health care england

First of all lets start of with...

What is chocolate?

Chocolate is a product derived from cocoa then mixed with fat and finely powdered sugar to produce a solid confection. The level, taste and quality of this product will vary depending on the quantities of ingredients added.

Dark Chocolate.

Dark chocolate is produced by adding fat and sugar to cocoa. Basically it is chocolate without milk as an additive.

White Chocolate

White chocolate is a confection based on sugar, nutmeg and fat without the cocoa solids. White chocolate in some circles is not even considered real chocolate because of its lack of cocoa solids. Lately more and more articles are being written about the benefits of dark chocolate, but the bottom line is whether it's white chocolate or black chocolate both are to be eaten in moderation. Over indulging in dark chocolate will have the adverse health benefits that one hopes to gain. The bottom line is "We love chocolate", so with that in mind here are few of my favorite chocolate recipes for you to enjoy. Eat Smart.

White Chocolate Truffles

1/4 C butter

1/2 C confectioner's sugar

1 teaspoon almond extract

1 egg yolk

8 oz. white chocolate, broken into small pieces

1 C chopped blanched almonds, lightly toasted

Makes about 2 dozen truffles

Melt chocolate and butter in the top of a double boiler over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add sugar, egg yolk and almond extract; beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Transfer to a shallow glass casserole dish. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour. Shape mixture into 1 inch balls. Roll in almonds. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours. Place in miniature foil cups at room temperature to

serve. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Foolproof Dark Chocolate Fudge

3 C semisweet chocolate chips

1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk

dash salt

1 C chopped walnuts

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

In heavy saucepan over low heat, melt chips with sweetened condensed milk and salt. Remove from heat; stir in walnuts and vanilla. Spread evenly into aluminum foil lined 8 or 9 inch square pan. Chill 2 hours or until firm. Turn fudge onto cutting board; peel off foil and cut into squares. Store loosely covered at room temperature.

Chocolate Almond Coffee

1/3 c Ground coffee

1/4 tsp Freshly ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp Chocolate extract

1/2 tsp Almond extract

1/4 c Toasted almonds, chopped

Process nutmeg and coffee, add extracts. Process 10 seconds longer. Place in bowl and stir in almonds. Store in refrigerator. Makes 8 six ounce servings. To brew: Place mix in filter of an automatic drip coffee maker. Add 6 cups water and brew.

For more great chocolate recipes visit: Download Recipe Books

Rudy Rodway is the owner of downloadrecipebooks.com. The number #1 website for downloading online recipe books for the last 6 years here