As far as the stomach is concerned, chocolates are definitely sweeter than kisses by a landslide. Once you factor in human emotions, the kisses will win all day everyday. However, a recent study has shown that melting a piece of chocolate in the mouth of subjects, resulted in higher amounts of brain activity than the act of kissing. So based upon this study, chocolate gift baskets result in better pleasure for the taste buds and the brain.

20 something year old British couples were subjects in the study. The study measured the emotions released from melting chocolate on the mouth and a passionate kiss on the lips. The scientists used electrodes to measure the heart rate and brain activity of the subjects as they were given chocolate treats containing 60% cocoa.

The results were recorded. And then the same treatment was done but this time, the readings were taken while they were kissing. The results were very interesting. The chocolate defeated the kiss with a great lead. The sweets from the chocolate gift baskets sustained a heightened sense of excitement four times greater and longer than kissing. In fact, while melting the chocolates in their mouth, the resting heart rate of 60 bpm of the couples increased dramatically to 140 bpm. The brain also received a more intense stimulus from chocolate than what it received from the kiss.

It is no surprise that chocolate gift baskets are a popular gift for loved ones, however it is very interesting to find that the chocolates are even better than kissing. Scientists attribute the results to the substances found in everyday chocolates.

Substances, such as phenyl ethylamine, are responsible for the rise in endorphins which are actually the pleasure hormones of the brain. Chocolates also contain caffeine, a powerful stimulant. Theo bromine, another substance abundant in cocoa, also causes mood-elevating effects. Furthermore, serotonin, the happy neurotransmitter, also increases.

More so, they also found out that if you want to achieve a more heightened sense of pleasure, don’t just eat and swallow these foods from chocolate gift baskets straight to your gut. Have time to let it melt on your mouth to attain a longer bliss that could even outlast the sensation brought about by kissing.

Although chocolates are good for you, you should remember that they should be enjoyed in moderation.

With this discovery, chocolate gift baskets will definitely stay on top of the lists of your lovers favorite gifts. But remember that a simple kiss is always best when it comes to showing how much you love your partner. In the meantime, chocolate gift baskets can be a good alternative. Just promise not to over love them, because the world is not yet ready to witness a marriage between a piece of chocolate and a person.

For other insightful articles about chocolate gift baskets you can drop by chocolategiftbaskets.org

There’s that old saying: “The best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”

Who ever said that you have to eat out this Valentines Day? A public restaurant is hardly the place to be intimate. And let’s face it, to do so is a bit clich. If you want to impress your man with how much you care, it’s time to prepare something with your own hands.

Enter chocolate. When deciding what should be on the menu February 14, make sure that at least one meal has chocolate. Chocolate is a natural aphrodisiac; it promotes that ‘honeymoon mood.’ It’s sensual and can be really delicate— a perfect prelude to either a relaxed discussion or a not-so-relaxed seduction! Even before the first meal is served, just the aroma from the kitchen will already have your partner excited.

What’s more, the mere inclusion of chocolate in your menu gives out signals that this meal is something special. Come on, chocolate isn’t really part of your every day menu, and if your partner sees that you’ve gone out of your way to include it, it makes the meal all the more extraordinary. Chocolate, like champagne, are two of the best kinds of food to kick off a festive mood, and Valentine’s Day is no exception.

Consider the following options:

Breakfast: How about some chocolate chips in your pancakes? Traditional diners used to make scones, waffles and pancakes with chocolate chips but the trend seems to have lost its appeal. Why not recover the nostalgia together and be like little kids again? When eaten straight from the pan, the chocolate would just melt in your mouth. Pair it with some hot cocoa and vanilla, and you’re good to go.

Appetizer: Nothing says “I love you” on Valentine’s Day like a big, warm bowl of chocolate fondue and a big plate of stuff that you can dip in it: bread sticks, fruits, marshmallows, each other - the choice is all yours!

Lunch: Are you up for being bold and experimental? Mix some chocolate in your barbeque sauce. Chocolate can serve as the sweetener of your marinade instead of sugar. Add some salty soy sauce and jalapenos. That will give your grilled beef a little kick!

Dinner: For a sumptuous and intimate dinner, use chocolate as the main ingredient in your cooking, or more specifically, cocoa. This dark, rich and heavily flavored powder can be a great compliment to more delicate flavors such as seafood. It balances things out and leaves you wanting more.

Dessert: Of course, there’s always room for dessert! Choices for these are limitless. Imagine cakes, mousses, souffls and flans made with chocolate. You can also do drinks like chocolate shakes, hot blends and even spirits.

The challenge here pretty much isn’t what to cook, but what you can think of! Chocolate is fun to prepare, so fold it, drizzle it, or use it as a dip. The sky is the limit, and your only obstacle here should be knowing when to stop!

Healthy Chocolate comes with some of the most essential nutrients needed by most Americans. This is probably why we all have chocolate cravings.

Chocolate comes from the fruit of the cacao tree. This fruit contains cacao seeds or beans and inside the bean is where you’ll find the chocolate.

Greatest Quantity of Flavonoids

Low temperature treated chocolate contains the most antioxidant flavonoids of any other food found on this planet. These antioxidant flavonoids protect you from free radicals that are responsible for aging you.

Health Benefits of Antioxidants:

Repairs free radical damage

Reduces blood clotting

Improves circulation

Lowers your risk of heart disease

Dark chocolate has quite a bit more antioxidant flavonoids than milk chocolate and raw chocolate would have the highest amounts.

Highest Magnesium Mineral Content

Healthy Chocolate is a great way to help balance your brain chemistry during that time of the month or any time of the month. Women seem to crave chocolate more then men and this could be due to a need for the mineral magnesium.

Approximately 80% of Americans are deficient in magnesium which is needed for the regulation of your heartbeat and blood pressure. Therefore, chocolate can be considered a heart healthy food.

Healthy Fats

The fats found in chocolate are called saturated and monounsaturated fats. It appears that chocolate is a heart healthy food and will not raise your cholesterol levels.

The monounsaturated fatty acids found in chocolate is called oleic acid. Olive oil also contains this heart healthy monounsaturated fatty acid.

The Chemicals Found in Chocolate Make You Happy

The chemicals that affect your brain chemistry are called anandamide and phenylethylamine.

Along with increasing your awareness, phenylethylamine produces a feeling very similar to the one you experience when you fall-in-love with someone.

Anandamide gives you a feeling of bliss. Chocolate increases the level of anandamide in your brain and its enzyme inhibitors slow its breakdown which promotes relaxation and feeling great.

Healthy Chocolate is Raw Cacao

When chocolate is raw or processed at a low temperature, it becomes a powerful super food that is loaded with great amounts of nutrients, minerals and vitamins.

Besides magnesium, other essential minerals present are calcium, zinc, iron, copper, and potassium along with vitamins E and B.

You will not find much caffeine in raw chocolate. What you will find is the sister molecule of caffeine which is called theobromine.

Since chocolate has more of a stimulating effect when it is roasted or cooked, eating your chocolate raw could give you a much more pleasant experience.

To find some of the greatest quality low temperature treated chocolate treats, Click Here. You can find more antioxidant loaded foods by checking out Destination Healthy Foods.

Nothing says romance better than chocolate. Whether dark or milk, pure or mixed with fruit and nuts, this ‘food for the gods’ is a reliable way to show your affection. In fact, Valentines Day without chocolate is like Christmas without the tree! They’re inseparable.

Chocolate in its many forms will surely be a sensation to your date. However, you don’t have to follow the tradition of chocolate bars tied in a red ribbon. You can take that extra mile for this one special day with any of these romantic chocolate gift ideas.

Chocolate Truffles. The traditional truffle still packs a punch, so how about these little bite-sized goodies? Truffles come in elegant heart-shaped boxes for the occasion, so no need to worry about presentation. Take your pick from Swiss, Belgian, American or European — or just go for the sampler!

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries. While a lot of fruits can be dipped in chocolate and enjoyed like banana and orange, nothing beats strawberries when it comes to tempting your mate. A LOT of specialty store and confectioneries offer strawberries that come with a variety of flavor dips. Order a dozen of these babies, get a bottle of champagne, put on soft music and candlelight, and you’ve got a winner.

A Chocolate Bouquet. Get your flower and chocolate shopping done in one stop; get chocolates in the shape of lovely blooms. This way, your flowers will not wither and she gets to enjoy a treat. And if you’re feeling experimental, why not make your chocolate bouquet yourself? A few sticks wrapped in green, some specialty paper, melted chocolate and a flower mold ought to do the trick.

Chocolate Photos. The sweetest gift you can find - or so the tagline says. There are now companies that specialize in chocolography, which is basically the making and printing of text and images using edible chocolate ink. You can dream up the (literally) sweetest greeting card you can think of, and go and rifle through albums for that photo you would love to see on a bar of chocolate.

Truth or Dare Chocolate Board Game. This is a new spin on everyone’s favorite game. This is a great way to get closer and get to know each other better. You can spend Valentine’s Day spilling the beans or getting painted in chocolate: the perfect excuse to stay in!

Chocolate-flavored Coffee. Now if you’re the type who prefers a relaxed and laid-back Valentine afternoon by the porch, this is the option for you. Gourmet shops now whip up this soothing and comforting brew, a perfect pair to quiet conversation. Your Valentines gift to your beloved can be a stress-free day.

Chocolate Paintbox. This one’s ideal for those of legal age. Valentine’s Day is just the perfect occasion to unleash the hidden artist in you. Get a couple of paint brushes, some chocolate paint, and, well, you get the picture!

Cake! And let’s not forget the cake! Order a triple-deck chocolate extravaganza after dinner and share a plate; what can be more romantic? Or bake it together. Dough plus romance equals a fun kitchen mess!

One of the common favorite desserts is probably the humble chocolate cake. It is probably the ultimate indulgence for any chocolate lover and anyone could swoon over a piece of rich and moist chocolate cake. It is no wonder that chocolate cakes recipes can be found everywhere.

New cooks will always have this pressure when it comes to baking a rich and moist chocolate cake because they fear failure. However, fret not as baking the perfect chocolate cake only needs practice and some great baking tips. If you persist in trying a few times, you will soon be baking perfect chocolate cakes in no time.

A chocolate cake is not a chocolate cake without its most basic main ingredient, baking chocolate. It is the baking chocolate that gave the cake its distinctive rich chocolatey taste but you need to use really good quality chocolates for richer and more flavorful cakes. Although there are different varieties of baking chocolates available in the market, you must not be easily confused by it all but learn to choose the right type of chocolate for your cake.

To choose the suitable chocolate for your cake baking experiments, always go for the kinds with higher cocoa content, such as the ones with 70% cocoa or more. With a higher cocoa content, the chocolate will be richer, thicker and packs a stronger cocoa flavour.

When you choose chocolates for your baking project, always remember to go for baking chocolates. This is because baking chocolates are not so sweet so you do not need to adjust the sugar amount of your cake to suit the chocolates you use. Even if you want to bake a semi-dark or non-dark chocolate cake, there are baking chocolates with less cocoa content that you could use.

If you want a healthier option and hassle-free way of baking chocolate cakes, you could always use cocoa powder as an alternative to baking chocolates. There are quite a few chocolate cake recipes that do not call for baking chocolates so there is no hassle of melting the chocolate. You only need to sift in the cocoa powder into the ingredients. The best cocoa powder are of course the organic and 100% cocoa powder.

Now that you know what cocoa to use in your cake recipe, the next step is in the butter, eggs, sugar and flour. Yes, the basic recipe for most chocolate cakes contains only five main ingredients. In most cases, you will need to melt the chocolate with the butter. To do this without burning the chocolate, just place a heatproof bowl over a pan of boiling water and gradually melt the chocolate and butter in it. Another alternative is to place it in a microwaveable bowl and microwave the chocolate and butter on high for about two minutes.

It is important to remember that no matter what type of cake you are making, you will get great results if you only use fresh and quality ingredients. So, use only the best and you will have the best chocolate cake ever.

Cacao trees are small ( 6 meters tall) evergreen trees. Recent studies have shown that the cacao plant originated in the Amazon and was distributed throughout Central America and Mesoamerica by humans at some point. Cacao has been cultivated for at least three millennia in Mexico as well as Central and South America. The earliest documented use of cocoa beans was around 1100 BC. Cocoa beans are dried and fully fermented fatty seeds of the cacao tree. The tree grows best when it is covered by some form of shade, in the wild it usually grows beneath the bigger evergreen trees of the forests.

The Cacao tree is quite common in the wild throughout much of South America. It is grown in places as diverse as the foot of the Andes Mountains, the Orinoco river basins and the Dominican Republic.

Cacao trees flowers are not pollinated by bees or butterflies like most of the worlds flowers, but by tiny flies called forcipomyia midges. There are between 20 and 60 seeds (cocoa beans) per ripe flower pod.

Cocoa beans (and by default cacao trees), are most commonly used for Making chocolate. This is done by cleaning, drying and roasting cocoa beans after fermentation. After this is done the shell is removed, which produces cacao nibs. Chocolate liquor refers to the liquid formed by the grinding and liquefying of the cacao nibs.

By grinding and liquefying the Cacao nibs a product known as chocolate liquor is made. If you continue to process this liquor it will develop into cocoa butter or cocoa solids which, as previously mentioned, are used for the making of chocolate. The chocolate that we buy from the shelves are mostly sweetened chocolates, which means it is cocoa solids, cocoa butter plus added sugar.

To make milk chocolate, milk or condensed milk is added. When making white chocolate only cocoa butter is used (no cocoa solids). Whilst plain (mostly unsweetened) dark chocolate is still preferred by purists, white and milk chocolates have become very popular amongst the sweet toothed younger generations.

We all love chocolates, no matter we are children or adults. Just thinking about the word chocolate might already be enough to make our mouths watery.

There are large varieties of chocolates with different flavors available. Thus, it is often very difficult to reach a conclusion on which is your favorite. But who cares about whether you have a particular favorite flavor? Treat your taste buds with a different flavor a day would just be as fun.

The madness of chocolate lovers has driven different forms of chocolate production, such as chocolate perfumes, chocolate facial and even chocolate massage. Apart from this, this little magic thing has also become the focus of fashion shows.

Have you ever heard of chocolate fashion shows? It may probably the wildest thing you have heard of. They are held around the world with so-called chocolate models. These models are dressed up in clothes made of chocolates and walk on the ramp.

These kinds of fashion shows are held in New York. The models will wear costumes made of chocolates, though they may look stunning and delicious. By watching these fashion shows, you will be fascinated by the creativity of the designers.

Different ideas and themes are introduced in these shows every year. For instance, there was a show in New York with Super Heroes such as X Men and Superman dressed up in chocolate clothes. It was an arousing show which added variety to these special fashion shows.

The special attire of this show, such as chocolate bikini tops, chocolate hot pants and chocolate guns were made by chefs who make pastry and confectionery from chocolates. Even the accessories and the bodice and wings of the Bat girl were made of chocolates.

Apart from dark chocolates, there were also white chocolates in the show. The show sounds perfect. However, you will be sad if you know that all chocolate dresses were destroyed right after the show. How long you could have tasted the chocolates from these chocolate dresses if you could get them? It is really sad to have them destroyed.