Friday Foodie Fix
I’m taking a guess here that this will be one of the most popular Secret Ingredients for Friday Foodie Fix. I hope many of you will share your recipes and find many new ones to make.
Chocolate is produced from a few ingredients including the seed of the cacoa tree. I realize that means chocolate is not exactly a single ingredient, but it usually is used that way when cooking. Not many of us make our own chocolate.
Cacao has been cultivated for at least three millennia in Mexico, Central and South America, with its earliest documented use around 1100 BC. It is one of the most popular food types and flavors in the world. Many holidays celebrated in the US use chocolate as a major part of that celebration. Can you imagine a Halloween with no chocolate? For a little more information on cocoa you can read more on Scharffen Berger website.
You can buy chocolate in many flavors and states. You can get dark chocolate, milk chocolate, raw, dairy free, sugar free, soy free, gluten free, and even fair trade chocolate. I didn’t forget white chocolate. It does not contain any cocoa so many do not consider this chocolate. You can drink chocolate, bake with it, add it to sauces and chili (my secret ingredient) or just let it melt on your tongue.
Don’t tell me you just chew it fast and swallow! Well, if you’re not eating the good stuff I guess that’s ok. Chocolate bars should be eaten in small pieces and left to melt on your tongue. This insures maximum satisfaction. I look at it this way, if I’m going to spend money and calories it should be worth it. My chocolate has to be gluten and dairy free, which means it’s usually the good stuff. For an amazing raw chocolate check out Gnosis Chocolates. They are delicious and good for you and come in tons of amazing combinations.
I’ve made way too many recipes with chocolate but here are a few:
Cranberry Chocolate Nut Truffles, Chocolate Macadamia Nuts, Hot Chocolate, and Chocolate Sorbet with Roasted Chocolate Nibs. Now add yours! If this is your first time check out the guidelines for submission.
Next week’s Secret Ingredient is ………………….. Almonds!
Just in case you missed the big announcement, I’m giving away TWO copies of Elana Amsterdam’s Gluten Free Almond Flour Cookbook next Friday with our almonds as the Secret Ingredient. I also am offering a monthly newsletter. Please read all about it. If you sign up for the newsletter you receive TWO entries to WIN that cookbook. You’ll also receive my Gluten Free Top 10 List Collection. More ways to win so make sure you read Cookbook Giveaway and Newsletter Announcement at The W.H.O.L.E. Gang.
I shared some of my favorite chocolate recipes. You know that chocolate is my absolute favorite food in the world, well, next to wine. 😉
Thanks for choosing such a great ingredient! 🙂
Kim
Kim- to me chocolate and a glass of wine is a great recipe. 🙂
Ooooh the perfect ingredient! Chocolate is so much a necessity in my life 🙂
Jenn- I'm with you on that one!
Chocolate is such a versatile and awesome ingredient. Where would we be without it ;D.
Lauren- I don't even want to think about that. I had to live without it for 9 months so I savor every bite now!
I have to join the others and say I LOVE CHOCOLATE. I always have some in the house. I don't usually binge on it, but probably have at least a little bit everyday. And, looking at the submissions of links already, I'm guessing this may be your biggest FFF this year. I see I am not alone. 🙂
I read your post and everyone’s titles and immediately had to go get some chocolate! LOL, but true. Just a little chocolate, because I’ve been under the weather. Dark chocolate is medicinal, right? I think I’m feeling better already. I’m not ready for the glass of wine, but maybe later this evening. 😉
Shirley
Chocolate! Good choice. I looked at all my dessert recipes and most of them have chocolate. My favorite. Will be fun to cruise the recipes posted here. Thanks.