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Wednesday 10 October 2012

IT'S NATIONAL CHOCOLATE WEEK!

Good Morning to you,

 Did you know this week is National Chocolate Week? 

 No. 

Well, it gives me great pleasure to tell you, it is and yes, it really is for the whole week!

So for this one week in the year, let all chocolate lovers unite and indulge  their love of chocolate.

Do you feel my excitement?

Does this week mean I can eat  chocolate without feeling guilty?

Does this week give me permission to enjoy the  exquisite  taste of chocolate and not worry about the calories?

Does this week allow me to indulge in  a guilt free, Thornton's Chocolate, without hearing that little voice in my head saying "Don't do it, you'll be s-o-r-r-y".


I can hear you telling me "NO, DON'T DO IT!" A moment on the lips, will be a lifetime on the hips!

Ok, I'll listen to you, well just a little. I will only enjoy the odd chocolate or two, ok maybe three. You have to agree it  would be rude not to enter into the spirit of the  National Chocolate Week. On second thoughts, I feel I  really must participate and throw myself wholeheartedly into the week!


 
  
...and what better way to start than with my favourite chocolate cake, Nigella Lawson's Chocolate Cloud Cake. It's the best chocolate cake I have ever baked and certainly the most impressive looking.  Do you remember when Phyllis and I made this cake in August. Read here She had never heard of it before, but once she enjoyed a slice, she was smitten and has asked me to make another one when she visits next year!
  


 .....and of course there is Ivy's Chocolate Cream Roll which she made for us as children. See Here Childhood memories come flooding back when I eat this cream roll. It's amazing how taste sensations  can immediately transport you back to a time and place. Do you know, when I close my eyes I can even hear the floorboards creaking as I walk through Ivy's hall into her front room. I can hear the ticking of the clock and the chime which rang every hour. I can even see Gramps checking his pocket watch to make sure the clock was running on time. Tastes and smells are a powerful force for the memory.



  Now, for a woman who loves chocolate, it is reasonable for me to own a book entitled The Ultimate  Encyclopedia of  Chocolate. Which was written by Christine McFadden and Christine France.  This fabulous chocolate book has over 200  recipes and this is one of the books I turn to when I want to try a new chocolate recipe.



The following photos have been taken from
The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Chocolate 

 These Chocolate Mint-Filled Cup Cakes are delicious. They are filled with double cream with peppermint essence and topped with a Chocolate Mint Glaze, just enough mint and just enough chocolate.


Sachertorte

What can I say about this beautiful glistening cake that the picture doesn't say. Ok, I'll say what your thinking ...... Eat Me!  This Sachertorte has a glaze made with apricot jam and the icing well, it's rich, dark and sumptuous.  The best way to describe this cake is to say it's a gastronomic delight. (for me!)



 Chocolate Brioche Bake

This is a twist on English Bread and Butter Pudding. Instead of using plain bread, four brioches are cut up and used. Brioche is gorgeous on it's own, but when smothered with chocolate, marmalade and egg custard, what more could you want...... well maybe a little more, sorry now that is being greedy!


  
Rich Chocolate and Coffee Pudding

What better marriage is there, than chocolate and coffee.  When I eat a piece of chocolate I always enjoy a cup of coffee as well.  The sponge base includes plain chocolate and the topping is a mix of coffee, brown sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder. There just aren't enough words to describe this little bit of heaven.


 
  
Baked Chocolate Cheesecake

Now you already know about my love of Cheesecakes, whether bought from the Cheesecake Factory or made by myself from Nigella's recipe, but there is always space for one more.  The base of this cheesecake is made with chocolate biscuits with a hint of cinnamon and the topping is made with cream cheese and soured cream and of course the obligatory chocolate.  What do you think, would you enjoy this cheesecake?


Black and White Ginger Florentines
Oh dear, my chocolate list just keeps growing and growing! I'm thinking these Florentines are not too bad for my health as they do have honey, almonds, ginger and orange peel.  Alright I own up, they also include double cream, sugar and plain chocolate and, oh yes, not forgetting white chocolate. I almost had you fooled!



Chunky Chocolate Drops

....and I kept the largest photo for last.  Now anything which includes Chunky Chocolate in the name has to be good.  They are so easy to make and what can I say they are moreish.  Do you see a theme developing here, everything which is made of chocolate is moreish and yes you have guessed correctly, I AM A LOVER OF CHOCOLATE.

Enjoy National Chocolate Week, go on indulge in a little piece of chocolate.

That's it, I have no further words, I am in chocolate heaven, so take care, and I will see you later in the week.

This week I shall be joining,


Best Wishes



Daphne xxx

30 comments:

  1. Ηallo Daphne!I enjoyed your today,s post!I adore chocolates!And in winter i love eating them!Bravo for the National Chocolate Week!!! I will eat them without guilt!!!Have a lovely day my dear!Here is raining today!
    Dimi..

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    Replies
    1. Kalimara Dimi, I'm glad we agree to enjoy National Chocolate Week together, without feeling any guilt. Yes winter is certainly the time to curl up on the sofa and enjoy a chocolate. Although you have rain at the moment, I expect your plants are enjoying a good drink of water. Have a good day. Best Wishes Daphne

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  2. Hi Daphne,
    Stopping by here to say thank you for commenting on my blog. I can't respond to you through your comments, because Google Plus doesn't leave your email address with the comment. Glad I found your blog through your Google profile. Thanks for commenting on the Crazy quilt post!!
    Karen

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    Replies
    1. Good Morning Karen, I know, I've tried all sorts, I even used your tips on how to leave an email address just in case it worked. I'm not sure how to rectify this.... but saying that thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. I love reading your blog. Best Wishes Daphne

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  3. Oh my goodness, you are so bad, tempting with with all of this chocolate. I have to make some of these special treats. Chocolate week, I am on board.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Linda, Welcome to the Chocolate Club. I know it's naughty, but it's ok now and again. You are fine as I should imagine clogging uses a heap of calories. I have started zumba which apparently uses 400 calories an hour! So with that excuse I'm enjoying this week. Best Wishes Daphne

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  4. Wonderful news, Daphne! : ) I had no idea. I feel better about eating those Tootsie Rolls yesterday then. I enjoy a cup of hot chocolate every afternoon. Coffee bothers my stomach in the afternoon and I'm not much of a tea drinker, so hot chocolate is my beverage of choice for that afternoon pick-me-up. I love the desserts you've shown. I should get out my Death By Chocolate cookbooks and see if I can adapt some of the recipes since I had to go gluten free.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Kathy, Yes I'm naughty encouraging everyone to eat chocolate, but I think it's alright for one week, don't you. Being English I should enjoy tea, but I was ill a few years back and couldn't take tea, even though I was an avid tea drinker before the illness. I'm glad you enjoyed the desserts. Your Death by Chocolate cookery book sounds fabulous, "Right up my Street" as we say here. Have a lovely day today. Best Wishes Daphne

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  5. Oh my, this all looks amazing and sooooooooooo good. I love chocolate and I amsure I would love any of these delicious treats. Thanks tons for the visit, gracious comments and following. I am your newest follower also. Hugs, Marty

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    Replies
    1. Good Morning Marty, Gosh, we should start our own chocolate club, or maybe not, as we would just encourage each other to indulge in our love of chocolate! That is so kind of you to follow me, thank you very much. Enjoy your day. Best Wishes Daphne

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  6. I am sitting here finishing my now cold cup of coffee and your tempting me with chocolate. Those recipes look yummy, my daughter loves to bake and loves chocolate so she is definitely going to want to make that chocolate cloud cake. I will be heading to the supermarket shortly and now will have chocolate on the brain...will have to get some. Have a great day and thanks for popping over to my blog.

    Margaret

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  7. Puxa, quanta coisa linda e deliciosa! ADORO chocolate e estou passando longe dele pra baixar o peso, um pouquinho,rsrs beijos,lindo dia!chica

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    Replies
    1. Hello Chica, Thank you for leaving a comment, I'm afraid I haven't been able to translate your comment as it didn't arrive through my Email account. But I can see the word ADORO, which I am sure means you adore chocolate, just like me. Have a fabulous day. Best Wishes Daphne

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  8. Hello Margaret, Oh dear, you missed your chance to enjoy a chocolate with your coffee and you had your coffee to hand aswell! Let me know what your daughter thinks of the Chocolate Cloud Cake, we adore it and it does look impressive. Enjoy your day. Best Wishes Daphne

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  9. Daphne my mouth is watering. I LOVE everything that is chocolate!!
    What a great post. Thanks for stopping by. I love Fergus too!!

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    Replies
    1. Hello Linda, Glad you enjoyed all my chocolate photos. It's almost the end of the week, so I will have no excuse to reach for that chocolate. It's back to normal eating I'm afraid. Take care, Best Wishes Daphne

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  10. Good afternoon Daphne.

    I tried to get onto your blog last night and it told me that it was unavailable and all the photos were just black squares with x's through them!
    I was so disappointed and even contacted Karen at My Little Home and Garden to see if you were still blogging.

    Thankfully all seems well today
    but maybe I should have left well enough alone
    as that chocolate cake sure is scrumptious and as
    I am having a coffee at the moment am
    longing for a slice!

    I hope that you are well and that your anniversary was
    a lovely time for you both.

    Take care and catch up again soon.


    x Fiona

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    Replies
    1. Hello Fiona, Lovely to hear from you and to hear your mother is fit and well again. Do you know I'm a bit concerned as Google said there had been some odd activity on my blog and then you saying you couldn't access it, I'm really not sure what to make of it. As a new blogger I'm wondering if there has been some "funny business" going on, but not sure how to find out.
      Onto nicer things, I know, I've been a bit of a monkey this week teasing everyone with chocolate, but the week is almost at an end, so it will be back to normal.
      We had a lovely anniversary, thank you for asking.
      Lovely to see you posting again. Take Care, Best Wishes Daphne

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  11. Oh, I so love chocolate! This all looks so divine! Thanks for stopping by. I'm following you back!
    Sherry

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    Replies
    1. Good Afternoon Sherry, I agree chocolate is so nice. Do you know my worst time for eating chocolate? About 4 in the afternoon, I seem to slump by then. I know I should eat nuts or raisins, but you know, they just don't hit the spot like chocolate does! Have a lovely day. Best Wishes Daphne

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  12. Daphne,

    Eu não sabia que era a semana do chocolate. Poderia ter comprado alguns pra comer e comemorar.Risos Não sou muito prendada em culinária, mas amo visitar os blogs com essas maravilhosas receitas e imagens.
    Gosto muito do seu blog. Abraços.

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  13. Good Afternoon Lucinha, I'm so sorry, normally your comments come through my email and I can translate, but for some reason they haven't today. Have a wonderful day, in the beautiful country which you live. Best Wishes Daphne

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  14. Oh my goodness, I just want to dive through the monitor and start gobbling!

    I am your newest follower, for now.

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    1. Good afternoon Jacqueline, Love the name, it's my middle name, you don't come across many Jacqueline's these days. I hope you restrained yourself and didn't dive head first into the monitor (only joking). Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog and to become a follower, I really appreciate it. I shall pop across and visit you later this afternoon. Have a lovely day, Best Wishes Daphne

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  15. Chocolare minha perdição ...preciso emagrecer kkkk
    deu água na boca seu bolo!
    bjss

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  16. Good Morning Lena, I do know what you mean, chocolate is not good for the waistline. Starting Monday I am going to stop eating chocolate and start eating fruit. Why don't you join me, then we can both lose weight together. Enjoy the rest of your day. Best Wishes Daphne

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  17. Hi Daphne, missed you last week.Glad I'm able to catch up on your delicious choc post.My mouth waters even when I hear the word chocolate. Why did you have to show so many tempting things, when I've just put myself on a Regime.I'm not using the D word, I'm really just cutting down on all the things that I've over indulged on during the summer. But everytime I openened a magazine or switched the Tv on everyone was showing chocolate making it even harder. Glad to read your also trying to switch to eating fruit instead of that C. word thing. We will have to encourage one another. Bye.. thanks for making my mouth water.
    Best wishes. Barbara

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  18. OOhh espectacular receta yo siempre estoy acompañándolo de chocolate caliente,abrazos hugs,hugs.

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    Replies
    1. Hello again Rosita, So you love chocolate aswell. As you can tell so do I. You say you love hot chocolate, well so do I, but do you know I love it made with milk and lots of cream on the top.....isn't that the most fattening thing I could drink! Lovely to hear from you. Best Wishes Daphne

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  19. Good Morning to you, Thank you for your kind comments. I'm so glad you enjoyed reading my post about chocolate. You are right, chocolate is a lovely gift to give and receive. Have a lovely day today. Best Wishes Daphne

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Dear Friends,

It is so wonderful to know you enjoy reading Ivy, Phyllis and Me! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me a comment. I really do appreciate it.

Best wishes to you.

Daphne

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