For all of us with a sweet tooth a chocolate cheesecake is something which defies explanation or definition. But look for it on the net and you will come across a variety of definitions. But basically all of them say the same thing. A cheesecake is made from cream cheese, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese or sometimes Swiss or cheddar cheese. It may or may not have a crust, which can be a light dusting of bread crumbs, a cookie crust or a pastry crust. The filling is made by mixing the cheese with eggs, sugar and whatever flavoring you are going to use such as, chocolate. After baking, the cheesecake is chilled and topped with whipped cream, fruit or chocolate shavings.

The most common problem associated with baking cheesecakes is its tendency to “crack” when cooled. This is due to the coagulation of the beaten eggs in its batter but there are various methods to prevent this. One method is to bake the cake in a hot water bath to ensure even heating or alternatively, a little cornstarch blended into the batter prevents the coagulation of eggs. Some cheesecake manufacturers use novel methods like a blowtorch to crystallize the tops and the sides. Different countries have their own different style of cheesecake. Below is a recipe for a chocolate cheesecake.

Ingredients:

1 pkg. Duncan Hines deep chocolate cake mix
1 tbsp. cooking oil
2 (8 oz.) cream cheese
1/2 c. sugar
4 eggs
1 1/2 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 to 2 1/2 c. Cool Whip

Directions:
Take 1 cup cake mix and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the remaining cake mix, one egg and 1 tablespoon oil. Press into bottom of a greased 9×13x2 inch pan evenly and 3/4 inch up side. In same bowl, mix the cream cheese and sugar until fluffy. Add remaining eggs and the cupcake mix that was set aside. Beat 1 minute at medium speed. Add milk and vanilla, beating on low speed until smooth. Pour into crust and bake at 300 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes.
When cool, garnish with shaved and chopped cherries.


tags: chocolate, chocolate cheesecake, cherries, chocolate cake mix

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Chocolate is rich in nutrients.
1) Protein found in chocolate is needed for cell maintenance and repair.
2) With fat; it varies, but generally about 30 percent fat, of which about 50 percent is saturated fat.
3) Vitamin E - a fat-soluble vitamin essential for cell membranes.
4) Iron is needed to form hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying compound in blood.
5) Copper assists iron metabolism, formation of melanin (in hair and skin) and functioning of the central nervous system.
6) With Sugars, it varies. The cacao itself contains quite a bit of carbohydrates but the majority is starch, soluble and insoluble dietary fibers. A small portion is simple sugar. In the process of making chocolate, sugar is added to provide the sweeten taste. This sugar added is known as complex sugar. This sugar is to be avoided.
7) Antioxidant phytochemicals (such as flavonoids) can be found cocoa beans, which is a main ingredient of chocolate (more so in dark chocolate). It contain more than 600 plant chemicals, including antioxidants, that may protect against heart disease and cancer.
8). Caffeine and theobromine are nervous system stimulants
9) Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium are minerals essential for strong bones and teeth.

We all know about the antioxidants in our diet - vitamins C, E and beta-carotene, but hundreds of other antioxidants also occur naturally in foods and beverages. Antioxidants are also found in chocolates. People claim that chocolate has medicinal properties. A claim that is disputable.

So, why is there all this hype over antioxidants? Antioxidants are known to neutralize the effect of free radicals. These are molecules which may harm the cell. Antioxidants help maintain muscle and tissue health. Research has shown that the antioxidants found in chocolate known as flavoniods help prevent chronic diseases, such as cardiovasular.

So there you have it, we know the nutritional values of chocolate. So is chocolate nutrition alone enough?


tags: chocolate, chocolate nutrition, cacao

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Yes, there is such a thing called as chocolate diet. There was a time when people were told to shun chocolate. Now there is a chocolate diet.

The chocolate diet consists of liquids. People are given a powder or supplement that they usually blend with milk or water. The may take the supplement in pill or capsule form. Warning the powder supplments are not a replacement for meals. They are only supposed to replace the snacks. The pills have many nutritional benefits such as boost in metabolism. Along with a healthy diet the chocolate diet is supposed to encourage the fat burning, leading towards weight loss and ultimately to a slimmer you. Below is a sample of a chocolate diet.

Breakfast:
• Fresh fruit
• fruit salad
• shredded wheat with non-fat milk and strawberries
Morning Snack:
• Popcorn
• fruit
Lunch:
• Salad*
• pasta salad*
• spaghetti

* = w/low-cal dressings
Dinner:
• Fettuccini w/garlic tomato sauce
• whole wheat pasta primavera
• salad
• steamed vegetables
All Day:
• Water
• carbonated water
• mineral water

Snack between meals:
• popcorn or
• vegetable sticks or
• fruit smoothie: Blend 1/2 frozen banana, 1/2 cup frozen peaches (or other fruit of choice) with 1 cup non-fat skim milk. or
• Shake with chocolate powder / chocolate supplement(up to 1 oz. chocolate).

The following items are to be avoided while on the Chocolate Diet:
• Alcoholic beverages
• Salt/sodium
• Sugars (artificial sweeteners are okay)
• Oils
• Oily fruits (avocados, olives, coconuts)
• High sugar/cal fruits (raisins, figs, dates)
• Fried foods
• Dairy products
• Red meats
• Nuts and seeds
• Unauthorized snacks (chips, junk food, candies, cakes, pies, etc.)
• Coffee/caffeine
• Carbonated soft drinks

Now to the important question - does it work? The jury is still out on this diet. While chocolate has its health benefits, not many people feel that eating chocolate is the best way to lose weight.

Is the chocolate diet a fad or here to stay? What is your take?


tags: chocolate, chocolate diet, chocolate powder, chocolate supplement

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