Posted 02.14.10 at 10:25PM
by Jason Yu
in
Arts & Entertainment
Godiva For Life
Let us take a break from running, because it is Valentines Day! Whether you are celebrating the special bond between you and your significant other, celebrating your singleness, or caught in a bad romance – be sure to top off your V-day with chocolate!
According to Men’s Fitness, chocolate fights diseases and has many nutrients including flavonoids which are powerful antioxidants that mop up the cell-damaging free radicals that have been linked to cancer and heart disease. Choose alkaline-free cocoa products, such as Hershey’s Cocoa and Godiva.
Do not be afraid to go “Dutch” as there are processed alkaline chocolates to lower the bitterness and les flavonoid ingredients. Yes that means you can have Hershey kisses, Mr. Goodbar, and Nestle chocolate chips. Oh my!
Believe it! chocolate also helps reduce inflammation in blood vessels, keeping them open and optimum blood flow to your heart and your other working muscles.
One last tip: Chocolate does not cause breakouts, as they contain antioxidants. Now you can eat your cake! Happy Valentines Day!
Jason Yu is Partner and Director of Marketing for Social Media Solutions in Richmond, VA. His company specializes in Social Media Strategy and Online Reputation Management. Jason enjoys keeping active by running, swimming and working out on a daily basis. Jason has ran in over fifteen running races including the Monument Avenue 10K, Philadelphia Half Distance Run, Richmond Half-Marathon, and Xterra races. Interesting facts about Jason is that he is a music fanatic, macaroni and cheese connoisseur, and aspiring “mixologist.”
Tags: antioxidants, Chocolate, fitness, godiva, Health, health & wellness, heart, hershey, Mens fitness, sports, Valentine's Day
Posted 02.08.10 at 12:00PM
by Silver Dining
in
Arts & Entertainment
Who ever wrote the book of love must have smeared the pages with chocolate. Being a self confessed chocoholic, I know the satisfaction of a simple fudge brownie and the extravagant delight of a dark chocolate mousse.
Looking to make something special for your chocoholic love then look no further. Try this rendition of a lava cake and satiate their desires…for chocolate at least.
Chocolate Sinkholes
Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
12 ounces bittersweet (dark) chocolate, chopped
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 large eggs
2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Melt the butter and chocolate in a double boiler or a metal bowl set over simmering water, stirring occasionally. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. You can do this in the microwave just by heating 30 – 45 seconds then stirring and repeating until completely melted.
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Sift the sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt together and set aside. Beat the eggs and vanilla in a medium bowl until frothy. Stir in the chocolate mixture until incorporated. Then slowly stir in the sugar-flour mixture just until everything is combined.
Divide the batter among six 7-ounce ceramic teacups or ramekins. Arrange the custard cups in a baking dish or roasting pan and fill the dish with enough cool tap water to come one-third of the way up the sides of the cups. (This water bath assures that the bottom portions of the cakes remain in a batter state.)
Bake for 34 to 38 minutes, until the tops are firm. Serve warm. I prefer them topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup. Sinkholes can be made up to a day in advance and warmed for 30 seconds in microwave before topping with ice cream.
Desserts That Have Killed Better Men Than Me
by Jeremy Jackson
Silver has been a home chef since the first time his mom asked him to start dinner before she got home. He believes cooking should be fun and draws immense pleasure in seeing the satisfied faces of his guests. Find more inspiration on his personal blog “Chef Tell’s Kitchen.”
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I figured it was time to talk chocolate and wine. I did a little searching and and I’ve got you covered on the best wines to pair with all the chocolate you receive. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the wine you’re drinking is as sweet as the chocolate you’re eating. Here’s your best bet for pairings:
o Milk Chocolate – Pinot Noir, Riesling a lighter-bodied Merlot. Try Ingleside’s Pinot Grigio.
o Dark Chocolate – Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel. For the extra dark stuff (55% cocoa in above, try a Pinot Noir or Merlot. I’ve said it before, I love Barboursville’s Merlot.
o White Chocolate – Sherry or Moscato. Jennifer Macon-Steel gives a good list in “The Best Moscato of the Decade.”
Lucky for you, there are some great Richmond events that feature both chocolate and wine and support Richmond non-profits. CHOCOHOLIC!, a fundraiser to support CHIP of Greater Richmond will be held on February 4 from 6-9 p.m. at the Virginia Holocaust Museum. It’s a chocolate/wine lovers dream come true: chocolate fountains, tastings from Virginia wineries and treats from local chocolatiers, restaurants, bakeries and ice cream shops. Tickets are $35. Go here or call 804-592-2177 to purchase tickets.
Also, check out Sinfully Sweet on February 11 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Morton’s Steakhouse. Try out chocolates from Gearharts Fine Chocolates, paired with fine wine. $50 per guest, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Comfort Zone Camp. For more info contact AnnMarie Grohs at 804-648-1662 or annmarie_grohs@mortons.com.
When it comes to chocolate and wine, calories don’t count. I hope you’re showered with both wine and Godiva chocolates this Valentine’s Day. Cheers to love, wine and chocolate.
Have a glass of wine out of the box each Wednesday on GayRVA.
