. Milton S. Hershey, who had been in the candy business since the age of fourteen, and who had been quite successful with his Lancaster Caramel Company, was enamored by the chocolate-making he saw at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago—especially the making of milk chocolate. The first milk chocolate Hershey bar was produced in 1900, and by 1905 Hershey’s enormous factory in Derry Township, Pennsylvania, was in operation. With Hershey’s support, a company town sprang up around the factory, and milk from nearby farms was used in making the milk chocolate. Milton Hershey invented the Hershey’s kiss in 1907, and its trademark foil wrapper was added in 1924. Hershey provided troops in World War II with a Ration D bar, and later the better-tasting Tropical Chocolate Bar. These chocolate bars were resistant to temperatures higher than ninety degrees Fahrenheit. Besides Hershey bars and kisses, many other popular types of chocolate candies are under the Hershey’s umbrella, including Almond Joy, Mounds, and Reese’s. Another popular candy manufacturer in the United States is Mars, which produces chocolate candy bars such as Snickers and Twix.

How to Observe National Chocolate Candy Day

Celebrate the day by eating your favorite types of chocolate candy! Perhaps you have a favorite type of candy bar that you could have, or maybe truffles are more your style. Maybe you could stock up on some of the most popular candy bars from the United States or from around the world.

Source

#Lindt #Lindt CONNAISSEURS #Lindt PRALINÉS DU CONFISEUR #snack #food #Lindt TRUFFES #Truffles #Praline #Swiss chocolate is the best #I only eat Swiss chocolate #milk chocolate #dark chocolate #white chocolate #close up #28 December #original photography #National Chocolate Candy Day #NationalChocolateCandyDay

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rabbitcruiser · 1 month ago

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National Sweetest Day

Indulge your sweet tooth with a box of heart-shaped chocolates. Feel free to share with a loved one, but this isn’t Valentine’s Day—it’s all about your love of sweets.

Sometimes you just need a sweet, and Valentine’s Day only comes once a year. What’s a body to do? Well, you celebrate the National Sweetest Day of course! Like Valentine’s day, this day is known for its distribution of sweets in heart-shaped boxes, and a recognition of the love of candy.

History of National Sweetest Day

On October 8, 1921, Cleveland Confectioners came together to create a new day to celebrate the people’s love of candy and each other. On the first celebration of this day 20,000 boxes of candy were distributed throughout the city, everyone from newsboys, old folks, the poor, and orphans were gifted with delicious treats to help make it the “National Sweetest Day” of the year for them.

From there, the idea spread through big cities like New York and Detroit, expanding in popularity and importance as the years went on. In the early years, National Sweetest Day was fundamentally a commercial operation. The idea was to try to get as many people to enjoy sweets and associate them with specific times of the year geared towards celebrations. In 1922, for instance, candy manufacturers took the idea of Sweetness Day forward in New York City, hoping to drum up interest in their confectionery products.

Just a few years later, in 1927, the New York Times decreed that there would be a Sweetest Week. A decade later, the same newspaper announced that representatives from the industry were trying to get National Sweetest Day to rank alongside other significant events in the calendar, such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.

Through various promotions, National Sweetest Day has gone on to become a popular choice for charity drives, including by organizations like the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children, starting as early as October 17, 1940.

For some, the original intention of the manufacturers paid off significantly. National Sweetest Day didn’t replace some of the big events in the calendar, but it did become associated with them. Now the vast majority of people think of confectionery alongside popular dates, such as Valentine’s Day. Many cities host their own National Sweetest Day, especially if they play host to a candy manufacturer.

At root, though, National Sweetest Day isn’t just about consuming as many chocolates as you can. Instead, it is about love. The original developers of the concept took it upon themselves to distribute candy to the neediest in society. And this spirit of giving remains. People traditionally celebrate the day by eating confectionery and sharing it with the people they love to show that they care. Romantic couples often use the event as an excuse to indulge in a little gift-giving.

You should note, however, that National Sweetest Day and Valentine’s Day are not the same things. The former is about sharing love with everyone in your life, while the latter is solely about focusing on your romantic partner.

National Sweetest Day Timeline

1922

Sweetest Day is invented

Herbert Birch Kingston, employee of a candy company in Cleveland, Ohio, wants to bring happiness to the lives of those who are often forgotten, so he creates this day.

1930s

Film stars get involved with Sweetest Day

Movie stars, such as Ann Pennington and Theda Bara, celebrate the day by giving out sweets and boxes of candy to hospital patients, newspaper boys, theater goers and more.

Mid-1960s

Hallmark first makes cards for Sweetest Day

Before this, the celebration was a grassroots movement in the Midwestern United States, but as Hallmark begins making cards, the day expands.

1987

U2’s song “Sweetest Thing” is distributed

Originally released on the B side of “Where the Streets Have No Name”, the song “Sweetest Thing” is a number one hit in Ireland and Canada.

2002

The Sweetest Thing film is released

Starring Cameron Diaz, Christina Applegate and Thomas Jane, this rom-com ranks highly Ebert & Roper’s Big Stars in Big Bombs, but Cameron Diaz’s career doesn’t seem to suffer for it.

How to celebrate National Sweetest Day

The simplest way to celebrate National Sweetest Day is to indulge your sweet-tooth and buy your favorite treat. An even better idea is to share it with someone who loves it as much as you do! Bring in a box of treats for your co-workers, or surprise your sweetie with their favorite sugary indulgence.

If you’re feeling truly ambitious, you can coordinate with a local charity to help do a sweets drive to generate money for them. Candy is always a popular item for charity drives, and if you contact the creator of these confectionary delights, you can probably get them at a heavily discounted price for use in charity drives.

Another idea is to send out National Sweetest Day cards. Currently, several popular card sellers offer themed cards for the day, allowing you to write messages to people you care about and remind them of the event. You might even want to design and create your own chocolates at home with a unique theme. Making unique and interesting flavors is a lot of fun.

Remember, you don’t have to limit yourself to sending candy on National Sweetest Day. Other sweet treats are allowed too. Yes, confectioners originally invented the day to promote their commercial chocolates and sweets. But it has since become a different animal, with regular people sharing anything that might be considered sweet. Cupcakes, cookies, and even pastries are all permitted under the rules. Celebrating National Sweetest Day can be a creative experience.

Because the original purpose of National Sweetest Day was charitable, you might think about using the day to give something back. In the past, philanthropists wanted to ensure that vulnerable individuals in the local community had enjoyment in their lives. Candy was an expression of that impulse, but it is by no means the only way to do so. For you, National Sweetest Day could involve providing food to the needy and vulnerable, or offering money to charities who take care of them in your city.

Finally, you can just buy candy and distribute it like a reverse Halloween, handing out candy to friends, co-workers, and random people on the street to remind them to have the National Sweetest Day of the year.

Now, doesn’t that sound like fun?

National Sweetest Day FAQs

Is Sweetest Day celebrated everywhere?

While it is certainly growing from its midwestern roots, Sweetest Day still seems to be mostly celebrated in the United States.

What is the sweetest thing in the world?

The sweetest compound in the world is a protein known as Thaumatin, which was first found in the katemfe fruits in West Africa and can be 2000 times sweeter than sucrose.

Is Sweetest Day for guys?

Of course, anyone is allowed to celebrate! But traditionally Sweetest Day is for women to show the men in their lives how much they appreciate them.

Where did Sweetest Day originate?

Sweetest Day started in Cleveland, Ohio when a candy company employee wanted to share sweets with those who don’t normally receive them.

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rabbitcruiser · 2 months ago

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National White Chocolate Day

Creamy and sweet, this delightful treat is like a dreamy dessert canvas, ready to be sprinkled with colorful toppings and savored with joy.

When most people think of chocolate, they think of the rich brown sultry color of milk or dark chocolate.

But during the process of making chocolate, there’s a point when two magical options are available, the rich dark chestnut of traditional chocolate, or the pure white angelic path that is the way of White Chocolate. National White Chocolate Day is the perfect opportunity to learn about the origins of this delicious treat, and take a walk on the light side of culinary decadence.

Learn about National White Chocolate Day

National White Chocolate Day has been created so that we can celebrate this amazing sweet treat, and we can eat as much as we want without feeling guilty! Sounds like heaven, right? White chocolate is made from milk solids, sugar, and cocoa butter. It does not have any cocoa solids in it, which are found in dark and milk chocolate. The pale ivory color is what makes this form of chocolate instantly recognizable.

There are regulations in place that govern what can and cannot be marketed as white chocolate. The same standards are in place across the United States and the European Union. To be classified as white chocolate, the chocolate needs to be a minimum of the following by weight: 3.5 percent milk fat, 14 percent total milk solids, and 20 percent cocoa butter. In the United States, they also have a provision that states that the product is not allowed to include more than 55 percent of sweeteners, such as sugar.

History of National White Chocolate Day

Chocolate has been around a very long time, it’s consumption as a beverage reaching back to 1900 BCE by the Mesoamericans, and was considered sacred to Quetzocoatl. So valuable was it during the Aztec empire that it was used as a form of currency, and was in fact the expected form of payment for the taxes levied on the people they ruled. It wasn’t until Christopher Columbus visited the New World for the 4th time in 1502 that chocolate was brought back to the UK, and the rest is history.

Well, almost…

You see, for all the time between then and 1930, the rich mahogany chocolate was all they knew and used, it had taken on a million forms and become the very definition of decadence, but it was still all the same color.

All of that changed in 1930 when Nestlé invented the Milkybar in 1930. White Chocolate was the result of separating the dark solids from the rich fat of the bean known as cocoa butter, a natural part of the manufacturing process, but instead of recombining them, the cocoa butter was left to shine on its own. It’s been an incredibly popular treat ever since.

How to celebrate National White Chocolate Day

The best way to celebrate National White Chocolate Day is to go out and indulge in the delicious treat that is white chocolate! You can find it in a myriad of different forms, so maybe a stop off at a chocolatier is in order. Truffles, Bars, Ganache, there’s even white chocolate in the drinkable form!

Stopping off to get a morning coffee? Try a white chocolate blend this time instead of your usual. Its lunchtime and you want a snack? A bar of white chocolate can be just the thing. Don’t forget to share with your friends!

Of course, if you are feeling a bit creative, you may decide to make your own white chocolate. All you need to do is a quick search online and you will see that there are plenty of recipes for you to copy to make sure that your white chocolate is a triumph and not a culinary nightmare!

There are also lots of great white chocolate-based recipes as well if you’re looking to indulge in something a little bit different. Some of the white chocolate desserts that we definitely recommend are as follows: white chocolate torte, white chocolate cappuccino cake, white chocolate and ginger cheesecake, banana and white chocolate blondie tart, white chocolate and raspberry tart, and white chocolate and pistachio profiteroles. Is your mouth watering yet?

You could decide to have a bit of fun with your friends on National White Chocolate Day and have a white chocolate bake-off. Get all of your friends around and have fun seeing who is able to create the most exciting and delicious white chocolate dessert. This is a great opportunity to share a lot of laughs together and enjoy some delicious white chocolate treats along the way.

Did you know that you can also get some delicious white chocolate cocktails? This is an easy but highly enjoyable way of celebrating National White Chocolate Day. We personally love the white chocolate martini. This is a creamy and rich cocktail, which is a scrumptious mix of white chocolate and vanilla.

All you need is one ounce of cream, one ounce of white chocolate liqueur, and one and a half ounces of vanilla vodka. Grab a cocktail shaker, fill it with ice, add all of the ingredients, and give it a good shake. You will need to get those muscles working to make sure that the cream is fully incorporated! If you really want to impress, garnish the chocolate with white savings and you will have everyone thinking that you’re a qualified bartender.

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