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Health & Fitness

CHOCOLATE: THE ULTIMATE THANK YOU

With a lineage dating back to 1900 B.C., for most of us, chocolate is a decadent, guilty pleasure because it represents one of those rare, coveted treats in which most of us love to indulge.  For this very reason, it should come as no surprise that chocolate’s universal status as a wonderful gift of love and gratitude is virtually untouchable.

Originally prepared without sugar or milk, today’s chocolate products come in a variety of fantabulous forms, which vary depending upon the type of bean used and their roasting process, as well as the amounts of additives included in the manufacturing process.  So what are your chocolate choices?

1) EVER-POPULAR MILK CHOCOLATE—As evidenced by its name, milk chocolate is usually comprised of 12% milk, which gives it a smooth consistency, while a lesser amount of cocoa solids (only 10-20% cocoa and cocoa butter) lends itself to a lighter, sweeter taste.

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2) WHITE CHOCOLATE: THE OTHER—While we consider this mild and pleasant sweet to be part of the chocolate family, due to its low content of cocoa solids, there are actually certain countries who don’t consider this treat to be in the chocolate family.  Still, generally made from cocoa butter, sugar, milk, emulsifier, and vanilla, the off-white color comes from the high fat content in all of its ingredients.

3) EVER-CLASSIC DARK CHOCOLATE—Unlike its softer milk chocolate counterpart, dark chocolate includes a high amount of cocoa solids and sugar, while containing little or no milk.

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4) NOT FOR EATING: BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE—Good quality bittersweet generally contains 60-85% cocoa solids, which lends itself to a rich and intense bitter flavor.  Since the sugar content is extremely low, recipes which call for it should not be substituted with other chocolate varieties.

Gratitude Goodies designs include white, milk and dark chocolate, along with a wide range of amazing combinations.  New designs will be available soon which include: white chocolate cranberry-pistachio; raspberry swirl in dark or white chocolate; and an amazing assortment of truffles which have an extremely smooth texture.

We’re also working on designs for hot & spicy lovers, which can include peanuts in varieties such as jalapeno, habanero, and sea salt with cracked pepper.

As always, thank you for making Gratitude Goodies Atlanta’s #1 signature gift basket company.

Diane Campbell   |   770-886-9598    |    www.GratitudeGoodies.com

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