\u201cGo on treat yourself!\u201d is what my dear friend used to say.<\/p>\n
We all owe it to ourselves to break out from time to time and for my money \u2013 a treat of \u2018something decadent\u2019 and very chocolatey is an affordable yet luxurious indulgence.<\/p>\n
I do consider myself to be a chocoholic \u2013 as I have a small amount every day.<\/p>\n
The ancient Mayans, however, consumed chocolate in some form at most meals! Cocoa residues were found in a Mayan pot dating from some 2,600 years ago.<\/p>\n
The specially fashioned pot had a long spout to pour from one pot to another, creating a rich creamy foam. Throughout its long history chocolate has been consumed not only for its taste, but also for medicinal purposes, and while it is hardly a health food it can and does assist in cases where feebleness, depression, lassitude, need treatment. It is one of the richest sources of energy.<\/p>\n
Eating chocolate triggers the release of uplifting hormones or endorphins.<\/p>\n
Research has shown that it can trigger the same chemical reactions as some anti-depressant drugs.<\/p>\n
As if we needed any more excuses to occasionally indulge in a comforting hot chocolate on a wintry day, or a self-saucing pudding for dessert, a handmade truffle to enjoy with coffee at the end of dinner?<\/p>\n
The point to remember is that if you choose really good chocolate \u2013 you only need a tiny amount to enjoy that euphoric feeling.<\/p>\n
Classification of chocolate is by the chocolate liquor and cocoa butter content as unsweetened, bittersweet, semi-sweet, milk or white.<\/p>\n
Dark chocolate should contain at least 50 per cent cocoa liquor. White chocolate does not contain any cocoa liquor and therefore is not really chocolate at all. Coverture is a specialty cooking chocolate \u2013 its high percentage of cocoa butter ensures an even \u2018coating\u2019 and a high gloss.<\/p>\n
So who was it that said, \u201cmoderation in everything, except chocolate and wine\u201d?<\/p>\n
Why not make tiny muffins so that you can enjoy a hit of chocolate without too much guilt?<\/p>\n
And if they are going to be baby muffins, well might as well cram them with as much chocolate as is possible! So, here\u2019s a recipe for triple chocolate muffins to enjoy, every other day, if you must.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve used baking paper cones instead of paper cups in the muffin tins. The recipe makes approximately 12 muffins.<\/p>\n
Ration out as you see fit! But remember, chocolate can be good for you – in moderation, of course!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\u201cGo on treat yourself!\u201d is what my dear friend used to say. We all owe it to ourselves to break out from time to time and for my money \u2013 a treat of \u2018something decadent\u2019 and very chocolatey is an affordable yet luxurious indulgence. I do consider myself to be a chocoholic \u2013 as I […]<\/p>\n