This is Ground-Breaking New Software!
Saturday, 18 December 2010
Sunday, 24 October 2010
10 Reasons Why Chocolate is Healthy to Eat
1. It can cheer you up!
When eating chocolate you increase the levels of some chemicals in your brain.
They include PEA, (phenylethylamine, this is related to Amphetamine), this
produces a confidence boost; tryptophan, this converts into serotonin in your
brain lifting your mood and theobromine, a stimulant.
2. It can help protect your Liver!
Recently released studies at the 'International Liver Congress 2010', showed
that dark chocolate reduces the damage in patients who have suffered
scarring on the Liver caused by excessive drinking or disease. It also reduces your blood-pressure in your liver as the high levels of Antioxidants mop up damaging particles.
3. Chocolate Is Good For Your Skin!
Research has shown that a new type of chocolate, Aticoa, maybe able to slow down the bodies ageing process. It may be able to keep skin smooth and wrinkle free. The "healthy" choc bar was developed by finding a way to preserve the antioxidants usually destroyed while chocolate is made.
Research has shown that a new type of chocolate, Aticoa, maybe able to slow down the bodies ageing process. It may be able to keep skin smooth and wrinkle free. The "healthy" choc bar was developed by finding a way to preserve the antioxidants usually destroyed while chocolate is made.
4. It Can help increase your Memory!
Oxford University' scientists have tested a sample of 2000 volunteers, by feeding them chocolate. They found that memory was really improved. In Northumbria another study showed that when given large amounts of flavanols, found in chocolate, people found mental arithmetic easier.
The brain releases dopamine after a couple of dark chocolate squares. This helps with the overall mental brain function.
Chocolate contains a large amount of theobromine. At London's Imperial College they found this to be more effective at stopping persistent coughs than codeine.
6. It could help fight Bowel Cancer!
Sunday, 17 October 2010
Family History
The Family history of the residents of Durham can be researched in several different places.
There are many routes one can take to obtain the genealogy of your family.
You could visit 'The Archives' at County Hall, having made an appointment prior to your visit.
A lot of information may be found on the Headstones in your local cemetery.
Parish records can be searched either in person, by visiting the Parish, or via the internet.
Many on-line services are available for the keen family historian. However most do charge for there services. The cost's vary widely from site to site and indeed from Country to Country.
Information that is freely available in Europe, may cost hundreds of dollars in the USA, or any other continent around the world.
I will be starting a Genealogy-Hub on the internet soon and will post details here when the site is up and running.
There are many routes one can take to obtain the genealogy of your family.
 |
| The Plate Family 1870's. |
You could visit 'The Archives' at County Hall, having made an appointment prior to your visit.
A lot of information may be found on the Headstones in your local cemetery.
Parish records can be searched either in person, by visiting the Parish, or via the internet.
 |
| Late Nineteenth Century Family. |
Many on-line services are available for the keen family historian. However most do charge for there services. The cost's vary widely from site to site and indeed from Country to Country.
Information that is freely available in Europe, may cost hundreds of dollars in the USA, or any other continent around the world.
I will be starting a Genealogy-Hub on the internet soon and will post details here when the site is up and running.
Saturday, 9 October 2010
Quick and Easy Cookie Recipes
 |
| COOKIE TIME! |
If you feel bored and want to make something in your kitchen, one thing you can make that is quick and easy, are cookies. To give you an idea, here are a few recipes that are worth baking.
The first thing you can make is peanut cookies. For these, you will need some flour, baking power, white and brown sugar, eggs, milk, vegetable oil and of course, the peanuts.
While you are preparing the ingredients, you can already preheat the over to about 300 degrees Fahrenheit or 150 degrees Celsius. Now get a large bowl and then add all the other ingredients except the peanuts, then mix with a wooden spoon until you get a brown paste as a result.
Next, pour in the peanuts and mix them into the paste this time using your hands. Be sure you don't overdo it because you don't want the dough to become tough.
Now grab a small amount of dough and roll it into a small ball using your palm. After making one, do another until you are able to fill up the entire tray. Be sure to leave at least an inch or two distance between each cookie so the dough can expand without compromising the nearby cookies while it is being cooked.
Once the tray is full, put it into the oven and bake them for about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove them and then sprinkle some powdered sugar then let it cool for a while before serving.
Another quick and easy cookie recipe that is a favorite is chocolate chip cookies. Unlike the first recipe, you have to mix some ingredients in one bowl first before mixing it with the rest.
With a medium bowl, you mix flour, salt and baking soda. With a bigger bowl, you mix shortening, brown and white sugar as well as pure vanilla. Don't forget to add some eggs and mix it until it is completely combined.
When this is ready, you mix the content of the medium bowl with those in the larger bowl until you have a moderately thick cookie dough.
Now scoop the dough into a small bowl and split into small balls as above, then put them on the tray. Make sure each ball is at least an inch apart and then let it bake in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes. If after 8 minutes the cookies still look doughy, wait for two more minutes before bringing them out of the oven. Let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.
The nice thing about making cookies is that if you are not able to finish everything in one session, you can always put the rest in a cookie jar. Just remember to finish it as soon as possible because it tastes different after several days.
If you are having a hard time removing the cookies from the wax paper or tin foil, it will be handy to have a spatula.
There are other great quick and easy recipes for cookies. You just need time to work in the kitchen and then have some fun.
If you are too lazy to make cookies, go and buy some from the store. When you take a bite, ask yourself how they made it and then try to replicate it. This is the best way to learn from those who make millions selling cookies all over the country.
Did you know that you can use ViralSearchTraffic.com to get your website displayed on the first line of search engine results in less than 60 seconds? I'm using it right now. It's absolutely revolutionary. Check it out and grab a free account here: http://bit.ly/cfzPkz
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Visit a Swiss Chocolate Factory by Train
Take the Chocolate Train to the Swiss Cailler Nestlé Visitor Centre
 |
| The Cailler Nestle Visitor Centre |
History of Cailler Nestlé Chocolate in Switzerland;
 |
| Henry Nestle |
Peter achieved this new type of chocolate by combining the traditional cocoa with Henri Nestlé’s invention of condensed milk. The resulting smooth and creamy chocolate was a great success. According to the Swiss World website, milk chocolate currently accounts for over 80% of the Swiss chocolate market. By 1898, Cailler chocolate manufacturing had moved to Broc to make use of the milk produced in the Gruyère region. The factory has been there ever since.
Take the Swiss Chocolate Train to the Cailler Nestlé Factory
In 1929, the chocolate firms founded by Henri Nestlé and François-Louis Cailler merged to form Cailler Nestlé and the company still produces chocolate in Broc. The Swiss Chocolate train runs three times a week from May to October except in July and August when it runs daily. The all day train tour starts at Montreux and crosses the meadows of the Gruyère region. It incorporates a stop to allow travellers to tour a cheese factory.
 |
| The Flag of Switzerland |
The train then continues its journey and arrives at the Cailler chocolate factory in the afternoon. In April 2010, Cailler will opened its new Visitor Centre at Broc-Gruyère where chocoholics can learn about the history of chocolate, take a factory tour and indulge in a free tasting session. There will also be the opportunity to buy Swiss chocolate at wholesale prices in the Centre’s shop.
Details of the Swiss Chocolate Train, including timetables and fares can be found at the GoldenPass Line website for tourists who like to travel independently. For travellers who prefer package deals, several operators offer organised holidays which include overnight accommodation and travel from various European cities as well as the trip on the Chocolate Train and the tour of the Cailler Nestlé chocolate factory.
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
Making Chocolate Candy that Lasts
Temperament of Chocolate Candy
The success of your chocolate candy lies on the ability to temper the chocolate. Even in other chocolate delicacies, the importance of tempering the chocolate mixture will never be understated. Chocolate, to begin with, must have a premium quality to it. You can have fun experimenting on different core chocolate materials that you can use for your chocolate candy. Sometimes, you will find in the market some melted chocolates that are ready for making chocolate candy. You can make use of this or do chocolate the hard way and start from the cocoa beans. The good thing about melted chocolates is that you can focus on the making of chocolate candy itself. The making of chocolate from cocoa beans can be very difficult and tedious, and you may be robbed of your energy the moment you decide to do both. By the time that you reach the chocolate candy making aspect, you may have no more gusto or enthusiasm to complete it. But when buying melted chocolate, make sure that it is not made of a processed candy bar. The courveture quality of chocolate is something you must look for since it makes for an ideal chocolate core for chocolate candy. Other Ingredients and Steps An electric frying pan is needed with ample space for your mixture. Have a temperature of about 60 degrees for mixing the chocolate and creating your candy. But don't melt the chocolates in your frying pan. It is still better to place them in the oven for melting. Introduce the chocolate by increments and not by instantly putting a large heap. This way, the stirring part will be easier and you will not run the risk of losing control as you create your chocolate candy. Avoid moisture in the chocolate at all costs because it will affect the taste of your chocolate candy. After you have fixed your chocolate core, you can then dip it into the other components that create the chocolate candy. The Method Coat both sides of your material with chocolate. Make sure that your flip the center for balance of chocolate distribution. You can also use your fingers to have a swirly mark on your chocolate candy, but this must be mastered with constant practice before you can smoothly pull it off. Keep mixing the chocolate in such a way that it does not get too stiff. Chocolate candy usually results in a less shiny quality. If you find the chocolate candy too shiny, you may have overdone or underdone something from the previous steps. Next Step You can now store your chocolate in the fridge. With the use of wax paper or other similar material, you can make your chocolate candies appear more professionally made than when you leave them bare in the tray. The good thing about chocolate is that it lasts for a very long time. The leftovers from your chocolate making may also be turned into other delicacies. Just use your imagination and you will be able to find delight in making other forms of chocolate delicacies. You can also save the leftovers for your next chocolate candy making sessions but gaining the right texture and temperature may prove to be a bit more challenging. Either way, there are no wasteful moments when it comes making chocolate candy and other chocolate delicacies for that matter. |
Monday, 6 September 2010
Good Parenting Can Involve Making Chocolate
As a parent, you always try and think of ways to entertain your kids while keeping them close to you. Making chocolate can be a real bonding moment that you can share with your off springs. Children love the mess. And parents like to keep things tidy and clean. For this activity, you can all make an agreement to treat the process as messy as it can be. But all of you should also contribute to the cleaning part after the activity is done. If you are a parent who is running out of creative juices on how to stop your toddler from running all over the house, then you must try this with the kid. Enjoy each moment while educating your kid the value of hard work and having rewards after. If you don't know anything about the methods, do not despair. It will be more fun to be at the same level where your kids are when it comes to such activity. They will see you as their equals and all of you can start the learning venture. The most important part here is that you get to spend quality time with your kids. Actually, this activity can be done by the whole family. Allocate a budget to buy the ingredients and simple equipment for you to be able to head on with the process. Your kids will definitely love you for it. While doing the task, you can explain to them some trivia, some facts and a lot about the processes of making chocolates. You can even inspire them to hone such talent to be able to profit from it when the right time comes. Through this, you will be able to instill in them proper values while they are enjoying themselves and learning from what you are all doing. As a parent, it is also your duty to control your kid's intake of the finished products. This will not be too hard especially that you have gained your kids' trust when you have taught them about chocolate making. After the process, you must explain to them very clear that they should eat chocolates sparingly. You must take the extra effort of researching all of the good and bad effects of chocolates to their bodies. This way, the craft is really becoming more of a learning process that your kids will surely thank you for when the right time comes. Do not mind the mess as this can get really messy. Just ask your kids to promise that they will help out cleaning away the mess to be able to get to eat some of what you all have made. Good parenting can be achieved in so many ways that you can think of. Sometimes, it takes extra effort to enjoy a fun-filled day with your kids. Do not mind the money for this activity. Seeing the happy faces of your kids will definitely erase all those doubts of yours. So head on to the grocery store. You can even ask your kids to come with you. You can start the process from there. You can remind them of tips and tricks in making chocolate. And as you all trail home, for sure, everybody will be looking forward to making their own treats while all having a good time. This will be a fun-filled bonding time that you will be able to add to the childhood memories of your children. Just one step into good parenting. |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)