Is Chocolate better than Sex?

I'm a chocolate addict and I'm not ashamed. Chocolate is one of the best things in the world! "Isn't chocolate fattening?" Well, how can any food be called "fattening"? Wake up! It's the amount consumed that determine whether it will contribute to body fat. In fact, most people can eat a small amount of extra foods as part of a healthy diet. Chocolate has its place in healthy eating.

Some one once told me women like chocolate because they are deprived of sex. I don't know about that. However, it's true that chocolate stimulates the release of natural opiate (endorphin) in the brain to reduce pain and enhance one's mood and sense of pleasure.

As a sensually pleasing vehicle, chocolate contains flavonoids just like many fruits and medicinal plants. in contrary to what many believe, eating chocolate does not elevate blood cholesterol level. In fact, it actually helps to inhibit the absorption of dietary cholesterol and protect against damage to cholesterol and the lining of arteries. The flavonoids in chocolate also prevent the clumping together of blood platelets that can cause blood clots. Therefore, consuming chocolate can regulate blood flow, inflammation and blood pressure.

So what are you waiting for?

Mulled Hot Chocolate

It's amazing how difficult it is to get a decent hot chocolate. When I was in Zurich, I thought "man, I'm gonna be bathing in hot chocolate!" I was dreadfully disappointed. How bizarre that the famous land of chocolate doesn't have good hot chocolate. Are they THAT difficult to make or are they just not as popular as coffee? I can name the very few places where I had good hot chocolate: a posh street side cafe in Prague that serves a very thick, almost mousse-like hot chocolate, and (surprise, surprise!) an unassuming local cafe in Ranong, Thailand! I'm not kidding. Adrian and I went there everyday when we were in Ranong. What a magical little town, by the way. Oh! And also the spicy frozen hot chocolate at the fancy chocolate specialty in New York. It's so rich that I got a sort of high drinking it.

Now that I made my first hot chocolate I shall forever despise the restaurant/ cafe hot chocolate.

Ingredients:
(6 servings)

• 6 Cups Soy Milk (I used whole milk)
• 1 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1 Tablespoon Nutmeg
• 3 Ounces Semisweet Chocolate
• 1/2 Cup pure Cocoa
• 1/2 Cup natural cane sugar
• 1/2 Cup Boiling Water
• 2 T Vanilla Extract
• Whipped Cream

1. In a medium, heavy saucepan over medium heat, heat milk, cinnamon, nutmeg and chocolate. Stir continually, until chocolate melts.
2. In a large saucepan, combine cocoa, sugar and boiling water. Stirring until a thick paste is created. Whisk in milk. stir over medium until well blended and hot. Stir in vanilla extract.
3. Serve in mugs, topped with fresh whipped cream (which I forgot)
   

Butternut Squash/ Pumpkin Apple Soup

Dishes made with fruits always fascinate me. Even salad. Must be the Asian Chinese gene in me. I've been wanting to make some vege+fruit soups ever since I saw the carrot orange soup on the menu of some sandwich place at Central World. And I came across a Butternut Squash Apple Soup on one of my favorite food sites. It took me a couple of week to finally gave the recipe a try. Not that it's hard. But it calls for CELERY.

There are a few foods that I disliked and grew to okay with because of their nutritious values such as olive and bitter gourd. Celery is one that I'm yet to overcome. It just tastes so much like bitter water. In order to convince myself for the Butternut Squash Apple Soup recipe, I researched on my Food Encyclopedia. I got to admit it's pretty cool. It is high in Vitamin C content and has been used in Chinese medicine to lower blood pressure (my grandmom would have approved). Among others, the coumarins in celery not only fight against free radicals but also targets and eliminates potentially harmful cells such as cancer cells. In addition, the acetylenics compound has been shown to stop growth of tumourous cells. Sounds good to me.
By the way, can anyone tell me why do they always sell garnishes such as chives, coriander, spring onions in bulk? Although they are cheap but how can I possibly finish all of them before they wilt? The celery I bought today came in one huge stalk (as pictured). All I need for this recipe is a rib or two. It's putting my creativity to test.
Did you know celery is supposed to go well with peanut butter? How bizarre. I should ask my Origami Yogini friend to try - she has no idea what to do with peanut butter. Japanese never cease to fascinate me....
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Butternut Squash/ Pumpkin Apple Soup

I didn't use butternut squash. I used the extra golden pumpkin I bought for the Roasted Pumpkin with Arugula Salad. Besides, I have made many pumpkin soups and it's time to make a difference. This soup is very easy to prepare. The addition of tart green apple is meant to balance the sweetness of the butternut squash. It works just as good for pumpkin. You want the 3 portion of butternut squash to 1 portion of green apple. Make sure you taste and season before serving or it can be rather bland.

Ingredients:
(serve 4)
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
1 butternut squash, peeled, seed removed, cubed
1 tart green apple, peeled, core removed, chopped
3 Cups of vegetable broth (miso for me)
pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and pepper

• Sautee onion with celery and carrot. Add in butternut squash, apple and broth. Let simmer until the butternut squash is soft. Transfer to a blender and puree till smooth. Taste and adjust with cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and pepper.