Gourmet Chocolate Gifts

By: Ross Bainbridge
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:17:40
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

Rich, sinful chocolate that simply melts in the mouth—is there a more heavenly experience? Admittedly, most chocoholics can think of more imaginative phrases to describe this wicked indulgence that has its origin in Central America.

Popular in Mayan and Aztec civilizations, the New World used it in bitter spicy xocoatl. Introduced by the Spanish to Europe, it gradually gained popularity, especially among the aristocrats. The nineteenth century saw the emergence of the modern-day chocolate. The Dutch, the Swiss, the English, the French, and others experimented and helped perfect the process.

There are no better gifts than gourmet chocolates to add to the festive punch of any holiday season, to sweeten the memories of a loved one, to put a smile on a face, or to simply to overwhelm the senses with pleasure. No special occasion is required to enjoy chocolate. There are different types of chocolate —unsweetened chocolate liquor used for baking, dark chocolate without addition of milk, couverture that is rich in cocoa butter, milk chocolate, semi-sweet cooking chocolate, bittersweet chocolate, and cocoa powder. Mint, orange, strawberry, caramel, liqueur, dry fruits, cream, nuts of all kinds, and rice crispies are common additives to further enhance these sumptuous chocolates.

Criollo, Trinitario, and Forastero are the three varieties of cacao beans used. From harvesting beans to blending, conching and tempering, all these process determine the character of the chocolate.

Can one imagine a chocolate-free dessert world? Be it a simple comforting cocoa drink or chocolate chip cookies to rich chocolate gateaux, chocolate is delightful. Chocolates could be inexpensive candy bars or expensive truffles. In demand are genuine, completely conched Swiss chocolates, famous Belgian specialties like ballotins de pralines and manons, divine French creations like bonbons, truffles, Turkish delights, chocolate-covered fruits, and many more. Appreciating the work of premier chocolate-makers is almost like the fine art of wine tasting. Movies like Chocolat and Charlie and the Chocolate factory further prove the popularity of this supposed aphrodisiac.

For the passionate chocophile there is no better gift than irresistible gourmet chocolates, with their attractive shapes, colors, flavors, aromas, and packaging. So take a stroll or go online for flawlessly sculpted tasty treats before it is too late!

Gourmet Gifts provides detailed information on Gourmet Gifts, Gourmet Gift Baskets, Gourmet Meat Gifts, Gourmet Chocolate Gifts and more. Gourmet Gifts is affiliated with Gourmet Fruit Gift Baskets.

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Chocolate category

  • Indulge in Gourmet Chocolates - By: Crizza Reyes
    Chocolate is the voice of passion and love, whether it is the love of chocolate itself or as an expression of love for another human being. The way its texture feels in your mouth as it melts is very satisfying and its richness takes this pleasure to a whole new level.
  • Cocoa Beans and the Fierce Competition in the Chocolate Industry - By: Cristian Stan
    Chocolates are always referred to as feel-good foods. They are the simple luxuries of life. However, making chocolates is never simple - especially not with the fierce competition perceived in the chocolate industry these days.
  • Celebrate with custom chocolate coins - By: Ajay Shringi
    Chocolate - ah, the rich, seductive swirl of thick, creamy chocolate melting at the tip of your tongue sends all your senses into a tizzy of pleasure. Every time you bite into a piece of chocolate, whether it is white, brown or even bitter chocolate, you cannot help but heave a sigh of pure, undiluted pleasure. This is the reason why more and more people are celebrating with chocolate favors.
  • Custom chocolate cigars make the perfect gift - By: Ajay Shringi
    This year, why not floor your competition with a gift that they will never forget? Delicious, personalized chocolate cigars carrying a heartfelt personal message will leave an impression that won't go away in a hurry.
  • Cocoa Commodity Prices are affected by the US Economy - By: Cristian Stan
    With the recent slump in the U.S. economy, cocoa manufacturers have experienced a downfall in their commodity pricing. The U.S. is one of the biggest consumers of cocoa, as it is the main ingredient of chocolate and chocolate drinks. The slowdown in the U.S. economy had triggered a not-so good effect in the cocoa industry all over the world.
  • Cocoa Beans are the Super Food of the Future - By: Cristian Stan
    Super foods are defined as food items that can ward off diseases like cancer, heart ailments, cholesterol, and a whole list of others. These foods have high phytonutrient content that can only be good for your health. Any food containing significant amounts of vitamins, antioxidants, dietary fibers, minerals, and enzymes can be regarded as a super food.
  • Services provided with chocolate fountain - By: Awais Ashraf
    Since previous twenty years one of the most remarkable unmatched and fun inclusions to weddings, birthday parties and other occasions is chocolate fountain. A chocolate fountain has turned into one of the most preferable and ideal appendage for parties having a factor of joy and amazement for the crowd.
  • Hand Made Chocolates and Flowers - By: Timothy Spencer
    A bouquet of flowers always comes best with a box of chocolates. However, there are no more special than hand-made Belgian chocolates with that bunch of fresh flowers. This article explains how a box of Belgian hand-made chocolates is the best from other kinds of chocolates you can find from the nearest supermarket.
  • Sweeten Your Wedding Day - By: Promila Saini
    Traditionally, wedding days are filled with flowers and laces, yes, that could still work but where's the uniqueness and "one of a kind" concept that you are looking for? Instead of settling to the use of flowers and laces, why not try chocolates and sweets?
  • Chocolate T-shirts and Gifts: Show Your Love - By: Ruth Lanham
    One of those things that you love that you can express with a t-shirt is chocolate. It's not secret that many people love chocolate and feel like they can't live without. Chocolate is a food that people have been obsessed about for a long time and have no problem telling others how much they love it.