By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet
The superiority of chocolate, both for health and nourishment, will soon give it the same preference over tea and coffee in America which it has in Spain.
--Thomas Jefferson
It's the beginning of autumn and the tell-tale signs are popping up here and there. Again, at night the temperature drops in the Sierras--and it warms up in the day time. It's a mind game. I'm feeling like a squirrel. Today, I stocked up on healthy soup (the premium, low-sodium brand was on sale); and purchased more basics for my pantry and fall baking. What's more, I grabbed two cartons of all-natural chocolate ice cream (it boasts the words "33% More Dutch Cocoa"). But cold ice cream in the fall? I rationalized and thought out loud: "I can top it with the late sweet summer strawberries (we all need our vitamin C) paired with healthy, crunchy walnuts." Yeah, I'm hooked on chocolate...
Back home I found myself surfing the Net (it was either that or clean the fireplace before I order wood) and came across an online website bookstore. I was pleasantly surprised to be welcomed with the synopsis for my forthcoming book The Healing Powers of Chocolate (Kensington, December 2009)--available for pre-order on online bookstore websites. Wow. I can't believe I really got to create 304 pages on chocolate. Yes, it was fun. Yes, it was surreal. Yes, it was an experience that I will always cherish. I got to go to Chocolate Heaven and enjoyed every tasty tidbit of it--from head to toe. If you're thinking "Huh?" here, check out the words on the back cover of the chocolate book:
Did You Know?
* Known as Mother Nature's "food of the gods," the medicinal benefits of chocolate were recognized as far back as 4000 years ago. Eating chocolate can help boost the immune system, lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes—even obesity!—and increase lifespan.
* A 1.5 ounce bar of quality chocolate has as much antioxidant power as a 5 ounce glass of wine—without the side effects of alcohol.
* Chocolate is chock-full of mood-enhancing ingredients, including phenylethylamine (the "love drug") and serotonin.
* Chocolate can relieve a host of ailments, including depression, fatigue, pain and PMS, as well as rev up your sex drive!
Drawing on the latest scientific research as well as interviews with medical doctors and chocolatiers, this fascinating book reveals how to live longer and healthier while indulging in one of nature's most decadent and versatile foods. Explore real chocolate (infused with fruits, herbs, and spices), Mediterranean-style, heart-healthy recipes, plus home remedies that combat everything from acne to anxiety. You'll also discover rejuvenating beauty and anti-aging spa treatments—all made with antioxidant-rich chocolate!
So, as I continue to autumn clean my home, room by room (and turn to feng shui magic), I cannot get chocolate out of my mind. It's like a long-term love affair that will be with me till death do us part. Last night I watched "Food Network" and was amazed by the efforts of four competitive chefs who created a birthday cake for the chef of chefs. They used great artistic talents. I was impressed. And that is why I chose the photo above: It's a chocolate pyramid with fresh fruit and spun chocolate garnish. But back home in the mountains simple chocolate ice cream will suffice for now.
* A 1.5 ounce bar of quality chocolate has as much antioxidant power as a 5 ounce glass of wine—without the side effects of alcohol.
* Chocolate is chock-full of mood-enhancing ingredients, including phenylethylamine (the "love drug") and serotonin.
* Chocolate can relieve a host of ailments, including depression, fatigue, pain and PMS, as well as rev up your sex drive!
Drawing on the latest scientific research as well as interviews with medical doctors and chocolatiers, this fascinating book reveals how to live longer and healthier while indulging in one of nature's most decadent and versatile foods. Explore real chocolate (infused with fruits, herbs, and spices), Mediterranean-style, heart-healthy recipes, plus home remedies that combat everything from acne to anxiety. You'll also discover rejuvenating beauty and anti-aging spa treatments—all made with antioxidant-rich chocolate!
So, as I continue to autumn clean my home, room by room (and turn to feng shui magic), I cannot get chocolate out of my mind. It's like a long-term love affair that will be with me till death do us part. Last night I watched "Food Network" and was amazed by the efforts of four competitive chefs who created a birthday cake for the chef of chefs. They used great artistic talents. I was impressed. And that is why I chose the photo above: It's a chocolate pyramid with fresh fruit and spun chocolate garnish. But back home in the mountains simple chocolate ice cream will suffice for now.
Okay you just made me want to go get some ice cream and yes it would be chocolate.
ReplyDeleteHi Ang and others...The way to do the ice cream thing, is small portions teamed with big portions of fresh fruit. No weight gain, ice cream cravings fed. Ice cream can be a trigger food but it doesn't have to be. And it's got bone-boosting calcium. Plus, the natural stuff with less than more ingredients is best.
ReplyDeleteOh dear, watching "Food Network" again before the dog walk and...Sam's Sundae with chocolate ice cream and olive oil.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/moviesofmyself/3762140389/