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Ozark Mountain Region Blogs

Love, Wine, and Chocolate

A VALENTINE GIFT THAT IS HEART HEALTHY

Still looking for the perfect Valentine gift? Try giving your sweetheart a bottle of wine and some dark chocolate. It's the perfect gift for men and women. Chocolate and wine are packed full of many qualities that are beneficial to health. It's like giving the gift of health.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHOCOLATE AND RED WINE

According to scientific research, eating dark chocolate and drinking red wine is actually good for you. The chemicals responsible for the goodness in chocolate and red wine are plant compounds called polyphenols, flavonoids, and cyanidins. These compounds are usually called Phenols. Plants make phenols to protect their cells from damage and disease. Research shows that raw or minimally processed cocoa and red wine contain potent antioxidant and flavonoids that possess an ability to clear free radicals and protect against inflammation. Phenols also help protect against heart disease by preventing and slowing plaque buildup in the arteries. Cocoa contains essential trace elements and nutrients such as iron, calcium and potassium, and vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E. Cocoa is also the highest natural source for Magnesium. Magnesium deficiency is linked with hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, joint problems and pre-menstrual tension. You'll need to find a chocolate with a minimum of 60% cocoa to get the most benefits. Like eating dark chocolate, red wine is an excellent source of Phenols. Phenols are organic compounds found in grape skin and seeds. Some also form during the fermentation and aging process but these are small compared to the amount naturally present. Phenols determine everything from a wine's balance, taste, color, consistency and aroma and act as a preservative during the aging process. Most phenols exist in the form of tannins. These molecules help to preserve wine by their ability to absorb oxygen. http://www.etslabs.com/resources/publications/phenolic-reports/red-wine-phenolic-report.aspx ENJOY THE TASTE AND THE BENEFITS OF THE GIFT

CHOCOLATE AND WINE PAIRINGS -Try these recipes and ideas for eating chocolate and enjoying a glass of wine.

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Candy Bar

Dessert

Zinfandel Wine

Green and Black's Hazelnut & Currant Dark Chocolate Candy BarThe rich, intense flavor of dark chocolate, organic roasted currants and toasted, nutty crunch of organic chopped hazelnuts are a perfect balance for the lingering spice of the Zinfandel.

White Cake with Chocolate Icing Recipe Made with Cocoa Powder · 1 c. butter or margarine at room temperature · 2 lbs. confectioner's sugar · 2 tsp. vanilla · 1/2 c. cocoa powder · 1/2 c. milkPlace butter or margarine in the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat on low until softened. Add vanilla. Add sugar, 1 cup at a time, and beat on low. Scrape down the beaters and bowl. Add cocoa powder and mix until blended. Add a little milk at a time, increasing the speed of the mixer as the chocolate icing becomes creamier. Beat on high for 2 minutes. Make your favorite white cake recipe or use a box mix. Frosting yields 5 cups.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Chocolove Cherries & Almonds in Dark Chocolate BarThis dark chocolate combined with a chewy, crunchy combination of cherries and almonds contrasts the rich tannins of a Cabernet.

Chocolate Pecan Mousse

· 1/2 lb. German sweet chocolate· 1 tbsp. sugar· 1/2 c. cream· 2 egg yolks, slightly beaten· 1/2 tsp. vanilla· 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans

. Whipped cream

Melt chocolate over hot water. Gradually stir in the sugar and the cream until smooth. Remove from heat. Slowly blend in egg yolks and vanilla. Stir in pecans. Pour into small individual dessert dishes, such as demitasse cups. Chill. Serve with garnish of whipped cream. 6 servings

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