Valentines Day Chocolates & Gourmet Chocolate Truffles

The enigma of gourmet chocolate truffles is abound. So since the valentines day season is famous for truffles, we make an attempt to lift the veil on this delectable pleasure that has such a rich history.

Truffles are well-known as some of the most delectable chocolate treats available. But they are such a delicacy that they were shrouded in mystery for many years. These tempting treats are exquisite in variety of both taste and settings in which to enjoy them.

For the most basic of explanations, chocolate truffles typically are a thin shell of powdered chocolate with a soft center. They can vary widely from there, but that is a basic truffle.

The outer layer is most often couverture chocolate, which contains at least 32 percent cocoa butter. This is much higher than most eating and baking chocolate, and allows for a wonderfully smooth, shiny, even surface. This couverture chocolate is available in all varieties, including white, milk, and dark, allowing for variety in truffle coatings.

The center is called ganache, which is a mixture of chocolate and cream. The exact balance between the two determines the creaminess and texture of the center. More cream, and it’s a smoother, softer truffle center. Less cream, more chocolate, and it’s a firmer, coarser truffle.

In addition, the ganache can be flavored with a variety of items to create a new taste altogether. Some of the perennial favorites include nuts, essential extracts, and liqueurs. These add an entirely new dimension to the truffle, and allow for even more discussion as to what makes the perfect gourmet chocolate truffle.

The question that always pops up when viewing a truffle – what kind is it? Without being so gauche as to stick one’s finger in the center like a child, you can usually tell what kind of truffle is in front of you from the outer coating. The predominant flavor of the truffle usually decorates the top of the outer coating. For example, apricot truffles have a small sliver of apricot on the top. Or praline truffles have a small praline or bits of praline on the outer layer. So never again wonder what you might get when you bite in!

Historically, truffles were solely for the rich. The time and effort that goes into the making of a truffle by hand just priced them beyond the reach of many common people. Truffles therefore became known as a very special treat with dessert.

However, with the advent of many automated manufacturing processes, almost anyone can enjoy the exquisite pleasure of chocolate truffles. They serve as a wonderful centerpiece to a collection of candies on a buffet, pair delightfully with after-dinner coffee, and even freeze beautifully to take along on a picnic and thaw as the day progresses.

So next time you have a craving for chocolate, consider trying truffles. You won’t be disappointed in these delicate morsels, and will likely wonder why you didn’t have some on hand before this!

Why has chocolate become such a staple of Valentines Day. Out of all of the gifts there are to give, millions of people will be giving valentines chocolates as a their gift of choice.

Valentine’s Day is many things to different people- a chance to start new relationships, rekindle old ones, or remind that special someone how wonderful they really are. Others feel it is just another ‘Hallmark’ holiday where they are expected to do something for unknown reasons. Regardless of your hopes, expectations, or reservations about Valentine’s Day, chocolate has long been a favorite gift for lovers.

Since the days of the Aztecs chocolate has been used as a gift. Today a box of luxurious quality chocolate says a thousand ‘thank you’s’, ‘good luck’, or ‘I love you’. Chocolate can be given as a way of saying ‘congratulations’, ‘I am sorry’ or ‘get well soon’. On Valentine’s Day chocolate clearly says ‘I LOVE YOU!’ Chocolate is more than food, it not only fills your belly but also makes you feel soooo good. Elaine Sherman wrote ‘Chocolate is heavenly, mellow, sensual, deep, dark, sumptuous, gratifying, potent, dense, creamy, seductive, suggestive, rich, excessive, silky, smooth, luxurious, celestial. Chocolate is downfall, happiness, pleasure, love, ecstasy, fantasy … chocolate makes us wicked, guilty, sinful, healthy, chic, happy.’ What more could you want to say to your lover on Valentines Day? Even the scientific name for the tree from which chocolate is derived, Theobroma cacao, translated from Greek, means ‘food of the gods’.

Why does chocolate evoke so many feelings and emotions for us? Chocolate has long been associated with passion, romance and love. This association may go all the way back to the Aztecs. They believed chocolate was a source of spiritual wisdom, incredible energy and elevated sexual power. Chocolate was widely used as a nuptial aid and was widely served at wedding ceremonies. The Aztecs did not know chocolate as we do today; they consumed the cocoa as a drink. Reports indicate that the Emperor Montezuma consumed large quantities of the drink every day and always fortified himself with a cup before entertaining his harem. The explorer Cortes reported to Carlos I of Spain that chocolate is ‘… the divine drink which builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious drink enables a man to walk for a whole day without food.’ From the earliest times, chocolate was considered a substance of power and a source of vitality.

Chocolate has been a subject of study since the first shipment from Veracruz arrived in Spain in 1585. But modern science has made some interesting findings that may help explain our lust for quality chocolate. Chocolate contains organic substances known as alkaloids. The most important of these substances is theobromine, which works as a stimulant to the kidneys. Stimulants in chocolate also affect the central nervous system, with effects similar to caffeine, which is also present in chocolate. A chocolate bar may contain as much as 200 mg of theobromine but only about 25 mg of caffeine. Another important substance found in chocolate is phenylethylamine, which is part of a group of chemicals known as endorphins. Endorphins have an effect similar to amphetamine and are found naturally in the human body. When endorphins are released into the bloodstream, the mood is lifted and feelings of positive energy are reached. The sensation known as ‘runners high’ is caused by endorphins released during exercise. Phenylethylamine levels in the brain have also been linked to ‘falling in love’. One more chemical found in chocolate is seratonin. Seratonin is known for its calming properties. The presence of these chemicals may explain the multitude of feelings chocolate evokes.

Debra Waterhouse, author of Why Women Need Chocolate, conducted a survey and found: 97% of women reported cravings, 68% of which are for chocolate, 50% would choose chocolate over sex, and 22% were more likely than men to choose chocolate as a mood elevator. These findings could easily be interpreted as a result of how chocolate makes us feel. I don’t know why more women choose chocolate than men, for I am a man and I love chocolate.

Critics would say that the benefits of eating chocolate are small when compared to the sugar and fat contained in a chocolate bar. The best chocolate, dark chocolate with high cacao butter content has no added fat, as well as a high percentage of cacao solids and correspondingly less sugar. Although chocolate will never be considered a health food based on its nutritional value, it is still good for you! Good for your heart and soul-anything that helps relieve stress and makes you feel so good must be.

Receiving a nicely wrapped box of chocolates causes a sense of anticipation. The pleasure of unwrapping the box, the sensual smell, lifting the soft seductive papers, the look of the smooth dark chocolates. When it finally passes your lips and starts to instantly melt filling your mouth with exquisite pleasure. The taste and smell flood your senses with overwhelming ecstasy. Eating it slowly, taking time to enjoy and savor every bit. What better way to start off an evening of love?

Since Valentines Day is all about love and reaching out to the ones you love, here is one of the best scenes that you’ll ever see in a movie about love. This is from the film called "Love Actually:"

The follow up scene to that movie:

How do you uncover perfect box of chocolate truffles? Discover the secrets to finding the perfect chocolate truffles in the perfect chocolate truffle box for that special someone.

Who can really resist prime quality chocolate? When you open the wrapper and your heart beats in anticipation, the mere thought of rolling your tongue around the little delight makes your mouth water. Indeed, chocolate is one of those sins that even the stars confess to. Chocolate favors are a natural extension of this intense love for chocolates. Chocolatiers procure the best quality of chocolate from around the world and blend them with the right ingredients to give birth to their signature chocolates. Thus, premium chocolates are definitely a cut above the rest. This explains why there are many people who consider such chocolates to be excellent gifts.

A chocolate truffle box is an exciting gift idea. Many companies obtain the finest quality of cocoa and sell handmade chocolate truffles. Handmade chocolate truffles are considered to be of superior quality because these chocolates have a velvety finish and some of the best flavors you’ve ever tasted. These truffles may be free of extracts and artificial flavors.

A boxful of decadent chocolate truffles is a delightful treat for anyone receiving them. In fact, anyone who loves truffles knows that they cannot stop with one. Truffles are very addictive whether they are the dark chocolate, milk chocolate or nutty varieties. Proper blending of the finest quality of chocolate along with premium ingredients like fresh cream and high quality nuts ensures that the chocolate truffles explode in a riot of flavors and tastes in your mouth. Truffles may seem small, but they pack a great punch, bringing you a mouthful of paradise. No surprise then that a personalized truffle box is considered to be the ultimate in luxury gift ideas.

Chocolate truffle boxes generally contain an assorted collection of chocolates. These boxes are ideal gift ideas whether you are hosting a small celebration or a big party. You find them not only at wedding ceremonies and bridal showers but also at corporate events.

To give the gift more warmth, many people ask for personalized truffle boxes. These truffle boxes contain a collection of truffles and the entire collection is beautifully packaged in attractive boxes. Personalization is achieved by splashing a picture 1000 , a message or a logo on the face of the box. These pictures or messages serve to remind the receiver of the occasion (like a baby shower or a wedding) or of the sender (like a company). A corporate truffle box generally contains different types of truffles. You may find dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolates and bitter chocolates.

While you may buy standard truffle boxes from your local store, personalized chocolate truffle boxes are best from the chocolatier’s. Many internet web stores specialize in making chocolate favors. An internet search will help you identify a number of reputed stores. Visit these stores and browse through their collection. Compare prices, quality and make. Also, pay close attention to the delivery and return policies of the website. Buy from an online vendor only after you have checked out all these important details. Read about the rich history of gourmet chocolate truffles.