Easy Chocolate Dessert Recipe

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.

\"Dessert Recipes\"

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.

Easy Chocolate Dessert Recipe

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.

Easy Chocolate Dessert Recipe

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

Jello Dessert Recipe: No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Pudding

During the holidays and just about everyday, people are busy working, taking care of children and doing housekeeping. Many people have such a hectic schedule it is hard to find some easy to make recipes that they can use. The good news is we have just the right dessert recipe to suit just about any occasion or special event. Of course, these recipes are also great for everyday snacks and treats, whether you are feeding family or entertaining friends and associates.

The No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Pudding is an Easy to Make Jello Dessert Recipe

\"Dessert Recipes\"

Many times when you are using instant pudding to make a dessert, you can cut down on the time you spend preparing the dish. You can get the unique taste of a French vanilla and graham cracker filling complimented by a quick and easy chocolate frosting. It is so simple to make that everyone will want to make their own when you take them to a holiday party. They are so easy to make that the kids can do it themselves and safe you even more time.

Jello Dessert Recipe: No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Pudding

Jello Recipes are Easy to Adapt

You can easily adapt this simple and easy to make recipe by exchanging the instant pudding flavor you choose to use. For instance, you might like to try different pudding flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, butterscotch, or even pistachio. You may even want to try a different flavor of instant frostings. For instant, you might use vanilla, strawberry, mocha, and maybe even German chocolate frosting. It all just depends on the flavors you and your family enjoys the most.

Since the crust and toppings are already prepared, making this dessert for a holiday party could not be easier. It is alright to use simple and useful tricks like this when you are making a dessert. Whether you are making this as a quick family treat or you want to make it and take it to an office party, people will find it to be delicious. Many may ask for the recipe and others may come back for a second piece of this easy to make yet mouthwatering dessert.

Recipe for No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Pudding

What You Need

• 2 packages Jello French vanilla instant pudding 3.75 ounces
• 3 cups milk
• 1 package whipped topping 9 ounces
• 1 package graham crackers
• 1 prepared can or mixture of chocolate frosting

How to Make It

Line the bottom of a 13-inch glass or decorative pan with graham crackers and set aside until needed.

Using a large mixing bowl add the pudding mix and milk and mix for 2 minutes on low speed. Fold in the whipped topping until thoroughly mix together.

Pour this mixture over the graham crackers and spread evenly. Add another layer of graham crackers and then place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 15 minutes.

Remove from refrigerator and spread chocolate frosting evenly over the top. Place this dessert dish back into the refrigerator to chill for about 45 minutes to an hour before serving.

Jello Dessert Recipe: No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Pudding

Jello puddings and gelatins are ideal for making all sorts of delicious desserts. If you are searching for a great tasting jello cake recipe, you need to visit our website to see the different types of desserts you can make with jello as well as other delicious snacks and treats.

JelloRecipes.net - We Don't Make the Products We Just Make Great Desserts with Them!

Homemade Chocolate Frosting Recipe - Basic Chocolate Frosting Recipe

Homemade chocolate frosting tastes so much better than that ready made kind you buy in a can, although that is good when you don't have time, but really, it's pretty easy to whip up some frosting of your own with this recipe.

1/4 cup butter, melted

\"Dessert Recipes\"

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Homemade Chocolate Frosting Recipe - Basic Chocolate Frosting Recipe

1/3 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions

In a large bowl, combine butter and cocoa; beat until well mixed. Add in the milk, vanilla and salt; beat until smooth. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar until frosting is smooth and creamy. Add more milk if you want a thinner consistency.

=> Chocolate Cake Frosting Recipe: Chocolate Fudge Frosting Recipe

Here's a good chocolate fudge icing recipe that goes great with chocolate cake.

3 squares baking chocolate

5 tablespoons butter

3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

7 tablespoons milk

Dash of salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

In a saucepan, combine the chocolate and the butter; cook on low heat until both are melted. Remove from heat. In a large bowl, add the sugar and stir in the milk, salt and vanilla. Slowly stir in the chocolate mixture and beat until frosting is smooth and easy to spread.

=> Easy Chocolate Frosting Recipe: Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Recipe

Here's an easy frosting recipe that spreads creamy and smooth on your homemade cake.

2-2/3 cups confectioners' sugar

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa

6 tablespoons butter

5-6 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cocoa. In another small bowl, add 1/2 cup of cocoa mixture and the butter; beat well. Alternately add in the remaining cocoa mixture and the milk; beat until mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla.

=> Easy Chocolate Frosting Recipe: Chocolate Chip Frosting

If you're a chocolate chip lover, this is quick way to make some homemade chocolate frosting.

1/4 cup butter

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup milk

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

In a saucepan, combine butter, sugar and milk; bring to a boil. Stir in chocolate chips and the vanilla. Remove from heat. Beat frosting until cool and is a spreading consistency.

=> Easy Chocolate Frosting Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

The wonderful flavors of chocolate and peanut butter make a nice frosting to use on cupcakes.

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa

2-2/3 cup confectioners' sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup cream or evaporated milk

In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter and cocoa; stir until well blended. Stir in the sugar, salt and vanilla. Add in the cream until the desired consistency is reached.

=> German Chocolate Frosting Recipe: German Chocolate Cake Frosting Recipe

Here's a great German chocolate frosting recipe that features coconut and pecans.

1 cup sugar

3 egg yolks

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup pecans, chopped

1 stick butter

1 can condensed milk

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 can coconut

Directions

In a saucepan, combine all ingredients and cook over low heat; stir constantly until frosting reaches a thick consistency (about 12 minutes). Stir in the pecans and coconut.

=> Chocolate Cream Frosting Recipe: Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

This makes a rich chocolate frosting that goes great on brownies and cupcakes.

4 squares unsweetened chocolate

1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese (room temperature)

4 cups confectioners' sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons evaporated milk

Directions

In a saucepan or double boiler, melt chocolate over low heat.

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until it has a fluffy consistency. Stir in the melted chocolate; with an electric mixer, mix on medium speed until well blended. Mix in the vanilla and salt. Slowly blend in the sugar.

Increase mixer speed to medium high. Gradually add in the milk and beat until the frosting is a smooth consistency.

Homemade Chocolate Frosting Recipe - Basic Chocolate Frosting Recipe

Brownies, Cheesecake, Fudge and more

[http://www.best-brownie-recipes.com]

America's Top 5 Chocolate Candy Brands

Often referred to as the sweetest pleasure of mankind, Chocolate candy is one of the top sellers in America after a long time before enjoying it. Chocolate was discovered by Mayans of the Yucatán Peninsula, in México about 2,600 years ago or so, as evidence found in ruins suggest.

When the Aztecs arrived to the Valley of Mexico, the term chocolate was coined, derived from its Náhuatl name. However, chocolate was only prepared as a beverage or chewed as cacao bean. In this period of history, the World's Finest Chocolates were totally out of scope.

Candy

Chocolate candy was taken to Europa by the hand of conqueror Hernán Cortés, who introduced it to Spain in the 16th century. It was not until the next century when it got back to New England, after the first British settlements overseas, although it is possible that American Native tribes knew how to prepare chocolate beverage.

The following centuries saw the growth of candy manufacturers introducing some of the finest brands, such as Hershey chocolate, Ghirardelli chocolate, Nestle chocolate and Lindt Chocolates, just to name a few.

It was during the 19th century when the World's Finest Chocolates would be manufactured following a period of industrialization. The Switzerland chocolate company Lindt & Sprüngli was founded in 1845, producer of the world-famous Lindt Chocolates.

Later Nestlé, another Switzerland Company, joined to the venture manufacturing sweeteners in 1866, but Nestle chocolate candy and other food products began to be distributed in all of Europe and America around the turn of the century.

As chocolate candy became more popular and accepted worldwide, more companies were established, and many others disappeared shortly after. In the United States, the pioneer was Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, founded in 1852. Ghirardelli chocolate was the first American brand.

Milton S. Hershey founded the Hershey Chocolate Company after visiting the Columbian Exposition. Hershey sold his former Lancaster Caramel Company, but retained the rights to produce American chocolate products. Hershey chocolate was just the beginning of one of the most successful business in the United States.

Along with Lindt Chocolates, Nestle chocolate, Ghirardelli chocolate, and Hershey chocolate, Mars is the other brand of chocolate candy sharing the top five as producer of some of the World's Finest Chocolates.

The American company Mars Incorporated was founded by Frank C. in 1920 which specialized in a chocolate candy bar with caramel, internationally known as the Mars Bar, and his son and wife developed the famous chocolates M&M's.

Different brands from different origins, the top chocolate candy brands are manufactured in America, preferred by consumers for about one hundred years, and ahead of other chocolate products distributed or produced in the United States, a nation that exports today the World's Finest Chocolates all over the world.

America's Top 5 Chocolate Candy Brands

Natalie Aranda writes on family, food and shopping. Often referred to as the sweetest pleasure of mankind, Chocolate candy is one of the top sellers in America after a long time before enjoying it. Along with Lindt Chocolates, Nestle chocolate, Ghirardelli chocolate, and Hershey chocolate, Mars is the other brand of chocolate candy sharing the top five as producer of some of the World's Finest Chocolates. As chocolate candy became more popular and accepted worldwide, more companies were established, and many others disappeared shortly after. In the United States, the pioneer was Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, founded in 1852. Ghirardelli chocolate was the first American brand.

Chocolate Milkshake Recipe - 4 Chocolicious Chocolate Milkshakes

Smooth, creamy, frothy, these are just a few of the descriptions that run through our heads when we indulge in that all-time popular frozen confection: the chocolate milkshake. It seems like the rise of the chocolate milkshake came at the same time that drugstores of old began selling soda fountain drinks consisting of a scoop of ice cream with tantalizing flavors added.

It was inevitable, I guess, that once chocolate syrup was poured over ice cream in a dish, that it would one day wind up in a glass. For the past forty years or so, millions of people have enjoyed a frosty chocolate milkshake as part of a traditional fast food meal of hamburger and French fries. Of course, it's just as delicious all by itself, but the fast food restaurants have caught on to our absolute love for the chocolate shake.

Confection

What happens if you wake up from a nice nap and experience a craving for a frosty chocolate milkshake? That's right, you need to make one right then and there. Luckily, there are some great easy-to-make recipes for making a homemade chocolate milkshake that will help to satisfy your thirsty tastebuds.

The three recipes below are all variations of the basic chocolate milkshake. I suggest you try them all, since it's hard to pick a favorite.

=> Chocolate Milkshake Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Milkshake

What can you say about a chocolate milkshake that features cherries except, mmmm.

4 scoops vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt

3/4 cup cold milk

1/4 cup chocolate syrup

3 maraschino cherries, stems removed

Whipped topping & additional cherry

Directions

Place ice cream, milk, chocolate syrup and cherries in blender. Blend until smooth. Garnish with whipped topping and cherry.

=> Chocolate Milkshake Recipe: Chocolate Cheesecake Milkshake

This is the most decadent of all four chocolate milkshake recipes. If you are on a diet, please move along; nothing to see here. If you could care less about calories - enjoy!

1/2 oz. pkg. cream cheese

2 cups milk

6 scoops chocolate ice cream

Directions

Place cream cheese and 1 cup milk in a blender. Blend until smooth. Place the remaining milk and ice cream in blender, and continue to blend until smooth.

=> Chocolate Milkshake Recipe: Chunky Monkey Milkshake

This is a delicious milkshake that will have you swinging from the trees and making funny noises. Okay, that's an exaggeration, but you'll definitely feel happy with every sip.

3 scoops vanilla ice cream

2 tablespoons chocolate chips

1/2 banana

1 tablespoon instant coffee

2 tablespoon chocolate syrup

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

Blend on medium for 1 minute.

=> Chocolate Milkshake Recipe: Whoppers Malt Milkshake

You remember how much you loved Whoppers candy as a kid. Whoppers are famous for their chocolate malt flavor. I bet you ate plenty of them while you were at the movie theatre. Here's your chance to enjoy that same malted milkball taste in the form of a milkshake. Guaranteed to temporarily bring you back to some fun childhood memories.

2 - 3 scoops vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt

1/3 cup cold milk

3 tablespoons chocolate malt syrup

Whipped cream topping

Directions

Place ice cream, milk and chocolate malt syrup in blender. Blend until smooth. Garnish with whipped topping and cherry.

Chocolate Milkshake Recipe - 4 Chocolicious Chocolate Milkshakes

Easy to make – fun to drink

[http://www.1st-milkshake-n-smoothie-recipes.com]

17 Popular Quotes about Chocolate

1. "Chocolate causes certain endocrine glands to secrete hormones that affect your feelings and behavior by making you happy. Therefore, it counteracts depression, in turn reducing the stress of depression. Your stress-free life helps you maintain a youthful disposition, both physically and mentally. So, eat lots of chocolate!" - Elaine Sherman, Book of Divine Indulgences

2. "Strength is the capacity to break a chocolate bar in four pieces with your bare hands--and then just eating one piece" - Judith Viorst

Sweets

3. "Self-discipline implies some unpleasant things to me, including staying away from chocolate and keeping my hands out of women's pants." - Oleg Kiselev

4. "It's not that chocolates are a substitute for love. Love is a substitute for chocolate. Chocolate is, let's face it, far more reliable than a man." - Miranda Ingram

5. "Life is like a box of chocolates...You never know what you're gonna get." - Forrest Gump in Forrest Gump

6. "The superiority of chocolate, both for health and nourishment, will soon give it the same preference over tea and coffee in America which it has in Spain." - Thomas Jefferson

7. "Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate." - Sandra Boynton

8. "If one swallows a cup of chocolate only three hours after a copious lunch, everything will be perfectly digested and there will still be room for dinner." - Brillat-Savarin

9. "It has been shown as proof positive that carefully prepared chocolate is as healthful a food as it is pleasant; that it is nourishing and easily digested... that it is above all helpful to people who must do a great deal of mental work." - Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

10. "If you are not feeling well, if you have not slept, chocolate will revive you. But you have no chocolate! I think of that again and again! My dear, how will you ever manage?" - Marquise de Sévigné

11. "Chocolate is a perfect food, as wholesome as it is delicious, a beneficent restorer of exhausted power. It is the best friend of those engaged in literary pursuits." - Baron Justus von Liebig

12. "Nine out of ten people like chocolate. The tenth person always lies." - John Q. Tullius

13. "There are two kinds of people in the world: those who love chocolate, and communists." - Leslie Moak Murray

14. "Forget love... I'd rather fall in chocolate!" - Author Unknown

15. "There are four basic food groups: milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate and chocolate truffles." - Author Unknown

16. "My favorite thing in the world is a box of fine European chocolates which is, for sure, better than sex." - Alicia Silverstone

17. "After about 20 years of marriage, I'm finally starting to scratch the surface of that one. And I think the answer lies somewhere between conversation and chocolate." - Mel Gibson in What Women Want.

17 Popular Quotes about Chocolate

Copyright 2005. Bridget Mwape writes for Chocolate Gift Basket website at: http://www.chocolate-gift-basket.org.uk/ which features gift ideas, chocolates and more. He also writes for http://www.sweets-and-chocolate.org.uk/ which offers a wide selection of sweets.

Homemade Chocolate Frosting Recipe - Basic Chocolate Frosting Recipe

Homemade chocolate frosting tastes so much better than that ready made kind you buy in a can, although that is good when you don't have time, but really, it's pretty easy to whip up some frosting of your own with this recipe.

1/4 cup butter, melted

Confection

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/3 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions

In a large bowl, combine butter and cocoa; beat until well mixed. Add in the milk, vanilla and salt; beat until smooth. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar until frosting is smooth and creamy. Add more milk if you want a thinner consistency.

=> Chocolate Cake Frosting Recipe: Chocolate Fudge Frosting Recipe

Here's a good chocolate fudge icing recipe that goes great with chocolate cake.

3 squares baking chocolate

5 tablespoons butter

3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

7 tablespoons milk

Dash of salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

In a saucepan, combine the chocolate and the butter; cook on low heat until both are melted. Remove from heat. In a large bowl, add the sugar and stir in the milk, salt and vanilla. Slowly stir in the chocolate mixture and beat until frosting is smooth and easy to spread.

=> Easy Chocolate Frosting Recipe: Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Recipe

Here's an easy frosting recipe that spreads creamy and smooth on your homemade cake.

2-2/3 cups confectioners' sugar

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa

6 tablespoons butter

5-6 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cocoa. In another small bowl, add 1/2 cup of cocoa mixture and the butter; beat well. Alternately add in the remaining cocoa mixture and the milk; beat until mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla.

=> Easy Chocolate Frosting Recipe: Chocolate Chip Frosting

If you're a chocolate chip lover, this is quick way to make some homemade chocolate frosting.

1/4 cup butter

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup milk

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

In a saucepan, combine butter, sugar and milk; bring to a boil. Stir in chocolate chips and the vanilla. Remove from heat. Beat frosting until cool and is a spreading consistency.

=> Easy Chocolate Frosting Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe

The wonderful flavors of chocolate and peanut butter make a nice frosting to use on cupcakes.

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa

2-2/3 cup confectioners' sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup cream or evaporated milk

In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter and cocoa; stir until well blended. Stir in the sugar, salt and vanilla. Add in the cream until the desired consistency is reached.

=> German Chocolate Frosting Recipe: German Chocolate Cake Frosting Recipe

Here's a great German chocolate frosting recipe that features coconut and pecans.

1 cup sugar

3 egg yolks

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup pecans, chopped

1 stick butter

1 can condensed milk

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 can coconut

Directions

In a saucepan, combine all ingredients and cook over low heat; stir constantly until frosting reaches a thick consistency (about 12 minutes). Stir in the pecans and coconut.

=> Chocolate Cream Frosting Recipe: Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

This makes a rich chocolate frosting that goes great on brownies and cupcakes.

4 squares unsweetened chocolate

1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese (room temperature)

4 cups confectioners' sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons evaporated milk

Directions

In a saucepan or double boiler, melt chocolate over low heat.

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until it has a fluffy consistency. Stir in the melted chocolate; with an electric mixer, mix on medium speed until well blended. Mix in the vanilla and salt. Slowly blend in the sugar.

Increase mixer speed to medium high. Gradually add in the milk and beat until the frosting is a smooth consistency.

Homemade Chocolate Frosting Recipe - Basic Chocolate Frosting Recipe

Brownies, Cheesecake, Fudge and more

[http://www.best-brownie-recipes.com]

Chocolate Marketing-Harness The Power Of Chocolate For Your Marketing

Chocolate is unquestionably the number one comfort food. Worldwide, no other word excites our hearts and minds, yes, even our palates to action. It can be obtained in many forms. There is hot chocolate, cold chocolate, and spicy chocolate. If your passion is rich, dark, bittersweet, or milky sweet it can be easily satisfied. There is even white chocolate for those who fancy a light, creamy taste without the flavor that the alternatives deliver. What is it about chocolate that so permeates our subconscious until we ultimately indulge our craving?

If you look at all the characteristics that this confection is noted for you will undeniably find the list lacking nothing. The very first few that come to my mind are:

Confection

1. Sweet or bittersweet taste
2. Rich, creamy indulgence
3. Warm, inviting, comfort food
4. Nothing quite smells like chocolate

And that is just for starters. However, its features are not what we crave. We crave it for what it does for us. As I ponder this subject, to better focus on the answers to these questions, I can think of no other chocolaty indulgence that I would rather have than My Little Taste of Italy's sinfully, sensual, rich and luscious cappuccino brownies. They are so well known, on both coasts of America and in between, that they have been dubbed, "Orgasmic!"

Mama Gloria and Liz have discovered the key to satisfy the most discerning palate. Their tasty treats include chocolate biscotti that are to die for fabulous. Did I tell you their treats are known all across America? Well, that isn't quite accurate. They are also ship their goodies overseas to our armed forces, but this is another tale for another time.

So, what is it that Mama Gloria and Liz have discovered that has enthralled the world? They have figured out that we cannot live without chocolate and have used that knowledge to capture our appetites and our hearts. When we look at what chocolate does for us, and what makes the desire so strong that we cannot ignore it, we discover the essence of true marketing potential. What is it that My Little Taste of Italy's Cappuccino Brownies do for the lucky soul Let's uncover their secret.

What chocolate does for the consumer is summed up in how it makes them feel. Some of these benefits are:

1. Satisfies our senses
2. Soothes our nerves
3. Makes us feel good about ourselves
4. Provides health benefits

It is a well known fact that chocolate increases our endorphins, actively producing a sense of well being, and serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant. Recently I discovered that it is also beneficial to smokers. "It has shown promise in that it may reverse some of their smoking-related impairment in blood vessel function," according to a study in the Oct. 4, 2005, issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

But what does all of this have to do with marketing? The answer is simple, EVERYTHING! Think of it, if you could harness the benefits of chocolate in your advertising you would ensure your business' success. If you simply find a way to make your product or service compelling to your consumer you will seldom loose a sale. Sit down right now and create a list of all of your product or service's features. Then from that you will be able to build the list that will clearly define the benefits to your customers. With that knowledge firmly in hand you will have the key to the best marketing plan that you have ever prepared.

Chocolate Marketing-Harness The Power Of Chocolate For Your Marketing

Ginger Marks and Kim Emerson are co-owners of Nibroc Marketing Solutions http://www.nibrocmarketing.com Ginger is also the author of "Presentational Skills for the Next Generation" available through her company website at http://www.DocUmeant.net . My Little Taste of Italy can be found at [http://www.mylittletasteofitaly.com/].

Easy Chocolate Dessert Recipe - 10 Minute Mocha Pots De Creme

Are you looking for a super easy chocolate dessert recipe that is rich and satisfying? I think you will love these 10-minute mocha pots de creme from one of my favorite baking books - The Weekend Baker: Irresistible Recipes, Simple Techniques, and Stress-Free Strategies for Busy People by Abigail Johnson Dodge. I discovered the recipe back in 2008 when I was putting together the menu for a private baking/dessert class I was teaching and have made it many times since.

As Abby explains in the book, Pot de creme is the French version of American pudding. This recipe is particularly simple - you just whip the ingredients together in a blender. It really is a 10 minute easy chocolate dessert recipe with just 6 ingredients.

Dessert

What's a weight loss coach doing posting blogs about easy chocolate desserts? Good question. Let me explain.

After years of struggling with deprivation based diets and driving myself crazy searching for the one perfect approach to healthy eating, I've finally waved the white flag realizing there is no such thing as a perfect diet. Constantly seeking the "perfect diet" is obsessive, exhausting and a huge waste of precious life energy. I now practice and encourage a balanced approach to weight loss and healthy eating that combines lots of variety with large doses of pleasure. For me that means indulging in small amounts of deliciously decadent desserts, like this one, when I want them.

If you are on the lookout for a recipe for a chocolate dessert that is both easy and impressive, I hope you give this wonderfully satisfying one a try.

10-Minute Mocha Pots de Crme
Makes four 1/2 cup servings

The French version of American pudding, this is a no-bake version that whips up in minutes with the help of your blender. The key is to use really good chocolate. The recipe says to chill this at least 45 minutes, but I've found it takes at least a couple of hours to cool off and firm up in my fridge.

1 cup (8 fl ounces/233 ml) heavy cream
4 ounces (113 grams) bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
3 tablespoons sugar
teaspoon instant espresso powder or instant coffee granules
2 tablespoons coffee-flavored liqueur
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Have out 4 small ramekins or classic pot de crme pots (little cups with lids) or pretty tea cups just slightly larger than 1/2 cup each. (Since this is a no bake recipe the dishes don't have to be ovenproof.)

In a small saucepan, heat the cream just until boiling. Meanwhile, add the chopped chocolate, sugar, and espresso powder or coffee granules into a blender. When the cream is just boiling, pour it into the blender. Place the lid on the blender and blend on medium high speed until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is frothy and smooth. Add the liqueur and vanilla and process until blended, about 10 seconds.

Using a spoon, skim off the foam from the top of the custard and discard. Pour the chocolate cream into the ramekins or cups, dividing evenly. Cover with plastic and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a few chocolate shavings, if desired.

Flavor variations: Bourbon and dark rum work well in place of the coffee liqueur. For fruit flavored liqueurs such as orange or raspberry, omit the coffee granules.

Easy Chocolate Dessert Recipe - 10 Minute Mocha Pots De Creme

Martha McKinnon is a health coach and yoga instructor who believes that eating great & losing weight can be simple & delicious when you focus on nourishing the whole you - body, mind, & soul. Her website is http://www.simple-nourished-living.com. Stop by for a free copy of her E-cookbooklet full of delicious granola bar recipes.