What is Chocolate? Other than delicious goodness, chocolate is a seed that comes from the cacao tree. Unfortunately, cacao trees only grow in tropical regions so for many home gardeners eager to have their own stash of chocolate you can forget about growing your own tree. But, there will be lots of great deals on chocolate this Saturday, so no need to make your own.
Here’s an interesting fact to nibble on, boutique chocolate shops have only been around since the 1980’s. Before that, the industrial revolution changed the way we now experience and enjoy chocolate.
As early as 1875 names like Hershey and Nestle massed produced chocolate bars that were sold around the world.
Chocolate helps reduce stress
Studies show that eating dark chocolate every day can reduce stress and support better cognitive performance. Many people actually feel less mental fatigue after eating chocolate. Of course, remember that moderation is key, too much of anything even something as delicious and beneficial as chocolate can be bad for you.
Helps you stay thin
A healthy diet full of chocolate? Can this be true? Studies have shown that people who ate chocolate had a lower body mass index than people who didn't. Moreover, eating dark chocolate prior to eating a large meal resulted in a 17% lower calorie intake for those who participated in the study.
What does that mean? It means that you now have permission to eat your dark chocolate before your meal. As a matter of fact, it’s encouraged!
Researchers believe that even though chocolate can be high in calories, they are also full of antioxidants and other ingredients that may promote weight loss.
Chocolate Cake Recipe
This cake is perfect for parties or just as a simple dessert with friends.
Best part, it's really easy to make and takes under an hour to prepare.
To begin, heat oven to 180 degrees. Lightly grease a 7in round tin.
In a large mixing blow place 6oz of butter or margarine, 6oz of caster sugar, 3 large eggs, 5oz self-raising flour, 1 ¾ oz cocoa, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
(These are all the ingredients you will need for the cake.)
Beat all the ingredients with a wooden spoon or you can use a hand-held mixer – beat for one minute. Note, it is important not to mix or beat the batter too long – just enough to make the batter smooth.
Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake on the middle rack of your pre-heated oven for about 45-50 minutes. The top of the cake should spring back when touched lightly with your fingertip.
Let the cake sit for 5 minutes, then gently run a knife around the end and place the cake on a wire rack to cool.
Top with any topping of your choice and enjoy!
