Simple & Satisfying – Chocolate Soufflé

I’m declaring this NATIONAL CHOCOLATE WEEK in preparation for Valentine’s Day. Is there anything more satisfying than biting into a chocolate sensation? I didn’t think so. Follow this step by step guide to perfecting a scrumptious Chocolate Soufflé. Trust me, you will LOVE this one and so will your guests.

Makes 6 individual servings

4 Tbsp. butter (or try a substitute from last Tuesday’s post)

½ cup sugar

3 Tbsp. flour

¾ cup of milk

¾ cup (170g) chopped best quality dark chocolate

4 egg yolks

4 egg whites

pinch of cream of tartar (not necessary but it makes the egg whites stiffer)

Use 2 Tbsp. butter and ¼ cup sugar to liberally coat the insides of 6 one-ounce ceramic soufflé cups (or something very similar). Set aside.

In a saucepan, melt remaining 2 Tbsp. butter with flour. Add milk and continue cooking until mixture thickens. Remove from heat, add chocolate and stir until melted.

Meanwhile, beat yolks until creamy, then begin blending in chocolate mixture. Set aside.

Beat egg whites with a pinch of cream of tartar until soft peaks form (you can tell when you lift the beater and it sticks to the beater making a little peak).

Add remaining ¼ cup sugar, a small amount at a time.

Beat until stiff.

Fold half the whites into chocolate mixture. Then fold chocolate mixture into remaining egg whites. Transfer to soufflé cups. Bake in preheated 350 degree F oven for about 25 minutes. Serve immediately.

**HINT: you can add a little icing sugar to the top before serving or fresh whipped cream and a mint sprig or raspberry/mint combo. Below – soufflé a different way:

FUN

Scene in the City – Once in a “Blue Moon”

You’ll come across “not just another” chocolatier – instead something very special. Now there’s Koko Monk and luckily (or not so luckily for me) it’s within a very short walking distance from my house. Too short but at least my gym is on the same street if you catch my drift. It’s chocolate poetry.

Valentine's Day is coming — Valentine’s Day is almost upon us.

Owner and friend Paul Dincer will tell you that you must not bite into these ones – no, no. Just let them melt under your tongue to fully experience it. He uses only dark chocolate, fresh ingredients –all made my hand and hand painted. A total work of art. It gets worse….there’s also a chocolate fountain where you can dip fresh fruit into. Finally I also recommend the Turkish coffee and pastries – all deliciously delicious.

Oh “Matchmaker” I had my “First Kiss”, a total “Bliss Fix” which led me to “La Petite Amour” with an “Iron Buddha” of all things… by “La Mer” under a “Dark Moon.”

The next day I craved “Tuscan Blues” but went to “Musee L’Amour” with my “Brunette Bangle” instead and was handed a “Jade Box“. Then a sudden“Sultry Drift” made me feel like “Smoking Hearts.” After that it was off to “Leningrad” to “Tango Paulo.”

Okay, what the hell are in these chocolates??

Inside Shop with Elena & Paulo

Blue Moon – blue cheese chocolate (it really works)

Matchmaker – Chilli and Cinnamon

First Kiss – Sour Cherry – Raspberry Caramel

Bliss Fix – Passion Fruit

La Petite Amour – Mango

Iron Buddha – Cardamon and Tea

La Mer – Watermelon with Sea Salt

Dark Moon – Rum Truffle

Tuscan Blues – Lavender

Musee L’Amour – Pistachio and Almond Paste

Brunette Bangle – Curry and Coconut

Jade Box – Japanese Matcha Tea

Sultry Drift – Fresh Vanilla Bean Caramel

Smoking Hearts – Apple Wood Smoked Chocolate

Leningrad – Espresso Vodka

Tango Paulo – Hazelnut Praline

…..and more (but I just couldn’t fit them all into the poem).

KOKO ~~Nazi~~ MONK – 1849 West 1^st Ave. in Kits

FUN

AWay with Words….on Champagne

“Come quickly, I am tasting the stars!” ~DOM PERIGNON, upon his first taste of champagne.

“I drink champagne when I win, to celebrate…and I drink champagne when I lose, to console myself.”
~NAPOLEON

“One holds a bottle of red wine by the neck, a woman by the waist, and a bottle of champagne by the derriere.” Mark Twain

“Too much of anything is bad, but too much champagne is just right.” Mark Twain

“Remember gentlemen, it’s not just France we are fighting for, it’s Champagne!”
Winston Churchill

“Four be the things I am wiser to know:
Idleness, sorrow, a friend, and a foe.
Four be the things I’d been better without:
Love, curiosity, freckles, and doubt.
Three be the things I shall never attain:
Envy, content, and sufficient champagne.
Three be the things I shall have till I die:
Laughter and hope and a sock in the eye.”
― Dorothy Parker, The Complete Poems of Dorothy Parker

FUN

B Well – on Whitening

Is whitening toothpaste simply a waste of money?

When it comes to that million dollar movie star smile, everyone knows only one color will do: bright white.Yes, for those committed to looking perfect, a set of shiny white teeth is a must-have accessory. As such, a range of treatments and products are available to get those pearly yellows white.

In-office whitening treatments are the most effective, but also the most expensive, and even store bought whitening treatments can cost more than $100, so many of us opt for a more low-cost option: whitening toothpaste.

The question is, do they work? A new investigation conducted by British newspaper The Daily Mail has found that none of the six whitening toothpastes they tested had any affect on tooth color.

First, the paper had the tooth color of six women in their 30s and 40s professionally assessed by a dentist. Then they had the women brush with a whitening toothpaste for a month.

The toothpastes tested were Arm & Hammer Advanced Whitening Toothpaste, SwissDent Xtreme Whitening Toothpaste, Oral B 3D White Enamel Protect, Beverly Hills Natural Whitening Expert, BlanX Intense Stain Removal, and Rembrandt Complete Whitening Mint.

Any whitening effect that these types of pastes have is likely due to abrasive additives rather than the bleach they contain, reports the Los Angeles Times. For example, Crest 3D White Vivid contains tiny hydrated silica particles, which scrub the tooth surface clean. Though some pastes also contain bleach, experts say it has no effect, because it is rinsed away before it has a chance to act.

The results of the Daily Mail‘s month long test? There was no perceptible change in tooth color in any of the test subjects, regardless of which paste they used.

So, why can toothpastes claim they are whitening?

“Any toothpaste can claim to whiten teeth,” says Advertising Standards Canada spokesperson Nicole Bellam. “They’re allowed to claim that, even if it’s just by mechanical action.”

She explains that according to Health Canada’s Guidelines for Cosmetic Advertising and Labelling Claims, even if a toothpaste contains no bleach, an active whitening agent, or an abrasive that helps scrub the tooth clean, it can still claim it is a whitening toothpaste.

“Even regular flouride toothpaste can make that claim,” says Bellam. There are, however, rules around exactly how these claims are made. For example, a toothpaste can claim that it “whitens” or “brightens” teeth, but it cannot claim that it “bleaches” teeth.

The lesson here? Use a whitening toothpaste if you must, as it may be giving your teeth an extra scrub. Just don’t expect miracles.

Article By Lia Grainger | Shine On

FUN

style & design – THIN is IN

Oh NO….I’m still in the process of figuring out how to record on my TV. I lost something in Dropbox today and don’t even talk to me about making changes to my website. And then somebody sends me this youtube little glimpse into what’s coming! I better get with the program.

It gets better – the video is from Corning as in “CorningWare” the same people who make that thermal shock cookware that you can use on your stovetop. Everyone owns a piece.

I’ve never posted a link on its own but YOU MUST take a moment to view this youtube video if you haven’t already. Take my word – This is MIND BLOWING!

It's time to WAKE UP — It’s time to **WAKE UP**

SOMETIME SOON…..In the near future – a world made of GLASS…..

A stunning glimpse into the future courtesy of Corning: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=6Cf7IL_eZ38&vq=medium

FUN

Simple and Satisfying – Surprising Substitutes

Healthy Baking: Surprising Butter Substitutes

By FitSugar | Healthy Living

Baking calms the mind and feeds the soul, but all that buttery goodness can pack on the pounds. If looking to make healthier baked goods, omitting some or all of the butter from your favorite recipes greatly reduce the amount of calories, fat, and cholesterol in your sweet treats. There are countless ways to replace eggs in recipes, and here are healthier alternatives to using butter. These substitutes are great for vegan bakers too.

Applesauce: Often used to replace oil in recipes, applesauce can also be used as butter alternative, and works best in cake-like recipes. Replace half the amount of butter in your recipe with applesauce; if the recipe calls for one cup of butter, use half a cup of butter and half a cup of applesauce. If you don’t mind a denser, more moist bread, replace all the butter with applesauce to cut even more calories and fat.

Avocado: Substitute half the amount of butter in a baking recipe with mashed avocado (it works well with cookies); use the same method as you would when using applesauce. Using avocado not only lowers the calorie content but also creates a softer, chewier baked good, and is perfect if you want to omit the dairy.

Earth Balance: Replace all of the butter with Earth Balance to reduce saturated fat and cholesterol. Using Smart Balance rather than Earth Balance will also save some calories, but note that Original Smart Balance contains whey, so it’s not vegan.

Canola oil: In certain recipes, replacing butter with oil works well, especially if the recipe calls for melted butter. Fiddle with your favorite recipes to figure out when canola works instead of butter; when baking chocolate chip cookies, I’ve had success substituting half a cup of canola oil for half a cup of unsalted butter. Although slightly higher in calories, canola is much lower in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.

Greek yogurt: Replace half the amount of butter in your cookie recipes with half the amount of full-fat plain Greek yogurt. For example, if the recipe calls for one cup of butter, use half a cup of butter and one quarter cup of yogurt. You’ll reduce the calories and the saturated fat. Play around with using more yogurt and less butter to see if you still like the taste and consistency. Here are more ways to use Greek yogurt in baking recipes.

Prune purée: Often used to help little ones stay regular, prune purée also makes a low-calorie and low-fat alternative to butter. Whatever amount of butter the recipe calls for, replace it completely with store-bought baby food prune puree (unless you have time to make your own; just purée prunes in the food processor). This option works well in recipes that involve chocolate and cinnamon.

Follow my “Gusto” board on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/intrigueimports/

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Words of Wisdom

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B Well – the Health Benefits of Pet Ownership.

Or in my case -borrowship. But here is a list of the TOP 10 HEALTH BENEFITS of having a pet according to Dr. Dave Hepburn who owns a Havanese pup named Leo.

1 Several studies have shown that having a pet helps you get in shape. One study showed that new dog owners lose an average of 14 pounds in the first year.

2 Pets help people survive heart attacks. Pet owners have healthier hearts. Those who own a dog are eight times more likely to survive one year after a heart attack.

3 Pets are great for mental health. Patients who have pets are less depressed or anxious and show lower scores on the depression severity scale. So, if you’re feeling blue take two Shih Tzu and call me in the morning.

4 A study out of the University of Missouri showed that within minutes of petting a dog, there is a massive release of beneficial hormones ( in the petter) known to be associated with health and feelings of well being.

5 Dogs are beneficial in speech and language development. (My Spanish is already getting better). Dogs are instantly loyal and eager to please — perfect companions during sometimes difficult speech- therapy sessions.

6 Pets help blunt pain. By initiating and maintaining the relaxation response, a pet can distract a patient’s focus from his or her pain and elevate his or her mood.

7 Pet owners often feel needed and responsible, which may stimulate the survival incentive. There is the feeling of the need to pull through a surgery or major illness to take care of their pets. Many cancer patients with pets admit to striving hard to live longer because they felt that their pets need them and only them.

8 Pets in the home teach empathy and responsibility and even raise IQs. In fact, dogs can improve children’s reading scores. Trained teams of dogs and humans help children who have trouble reading to jump grade levels in just a few months in a program where children read to dogs.

9 Seniors who have pets have far fewer doctor visits and sleep better.

10 To many researchers, the most exciting facet of these studies is that positive human- animal interaction may delay production of harmful body chemicals associated with diseases such as cancer. Studies indicate an improvement in body chemicals associated with a healthy immune system. We may see a time when people at risk for certain illnesses including cancer may be prescribed a Chihuahua.

Dr. Dave Hepburn, Postmedia News. Watch Dr. Dave on “Buyologic” on OWN, Tuesdays at 6: 30 p. m.

Also Don’t miss listening to “Transforming Health” with host Brad King for the most evocative and informative up-to-the-minute interviews with leading health professionals – Live every Wednesday @ 12PM-PST/3PM-EST on VoiceAmerica**.com – #1 internet radio station in North America.

Here’s the link: http://www.voiceamerica.com/show/1686/transforming-health

FUN

Simple & Satisfying – Salad with Endive, Pear & Crumbled Stilton

Organic Greens, Endive and Pear Salad with Crumbled Stilton

I was recently taken out for dinner to La Cigale French Bistro where a friend ordered a starter of endive salad with walnuts and crumbled blue cheese that tasted divine. Unfortunately for this friend three of us dove into his plate & attacked the salad….then decided to order one for ourselves.

Did not ask for the recipe but I do know that….

Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill has had a very similar salad on the menu since it opened in 1999.

My birthday dinner there a few years back was very memorable and owner/chef Pino Posterero made a visit to our table to check on our meal. He says the secret to the success of this salad is in the vinaigrette which is simple to make, yet has a complex flavour.

Recipe:

120g (4 oz) Organic Salad Greens (including watercress or arugula)

16 leaves of Belgian Endive

1 ripe Bosc pear, skin on, cored and thinly sliced (ideally)

60 ml (2 oz) lemon shallot honey vinaigrette (see recipe blow)

Crumbled Stilton (preferably) or blue cheese (about 2-3 oz) or 80g.

Crumbled walnuts (this is not part of original recipe) but I think it would be a nice addition.

In a mixing bowl, combine salad greens, Belgian endive and pear. Add vinaigrette and toss lightly. To serve, divide the salad among four plates and sprinkle Stilton (& optional walnuts) on top.

Lemon Shallot Honey Vinaigrette

150 ml (1/4 cup) fresh lemon juice

90 ml (5 ½ Tbsp) honey

50 ml (3 Tbsp) white wine vinegar

50 ml (3 Tbsp) Dijon mustard

50 g (2 oz) chopped shallots

80 ml (6 Tbsp) extra-virgin olive oil

pinch of sea salt, pepper

In a mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, honey, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard and shallots. Whisk in olive oil gradually until well emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.

It will keep refrigerated in an airtight container or glass jar for up to one week.

Makes 500 ml. Makes 4 servings. This would make a beautiful side to fish, pasta or almost any dish.

FUN

Scene in the City – what a RIOT!

THE CANUCKS ARE BACK IN THE GAME!

Let’s take a look back at Wednesday, June 15, 2011. That was the date of a rare public disturbance that broke out in the downtown core of Vancouver, British Columbia – known as the Vancouver Stanley Cup riot. A riot to remember. There is good likelihood that this will never happen here again.

We have faith that this will not happen here again – **Vancouver is LOVE**.

The riots happened immediately after the conclusion of the Boston Bruins’ win over the Vancouver Canucks in game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals, which won the Stanley Cup for Boston. At least 140 people were reported as injured during the incident, one critically; at least four people were stabbed, nine police officers were injured, and 101 people were arrested that night, with 16 further arrests following the event. A total f….up.

Real Fans Don't Riot — **Real Fans Don’t Riot**

With anything good…or….bad….there comes ART. Here, some of the artful abuse (aka graffiti) which is preserved at the Vancouver museum on one large wall.

One by one...changes come. — **One by one changes come – now don’t we feel dumb!**

Is whitening toothpaste simply a waste of money?

Healthy Baking: Surprising Butter Substitutes

Also **Don’t miss listening to “Transforming Health” with host Brad King for the most evocative and informative up-to-the-minute interviews with leading health professionals – Live every Wednesday @ 12PM-PST/3PM-EST on VoiceAmerica.com – #1 internet radio station in North America.

Here’s the link: http://www.voiceamerica.com/show/1686/transforming-health

Also Don’t miss listening to “Transforming Health” with host Brad King for the most evocative and informative up-to-the-minute interviews with leading health professionals – Live every Wednesday @ 12PM-PST/3PM-EST on VoiceAmerica**.com – #1 internet radio station in North America.