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).

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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.

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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.

Breakfast at Callie's

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet

Indeed, breakfast is a time to enjoy healthful and indulgent foods to provide energy and fullness for the rest of the day. It's a leisurely time for me, these days, especially when the weather forecast calls for snow, rain, and thunderstorms in the upcoming days around the sierras as we near June. The way I see it, the chilly air and gray skies will keep some tourists away in town--and give me more time to enjoy some of my fave nesting mountain hobbies: Making a fire, swimming in an indoor pool, watching films while working on my new book, baking, and, cuddling up in the mornings with the boys--Simon, Seth, and Kerouac...

Every morning after I let my canine duo outdoors and feed them, I sneak back to bed with my breakfast: fresh fruit, and often, chocolate in many forms--from nibs in my granola to organic chocolate milk in my cup of Joe. Truly, chocolate is a wonderful way to start out your day with a taste of health and indulgence...

In my book The Healing Powers of Chocolate, Chapter 10, "A Cuppa Coffee and Chocolat" I provide ways coffee is good for you as well as special coffee recipes, from Basic Latte to a Mocha. Teaming both chocolate and java is not only pairing superfoods--it's two treats that'll fill up your tummy, and warm up your heart and soul, time after time like the unforgettable classic film "Breakfast at Tiffanys".

Chocolate Oatmeal Walnut Muffins

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1 cup quick-rolled oats

1 cup buttermilk or sour milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2/3 cup light brown sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Powdered sugar (optional)

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Grease or line muffin cups (2 1/2 inches in diameter) with paper bake cups.

2. Stir together oats and buttermilk in small bowl; let stand 20 minutes.

3. Stir together oil, brown sugar, egg and vanilla in large bowl. Add oats mixture, stirring well. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Add to oats mixture, blending until moistened. Stir in nuts. Fill muffin 2/3 full with batter.

4. Bake 16 to 18 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Removed from pan to wire rack. Sprinkle muffin tops with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve warm or cool. About 14 muffins.

(Source: HERSHEY'S is a registered trademark. Recipe courtesy of the Hershey Kitchens, and reprinted with permission of The Hershey Company (C) The Hershey Company)

[Excerpt from The Healing Powers of Chocolate by Cal Orey (Kensington, 2010)

News Flash: Researchers Tout Chocolate Is Skin-Friendly

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet

Is eating dark chocolate in moderation good for your skin? Can it make your face, arms, tummy, back, buttocks, legs and feet feel and appear younger looking and protect you from wrinkles? Studies past and present-- reported by "The Telegraph" have spawned a buzz about how a new chocolate can do the trick ["The Antioxidants Can Protect You From Wrinkles and More"]--showing that yes chocolate is skin-friendly. But as an age-conscious boomer and health-nutrition author edging towards the big 58th birthday I already knew that. In fact, fine chocolate without new, improved frills can work wonders...

Savoring 1.5 ounces of quality chocolate, 70% cocoa content with little sugar and little caffeine--and used on the outside of the body (chocolate infused beauty products) can certainly help smooth skin and leave it radiant because cocoa is rich in anti-aging antioxidants (also found in other superfoods, including fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and red wine).

When I did my research for The Healing Powers of Chocolate (Kensington, 2010), I was treated to a chocolate bubble bath (think images of the oh so sensual solo bathtub scene in City of Angels as I did) and manicure at the four star Siena Hotel Spa Casino in Reno, NV. Not to forget two small homemade decadent chocolate truffles..But that's not all... Other posh spas offer skin treatments, such as: Chocolate Body Masque, Chocolate Fondue Wrap, Chocolate Facial, Chocolate Pedicure, Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Wrap, and Chocolate Scrub/Massage.

What's more, experts largely agree a healthy skin and glow is a reflection of your overall health and well-being. It goes back to moderation and diet. Eat nutrient dense, natural antioxidant-rich foods--this includes fine dark chocolate in moderation--exercise, and use sunscreen and forget the tan to avoid skin cancer and aging skin.

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Anti-Aging Antioxidants in Dark Chocolate

Catechin: can strengthen immune responses

Epicatechin: may stave off heart disease and diabetes

Flavonoids: may help to reduce bad "LDL" cholesterol

Resveratrol: may have anti-cancer properties

Tannins: nutrients that can stave off strokes and heart attacks

The bottom line: If you take care of the inner you the outer you will look younger from head to toe. Check out more good for you chocolate news and you'll be surprised to discover that quality chocolate in moderation does boast healing powers for you and your skin and overall health. FYI: check out the NewsMaxTV video:

Chocolate Rx: Can Chocolate Cure Lackluster Libido?

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet

Did you know?... A 1.5 ounce bar of quality chocolate has as much antioxidant power as a 5 ounce glass of wine?

Can chocolate be the cure to feeling sexy again? Some people think it can. "Chocolate is viewed as an aphrodisiac because it includes a plant substance that mimics human sex hormones. Part of the chocolate makeup hits the same brain pleasure centers as when we are happy, in love, or sexually aroused," explains sex expert Dr. Ava Cadell, in Los Angeles, California. "The brain also releases feel-good chemical such as serotonin that produces a eurphoric sensation."...

Thanks to phenylethylamine (PEA), a natural substance in chocolate, when you eat chocolate it also triggers that magical reation in your body--similar to that magical feeling of falling in love. And who can forget the legendary Italian lover Casanova and the Marquis de Sade, who allegedly turned to chocolate for a seduction ploy.

What Chocolate Cure to Use: Incorporate a small amount of dark chocolate (preferably 60 to 70 percent cocoa content) into your diet every day. The darker the chocolate and less sugar and less calories, the more you're apt to achieve results without unwanted weight gain, which can often make both men and women's sexual appetite plummet.

Why You'll Like It: You can count the ways why pairing chocolate and lovemaking will make you smile. Bot the forbidden fruit and sexual activity are good for the heart, spirit, and soul. Plus, health experts know there are health perks of lovemaking such as it can burn calories, induce sleep, calm you, and boost self-esteem. So, this spring -- a time when couples couple up -- why not double your pleasure during foreplay and the afterglow by sharing chocolate, the dark stuff that tastes rich and can arouse your sensual pleasures, too?

* Check out more hot cures to put to work in the new book The Healing Powers of Chocolate (Kensington, 2010).