Sugar Bloom

Imagine a piece of chocolate melting inside your mouth. The very thought of you caressing the chocolate can make you crazy. At the same time some of you might have been bewildered on finding a white coating outside the surface of the chocolate. This coating can be due to two reasons; sugar bloom or fat bloom. Presence of moisture can cause sugar bloom. The sugar components in chocolate will dissolve in the presence of moisture. As soon as the moisture evaporates, the sugar particles precipitate on the surface. This causes discoloring of chocolate. Mostly sugar bloom occurs when chocolate is placed in a humid atmosphere. It can also happen when chocolate is transferred from a cool temperature to warm atmosphere.

United States Chocolate Week

Us Americans sometimes have the craziest reasons to celebrate. And some chocaholic decided that we needed a week of chocolate indulgence without feeling guilty about it. And in the process why not have others join the celebration. And that’s how the Chocolate week was born. However we can celebrate with chocolate year round. March is a special month for chocolate lovers, as well as Women History Month, and St. Patrick’s Day. Chocolate week is celebrated during the 3rd week of March.

Of course, it’s great for the chocolate industry. Maybe it was not a chocaholic who thought of the American chocolate week, it might have been a chocolate manufacturer, i.e. Hershey’s, Godiva, or See’s Candy. So, chocolate stores have sales and specials; many factories that are usually closed to the public will open their doors during this week to give free tours and samples. Then there are the greeting cards.Greeting card are a great combo with chocolate. We have greeting cards for every occasion so, why not for American chocolate week.

According to some studies an American consumes as much as 11 pounds of chocolate every year. Of course, this average goes up significantly during festivals like the American chocolate week. So, let us start ordering our chocolates and prepare the list of things we are going to eat during chocolate week. After all, this week comes only once every year. So, go ahead folks, start your chocolate fantasy now.

Dependable Quick Fudge Recipe

Dependable Quick Fudge Recipe
Ingredients:
2/3 c. un-diluted evaporated milk
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 Pkg (6 oz.) Chocolate chips
1 2/3 c. Sugar
1 1/2 c. diced marshmallows (16 med.)
1/2 c. chopped nuts
Directions:
Mix evaporated milk, sugar and salt in saucepan over medium heat. Heat to boiling, then cook 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add marshmallows, Chocolate Chip, vanilla and nuts. Stir 1 - 2 minutes until marshmallows melt. Pour into buttered 8 inch square pan. Cool. Cut into squares.

Auntie’s Cream Chocolate Fudge

Ingredients:

• 1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups milk Chocolate Chips
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1.  Set aside a lined 8×8 inch pan with aluminum foil..
2. Combine marshmallow cream, sugar, evaporated milk, butter and saltIn a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a full boil, and cook for 5 minutes while stirring constantly.
3. Remove from heat and pour in semisweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in nuts and vanilla. Pour into prepared pan. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours, or until firm.

Auntie’s Cream Chocolate Fudge

Butterscotch Fudge

Butterscotch Fudge

• 1-3/4 cups sugar
• 1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow creme
• 3/4 cup evaporated milk
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
• 1-3/4 cups (11-oz. pkg.) HERSHEY’S Butterscotch Chips
• 1 cup chopped salted mixed nuts
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
1. Line 8-inch square pan with foil. Extend the foil over edges of pan.

2. Place sugar, marshmallow creme, evaporated milk and butter in heavy 3-quart saucepan and mix. Cook with medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to full boil; boil and stir 5 minutes.

3. Remove from heat; gradually add

Chocolate Cavity

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