Chocolate

Features » Recipies

Contributor / 2008-03-23 12:07:18

According to online Encyclopedia Wikipedia; "Chocolate comprises a number of raw and processed foods that are produced from the seed of the tropical cacao tree. Native to lowland, tropical South America, cacao has been cultivated for three millennia in Central America and Mexico, with its earliest documented use around 1100 BC. The majority of the Mesoamerican peoples made chocolate beverages, including the Maya and Aztecs, who made it into a beverage known as xocolÄ?tl, a Nahuatl word meaning 'bitter water.' The seeds of the cacao tree have an intense bitter taste, and must be fermented to develop the flavour."

Chocolate has become one of the most popular flavours in the world. Gifts of chocolate molded into different shapes have become traditional on certain holidays: Santa Claus and other holiday symbols on Christmas, hearts on Valentine's Day and of course bunnies and eggs at Easter. So this week, for a special feature in our Good Food Guide, we look at a number of mouthwatering recipes for you to try with all that chocolate you no doubt received this Easter. Enjoy

Chocolate Chip Cool Down Smoothie

Ingredients

1/2 cup gourmet-style vanilla ice cream
1/3 cup good quality chocolate chips
1/4 cup milk
Large dash of rum, brandy, or green Chartreuse (optional)

Directions

Place ice cream and chocolate chips in blender. Add milk.

Blend low to be sure it liquefies.

Mix well to break up the chocolate chips and puree into the ice cream. Add dash of rum if desired.

Pour into a thick glass or a mug and serve immediately.

Chocolate Mint Cookies

Ingredients

2 egg whites (reserve yolks for another use)
pinch salt
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup good quality semisweet chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate
1/2 teaspoon mint or peppermint extract

Directions

You will need parchment paper for this recipe, so the cookies will peel off the paper without sticking or marring their shape.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two cookie sheets or jelly roll pans with parchment paper.

In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until just frothy, then add the pinch of salt, and beat a moment longer, and add the mint extract. Continue to beat at high speed until firm peaks (not dry) form.

Carefully fold in the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate.

Drop by rounded teaspoon full (no smaller) onto the parchment paper.

Bake at 300 Fahrenheit for 25 minutes, or until golden but not darker.