NEW Really Cool Chocolate Bars: Fruits & Herbs

By Cal Orey,

The Writing Gourmet

Wanna taste a yummy healthy dark chocolate bar infused with lots of good stuff? Stop looking because Enjou Chocolat's "A Taste of Health" Variety Pack has arrived on my doorstep and can be on yours, too. Yep, chocolate bars infused with chocolate's best friends...

As the author of the new book The Healing Powers of Chocolate (Kensington, 2010), I have tasted dozens of dark chocolate bars--it was for research. My simple taste and working system worked like this. The dark chocolate bars (70% cocoa content is proven to be good for your brain to your heart and other body parts) that were both healthy and tasted good didn't last in my home. They were eaten by me, the sibling, or friends. Alas, the ones (and there were a lot) that boasted good health sadly missed the mark by tasting like cardboard, crayons, or worse. I put 'em in my file cabinet for a rainy or depressing day. One year later: They made it to the garbage can.

Back to the really good chocolate bars. Out of the five, I knew the one that would win my heart: Ginger Orange Peel...The Blueberry/Cranberry followed. And I have three more to go.

The Ginger Orange Peel was awesome. I love ginger. I love citrus. Combine these puppies with dark, creamy chocolate (Wendy, you got it going on with the texture and taste of chocolate unlike so many other bars I've put to the test) and you'll be soaring high in chocolate world. Yes, those feel-good mood-enhancing compounds blast the blues and bring on the mighty endorphins to do their job--no matter what kind of day hits you or challenges you face.

As I write in the chocolate book:

* Orange: Another immunity-enhancing citrus fruit, oranges are rich in vitamin C, vitamin B1, fiber, and potassium. Best Choco Blend: Dark chocolate bars...

* Ginger: Ginger root is a digestive aid, like tasty cinnamon...Best Choco Blend: It is used in dark chocolate bars.

And, and, and I still have the Goji Berry bar to go. We're talking wolfberry/goji which is a delicious fruit known for its positive effects on vision and the brain. Best Choco Blend: Dark chocolate bars.

Read: I'm on overload (think worker honey bee with six weeks to live) as I'm stuck writing/researching/tasting honeys from around the globe... that I so need this bar (more than one)! The bottom line: If you want something chocolate, something sweet, and something healthy, it's time for A Taste of Health. You'll get it in this five pack and it came in the nick of time for me. Thank you Wendy.

Enjou S'Mores--Comfort Food During Hot Times

By Cal Orey,

The Writing Gourmet

We are experiencing a heat wave at Lake Tahoe. Like most Sundays, I swam today. But when I start to crave swimming in the lake (again)--that's a sure-fire sign that it's a cooker. Translation: No way is Callie cooking. But chocolate? Now, that's another story. Despite what some folks may think, chocolate can be savored in the good old hot summertime. But you have to know how to do it...

Enter Enjou S'Mores. Wendy, founder of Enjou Chocolat, sent me a package of chocolate delights. The S'Mores is a treat that I just had to try. Her web site describes it best: "An Enjou twist on a classic fave. A fluffy treat of marshmallow is sandwiched between two graham crackers and then covered in chocolate."

According to history, it may have been the Girl Scouts who created the first s'more back in the early 20th century. Nobody really knows for sure, though. Meanwhile, you can find these chocolatey-gooey treats at restaurants, make them yourself, or get them ready-made--like I prefer to do, especially when it's still in the 80s.

Sure, images of sitting around a campfire at the lake at nighttime making s'mores is a romantic image. And I was a Brownie as a kid. But personally, tonight, I'd rather chill at home by the fan(s); open windows, watch the film 2012--and munch on these ready-made goodies (no microwave needed). In fact, it's so warm that they're in the fridge. In an hour or so as the Earth's crust displacement starts; our golden state falls shakes and falls into the Pacific Ocean; and the Yellowstone Caldera blows... I'll take one of these chocolate delights out of the cold box and fix a glass of homemade lemonade to go with it.

Thank you Wendy. You're making my night a joy as I plan on playing hooky from writing my honey bee book and am going to watch the sci-fi doomsday film--complete with all the chaos. I'm glad these graham crackers are crunchy (but not too)--good stress releasing comfort food during nail-biting movies like, this one. These chocolate gems are superior DIY ones. No mess making 'em, no mess eating 'em because they are wrapped in creamy chocolate. What can I say? I'm a die-hard chocolatarian who thrives on good chocolate and bad disaster flicks. Yikes, my movie is on. "Subjects have now entered the 'hot zone'." OMG! Where are the s'mores?

P.S. In my book The Healing Powers of Chocolate (Kensington,2010), I discuss how exactly both dark chocolate and milk chocolate (it boasts calcium) can help you to chill.

It's Healthy Chocolate Today--And All Year Long!

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet

I woke up this morning with honey on the brain. After all, it's my new book in progress and yes, I'm busy as a worker bee so I can share the latest honey health buzz. As I write The Healing Powers of Honey (October 2011, Kensington), I still am having a love affair with chocolate. So when I read that July 7 is Chocolate Day it brought back fond memories of the chocolatiers whom sent me chocolate via UPS. Ah, those were the sweetest days in the fall, winter, spring and summer...

Is it time you discover the amazing powers of chocolate. 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-enhancng 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!

Meanwhile, last night at my friendly Safeway I craved a healthy chocolate fix so I picked up a small package of gourmet dark chocolate truffles. As an author-intuitive I must have sensed that today was Chocolate Day. If you want to give you or someone you care about the belated gift of health, check out the link to one of my fave chocolatiers (everyone always ask me what the best chocolate is)... Today's chocolate of the day in my point of view and past experience(s) is...(drum roll): Lake Champlain Chocolates . Remember, chocolate can be a year-round gift for your health from head to toe.

[The Healing Powers of Chocolate by Cal Orey, published by Kensington, 2010--available at amazon.com (delivered tomorrow!) as well as all online bookstores and your local bookstore]

Chill with Heart-Healthy Chocolate Graham Crackers

By Cal Orey,

The Writing Gourmet

Ah, it's hot outdoors--in the 80s today--at the sierra. Yes, at Lake Tahoe our summer has arrived. As a busy worker bee--I'm working on the forthcoming honey book--but whipping up a hot, home-cooked meal seems like too much work. The Brittany duo and kitty Kerouac are whooped from the heat, too; but they don't have to work for a living in a resort town like I do...

Speaking of work, I received emails today touting new research showing dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure. That's no news to me--I put it in my book The Healing Powers of Chocolate (Kensington, 2010). Of course, I feel eating a natural Mediterranean diet and getting a move on to keep your weight in check also are keys to maintaining lower BP numbers. Read: Yesterday, I swam outdoors. The pool was bliss. It was calm--all mine. Considering taking the plunge into the cold lake to chill--after a decade of avoiding swimming in it, it may be time to take a dip. Or not. Wasn't there crocodiles in that film Lake Placid?

On the topic of good health, the other day I had the pleasure again to speak with Wendy, owner of Enjou Chocolat . We chatted about heart healthy dark chocolate and I raved about her dark chocolate dipped graham crackers. I just ate one as I sip cold, spring water. These cookies are awesome--something to write home about or send home to for a gift to savor. They took me back to childhood graham crackers but they have a sophisticated grown-up twist. And if you're looking for something crunchy to pair with iced tea or a cold glass of calcium-boosting milk (also known to help you stay heart healthy and lower those cholesterol numbers)--these special crackers are better and more soothing for humans while dealing with the ongoing sound of firecrackers (and spooked companion animals who don't like loud noises) for the forthcoming Fourth of July. With a gourmet touch these scrumptious grahams are your ticket to chocolate nirvana in the hot summertime.

It's Summer--Time for Chocolate Olive Oil Ice Cream

By Cal Orey,

The Writing Gourmet

Living in a tourist town has its ups and downs. Personally, I am an autumn gal and my mantra is "fall, fall, fall." I have been writing articles for mags getting ready for the season of gray skies, leaves changing colors, cooler air, crackling fires, warm sweaters and jeans, cozy comforters, and baking food. I know my choice of seasons will come again. But now it's time to chill and go with the flow of it all. Summer has arrived...

And that means it's time for less clothes, gardening, windows open--night and day--homemade lemonade and iced tea, seasonal fruits and vegetables, lighter eating--and cold, creamy ice cream. Chocolate is the flavor of flavors, naturally.

So, while I--Ms. Introvert--gets into the swim of seasonal change--tourist overload, no indoor spa pool/hot tub, noise with a capital N, warmer temperatures, crowded roads, the beaches and stores filled with kids 'n' parents--I crave feel-good chocolate to make it all feel better.

Here is a recipe from my book The Healing Powers of Chocolate (Kensington, 2010).

* * *

Chocolate Olive Oil Ice Cream

2 1/2 cups milk

1/2 cup Hershey's dark chocolate chips, melted

1 small orange in segments, banana, peach, or fruit of your choice

2 teaspoons vanilla

Pinch of sea salt

2 eggs (or 4 egg whites)

1/2 cup Marsala Orange Olive Oil

1/2 cup sugar

In a blender add all ingredients; blend until smooth. Pour into an ice cream maker; follow manufacturer's directions. The olive oil is a substitute for unhealthy fat.

Source: Gemma Sanita Sciabica

One more thing. I know tourists love Lake Tahoe and locals love tourists for self-preservation. But many residents do look forward to off season--me for one--because of its quietude. It is a challenge to write a book and stay focused while so many people are away on vacation or here playing in our resort town. But I can do this--with ice cream and swimming in a new, improved place (it's a secret) and did I say ice cream? Three little months. "Fall, fall, fall."

Top-Notch Chocolate(s) for Father's Day

By The Writing Gourmet

"He has enough ties. Give him beer and chocolate." --Vosges-Haut Chocolat

As the author of my latest book The Healing Powers of Chocolate (Kensington, 2010), I'm often asked the question: "What's the best brand of chocolate?" Today, I'm thinking of three of my fave companies that made me smile during research--and can make the dad in your life smile on June 20. So, here you go--a quickie list of the chocolate worth writing home about and keeping some for yourself!...

Lake Champlain Chocolates: To decide which product I enjoyed the most would be an arduous task. The day I opened the box of chocolate products, I was overwhelmed. Every item was impressive to the eye and palate. For a gal who was eating Hershey's Special Dark chocolate bars, biting into an Organic Spicy Aztec Chocolate Square put me in another class of chocolate. I was hooked on spicy flavors in chocolate, thanks to the Lake Champlain Chocolates Seelection, in an impressive green box with an image of a lake surrounded by mountains--much like Lake Tahoe, my home. the epicurean nutty-tasting Chocolate Peanut butter Cup had me at the first bite. I was ready to move to Vermont.

RICHART Paris: I chose the citrus selection out of the family of seven flavors offered by RICHART. It was an exotic experience to bit into a burst of the Grapefruit Ganache fruity delight. I discovered it has a healthful 74 percent cocoa content. Its small size made me recall why the French who practice the traditional Mediterranean diet and lifestyle do not get fat. It's all about savoring superb food, including fruity chocolate, and practicing portion control. (There was only one Grapefruit goodie in the box of chocolates, and I was left craving another one.)

Vosges Haut-Chocolat: The Italiana collection was my choice of a box of exotic truffles. The Rooster: combined with Italian taleggio, organic walnuts, Tahitian vanilla bean, and bittersweet, dark chocolate--a spicy and nutty truffle to love. The Balsamico is a truffle to remember: 12-year aged balsamic vinegar from Modena mixed with dark chocolate and roasted Sicilian hazelnuts. Nor will I forget Olio d' Oliva, with extra virgin olive oil and white chocolate topped iwth dried Kalamata olives. It was like a box of European delights custom mad for the author who wrote the "Healing Powers" series, including vinegar and olive oil.

So, there you go. You've got time to get to these chocolates and give 'em to the father(s) in your life. One more thing. Grab a copy of my chocolate book and give it to that guy--tons of health-oriented stuff that'll keep him healthier and happier.

Blueberry-Chocolate Scones for Worker Bees

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet

Here I sit organizing compiled work--tons of papers (all kinds) from interviews to brochures, books, products in the pantry, bathroom and around the cabin--to finally begin the new, sweet book: The Healing Powers of Honey (Kensington, October 2011). Read: I'm blocked big time. (I wonder if worker bees get blocked?)...

I tried to swim but the water was too cold. Walked the dogs. The sky was gray--the way I like it. Wrote the "What's Cookin' at Callie's Cabin" for Friday and the July Earth Changes "I Feel the Earth Move" (page 32 for June: The End Game: Doomsday Films) columns. And now it's a friendly visit to my blog. Translation: I'm doing everything imaginable but go to the desktop computer and begin to use my imagination and pen my new book for the "Healing Powers" series. I just got the idea if I bake up a batch of scones--with nutrient-rich blueberries and dark chocolate--it may boost brainpower. Or not.

* * *

Blueberry-Chocolate Scones

2 1/2 to 3 cups 100 percent natural whole wheat flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup European style butter (cold cubes)

1 brown egg

3/4 cup 2% low-fat buttermilk

1 cup low-fat all natural vanilla yogurt

1 teaspoon allspice

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon fresh lemon rind, grated

1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

1 cup dark chocolate chips (Ghirardelli 60% cocoa content)

organic raw sugar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spice. Add chunks of butter, sliced in small squares. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, yogurt, egg, vanilla and stir till a dough like mixture forms. Drop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Brush tops with buttermilk. Bake till brown, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with raw sugar. Makes 16. Serve with cream cheese and/or all natural blueberry honey.

Two more articles to write. Deadline June 10. The new book? I vow to the world to begin writing IT this week. I am so blocked. It's a terrible feeling. Imagine you are able to do anything and everything but the one thing you should be doing.Or think being stuck in traffic or a line at the store. Not fun. It's time to hit the kitchen. Or maybe I'll watch the rest of Armageddon. (I wonder why we can't hire a Dream Team to take care of the BP oil spill?) It would be more soothing to view the action-oriented film--and real-life coverage of the oil catastrophe going on day 40-something--with a homebaked scone fresh from the oven with a cup of tea(or 20). Make that chamomile.
P.S. For the record, I'm not always a victim of the block. An interview with me in the Books2Mention literary magazine about my work was published today. It had to be the chocolate that got me through the block for my past books for a decade.