May 1, 2009
Although I can’t understand the concept behind this one, apparently the creative minds at DigitalChocolate have created a Wii remote control made of white chocolate. Whether it holds up to the old MM’s adage ” melts in your mouth not in your hand” still has be to be determined. Let’s hope it does.
<http://asia.cnet.com/crave/2009/05/04/chocolate-wiimote-to-replace-vegetables-on-food-group-pyramid/>
Apr 30, 2009
Most of us are aware that chocolate bars have long been used by the military to provide quick, high calorie energy boost for the troops. The story behind this though is worth reading. According to wikipedia ( a semi reputable but always questionable source), ”
The first emergency chocolate ration bar commissioned by the United States Army was the Ration D, commonly known as the D ration. Army Quartermaster Colonel Paul Logan approached Hershey’s Chocolate in April 1937, and met with William Murrie, the company president, and Sam Hinkle, the chief chemist. Milton Hershey was extremely interested in the project when he was informed of the proposal, and the meeting began the first experimental production of the D ration bar.
Colonel Logan had four requirements for the D ration Bar. The bar must:
Its ingredients were chocolate, sugar, oat flour, cacao fat, skim milk powder, and artificial flavoring. Chocolate manufacturing equipment was built to move the flowing mixture of liquid chocolate and oat flour into preset molds. However, the temperature-resistant formula of chocolate became a gooey paste that would not flow at any temperature.
Chief chemist Hinkle was forced to develop entirely new production methods to produce the bars. Each four-ounce portion had to be kneaded, weighed, and pressed into a mold by hand. The end result was an extremely hard block of dark brown chocolate that would crumble with some effort and was heat-resistant to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
The resultant bar was wrapped in aluminum foil. Three bars sealed in a parchment packet consisted a daily ration and was intended to furnish the individual combat soldier with the 1,800 calorie minimum sustenance recommended each day.
Colonel Logan was pleased with the first small batch of samples. In June 1937, the United States Army ordered 90,000 D ration or “Logan Bars” and field tested them at bases in the Philippines, Panama, on the Texas border, and at other bases throughout the United States. Some of the bars even found their way into the supplies for Admiral Byrd’s third Antarctic expedition. These field tests were successful, and the Army began making irregular orders for the bars.”
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_military_chocolate>
For more on the history of chocolate and its role in military history, continue reading the link above.
Apr 25, 2009
In a blog tracking his hike up Mt. Everest, Michael Kobold speaks of the hardships and struggles in climbing the most unforgiving mountain in the world. Through the bitter cold nights and days, Kobold says that “Having good chocolate to eat while on an expedition into the high Himalaya is not an extravagance but an essential dietary complement.” If only we all could have such a compelling reason to feast on chocolate everyday!
<http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09123/967454-37.stm>
Apr 20, 2009
Having two daughters, I have learned by share of Disney Princess trivia. For years I made my daughters themed princess cakes, but I have to admit, they weren’t as nice as the cakes below which I made this weekend for a special order.
Apr 18, 2009
So last week I reported on the new trend in chocolate- mixing sweet and savory. This week I ran across another article which gives the recipe for the pairing of chocolate and potato chips. I have to admit, I’m intrigued. A new twist on the classic ” chocolate chip”
<a href=”http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090419/GJLIFESTYLES/904179931/-1/FOSLIFESTYLES”>
Apr 16, 2009
Don’t forget! Admin’s day is this Wednesday, April 22. My team and I have come up with some great gift ideas. 
http://www.chocolatebakery.com/Admin-Assistant-s-Week-Gift-Basket-p/admin_gift_basket.htm
Apr 13, 2009
This recipe is for the chocolate cake posted yesterday.
Really Easy, Really Good Chocolate Cake
2 C cake flour (All Purpose flour can be used)
1 C cocoa
2 C granulated sugar
2 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
2/3 C vegetable oil or melted butter (if using salted butter, omit the salt in the recipe)
1 C buttermilk
2 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
¾ C hot coffee
Chocolate Frosting
8 oz. soft butter
5 oz. unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled slightly
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 C milk, tepid
5 C powdered sugar, sifted
Apr 12, 2009
Apr 12, 2009
This weekend, instead of pursuing the leisure activities of most, I logged some major hours in the kitchen creating several How To videos. I have made one for a chocolate cake, cherry pie and a chocolate mousse. 
If you have an interest in how to videos and recipes that I personally guarantee will work, let me know.
Apr 5, 2009
According to a recent study, chocolate not only tastes great, but it can actually make you better at math!!
“The study, lead by scientists at the Northumbria University, was presented at the British Psychological Society annual conference. Co-author of this study, Prof David Kennedy stated that they found chocolate to be beneficial for mentally challenging tasks. When given hot cocoa with large amounts of compounds found in chocolate, volunteers performed better on mental arithmetic problems.”
So, for any of you who need a little boost in your math skills, grab a candy bar!
http://www.examiner.com/x-6503-Ft-Lauderdale-Science-News-Examiner~y2009m4d5-Can-chocolate-make-you-a-math-genius
I have loved baking and cooking since I was a child. I studied foods and nutrition in college, but my secret desire was to own my own restaurant. Participation in a culinary program landed me jobs in several upscale restaurants, where I discovered my passion for baking and pastries. In 1981 I opened my bakery, Tarts and Truffles, in Sacramento, CA. Realizing a need for trained, knowledgeable bakers, I began teaching baking classes in the culinary arts program at American River College in 1990. I hope you will find my interest in high quality baking reflected in every product we sell.
