Forbidden Food Goes Good! Discover The Amazing Powers Of Chocolate!

Discover The Amazing Powers Of Chocolate!

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet 
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!

“Can dark chocolate boost brain power? This book shows you how regular intake of antioxidant-rich cacao foods is likely to do just that, and more.” --Ray Sahelian, M.D., author of Mind Boosters

A bonus: Not only is the forbidden food chocolate good for you. Surprise! Coffee--once believed to be another "bad" food is now getting a good reputation!  The Healing Powers of Coffee is percolating and will be served on July 31.

News Flash! Healing Powers of Chocolate Sweetens Spring Fever in March

Intentional Chocolate

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet

The first day of spring arrives next Tuesday, March 20. You may not be sick, but spring fever can make you feel under the weather. Just when you think SAD (seasonal affective disorder) is over, spring fever can spook you like a monster movie. Picture this: You're experiencing snow or rain one day, sunny skies the next, and slush or black ice is lurking outdoors morning and night. It's March, and you find yourself with unwanted body fat, irritable, and fed up with seasonal changes. Chocolate is key--and exercise--to surviving the hump month.

What Chocolate Rx to Use:  Eat a 1-to 2-ounce piece of dark chocolate (48 percent cocoa or higher content infused with your favorite fruit or spice) and get a move on. To stay clear of black ice and falls, walking or running (include your pooch) on a treadmill can do the trick. Also, swimming in an indoor pool is another great way to get a workout and feel good, too. A bonus: The chocolate will lift your mind, body, and spirit providing extra energy to go do it.

Why You'll Like It: Both exercise and quality chocolate boost feel-good endorphins (and other good for you chocolate compounds in your body, as noted in The Healing Powers of Chocolate and reprinted by the Chef Shop), so what isn't to like? No matter what the weather is like outside, you'll feel better inside or outside after you get your choco-cize fix.
[Excerpt from The Healing Powers of Chocolate published by Kensington. This book is part of the Healing Powers series, has been translated in several languages, featured by NewsMax, msn health and fitness, and purchased by book clubs including One Spirit and Good Cook.] Note: The Healing Powers of Coffee is available for pre-order and advance copies due out in the spring.

News Flash: Hot Cocoa Beats SAD

By Cal Orey,

The Writing Gourmet

It's still fall but we got our first significant snowstorm at Lake Tahoe...and it's not over. More of that white stuff is going to dump outside tonight. Sure, I like the storm part--before and during. After it's all done, not so much. Tourists and some locals like to play in the white powder but if you live here it's not fun to shovel the deck, keep the wood clean and dry (more shoveling), and walk the pooches in three feet of snow and walk like a penguin on icy asphalt. (Snow removal service doesn't do these tasks.) And that's where sweet dark chocolate and/or cocoa comes in...

So I'm a fall gal, and I find myself facing Old Man Winter. It's a time when I feel irritable, and fed up with the shorter days, colder nights, and lack of sunshine and warmth. It's enough to make a person feel blue and out of whack. Welcome to the world of seasonal affective disorder. But don't despair. Hot chocolate comes to the rescue.

When your serotonin level is low, you may feel down. The happy fact is, dark chocolate contains serotonin. This is a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) that can make you feel happier and improve brain power and memory. It is a compound in chocolate that can also provide a calming effect. Also, tryptophan, the essential amino acid in chocolate may react like mood-boosting, calming serotonin, helping to alleviate feelings of anxiety and stress.

The bottom line: While light therapy and exercise can and do ease SAD, nutritional experts belive that happy foods--like dark chocolate and cocoa--are important, too. A bonus: Grab the best, such as Lake Champlain Chocolates to Ghirardelli Chocolate. To get a comprehensive Resource List of my fave chocolatiers and premium chocolate, grab a copy of my book, The Healing Powers of Chocolate (Kensington, 2010), available at online bookstores or have your local bookstore order it for you.

Recchiuti's Spring Motif Comes to Lake Tahoe

By Cal Orey,

The Writing Gourmet

Tomorrow promises to be a day of work and play. The work part is that I'm in research mode for my new super food book. Translation: It's like going back to graduate school and taking several classes--on hands experiences with foods and edgy products, out in the field doing unheard of things, plus lots of reading and networking. In between my studies, I'll sprinkle in a good swim, hot tub, walking the pooches, baking something for my "What's Cookin' at Callie's Cabin" for the Tahoe Daily Tribune--and fine chocolate will arrive on my doorstep...

This time around, these chocolates for me are anticipated for many reasons. One, the artwork is awesome. In my early twenties, I was nicknamed "California Butterfly." Yes, I was a wanderlust at heart. My dog Stonefox and I hitched and hiked across America, Canada, and Mexico. It was a time for adventure, new experiences, visiting different states (from Washington, Texas, Florida and New York); and it was a time for learning and living during my carefree days as a hippie hitchhiker.

These days I'm more of a homebody with two pampered Brittanys (today, Seth, my three year old had his teeth cleaned) and I write about my past life when I was more of a traveling girl. But there are rewards of living in a resort town and being a bit more grounded, so to speak. (Note to self: Reno is on the late spring calendar for research that will be different and full of suprises.)

Enter Recchiuti Confections. It is a standout company from the crowd of competitors because of its skill, as well as its sourcing of the best chocolate, herbs, spices, teas, nuts, and fruits. And putting it all togther with classic French techniques provides an unforgettable product with class that is a cut above others.

The Spring Motif is a collection of burnt chocolate truffles decorated with breathtaking butterflies just in time for spring and Mother's Day (I'm a devout doggie/kitty mom). And I predict that the dark chocolate ganache with smoky-sweet caramel will make a hit in this home and transcend me to chocolate heaven.

Spring Forward With Berry Good Chocolate Cookies

By Cal Orey,

The Writing Gourmet

Spring is in the air. The sierra nights are growing lighter and longer. The buds on the trees are showing their true colors. The snow is melting faster. I'm feeling the "hump month" is on its way to an end. This is a time that reminds me to eat healthier and get a move on--even more than usual--so when spring has sprung I can enjoy my burst of spring fever and do all I want to do...

But note, baking doesn't have to be just a winter thing. A recipe in my Healing Powers series (The Healing Powers of Chocolate) has a super chocolate chip cookie recipe that spells spring. I love all the healthful organic ingredients. However, when I whip up these chocolate chunk cookies with fruit I'll use some of Callie's fave organic staples: whole wheat flour, brown eggs, extra virgin olive oil, fresh cranberries, an earthy spice or two, 60%-70% cocoa content for chocolate, and parchment paper. Either way, I predict you'll be happy with both--and don't hesitate to put your own spin on this recipe created by Claire Criscuolo...

Cherry and Chunk Chocolate Cookies

* * *

4 cups organic unbleached flour

5 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 cup granulated organic cane sugar

2 organic eggs or equivalent substitute

1 cup organic soy milk or dairy milk

1/2 cup Spectrum Naturals Canola Oil

1/4 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed

2 teaspoons pure organic vanilla extract

1 cup dried cherries or cranberries

4 ounces organic semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped into

bite-sized pieces, about 1 cup

1/2 cup walnuts or hazelnuts, finely chopped

Spectrum Naturals Canola Spray

Preheat the ovent to 375 degrees. Measure the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar into a bowl. Sift this into another bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, milk, Spectrum Canola Oil, orange juice, and vanilla. Whisk to blend well. Pour over the dry ingredients, using a rubber spatula to scrape the bowl. Stir to combine. Stir in the cherries, chocolate chunks, and walnuts, mixing to combine. The batter will be thick. Spray 2-3 cookie sheets with Spectrum Spray Oil. Drop heaping teaspoons of batter onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving 1 1/2 inches between them. Bake 12-14 minutes, or until just golden brown. Transfer the cookies onto a platter. Cook before storing in a covered container for up to a week--if they last that long! Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

(Source: The Healing Powers of Chocolate)

As spring--the season of new fruits and vegetables--moves on into Lake Tahoe and our Golden State, I vow not to stop baking. But I'll include plenty of fresh fruits, spices, herbs, and chocolates in my dishes--as I hope you'll do the same. Funny, spring isn't my fave season but I do love the late spring splash of bright, colorful flowers, warmer climate, off season (the resort pool has my name on it) and spring cleaning. It's a time of change. Sure, change is challenging but good things sprout from a different scenery.

A Lost Weekend with Christopher Norman Chocolates

By Cal Orey,

The Writing Gourmet

This weekend was chock-full of work, sort of. I dished out my April Earth Changes and What's Cookin' at Callie's Cabin columns. And then, it was back to my secret intuitive job. Since I didn't have a pool to turn to (it's tourist time during the weekends) I turned to walking my beloved Brittany duo and Christopher Norman Chocolates to provide me with those feel-good endorphins and super brain power...
In my book The Healing Powers of Chocolate, Christopher Norman Chocolates (check out more of their awesome treasures) is listed as one of my chosen few--9 Top-Notch U.S. Chocolatiers. Flashback to during the research of this bible on chocolate, two boxes of chocolates arrived from John Down and Joe Guiliano--two trendsetters in the chocolate industry...
Yes, it was an outstanding gift that will always stand out in my mind. On the web site the unique round box of wild Italian cherries called Amarene Cherries attracted me. And I wasn't disappointed. The Amarene cherries are small (not like the inexpensive ones you can buy at the drugstore). They are both sweet and tart and oh-so fruite but different from any dark chocolate-covered cherry I have ever tasted. These juicy gems are coated by hand with at least 70 percent cocoa content chcolate.
The second box: Hand Made Truffles Made with Spices and Herbs--one of my favoriest of all the chocolates I've encountered during my chocolate affair. These are dark chocolate truffles, including Rosemary Walnut and Australian Ginger. I was amazed when I consumed each and every one that I could taste the herbal and spicy notes and know what they were without looking at the ingredients list. And the chocolate, too, was dintinct without overlap. The best part: A perfect taste lingered in my mouth like after a perfect first kiss.

So this time around I was greeted by Christopher Norman's Signature Ballotin Collection--and a collection it is. The presentation of the box is so pretty and was a hint that springtime is on its way at Lake Tahoe. A mix of hand made truffles included Manhattan Dark, Passion Fruit, Wild Berry, Granduja Heart (my favorite for its look and exotic taste), Caramel Hearts (my favorite for its look and unique texture), Toasted Almond (my favorite for its unforgettable light crunch), and Strawberry Truffles.
Indeed, it was a wonderul lost weekend of work and pleasure. I had the pleasure again of savoring these chocolates, one by one, in front of a warm crackling fire while watching the annual academy awards, in the kitchen while I whipped up a meal for the Tahoe Daily Tribune piece, and after a brisk dog walk in a snow flurry. Thank you Christopher Norman. You made my weekend work work for me.

Let's Have a Chocolate Fest!

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet

Yesterday, I was a radio guest on the Donna Seebo Program. This charming host read a poem I used in my new book The Healing Powers of Chocolate. The poem is moving and she read it with conviction. It was a good moment and it touched me...

The author of the chocolate poem is geologist Jim Berkland. Thus, I called him this morning and shared the news. After all, I am his biographer for the book The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes. And, he has been a dear friend and mentor to me (a surrogate father type of figure in my life) who I've known for more than 20 years. Our bond is dogs (this was a great link between my late dad and me), cats, quake predictions, earth changes--and more--including chocolate.

I recall during a past book tour, we were en route back to Lake Tahoe from Reno's Barnes and Noble bookstore, and we both wanted to stop at The Chocolate Factory. They closed their doors one minute before we got there and did not open them to us--two devout chocolate lovers. It was their loss--we would have spent a more than less. So, I want to share his timeless chocolate-related poem with you.

Chocolate Sampler

Dark chocolate I like a lot;

Milk chocolate's too tame.

It's not like when I was a tot

And ate sweets with no shame.

Then chocolate chips could pass my lips

As fondly as a kiss;

Hot cups of cocoa in sweet sips

Produced a state of bliss.

A scuffle for a truffle would

Endanger a loss of a friend.

I ncer could eschew a chew

Or carmelic blend.

They say The Olmecs harvested the bean

And treasured it to no end.

Columbus brought it to the Queen

To start a royal trend.

The nectar would be taxed so high

The peasants could not pay

Nobility would shut their tea

For cocoa every day.

Now Single-Origin's the prize

For devotees I've heard;

The Swiss and Swedes would say likewise

Since they have gotten word.

There's Baker, Hershey, Lindt and all

Competing with the best;

I savor competition's call...

Let's have a chocolate fest!

In The Healing Powers of Chocolate, accepted by The Good Cook Book Club (I include more than 50 recipes from well-known chocolatiers, chefs, cookbook authors, and Hershey's.) Today, I made homemade fudge and used Ghirardelli chocolate chips (60% cocoa content). Instead of walnuts I chose almonds, almond extract, and European style butter, and fresh half and half organic milk. It is a spin-off of the French Silk Fudge created by the National Confectioners Association. Yes, I am happy with the different taste with fresh changes. It's made my day complete.

Today, after a to die for swim (the pool was empty) and a rejuvenating private hot tub (again), I sold a chocolate book to a chocolate lover. And, I found the complete Healing Powers series in the gift shop at the resort hotel. (It sold out before Valentine's Day.) All in all, it is a good day for a dedicated chocolatarian at heart.

The Perfect Storm Chocolate Brownies

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet

Today the weather is full of twists and turns for California. I just heard on CNN a Twister Warning report for Los Angeles. At Lake Tahoe we are waiting for our second snowstorm--a stronger one--part of a serial series. What's more, flooding advisories are in the works--even for the Sierra. And California, my native home, is getting wet, wet, wet (as I predicted in the my Earth Changes column in the December issue of Oracle 20/20 magazine) this year. During all this stormy weather, I was craving chocolate. After all, its feel good compounds, from endorphins, PEA (the love drug) to serotonin, make people feel good during rain or shine. So, it's time to bake a batch of brownies...

Some time ago, I did buy a gourmet chocolate brownie mix and used olive oil. So, I didn't feel guilty. Today, I'm going to share a homemade recipe from my book The Healing Powers of Chocolate. This recipe is created from one of my fave chocolate companies in the nation--Lake Champlain Chocolates. And yes, the walnuts and unsweetened chocolate--both boast monounsaturated fat--are part of the heart healthy Mediterranean diet and good for you in moderation. Ditto with eggs and coffee.

* * *

Chocolate Brownies

5 ounces LCC Unsweeteend chocolate

2 cups granulated sugar

5 ounces sweet butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon instant coffee

4 eggs

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup sifted all-purpose flour

10 ounces chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place chocolate and butter in double boiler over medium heat. Cover until melted, stirring occasionally with wire whisk. Stir in coffeee to dissolve. Remove from double oiler and allow to cool slightly, uncovered. In separate bowl, beat eggs and salt together until slightly fluffy. Gradually add in sugar, beating at medium-high speed for 15 minutes. Stir vanilla and almond extract into chocolate mixture. On low speed, add this mixture to the eggs. Beat just enough to blend. Next add flour, still beating just enough to blend ingredients. Fold in nuts; spread evenly in baking pan. Put in oven and reduce to 400 degrees. Bake 20 to 22 minutes. Do not over bake. Cool and cut.

Earlier this morning when I was looking at this recipe and the Chocolate Brownies caught my attention, I was thinking of this Vermont-based company. Lake Champlain Chocolates uses only the freshest natural ingredients. And about an hour ago, my intuition delivered on cue. I heard a knock on the front door. A surprise box of chocolate arrived on my doorstep. Next blog post, I will share the special gifts I received from Lake Champlain Chocolates. Till then, remember, quality chocolate is Mother Nature's "food of the gods"--a healing gift year round.

P.S. Pair a warm brownie with a cup of hot chocolate. You'll feel great whether it's raining or snowing.

The Recipe for Making Chocolate Spiritual

By The Writing Gourmet

On Saturday I received a gift: Chocolate Raspberry Triangles from Intentional Chocolate. The presentation, taste, and orginality all rate a 10 on my personal Chocolate Ranking One to 10 Scale--10 being unforgettable and worth writing home about. Thank you Intentional Chocolate people. In return, I'd like to share an excerpt about you from my new book The Healing Powers of Chocolate...

Chocolate is More Than Just Romantic--It's Spiritual

Sure, when you think of chocolate, special holidays and tasty food come to mind, right? Well, yes and no. Some chocolate-related companies, such as Intentional Chocolate, also offer clothing and accessories, gift boxes, gift certificates, greeting cards, and mugs--with the concept: "shifting the way humans relate to food by delivering sustenance that nourishes both body and spirit." All of Intentional Chocolate products depict the emblem of the spiritual Dalai Lama sitting cross-legged Lotus position, appropriate for the spiritual and political leader of Tibetan people.

As I sit cross-legged in my chair, here at my desk in my study, gazing out the window and appreciating the tall pine trees, with two sleeping Brittanys at my feet, I can appreciate the profound mission of this company and its intention to bring greater health, coherence, and the quality of life to all human beings.

Actually, I am clad in jeans and a chocolate brown T-shirt (100% organic cotton) which reads, "Intentional Chocolate Share the Love." And I am sipping a cup of chamomile tea in an Intentional Chocolate mug. And that's not all.

Intentionl Chocolate offers a wide variety of products, like these, all with positive messages that bring good things to people like you and me...There are plenty of chocolate-related novelty items around the world. But, Intentional Chocolate's products and philosophy are exraordinary and stood out to me--and I am grateful.

Meanwhile, last night I noticed that the delicious Chocolate Raspberry Triangles (100% Hawaiian Vintage Chocolate -- "among the best chocolate in the world" according to the New York Times. 68% cocoa mass dark chocolate, pure organic raspberry -- infused with well-being) were AWOL. The box was still intact but each one of the chocolates were gone with only the chocolate wrappers in sight. It hit me. My sibling (little brother) snagged 'em. It was a huge step in chocolate progress. Not only has he graduated to healthier chocolate but he deserved it for all he does for me, from sharing dog walks to being my swimming partner and devoted mountain pal during life's ups and downs. He is my dad and mom (they are in parent heaven). He is my best friend. He is my brother. Chocolate is a great way to show a little gratitude year round--not just on Valentine's Day--a romantic time. Thank you Intentional Chocolate.

Sweet Survival Secrets to Pre-Winter Blues

by Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet

“One reason a dog can be such a comfort when you're feeling blue is that he doesn't try to find out why." -- Anonymous

Imagine: It’s snow one day, sunny skies the next, and slush or black ice are lurking outdoors morning and night. It’s pre-winter at Lake Tahoe and around the nation, and you may find yourself with unwanted winter body fat, irritable, and fed up with the upcoming zero temperatures. It’s enough to make a person feel blue and out of whack, but you don’t have to be miserable during the change of seasons with its shorter days and longer, colder nights...

Welcome to the World of SAD

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a pesky condition that causes those nasty blues, packing on pounds, and anxiety—especially in the pre winter months and can wreak havoc on your mind and body. Here's some quickie sweet tips that can give you a jumpstart for surviving the change. These tried and true remedies come to the rescue and may help you, and me, to lighten up during the "hump month" before Old Man Winter arrives.

* Eat a Happy Diet
While light therapy may ease pre-spring discontent, nutritional experts believe that happy foods are important, too. Dietitians believe people with depression often have low levels of serotonin—a neurotransmitter believed to be involved in modulating mood and appetite. By eating tryptophan-rich foods we can naturally boost levels of serotonin. Low-fat milk and cottage cheese are good but so is the Mediterranean diet, which includes plenty of seasonal fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and more monounsaturated fats—like olive oil and nuts. And dark chocolate, which contains the compound serotonin, can help to boost your mood. Baking with dark chocolate and all natural products--including olive oil--can warm you up, too.

* Try Olive Oil

Speaking of oil, cozy up with extra virgin olive oil—a healthful monounsaturated fat. It's not the cure-all for SAD, but it can help you become energized again if you team it with a dark, leafy green salad with plenty of fresh vegetables. If you eat lots of veggies teamed with vinegar and olive oil (in moderation), which can fill you up, you’ll be less likely to fill out. And don't forget, yes you can cook and bake with EVOO. Plus, flavored oils, warming herbs and spices paired with all natural whole grain flour, pastas, and breads can make your holiday dishes healthier and you happier.

* Get a Move On
Like light therapy, exercise is another mood enhancer and way to dump extra pounds during the seasonal change. Feel-good endorphins are one of the ways exercise is beneficial. To stay clear of black ice and falls, walking or running on a treadmill indoors is a good alternative. And swimming in a heated indoor or outdoor pool is a great way to keep physical during colder months.

* Change Your Environment

While most people with winter doldrums need not escape to a tropical island, a change of environment can certainly lift your mood. Sure, taking a trip out of town with a warmer climate is tempting, but even going to a place in town with a different environment (i.e., an exotic-type indoor swimming pool, theater, walk in the woods or downtown) can give you a mini vacation and uplift your spirit.

* Warm Up, Cheer Up

Try enhancing light levels at home or in your workplace by installing more lights on the ceiling or placing more lamps in the room. For some, warming up may help, too. Warmth strategies to try include turning up the thermostat, enjoying a crackling fire with real firewood, using electric blankets (or a toasty waterbed which is like a giant heating pad), drinking flavored herbal teas--infuse coffee or hot chocolate--and layering on more clothing.

And sometimes, ancient remedies are best. Live in rooms full of light; indulge in cheerful conversation and amusements; and listen to music. And don't forget chocolate--in cooking (think a warming, spicy mole over pasta), solo, and cocoa--can be the perfect Rx to surviving the winter blahs.

For more tips on how to ease into wintertime, grab a copy of the new self-help health books, The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, The Healing Powers of Vinegar (trade cover and 2009 mass market format), and The Healing Powers of Chocolate (published by Kensington) by Cal Orey. Available on online booksellers' websites.

"Hot" Chocolate Book with an Edgy Twist

By Cal Orey,

The Writing Gourmet

In my brand new book The Healing Powers of Chocolate (following the The Healing Powers of Vinegar and Olive Oil) I show “decadent” and “sinful” are words commonly associated with chocolate, but they no longer apply. Approximately 4000 years ago, in Central America, the Mayan Indians considered cocoa beans “food of the gods” because of its medicinal benefits. Later, it got tagged as a “bad” fatty food. But by the end of the 20th century, a twist of fate turned chocolate back into a health food...

In THE HEALING POWERS OF CHOCOLATE I trace the origin of chocolate, from bean to bar. In creating this reader-friendly book, I, tagged as a health expert and author (who lives near San Francisco, one of the nation’s chocolate hot spots) interviewed America’s top chocolate makers and chocolatiers, nutritionists, medical researchers, and chocolate lovers to find out how this ancient SuperFood can prevent and fight common ailments and diseases.
The result is a lively comprehensive guide to the wide world of quality chocolate, from 70% dark truffles to Italian biscotti baked with extra virgin olive oil, in America and around the globe. With proven data for eating dark chocolate containing cocoa flavanols to reduce heart disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity, and dozens of pesky ailments, this book—with a European twist (I include chapters on both red wine and coffee)—takes you on a magical chocolate tour, complete with wit, charm, and entertaining personal anecdotes from ancient folklore present-day. And that's not all...

I share dozens of edgy chocolate home cures to work for treating acne, anxiety, brain fog, cabin fever, cough, depression, fatigue, and other ailments. Plus, I personally experienced anti-aging treatments—from masks, manicures to bubble baths--made from antioxidant-rich chocolate teamed with natural plant extracts. Incorporating cutting-edge scientific research, plus Mediterranean-style heart-healthy chocolate recipes, from Sicilian Mole to Dark Chocolate Mousse, in THE HEALING POWERS OF CHOCOLATE (click on the link and read a chapter and/or pre-order at your fave online booksellers' site for a holiday discount) I show you exactly why savoring this no longer forbidden food is the 21st century trend.

"Indulge In Chocolate" Made Me Smile Last Weekend

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet

“All I need is a little love now and then, but some chocolate will do for now."
--Lucy Van Pelt

Last Friday I survived the snowstorm that fizzled at Lake Tahoe. We didn't get much snow at lake level--three inches. But baby it was cold, cold, cold. I like storms, sort of. I like fresh powder. I like getting cozy indoors by making a fire, cuddling up with my companion animals, and having a moviefest. And I love indulging in chocolate during pre-winter times, like this. So, in the late afternoon when the UPS guy left a package on my doorstep I knew from experience that it was going to be an unforgettable chocolatey weekend for this die-hard serious chocoholic. And I smiled...

I used to get excited when Victoria's Secret packages paid me a visit. I still do grin when clothes arrive on my doorstep. But there's something different, more special about receiving chocolate, like this time, that uplifted my spirit even more than new threads. After all, sweaters and jeans don't boast those compounds that can give you energy, help you to destress, and beat the fall blues. That's where Indulge In Chocolate comes into play.

Indulge In Chocolate sports a wide variety of chocolate--and truffles that wowed me. My box of truffles is made by Illinois Nut & Candy Home of Fantasia Confections. It boasts 25 handmade truffles--and I'm glad it did. (Yes, past tense but there are some chocolates left.) The presentation won points with me. A handsome square box greeted me. It is classy and will be included in my empty and sentimental chocolate box "collection."

When I opened up the gold colored box I felt like a kid in a candy store. Check out the photo above. It's like "Where do I start?" This collection is tagged "Decadent Box of Truffles." And that it is. I can personally attest that the Mocha Truffles described as "Luscious chocolate combined with the rich flavor of mocha" was spot on. The glitch? There was only one! But two Mint Truffles "rich dark chocolate with a hint of mint" sufficed. The Dark Chocolate Cherry "rich dark chocolate blends perfectly with the sweet tang of cherry" was cherry-less but no matter. It worked for me.

Another item that caught my eye is titled Dark Chocolate Gift Basket--a vegan delight with three gourmet dark chocolate varieties. And oh those Vegan Lemon Cream Chocolates that boast a min. of dark 55% cocoa--these gems are on my holiday gift list. (I simply adore the double punch of chocolate and citrus.) My only regret is that I didn't find this company while researching and writing my new book The Healing Powers of Chocolate. Indulge In Chocolate deserves applause year round for its efforts and vast selection--and has a must-see Website for chocolate lovers.

A New Chocolate Book on the Block!

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet

"Life is like a box of chocolates...you never know what you're gonna get."--Forrest Gump

Welcome to my new book. THE HEALING POWERS OF CHOCOLATE traces the origin of chocolate, from bean to bar, from centuries ago to the present day. In creating this informative and fascinating book, I interviewed America’s top chocolate makers and chocolatiers, nutritionists, medical researchers, and chocolate lovers to find out how this ancient “food of the gods” can prevent and fight common ailments and diseases. And I indulged in chocolate (all types, shapes and in a variety of dishes) from the West Coast, East Coast, Midwest, Deep South and even Ireland...

The result? The Healing Powers of Chocolate (accepted by One Spirit Book Club; noted as "Editor's Faves" in Complete Woman magazine on stands Dec./Jan) is part of the popular international Healing Powers series. Published by Kensington, this edgy book is a lively comprehensive guide to the wide world of quality chocolate, from 70% dark truffles to Italian biscotti baked with extra virgin olive oil, in America and around the globe. With proven data for eating dark chocolate containing cocoa flavanols to reduce heart disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity, and dozens of pesky ailments, this book—with a European twist—takes you on a magical chocolate tour, complete with wit, charm, and entertaining personal anecdotes from ancient folklore to the 20th and 21st century.

So, is chocolate and The Healing Powers of Chocolate--the different treat to grab--grabbing attention? Here, take a look:

* “The right kind, the right amount of chocolate may just save your life.”--Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., author of New York Times bestseller The Fat Flush Plan

* “Can dark chocolate boost brain power? This book shows you how regular intake of antioxidant rich cacao foods is likely to do just that, and more.”--Ray Sahelian, M.D., author of Mind Boosters

* “The powerful polyphenols in dark chocolate are a 21st century health food—your Rx for longevity!”--Karlis Ullis, M.D., Medical Director of Sports Medicine and Anti-Aging Medical Group, Santa Monica, CA

* “A fascinating read full of amazing anecdotes and edgy information. Orey's book entertains while sharing new ways to pair fine chocolate and quality extra virgin olive oil in homemade recipes, from appetizers and entrees to sauces and desserts.”-- Gemma Sanita Sciabica., author of Cooking with California Olive Oil

* “Fine chocolate is about taste, style, and integrity, and fine chocolate is the medium for our message. It is delightful to find an author who understands all this!”--John Down & Joe Guiliano, founders of Christopher Norman Chocolates

* “To appreciate the ultimate aphrodisiac, read this stimulating book.” -- Dr. Ava Cadell, author and founder of Loveology University

* “Chocolate is a taste of divine ecstasy on Earth. It is our sensual communion. Orey's journalistic style and efforts share this insight with readers around the world.” -- Jim Walsh, founder of Intentional Chocolate

Detox Your Body During Holiday Foodfests

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet

"A full belly makes a dull brain."

-- Benjamin Franklin

The Harvest may be waning, but these pantry staples can keep you on the road to detoxing your body before or post-Thanksgiving. Personally, I don't want to pack on five pounds (that's the norm) during Turkey Day time. So I might rebel and turn to a detox diet regime before, after--or maybe even during the big day and forego cooking altogether. You know, give my body a feel-good mini-vacation to feel rejuvenated just for me. No guilt from overindulging and it can make you feel good from head to toe... Not just for salad or a dash of flavor, items like nutrient-dense vinegars, olive oil, herbs and spices and autumn produce are rich in disease-fighting antioxidants and other healing properties. Check out these healthful, slim-down foods--including The Healing Powers of Chocolate--to heal your body, mind and spirit...

VINEGARS

Apple Cider Vinegar: In the era of the Romans and Egyptians, there were many potent vinegars onmeal tables. Today, we know apple cider vinegar, especially the natural and organic kind, is high infiber and rich in potassium, which can help detoxify the body. Apple cider vinegar can balance sodium and potassium levels, which can also aid in weight loss. Pairing its total ingredients, including boron, calcium and enzymes, with nutritious fall fruits and vegetables may help prevent cancer, and heart disease.

Fruit Vinegars: In Japan, vinegar drinks not unlike apple cider vinegar, are made from vitamin-rich fruit. A Korean delight, persimmon vinegar, is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which are also good for bolstering the immune system to fight off colds and flu in the fall. While it isn’t easily found in the United States, it may be found at Korean supermarkets. For a delightful kick, splash one or two tablespoons per serving on top of grapefruit and oranges.

Olive Oil

Like ancient vinegar, olive oil goes way back in time. The olive tree was first cultivated in the Mediterranean countries 6,000 years ago. Since then, olive oil has played a therapeutic role in the diet and provides amazing healing powers, from preventing diabetes to keeping off unwanted pounds, especially when combined with vinegars. Olive oil, which is 74 percent heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, contains plenty of healthful nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E, along with phytoestrogens and sterols. Olive oil (extra virgin is recommended) is good for the digestive system, helps regularity, lowers cholesterol levels and guards against cancer. Light or regular EVOO can help fill you up not out as I discuss in The Healing Powers of Olive Oil. And don't forget the powers of other earthy eats...

HERBS, SPICES AND TEAS

Chamomile: For more than 2,000 years, chamomile, a daisy-like plant, has been considered amedicinal miracle. It was known as “ground apple” by the Greeks because of its fragrant scent. Chamomile tea (spiked with apple cider vinegar and cinnamon) can be calming and stave off holiday stress-related eating. (Hold the sugar and reach for raw honey.)

Garlic: For at least 3,000 years, garlic, dubbed “the stinking rose,” has been used medicinally. Thetherapeutic uses of garlic have been noted in more than 1,000 scientific studies. Garlic has been found to lower cholesterol and high blood pressure, and may ward off infections and cancer via the antioxidant mineral selenium. It also contains allicin, which is a strong antimicrobial, so eating garlic may help protect against colds, flu and bronchitis--and it provides flavor to veggies without the calories and fat of butter.

Rose Hips: An important staple in the diets of Native American tribes because of their incredible health benefits, rose hips are a good source of antioxidants, including vitamins C, E and beta carotene, which can help boost immunity and provide relief for cold and cough symptoms common during the fall months. And sipping a cup or two of hot rose hips tea can soothe holiday frazzled nerves and help to keep you from overeating high calorie and unhealthy junk food.
AUTUMN EDIBLES

These versatile foods mix well with vinegars, oils, warming herbs, spices and tasty teas for healthful fall detox recipes.
*Apples: This fruit is a rich source of pectin, a water-soluble fiber that may help lower the risk of heart disease. A bonus: One medium apple has no fat and a mere 81 calories.

*Dark Chocolate: This superfood like apples has countless health perks. If you choose to give your body a vacation, quality chocolate can help you to detoxify it. By eating a small piece of dark chocolate (70% cacao) it can help to uplift your mood, beat stress and anxiety (woes during seasonal changes with colder and shorter, darker days), provide energy, and do so much more for your body.

*Pumpkin: Welcome to another good source of beta-carotene, potassium, vitamins A, C, and dietary fiber. Think pudding and/or a hearty bowl of hot soup. Pumpkin is filling and a small amount is satisfying during the holiday season. Read: Good for detoxifying, too.
*Spinach: A single serving of cooked spinach provides beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Studies show that these carotenes protect the arteries from bad cholesterol and can heal your heart. It’s the perfect fall food for a filling salad with vinegar, olive oil, garlic and tomatoes.

*Tomatoes: Scoop up the end-of-season tomatoes while you can—these gems are rich in the antioxidant lycopene, and may lower the risk of developing cancers by preventing damage due to cancer-contributing molecules called free radicals. One cup of chopped tomatoes has just 35 calories.

So whether you choose to detox before, during (it can be tempting and a test of willpower whether you cook or not) or after the upcoming foodfest, vinegars, olive oil, and even chocolate can help you to pare unwanted pre-winter pounds and cleanse your body and spirit, too. One more thing: Savoring dark chocolate, drinking herbal tea, eating veggies and fruits doesn't seem like a serious fast but a healthful mini-fast that can be done without hunger pangs and feeling left out.

CONTEST: Your Fave Gourmet Chocolate Dessert?

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet

"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."
- Charles M. Schulz

I woke up this sunny morning to read a dark anti-chocolate blog post. Imagine that! I sense the bold blogger did it to draw big attention. It did. So, I'm swinging the other way. As a converted "serious" chocolate lover (and one who now knows the healing benefits of chocolate which are shared in my new book The Healing Powers of Chocolate), I'm offering a free book (mass market edition of The Healing Powers of Olive Oil or The Healing Powers of Vinegar published by Kensington) as a gift to the person who does love chocolate...
Simply share the title of your most delicious and creative gourmet chocolate dessert--a favorite for the upcoming holiday season. Mousse, muffins to truffles and cheesecake. Whatever chocolate delight grabs you--and me--will do it. And I will share the chocolate-loving winner's pick complete with a yummy recipe I find and use and/or where to find it at gourmet stores.

Deadline Date: November 11. Good luck! (I dedicate this book giveaway to the late Charles Schulz whom I had the awesome pleasure of interviewing on more than one occasion.)

Halloween Special Oatmeal-Chocolatey Muffins

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet

“People get so in the habit of worry that if you save them from drowning and put them on a bank to dry in the sun with hot chocolate and muffins they wonder whether they are catching cold."
-- John Jay Chapman

It's Friday morning and I woke up to a healthy homemade oatmeal muffin. It was the fruity-nut and dark chocolatey kind of treat with a white Casper Ghost-like dollop of cream cheese frosting that put a smile on my face. There's so much talk about the flu that eating well can take away the spookiness of getting sick, sort of.

I recently penned an article about the swine flu vaccine, which will be published online November 1 in Oracle 20-20 Magazine. In this piece I dish out ways how to boost your immune system. Eating healthy nutrient-dense foods including antioxidant-rich health foods like fruits, nuts, chocolate and whole grains teamed with regular exercise are ways to keep us well to fight off the flu or weather it. So last night I was thinking oatmeal muffins I ended up using some nutritious ingredients: oatmeal, golden raisins, hazelnuts and premium dark chocolate...

I recall last year I often swam at an outdoor resort Lake Tahoe pool. One day it was a freezing 15 degrees outside. A storm was coming in, snow covered the ground, and there were ripples in the water (it was warm with steam rising from the top). But my ears were so cold. Still, I wanted to swim. I did. And I did get a nasty ear infection a few days later. This year it's the indoor pool for me and it's utopia-like effects complete with an oversized hot tub, waterfall, and off season it's usually all mine. Last year I used to purchase a pricey oversized muffin (with hidden fat and plenty of calories) at Starbucks after my workout. This year I'm coming home to all-natural homestyle muffins just like these oatmeal chocolately ones.

Halloween Special Oatmeal-Chocolatey Muffins

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, uncooked

1 cup all natural whole wheat flour

1 large brown egg

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1 stick European style butter

1 cup organic milk, 2% low-fat

1/2 teaspoon Mediterranean sea salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup hazelnuts or walnuts

1/2 cup golden raisins or dried apricots bits

1/2 cup gourmet dark chocolate chips, 72% cacao

Melt butter in a pan on low heat. In a bowl mix butter with beaten egg and sugar. Combine mixture with flour, oatmeal, powder, soda. Stir in nuts, raisins and chocolate chips. Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes or till golden brown and muffin tops bounce back at a finger's touch. Cool for about 20 minutes. Drop a small dollop of frosting on muffin tops and top with a nut or chocolate chip. Makes 12 medium sized muffins--not too big and not too small, a perfect size for anyone.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1/8 cup European style butter

1/2 cup whipped cream cheese

1 cup confectioners' sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Melt butter. Stir in cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Chill while the muffins are baking.

The jury is in and these natural muffins make me happy. They're not too sweet but sweet enough. I can taste the plump golden raisins, crunchy little hazelnuts (walnuts can work, too), and melted chocolate chips--a great way to get used to quality chocolate and like it. And the cream cheese frosting? Ah, using whipped cream cheese is so easy and the texture is creamy like the European style butter. Use just a tad because you don't want to overdo the sugar for your health's sake but a dollop is ideal. These muffins look pretty like the photo.

The best part, they're quick to make and you can control the size and ingredients. Trick or treat? These yummy Halloween muffins are a real treat, no tricks this year. Suggestion: Cozy up indoors and in the morning, afternoon or night pair one of these special muffins with a cup of fresh juice, herbal tea or hot chocolate and enjoy the seasonal changes.

Which Oil Is the Winner for Your Chocolate Taste?

By Cal Orey,

The Writing Gourmet

Olive oil judges from coast to coast and around the world recognize award-winning olive oils, but not all of them may be a suitable match for you and your taste buds or chocolate cooking and baking. For instance, if you don’t like mushrooms, porcini olive oil may not be your cup of oil in an exotic chocolate mole. You may love to cook, but extra virgin olive oil may not give you enough pizzazz in your favorite double dark chocolate cookies. Like to bake but don’t want to be stuck using only canola oil (one healthful oil) for your breads, cakes, and muffins? You may be limiting yourself with your oil of choice. No matter what kind of chocolate and oil lover you are, take this quiz, excerpted from my book The Healing Powers of Olive Oil (new mass market edition, January 2009) to get to know your personality and your real taste in oil and chocolate before you choose the oil(s) (a healthier fat choice to use in your dishes) for you...

Oils For Your Chocolate Lifestyle

Take this short quiz to find out. Discover what your fave flavor reveals about your real personality.

1.A typical morning for you includes:

A.Family chaos, with the dog joining in.

B.Breakfast in bed.

C.A 2-mile run.

D.Computer work.

E.Brunch at an ethnic restaurant.
2.When you cook, you’d like to:

A.Feed a fun-loving crowd.

B.Feed a loving mate or friend who’ll enjoy your meals.

C.Make a meal to take on the run.

D.Make a low-maintenance meal.

E.Work in a kitchen chock-full of exotic treats.

3.Your idea of a perfect vacation is:

A.Grabbing the family and visiting relatives.

B.Going to a secluded park for picnic.

C.Hitting the mountain trails.

D.Enjoying an at-home movie fest with a few friends.

E.Flying to a foreign country.
4.When the weekend hits, you can be found:

A.Enjoying a family event with the in-laws, spouse, kids,cat and dog.

B.Busy with your hobbies.

C.Jogging through the neighborhood.

D.On the couch, cuddled up with you know who.

E.Attending an out-of-town social event.

5. A meal to you means, in one word:

A.Fun.

B.Wholesome.

C.Quick.

D.Healthy.

E.Exciting.

TALLY UP

Once you understand your cooking and eating styles, you can use the knowledge to select oils that are compatible with them. This, in turn, will enhance your olive oil and chocolate experience. See how you scored below. I’ve made a few oil-wise choices for you to get started or to add to your current olive oil repertoire.

Mostly A’s: The Extrovert: Your Style : You are well-rounded, fun-loving, and people-oriented. You want an oil that is versatile, and good for kids and animals. An all-purpose olive oil is ideal. An oil that will not be too exotic during family get-togethers is best. Best Oils: Extra virgin olive oil, canola oil, roasted garlic olive oil, and citrus olive oils. Chocolate Favorite (Chocolate mousse)

Mostly B’s: The Introvert: Your Style: You are the intellectual, an independent individual who may live alone. You’d probably enjoy an olive oil that is good for you and versatile, as opposed to strong-flavored olive oils. Best Oils: Extra virgin olive oil, basil olive oil, and citrus olive oils. Chocolate Favorite (Luxury chocolate truffles)

Mostly C’s: The Outdoor Health Nut: Your Style: You are a physical person, ready to hike in the summer, hit the gym in the winter. An active individual with a sense of adventure as long as it’s healthful. Best Oils: Light olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, and porcini olive oil. Chocolate Favorite (Dark chocolate nut breads)
Mostly D’s: The Indoor Hermit: Your Style: You are a sofa spud, with one hand on the remote control and the other in a bag of wholesome doggie treats. An afternoon of baking is up your alley. Best Oils: Extra virgin olive oil, and homemade flavored olive oils. Chocolate Favorite (Chocolate 'n' fruit biscotti)

Mostly E’s: The Adventurer: Your Style: You are ready to travel for work or play. Trying new foods is what life is all about. You enjoy tasting new foods and flavors wherever you go and “bland” is not in your vocabulary. Best Oils: Pepper olive oil, porcini olive oil, rosemary olive oil, and oregano olive oil. Chocolate Favorite(Chocolate mole)

Warm Up to Petit Peanut Butter Chocolate Drops

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet
“If you can't control your peanut butter, you can't expect to control your life."
-- Bill Watterson

Back in the seventies, I hitched and hiked with my Lhasa/Maltese. We found each other in Seattle and traveled south to the gulf states and up north to Quebec. It was an unforgettable experience and I felt like a fish out of water. The sophisticated locals spoke fluent French (I did not). The street signs looked foreign and the metric system on food labels confused me. I was lost. At night, I recall sleeping on the lot of a huge Victorian-style home--but we slept in my sleeping bag outside in the backyard. It was so cold. I fantasized about walking up to the front door and saying: "Hello I'm from California" and imagined the homeowners would invite me in for a homecooked meal and warm bed. It didn't happen. We made due with what I had in my backpack. I ate peanut butter and whole wheat bread; my pooch ate generic dog food. And we snuggled throughout the long, lonely cold night air for warmth and companionship...

Tonight in a warm living room with my two canines and one cat, I'm watching Food Network... I'm waiting for my French-style cookie dough to chill so I can roll 'em into petit drops. These tiny cookies remind me of Tahoe mountain peaks in autumn without snow. These Petit Peanut Butter cookies make me feel warm and cozy at home. The bonus: Peanut butter contains heart healthy resveratrol (like red wine) and monounsaturated fat (like good for you super health food olive oil).

Petit Peanut Butter Chocolate Drops

1 1/4-1/2 cups all natural whole wheat flour (more than less if you live in high altitude)

1 brown egg

1/2 cup all natural crunchy peanut butter (mix well)

1/2 cup European Style butter

1/2 cup granulated white sugar

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon orange extra virgin olive oil

gourmet dark chocolate chips, 72% cacao

cinnamon

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, soda, and powder. In another bowl, cream butters, sugars (the more white granulated sugar you use, the crispier the cookie), and beaten egg. Combine the two mixtures and add vanilla and olive oil. Chill for a few to several hours. Take out of fridge. Roll petite balls of dough and place on cookie sheet (it works better without parchment paper). Bake at 375 degrees for about 10 minutes or till golden brown. Once out of the oven put two chocolate chips on the thumbprint cookies. Makes about two dozen (depending on size of drop)...

I like the mix of sugars in these peanut butter cookies because they're crisp and light not heavy or chewy. And the dark chocolate is a nice chocolatey touch. The EVOO and European Style butter makes me feel both earthy and faraway from the Golden State--even though I'm homebound in a house filled with a heavenly cinnamon aroma. I'm home. I'm not on the road. I'm home with my two Brittanys with French roots who don't speak French. And they are warm, cuddled up next to each other on the sofa. Cookie?

European Chocolatey-Pumpkin Spice Muffins

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet
“I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.”
--Henry David Thoreau

I love pumpkin. I love pumpkin pie, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin fudge, and pumpkin muffins. All day long I was preparing myself to bake up a batch of sweet and spicy pumpkin chocolate chip muffins with a different spin. (Ever notice everything has been done before?) And I just did it. I used orange extra virgin olive oil, European Style butter, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a mix of gourmet dark chocolate chips--a superfood that does your body, mind, and spirit good. Yes, it was worth it...

The scent in the kitchen, dining room and living room smells like fresh baked pumpkin. The taste of one of these warm concoctions with the oh-so melted chocolatey chips was so good I did what I do...into the freezer for safe keeping and not over indulging. What's more, there was enough batter to make a small pumpkin nut bread (I topped it with hazelnuts) and Mediterranean sea salt (a bit like what I enjoyed on some of the European dark chocolate caramels I tried).

Last year, in the fall after swimming, I sometimes purchased a large, pricey pumpkin muffin at Starbucks. But now that I know I can bake my own and spike them with quality chocolate, control the size and ingredients, and keep a stash in the freezer--I may never buy another prepared muffin. (Forget the packaged pumpkin muffins at the store. If you check out the nutrition labels they include way too many chemicals and preservatives, not to forget that they're not fresh like ones you whip up in the comfort of your own home.)

European Chocolatey-Pumpkin Spice Muffins

2 cups canned pumpkin

3 cups all natural whole wheat flour

1 cup European Style butter, melted

4 large brown eggs

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons orange extra virgin olive oil

3/4 cup golden brown sugar

1/4 cup white granulated sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla

1 teaspoon allspice

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg (each)

1/2 cup gourmet dark chocolate chips, 72% cacao

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, 60% cacao

1/2 cup hazelnuts

Mediterranean sea salt

Mix eggs, sugars, and oil. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, powder, soda, and spices. Combine all ingredients and add pumpkin and vanilla. Fold in chocolate chips. Pour mixture into muffin 12 muffin tins. Use the rest of the batter in a small bread pan. (Lightly grease with orange olive oil. Yes, it works.) Drop hazelnuts on top of bread. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or till a firm golden brown. Cool. Spinkle sugar on top of muffins; sea salt on top of nut bread. Serve warm.

I admit it. These cosmopolitan muffins were the second highlight of my day. The first and foremost fave time was enjoying the swimming pool/hot tub--it was all mine and the temperature was perfect. Not one tourist in sight. Not one. Utopia. But later, an imperfection hit home. My six year old pooch paid our vet a visit (again). His left ear is problematic with debris (not uncommon for sporting dogs and Brittanys) and he had to have it flushed out. Brave Simon. And now the canine sleeps next to his dog pal Seth.

So, tonight's baking time was another escape. It was easy, fun, and a treat to taste the healthy pumpkin, variety of spices, melted dark chocolates, and Mediterranean sea salt. For a minute, it was almost like whisking away to Tuscany. Sort of. Ah, to warm up one of these muffins tomorrow morning paired with a fresh cup of earthy and bold Sumatra java, and orange juice will be heaven.