Not all chocolate is created equal.  For some it is passionate love affair, an expression of taste that is savored on the palate slowly.  You have most likely enjoyed a Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar, or nibbled on a bag of chocolate chips, but have you really experienced the taste of a gourmet chocolate?  Most mass produced commercial chocolates use only a semblance of the real thing, as they need to use certain ingredients to keep the price at a reasonable point.

What is Cacao?

Cacao is the basis for chocolate.  It comes from an evergreen tree that grows anywhere from 10 feet to 30 feet tall, growing in tropical regions such as Central or South America and Mexico.  The Philippines, Indonesia, as well as several Western African nations are also prominent growers.

The fruit of the cacao, or the cacao pod, grows to weigh about one pound and up to 12 inches in length.  It can be orange, yellow or purple in color, and is full of the cacao seeds or beans.  Each seed is made up of about 40% fat, which is extracted as cacao butter.  There are four main varieties of cacao:  Criollo, Forastero, Trinitario, and Nacional.  The varieties relate to different regions, giving them different flavors and aromas as the end result.

The flavors of the cacao beans are dependent on their environment.   Soil, rainfall amounts, temperature, and hours in sunshine are factors in the taste.  Many chocolate connoisseurs area able to distinguish where the beans came from based on taste and aroma.  Specialty chocolates are made from the beans of one area and are considered a better product than those made up of beans combined from several.

The cacao beans are harvested from the fruit, and allowed to ferment for a period of two to seven days, depending on the desired aroma.  This fermentation transforms the flavors into chocolate or cocoa.  From there the beans are sundried, and then roasted in various ways to bring out the flavors.  They will then be exported to various companies to be used in making chocolate.

The manufacturer will take the beans and grind them to a desired consistency, creating cocoa liquor or extracting the cocoa butter.  These ingredients will follow various processes and combined with sugars, flavoring agents such as vanilla, and other ingredients to create the actual chocolate.  Different manufacturers will have varying processes to make delectable flavors from semi-sweet, milk chocolate, and dark chocolate to name a few.

The Best Places to Find Chocolate

There are a number of sites available to find gourmet chocolates that will delight your sensations.

Richart Paris.  Since 1925 this French chocolate maker has left an indelible mark on the industry.  Their products are considered the gold standard for many.  “Two generations later, we consider it our daily mission to seek out both an inexhaustible supply of the finest cocoa the world has to offer and, along with it, an equally endless amount of the happiness and pleasure that chocolate has to offer,” Michel Richart states.

Recchiuti Confections.  This San Francisco based company’s mission is to change the way people taste chocolate.  Many of their creations are literal works of art, painstakingly looked after by Michael Recchiuti himself.  He will suggest chocolate pairings to complement fine wines or whiskey.  “One bite of these handcrafted morsels will change the way you think about chocolate forever,” says Recchiuti.

Lake Champlain Chocolates.  Located in Vermont, all natural ingredients are employed, with each chocolate made to perfection.  The New York Times has recognized this chocolate maker as one of the best in the United States numerous times.  They have been known for their gourmet chocolate truffles for over twenty five years.

Cote d’Or Chocolates.  This famous Belgium chocolatier travels to Africa for their magnificent cocoa.  For more than a century they have created some of the finest flavors the world has known, with bars and candies available in the finest gourmet shops.  You can also  purchase directly through this site.

Ghirardelli.  Since 1852 Ghirardelli has been considered the finest chocolatier in America.  Their chocolates are available in specialty shops, department stores, and grocers, and through their online shop.  Their unique flavors are world renowned for their rich, creamy base.

Creating a Real Chocolate Palette

You can influence your children’s chocolate palette through fun taste tests.  Purchase several bars or pieces of a gourmet chocolate company, focusing on the various flavors available.  You may even mix brands.  Chocolate is best tasted between 66 and 76 degrees.

Ask your child to smell the different pieces to see if there is a difference.  Once they have described any differences, ask them to taste it slowly, allowing it to melt in their mouth.  Most kids will love this, as it makes them slow down and actually taste it. Ask them about the different flavors, what they liked or didn’t like.

There are many small chocolate makers around the country that allow tours during certain times of the year.  This would be a great opportunity for your child to see what goes in to making the chocolate and gain an appreciation for the process.

Have your child compare flavors of gourmet chocolate with those of a mass produced brand. Ask them if they find differences in the consistencies.  Children under the age of seven will not have the patience sometimes to do this, but like any great food experience it is important to teach them early the idea of enjoying the flavors.  Make it a point during your travels to stop at specialty shops and try the unique brands – it will be something they carry with them through life.

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Larger items, such as cribs, strollers and car seats should not always be scrimped on, especially when it comes to safety standards.  These standards can be constantly changing and updated, but you can check for the latest information on the Consumer Products Safety Commission’s website.   However, when it comes to items like diapers, wipes, baby clothing, formula, and more, shopping around is a good idea.

The Six Best Online Baby Products

A quick search around the web will lead you to better pricing for baby necessities.  It is important to know what is right for your baby in terms of hygiene, as not all babies tolerate the same things.  Certain cleansers or materials can cause reactions to their delicate skin.  Many times, it is a matter of trial and error, or taking another’s recommendation whether to try a baby product.  One website that provides up to date information about baby products is My Simon.  This site compares prices and brands so that you can make the best choice for your baby.

• Diapers are one of the biggest expenses for a baby, considering that he or she will wear them for nearly three years or more.  Sometimes brand is not as important as fit, with trial and error playing a huge factor.  Some diapers fit more snug, some leak, cloth versus disposable, etc.  All of these choices are confusing, and they come in a wide range of prices.  Being able to compare online is essential, and you can quickly see where sites like Amazon may be less expensive than ToyzRUs on certain lines or quantities.
• Wipes are another baby product that is great to buy online.  Wipes are essential to your baby’s hygiene, and you will use them frequently.  These are worth buying in bulk when you find a brand that suits your child.  Wipes tend to be used in numerous areas of the house, and are a diaper bag necessity.  This is one area where you can save quite a bit by comparing brands and prices.
• Hygiene products such as baby shampoo, body soap, baby lotion, diaper rash ointment, and more will add up quickly.  There are numerous sites online that feature these items and offer competing prices.  Buying in larger sizes or in bulk will help cut down on costs. Stick to brands that are hypoallergenic and fragrance free to prevent reactions if using for the first time.
• Baby food and formula tend to be expensive, and it is worthwhile to compare the costs online.  In most cases, prices will be less on sites that do not feature brick and mortar store fronts, so that they can keep overhead down.  Not all formulas and baby food taste the same, so this maybe another area where you are trying various products out.  Buying in larger quantities is definitely worth shopping online, and many sites may offer free shipping for certain dollar amounts.
• Baby shoes.  Sometimes it seems like you just bought a pair, your baby wore it once and then immediately outgrew it.  This is an area where it is not worth it to purchase expensive shoes.  While the soles still need to be sturdy to support the feet of those learning to walk, you can still find great deals searching the internet.
• Clothing ranks right up there with shoes for online price comparisons.  The big brands like Carter’s or Osh Kosh can be found at a number of sites, with very competitive pricing.  Clothing needs to be considered for its ability to wash up well, and for safety factors.  Loose buttons, scratchy tags, and potential choking hazards are all means for concern and should be considered when shopping for the best price.  If something harms your baby it is not worth any savings.

There are plenty of good deals to be had online when shopping for baby items.  The convenience factor will also play heavily into the price of a baby product.  New parents often find it hard to leave home, as do parents of multiple young children.   BabiesRUs is a great site that will offer numerous brands at good prices, as well as product reviews and consumer ratings.   IVillage is another site where moms will offer advice and recommendations for products.   Advice sites will often offer online coupons for certain products, so it may be worth it to sign up for their newsletters.  Best Baby Products offers free shipping and discounts just for signing up.

While initially it may seem tedious to research pricing for the baby product basics, the savings can be tremendous.  Raising children is expensive but worthwhile, especially when you can find a great deal.  “The best advice comes from someone who has been there, and moms always seem willing to share any technique or any great deal they come across,” states Kathy Miller, a new mother of twins from St. Louis, Mo.  “By reading online reviews and comparing prices at various sites, I know I’ve saved money.”

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The use of alternative cooking oils has been touted for years to offset the traditional vegetable oils for their fatty contents. Coconut oil and olive oil are both touted for their unique cooking qualities, while offering excellent health and beauty benefits.

Coconut Oil Benefits

Coconut oil comes from a milk emulsion pressed from a coconut, containing about 40% oil. This type of oil is from a medium chain fatty acid, making it absorbed for quick energy throughout the body. While still considered a saturated fat, it is touted for its positive health benefits.

Many research studies have reported that coconut oil lowered cholesterol and stimulated thyroid function. In a study by the JAMA, it was noted that 7% of patients with heart disease that were fed coconut oil daily showed improved results. It has also shown benefits related to high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV, bone strength, and certain cancers.

Virgin coconut oil has several types of fatty acids, including lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid. These carry various properties that are antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal and more. All of these aid in digestion, immunity, and healing. Coconut oil has also been touted by athletes for its weight loss abilities, as it has been proven to increase metabolism through its easy digestion. Because of this, it removes stress from the pancreas, burning more energy and helping remove excess weight.

Coconut oil also aids in calcium absorption throughout the body, making is essential to our bones and teeth. This leads to stronger bones and resistance to tooth decay. Women that are prone to osteoporosis are often recommended coconut oil as a way to ward it off.

In addition to all the good coconut oil does on the inside, it is also recommended in beauty treatments on the outside. Massaging the oil into your hair and scalp creates not only healthy shine, but keeps away dandruff and lice. It is also a fantastic conditioner to the hair follicles.

Used on the skin, it is thought to prevent wrinkles and dehydration, and is in various creams and lotions. Coconut oil is also recommended in treating eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. It is also used as a massage oil to reduce stress.

With all of the great benefits for your health, it cannot be forgotten that is beneficial cooking oil. The oil does have a slight coconut taste and aroma, making it a better fit for baked goods. It also meshes well with Indian and Thai foods that develop a sort of coastal flavor using various spices and seasonings. The subtle sweetness that it adds juxtaposes the rich mix of flavors. Coconut oil does not mesh well with Italian or other Mediterranean flavors.

“Once I became used to the subtle coconut sweetness in my baked goods, I couldn’t wait to try it elsewhere,” states Kimi Harris of The Nourishing Gourmet. She recommends starting with a small jar of it to be certain the taste is right for you.

The Benefits of Olive Oil

The healthy benefits of Mediterranean diet have long been attributed to the use of extra-virgin olive oil. Derived from the pressings of olives, this is considered the highest quality of olive oil, packed with the majority of its healthy attributes and richest flavor.

This monounsaturated fat is rich in antioxidants and Vitamin E. It has been proven to reduce blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks. Some studies have shown olive oil to inhibit certain cancers. In the January 2005 issue of Annals of Oncology, a study published identified that oleic acid, found in olive oil, had the “ability to reduce the affect of an oncogene.” This is a gene that will turn a host cell into a cancer cell. Olive oil is also shown to protect cells from carcinogens, often associated with colon cancer.

There are anti-inflammatory benefits from olive oil that are shown to reduce symptoms of arthritis and asthma. Like coconut oil, olive oil is also touted for its weight loss results. The Mediterranean Diet is recommended not only for its heart healthy benefits, but for the use of olive oil with fruits and vegetables for a healthier way of life.

Olive oil is also recommended as a skin moisturizer in small amounts, to prevent dry spots and wrinkles. It is also thought to build stronger nails when rubbed into the nail bed, as well as a fantastic hair conditioner.
The healthy fats of olive oil make it ideal for cooking. The subtle flavor complements a variety of beef, chicken, and seafood dishes, especially when used in marinades. Extra virgin olive oil is the most flavorful, bringing out the nuances of vegetables such as tomatoes, onion, garlic, and more. The finest olive oils are perfect for salad dressings and bread dipping, where you can indulge directly with the taste.

“The taste of a dish for which you need olive oil will be as good or as ordinary as the oil you use. A sublime one can lift even modest ingredients to eminent heights of flavor; a dreary oil will pull the best ingredients down to its own level. Partial clues to the quality of the olive oil you are buying are supplied by the label and the price, but ultimately, the only way to determine which one, among those available, is right for you is to taste and compare,” states Marcella Harzan, a well known chef and cookbook author. Olive oil does not fare well with baked goods, as the taste does not mesh well with sweeter ingredients and baking essentials.

What is better coconut oil or olive oil?
What it boils down to between the two oils is that they are both highly beneficial to your health. Coconut oil is much better suited to baking and for its direct beauty benefits. Olive oil is the better choice for cooking and the ingested benefits it provides. The two have very distinct taste differences, and need to be sampled to determine which fits your palette better.

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