Article by Frances Moore

Chocolate recipes like a rich chocolate cake or a dark moist brownie are almost a common occurance in many of our diets. Chocolate is the favorite ingredient around the world and that is easy to understand. In many parts of the world it is even considered to be “the food of the gods”, where it is used for much more than dessert recipes. A delicious mole poblano sauce is served like gravy over egg and meat dishes. Cooking with cocoa nibs, a byproduct of the cocoa bean, is also very common in preparing entrees.

There are many health benefits of chocolate as research has shown. For people who love chocolate, this makes us guilt free when indulging in our favorite chocolate desserts. Although we have all had experience with these delicious desserts, most of us do not know much about the origination of the chocolate or how it has been processed. The flavor changes greatly from one country to another where the cocoa beans have been grown. Also the techniques used in the different processing plants will change the overall flavor. For people who truly love chocolate, this information is very interesting.

A small area north and south of the equator, around the world, is where the cocoa trees are grown. Although this area has a basic perfect climate for the trees, the growing conditions vary tremendously. The various minerals in the soil and the rain fall from area to area have a large impact on the trees and the final flavor of the chocolate. Also impacting the flavor of the final product is the processing technique. Each plant processes differently, varying the temperature, time and degree of moisture in the processing. The manufacturer can change the flavor by aging more or less and by their alkalization process. By trying chocolates originating in different countries and processed in different ways, you will discover which pleases your taste buds.

There is more to chocolate recipes than just chocolate desserts and candy. In many countries, a common side dish to a meal is a mole sauce recipe. It is served over many entrée dishes as a gravy recipe is served. Seasoned with hot peppers and spices, it is delicious over cooked eggs and meat dishes. Most people have never tried cooking with cocoa nibs. Although they can be used like nuts in cookies and desserts, they are very delicious used in entrees. Ground nibs, seasoned with spices make very good crusts for fish and meats.

Are there really health benefits of chocolate? It would take a lot to persuade a chocolate lover otherwise. After all, this is a good reason to indulge. All would agree that after sinking their mouth into a rich dark chocolate dessert, their thoughts rose from deep gloom to an optimistic outlook. Better yet, ask one who has relaxed with invigorating chocolate massages. Aside from chocolate being a natural detoxification, the fragrance of the warm melted chocolate massaged all over the body is certainly recommended for ultimate health. These chocolate recipes convert your whole body into a heavenly delight.

About the Author

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