Halloween brings lots of fun with interesting costumes, decorations and yummy candy.  Read more about how to combat tooth decay with the right Halloween candy.

Some sweets are more harmful to tooth enamel than others.  When buying sweets at the store to hand out on Halloween, steer clear of sour or acidic treats that attack tooth enamel.  Buy chocolate instead since it is one of the better candies as far as tooth decay.

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth turn sugar to acids, which eat away at the tooth’s surface and cause cavities.  The antibacterial agents in cocoa beans offset its high sugar levels, but you should look to quality chocolate for this to be true.   Lower quality chocolate may contain over-processed ingredients, which strips the cocoa of its benefits.  Chocolate candy might have no real chocolate in it at all.

Here are two great ideas:

1)  Set a time for eating candy and then put it away.  Grazing through candy all day doesn’t give teeth time to recover from the sugar assault.

2)  Drink water with candy, which helps wash the sugars away.  Soda and juice have added sugar.

Who knew that a love of chocolate would help keep teeth healthy?  It’s true, the all natural chocolate at Drexelius Chocolates may not be for the kids trick-or-treat bags, but why should they have all the fun?  Have a happy, safe and delicious Halloween!

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The specialty market has really gotten saturated with products in the past few years.  How do good products find a way to stand out and make it into your home?

I am sure you have heard all the standard adjectives to describe specialty food numerous times:  small batch, artisanal, premium, hand-crafted.  I was in the store the other day and saw the word “artisanal” on a bag of Doritos and had to laugh.  Imagine the care and attention of a passionate small business who creates their own natural potato chips.  Do you think this is really the same as what megalith Doritos is doing?  Ummmm, no.

What is lost in translation when products sit on the shelves at the store is the people behind the scenes.  The passion they have for the product.  The innovation and attention to detail.  The unconventional thinking that brings wonderful, delicious and interesting things to our tables, homes and world.  It is important to see the difference between the genuine article and the knock-offs and be willing to support the unique products.

Hershey’s Special Dark might sound special, but it cannot compare with the extraordinary taste and quality ingredients of Rogue Chocolatier, Amano Chocolate or Askinosie Chocolate.  Check out the fabulous chocolate products at Drexelius Chocolates and taste what the real chocolate fuss is all about.

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Nutrition bars can be a delicious and healthy options for a snack.  I had to try this Zing bar when it crossed my path.  Read my review of the Chocolate Coconut Zing Nutrition Bar here:

Have you ever eaten a nutrition bar and wondered who gets to taste them before putting them on the market shelves?  I have eaten nutrition bars that are too dry, too sweet, or just taste yucky.  I don’t want to be forced to eat something like that if I am out on the trail or racing around town.

One day I was in a store and a package I hadn’t seen before caught my eye.  I rummaged through the few bars available and found one that might make my day -> Chocolate Coconut.

I took a bite, then another…and another.  The flavor of this bar is amazing!  It is a grown-up Mounds bar with a hint of roasted spice.  I tried to save some of the bar for later to share with my boyfriend, but I couldn’t help myself from eating all of the delicious bar.  I went on a furious search to find more.  Local stores didn’t carry them and the online search turned up few results, but I kept looking.  Then I came across the nutrition bars at REI and bought enough bars to keep me happy for a little while.  I savor them and can’t wait to buy more.

What makes this bar even better than the average nutrition bar?  Well, not only does the Zing Chocolate Coconut bar taste amazing, but it has 10g of protein and 6g of fiber.  Just like the chocolate products at Drexelius Chocolates, Zing bars are 100% natural with no artificial ingredients.  No high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors/flavors/sweeteners/preservatives.  Just the good stuff ready to keep you going through your busy day.

Thank you, Zing for making such a wonderful product.  I look forward to trying your other bars.  While you wait for those reviews, order some chocolate from Drexelius Chocolates and give your taste buds a treat.

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It may seem like a no-brainer to some, but melting chocolate can be tricky and might leave a scorched mess.  Here are some tips for melting chocolate
On the stove:
1)  Break large chocolate bars or chunks into smaller pieces so it will melt faster.  Do this either with a knife or with your hands.

2)  Secondly, using a double boiler is the safest way to ensure a good melt. Chocolate in a bowl set above a pan of hot water will work just fine.  This saves the chocolate from the direct heat of the stove and prevents scorching.

3)  Don’t cover the chocolate.  You don’t want condensation or steam to settle on the chocolate.

4)  Set the burner to low heat.  Stir occasionally as the chocolate melts and remove it from above the hot water as soon as it is melted.  You can always return it to the hot water to remelt as needed.


In the microwave:
1)  Place chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.

2)  Microwave uncovered on 50 percent power, 30 seconds to 1 minute.

3)  Check frequently — microwaved chocolate pieces hold their shape and don’t look “melted,” even when they are, and can easily scorch.  When the pieces are soft to the touch of a spoon, remove the bowl from the microwave and stir the chocolate until smooth.

Now you are ready to dip or dunk or drizzle to your heart’s content!  Check out the wonderful selection of chocolate at Drexelius Chocolates and have a delicious time in the kitchen.

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Let’s mix it up with a little something different this week – a beer review.

The beer I am reviewing is Stone Smoked Porter.  Beer is a wonderful companion for many dishes because it can take on so many different personalities. Let’s get to reviewing this beer:

• Visually it is pretty dark.  Not quite black, but more dark brown.  It pours with a thick head of  form that slowly settles to a thin layer, leaving a good amount of lacing on the glass.
• The aroma is mildly sweet offering notes of chocolate, roasted coffee and a faint smokiness.
• The smoke also comes through in the flavor, but it pairs nicely without overpowering.  Flavors of chocolate and tobacco also shine through.  I am not a big fan of carbonation and this beer is really nicely carbonated.

So there you have it.  A nice porter with good flavor and carbonation that you can enjoy.  If you are looking for some chocolate to enjoy, check out Drexelius Chocolates and order some chocolate to tickle your taste buds.

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Attention chocolate lovers!  Important chocolate news about Casa don Puglisi and Drexelius Chocolates…

Drexelius Chocolates carries Casa Don Puglisi, an Italian chocolate made in the ancient Aztec tradition.  This chocolate maker creates this delicious, all natural gourmet chocolate using the cold press method, which means they do not roast their beans.  The fermented cacao beans are ground by hand on a stone and then have cane sugar added to the mix.  This lengthy method delivers a unique handmade chocolate that retains healthy nutrients and antioxidants.


Enjoy it straight off the bar in all its glorious wonder.  The natural patina and texture shines through, delivering a taste sensation like no other chocolate.  You can also enjoy warm chocolate goodness in a few minutes.  Break off a pre-sectioned piece of Puglisi chocolate and add to a cup of heated milk.  Stir and get ready for hot chocolate heaven!  It’s the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had.


Why all the fuss?  I found out I won’t be able to get Casa don Puglisi any more so the few chocolate bars in stock are the last ones available until I can find a way to get my hands on more.  Order Casa Don Puglisi now!!!  It is available in many wonderful flavors.  Stock up and enjoy!

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Some places are starting to look into a fat tax to deal with the rising cost of obesity and health issues.  What could this mean for you and what you eat on a daily basis?

A fat tax would be applied to products that contain excessive levels of fat, sugar or salt.  Walk into a store to pick up a few items, go to the checkout and you’ve been hit with a fat tax.  No big deal though.  A lot of products are taxed so it just goes into the food bill like the rest of it.  I’m actually surprised when I don’t get taxed for something!

This tax is supposed to help pay for the increasing health issues resulting from obesity and other health related problems from eating unhealthy foods.  Who gets to determine what is healthy?  Will soda be treated the same as a vitamin-fortified beverage or fruit juice?  We’ll have to wait and see.  People might not change their eating habits very much because people want what they want.  I won’t stop having chocolate because someone tells me it has a lot of fat or sugar.  I already know what goes into my chocolate and am thankful I stick to the healthy stuff that isn’t loaded with junk ingredients.  :)

I think incentives work better than taxes, but most companies (and states) aren’t forward thinking.  Getting people to change their habits for the better benefits everyone.  Healthier people are happier, have lower insurance costs and fewer sick days.

Would a fat tax change your eating habits or would you jump on board with an incentive program?  Thankfully chocolate isn’t taxed yet, but that might change at any time.  Let me incentivize you to order some delicious, healthy chocolate from Drexelius Chocolates and enjoy it tax free while you can.

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Are you in heaven when chocolate and peanut butter meet?  I think this is a sinful combination, but it takes a master to make it right.  Let’s see if Newman hits the mark.

Paul Newman was a good soul and a great actor.  His charming smile and captivating eyes endeared me to him in films like Cool Hand Luke.  Nell, his daughter, runs the Newman’s Own brand and has a deep love of chocolate.  So it’s only natural that peanut butter cups would end up on the store shelves.

I checked out their website to get a little more info in the chocolate they use, which says the Newman’s brand is committed to “pay a premium above and beyond the current market price for Certified Organic Cocoa Beans that is tied to the Fair Trade market price of Organic Cocoa Beans. The USDA Organic Seal assures that at least 95% of the ingredients are organically certified. The Rainforest Alliance Certified™ seal guarantees that the cocoa used in our Signature Series was grown on farms that meet comprehensive standards for sustainable farming, protecting soil, waterways and wildlife habitat as well as the rights and welfare of workers, their families and communities.”

So happy to see a large company paying attention to the little things instead of just profits, but hopefully Newman’s will circumvent the middleman one of these days.  Dealing with the farmers directly might take a little more work, but is well worth the price.  Chocolate makers like Amano Chocolate and Askinosie Chocolate reap delicious rewards from their direct ties with their chocolate farmers, while the farmers and the local towns benefit financially.

How did the Newman’s Own Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups taste?  Very good.  I like the crisp snap of the dark chocolate contrasting with the creaminess of the peanut butter center.  There is a great balance of flavor with the thick dark chocolate shell against the strong peanut butter.  The dark chocolate itself has a good creaminess and mellow flavor which doesn’t overpower the flavor of the peanut butter.

My only gripe?  It has milk powder in the ingredients as a part of the coating and I am not a fan of dairy.  Regardless, I would grab a pack of these peanut butter cups over others in the store anytime because they are just plain goooooooood.

Looking for some incredible chocolate made by chocolate makers who take that extra step?  Check out the yummy selection at Drexelius Chocolates and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

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Want to be covered in chocolate?  No problem!  Order the Connoissur Club from Drexelius Chocolates and get hand-selected artisan chocolates delivered right to your door month after month.

Enjoy a world of the finest chocolate delivered right to your door.  The Drexelius Chocolates Connoisseur Club brings a delicious selection of hand-picked chocolate right to your door.  Sign up for one of the three-, six- or nine-month club shipments and indulge in the finest chocolate the world has to offer.

The Connoisseur Club is also makes a distinguished gift that any chocolate enthusiast will appreciate.

When To Order It
Anytime!  No, seriously….
Did someone go out of their way to help you and you’d like to show your gratitude?
Is there a person who deserves recognition for what they do or did?
Maybe someone just loves chocolate and you want to share this delicious gift with them?
Great as a gift or thank you that you know will be appreciated month after month!

How It Works
Choose from a three, six or nine month club that will be shipped on consecutive months (excluding shipping during the hottest months).

• No charge for monthly shipping because it’s included with the club.
• No membership dues.
• Non-exclusive – anyone can join!
• One-time billing.
• Orders will ship mid-month (between the 10th to the 17th).

Share the love of great chocolate with those you love.  Find out more about the fantastic chocolate at Drexelius Chocolates and start your shipment today!

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Start the Connoisseur Club! Be the first to know what’s up with all things chocolate.  Follow me @drexchocolates, subscribe to my feed or sign up for chocolate blog updates. <3 forever.  And tell a friend because sharing is caring!