#Palm Oil Free Chocolates

[mcvices]

Buy some Tony's Chocolonely today. They sell it in the US now and (I hope?) haven't ruined it.

The European mind cannot comprehend what it was like to be a person who'd only had Hershey bullshit chocolate my entire life and then have European chocolate for the very first time and it made me realize why people were acting like that in the Willy Wonka movies

[becertainlust]

SOMETHING SWEET | Sanji Vinsmoke

synopsis: You're sanji's little taste tester.

Content: Fluff

The Thousand Sunny rocked gently with the rhythm of the waves, the sound a soothing lullaby that carried through the stillness of the night. Outside, the moon cast its silver glow over the ship, its light filtering through the portholes and spilling faint patterns onto the wooden floors. The occasional creak of the ship and the distant crash of waves were the only sounds accompanying the serene quiet.

Your eyes fluttered open, staring into the ceiling above. Sleep hadn’t lasted long—again. You sighed softly, rolling onto your side. The jacket draped over the back of the chair caught your eye, and with a resigned groan, you swung your legs over the bed.

Pulling the jacket on over your sleepwear, you stepped out into the dimly lit hallway. The ship was hushed, save for the faint sound of someone snoring a few doors down. You rubbed your arms, the night air cool against your skin as you padded toward a familiar glow at the end of the hall.

The kitchen light spilled out, warm and inviting, and the scent of something delicious drifted into the corridor. You smiled to yourself—it had become a tradition by now.

Pushing the door open, you leaned against the doorway and crossed your arms. “Burning the midnight oil again, Sanji?”

Sanji glanced over his shoulder, a grin already tugging at his lips. “And here I thought I might get some peace tonight.” He turned back to his work, the rhythmic sound of his knife slicing through something soft filling the space. “What’s the excuse this time, sweetheart?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” you shot back, stepping into the room.

He chuckled, his voice low and warm. “Fair enough. But at least I’m being productive. You, on the other hand—what, couldn’t resist my cooking?”

You plopped onto the counter with an exaggerated sigh. “Oh, absolutely. The smell dragged me out of bed by force. You should be ashamed, really.”

Sanji straightened, wiping his hands on a towel as he turned to face you. “Ashamed?” he repeated, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “Darling, I’d say that’s a job well done.”

“Cocky as ever,” you teased, leaning back on your palms.

“And yet, you keep showing up,” he quipped, tossing the towel onto the counter before reaching for a mixing bowl.

“Someone has to keep you in check.”

He hummed thoughtfully, cracking an egg into the bowl with one hand. “Or maybe you just can’t stay away from me.”

The heat rose to your cheeks, but you rolled your eyes. “Maybe I just like the free snacks.”

Sanji laughed at that, his knife now working with quick, practiced movements. “Oh, is that all? Then how about you do your job, my little taste-tester, and tell me how these turned out?”

He handed you a warm cookie straight from the cooling rack. Your fingers brushed his as you took it, the touch lingering just long enough to make your heart skip a beat. You bit into the cookie, letting out a soft hum of approval as the flavors melted on your tongue.

“Well?” he asked, leaning casually against the counter, his gaze never leaving you.

The cookie was warm in your hand, its golden surface still glistening faintly from the oven. You took a tentative bite, and your taste buds were immediately greeted with a perfect blend of softness and sweetness. The chocolate chips melted at every chew, coating your tongue in rich, velvety decadence. It was perfect—so perfect you had to fight the urge to close your eyes and sigh in delight.

But you wouldn’t let Sanji know that.

“It’s... okay, I guess,” you said nonchalantly, taking another bite to mask the way your lips wanted to curve into a satisfied smile.

Sanji’s mouth parted slightly in mock offense, his hand going to his chest as though you’d just delivered a mortal wound. “Just okay? My dear, do you realize how much love and skill went into that cookie?”

“Oh, I can taste the ego,” you teased, licking a crumb from your lip. “It’s overpowering.”

His eyes narrowed, a playful challenge dancing in them. “You wound me, love. But you’re still eating it, so I guess it can’t be that bad.”

You shrugged, holding the cookie up as if weighing your words. “Hmm, free food is free food. Maybe I’ll keep you around after all.”

Sanji chuckled, shaking his head as he leaned closer, his grin as sharp as ever. “Keep me around? Darling, you’re lucky I haven’t started charging you for my masterpieces.”

“Masterpieces, huh?” You took another slow bite, savoring it despite yourself. “Keep practicing, and you might get there someday.”

Sanji stepped back with a dramatic flourish, his voice rich with mock formality. “Thank you for your insight, your majesty. What would you like so that I can change your mind?” He gave a sweeping bow, his face barely holding back a smirk.

You leaned back against the counter, arms crossed, fighting to keep your own grin under control. “Well, your highness,” you replied with a smile, clearing your throat “perhaps a lemon pound cake that doesn’t make me question your cooking skills would do the trick.”

Sanji stood up straight, his eyes gleaming with challenge. “So it’s a challenge you want?” He winked at you, his tone a mix of flirty confidence and playful resolve. “I’ll show you a masterpiece, just wait.”

You watched him move across the kitchen, his movements swift and graceful as he gathered the ingredients with exaggerated care, like a chef preparing for a grand performance. Every step, every gesture, was deliberate, like he was proving a point. And even though you were playing along, you couldn’t help but notice the way he carried himself—so sure, so confident.

You took another bite of the cookie, savoring it once again, but this time, you let your smile slip through.

[softcherri]

Gift Guide

Fancy home cooks/foodies edition 🥨🫒🧀🥬🥫🍅🍜🥟🥞🧇🍫🍓🥖🥐🍙

Flowerhead Tea—women owned, small batch, organic & non-gmo ingredients, sustainable packaging

Apostle Hot Sauce—small batch, handmade in New Zealand, offers bottle returns, beautifully hand drawn labels

Yiayia Extra Virgin Olive Oil—made in Greece from cold-pressed olives, all natural, adorable packaging

Ghia Crunch Hazelnut Spread (Ghianduja)—healthier “Nutella,” made with olive oil, contains no palm oil, half the sugar of Nutella

De Soi Non-alcoholic Apéritifs (Spritz Italiano)—perfect non-alcoholic dupe for an Aperol Spritz, gluten-free, no artificial colors or flavors, non-gmo

Rocky’s Matcha—quality matcha powder, rich flavor, no fishy aftertaste

Nour Vegan Salad Dressing—vegan, gluten free, sugar free, uses extra virgin olive oil only

C.BB. Chocolate Bars—ethically sourced ingredients, no artificial flavors or preservatives

NURI Artisanal Sardines—quality ingredients, limited production, sustainable fishing methods, use 100% refined olive oil

Good Girl Snacks (Hot Girl Pickles)—woman owned, unique flavors, organic, no artificial ingredients

[thepenultimateword]

Claws and Fangs Part 2

CW: Discrimination, essence of racism and hate speech (just with made-up terms because its supernatural creatures)

Part One

[Vampire!]

The little girl standing tiptoe in the doorframe sprang at the vampire's chest, nearly knocking them backwards down the long flight of stairs. Luckily, Fangs managed to catch her under the arms and swing her weight back toward the door just in time.

"Aggie!" they cried, matching her energy. They rubbed noses with the child as they shifted her to the crook of their free arm and reached behind them to find Claws’s arm again.

The child, Aggie, clung to their neck. "Daddy said you weren't coming!"

"Plans changed." They gave the little girl an extra squeeze before smoothly positioning Claws in front of her. "This is [Werewolf]. They're staying the weekend with us."

The little girl lit up for an instant but then froze, sniffing the air and wrinkling her nose. "Why do they smell like that?"

"Aggie!" a new feminine voice scolded, this one older, huskier. "That's no way to treat a guest."

A tall, raven-haired woman in a long red dress appeared in the doorway. Claws only needed a second to recognize her as another vampire. She carried the same red-eyed glint and predatory elegance as Fangs.

Her gaze roved up and down, taking in their utter unvampireness, but she still smiled as she met their eyes.

“Excuse my daughter. She hasn't had much exposure outside a clan.."

Aggie wriggled out of the Fangs’s arms and darted past her mother's legs and into the house.

"I'm [Vampire's] sister, Nerezza. You must be [Werewolf]."

"You know me?"

"Of course, we've been trying to get them to invite you for a dog's age." She gasped, covering her mouth. "I am so sorry."

Fangs covered their face with one hand. "Nerezza."

Claws's face heated. Apparently, their identity was no mystery. "Er, it's fine. I didn't really notice."

"Until you made a big deal out of it," Fangs said.

"Excuse me, [Vampire] for being careful," Nerezza snapped. "I didn't want to offend them before they even got through the door, and I only just remembered that dog is a derogatory term!"

"You can say dog, just don't call them one."

Nerezza glanced at Claws for confirmation, as if she only trusted the explanation from the source's mouth. When they nodded, she noticeably relaxed.

"Well come on in before you catch a cold standing here. Just leave your bags by the door; the staff will take it up to your room. Now. Let's introduce you to everyone else."

Fangs squeezed their hand as they crossed the threshold. "Here we go."

The house was even more beautiful inside than out. Rich red rugs swathed pearly marble floors. The walls and banisters were dark chocolate wood decorated in tapestries and oil portraits of vampires that looked suspiciously similar to Fangs and Nerezza. At the end of the hall, Nerezza turned through an arched entryway into a great, round sitting room. The sofas and recliners were draped in white fur throws and a rose and silver-leaf garland hung over the hearth, the hearty, pine-scented fire within accenting the room with an orange glow.

"Evening everyone!" Fangs said

Several vampires twisted their heads around as they entered, one man on the end of one sofa with his dark silky hair pulled into a bun immediately began sniffing the air.

"What in burning silver is that smell?"

The man beside him, looking nearly identical except for his hair--pale blonde and plaited over his shoulder, promptly punched him in the ribs.

"Told you, told you, told you!" Aggie sang from the floor where she was very meticulously putting together a puzzle of a frog pond.

Fangs's hand slipped out of Claws's grip and settled more protectively around their waist, seeming to forget for a moment that their partner was over a head taller and a few palms bulkier than they were. Though they wouldn't deny that having that supernatural vampire strength wrapped firmly about them was comforting.

"This is [Werewolf]. You know about them. My...er...well, we're engaged. Sort of."

"Sort of?" Man Bun said condescendingly, this time blocking his brother's fist.

"I haven't actually asked yet, but we both already know--"

"You're going to," Claws helped. "It just hasn't officially..."

"No, not quite yet."

"Soon though?" Claws tipped their gaze meaningfully toward Fangs’s face. Standing in front of their family for the first time probably wasn't the time or place for hints, but they couldn't help it now that the topic was out in the open. They had been waiting for a while now.

"Oh, yes, yes, very soon!" Fangs said, and they both strained smiles at the room. Fangs clapped their hands together. "Anyway. Aggie and Nerezza greeted us at the door, this is my brother-in-law, Gabriel."

The vampire he gestured to was in fact the only one who had not bored holes into Claws upon entering. Mostly because he was reclined all the way back in the biggest armchair, snoring. Claws still committed his enormous frame and the pink elastics in his auburn beard and hairline to memory.

"My brother Renwick,” Fangs moved on, introducing the blonde man. “The especially rude one is Lauden." They pinched Man Bun's cheek and turned their tone babyish. "Our baby."

Lauden swatted them away. "Shut up, I'm grown! ...Unless the last blood custard is up for grabs, then I'll gladly be the baby."

"My mother and father, you can call them Jacqueline and Valerian.

Jacqueline strained a smile, but Valerian was as still and austere as one of the oil paintings in the hall. Claws could definitely tell who had the strongest genes. Jacqueline's blonde hair and storm gray eyes had passed to Renwick, but the rest of the siblings shared their father's raven hair, amber eyes, and delicate bone structure. They still needed to get used to vampire parents looking nearly as young as their children.

Fangs gestured to a regal, middle-aged man in the armchair closest to the fire, not a recliner for how stick straight he sat, pale hand planted firmly around the gold knob of his cane. His dark hair was a mane brushed straight back and streaked at the temples with silver.

"Grandfather Ambrose," they mumbled quickly and then immediately brighter, "And that’s everyone!”

Before Claws could reply so much as 'pleased to meet you,' Fangs's strong arms dragged them off balance, plopping them both on the floor beside Aggie, Claws in the center of Fangs's lap.

Claws looked at the floor. It still wasn't the full moon, but the phantom sensation of a tucked tail and ears plagued their body. Maybe this hadn't been such a great idea. The air of awkwardness and disapproval was worse than being alone.

"So, [Werewolf]," Nerezza said, breaking the quiet. "How long have you and [Vampire] been together."

"W-we met a year and a half ago. So I guess officially...a year? How long have you known about me?"

"A year sounds right," Renwick said, leaning his elbows forward on his knees and resting his chin in his hands. His eyes seemed intent on dissecting Claws bit by bit. "You're name came up several times, but [Vampire] has always been a closed trap on the topic. Now I know why."

"Not that it matters, of course," Nerezza piped in quickly.

"Of course," Renwick agreed, though his tone was much less concerned. "How old are you?"

"Er, 27."

"Ah."

What was that supposed to mean?

"Ren," Fangs warned.

"What I'm just getting to know them. Isn't that what you want? Isn't that why you brought them?"

"This a probationary meeting. For if you ever get to see them or me again."

Claws melted closer to the floor, tracing the pattern of the rug with their eyes.

Aggie tugged on their sleeve. "Can you help me find the froggy eyes?"

She pointed to one of the background frogs on the box, his eyes only the corner of a mostly pond puzzle piece.

"Of course, let's see..." They sifted through several nearly identical, greenish-gray pieces. "Ah ha! One set of froggy eyes!"

Aggie's amber eyes lit like embers as she fit the piece into place. "And the dragonflies?"

Claws slowly slid off Fangs's lap and sprawled onto their stomach. "Pink or blue?"

"The pink."

"Ah, those ones are tricky, huh? Well, it looks like they're an edge piece, so can you help me find all the pieces with flat sides like this?"

She nodded adamantly, and together they made a small pile. Claws already saw the dragonflies, but instead of handing the piece to her they said, "See any pink ones?"

Aggie bit her lip mildly with one fang, flicking her eyes back and forth like a cat stalking a mouse. All at once, she pounced, finger landing on the center of the piece.

"Right there! Right there!"

"You found it!"

Aggie giggled. Claws was vaguely aware of a slight back and forth of their hips, habitual even with the absence of a tail.

"Look at them wriggle, just like a--"

"Why don't we all change for dinner," Jacqueline said, cutting Lauden off. She stood with a flourish, fluffing the skirts of her creamy vintage evening gown. “Lauden, dear, come with me, and I’ll help you with your tie.”

“What are you talking about?” the young man said, crinkling his pale brow. “I know how to tie—”

“Come.” Her eyes flashed like lightning in the violent storms of her irises, and Lauden quickly got up to follow her.

***

Claws threw themselves on the bed, giving a luxurious stretch as they stared up at the rich velvet canopy. They rolled on their side as Fangs closed the door.

“Alright, infamous outfit change #1. Help me, my love, what am I ever supposed to wear?” They tossed their head and pressed the back of their hand to their forehead.

Instead of playing along, Fangs sat on the edge of the bed and took their hand. “Do you want to go home? Because one word, and we’re out.”

"Hm?"

"We've only just arrived, and they're already being rude. It's going to get worse as they get more comfortable."

Claws crawled the couple of feet between them and flopped their head on their legs. "I’m not so much of a coward that a few mean words can chase me away. I’m from a wolf pack, you know. We deal with rough every day. Besides, I’ve been through worse.”

“Like what?”

“You.”

“Ow. What?”

“You were not pleasant when we first met. In fact, you called me the d-o-g word. Multiple times.”

“Because I was stupid! And I didn't know it was a slur! I didn't exactly talk to werewolves yet."

Claws reached up and smoothed the creases out of their face. "I know. The point is I can handle it. I'll let you know if can't."

Vampire wore a pout but nodded. They pointed at the suitcases. "It's the grey suitcoat with the red cravat. I'll help you tie it."

"You think I can't do it on my own?"

"Oh, I know you can't. Now stay there and sit still. I'll explain a bit about dinner."

Master Taglist:

@moss-tombstone @crazytwentythrees-deactivated @just-1-lonely-person @the-vagabond-nun @willow-trees-are-beautiful @cocoasprite @insanedreamer7905 @valiantlytransparentwhispers @whovian378 @watercolorfreckles @thebluepolarbear @yulanlavender @kitsunesakii @deflated-bouncingball @lem-hhn @office-plant-in-a-trenchcoat @ghostfacepepper @pigeonwhumps @demonictumble @inkbirdie @vuvulia @bouncyartist @lunatic-moss-studio @breilobrealdi @freefallingup13 @i-am-a-story-goblin @ryunniez @rainy-knights-of-villany @distractedlydistracted @saspas-corner @echoednonny @perilous-dreamer @blood-enthusiast @randomfixation @alexkolax @pksnowie @blessupblessup @wolfeyedwitch @thedeepvoidinmyheart @cornflower-cowboy @bestblob @a-chaotic-gremlin @espresso-depresso-system @prompt-fills-and-writing-spills @paleassprince @takingawildbreath @yindo @psychiclibrariesquotestoad @harpycartoons @pickleking8 @urmyhopeeee @goldenflame2516 @tobeornottobeateacher @talesofurbania1 @sweetsigyn

[filipfuckingtelford]

So cold

Inspired by two amazing games, a one shot mini Chibs imagine. I'm curious if someone can guess which two games inspired me. Feel free to leave comments and enjoy.

----------

Chibs opened his eyes and felt it. He was freezing, Snow was everywhere he looked and nothing more than snow could be seen. He felt tired and weak as he struggled to stand up. What was worse, he had no idea how he got here. Checking pockets of his kutte and jeans he found only a lighter, a pack of cigarettes and and old chocolate bar. He was in the middle of nowhere, freezing, he had no food or water and he didn't know what to do.

He stood up finally and looked around. There was a power line in the distance and Chibs decided to go that way. There should be something, some buildings, people, a phone maybe that he could use to call Jax. But he didn't even know where he was. A sudden thought hit him and he reached out to the inner pocket of his leather kutte. He took his cell phone out but there was no signal.

"Sheit" He muttered and put it away. Useless piece of shit.

Chibs also found a piece of paper along with his phone. He unwrapped it and read the message on it.

"Find the lady of the light" He reread those words couple of times but he couldn't get the meaning. It all felt like some kind of a joke. Chibs put the paper back into his pocket and started walking towards the power line five hundred meters ahead. The distance seemed short but as he started walking it felt like eternity. The snow was so deep it was almost impossible to move. His boots got soaked in no time and now he was freezing even worse than before. There was still only snow around and it was getting darker as the sun was moving down.

After an hour of struggling the depth of the snow Chibs finally reached the power line and the rails under it. It was the relatively solid surface under his feet but he felt so cold. That was when he noticed several pieces of wood next to the rails. With a shaky hands he grabbed those and formed a fireplace with it and some sticks that could be found around him. Chibs needed to stay here and warm himself up since he had no power to move further.

Chibs tried to lit up the wood but it was all too wet and refused to burn. That was the moment he remembered the piece of paper in his pocket. He used it to let fire burn a little longer and it was luckily enough for the pieces of wood to start burning. The fire made him warm up a little as he held his palms above the flames. He needed some food and water though. And if the chocolate bar could help to make starving go he was still thirsty.

Filip knew he had to move further as there could be the place to stay for the night. If he allows himself to stay here he might be dead by the break of dawn. So Chibs stood up again took a piece of wood that could be used as a torch and started moving forward. The two things helping him to know where he was moving were the power line above him and the rails under his feet.

Filip didn't know how long he was walking. It was dark around already and he had no idea what was going on around. He heard wolves howling in the woods around of his path but luckily never had to face one of those.

Finally he saw the part of the power line going left while the rest of it headed further. There should be some place to hide Chibs said to himself as he turned left and now was walking slowly sinking in the snow.

Chibs didn't have much hope left for him but he finally reached some building. The camp office it was considering the sign next to the entrance. He opened the door and allowed himself to enter the house, warm, cozy and filled up with everything he might have needed.

The first thing Chibs saw was an old oil lamp on the counter. It was really helpful as the torch he had died several meters away from the building. So he lit the fire and looked around. It was quite a large room with an old wood stove and kitchen in one side and the reception in the other. Ladder were leading up to the second floor on the left.

Filip placed the lamp on the kitchen counter while he was searching through the drawers around. He was lucky to find a bottle of water, two cans of soda and some canned food - tomato soup and franks and beans. It was enough for today. He needed to warm himself up, he needed to eat something and he was so thirsty. So before anything Chibs opened the bottle and made several gulps. Water was never so tasty before.

Searching for some more wood he found several dry logs next to the oven and soon could successfully start fire in the wood oven. With a knife Chibs opened both cans and placed on the oven surface to warm food up. The dinner he had that night consisted of two canned dishes only but it was the best dinner he ever had. It helped to warm himself up and Chibs didn't notice how he fell asleep next to the stove.

Next morning brought new problems. He searched the rest of the house and found only one pack of chips, some more water, old skiing jacket and a backpack. So Chibs couldn't stay here and he also needed to find a way to call his brothers. He put the jacket on, put all the water he found to the backpack and left the house.

It was still cold outside but the jacket could hide him from the wind at least. There were two options for him now. Chibs could either go to the right where several houses could be seen around the frozen lake or get back to the rails and walk along them. Telford decided to search the houses first before he will continue his way. There might be more food or there could be a phone. At least he knew there were houses and he had no idea where the power line and rails could lead him to.

Chibs approached the lake and tried the ice with his foot. It was thick enough to handle him. So he started walking slowly towards the houses across the lake. Ice was quietly crackling under his feel so he tried to step as slowly and lightly as he could. There was probably no danger for him though. This lake was frozen for ages.

Filip was in the middle of his way when the fog started forming around fast. In no time he couldn't see anything around and it was getting even colder. He kept walking as he hoped that he knew the direction, but time passed and he was sure that by the next twenty minutes he'll reach the houses on the shore. Yet in half an hour Chibs didn't get anywhere.

There were still only ice and fog around him. Filip started to panic. He couldn't reach the house, couldn't come back to the camp office and he felt like he was going in circles. He didn't even know how long was he trying to find the way in the fog. "Christ... I'll die here" he muttered and stopped. It was obvious. He won't find the way.

This very moment he noticed some light in the distance and it was approaching fast. As the light came closer Chibs realized it was a silhouette of a woman, she had familiar face and she was glowing. "Find the lady of the light" he recalled those words written on the paper that was hidden in his pocket. Was her that lady? Was it the thing that could save him?

Meanwhile the silhouette approached Chibs, reached out her arm towards him and started moving away. Filip followed, he had no other choice. The woman was stopping sometimes waiting for him and as he reached her, she started moving again. He had no idea where are they going but he was at least moving somewhere.

All of a sudden the fog disappeared as well as the glowing figure. Chibs looked around and realized he was at the clubhouse. He had no idea how he got here. But Filip didn't have time to figure it out. Everything went dark for few seconds and then he opened his eyes laying in bed, Y/N next to him. And now he knew exactly who this woman was in his dream. Y/N led him from the cold and saved him.

[thomaswyrmwood]

The Indonesian Kopi Luwak

Find Prior Posts In This Series Below Intro: I Promised Coffee Didn’t I?

Firstly, I need to give credit where credit is do. I will be using this Reddit post by u/chapsthedude where they listed all the coffee trivia facts from Persona 5. I will be exploring the coffee on this list and copy/pasting the trivia.

Now onto what I feel like is a... snobbish and (spoilers) unethical and disgusting coffee bean.

IN GAME DESCRIPTION

"This rare coffee is made by collecting coffee beans that have been through the digestive tract of the Asian palm civet. Although very expensive, Kopi Luwak is said to have a full aroma and rich flavor due to the civet’s digestive enzymes." - Sojiro Sakura.

Yes, that is correct this coffee bean comes from an animal's rear end making it one of the few non-vegan coffee beans out there.

REPORTED TASTING NOTES

Kayakopi.com reports that Kopi Luwak, "is noticeably not bitter and is intensely aromatic. It has a complex flavor profile that is smooth, earthy and sweet with a hint of chocolate." The universally agreed upon reason is that a healthy civet's digestive enzymes break down the proteins that cause bitterness after brewing.

There is science that supports this idea as James Hoffman discusses in his video Kopi Luwak/Civet Poop Coffee: Disgusting or Delightful? However, in the same video, he discusses his personal experience with the Kopi Luwak describing it as similar to lower-quality coffee to paraphrase. There are reasons for the lower grade taste such as the civet feeding on a poor quality coffee bean or... ...

CAN YOU BUY IT FROM AN ETHICAL SOURCE?

In short. Good luck. Kopi Luwak is plagued by snake-oil salesmen selling low-grade coffee beans disguised as Kopi Luwak. Worse still is the practice of animal cruelty in the industry. Large producers often participate in caging civets and force-feeding them a diet that is exclusively coffee cherries, "On top of being inhumane, this results in inferior coffee because the civet's digestive system is wrecked from an unbalanced diet. Part of the magic of Kopi Luwak comes from the healthy enzymes from the luwak. If the diet is deficient, this enzymatic process won't be efficient," as kayakopi.com reports.

You will also find unsafe imitators such as a man who attempted to sell coffee beans that went through his own digestion track. Yes, that actually happened.

Now kayakopi.com reports that their Kopi Luwak coffee comes from wild free-range civets and that they follow Fairtrade's International guidelines, but... I have found no third-party independent sources, articles, or reports that have confirmed or refuted this claim.

WHAT IS THE COST?

Small bags of only a few hundred grams could cost you anywhere in the ballpark of 30$ to 60$ USD. Larger bags at 1 kg can cost up to 650$ USD. Yes... that is right... Six. Hundred. Fifty. Dollars. USD for a kilogram.

DID I TRY IT?

No. Not only do I feel uncomfortable with the costs I feel uncomfortable with the industry itself. Also, whenever I think about this coffee my mind immediately goes to this quote from Monk Of Mocha by Dave Eggers, "Coffee from assholes, for assholes."

Sources:

[spooniechef]

Peanut Butter Cookies (1 spoon)

We’re back on treats again, because gods know those of us who are low on spoons most of the time need a few of those. This one comes courtesy B Dylan Hollis’ hilarious and informative TikTok. You’ll probably be able to find it in Baking Yesteryear, which you can preorder basically everywhere that sells books. But since it’s not coming out until 25 July, and rewatching a TikTok five or six times is a little samey even if it’s one as good as Dylan’s, here’s the basic recipe, plus a few notes on how to make an easy recipe even easier, or at least tastier.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

That’s ... really it. The reason it works is because the humble peanut is a starchy little legume and binds a lot like flour does. Plus you’ve also got your oil, your salt, and half your sugar as well as the starch. Peanut butter does a lot of the heavy lifting here. Great for those of us with gluten issues, problematic for those with peanut allergies. (More on that later.)

Here’s what you do:

Mix ingredients

Roll into balls and place on baking sheet

Cross with fork

Bake at 350F for 10 minutes (or 175C for 12-15 minutes)

Again, that’s really it. Only thing that might cause issues is if the peanut butter’s too sticky to stir well at first. So, notes:

This is one of those recipes like the fudge where you honestly want the cheaper brand of peanut butter. You might have noticed that the fancier nut butters tend to separate a bit, and that alters the texture of the cookie somewhat. Of course, the reason that happens is that the fancier and more expensive nut butters tend to try to avoid palm oil for environmental and sustainability reasons, so your mileage may vary on this one. Cashew butter will probably come out more floury because it’s higher on carbs and lower on protein than peanut butter, and almond butter might have some binding issues because it’s lower in fat, which is part of the oil that we’d generally add for a cookie dough. If you’ve got a peanut allergy, maybe experiment a bit. For instance, try adding a tablespoon of softened butter to bring the oil balance up to what it needs to be.

If the peanut butter you’re using is a bit stiff (for instance, if you’re storing it in the fridge, or if you’re like me and have some issues with the heating), try microwaving it for like ten seconds or so before mixing in the egg and sugar. Not enough to really melt the peanut butter; just enough to soften it a bit so it’s easier to stir.

For the sugar, white sugar’s fine but brown is better. Both give the dough the approximate consistency of chocolate chip cookie dough, so if you want to mix in some chocolate chips before baking, feel free to do that too.

There you have it - it really is that easy to make peanut butter cookies. Easy, tasty, and a good source of protein and fiber. ...And you should go watch B Dylan Hollis make these anyway; his incredulity at how they turned out is adorable.

[queennicoleinboots]

Taco Thanksgiving Shopping (entertainment purposes only)

Count Vanilla Manilla, Lindsay, and I were at Publix shopping for the essentials of a Thanksgiving meal with tacos because that's what King Chocolate-Covered Gummy Bear said his sister loved to eat. We also had to take into account that there were vegans at the reception, which is the original reason we were sent to the store.

Makolai the Great Arc Angel flew smack dab into us. We told him about our great bullshit adventures of this year, and he mentioned that he and his wife, Coraline were doing well and that they were in a spiritual war.

Count Vanilla Manilla was rattling off ingredients from his long list after things were, in his opinion, getting too political: corn tortillas, black beans, pinto beans, great white beans, brown rice, white rice, spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, jalapenos, onions, cilantro, serrano peppers, Annie's vegan macaroni and cheese, Daiya cheddar cheeze shreds, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, orange bell pepper, green bell pepper, limes, ground pepper, green tomatillos, red tomatillos, Tabasco, Tofurkey, potatoes, green beans, vegan flan, and whole golden kernel corn.

"Are we getting more margarine?" Lindsay asked.

"Oh yes, I forgot," Count Vanilla Manilla said.

"But we are not getting Blue Bonnet," I clarified.

"No, but are we getting Smart Balance with olive oil?" Colonel Mac asked.

"No," Lindsay said.

"Really? That's the kind I usually get for Mr. Williamson and his wife," I said.

Lindsay then stared at me as we were picking up all necessary items from produce: spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, serrano peppers, potatoes, jalapenos, onions, cilantro, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, orange bell pepper, green bell pepper, limes, green tomatillos, green beans, and red tomatillos. She said, "I heard Smart Balance wasn't very balanced at all."

"Everyone's been saying that lately," I said.

Lindsay sighed. "Let's go to the margarine aisle. All of life's questions will be answered there," she said.

So we travelled clear on the other side of the store to the margarine aisle.

She pulled out the Smart Balance Margarine with olive oil from the refrigerator and read the ingredients. "Vegetable Oil Blend (Canola, Palm, Extra Virgin Olive, And Flaxseed Oils), Water, Less Than 2 Percent Of: Salt, Pea Protein, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Sunflower Lecithin, Vitamin A Palmitate, Beta Carotene (Color), Vitamin D, Monoglycerides Of Vegetable Fatty Acids (Emulsifier), And Potassium Sorbate, Lactic Acid, TBHQ and Calcium Disodium EDTA (to Protect Freshness)."

"Oh yeah, that stuff is evil!" I said.

"Precisely," Lindsay said.

Count Vanilla Manilla looked up what TBHQ was on his smartphone. "Tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ, tertiary butylhydroquinone) is a synthetic aromatic organic compound which is a type of phenol. It is a derivative of hydroquinone, substituted with a tert-butyl group," he read.

"It's an oil we have no business eating it in the first place," I said.

"Exactly!" Lindsay shouted.

Makolai the Great Arc Angel said, "Wow. What the fuck? Thank Goodness I don't get that. But I must check my butter at home to ensure that there is no TBHQ in it again. I shall return." He then flew out of the store.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Crickets with Angel wings chirped as they flew through Publix. When we walked by the free sample booth, a FreeLee the Banana Girl video popped up on the screen.

https://youtu.be/ZRuytGHlpNc

Too long didn't watch (or maybe you did): It is about what she eats on a high-carb fruitarian diet... with a bunch of sugar.

Lindsay rolled her eyes and moved on with her life.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Makolai the Great Arc Angel then screamed as he flew to the margarine aisle.

Everyone in the store looked at Makolai the Great Arc Angel and gave him their undivided attention.

"Fucking hell! Smart Balance invaded my refrigerator! So what if it is on sale?! It is poisoning humankind! I must burn it! NICOLE! Open the glass door with the Smart Balance margarine in it!" Makolai the Great Arc Angel shouted.

I opened the glass door with the Smart Balance margarine in it.

Makolai the Great Arc Angel shot blue death rays out of his eyes and burned all products related to Smart Balance margarine and screamed.

Lindsay screamed. Everyone in the store screamed. The cast of PeeWee Herman also screamed. Apparently, they needed to go grocery shopping, too.

"But remember. Save the Earth Balance margarine that's soy free. It's legit," Lindsay said in a normal voice. She then grabbed the Earth Balance Soy Free margarine and put it in the cart.

The Grinch then hobbled over and screamed. "Smart Balance is a balance of over-price and chemical deathhhhhh," he said. Then he hobbled away.

Makolai the Great Arc Angel then announced, "If we were not making vegan Taco Mac with Count Vanilla Extract..."

Lindsay, Count Vanilla Extract, The Grinch, Sir Paul the Goat, Smeagull, the cast of PeeWee Herman, and everyone in the store screamed. "Taco Mac with Count Vanilla" was still the phrase of the last three years.

Makolai the Great Arc Angel then continued, "Then I would prefer butter or a buttery spread."

"Agreed!" Count Vanilla Extract, Lindsay, other non-vegans, and I said with authority.

"Wait? I'm Vanilla Extract now?" Count Vanilla Extract asked as he raised his eyebrow.

"Not that I use much butter, but I know better than to use margarine on my own account. It is evil," Makolai the Great Arc Angel shouted. "And yes. I dub thee Extract. It's Thanksgiving, a holiday of using vanilla extract. Manilla is not sufficient for your caliber."

Sir Paul the Goat bleated loudly. "But it rhymed!" he shouted.

"In that case, am I granted the powers of baker?" Count Vanilla Extract asked as he walked around Publix with Makolai the Great Arc Angel.

"Absolutely!" Makolai the Great Arc Angel said with a salesangel smile as he pointed his two index fingers at Count Vanilla Extract dramatically. "And a baker's cap and apron to boot!"

"Oh boy! Grant me baking powers!" Count Vanilla Extract spoke with excitement.

"As you wish," Makolai the Great Arc Angel said with a huge smile before he chanted in a dark angelic language.

All shoppers were watching with awe.

Makolai the Great Arc Angel continued to chant as Publix was getting darker.

Count Vanilla Extract was smiling widely, and his teeth were getting whiter. He growled with excitement.

Makolai the Great Arc Angel continued to chant before he sang and danced to Lazy Town's song, "Cooking by the Book." https://youtu.be/ZD71JeX4Vk0?feature=shared

He was definitely one of the citizens of Lazy Town before he moved here.

OH SHIT!

Makolai the Great Arc Angel stopped everything after he sang "Caaaaaaaaaake" for just a liiiittle too long.

Count Vanilla Extract turned into a gray cub who wore the same outfit as the Pitsbury Doughboy.

Everyone gasped.

Makolai the Great Arc Angel looked over and gasped in horror. "OH SHIT!!!! I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry. I held that note for just a liiiiiittle too long. Oh God I gotta reverse this!" he spoke quickly and frantically.

Count Vanilla Extract looked down at his strong paws and grinned widely. "COOL!!!" he said in a higher-pitched Southern accent.

"You're okay with this?" Makolai the Great Arc Angel said with his eyebrow raised.

"YEAH!" Count Vanilla Extract said as he jumped out of his chair. "I can bake! I can bake! Eat your heart out, Martha Stewart!" he started to skip. "And I'm wearing an apron, motherfuckers!" He skipped around the store and growled cheerfully. His white apron swished.

"Awwwww!!!!" everyone in the store said.

"Vanilla Mac is so cute," I said.

He turned around, skipped over to me, and looked up to me. "I like that name more than Count Vanilla Extract. I am a baker, not a count. I was a vampire Cub, so I had to be a Count," he spoke with a cute cub growl.

"YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY CORRECT!" Makolai the Great Arc Angel shouted. "Keep going."

"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you," Vanilla Mac said.

Everyone said, "Awwwwwwww."

"You are welcome!" Makolai the Great Arc Angel shouted.

The cast of PeeWee Herman, FreeLee the Banana Girl, the Grinch, Seagull, and Paul the Goat screamed.

"And I am Chef Makolai!" the angel said before thunder, lightning, and light came upon him. He transformed into a chef. His wings were as white as Vanilla Ice. He now wore a big white chef's hat, sea green tie with a cupcake on it, a bright white dress shirt, bright white slacks, white shoes, and a long sea green apron. His skin was as white as snow, and he had a fiery red beard. "Happy Thanksgiving, Mother Fuckers!"

"Happy Thanksgiving, Chef Makolai," Vanilla Mac said.

"Thank you. Also, I dub thee Chef Vanilla Mac," Chef Makolai said with a booming voice.

"OKAY! OKAY! OKAY! OKAY! OKAY! OKAY! OKAY!" Chef Vanilla Mac shouted. "I am only seven after all."

"I have spoken!" Chef Makolai said.

"King Bruce Ice has a story with a title of him speaking," Chef Vanilla Mac said.

"I read that months ago!" Chef Makolai said with excitement.

"That meeting was bonkers. But we really do need to finish this shopping. I don't want him speaking about our tardiness," Lindsay said.

"No thank you. I don't want THAT AS A STORY!" Chef Makolai said.

Lindsay, Chef Makolai, Chef Vanilla Mac, and I continued to shop. We picked up Annie's vegan macaroni and cheese, canned pinto beans, canned black beans, canned great white canned beans, corn tortillas, bags of brown rice, bags of white rice, vegan flan, Tobasco, Tofurkey, and Daiya cheddar cheeze shreds.

Lindsay then looked around the canned vegetable aisle to look for the canned whole golden kernel corn.

I looked frantically for the golden whole kernel corn while Lindsay and Chef Vanilla Mac were absent-mindedly putting the other groceries in the cart.

“WHERE THE FUCK IS MY CORN?” I screamed loudly to the point where the whole store could hear. The ground shook.

Chef Vanilla Mac dropped the list because he was shocked at the random loud volume of my voice. “Chef Vanilla Mac, find the fucking corn now! What the hell?! Where the hell’s my corn, Chef Vanilla Mac?!”

“I don’t know! I'm trying. Stop yelling at me!” Chef Vanilla Mac said as he was crying and slumping his shoulders.

He was slightly shocked when a woman named Karen joined in with her voice. “Yeah, where the fuck is ze corn? You’d think canned corn would be easy to find in a fuckin’ grocery store,” she yelled.

A store associate rushed to the scene in a panic. “What kind of corn are you looking for, ma’am?” she asked.

Another woman sales associate chimed in, “We’d love to help.”

“Golden kernel,” I said.

Everyone in the store was looking for the corn she mentioned. Even Chef Vanilla Mac and Lindsay were in on looking for it. Lindsay lifted Chef Vanilla Mac in her arms as they looked for the corn.

“No, no, not here, dammit,” a fat Karen said. “Son ov a bitch!”

“Not here,” Chef Vanilla Mac said.

“Is this it, ma’am?” one of the customers asked me as she presented me with a can of God-forsaken creamed corn.

Chef Vanilla Mac randomly farted. It smelled like too much tacos.

“No! I said ‘Golden kernel,’ you stupid mother fucker!” I yelled as I got in her dopey-looking face. “I already told you. ‘Golden kernel’ ‘Golden kernel’ Goddammit!”

“Sorry, ma’am, Lord, please help us find this ‘Golden kernel’ corn,” she said.

The fat Karen interrupted, “SHIT WHERE THE FUCK IS THIS FUCKASS WOMAN'S CORN?”

“All of a sudden my corn is gone. It has been on this particular aisle for like three fucking years. Why is it gone? Where the fuck is the CORN?” I ranted.

Chef Makolai carried several cans of whole golden kernel corn as he flew to the carts we were pushing. Angels and Doughboys literally sang as he flew. It had no added salt, so the angels and Doughboys sang even louder.

He saved Publix.

"Really Publix saved Publix. It had this corn in stock. And I found it. They didn't move it 40 feet down like the Publix on I-11 did five years ago," Chef Makolai pointed out. He flapped his wings quickly for effect.

"But you still found the corn and saved Publix," I said.

He stared at me. I stared at him. We blinked. There was a moment in which I was honored by his existence.

"Thank God Publix can stay alive. Now can we pleeeasssse get out of here!? I would like to get over this Taco Mac with me series and move on," Chef Vanilla Mac said. "And if I have to listen to chemically-induced ingredients, I am going to scream."

Chef Makolai, Lindsay, the cast of PeeWee Herman, the Grinch, Smeagull, Garfield, and everyone in the store screamed.

"At least no one is reading ingredients. Ugh!" Chef Vanilla Mac said as he ran like the cub he was to the check-out.

"In non-GMO, organic, gluten-free corn tortillas, they have WATER, YELLOW CORN MASA FLOUR ENGINEERED BY DR. ROBOTNIK AND MAMA LUIGI, ORGANIC GUAR GUM, and LIME" I said as I read the ingredients just to troll Chef Vanilla Mac.

Chef Vanilla Mac screamed so loud that everyone else started screaming. "THAT'S ABUSE!!!!!" he shouted.

Paul the Goat even walked back in the store and bleated.

Then we went to check-out because Chef Vanilla Mac just couldn't take anymore.

End Credits: https://youtu.be/Tx-oMRYpH4U?si=eIh7N2AX5dOsEC_q

[atplblog]

Price: [price_with_discount] (as of [price_update_date] - Details) [ad_1] The right start can make all the difference to your day – that's where Saffola Muesli Choco Crunch with Flavour pops steps in, offering a delightful blend of flavours and nutrients to kickstart your day. This Choco Crunch Muesli will give you the delicious chocolaty burst of flavour and crunch, with the unique flavour pops! A blend of millet, seeds, fruits, and nuts makes this a powerhouse breakfast cereal and is a breakfast of champions that is as nourishing as it is delicious! To top it off, it has the crunchy Flavour Pops that add a burst of crunch & flavour, starting your day on a happy note. NO, but it's not just about taste – our Muesli is a treasure trove of dietary fibre, proteins & essential vitamins. It’s free from any unwanted nasties like Maida, Palm oil, Artificial Flavours or Artificial Colours. It has 15 in 1 Fruit and Nuts, Seeds, Millet & more to give you the nutrient rich breakfast. There are a variety of available Cereals for breakfast, what makes Muesli stand out is that it has the goodness of wholegrain, protein, fibre and to top it off, it is yummy! Saffola Muesli with Natural Flavour Pops makes your breakfast very exciting, making your day start on a happy note! Every bite is a delicious burst of rich flavour and irresistible crunch that will instantly cheer you up. Indulge in the delicious goodness of Choco Crunch. Fill your day with Joy! BRIGHTEN YOUR MORNINGS WITH SAFFOLA MUESLI: Packed with 15 ingredient in 1, this Saffola Choco Crunch Muesli with Flavour Pops will make your mornings start on a cheerful note! Packed with 15-in-1 nutritious ingredients – it has the goodness of Millet, Cereals & Wholegrains (Jowar, Multigrain flakes, Natural Flavour Pops, Corn, Oats, Wheat, Rice) as well as Fruits, Nuts, Seeds & Chocolate (Pumpkin Seeds, Chia Seeds, Almonds, Papaya, Black Raisins, Black Currants, Chocolate, Cocoa Powder). This makes it an ideal cereal for breakfast with the goodness of protein & fibre. Protein is good for muscle & bone health, while the fibre will keep you fuller for longer! CRUNCHY TILL THE LAST BITE! – This Saffola Choco Crunch Muesli has unique FLAVOUR POPS that give a burst of flavour to your breakfast while making it irresistibly crunchy till the last bite! The delightful flavour and crunch will brighten your mornings for the perfect start to the day. LOADED WITH NUTRITION – Saffola Choco Crunch Muesli has the goodness of 5: Protein, Fibre, Vitamins, Iron & Jowar. Protein helps with Bone & Muscle health, Fibre keeps you fuller for longer, Vitamins like B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 along with Iron gives you the energy to take on the day! NO NASTIES FOR YOUR IDEAL BREAKFAST - It contains NO Maida, NO Palm Oil, NO Artificial Flavours, NO Artificial Colours, NO Preservatives. WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! – Newly launched Saffola Muesli has something for everyone in the family. With Choco Crunch, Berry Crunch & Kesar Crunch, you will have an option to start your day with a burst of flavour and crunch! [ad_2]

[lighthousenewsnetwork]

PALM SPRINGS, CA - In a development that would have surprised even the most pessimistic climate scientist, the idyllic desert city of Palm Springs woke up this morning buried under a staggering eight feet of snow. "This is simply unprecedented," stammered Dr. Thaddeus Overblown, a climate scientist who specializes in studying squirrels wearing tiny hats (a surprisingly lucrative field). "The sheer audacity of Mother Nature hurling this much frozen precipitation at a place that normally boasts poolside margaritas in November is...well, frankly, audacious." Early reports suggest this bizarre weather event is a direct consequence of global warming, a phenomenon previously thought to lead solely to rising sea levels and the proliferation of particularly sassy houseplants. "It seems like our relentless pursuit of fossil fuels has finally ticked off the weather gods," explained anchorman Rex "Seriousface" McSerious, his impeccably groomed mustache twitching with barely contained glee. "Nature is sending a very clear message here: either we shape up or prepare to build our next vacation home on Mount Everest." Of course, this unexpected snowfall has elicited a predictably diverse range of reactions. Politicians, ever the bastions of reason and logic, have responded with a flurry of activity (pun intended). Senator Bluster of Big Oil maintains the whole thing is a "liberal hoax," while Congressman Sandcastle has proposed a revolutionary plan to combat the encroaching ice age by building nuclear-powered snow blowers. Meanwhile, the citizens of Palm Springs have taken to the streets, not in protest, but in full-on winter wonderland revelry. Images of residents sledding down Rodeo Drive on inflatable flamingos and building igloos in their backyards are flooding social media, accompanied by hashtags like #Snowpocalypse2024 and #GlobalWarmingIsConfusing. Naturally, a weather event of this magnitude has not gone unnoticed by the free market. Shares in thermal underwear companies have skyrocketed, while hot chocolate sales are rivaling those of pool floats during the summer months. "This could be the biggest economic boom the winter wear industry has seen since the invention of the Snuggie," declared a jubilant Milton Moneypants, CEO of SnuggleCorp International. Lost in all the excitement is the growing concern of social media's resident conspiracy theorists. #SnowLizardAgenda is rapidly trending, with countless memes depicting a shadowy cabal of reptilian humanoids manipulating the weather to usher in a new ice age. "Don't let Big Ice fool you," one particularly paranoid post reads. "They're trying to turn us all into popsicles!" Just when we thought this weather debacle couldn't get any stranger, a shocking revelation has come to light. According to a recently unearthed scroll (translated from ancient Inuit), the recent snowfall is not a random act of nature, but a calculated move by a clandestine society of polar bears. Apparently, these ursine masterminds have grown weary of shrinking ice floes and are attempting to reclaim their territory by plunging the planet back into a glacial epoch. "It seems all those documentaries about melting glaciers really hit them hard," remarked Dr. Overblown, stroking his squirrel-shaped tie pin thoughtfully. So, what does this all mean for the future? Well, dear reader, one thing is certain: the world we once knew is gone. In its place lies a landscape of eight-foot snowdrifts, conspiracy theories, and the ever-present threat of nuclear-powered snow removal. But fear not! There are still steps you can take. Invest in a good pair of snow boots, join your local Polar Bear Appreciation Society (they're surprisingly progressive!), and maybe stock up on some extra hot chocolate. After all, who knows what absurdity Mother Nature will throw our way next? In the fight against global warming, one thing is clear: embrace the weird, because it's probably going to get weirder.

[noelkowald]

Gluten free chocolates from Davies chocolates

Davies Chocolates is the only place to find delectable gluten-free chocolates. This Sydney-based chocolatier was founded in 1932 and specializes in making handcrafted chocolates that are free of gluten and palm oil and prepared with high-quality ingredients, so everyone can indulge with confidence. Davies has a wide range of chocolates to satisfy every taste, from rich dark chocolates and creamy milk variations to distinctive ginger and fruit cream flavors. Their gluten-free chocolates come in attractively packed hampers or single pieces, making them ideal for giving as gifts or treating yourself. Discover the best gluten-free chocolates from Davies, which are delivered all throughout Australia and are available online.

[rootsamdvines]

Discovering Chocolarder: Cornwall's Artisan Chocolate Maker

At Roots and Vines, we’ve always been passionate about sourcing the best locally-made products. That’s why we’re so excited to introduce you to Chocolarder, a Cornish company that shares our values of sustainability, quality, and community.

Based in the seaside town of Falmouth, Chocolarder is one of the few bean-to-bar chocolate makers in the UK, and the only one in Cornwall. Founded in 2012 by former pastry chef Mike Longman, this incredible company is dedicated to creating the finest chocolate while adhering to ethical and sustainable practices. Mike’s journey began with a simple idea: if the kitchen he worked in could source local ingredients for everything else, why not chocolate?

Mike’s passion for sustainability goes beyond just making great chocolate—it’s about making chocolate the right way. Chocolarder takes pride in using slavery-free cocoa beans, plastic-free packaging, and supporting reforestation projects around the world. They’re committed to leaving a positive impact on the planet, and they won’t compromise on quality or ethics.

Here at Roots and Vines, we believe in offering only the best to our customers, and Chocolarder’s chocolates fit perfectly with our ethos. We stock a range of their delicious products, all available for local, national, and click-and-collect deliveries from our shop. Whether you’re looking for a gift or a personal treat, their chocolates are guaranteed to impress.

What sets Chocolarder apart is their refusal to use anything artificial. They make their chocolate with pure, natural ingredients, ensuring a flavour that’s as good for the planet as it is for your taste buds. Each bar is a testament to their dedication to craftsmanship, and we love how their values align so closely with our own.

At Roots and Vines, supporting local businesses is more than just a mission—it’s a passion. We’re thrilled to share Chocolarder’s story with you, and we’re proud to carry their products in our shop. Their commitment to zero-carbon alternatives, palm oil-free recipes, and high ethical standards is truly inspiring, and we know you’ll love them as much as we do.

So, whether you’re treating yourself to a bar of ethically-made chocolate or sending a special gift, Chocolarder is a brand you can feel good about. Visit us at Roots and Vines to explore their full range and taste the difference that sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients make.

[blogbybava]

Is white chocolate compound vegetarian?

White chocolate compound is a popular ingredient in baking and confectionery, but many people wonder if it is vegetarian. To answer this question, we need to understand the ingredients that make up white chocolate compound.

What is White Chocolate Compound?

White chocolate compound is a type of chocolate-like product that uses a blend of sugar, milk solids, cocoa butter, and vegetable fats. Unlike real white chocolate, which primarily uses cocoa butter, the compound version includes vegetable fats like palm oil or coconut oil. It’s easier to work with in baking because it doesn’t require tempering and is often more affordable.

Ingredients of White Chocolate Compound

Sugar: The primary sweetener in the compound, sugar gives it the signature sweetness.

Cocoa Butter: This fat comes from cocoa beans and is essential in both traditional white chocolate and compounds.

Vegetable Fats: These are added to improve texture and melting properties. Commonly used fats include palm and coconut oils.

Milk Solids: These give the white chocolate compound its creamy texture and richness. Milk solids typically come from dairy, so while vegetarians who consume dairy can enjoy white chocolate compound, vegans would avoid it.

Emulsifiers: These are used to blend the fats and liquids, preventing separation. Soy lecithin is a common emulsifier and is plant-based, but you should always check the label to be sure.

Flavorings: Some compounds may contain flavor enhancers like vanilla, which are usually plant-derived.

Is White Chocolate Compound Vegetarian?

For the most part, yes, white chocolate compound is vegetarian. The fats are typically from plant sources like coconut and palm oils, and the emulsifiers like soy lecithin are also plant-based. The main ingredient that might raise concern for some vegetarians is the milk solids, which come from dairy. However, for vegetarians who consume dairy products, this is not an issue.

It’s important to note that white chocolate compound is not vegan because of the milk content. Vegans would need to look for dairy-free alternatives.

Why Check the Labels?

While most white chocolate compounds are vegetarian, it's always a good idea to check the ingredients list. Some brands may include non-vegetarian additives or emulsifiers sourced from animals, although this is rare.

Conclusion

White chocolate compound is generally considered vegetarian as it is made using plant-based fats and milk solids. However, it is not suitable for vegans due to its dairy content. Always read the label if you have specific dietary requirements.

If you're looking to use white chocolate compound in your recipes, consider buying in bulk from us for the best quality and value! Click here to contact us.

[meditating-dog-lover]

Yaay!

My skin is so much better!

I have 2 deep cuts on my left palm but those will go away with time.

I also had a skin cancer screening and it went well. Thankfully skin cancer isn't something that runs in my family. But I know getting tested annually is a good idea (just like getting tested for anything else). I wear sunscreen pretty often too.

My face and neck and ears are much better. My hands are slightly more inflamed in comparison, but they are healing.

Healthwise, my new goals are to get mental health support and to "detox". No not the gimmicky unscientific type of detoxing that can potentially be harmful. But to continue eating well and organic when possible (from the dirty dozen list), good gut health, liver support, taking my DIM Detox supplement, drinking reverse osmosis water, eating enough fiber, switching from using metal and plastic to glass and use care products (oral, skin, face, body, dishwashing, laundry, and menstrual) that don't cause irritation. I recently switched to aluminum free deodorant (thankfully I found one that works and didn't break me out, a lot of aluminum free deodorants have coconut oil in them which can clog pores and cause irritation).

I went shopping today and found 75% dark chocolate. I normally eat 72% but I want to try this out. I actually like it and it isn't too sweet. 72% is definitely not sweet (at least not compared to milk and semisweet chocolate) but sometimes I do feel it can be a bit too sweet. So I really did want to try the 75% chocolate out. It is a bit more bitter, but not in a bad way. I might start purchasing it. I love chocolate but I try to stick to dark because it has less sugar and it's better for your taste buds so you stop craving super sweet stuff. However the only concern regarding dark chocolate over milk and semisweet is that it has more heavy metal contamination (lead and cadmium), where darker chocolates would have higher levels. heavy metals and xenoestrogens are compounds I want to reduce my exposure to, because I know they are contributing to issues (my skin is no exception because that's cause by hormonal imbalances partly caused by excess estrogen exposure). But of course I also want to be realistic since it's not 100% possible to eliminate all exposure.

I don't eat a lot of sugar anymore. When I do it's usually a few small pieces of chocolate, 1/4 or 1/2 a baked good (or whole if it's small), or a mocha. I stopped eating a lot of white bread that have hidden sugars. I still have some because I want a balance and don't want to be deprived. It's just that I'm not having a lot to the point where it can cause health issues like inflammation, weight gain, energy crashes, the sudden need to drink a lot of water, and elevated blood sugar levels.

Not eating a lot of sugar, being at a healthy weight, minimizing stress (including physical stress such as fasting) and walking/gentle workouts that elevate my heartrate are things that help my manage my blood sugar from experience. Longterm intermittent fasting made me prediabetic because of the stress it put on my body. But I'm recovering a lot from the stress and inflammation. And at least I'm at a healthy weight now, which also helps a lot. Reducing sugar and not eating a lot does the trick too, but also doing some walking and gentle body circuits that cause some sweating are great as well (I want to avoid more intense workouts because I tend to overeat when I do those and I eat more junk and sugar).

[whatwouldthomasjeffersondo]

Savor these delectable dairy- and gluten-free Paleo Chocolate Chunk Cookies. For anyone looking for a healthier cookie option or following a Paleo diet, these are the ideal treat.

Ingredients: 2 cups almond flour. 1/4 cup coconut flour. 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted. 1/2 cup pure maple syrup. 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. 1/2 tsp baking soda. 1/4 tsp salt. 1 tsp vanilla extract. 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks Paleo-friendly. 1/4 cup chopped walnuts optional.

Instructions: Turn the oven on to 350 degrees Fahrenheit 175 degrees Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt together in a sizable mixing bowl. Melt the coconut oil and whisk in the maple syrup and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Mixing until a dough forms, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Add the chopped walnuts and dark chocolate chunks if using and fold them in. Shape the dough into cookie-sized rounds with your hands or a cookie scoop, then transfer them to the baking sheet that has been preheated. Using your palm, slightly flatten each cookie. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are beginning to turn a light shade of golden brown around the edges. Take them out of the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then move them to a wire rack to cool down completely. Savor the Chocolate Chunk Cookies that are Paleo!

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Eco-Friendly Practices in the Confectionary Industry

In today's world, where environmental consciousness is increasingly paramount, industries across the board are striving to adopt eco-friendly practices. The confectionary industry, known for its indulgent treats and sweet delights, is no exception. As consumer awareness grows regarding sustainability and environmental impact, confectionary manufacturers are innovating to reduce their carbon footprint and promote more sustainable practices throughout their production processes.

The Challenge Of Sustainability

The confectionary industry faces unique challenges when it comes to sustainability. Every stage in the supply chain for confectionary can have an adverse effect on the environment, from sourcing components like chocolate, sugar, and nuts, which can have a substantial influence on the environment, to packaging and logistics of shipping. However, companies are increasingly recognizing these challenges and taking proactive steps to mitigate their ecological footprint.

Sustainable Sourcing

One of the primary focuses of eco-friendly practices in confectionary is sustainable sourcing. For example, companies are seeking out cocoa and sugar suppliers who adhere to fair trade practices and prioritize environmental stewardship. This involves ensuring that farmers receive fair wages, using farming methods that minimize pesticide use, and promoting biodiversity conservation in cocoa-growing regions.

Ethical Ingredient Sourcing

Moreover, there's a growing trend towards ethically sourced ingredients. This includes sourcing cocoa beans from Rainforest Alliance-certified farms or ensuring that palm oil used in confectionary products comes from sustainable plantations that do not contribute to deforestation. By supporting ethical ingredient sourcing, confectionary manufacturers not only reduce their environmental impact but also support the livelihoods of farmers and communities in developing countries.

Energy Efficiency And Waste Reduction

Another critical aspect of eco-friendly practices in the confectionary industry is improving energy efficiency and reducing waste. Many manufacturers are investing in energy-efficient technologies for their production facilities and implementing waste reduction strategies. This includes recycling packaging materials, optimizing production processes to minimize energy consumption, and finding innovative ways to reuse by-products or surplus ingredients.

Packaging Innovations

Packaging has long been a concern in the confectionary industry due to its significant contribution to plastic waste. However, companies are increasingly turning to biodegradable or compostable packaging materials made from plant-based sources. Additionally, some are exploring packaging-free options or reusable containers to reduce environmental impact further and meet consumer demand for sustainable packaging solutions.

Consumer Education And Transparency

Beyond internal practices, promoting consumer education and transparency is crucial. Many confectionary companies are actively communicating their sustainability efforts to consumers through product labeling and marketing campaigns. This transparency not only builds consumer trust but also encourages more environmentally conscious purchasing decisions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the confectionary industry faces sustainability challenges, there is a clear shift towards more eco-friendly practices. From sustainable ingredient sourcing and energy efficiency improvements to innovative packaging solutions and consumer education, manufacturers are embracing sustainability as a core value. By prioritizing environmental stewardship, the confectionary industry not only contributes to global conservation efforts but also meets the growing demand for ethical and sustainable products in today's market.

As consumers continue to prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions, the future of confectionary lies in continuing to innovate and collaborate toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly industry.