Chocolate Alliance

Review by Debbie Mazo

Originally consumed as a spicy drink, chocolate can be traced back to the ancient civilizations of Mexico, Central, and South America. It wasn't until the 1800's that solid chocolate, a valued extravagance, was developed. Although it's now available for the masses, chocolate is still the most treasured gift given on the most romantic day of the year, Valentine's Day.

If you love to eat and share chocolate, look no further than the Chocolate Alliance. An online club with free membership, Chocolate Alliance offers chocophiles a chance to come together, share, and gather information on all aspects of the chocolate experience. Whether you're interested in chocolate candy, ice cream, or baked goods, the luxurious-looking Chocolate Alliance is the place to find it.

If you've always been curious about how cocoa beans transform into chocolate, you can find out the details in All About Chocolate. Take a stroll through a chocolate manufacturing plant where chocolate is processed, then discover how you can preserve your chocolate treats when you bring them home. Just like fine wine, chocolate improves with age and reaches its peak of quality after about seven years. Wonder if the latest press on the benefits of eating chocolate is true? Then, check out the facts in Chocolate and Health. Although not a substitute for a meal, a chocolate bar does provide a significant fraction of the required recommended daily nutrients. Of course, there's always the emotional benefit.

For those wanting to tempt a loved one with a special chocolate recipe, there's a sweet collection of recipes for both of you to sample. Some recipes offer quick and simple choices like the Double Thick Chocolate Malt, while others are slightly more challenging like the Chocolate Souffle with Chocolate Sauce. Valentine's Day wouldn't be complete without a rich, satisfying chocolate dessert. For cupid's birthday, the Chocolate Alliance features a variety of favorites like Mousse-Filled Chocolate Hearts decorated with dark and white chocolate trimmings.

Rather do your chocolate shopping online? Then, browse through the aisles of the Retailers' Corner where you can fill your shopping cart with everything from truffles to chocolate chip cookies. As a member of the Chocolate Alliance, you can also enjoy benefits like an occasion alert which reminds you of special dates of loved ones two weeks ahead of time, and a Recommendation and Comments section for discovering the best kept favorites of other online members. If you're searching for a particular chocolate-related item or have some wares to barter or sell, scan the Classifieds information exchange. From brownies to macaroons, you're sure to find something to satisfy your sweet tooth at the Chocolate Alliance.

 
About the Writer

Debbie Mazo is a writer and editor based in Vancouver, Canada. She currently specializes in technical and marketing materials, but is also pursuing opportunities in food journalism.

Copyright © 2000, Debbie Mazo. All rights reserved.

February 2000

02/07/00—CateringNet's Chinese New Year Recipes

Current NetFood Digest
NetFood Digest Archives

Top