Chocolate Fudge Pudding - A Family Classic Chocolate Recipe

Chocolate has that magical property of being loved by almost everyone. Some say it's because of the way it melts at our body temperature, with a soft, smooth sensation combined with delicious sweet tastes. Some have more technical explanations, suggesting it's to do with the release of hormones like serotonin in our bodies. Whatever, our family, like most, confess to being chocoholics. And they are not making much progress towards addressing their addiction problem! One of the popular chocolate recipes in our home is a classic that has been in the family recipe collection for many years. It's a chocolate fudge pudding.

Apart from the great chocolate taste, it also has the merit, from a cooking perspective, of being a very easy chocolate dessert to make. It also looks great. It has a rich chocolate sauce that settles in the bottom of your cooking dish. You can turn it out upside-down for table presentation as a self-saucing pudding, or just spoon the sauce over each serving. It's best served hot with fresh or whipped cream, or with ice cream. A few berries or cherries, or some chocolate curls, add to the presentation. Our whole family enjoys it. Even the diet conscious and sporty members insist on joining in, "Just with a smaller serving please." But it is especially a winner the younger ones, and a top birthday party request. Decadent! This recipe serves 4, and takes about 1 hour. The ingredients are:

    * 75g or 3oz self-raising flour
    * 2 level tablespoons cocoa powder
    * pinch of salt
    * 2 eggs
    * half a teaspoon vanilla essence
    * 100g or 4oz butter or margarine
    * 100g or 4oz castor sugar
    * 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
    * 1 or 2 tablespoons of milk

And for the chocolate sauce:

    * 100g or 4oz soft brown sugar
    * 2 level tablespoons cocoa powder
    * 3dl or half a pint of hot water

For the main dessert, sift or whisk the flour, cocoa powder and salt together in a bowl, and set them aside until needed. Cream the butter or margarine and sugar in another bowl, until the mix is light and fluffy. Lightly mix the eggs and vanilla essence together, then gradually beat them into the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Gradually fold in the flour mixture, then add in the walnuts, and just enough of the milk to get a smooth medium-to-soft consistency. Butter a 1 to 1 and a quarter liter, or 2 to 2 and a half pint, pie or baking dish, and spread the mixture evenly into it. Set it aside while you prepare the chocolate sauce.

To do this, combine the brown sugar and cocoa powder in a bowl. Add the hot water and stir the mix well into a liquid. Pour this sauce over the main mixture in its cooking dish. It will sit on top at the start, but when the pudding is cooked it will settle underneath. Cook your chocolate fudge pudding in the center of a moderately hot oven (190 degrees C, 395 degrees F or Gas No.5) for 40 minutes. Enjoy!

By Shelby Wright 

Like most people, Shelby Wright is an unreformed chocoholic. If you share this affliction you should try Shelby's recipe for a superb chocolate rum cake recipe Shelby also writes for Family Home Lifestyle

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shelby_Wright

Unusual Hot Chocolate Recipes (2)

Grand Marnier Hot Chocolate Recipe

Something different I think you'll like.

Ingredients You Need:

1 cup half n' half
2 cups milk
1/2 cup orange juice
6 oz bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/3 cup Grand Marnier

How To Prepare:

Heat half and half, milk, and orange juice until just boiling. In a mixing bowl, add about 2/3 cup of hot milk to the chocolate and whip smooth. Add the rest of the milk and whisk again. Simmer for around 2 minutes to reheat through.
Add Grand Marnier and serve.

Moscow Hot Chocolate Recipe

This is hot chocolate recipe will definitely keep you warm on a cold day.

Ingredients You Need:

fluid ounce vanilla flavored vodka 3/4 fluid ounce amaretto liqueur 1 tablespoon instant hot chocolate mix 4 fluid ounces hot milk

How To Prepare:

Into a coffee mug, pour in the vanilla vodka, amaretto, and add the hot chocolate mix. Pour in the hot milk and stir to blend well.

These are some interesting hot chocolate recipes and different from the norm. Give your taste buds a change of taste.

You want other great hot chocolate recipes you can go to http://real-easy-chocolate-recipes.surecashnow.com/hot.html For other kinds of chocolate recipes go to the main website at http://real-easy-chocolate-recipes.surecashnow.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Bridges

Unusual Hot Chocolate Recipes (1)

                                                            Nothing warms you up better on a cold frosty day then a good cup of hot chocolate. There are any number of great hot chocolate recipes around. Hot chocolate recipes that not only warm you up, but also taste sinfully good. Hot chocolate recipes that include cinnamon, whipped cream, mint, fruit and even alcohol.

Hot chocolate has a long history starting with an Aztec drink called xocoatl. The drink was introduced to the Europeans by Hernan Cortez. The Spaniards added a sweetener to the drink, they had difficulty pronouncing xocoatl and changed the name of the drinke to chocolat. The English later change the name to chocolate. It is unknown who started warming the drink and named it hot chocolate, but I for one am glad they did.

The hot chocolate recipes I want to show you are different from any you may of heard of. These are somewhat unusual like hot chocolate with chili pepper. Don't let the unusual nature of these hot chocolate recipes keep you from trying them.

Aztec Chili Hot Chocolate Recipe

A spicy hot chocolate with chili peppers.

Ingredients You Need:

1 2/3 cups milk
1/2 vanilla bean, split length wise
1 red chili pepper, split with seeds removed
1 cinnamon stick, around 3-4"
1 1/2 oz chocolate (bittersweet)

How To Prepare:

Simmer milk in a saucepan with vanilla bean, cinnamon and chili. Heat through for about a minute. Whisk in grated chocolate, and continue to simmer until melted. Remove from heat and let 'steep' for another 10 minutes. Strain out the spices and serve.
Serves 2.

By Michael Bridges

These are some interesting hot chocolate recipes and different from the norm. Give your taste buds a change of taste.

You want other great hot chocolate recipes you can go to http://real-easy-chocolate-recipes.surecashnow.com/hot.html For other kinds of chocolate recipes go to the main website at http://real-easy-chocolate-recipes.surecashnow.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Bridges
Image from: http://flickrcc.bluemountains.net/index.php?terms=hot+chocolate&edit=yes&page=1#

Easy Chocolate Dessert Recipe

http://www.cooksrecipes.com/Nestle5/chocolate_caramel_sauce.jpg

Chocolate is one of the oldest processed foods enjoyed over the past millennium. It came from the tropical tree called cocoa. This tree is native to South America, Central America and Mexico. The seeds of the cocoa tree are dried and fermented and finally grounded and liquefied. As a result of these processes, pure unsweetened chocolate is formed.

There are different kinds of chocolate. Each is classified according to its composition and color. Milk chocolate is the combination of sugar, cocoa butter and milk. It is considered not a true chocolate because of the absence of cocoa solids formed from the processes involved in production of pure chocolate. White chocolate can be consumed by animals. The addition of sugar and fats makes up the third kind of chocolate. Dark chocolate has high cocoa content and is believed to have health benefits by reducing the occurrence of heart attack. One example of dark chocolate is semisweet chocolate which is used in cooking recipes. Sometimes vanilla is added for a more pleasing aroma.

Chocolate is enjoyed in a wide variety of preparations nowadays. If one would go to a nearby restaurant, cafeteria or snack bar, one would definitely come across chocolates in various attractive servings ranging from breads, cakes, drinks and ice creams.

Below is an easy chocolate dessert recipe that you can enjoy doing. It's a recipe on how to make your ice cream richer, creamier and attractive when served after a sumptuous meal. It is very easy to prepare.

Chocolate Caramel Sauce
Ingredients:

½ gallon vanilla ice cream of any flavor
10 caramels
¾ cup of Nestle Carnation Evaporated Milk
1 ¾ cups of Nestle Toll House Milk Chocolate Morsels

Directions: Combine caramels, 1 ½ cups morsels and evaporated milk in a saucepan under low heat. Continuously stir until mixture is smooth. Serve as a topping on ice cream.

This easy chocolate recipe has an estimated cooking time of ten minutes. It yields to seven servings of ¼ cup each. In case of left over, refrigerate and reheat in saucepan while continuously stirring.

You can also use this sauce to add flavor to your brownies and cheesecakes. You can even add peanut butter chips, colored chocolate chips to make it more attractive for kids. This stuff is heavenly and your friends will compliment you for its rich and tempting taste.

This is just an example of an easy to prepare chocolate recipe. Other recipes vary from their ingredients, procedures, cooking time, skill level and the number of servings. Nestle, a multinational packaged food company, offers a wide range of easy chocolate recipes for you to choose from to fit your interests. With its line of chocolate products, dairy products, and ice cream you can surely select a wide variety of easy recipe suggestions to satisfy your eagerness to learn more about easy chocolate recipes.

These easy chocolate recipes let you spend little time in your kitchen yet let you delight anybody's taste buds. These are easy to follow recipes that you alone can enjoy doing even on a busy day. Enjoy the chocolates. Enjoy the recipes.

By Guido Nussbaum
More recipes can be found at the Easy Chocolate Dessert Recipes site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Guido_Nussbaum

Image from: http://www.cooksrecipes.com/Nestle5/chocolate_caramel_sauce.jpg

Cakes For Chocolate Lovers (2) - Chocolate Strawberry Shortcakes

continued from last posting...

CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKES

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
3 tbsps unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup light cream or half and half
1 pint strawberries, sliced
Whipped cream

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

In a medium-large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cocoa, and salt. Stir to blend. Gradually add the cream, mixing with a wooden or large plastic spoon until the mixture clings together. Lightly grease a baking sheet. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for about 1 minute. Pat dough into a 3/4-inch thick rectangle. Cut pastry dough into 6 rounds using a biscuit cutter. Arrange rounds on the prepared baking sheet. Place in oven and bake at 425 degrees for about 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Split the shortcakes in half horizontally. Top half of the rounds with the strawberries, then the whipped cream. Replace the top half and top with a dollop of whipped cream topped with one or two strawberry halves. Serve immediately after assembling.

Enjoy!

By Linda Carol Wilson
Find more dessert recipes at http://ladybugssweettreats.blogspot.com
For more of Linda's recipes and diabetic information go to http://diabeticenjoyingfood.squarespace.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Carol_Wilson

Cakes For Chocolate Lovers (1) - Chocolate Citrus Cake

Oooooh! Chocoholics everywhere! If you are looking for new and different ways to enjoy chocolate cakes, here are some recipes for you. Chocolate Citrus Cake uses orange zest in the batter for that citrus touch. Baked in three layers, it is filled and frosted with a combination of orange juice, dark chocolate mousse, and thawed frozen whipped topping. Delicious! The homemade Chocolate Strawberry Shortcakes are the perfect chocolate twist on a favorite dessert.

CHOCOLATE CITRUS CAKE

1 box (18 1/4 oz) chocolate cake mix
1 orange, zested and juiced
2 pkgs (2.8 oz each) dark chocolate mousse mix
1 carton (12 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare cake mix according to the package directions, adding 2 teaspoons of the orange zest. Divide batter into 3 8-inch round cake pans. Bake around 15 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan about 5 minutes then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Place both packages of mousse mix in a medium mixing bowl. Add 1/4 cup orange juice. Beat mixture for 2 minutes. Fold in the whipped topping. Chill frosting until ready to layer the cake. Put one layer on a serving plate. Top with 1 cup of the frosting. Add second layer and repeat, add third layer. Using the remaining frosting, completely frost the top and sides of the cake. If desired, use thinly sliced orange slices arranged in the center of the cake for garnish.

By Linda Carol Wilson

NOTE: Did you know that oranges may help to lower blood cholesterol? They contain terpenes that reduce serum cholesterol levels and they are high in LDL-lowering fiber.
Find more dessert recipes at http://ladybugssweettreats.blogspot.com
For more of Linda's recipes and diabetic information go to http://diabeticenjoyingfood.squarespace.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Carol_Wilson

Homemade Chocolate Recipes

Homemade chocolate recipes provide the chocolate lovers not only with a vast variety of choices for delicious, mouthwatering dessert but also with flexibility to substitute some of the ingredients so they will have an enjoyable eating experience while having a healthy dessert.

Chocolate... healthy?

It's not a secret that chocolate eating is associated with a feeling of guilt - guilt of blowing out weight loss diet or eating unhealthy food.

Well, I have good news. The main ingredient of pure (dark) chocolate, cocoa, actually contains lots of vitamins and minerals.

I don't think I need to convince anybody to eat chocolate but in case you think it is unhealthy addition to your diet here are some details:

- Among other vitamins and minerals cocoa contains B group vitamins, vitamin E and magnesium. Just do a quick search on the Internet to see the major benefits of these nutrients.

- A research in the United States showed that cocoa contains more anti-oxidants than green tea and red wine!

- Cocoa contains L-Tryptophan that improves the mood and hence can help combat cravings for unhealthy food.

- Cocoa butter is widely used as a cosmetics base in natural and "not-so-natural' cosmetics industries because of nourishment it provides for the skin.

In order to see the weight loss benefits of chocolate you need to eat a small piece of dark chocolate daily, no more than 200 g per week.

Unfortunately many ready-made chocolate products are very low on cocoa so they actually do not provide any of the benefits mentioned above. They also contain lots of sugar and need to be avoided if you care about your health and healthy weight.

You need to choose chocolate products that contain over 65% of cocoa in order to see the health benefits of cocoa.

Why to make your own chocolate desserts at home?

1) As I already mentioned, homemade chocolate recipes provide you with flexibility to choose your own ingredients and replace some of "not so healthy" ones with healthier alternatives.
Here is a list of ingredients for one recipe, for example:

Chocolate Ice-Cream

2 ½ quarts of cream
1 ½ pint of milk
1 quart thin cream,
2 cupfuls of sugar,
2 ounces of plain chocolate bar,
2 eggs,
2 heaping tablespoonfuls of flour

To make this dessert healthier use dark chocolate, for example, substitute some of the cream with milk, reduce sugar and add vanilla to improve taste. I never tried it with whole wheat flour but this might work too! Imagine the title "Whole-wheat ice-cream for weight loss and health"!

2) You can make your favorite dessert without any preservatives, colorings or other artificial elements added.

3) You can use your creativity and make exquisite desserts for the entire family that will bring your whole family together to enjoy food prepared with love and care.

4) Making chocolate desserts at home will also fill your house with homey, "cozy" aroma that will make the place you live a real Home.

By Leanne M.
Homemade Chocolate Recipes page provides lots of information on chocolate including recipes. If you are a real chocolate lover visit http://www.homemadechocolaterecipes.com for over 100 delicious, mouthwatering recipes.

Leanne enjoys researching and writing about different topics that can help others solve problems.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leanne_M.

Tips For Successfully Melting Chocolate

Chocolate must be melted gently to prevent it from scorching or burning. The traditional method for melting chocolate is with a double boiler, which works well, but can be a bit risky since you are increasing the chance that the chocolate seizes as a result of coming in contact with water.

I opt for either melting the chocolate directly on top of the stove or in the microwave.

Here are some important tips for safely melting chocolate:

* Chop the chocolate into small uniform pieces so it melts faster and more evenly and is less likely to burn.
* Never try to melt large bars or blocks of chocolate that have not been chopped since they are much more likely to burn before they melt.
* Avoid any contact with water or moisture. When moisture causes chocolate to get thick, grainy and lumpy it is called seizing. Make sure your bowls, utensils, and pans are completely dry and that no moisture gets into the chocolate when melting.
* Stir the chocolate frequently with a rubber spatula, once the outer edges start to melt to prevent it from scorching.
* Chocolate retains its shape when melted in the microwave, so the only way to know if it is truly melted is to stir it.

How to Melt Chocolate in the Microwave

I like melting chocolate in the microwave since it is so quick and easy. When done properly, chocolate can be melted in the microwave more quickly than directly on the stove top or in a double boiler, and with less effort and mess. The time required will depend on the amount and type of chocolate being melted.

I usually start by placing the small pieces of chopped chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and heating for 30 to 45 seconds on 100% power. Then stir the chocolate well. If needed, microwave for additional 10 to 20 second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.

Melting Chocolate on the Top of the Stove

Most cookbooks and cooking experts will tell you to never melt chocolate directly on the stove top. But that's the way my Mom always did it and how I do it when I don't have access to a microwave. Just be very very careful and don't walk away from the stove with chocolate on a burner.

Place the small pieces of chopped chocolate in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan over the lowest heat possible. Stir the chocolate constantly and remove it from the heat just before it is completely melted. Continue to stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Just remember low and slow and you should have no problem.

What To Do If My Chocolate Seizes?

Stir 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or shortening into every 6 ounces of chocolate and stir until smooth.

By Martha McKinnon

Martha McKinnon is an avid home cook and cooking instructor who loves sharing everything she has learned through her years in the kitchen with all who are interested.

Her website, http://www.best-ever-cookie-collection.com is dedicated to publishing the best cookie recipes.

And her blog, http://www.simple-nourished-living.com explores easy recipes, tips, and hints.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martha_McKinnon

Image from: http://www.chocolatechunks.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/melting_chocolate.jpg

Yum-Yum Brownie Pie Recipe Suitable For Diabetics and Dieters

Are you looking for a different pie recipe? Do you want to impress your family and friends with something new? Why not try this brownie pie recipe? It is yummy and will impress any chocoholics in your group. And the best part? It is suitable for the diabetics and dieters in the group. Get out the pie plate and give it a try today! You don't need to wait for a special occasion; treat yourself. You're worth it! HINT: This also makes a good birthday treat for those who prefer pie over cake.

BROWNIE PIE

1 stick of butter
1 cup Equal Sugar-Lite
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 eggs beaten or 1/2 cup egg substitute
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup flour
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Prepare your favorite sugar-free pie crust shell but do not bake.

Melt butter in saucepan and blend in cocoa powder. Blend in other ingredients, except nuts. Mix well. Add nuts and mix in. Pour into pie crust shell. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

For a special dessert, add a scoop of sugar-free vanilla ice-cream to each pie slice and drizzle sugar-free chocolate syrup (I love the Russell Stover brand) over top of ice cream. Sprinkle with chopped nuts, if desired.

Note: For a chocolate lovers' birthday treat, dress each slice as mentioned above and insert a birthday candle into the ice-cream of the honorees' slice. Or you could put the candles on the pie before serving, then cut into slices, add the ice cream and syrup after the candles have been blown out. That would probably work better with a child and the other method better for an adult.

For more of Linda's recipes and diabetic information go to http://www.diabeticenjoyingfood.squarespace.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Carol_Wilson