Did you get your fill of chocolate Easter bunnies and Cadbury eggs? Since Americans consume over 12 pounds per year per person, my guess is yes. If you are from Brazil where the consumption is only 2.25 pounds per year per person, then maybe not. Most of chocolate, 66%, is eaten between meals, and 22% of that number is between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and midnight, which means some of you may have awakened with a full tummy. But never fear, now the word in the medical community is that chocolate is a good thing. Some of us may remember being told as teenagers that chocolate causes acne. Now it appears that not only is that statement untrue, but dark chocolate is actually good for you. Studies have shown that consuming a small bar of dark chocolate can help reduce blood pressure, reduce LDL, stimulate endorphin production, and it contains copper, magnesium, flavonoids, and iron.
Even with all the health benefits, like anything else, chocolate should be eaten in moderation. That is, unless, you have this marvelous cookbook. The book is all about indulgences and sensuous, lustrous chocolate desserts. Chef Marcel Desaulniers says his first recollection of a chocolate encounter was with his mother’s fudge. I would have to same it was the same for me. I recall being very young when I helped my mom stir her pan of fudge – she still has the pan. My little brother and I used to fight over who got to lick the spoon. When my girls were young, they liked to help stir, too.
The book is filled with everything chocolate including cookies, ice cream, brownies, sauces, cakes, fudge, souffles, beverages, parfaits, cheesecakes, and mousses. But of course, you have to look at the recipe from the title, “Death by Chocolate.” When you read it, you will know why. This incredible dessert has layers of cocoa meringue, chocolate mousse, mocha mousse, a brownie layer, chocolate ganache, and a mocha rum sauce. It just might be the best, most indulgent dessert ever. But here is the bad news – each slice contains 1,354 calories. Yes, you might just die. But you will die with a smile on your face.
My 86 year old father is in near perfect health and swears it is due to his daily dark chocolate and glass of red wine in the evening. Sounds good to me!
Sounds good to me, too, Jane! Smart man!