By: Terri Grace
Are you a chocolate lover? Do you enjoy giving chocolate gifts to others? Are you always looking for a new and unique chocolate treat to add to your list of favorite deserts? Do you enjoy finding delicious chocolate recipes to make for family and friends?
Chocolate or (kah kow) was discovered 2,000 years ago in the tropical rain forests of the Americas. Over various cultures and time, it evolved into what we know chocolate to be today. Spain got it's first look at chocolate when Colombus returned from America. He brought back dark brown cocoa beans. The Aztec Indians called chocolate "food of the Gods." Emperor Montezuma served the Spaniards warm liquid chocolate in golden goblets. The Spaniards, however, thought the drink to be bitter so they added cane sugar.
Today, centuries later, we still love chocolate. There are innumerable recipes and chocolate products to be indulged in. Some of the ways that we can share chocolate gifts with other chocolate lover's is the following:
1. Romance: Anniversaries, Valentine's Day or a romantic date can be enhanced by decadent chocolate. Chocolate evokes romance.
2. Holidays: Depending on size, chocolate gifts can either be a main gift for a holiday or an addition to a main gift. Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Mother's Day are some of the best holidays for chocolate gifts. Chocolate is often thought of as a traditional gift on many occasions.
3. Business Gifts: Companies show their employees appreciation for faithful service by giving gifts. Chocolate is a wonderful way to say "thank you".
4. Food gift baskets: Mortgage companies, car dealerships, Realtors, insurance companies, jewelry stores, home builders, etc., often use food gift baskets to thank their clients or customers for their business.
Some great chocolate gifts you could give are:
Strawberries dipped in chocolate Vanilla Ice Cream covered in Chocolate Syrup Chocolate Mouses Torte Rich Chocolate Cake English Toffee Fluffy creamy chocolate pie Chocolate dipped in nuts Chocolate, chocolate chip cookies Truffles Black and white cookiesChocolate Chip Zucchini Bread Chocolate Cheesecake
The following is a delicious and easy recipe that your friends and family will love.
Fudgy Brownies
½ C. Butter 2 Eggs
½ C. Partially-Dutch Cocoa 1 tsp. Vanilla
1 C. Sugar ½ C. Flour
1/4 tsp. Salt
Dalliene Johnson
Salt Lake City, Utah
Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 8"X8" pan. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Remove melted butter from heat; add cocoa and stir until well blended. Add sugar and mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat well. Stir in vanilla, flour and salt. Do not over beat. Spread in the prepared pan and bake 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Chocolate is appropriate for any occasion. It is rich and elegant for weddings, a reward for a job well done or a great desert after a delicious dinner. For other fantastic chocolate gift ideas visit:
http://www.terribluegooseboutique.com
