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A Quick And Easy Way To Make Your Own Diabetic Chocolates

I have a couple of friends who are diabetic, and they occasionally bemoan the fact that they can’t eat much chocolate, largely because of the sugar content. Products designed specifically for diabetics tend to contain maltitol, which doesn’t taste QUITE the same as sucrose, and can have a nasty laxative effect if consumed in any quantity. I discovered this to my surprise the first time I tried sugar free sweets in any quantity, and it wasn’t pleasant, so we won’t go there!

So I designed this recipe for them, particularly for my friend Nic, (because of the wonderful theatrical shudder of horror she does when talking about sugar free chocolate), and for all you other diabetics out there who can’t stand so called “sugar free” products. Do bear in mind that this recipe still contains some sucrose, and is high in fat, so you will still need to be disciplined about how many you eat.

It is very important that you buy the right chocolate for this recipe, don’t try to save yourself some pennies and buy cheap dark chocolate, as it will contain a lot less cocoa and a LOT more sugar, which defeats the whole object of the exercise.

I have used 85% cocoa chocolate (this means that overall, the total mass of cocoa butter and cocoa powder in the chocolate adds up to 85% of the total weight of the bar. The other 15% will mostly be sugar, with a little vanilla added usually for flavour, and a small amount of soya lecithin added as an emulsifier). I added clove powder because it adds a subtle spicy roundness to the chocolate flavour, which I like. If you fancy a different spice, then ginger or cardamom would work well instead, or a few drops of pure orange or peppermint oil would also work well.

Bear in mind as well that I have added a little bit of fructose to the coating mixture to take the bitter edge off the cocoa. Fructose is a much more suitable sweetener for people with diabetes than sucrose, since it does not cause an insulin response, but like all sugars there are health concerns if it is consumed in large amounts, so don’t change the quantities in the recipe.

These truffles have a very intense chocolate flavour, and are less sweet than most confectionery, so a single truffle will probably go a long way. Relax and savour, don’t gobble them!

Extra Dark Truffles with Clove

INGREDIENTS:
100g (3.5 oz) 85% cocoa chocolate
80ml (2.7 fl. oz) double cream
¼ tsp powdered clove
4 tsps Cocoa powder
1 tsp Fructose

METHOD:
To melt the chocolate, cut or break it into small pieces and place in a double boiler, or a heatproof bowl over a saucepan that is just big enough to support it round the edges. Put some water in the base of your double boiler or saucepan (but not enough for it to touch the base of the bowl which the chocolate is held in), Heat the water to a very gentle simmer, and stir occasionally while melting. Make sure that the water in the base of your double boiler does not boil dry. Also, be sure not to let any water come into contact with the chocolate, as it will “seize”, that is, turn into a thick paste with a strange texture, which is completely unusable. Once the chocolate is completely melted, set it aside to cool a little for a few minutes.

Fold the cooled chocolate gently into the double cream and clove powder and put into the fridge to cool, taking it out for a stir every 10-15 minute intervals, until it is of such a consistency that you can mould it in your hands.

Put the cocoa and fructose together into a small airtight container, and shake well. Sift the resulting mixture onto a plate.

Then mould the truffle mixture into spheres about 1 inch across, rolling them between your palms, and then roll each in the cocoa mixture, and tap the excess away on the edge of the plate when it is completely coated.

The truffles should be stored an airtight container in the fridge, and should be eaten within a week.

Makes about 24 truffles. The entire batch contains 94g fat, and 990 kcal, so that works out at around 41 calories/4g fat per truffle. The total cost of the ingredients was £2.30.

Joe is a keen amateur confectioner, and runs Chocolate Now!, an online Chocolate Delivery service, with her husband Nigel. You can find more of her recipes at www.chocolate-now.co.uk/recipes.

A Quick And Easy Way To Make Your Own Diabetic Chocolates / Author: Rahul Rungta

Wine Can Make The Perfect Present

A few tips on picking the ideal wine gift for family, friends or colleagues …

There is something particularly rewarding about being presented with a special bottle of wine. And because it can be a very personal thing, choosing the right wine to give to a friend or loved one, will show them just how much you care.

But with so many choices out there, the task of picking the right wine as a present can prove a bit daunting. But there are a few simple tips, which should help you steer clear of any pitfalls. First of all think about the person you are buying for. That may sound simple, but just because you like sherry, don’t assume everyone else will. If in doubt – it’s often best to stick with tried and tested favourites.

If you’re buying something for a man, whether it’s a work colleague, your father, or husband – there’s always something particularly grand about a bottle of Port or whisky. Both are excellent options especially around Christmas time and, as they are not an everyday item, they have an added ‘treat’ factor. Classic wines such as reds from Bordeaux or crisp, dry white from Chablis are good safe bets. The 2005 vintage was one of the finest in Bordeaux for a long time, which improved the standard of all the wines from that year. So if you spot any – they’re worth snapping up.

If you are buying something for a woman then Champagne is almost guaranteed to raise a smile. And if authentic Champagne is looking a tad expensive, there are plenty of top-quality sparkling whites to get that are great value. If you’re looking for something a bit different then Sparkling rosés are becoming increasingly popular. As well as a refreshing vibrant taste there is something deliciously elegant and romantic about a flute of bubbly rosé. If the lady in question prefers red wine – a Pinot Noir from New Zealand or, if you’re feeling flush, red Burgundy has a unique celebrated red-berry complexity that sets it apart from all other reds.

These are a just few suggestions, but it is worth visiting the website of a reputable wine merchant to find out more. Many will offer sound advice on what to get as well as delivery direct to your home or whichever address you choose. Decanter Magazine’s Wine Merchant of the Year – Laithwaites is a good place to start laithwaites (dot)co(dot)uk. The have an extensive range with interesting mixed cases for simple ‘thank you’ wine gifts as well as fine wine for when you want something truly impressive.

With expert advice at your fingertips making the right choice becomes a lot easier as does making that special someone feel particularly appreciated. Happy hunting!

Mark Hooson is a professional writer for the wine trade. For more Information visit at http://www.laithwaites.co.uk/winegift

Wine Can Make The Perfect Present / Author: maloy@indusnet.co.in

Kid’s Lunch Recipes

Lunch time should be a fun event for little ones. Since taste is very crucial to little ones, filling their lunch box with delicious foods is crucial. Lunch is the perfect time to combine tasty food with high nutritional value. The standard sandwich and fruit lunch combo is usually popular. Introducing some alternatives and exciting foods into a lunch at home or school lunch will encourage little ones to try different foods.

Since whole grains is a crucial addition to a healthy meal plan for little ones, creating a whole wheat pita pizza for lunch is an ideal way to get kids to devour the bread and grains their growing bodies require Offer your kid something tasty and nutritious for lunch, perhaps something that you prepare at home. These lunches can be interesting, healthy and convenient.

Pita Pockets with 4 Cheese Filing

This pocket sandwich is packed with an Italian seasoning blend with four tasty cheeses. If you want to add a little something extra you can layer on chipotle mayo or add chopped ham or chicken to the recipe.

Ingredients:
*1/4 cup ricotta cheese
*2 tbsp. grated mozzarella cheese
*2 tbsp. grated provolone cheese
*2 tsp. grated Parmesan cheese
*1/8 tsp. dried basil
*Pinch of dried oregano
*Dash of black pepper
*1 pita bread pocket

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
2. In a bowl, stir together the cheeses, herbs, and pepper
3. Split the bread halfway around the edge
4. Fill with the cheese mixture.
5. Wrap the sandwich in aluminum foil
6. Bake for about 10 minutes or until heated throughout

Yield: 1 serving.

Pita Pizza

Pizza is a popular alternative for lunch. This pita pizza can be made ahead and placed in a lunch box or served right away. Picky eaters can select which extras they want in their pita pizza. For the eat everything eaters, this pizza can be prepared with pepperoni, olives, and extra cheese.

Ingredients:

*1 whole-wheat pita bread
*1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
*2 tbsp. pizza or tomato sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven or toaster oven to 350 degrees
2. Split the pita bread halfway around the edge
3. Spoon in the cheese, tomato sauce, and toppings of your choice
4. Wrap the pita in aluminum foil and bake for 7 to 10 minutes or until the cheese melts.

Yield: 1 serving

For more exciting child friendly ideas go to, log onto, check out visit http://www.kidapprovedmeals.

Kid’s Lunch Recipes / Author: Christine Steendahl