Why Chocolate for Valentine's Day?

Why Chocolate for Valentine's Day?-Cookies Recipe

Valentine's Day is many things to different people- a chance to start new relationships, rekindle old ones, or remind that special someone how wonderful they really are. Others feel it is just another "Hallmark" holiday where they are expected to do something for unknown reasons. Regardless of your hopes, expectations, or reservations about Valentine's Day, chocolate has long been a favorite gift for lovers.

Cookies Recipe

Since the days of the Aztecs chocolate has been used as a gift. Today a box of luxurious quality chocolate says a thousand "thank you's", "good luck", or "I love you". Chocolate can be given as a way of saying "congratulations", "I am sorry" or "get well soon". On Valentine's Day chocolate clearly says "I LOVE YOU!" Chocolate is more than food, it not only fills your belly but also makes you feel soooo good. Elaine Sherman wrote "Chocolate is heavenly, mellow, sensual, deep, dark, sumptuous, gratifying, potent, dense, creamy, seductive, suggestive, rich, excessive, silky, smooth, luxurious, celestial. Chocolate is downfall, happiness, pleasure, love, ecstasy, fantasy ... chocolate makes us wicked, guilty, sinful, healthy, chic, happy." What more could you want to say to your lover on Valentines Day? Even the scientific name for the tree from which chocolate is derived, Theobroma cacao, translated from Greek, means "food of the gods".

Why does chocolate evoke so many feelings and emotions for us? Chocolate has long been associated with passion, romance and love. This association may go all the way back to the Aztecs. They believed chocolate was a source of spiritual wisdom, incredible energy and elevated sexual power. Chocolate was widely used as a nuptial aid and was widely served at wedding ceremonies. The Aztecs did not know chocolate as we do today; they consumed the cocoa as a drink. Reports indicate that the Emperor Montezuma consumed large quantities of the drink every day and always fortified himself with a cup before entertaining his harem. The explorer Cortes reported to Carlos I of Spain that chocolate is "... the divine drink which builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious drink enables a man to walk for a whole day without food." From the earliest times, chocolate was considered a substance of power and a source of vitality.

Chocolate has been a subject of study since the first shipment from Veracruz arrived in Spain in 1585. But modern science has made some interesting findings that may help explain our lust for quality chocolate. Chocolate contains organic substances known as alkaloids. The most important of these substances is theobromine, which works as a stimulant to the kidneys. Stimulants in chocolate also affect the central nervous system, with effects similar to caffeine, which is also present in chocolate. A chocolate bar may contain as much as 200 mg of theobromine but only about 25 mg of caffeine. Another important substance found in chocolate is phenylethylamine, which is part of a group of chemicals known as endorphins. Endorphins have an effect similar to amphetamine and are found naturally in the human body. When endorphins are released into the bloodstream, the mood is lifted and feelings of positive energy are reached. The sensation known as "runners high" is caused by endorphins released during exercise. Phenylethylamine levels in the brain have also been linked to "falling in love". One more chemical found in chocolate is seratonin. Seratonin is known for its calming properties. The presence of these chemicals may explain the multitude of feelings chocolate evokes.

Debra Waterhouse, author of Why Women Need Chocolate, conducted a survey and found: 97% of women reported cravings, 68% of which are for chocolate, 50% would choose chocolate over sex, and 22% were more likely than men to choose chocolate as a mood elevator. These findings could easily be interpreted as a result of how chocolate makes us feel. I don't know why more women choose chocolate than men, for I am a man and I love chocolate.

Critics would say that the benefits of eating chocolate are small when compared to the sugar and fat contained in a chocolate bar. The best chocolate, dark chocolate with high cacao butter content has no added fat, as well as a high percentage of cacao solids and correspondingly less sugar. Although chocolate will never be considered a health food based on its nutritional value, it is still good for you! Good for your heart and soul-anything that helps relieve stress and makes you feel so good must be.

Receiving a nicely wrapped box of chocolates causes a sense of anticipation. The pleasure of unwrapping the box, the sensual smell, lifting the soft seductive papers, the look of the smooth dark chocolates. When it finally passes your lips and starts to instantly melt filling your mouth with exquisite pleasure. The taste and smell flood your senses with overwhelming ecstasy. Eating it slowly, taking time to enjoy and savor every bit. What better way to start off an evening of love?

Related articles:Spring Valley Vitamins ,ทำ seo

Why Chocolate for Valentine's Day?

Why Chocolate for Valentine's Day? Valentine's Day is many things to different people- a chance to start new relationships, rekindle old ones, or remind that special someone how wonderful they really are. Others feel it is just another "Hallmark" holiday where they are expected to do something for unknown reasons. Regardless of your hopes, expectations, or reservations about Valentine's Day, chocolate has long been a favorite gift for lovers.

Since the days of the Aztecs chocolate has been used as a gift. Today a box of luxurious quality chocolate says a thousand "thank you's", "good luck", or "I love you". Chocolate can be given as a way of saying "congratulations", "I am sorry" or "get well soon". On Valentine's Day chocolate clearly says "I LOVE YOU!" Chocolate is more than food, it not only fills your belly but also makes you feel soooo good. Elaine Sherman wrote "Chocolate is heavenly, mellow, sensual, deep, dark, sumptuous, gratifying, potent, dense, creamy, seductive, suggestive, rich, excessive, silky, smooth, luxurious, celestial. Chocolate is downfall, happiness, pleasure, love, ecstasy, fantasy ... chocolate makes us wicked, guilty, sinful, healthy, chic, happy." What more could you want to say to your lover on Valentines Day? Even the scientific name for the tree from which chocolate is derived, Theobroma cacao, translated from Greek, means "food of the gods". Why does chocolate evoke so many feelings and emotions for us? Chocolate has long been associated with passion, romance and love. This association may go all the way back to the Aztecs. They believed chocolate was a source of spiritual wisdom, incredible energy and elevated sexual power. Chocolate was widely used as a nuptial aid and was widely served at wedding ceremonies. The Aztecs did not know chocolate as we do today; they consumed the cocoa as a drink. Reports indicate that the Emperor Montezuma consumed large quantities of the drink every day and always fortified himself with a cup before entertaining his harem. The explorer Cortes reported to Carlos I of Spain that chocolate is "... the divine drink which builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious drink enables a man to walk for a whole day without food." From the earliest times, chocolate was considered a substance of power and a source of vitality. Chocolate has been a subject of study since the first shipment from Veracruz arrived in Spain in 1585. But modern science has made some interesting findings that may help explain our lust for quality chocolate. Chocolate contains organic substances known as alkaloids. The most important of these substances is theobromine, which works as a stimulant to the kidneys. Stimulants in chocolate also affect the central nervous system, with effects similar to caffeine, which is also present in chocolate. A chocolate bar may contain as much as 200 mg of theobromine but only about 25 mg of caffeine. Another important substance found in chocolate is phenylethylamine, which is part of a group of chemicals known as endorphins. Endorphins have an effect similar to amphetamine and are found naturally in the human body. When endorphins are released into the bloodstream, the mood is lifted and feelings of positive energy are reached. The sensation known as "runners high" is caused by endorphins released during exercise. Phenylethylamine levels in the brain have also been linked to "falling in love". One more chemical found in chocolate is seratonin. Seratonin is known for its calming properties. The presence of these chemicals may explain the multitude of feelings chocolate evokes. Debra Waterhouse, author of Why Women Need Chocolate, conducted a survey and found: 97% of women reported cravings, 68% of which are for chocolate, 50% would choose chocolate over sex, and 22% were more likely than men to choose chocolate as a mood elevator. These findings could easily be interpreted as a result of how chocolate makes us feel. I don't know why more women choose chocolate than men, for I am a man and I love chocolate. Critics would say that the benefits of eating chocolate are small when compared to the sugar and fat contained in a chocolate bar. The best chocolate, dark chocolate with high cacao butter content has no added fat, as well as a high percentage of cacao solids and correspondingly less sugar. Although chocolate will never be considered a health food based on its nutritional value, it is still good for you! Good for your heart and soul-anything that helps relieve stress and makes you feel so good must be. Receiving a nicely wrapped box of chocolates causes a sense of anticipation. The pleasure of unwrapping the box, the sensual smell, lifting the soft seductive papers, the look of the smooth dark chocolates. When it finally passes your lips and starts to instantly melt filling your mouth with exquisite pleasure. The taste and smell flood your senses with overwhelming ecstasy. Eating it slowly, taking time to enjoy and savor every bit. What better way to start off an evening of love? Why Chocolate for Valentine's Day? Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

Cookies of the Soul - Chocolate Cream Kisses and a insight

Cookies of the Soul - Chocolate Cream Kisses and a insight Her connection with him was in trouble and she knew it. She had convinced herself for a long time that the important part was that she knew it. Today was the day she knew for sure that she had to fix it. Denying to herself that his situation was serious was easy to do, until she heard her Mom on the phone speaking to her some what doubtful brother, "Do you precisely know how serious this is? No, I mean how precisely seriously ill he is." Her mom does not jump to conclusions and, therefore; when she says something like that she means it.

Had it only been eleven years since he had married Mom? Ten years since he taught her how a real father treats his children whether or not they are precisely his. Nine years since, well, since the chocolate cream kisses. She was fourteen years old. It was those ridiculous diminutive chocolate cookie sandwiches with cream on the inside. She was fanatic about them. It seemed like she was always eating them. She remembered him sitting in his chair watching the Tv, his usual happiness and content. When she went to kiss him, Mom started laughing. She pointed out that he had a pair of chocolate lips on his cheek. That's when her kisses were dubbed chocolate cream kisses. To about two months ago he always said before she went to bed "Jenny, give me one of those chocolate cream kisses." whether or not she had chocolate on her lips, that's what they were called. She privately had loved it. He was in too much pain to think on it now. Jenny shook herself out of her daydream and back on her bed behind her locked door. She touched her face and it was wet. It had been a long time since she had felt them. Once upon a time they had a great relationship. It was full of laughter and friendship. Both in enterprise and personal lives. When the enterprise went down he automatically assumed that Jenny resented him for the inability to make the enterprise fly and for all the money she had invested into the business. Shortly thereafter Jenny resented him for mental so and she was too introverted to do anything about it. Then he got sick. Shortly after she moved back into the house due to her recent bankruptcy and that's when his condition got out of control. It started with his diabetes causing severe mood swings and his depression on top of it. That, the family was able to work their way through on uneven ground. Then came the leg wounds. They were four inches long on each leg and breeding infection. To see a strong private cry all day is a humbling palpate full of sadness and fear. Not being able to salvage that someone from all the pain they are feeling. Then the wall came up. That wall that is solid and large looming in the middle of her and love. She was protecting herself from the chance that she was losing someone she loved. Jenny figured if you don't love them so much then when they die it won't hurt so much. That's when their trickle of conversation became dry, there was nothing to talk about anymore. Empty and void except for the silent anger that wondered why hw wouldn't take care of himself? Why didn't he think of the population he might leave behind when eating those large plates of heaping food? There are times when she remembered that his food was an addiction and there was times when she forgot. Today the anger vanished. Exactly fifteen minutes ago to be exact, that is when Mom said Dad was going to the crisis room. The pain was becoming unbearable to him. While every brick of that wall told her she shouldn't, she went to talk to him. His face was gray, lying on that couch with bandages wrapped around his legs. When Jenny brought her fear into the room he opened his eyes slightly. Likely Page Break"Hey Jenny," he said as he smiled weakly up at her. "Hey Dad, I heard you decided to go to the crisis room." "Yeah, Sweetheart, it just hurts too much now." "Dad, I want you to know something before you...." "He starred up at her, " I know you Jenny. You don't have to say it, but knowing you, I also do know that you need to say it. Go on." "I'm sorry for how stiff I've been. I love you so much. I just don't want to lose you. You're my dad whether or not I was born that way. You can't die, you have to live, just like Mom lived. There are all those things we have to do together. The Disney Cruise and that trip we all were going to take....." Tears were flowing and they weren't about to stop. She decided that they never were going to stop. They were just going to keep going until the whole house flooded. She had to get herself under control. If she can't operate this then she can't operate anything in her life. "Jenny. It's okay. I love you and I'm not going anywhere. You and me, we're okay. Here give me one of those chocolate cream kisses." After she did he moderately got up to leave. "I'll see you when I get back." His strength came back for a minute. That Viking strength that Jenny and Mom talked about all the time. whether or not they had said anything properly it was ultimately understood and the wall crumbled in the middle of them. "Chocolate Cream Kisses"* Ingredients: ¾ cup of all purpose flour, ¾ cup whole wheat flour, 4 tbs unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ tsp of baking powder, 1/8 tsp salt, ½ plus ¼ cup of margarine softened, ½ cup of vegetable shortening, ½ cup of packed brown sugar, 1 cup of old fashioned rolled oats, ¼ cup of light corn syrup dissolved in 1 tbs boiling water, 1 cup of confectioner's sugar, and ½ tsp of pure vanilla extract. 1) Pre heat the oven to 350 degrees. 2) Butter the cookie sheets with cooking spray. Mix together the flours, 2 tbs cocoa powder, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. 3) Beat ½ cup of the margarine, all the shortening, and all the sugar in a large bowl with a mixer until creamy. 4) Mix in the dry ingredients. Stir in the oats and corn syrup. Form balls the size of walnuts with the dough and place 1 inch apart of the cookie sheets. Flatten slightly. 5) Bake for 20 minutes until firm to touch. Replacement to wire racks. Then beat the remaining margarine, confectioner's sugar, remaining cocoa powder, and vanilla until creamy. Stick the cookies together in pairs with the chocolate filling. 6) Enjoy all the happiness and yumminess rushing in. * Base of formula from Cookies and then I molded it from there. Cookies of the Soul - Chocolate Cream Kisses and a insight Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

How to Make Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

How to Make Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies Chocolate chip cookies can be soft, crunchy, or whatever you like, but a popular of many is soft chocolate chip cookies. Making soft chocolate chip cookies is not hard if you just succeed these tips that I will give you.

First you'll need to make the chocolate chip cookie dough. If you're seeing for a good recipe, hunt colse to or use the method on the back of the bag of chocolate chips. This is ordinarily a approved chocolate chip cookie recipe. Mix together the sugars and butter thoroughly. Use an galvanic mixer to do it fast and well. Don't be until it's as a matter of fact fluffy, just consolidate to take off all lumps of butter and/or sugar. Then add in the eggs and vanilla. This step is leading to get soft chocolate chip cookies. Do not beat the batter with the eggs so that it becomes fluffy and airy. You are not trying to make a cake or a meringue. Just stir until combined and that is it. Next, in a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir it with a spoon and sift according to the instructions. If it says sifted flour sift it and then portion it. If is says flour sifted, portion it and then sifted it. This makes sure that you get the right whole of flour. Now you can moderately add the flour aggregate into the wet ingredients. Add a exiguous bit out of time and mix in thoroughly. Again, there is no need to be just mix it completely. Then stir in the chocolate chips. Refrigerate the dough for at least two hours or preferably overnight. Preheat the oven to make sure it is thoroughly heated before you put the cookies in. Roll the cookie dough into 2 inch balls and place then about 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheet. Make sure the cookie she is not warm especially in the middle of batches. Put the cookie sheet in a refrigerator beforehand to make a cold to ensure that it's not warm. Bake according to the instructions until very lightly golden brown over the whole cookie. You do not want dark brown or it will be hard and crunchy. Still, make sure you cook all the way or else it will just be gooey dough instead of soft cookie and gooey chocolate. How to Make Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

Most Popular Christmas Cookie Recipes - Chocolate Drizzled Cherry Bars

Most Popular Christmas Cookie Recipes - Chocolate Drizzled Cherry Bars These impressive looking cookies will make a splash at any gathering.

2 cups all purpose flour 2 cups quick cooking oats 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 1/4 cups butter, softened 1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling 1 teaspoon almond extract 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips 3/4 teaspoon shortening Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar and butter until crumbly. Set aside 1 1/2 cups for topping. Press the remaining crumb mixture into an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until edges begin to brown. In another bowl, combine the pie filling and extract; carefully spread over the crust. Sprinkle with the reserved crumb mixture. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges of the topping are lightly browned. In a microwave or heavy saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over warm bars. Cool completely. Cut into bars. Makes 36 bar cookies. => Most Popular Christmas Cookie Recipes: Heavenly Caramel Cookies A delicious cookie featuring spices, nuts, coconut and marshmallows. 12 graham crackers 2 cups miniature marshmallows 3/4 cup butter 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup sliced almonds 1 cup flaked coconut Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with foil. Place graham crackers inside the pan; cover with marshmallows. In a saucepan, cook and stir butter, brown sugar and cinnamon over medium heat until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; stir in the vanilla. Spoon over the marshmallows. Sprinkle with almonds and coconut. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes or until browned. Cool completely. Cut into 2-inch squares, then cut each square in half to form triangles. Makes 72 cookies. => Most Popular Christmas Cookie Recipes: Minty Meringue Drop Cookies These light as air cookies are perfect for the holidays. 2 egg whites 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 3/4 cup sugar 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 to 6 drops green food coloring, optional 1 pkg. mint chocolate chips Directions Preheat 250 degrees. Lightly grease baking sheets or line with parchment paper; set aside. In a large bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar, beating until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until stiff peaks form. Beat in the vanilla and food coloring. Fold in the chocolate chips. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2-inches apart onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until dry to the touch. Cool. Makes 30 cookies. Note: If you cannot find mint chocolate chips, place 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips and 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract inside a plastic bag. Seal the bag and toss chips until coated. Let chips sit for 24 to 48 hours before using. Most Popular Christmas Cookie Recipes - Chocolate Drizzled Cherry Bars

Cookies of the Soul - Mint Chocolate Kisses and the Pirate's Slave

Cookies of the Soul - Mint Chocolate Kisses and the Pirate's Slave Such fear she had never know....trapped on the edge of a slow burning night. A night that had no end. One minute felt like two hours. The candle had barely burned. In this dark corner she hid, behind a door of no dignity. That material object which swings open for all men, unnoticed. How she envied that door. How tight her hand was wrapped around her dagger. If it hadn't been for the purpose of the object she would have forgotten about it. Her knuckles were white and her whole body was shaking. She hoped they couldn't smell her fear, because she was soaked with it.

She listened for their footsteps along the wooden hall. All her ears encountered above the sound of the rain was absolute and total silence. There was no sound before the hand clamped around her mouth and the smell of oil, blood, and toil insulted her very senses. She had no time to think as her hands were clamped behind her back and she was shoved out into the hall. "I got er Capt'n. Hidin' behind the door she was. Thinkin' that be help'n her." His breath was dangerously close to hers and she turned her head until the Captain approached in one swift movement cackling so hard he could bust, but unfortunately it was not so. "You be too bold lass. Grabb'n daggers and flee'n. Why we be nothing but good to ya since we picked ya away from that piece of salvage ya called a home. We be nothing but treating ya as a lass should be treated. That's not bein' nice to the men who take care of ya. Killed yor good for nothin' pa when we cared ye off." Caressing her face in such a manner she knew what "taking care" of you meant and she couldn't think of it or her father's sweet face or she would surely go mad. A man she didn't necessarily know well, but one who always had enough chocolate mint kisses to give her, hugs if she needed them, and many good stories. A mysterious man who meant more to her than anything. For he was a kind memory. All the pirates were chortling under the ir breath and wiping their mouths with low stares and she knew what that meant. She knew what it meant for three weeks. She saw above it all. She believed that she would get away. She was not meant to die with a band of dirty pirates. She was born of noble royalty. She was meant to die in comfort with no memories of fear or sadness. Gone away was that perfect image her father had hoped for her before he was murdered. Slow tears rolled down her cheeks, but the composure of her face was still intact. "Cryin? Well, I never seen that on ya before but it makes ya pretty like. Once we be getting' ye to the ship then we be talkin' more kind like. After all, I am yar capt'n, aren't I little lass?" As he stepped away a shot rang out. She felt her life slipping form her and she was surprised to feel relief. Opening her eyes from the clamor, she realized that it was not her that had been shot. More shots rang out as she dropped to the ground and felt the world slip away. As she awoke she felt herself rising like an angel above a strong hand. When she looked up she swore she saw the face of God. Instead she saw a soldier. "You're safe, fear not Lady Anne, all will be well. Float on a billion clouds and may God grant you a safe sleep." Slip away she did and into a land of dreams which although not of the purest of dreams were far above everything else in the arms of comfort. "Lady Anne's Mint Chocolate Kisses"* Ingredients: ½ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of whole wheat flour, ½ cup of margarine softened, 1/3 cup of margarine, 2 tbs of cocoa powder, 5 oz of bittersweet chocolate coarsely chopped, 1/8 tsp of salt, 2 tsp of mint extract, 1/8 cup of sugar, 1/8 cup of Splenda, 7 oz of white chocolate coarsely chopped, 1 egg, and ½ cup of heavy cream. 1)Mix the flours, cocoa, and salt. Beat the softened margarine and sugar in a large bowl on medium speed until creamy. Add 1 tsp of mint extract and the egg; beating just until blended. Mix in the dry ingredients. Press the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 2)Butter two cookie sheets. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thick. Use a 2 inch cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. Gather the dough scraps, re-roll and continue cutting out the cookies until all the dough is used. Transfer the cookies to the cookie sheets, placing them 1 inch apart. Bake for about 6 minutes or until just firm. Transfer to racks and let cool completely. 3)Bring the cream to a boil over low heat. Remove from the heat and stir in the white chocolate until melted. Add the rest of the mint extract and transfer to a medium bowl. Cool for about 30 minutes. Stick the cookies together in pairs with filling. 4)Melt the chocolate and margarine in a double boiler over barely simmering water. Spread on top of the cookies and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 5)Enjoy the smooth surprise of these minty cookies. * Base of recipe from Cookies and then I molded it from there. Cookies of the Soul - Mint Chocolate Kisses and the Pirate's Slave

The Best Homemade Chocolate Chips Cookie Recipe

My big family loves chocolate chip cookie so much that we make batches of if on most weekends and special occasions. Everyone simply loves them that they disappear very fast during family events. We have our own special recipe which has become a tradition we all cherish, and I call this the best chocolate cookie recipe ever. This makes more than 5 dozens of chocolate chip cookies.

You will have fun with this recipe which you can choose to modify to your personal taste. So, to get started, you need to prepare all the ingredients. You will need: 1 cup pure butter 3/4 cup brown sugar 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 cups all-purpose flour or your favorite cake mix 2 cups semi-sweetened chocolate chips 1teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 2 eggs Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 2. Dissolve butter. Add the granulated and brown sugar. 3. In a large mixing bowl, beat all ingredients until thoroughly combined. 4. Add the eggs and vanilla, and beat just enough to combine all ingredients. 5. In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt and baking soda. 6. Slowly add the flour mixture, beating with a mixer. 7. Add in chocolate chips gently stirring with a spoon until mixture is evenly mixed throughout the batter. 8. Drop in rounded tablespoonfuls, on a cookie sheet,or baking pan. 9. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. 10. Watch your cookies closely, do not overcook. These fantastic cookies are ideal for almost any occasion. Its goodness makes it perfect for dessert and snacks. Now you have just discovered my family's favorite chocolate cookie recipe. One top secret is the type of flour you use. I love the yellow boxed cake mix, of course, you still could use any of your favorite brands. Just learn by heart that using the best cake flour will deliver your cookie a little more body than any ordinary unbleached flour. If you are doing smaller cookies, remember that baking time also goes down. Many ovens produce heat from the bottom, and so as not to burn the bottom of the cookies, I simply double pan them before baking. Spend time experimenting different mixes, it is the only way to obtain the ideal chocolate chip cookie you desire. As soon as you get hold of the best combinations, you too will enjoy the delicious treat of chocolatey goodness you and your family will be delighted as well.

Nutty Chocolate Cherry Cookie Recipe

The nutty chocolate cherry cookie recipe is a colorful, tasty holiday morsel! Packed with chocolate, cherries, and nuts, how can you go wrong!

Ingredients

1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 egg

1/4 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries

3/4 cup chopped pecans

Hardware

Whisk

Large bowl

Medium bowl

Cookie sheets

Mixer

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 2: Lightly grease cookie sheets; set aside.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

Step 4: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars with an electric mixer set on medium-high for 30 seconds.

Step 5: Beat in egg, milk, and vanilla extract.

Step 6: Gradually combine flour mixture to creamed mixture.

Step 7: Stir in the remaining ingredients.

Step 8: Drop by tablespoons 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets.

Step 9: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove cookies immediately and transfer to a cooling surface.

Makes 60 cookies.

For more information on baking procedures and hardware used in this recipe see our Baking Tips section.

Important: Feel free to republish this article on your website. However, you are not allowed to modify any part of its content and all links should be kept active.

Chocolate Cookie Recipes - Hershey's double Chocolate Mini Kisses Cookies & Very Chocolate Cookies

Make room in your method files for these chocolate cookie recipes. With these two recipes, you should be able to satisfy your chocolate longings. From toddlers to grandparents these chocolate treats are sure to be hits.

Hershey'S double Chocolate Mini Kisses Cookies

Cookies Recipe

2 sticks butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup Hershey's cocoa
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 3/4 cups (10-oz pkg) Hershey's Mini Kisses Milk Chocolate
1/2 cup coarsely chopped nuts, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla together until light and fluffy. Stir together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Add the flour blend to the butter mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in the mini kisses and the nuts, if using. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or just until set. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to a wire rack to faultless cooling.

Yield: About 3 1/2 dozen cookies.

Very Chocolate Cookies

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
2/3 cup cocoa powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 (1 1/2 sticks) cup butter, softened
2 eggs
2 tbsp plus 1 tsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups (12-oz pkg) chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Stir together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add butter, eggs, milk and vanilla; beat until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Drop dough by heaping teaspoonfuls onto ready cookie sheet. Bake 9 to 11 minutes or just until set. Do not overbake. Cool slightly then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Yield: 3 to 4 dozen cookies

Enjoy!

Chocolate Cookie Recipes - Hershey's double Chocolate Mini Kisses Cookies & Very Chocolate Cookies

How To Bake The perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are the most basic and base cookies that you can find at any bakery shops yet only any of them undoubtedly stand out. Mine did, so here I am to help you bring out the real 'thing' in your own chocolate chip cookie recipe.

1) Not all butter is the same. The best kind of butter that you want to use for your recipe would be the unsalted butter. In my case, I use the ones from Anchor, the brand of the butter.

Homemade Cookies Recipe

2) Don't take too much time mixing the wet ingredients. The key to this is to first blend in the butter evenly, then mix the other ingredients with high speed.The faster, the better. This is to preclude any air that would enter the mix.

3) Remember to always preheat the oven first, about 20 minutes.

4) The climatic characteristic for any recipe can always be manipulated. Preferably, use mid-low temperature, for the dough to be cooked evenly.

5) Don't depend on the recipe itself on how long you should bake for a batch. You should determine this yourself by checking the cookies' colour. Up till now, I still don't know how long would it take to bake a batch of cookies using my incommunicable recipe.

6) always let the cookies cool. Can't stress this enough.

7) I guess all of you know that the darker the colour of the vanilla extract, the better, right?

8) always sift the flour, you might not want those small unknown particles in your cookies and serve them to your guests/customers.

9) Let the dough aside for awhile after mixing everything altogether including the chocolate chip cookies. The ensue of this if the dough will turn firm and it will be much easier for you to dispose the balls of dough on the tray. Plus, it wouldn't turn out as much flat.

10) Remember to always mix the dry ingredients evenly, with your bare hands. Yes, you got that right.

11) How about salt? Never ensue the recipe directly. Salt is not needed as much as baking cakes. A pinch will do the work, just to equilibrium out the taste evenly.

So five secrets to perfect chocolate chip cookies! The tips given are based on my long experience. ensue them and see what I meant. Remember to keep in touch for more exclusive cookie-baking tips from me! http://www.afookies.blogspot.com

How To Bake The perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Cookie Recipes (Fun to Make With the Kids)

One of the best ways to make memories with your children or grandchildren is to allow them in the kitchen with you. Kids love to bake and they enjoy eating and sharing with others the goodies they make. It is also a fun studying perceive for them, one they don't even perceive is a lesson. Organizing ingredients, following the instructions in the recipe, working together to make something special, and don't forget clean-up. It is foremost for children to learn that after the fun, there is clean-up to be done.

If you work it right, they will even think that is part of the fun. Counting and measuring is also a good math lesson. So don't try to keep your children out of the kitchen. Request them in and have fun together. Homemade Chocolate Sandwich Cookies is a method they will love as they get to put the cookies and filling together to make "sandwiches". They may not get them perfect but life is not about perfection in everything. You aren't trying to make a masterpiece, just a cookie! And the kids will love dunking the Chocolate Dunk Cookies in the chocolate mixture. Note: When baking with chocolate and children, be sure they wear aprons, smocks, or older clothing.

Homemade Cookies Recipe

Homemade Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

1/2 cup butter or oleo
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup milk
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsps baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup cocoa

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Mix all ingredients together in the order given. Beat until smooth. Drop by rounded teaspoon on buttered cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 7 minutes. Do not over bake. Cool and make sandwiches using the filling method below.

Marshmallow Filling:

1/2 cup white shortening
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup marshmallow cream
1 tsp vanilla
3 or 4 tsps milk (adjust amount for the right consistency)

Cream shortening and sugar together and mix in rest of the ingredients. Spread in the middle of cookies and make sandwiches. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to store so they won't stick together.

Chocolate Dunk Cookies

1 3/4 cups flour

3/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

8 squares semi-sweet baking chocolate, divided

3/4 cup margarine, softened

2 tbsp firmly packed Splenda brown sugar blend Or 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

3/4 cup Splenda granular

1/4 cup egg substitute

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In small mixing bowl, mix together flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside. Coarsely chop 5 squares of the chocolate and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat margarine, brown sugar, and Splenda with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add egg substitute and vanilla extract; mix well. Moderately add flour aggregate to egg aggregate beating until blended. Stir in chopped chocolate and nuts. Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Dough drops should be two inches apart. Bake 11 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool 1 diminutive before removing from cookie sheets. Cool completely on wire racks. Melt 3 squares of chocolate in microwave as directed on package. Dip one half of each cookie into the melted chocolate. Place in particular layer on waxed paper and let set until chocolate is set.

Note: This method uses some ingredients that make it diabetic friendly. You can make the following changes, if you do not have diabetics in your family: Substitute 1 egg for the egg substitute and 3/4 cup granulated sugar for the Splenda granular.

Enjoy!

Chocolate Cookie Recipes (Fun to Make With the Kids)

Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Take advantage of what many call the best chocolate chip cookie recipe. It's easy to make and taste absolutely wonderful.

INGREDIENTS

Cookies Recipe

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

1-tablespoon vanilla extract

1 egg

1 egg yolk

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

Here's how to prepare your Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.

Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.
In a medium bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar and white sugar until well blended. Beat in the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk until light and creamy. Mix in the sifted ingredients until just blended. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand using a wooden spoon. Drop cookie dough ¼ cup at a time onto the prepared cookie sheets. Cookies should be about 3 inches apart.

Bake for 15 to 17 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are lightly toasted. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

For a change you can also try this Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe recipe, which I suppose is almost as good as the above.
Recipe:

* 1 cup (2 sticks) (226 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

* 1 cup (200 grams) granulated white sugar

* 1 cup (215 grams) firmly packed light brown sugar

* 2 large eggs

* 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

* 3 cups (420 grams) all-purpose flour

* 1-teaspoon baking soda

* ¼ teaspoon salt

* 1 1/2 cups (270 grams) semisweet chocolate chips

Note: Can add 1 cup of toasted and chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts).

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), cream the butter. Add the white and brown sugars and beat until fluffy (about 2 minutes). Beat in eggs, one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Add the vanilla and beat until incorporated.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and beat until incorporated, adding the chocolate chips about half way through mixing. If you find the dough very soft, cover and refrigerate until firm (about 30 minutes).

For large cookies, use about a 2-tablespoon ice cream scoop or with two spoons, drop about 2 tablespoons of dough (35 grams) onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake about 12 - 14 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. Cool completely on wire rack.

We hope you enjoy the Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe!

Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

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Best Chocolate Cupcake Recipe

Very little compares to the joy of chocolate cupcakes - both serving and consuming them! You can now stop asking yourself how to make cupcakes, especially of the chocolate variety, and get online to investigate the different recipes.

When it comes to birthdays or on festive occasions, chocolate cupcakes become a natural choice of many. The best of chocolate cupcakes need not necessarily be the most elaborate in the making. They are simple but delicious, non messy but a feast for royalty. With a few tips on how to successfully use cocoa in cakes and the combos you can try with this ingredient you will be ready to try out your own cupcakes.

Cookies Recipe

It is very important to use cocoa or chocolate in any other form to the measure because the cakes could turn out a complete disaster otherwise. Also chocolate does not go well with just about any fruit or nut. You need to experiment with how to make cupcakes of chocolate after checking out ingredient combos that work well, like walnuts, raisins and cashew nuts among dry fruits. Here is one of the best chocolate cupcake recipes.

Chocolate Sins

Your line up of ingredients include 2 cups of self rising flour or all purpose flour, a teaspoon each of baking powder and baking soda, 2 cups sugar, 2 eggs (large), 1/2 cup shortening, 3/4 cup each of milk and water, a teaspoon of vanilla essence, 4 ounces of unsweetened and melted baking chocolate.

Prior to getting into the final preparation of the chocolate sins, preheat the oven to about 350 degrees. On a large tray, line the cup cake pans with paper liners and set aside. Take a large cake mixing bowl or the bowl of your food processor and mix together all the ingredients. Mix well for around 5 minutes, alternating speeds low to high. Carefully fill the cup cake liners about 2/3 full. Bake your chocolate sins for around 20 to 25 minutes and allow them to cool. Frost the 'sins' only when they are cooled completely. Alternately grate fresh chocolate slabs and liberally sprinkle each one of your chocolate cupcake indulgences.

If you still want to know how to make cupcakes, then you should indulge in some quality research. Today there are a number of resources that help you in the endeavor. Making chocolate cupcakes is very easy, and like any other baking indulgence once you learn to measure the basic ingredient, you are sorted. These cakes make grand appearances at kitty parties, birthdays and even on the family night out!

There is no denying that chocolate is by far the most preferred flavor in cupcakes. Though cupcakes like chocolate sins seem elaborate, they are not. Chocolate cupcakes also go well will a filling of your choice. All you need to do is cut the baked cupcakes in half, horizontally and place a filling of any fruit of your choice in the center prior to serving the 'sins'. Also try serving them warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream!

Best Chocolate Cupcake Recipe

Patrick Garde is the owner of MakeCupcakes.com where you can learn how to make cupcakes.

Baking Chocolate Chip Cookies - Two Must Know Tips

Making a great batch of cookies feels like a tricky task, but nothing could be further from the truth when it comes to baking chocolate chip cookies. There are a few tricks and tips that will make the difference between a good cookie and a cookie that people talk about, and anyone can achieve success when using them. One of the most important and probably ignored factors is the actual baking of the cookie.

People often complain about their baked goods being "too dry." Sadly, the recipe takes the blame and is quickly discarded when in actuality it is a great recipe to have on file. The truth is that in baking chocolate chip cookies, a dry cookie probably spent way too much time in the oven. Everyone likes to see that golden brown cookie effect, but surprisingly at this point it has been overcooked.

Homemade Cookies

Here are two tips to consider before you take your next batch of cookies out of the oven:
Only the edges of the cookie should be brown. The middle will be puffy and appear to be doughy, but if the edges are brown it is time to take them out. Waiting until the whole cookie is golden brown will leave you with a dry crispy cookie. The final baking can be done on the outside of your oven. Once the edges of the cookies are golden brown take them out, and leave them to rest on the hot cookie sheet for 2-3 minutes. The residual heat from the cookie sheet finishes the baking process in a slow and gentle way leaving you with a cooked, yet moist cookie. When the puffy center has fallen and a rim appears around the cookie, slide them off and onto cooling rack.

Always start with the lowest recommended time the recipe calls for. You can always add minutes if needed but cannot take them away. And last but not least, let your sniffer be your guide when baking chocolate chip cookies. When that tantalizing aroma reaches your nose, it is a good indication that they are about done and you can peek in the oven to look for those golden brown edges. You can achieve a gooey, rich and moist chocolate chip cookie when it is perfectly baked.

Baking Chocolate Chip Cookies - Two Must Know Tips

This article was written by Amanda Julander, the owner and creator of Choc-Chip-Cookie-Recipe.com an informative guide to making superior chocolate chip cookies. Learn more about chocolate chip cookies, great tried and true recipes, and all thelittle known secrets that will make your chocolate chip cookies turn out every time.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Here's a delicious Pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe that is easy to make and receives rave reviews.

First for the ingredients for your Pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe.

Cookies Recipe

Recipe:

1 c. pumpkin
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. oil
1 egg
2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. milk
1 c. chocolate chips
1 tsp. vanilla
Nuts (optional)

Here's how you will prepare your Pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe

Preparation:

Dissolve baking soda in milk; set aside. In large bowl add pumpkin, sugar, oil, and egg; stir. Add flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda mixture. Mix well. Stir in chocolate chips and vanilla. Serve on top of cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees 10 to 12 minutes or until done.

Alternative Pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe:

For a change you can have a try at this delicious recipe here, and am sure it will create impression on everyone. Here's the ingredients you will need for this Pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe.

Recipe:

* 1/2 cup shortening

* 1 1/2 cups white sugar

* 1 egg

* 1 cup canned pumpkin

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

* 1 teaspoon baking powder

* 1 teaspoon baking soda

* 1 teaspoon salt

* 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

* 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

As for the directions to the alternative Pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, and then stir in the pumpkin and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon; gradually mix into the creamed mixture. Stir in the walnuts and chocolate chips. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets.

3. Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until light brown. Cool on wire racks.

Enjoy this delicious and easy to make Pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe! Both recipes are popular which is why we wanted to give you both of the pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipes.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

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Homemade Malted Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe With Chocolate Cookie Chunks

This malted vanilla ice cream recipe is perfect for pleasing the entire family. You may want to make two batches right away, because the first one won't last very long. Smooth homemade vanilla ice cream with malt flavoring and crushed chocolate sandwich cookie chunks make this better than any ice cream concoction you can buy. You'll get high ratings from your friends and family with this recipe. It will become an ice cream recipe you will make over and over again.

3/4 cup granulated sugar

Homemade Cookies

1 cup whole milk

6 Tablespoons malt powder (you may use more or less to taste)

2 cups heavy cream

2 Teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (about 12-14 cookies)*

Mix the granulated sugar and malt powder in a medium bowl with a whisk or hand mixer to make sure there are no lumps in the malt powder. Stir in 1 cup whole milk and whisk until the sugar and malt powder is dissolved. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla. Cover and refrigerate 1-2 hours.

When ready, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker freezer bowl, turn on machine and let mix for about 15 to 20 minutes. Add your crushed chocolate sandwich cookies through the ingredient spout and mix for an additional 5 minutes. Transfer to an air tight container and let freeze for 2 hours. Garnish each serving with an extra chocolate sandwich cookie. Enjoy!

*To crush chocolate sandwich cookies, place the 12-14 cookies in a heavy plastic freezer bag and gently smash with the heel of your hand until pieces are somewhat uniform in size.

Homemade Malted Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe With Chocolate Cookie Chunks

Laura Warnke is owner of an online gourmet retail store, The Topping Shoppe LLC. Here you will find a great selection of dessert sauces and ice cream sundae toppings to purchase. Visit my website at All-About-Dessert-Sauces.com to find out more about dessert sauces and how to serve them, along with easy ice cream and dessert sauce recipes to make yourself.