Christmas is just round the corner and so many preparations have to be done. From decorations to gifts, everything has to be well arranged for so that there is nothing left for the last minute hassle. It is toughest when it is about deciding what presents to give to the relatives and friends. There are so many considerations to be kept in mind and what not. Also, there is a desire to present something absolutely different from the traditionally prevalent and exchanged gifts. So, if you are also wondering what shall be presented to your near and dear ones, you should give a thought to delicious chocolate covered Goji berries for Christmas gifts.

They make different and healthy gifts

The chocolate covered Goji berries for Christmas will certainly make the most exceptional of the gifts. Not only will they serve the sweet tooth aptly, but will also take care of the health of the present recipient. These sumptuous chocolate dipped Goji berries are full of beneficial anti oxidants and thereby make the recipient swell with happiness and joy when presented with. As Goji berries contain a lot of minerals and are really high on nutritional front, they are also consumed as juice or in their dried forms. A dash of chocolate adds a delicious taste to them and renders them more tempting as ever. This incredible gift allows people to please their palate to their content without actually compromising on their health or diet.

Chocolate adds to the qualities

Goji berries are widely known to have amazing therapeutic and health benefits. Taken in any form, they are always advantageous to the health of the consumers. When dipped in chocolate their health value increases highly along with the taste. This is so because chocolate has been found to improve the functions of the endothelial cells that are very crucial in the apt working of the blood vessels. More so, if it is dark chocolate, then it is all the better as there are further concentrated flavonoids sources in it than any other food product. Flavonoids are believed to reduce the risks of diseases of the heart and thus dark chocolate covered Goji berries for Christmas are a great choice as a present. Be it children, young people adults or the elderly, these are loved by all alike. The chocolate covered Goji berries for Christmas can be easily availed online and as per desire.



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

I have a confession, I'm a chocoholic, I freely admit it, I've loved chocolate all my life, and nothing you do or say is going to change my mind. Couple that with the fact chocolate contains vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E and minerals like calcium, potassium and, iron, if it wasn't already too late, I'd nominate chocolate for president.

Now gourmet chocolate, that's taking chocolate to an entirely different level of enjoyment and satisfaction. I've even read that gourmet chocolate can help regulate my blood sugar, seems this legendary treat contains high levels of chromium, which is exactly what a body needs. To say that chocolate (particularly gourmet chocolate) is a gift from the gods would not be overstating its worth, certainly not to me.

I've been told by my husband, there are times I exhibit symptoms of PMS (premenstrual symptom), and I feel like screaming... "Buy me chocolate!", but I doubt he'd understand. Gourmet chocolate contains magnesium which can help regulate my progesterone levels and with it PMS. To me "Gourmet chocolate (and not diamonds) are a girl's best friend".

A TASTY BIT OF HISTORY: while no one knows when the first cocoa bean was discovered, historically speaking it happened over 4000 years ago in the Amazon. From there it's sailed thru the mists of time past the six century into the Mayan then the Aztec culture. From there chocolate spread its essence across the world, travelling first with Columbus and then other explorers, it was destined to be a tasty treat and has adorned the tables of kings and queens throughout the world.

CHOCOHOLICS MYTHS: while there are many who are concerned about their weight, chocolate, unless consumed to excess, has more therapeutic benefits, then detriments, this includes weight gain.

I need to draw a distinction between gourmet chocolate and a typical chocolate bar you'd buy at the supermarket, for they are as far apart as a hamburger from a steak dinner. Gourmet chocolate permeates the air with a rich aroma of cocoa, with a texture that is smooth and creamy, and a taste that literally melts in your mouth. It is a treat, fit for the gods but given freely to us mere mortals.

And because variety truly is the spice of life, gourmet chocolate's range is a spectrum and includes caramel, Java Truffle, Jamaican Rum Caramel and Raspberry Truffle, even the names themselves ring with flavor.

CHOCOHOLIC TRIVIA: when men get hungry in general they crave fat and salt, while women yearn for chocolate.

CHOCOHOLIC ROMANCE: occurring naturally inside chocolate is the chemical phenylethylamine (PEA). When consumed it is reported that this chemical stimulates the body the same as falling in love.

The preparation of chocolate has evolved through the centuries, yet still the creation of the perfect gourmet chocolate treat remains an elusive dream. Yet it is gift that speaks with passion and intensity, when you give gourmet chocolate, you're exhibiting an expression of love.



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Most of the time I bake cakes for birthdays only, but on occasion I'll make one just because. When it's one of our family member's birthday, they almost always request a chocolate cake. Here are my favorite chocolate cake recipes. I hope you enjoy them.

Chocolate Chip Pudding Cake
Serving Size : 12

This has to be my all time favorite chocolate cake. My husband's grandmother was in the hospital one time and one of the nurses let her try this cake which she loved
so she got the recipe. We have been making it for birthdays ever since. It is a bit rich, but if you like chocolate, it's for you.

Preparation Method
1 box chocolate cake mix -- any brand
3 ounces chocolate pudding mix -- instant
12 ounces chocolate chips
1 3/4 cups milk
2 eggs

Mix ingredients well and pour into prepared bundt pan.
Bake for 1 hour at 325*. Dust with powdered sugar.

Blush Cake
Serving Size : 12

I like this cake because it is unusual and it's one additional way to use our beets from the garden!

Preparation Method
1 1/4 C All-Purpose Flour
1 C Granulated Sugar
1/4 C Cocoa Powder
1 Tsp Baking Powder
2 Lg. Eggs
1/2 C Red Beets -- cooked & grated
1 1/2 Tbsp Honey
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
1/4 C +2 Tbsp Butter Or Margarine -- melted
1/4 C Milk

Cream Cheese Frosting:
1- 3 Oz. Pkg. Cream Cheese
1 Tbsp Milk
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
2 1/2 C Confectioner's Sugar

Combine flour, sugar, cocoa and baking powder in a large bowl. Set aside. With an electric mixer beat eggs, beets, honey, vanilla, butter and milk in another bowl. Add dry ingredients to egg mixture and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour into a greased 8" square cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes. To make frosting: Blend cream cheese with milk and vanilla. Gradually add sugar. Beat until smooth. If too thick, add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time. When cake has cooled completely, spread on
frosting.

The Ultimate Chocolate Cake
A very moist and delicious cake

Preparation Method
2 Cups un-sifted flour
2/3 Cup cocoa
1 1/4 Teaspoons baking soda
1/4 Teaspoon baking powder
1 2/3 Cups sugar
4 eggs
1 Teaspoon vanilla
1 Cup mayonnaise
1 1/3 cups water

Grease and flour bottoms of 2 (9") layer cake pans. Mix first 4 ingredients, set aside. In a large bowl with mixer at high speed beat the next 3 ingredients 3 minutes or until light & fluffy. At low speed, beat in mayonnaise. Add flour mixture in 4 additions alternately with water, beginning and ending with flour. Pour into pans. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes or until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Remove; cool on racks. Frost.

Hot Fudge Cake

This cake is actually low in fat -- 14% according to my recipe program. You'd never know by tasting it though.

Preparation Method
1 C All-Purpose Flour
3/4 C Sugar
6 Tbsp Cocoa -- divided
2 Tsp Baking Powder
1/4 Tsp Salt
1/2 C Milk
2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
1 C Packed Brown Sugar
1 3/4 C Hot Water
Whipped Cream Or Ice Cream-Opt.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa, baking powder and salt. Stir in the milk, oil and vanilla until smooth. Spread in an un-greased 9" square baking pan. Combine brown sugar and remaining cocoa; sprinkle over batter. Pour hot water over all; do not stir. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Serve warm. Top with whipped cream or ice cream if desired. Yield: 9 servings.



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