"Nothing is more romantic than chocolate".
Ted Allen
(Queer Eye For The Straight Guy)

Chocolate Sushi

Pure chocolate indulgence was on the mind when Chef Renee Foote started her own catering company ‘Ginder Island Cuisine’ in 2000. While providing an array of catering services, serving the Toronto area, for in-home dinner parties and corporate events, one of Chef Foote’s signature dishes is her hors d’eourve Chocolate Sushi.

This delectable Chocolate Sushi does not contain any rice, fish or wasabi, instead these divine creations are hand-rolled using all natural Belgian and Swiss chocolate and garnished with an assortment of market fresh ingredients.

Chocolate Sushi Varieties

The Original Roll - Velvet, Chocolate Truffle mousse interior. Luxurious vanilla "cloud"cake, brushed with Godiva white chocolate liquer. Belgian chocolate wraps around the exterior, enhanced by a rich Dutch cocoa coating.

Fresh Raspberry - Chocolate Buttermilk cake encases both chocolate mousse and ruby raspberry filling. A frosted mint leaf and fresh raspberry crown each portion. Exterior coating is comprised of crushed chocolate pieces and whispers of oriental five-spice powder.

Pistachio & Orange - Roasted hazelnut centers are hidden inside chocolate truffle mousse. Ideal for the Chocolate -nut lover, as the chocolate wrapper is rolled in crushed pistachio jewels. Fresh orange segments provide a refreshing burst of flavor.

Buddha's Delight - Chocolate Truffle mousse enrobed in chocolate ganache cream and encrusted with chocolate wafer crumbs. This particular Chocolate Sushi™ stands out with its' white chocolate inscription, a Chinese character symbolizing longevity.

True Mint - Delicate peppermint crème forms the center inside the rich chocolate mousse filling of this Chocolate Sushi™. The exterior is comprised of crushed chocolate chips and Dutch cocoa. The end result is a winning combination of mint and chocolate chip.

White Chocolate Truffle - Divine White Chocolate juxtaposed in bittersweet cocoa. Chocolate buttermilk cake provides a luscious background texture, while chocolate truffle mousse enhances the taste of pure white chocolate indulgence.

Chocolate & Goat Cheese?

If you love chocolate (as much as I do) and cheese too, than I am certain this product I came across will appeal to you! You will positively fall in love with this chocolate goat cheese by Capri, these 5-ounce logs are addictive!

For a simply chocolaty snack try this recipe;
1. Warm a 5 – oz log of chocolate Capri to a little warmer than room temperature
2. Spread roughly a ½ oz on a shortbread cookie or cracker
3. Top with any fruit (kiwi, raspberries or strawberries)

Savour & Enjoy

Chocolate Fact

Gift of the Gods

According to ancient Aztec legend, a white-skinned, beared god named Quetzalcoatl (the god of wisdom and knowledge) came from his land to present the people with the seeds of the cocoa tree. He taught them how to grow the cocoa tree, harvest its pods and prepare chocolatl (the first drinking chocolate). This is how chocolate became known as 'Gift of the Gods' or 'Food of the Gods'.

"I probably have some sort of chocolate five times a week. There's definitely a change it does to the chemistry of the body. It's my favorite feeling. I live for it".

- John Travolta

World Chocolate Masters

The World Chocolate Masters is the international event for top chocolate professionals. This international competition initiated and sponsored by Barry Callebaut recognizes and celebrates the professionals’ innovation, artistry and technical skills. Contestants are chosen for their flair and competence, where their talents are put to the test in front of an international panel of food experts.

I had the pleasure of being one of a select few who were invited to observe the National World Chocolate Masters qualifying competition held at Humber College on April 24-25. The competition was a pre-selection event where the first place winner will move on to compete at the International World Chocolate Masters competition in 2011 in London England.

There were only eight Canadian chefs chosen to participate in the Canadian pre-selection competition. Over the two days, each chef was required to create a chocolate showpiece, dipped praline, moulded praline, a plated dessert, a gastronomic chocolate dessert and an item of the judge’s choosing.

http://www.barry-callebaut.com/

10 Coco-Health Facts

1. It is a known fact that chocolate has caffeine in it, but you would have to eat more then a dozen chocolate bars to get the same amount of caffeine from a cup of coffee.

2. Chocolate is actually a valuable energy source. A single chocolate chip can provide enough energy for an adult human to walk 150 ft.

3. Chocolate has great health benefits. It helps with high blood pressure, cancerous growths and pre-menstrual syndromes.

4. Chocolate does not cause or aggravate acne, this is a myth.

5. One ounce of baking chocolate or cocoa contains 10% of the daily recommended intake of iron.

6. Chocolate is a great natural antidepressant. It contains tryptophan which helps you create serotonin, your body's own antidepressant.

7. People spend more than $7 billion dollars a year on chocolate.

8. The per capita consumption of chocolate indicates that each person consumes 12 pounds of chocolate each year.

9. Milk Chocolate is the most preferred type of chocolate; however dark chocolate is especially popular among men.

10. Many believe that chocolate is an aphrodisiac, possibly because of the simple sensual pleasure of its consumption. Also theobromine is a chemical found in chocolate and acts as mild sexual stimulant.

Savour & Enjoy