lechon vs dark chocolates

The holidays made me feel excited but at the same time slowed me down on my blog.

I got busy contemplating on how time flies so fast. It was some months ago when I was pulling the days so I finish the year 2o09. I just thought this year was kind of difficult that I want to be the first to get to 2010 (lol). I might just have a great one next year.

Again, Filipinos were so awfully hungry even with those tons and tons of food served. And I was not wrong, Lechon was forever the darling of the show!

It is funny that whenever I sell my chocolates de cielo (my pure dark chocolates), there are some who could comment about keeping away from chocolates because of its calories and its effect to their blood pressure.

So I really want to post the calories we normally get from a lechon and compare it to the dark chocolates. And see which is better for our body:


LECHON
Roast pork dishes contain more than 50 percent of fat which is almost 200 calories for a serving of 85-90 grams; lechon kawali contains twice the calories. So just imagine the total calories in one meal if you binge on pork dishes.

http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/wellness/wellness/view/20091201-239423/Set-calorie-rules-to-avoid-weight--gain-during-holidays

DARK CHOCOLATES

Popular Serving Sizes of Dark Chocolate	Fat(g)	Carbs(g)	Prot(g)	Calories
1 square	1.84	3.21	0.21	27
1 block	4.54	8.32	0.78	74
1 small bar	5.51	10.10	0.94	90
1 medium bar (1.45 oz)	13.28	24.36	2.27	218
1 large bar (2.6 oz)	23.65	43.37	4.04	388

http://www.fatsecret.com/calories-nutrition/food/dark-chocolate

"A divine drink which build - up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious chocolate permits a man to walk a day without food. "

keep your pants size down

Did you know that besides doing wonders for your health, a certain nutrient group might also help keep your pants size down?

It's true. Flavonoids -- those antioxidant-like compounds found in fruits, veggies, chocolate, tea, and wine -- seemed to help ward off belly fat in a 14-year study.

Multitasking Flavonoids
Specifically, catechins, flavonols, and flavones -- types of flavonoids -- may help curb belly bulge by improving the body's metabolic profile, the researchers noted. So where can you get your fair share?

The study participants got most of theirs from pears, apples, tea, chocolate, broad beans, onions, leeks, and sweet peppers. Pretty tasty choices.

choco Buddha

Buddha said:

Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.

chocolate is better than Sex

http://www.lookinggood123.com/2008/October/Top-Twenty-Reasons-Why-Chocolate-is-Better-Than-Sex.htm

1. You can GET chocolate.
2. "If you love me you'll swallow that" has real meaning with chocolate.
3. Chocolate satisfies even when it has gone soft.
4. You can safely have chocolate while you are driving.
5. You can make chocolate last as long as you want it to.
6. You can have chocolate even in front of your mother.
7. If you bite the nuts too hard the chocolate won't mind.
8. Two people of the same sex can have chocolate without being called nasty names.
9. The word "commitment" doesn't scare off chocolate.
10. You can have chocolate on top of your workbench/desk during working hours without upsetting your co-workers.
11. You can ask a stranger for chocolate without getting your face slapped.
12. You don't get hairs in your mouth with chocolate.
13. With chocolate there's no need to fake it.
14. Chocolate doesn't make you pregnant.
15. You can have chocolate at any time of the month.
16. Good chocolate is easy to find.
17. You can have as many kinds of chocolate as you can handle.
18. You are never too young or too old for chocolate.
19. When you have chocolate it does not keep your neighbors awake.
20. With chocolate size doesn't matter.

Chocolate is better than kissing!

Chocolate 'better than kissing'

When it comes to tongues, melting chocolate is better than a passionate kiss, scientists have found.

Couples in their 20s had their heart rates and brains monitored whilst they first melted chocolate in their mouths and then kissed.

Chocolate caused a more intense and longer lasting "buzz" than kissing, and doubled volunteers' heart rates.

The research was carried out by Dr David Lewis, formerly of the University of Sussex, and now of the Mind Lab.

“ Chocolate beats kissing hands down when it comes to providing a long-lasting body and brain buzz ”
Dr David Lewis

Experts, concerned at growing levels of obesity throughout the developed world, warn that chocolate should only be consumed in moderation.

Dr Lewis said: "There is no doubt that chocolate beats kissing hands down when it comes to providing a long-lasting body and brain buzz.

"A buzz that, in many cases, lasted four times as long as the most passionate kiss."

He said substances in chocolate were already known to have a psychoactive effect, but that allowing it to melt on your tongue could be the secret to maximising the buzz.

The volunteers, all aged in their 20s, had electrodes attached to their scalps and wore heart monitors during the two tests.

The researchers compared their resting heart rates with those during the chocolate and kissing tests.

Longer lasting effects

Although kissing set the heart pounding, the effect did not last as long as that seen with the chocolate, which increased heart rates from a resting rate of about 60 beats per minute to 140.

The study also found that as the chocolate started melting, all regions of the brain received a boost far more intense and longer lasting than the excitement seen with kissing.

Although women are generally thought to be bigger fans of chocolate than men, the research found the same reactions to chocolate in both sexes.

Dr Lewis said: "These results really surprised and intrigued us.

"While we fully expected chocolate- especially dark chocolate - to increase heart rates due to the fact it contains some highly stimulating substances, both the length of this increase together with the powerful effects it had on the mind were something none of us had anticipated."

“ You'd think people would be shy about kissing in a laboratory, but that wasn't the case at all ”
Cadbury spokeswoman

Psychologist Sue Wright said: "Chocolate contains phenylethylamine which can raise levels of endorphins, the pleasure-giving substances, in the brain.

"It also contains caffeine which has a stimulatory effect on the brain.

"This would explain why chocolate can give people a buzz, and why people can become addicted to it."

The research used a new 60% cocoa dark chocolate from Cadbury, and a spokeswoman for the chocolate makers said: "You'd think people would be shy about kissing in a laboratory, but that wasn't the case at all. We're not talking about a quick peck here."

The Mind Lab is funded by members of the food industry, although no firm can be linked to any individual study.

Your comments

The tests are not the accurate really because if i had the choice of kissing my partner or chocolate, I am sure the chocolate would win but if you gave me Al Pacino to kiss the results would be very different.
Sue Hedges, Bristol

In my opinion these scientists have underrated the effects...I'd say chocolate is probably at least 10 times better than any other known form of stimulation in existence. And the only thing better than a bar of chocolate is two bars of chocolate!
Katharine Arnold, London

Of course chocolate is better than kissing! It is guranteed to taste better every time - which, in my experience, is more than can be said for some passionate kisses!
Deborah Carrel, Bridgwater Somerset

I can only draw 2 conclusions from that! They¿re not kissing the right person¿..OR...I SO want some of that chocolate if it¿s really true!
Chad, London

From my experience kissing allways beats the chocolate bar, maybe Im choosing the wrong chocolate!
Kelly Gara, Cheshire

Obviously none of them had kissed my gorgeous wife.
Kev, Stoke

Chocolates kinda makes me fat though - but kissing seems to help me lose weight.
Calvin, New York, USA

You will always remember your first kiss not your first chocolate.
Musah Haruna, Slough

I don't know, a passionate kiss, vs. lovely dark chocolate . . . It depends who I"m kissing. There are kisses I can still remember, but I can't remember a single bar of chocolate, and I'm a choc-oholic!
Kathryn Leeson-Kight, Ex Pat British Living in USA

Well I am a girl and therefore a huge chocolate fan however recently I have found that I get a much bigger buzz from kissing my boyfriend, however this is a new relationship so that may be the reason why, after a few months I might have to resort back to chocolate!
Natalie Stewart, Lincoln, UK

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/6558775.stm

Published: 2007/04/16 12:36:10 GMT

© BBC MMIX

Check this out: http://www.realage.com/tips/3-new-health-benefits-of-eating-chocolate

Chocolate makes you smarter.

Chocolate weakens heart attacks.

Chocolate has a cavity-fighting compound.

fun, fun fun

Christmas 2009 will be for teens! I am also seriously thinking of how I spend Christmas with you! Hope you could come to Davao. Maybe someday.

Duuhhhhhhhh! I want this to be simple and happy Christmas for them and I still do not know what to do on that day.

I am thinking of a contest. Some performances. Some serious talking. Some games.

If you got some ideas, please write. Remember, just simple activities and without much expenses.

My mother will also be around. The first Christmas without my father.

less spent, great returns

Merry Christmas!

It feels so good to see people hustle and bustle in every corner. Rushing to buy here and there. Food everywhere. Parties and drinks. When did I stop this craze?

Let me think.

It has been 2 or 3 Christmases wherein the family celebrated it with the least of expenses! I thought of teaching my children to learn the art of "delaying". It is the time of the year when it seems that "one has to buy" a new shirt, pants, shoes etc. as if there will be no other days to come.

It is a special season. But spending scares me so much.

We spent less for the past 3 years and I realized we ended up with the same amount of happiness for the season. For less amount in our pockets.

I do not want to be pressured this time and for the rest of my life. Happy Christmas memories is not just about the gifts. It is being together. And when one is alone. It is about making oneself complete.

I am glad my children learned to adjust with the worst of our financial condition.

Chocolate President

I was looking for something new about chocolate and while getting some respite from serious writing like peace and justice, I found this material from Youtube.

Well, I like political satires and how people react to their jokes. I am more interested with how we react. Comedians and hosts sometimes just go on and on without much considerations on political leanings or emotional attachments of sorts. But the audience have lots of it.

Chocolate Jesus or Chocolate President are remarks that could be inappropriate but where does jokes put on a limit? Where does the audience contextualize it? Hmmmm kind of serious matter.

I loved the conversation. I loved the topics. Serious stuff like eating chocolates. Please watch!

chocolate sandwich

I got a recipe here for a grilled chocolate sandwich! There are some chocolate spread in the market that I love. My children and I would even eat it without the bread but when I was making my own chocolates, the pure dark chocolates, I started "not liking" the taste of processed chocolate.

Lets make this sandwich together!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup(s) fat-free evaporated milk
• 3 ounce(s) bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 tablespoon(s) butter, softened
• 8 slice(s) thin whole-wheat or white sandwich bread
• 3 tablespoon(s) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoon(s) chopped toasted hazelnuts, (optional)

---

Directions

1. Heat evaporated milk just until boiling. Add chocolate, let stand for 1 minute, then whisk until smooth. Let cool slightly.
2. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Divide the chocolate mixture on the unbuttered side of 4 slices, leaving a little border. Press chocolate chips and nuts, if using, into the chocolate. Cover with the remaining slices of bread, buttered-side up, and press lightly.
3. Cook the sandwiches in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Turn over, press with a spatula, and cook until nicely browned and the chocolate is barely melted, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Serve warm.

give me my chocolates

I miss blogging! I have been off for two days but I am still writing. For some few bucks! Yahoooooooo!

God, how I wish someone gives me a box of chocolates!

Davao Convention Fair

The other night I was so excited because it was the opening of the Davao Convention Fair. My niece together with her friends rented a booth and she asked if I can display some of my "chocolates de cielo" (chocolates from heaven). I was excited of course but because the notice was so short I got only limited packs to display.

Today my niece said, there was a buyer who has a coffee shop. They also serve chocolate drinks and they were looking for a local and pure dark chocolate that they would want to try. Of course I am hoping that they will like it.

I have been really busy with the chocolates. It eats up a lot of time but I love doing it. What makes me feel good about it even if it is tedious is the way it gives me an opportunity to create something. I get to produce something and even if I have not materialized some of my marketing plans, I am keen on getting serious with this one.

If you are in Davao City, I have my "chocolates de cielo" displayed at Booth #60 at the Davao Convention Center. Each of the chocolate there is a product of careful and hygienic home-made process. Taste it!

wedding cakes

Isn't that a lovely wedding chocolate cake?

I am thinking of buying one maybe on one special occasion. When I got enough money too. I have gone to a couple lots of weddings but rarely do I get the chance to eat the cake.

I also did not have a wedding that is so traditional so I did not go through it. Totally!

I have also emceed the program of my friends' weddings but I really do not know how it feels to be the bride with the gown, walking in the aisle, flowers all over and slicing that cake etc. etc.

Sometimes I think, it was not meant for me. Really?

Or maybe I am not for that kind of stuff. I am 45 now. And I am married.

I don't know.

I might just buy a wedding cake. And eat it with my children and friends.

which direction are we going?

The news sometimes makes me feel hungry! And makes you feel lost at which direction we are all going. And make you realize we all need some enlightenment.

I was not able to blog for such a long time and I was craving to. But I do not know why I also get some kind of "lost".

The other night I was watching the news because I wanted to see the winning of our Efren Penaflorida as the CNN Hero for this year. I really think that young man just deserves the award. It is the kind of news I want to hear because it lifts up the spirit of the Filipino people.

But gosh I was alarmed and got angry because of the news that was shown first - the gruesome massacre killing right here in Mindanao. Well I am a bit far from where it happened but those prominent families mentioned happened to have such big investments and properties in Davao City. I actually just detest the way they come to the city in those big black vehicles in convoy AND SO DISRUPTIVE and threatening. I do not mind at all if it was the President or the Pope or a funeral but ...warlords? OMG!

I hope they could just disappear. I hope parents teach their children what is really wrong with inflicting pain. Killings. Threatening. It is not just so civil in this civilized world.

sister's keeper

Sisters are not suppose to live together
Coz when they do
they wreck each other' s space
pull each other' s hairs
and bite one another, too.

But that was so long ago...

Sisters are still not suppose to live together
Coz if I do lived with her
I will throw pillows at her husband if I see him wreck my sister's heart.
I will pull her husband's hair from the bedroom towards the garage for bastardizing my sister's space.
And I will probably bite his arms until it bleeds
for every blow to her being.

Boy, I am glad I was far from my sister during that period
for if I was, I will be in jail now.

But that was a long time ago too...

In Toronto, my sister and I had all those things in the past went down the drain.

In Toronto, we were once again kids who made up for those times when she was always away with her friends. I thought she does not want me around.

In Toronto, we were also adults who accepted each one's craziness. So very unlike when we were young, when we could have left each other' s presence.

In Toronto, we shared secrets like friends. I thought we could not be friends because she is far too perfect and I am not.

In Toronto, she made me feel special. Something I did not feel from her for such a long time because I thought she never liked me.

But now, I am whole again.
It is great to have a sister. One who is happier now. One who is tougher.
A sister who gave us Achie and Shoti.
But still far away.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CRIS!

birthday choco cake

Oh, I am glad it still is my birthday in some other parts of the world.

I celebrated my birthday almost in solitude. I thought birthdays are supposed to be spent reflecting on what was done and where one is going. When I was alone, I thought of how wonderful this life is when one do not really look too far.

I thought I will be alone, but there are people who cares. Who loves.

I just cannot be alone.

I created another blog last night. It is called "I am your thought writer".

well done!

Well done!

The plate just said it.

I did something today that I think I am proud of. It is unusual for me to join a beauty contest. Well, its not the regular beauty contest we see on TV but exclusive to our group at Ceragem-Davao. Today at the center, there was a crowd. It was fiesta-like and there were lots of food too. But because the contestants were in front, it was one of those days when you just wished "I shouldn't have joined this". Just kidding!

I did not finish the program though because I have to rush home but I am glad I did join it. It is something to affix to my life story.

Did you have some chocolates today?

acoustic and choco song

Oh I like the beat and the music of this original chocolate song. Hope you like it!!!!!!

Here it is:

choco cake among other else

I would probably choose a chocolate cake among this selection! I was in a cake house when I took this picture. Only because I wanted to perk up a friend's mood. He is so far away so I sent this picture.

That simple gesture was appreciated. But of course, it would have been better if it were the real ones that I have sent. That was months ago.

When I feel so mean and irritable, I know I am ovulating. Men sometimes just could not understand this. And most of the time they would think " hmmmm getting crazy" again! It just happens that women just have a different operation systems than men. And when women are in this period, gosh you will never believe the amount of food one could gorge over!

I think this is one reason why women often becomes heavy in size. What I do is make myself busier by doing just anything for me to perspire.

I love chocolates and I do drink one or 2 cups of dark chocolate drink everyday. I am sharing to you some more facts about Chocolates so you would not worry about getting fat.

"Here is some more good news -- some of the fats in chocolate do not impact your cholesterol. The fats in chocolate are 1/3 oleic acid, 1/3 stearic acid and 1/3 palmitic acid:

• Oleic Acid is a healthy monounsaturated fat that is also found in olive oil.
• Stearic Acid is a saturated fat but one which research is shows has a neutral effect on cholesterol.
• Palmitic Acid is also a saturated fat, one which raises cholesterol and heart disease risk.

That means only 1/3 of the fat in dark chocolate is bad for you."

metamorphosis and chocolate processing

When I decided to write a blog for my chocolate thoughts, I was keen on establishing links for my "chocolates de cielo" to anything that fancies me. I have gathered some materials of the health benefits of dark chocolates and I think it will be helpful to couple it up with some other beautiful creations I could think of.

When I started selling my chocolate molds, I was surprised that many people here in Davao still believes that it is bad for their health. Some said it will shoot up their blood pressure. Some says they cannot have it because they are diabetics. And so on and so forth.

But because of these myths people are actually closing their doors to one hell of a healthy drink. I think people have the processed chocolate products in the market in mind. But anyhow, these products still got chocolate contents which also support the fact that it is indeed a healthy food. I believe, people just have to eat in moderation to avoid the mentioned health risks.

I am in Davao. A tropical city. And not so "chocolate-drinking" city. I have noticed it in the grocery stores because of the "not so significant" number of displays. Really, quite challenging but there are still who buys it because they actually felt good and relaxed with a cup of a hot chocolate drink.

Just to share some facts about dark chocolates here are two:
a) Chocolate is made from the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree. These seeds, also known as cocoa beans, are exceptionally rich in flavonoids, which are natural antioxidants thought to help protect against cardiovascular disease. b) Reduced blood pressure: In a recent study involving men and women with high blood pressure, those who ate 3.5 ounces of dark chocolate every day for 15 days experienced a drop in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Results were similar in another study of people who were between the ages of 55 and 64 and had hypertension. The study participants who supplemented their diets with a daily dose of dark chocolate for 2 weeks experienced a significant reduction in blood pressure. But after only 2 days without chocolate, their blood pressure readings returned to previous levels.

And why am I sharing a picture of a gorgeous chocolate butterfly? That is for everyone to appreciate how a butterfly come into being. From a complete metamorphosis. Change and challenges in every step of the way from being an egg, larvae, pupa and into such a gorgeous being. So natural.

The same way as the chocolates are. They are processed so several times before one gets hold of that chocolates you drink. From the trees, the beans are scraped from the fruits then washed, fermented, dried, roasted, grounded, molded, packaged and etc. Such a grueling process but will surely give you that ultimate heavenly and healthy pleasure.

Drink some for health!

choco owl

My net was off last night so I thought of reading a book. Yesterday was just another almost perfect day too except for one event. I went to a friend because she was devastated with a family problem. Now I can just hope that I was able to give her some comfort. Anyway, while reading last night I came across a poem and a choco picture of an owl. I thought of bringing both materials together and let me see the result:

Tiny thrush, precious pet of my beloved,

Whether nestled between her breasts

Or at her fingertip pecking

When it pleases her to play

Her sorrow to allay,

tiny comforter of her hunt,

If only you could be my playmate too

And lift the care from my heart.

by Catullus

twinkling choco stars

I am just wondering why the stars are so avoiding me?
Oh dear stars, please come and stay beside me.
Your comforting twinkles do lighten my mind and my heart.

God knows I have been crying a lot. Is it the weather? Or is it me?

I am so wrecked, I hope this poem just might remedy it.

Step aside from all thinking,
and there is nowhere you can't go.
Returning to the root,
you find the meaning;
chasing appearances, you lose their source.
At the moment of profound insight,
you transcend both appearance and emptiness.
Don't keep searching for the truth;
just let go of your opinions.

by Seng Ts'An

God made these chocolates

I am from the Philippines but I haven't gone here. As a child in school, I believed that these were real chocolates and dreamed of going there someday. If in the picture I find the chocolate hills so enthralling, I might get down on my knees and kiss the ground when I get there.

If my country got this for a treasure, then I must say that we as people should be much prouder than ever. I was thinking that we could be more competitive economically if we preserve and present this treasure to the whole world.

During rainy days, the chocolate hills turn verdant green. Lovely and amazing as God's touch! I do not know how to measure monetary pleasure from something like this, but I hope all Filipinos work our way in harmony and balance to what is called economic miracle and environment-friendly matters.

Maybe with that kind of formula, we could survive our crisis.

Cheers to the Chocolate Hills! A landscape that has withstand the angst of nature since its creation but stays splendidly heavenward!

sensual choco moments

Don't wreck a sublime chocolate experience by feeling guilty. It isn't like premarital sex: you can't get pregnant and it always feels good.

from Dark Chocolate


I suppose everyone is matured enough to understand. Kids if you got some issues, ask me or some sensible adults around.

every chocolate drink counts

The strong aroma of chocolate is a permanent fixture in the house. When I smell it, it reminds me instantly of the good things there is in life.

And every time I hear my son, Karlsen say "Mom, this is the best chocolate drink ever", I know I must be doing something right tool.

My son says that every time he gets his chocolate drink!

And I get that confirmation many times in a day!

charmed by chocolate cosmos

I just finished forming my chocolate molds and I got a real dose of chocolate aroma! Visiting my blog is another passion and when I was looking around for some materials about chocolates, this lone chocolate cosmos charmed me.

For some facts about this charming flower, I copied from Paghat's Garden his article about it.

Great! I can't believe I joined an event this morning. It is something that I did not have a chance to do when I was younger. Well since I have always wanted to try something different and new every now and then, then this must be something for me to do. I will tell you about this later. And I am excited about it.

chocolate cosmos

Cosmos atrosanguineus, or Chocolate Cosmos, has such dark maroon flowers that they do occasionally approach the color of a Hershey's bar, though more the color of dried blood. It is occasionally called Black Cosmos, a flower suited to the Gothic Gardener.

Even more remarkable, they have a faint scent of chocolate. The chocolatiness is most evident as evening approaches, toward the end of a hot summery day.

The bulk of the foliage clump is about three feet tall, a tangle that seems to be fighting against an urge to become prostrate, leaning into the sun. The wiry stems that uphold each bloom rise from three to four feet high which is well above the foliage, with other blooms lower within the embrace of the foliage.

Even apart from the novelty of its Hershey bar perfume, the flower is one of the prettiest. It offers excellent cuttings for bouquets. It begins blooming in May, picks up speed in June, & in July the clump is chock full of bobbling blooms that easily catch a breeze. It will continue to produce blooms through mild early frosts -- for us, the flowers appear in great numbers up to October with a few remaining in November, even without much deadheading. This rivals the Gaura in persistence of gorgeous blooms. In winter the clump dies to the ground.

We took out part of the clump this year, while it was still blooming, because we needed a good gift for a friend. It didn't interfer with the flowering one bit. If there is any drawback to this variety of cosmos, it is the fact that its foliage gets messier looking as the summer progresses, but it is difficult to prune because still in continuous flower. At the moment I have a plan to build a small circular ornamental fence for it next year, perhaps a foot & a half tall, encircling the entire two-foot-wide clump. This should trellis upward the half-prostrate clump so it doesn't crowd into neighboring flowers, & ought to improve the looks of the foliage so that it does justice to the marvelous flowers. Of course, the other way to freshen up a big tangled clump is to dig it up entirely & divide it into three or four plants, which eventually will have to be done.

As a native of Mexico, Cosmos likes a lot of sun. Ours is in an all-afternoon-sunny location in moist well-draining soil next to a bushing Nishiki Willow. The chocolaty flowers are a lovely contrast to the pink summer leaves of the Nishiki. Though an established clump is supposed to be moderately drought tolerant, for the sake of the willow ours has never experienced much dryness, & has thrived in moist acidic soil. Possibly the clump would remain tidier if it did experience occasional dryness.

Some gardeners recommend the tuberous root of the cosmos be dug up in autumn & stored like a treasured dahlia, & others recommend it for container-gardening so that it will be easier to bring to shelter in winter. Perhaps such measures would be required in some zones, but I'm surprised when I hear about any of my fellow Northwest gardeners going to such effort. Ours has been left in the ground three years & each spring has come back a larger & more spectacular bloomer. So on temperate Puget Sound it seems unnecessary to store the tuber.

The tuber can be divided in spring. We've never yet dug ours up to divide, as it's my understanding it develops slowly, especially in temperate climates, nor does it seed easily, which is why it is not one of the most common garden offerings, with demand outstripping availability.

Copied from Paghat's Garden Article

love and chocolates

Chocolates like love can be as colorful as one wishes to. I thought love could be as steady as the brown color of the chocolate. And I am wrong. One changes. Love like chocolates should be refined as you go along. Chocolates like love if not explored gets drab at one point or another.

I do not feel good about love at this time. I think it happens with life. It happens to chocolates too.

casting that spell

Chocolates have always been associated with love. And full moon is also associated with love spells. Both gives pleasure to me and that is the reason why I roast my cacao beans during full moon. Does that makes sense?

Of course in this modern world who would ever believe spells? But everyone seems to be gaga over "unexplained matters" right?

I have observed my full moon often rises where the golden sun in the morning also does. I have to research about its significance because that is the case from my vantage point. Interesting really.

Roasting the cacao on a full moon gives me that exultant feeling. I feel romantic, so the beans get that energy. I feel high-spirited, so the beans get that too. I also feel lucky and so on and so forth so I guess, every positive thought and energy I have I transfer to the beans.

Isn't it enough to produce the best chocolate mold in the whole world? It has to be.

breathing space

The picture was taken from my sister's backyard in Minneapolis. I haven't gone to Minneapolis but I think it is one of the loveliest places in the US. And I awfully think their backyard has one such spectacular view. I love the bird bath which looks an ancient Greek sculpture. If I were a bird, I would love diving on it for some water to drink and the much needed bath. I guess, not on winter time though. The old tree is as charming as the colorful fallen leaves on the ground and the lake. I am always drawn to nature because I believe there are spirits among them. Thus, taking care and communicating with the plants and animals around you brings positive energies back to your household.

When it is time for me to trim the trees and plants, I do try to be careful in not hurting them. A friend asked me once, why I did not cut one branch of the tree which she claims to look ridiculous. I said, because it got a nest there and if I cut that ridiculous branch (as she says so) the birds will die. When she was gone, I thought she might think, what I said was even more ridiculous. There are many people who seems to be naturally "mean" to nature and living things and I am sad about it.

Anyway, I am writing this because I want some balance back in my life. Having all these appliances and gadgets inside the house sometimes give me a creep that all those electromagnetic waves (is that how you call it?) coming from them will make me crazy. But having a small garden somehow gives me a "breathing space."

That breathing space happens to be my other venue for some quick cups of my "chocolates de cielo". By the way, it was my sister, Cristina who suggested "chocolates de cielo" (Spanish) or "chocolates from heaven" (in English) to be my chocolate brand name.

raw cacao beans

Tomorrow these raw cacao beans will be treated by the sun's heat. I think I wrote something about my ritual in sun-drying the beans. I slowly spread the beans on a container up on my roof. As I spread it, I chant this..."Let these beans get that energy from the powerful sun to bring out their best aroma and taste. I believe that these beans are given by the Almighty for its worthiness and the heat from the sun help to polish it more. I bless these beans that it will be able to serve its purpose of giving health to my children and my customers. And give pleasure to my children and customers".

I do not produce in bulk. I wanted my "chocolates de cielo" to have the same home-made quality that my grandmothers used to do. Their "tableas" (chocolate molds) were slowly and individually molded to the best of their care. When I was a young child, I use to look at them for many hours and wait for those "tableas" to stiffen.

Since I was a kid, I thought I was always amazed at the transformation of the beans to the liquid chocolate and to the molded one. Maybe because I also see life that way. People can be changed and I always hope that it will be for the better.

National Chocolate Day

It was National Chocolate Day yesterday! I did not know, but I remembered having a some sentiments yesterday about chocolates and one of my favorite movies, "Chocolat".

From link http://www.lookinggood123.com/2009/October/National-Chocolate-Day.htm

National Chocolate day is every October 28th, So be sure you celebrate by eating extra chocolate today. National chocolate day only comes once a year, but we should take a little time every day to remember where chocolate comes from (no, not the chocolate elves, from the cacao tree)

And we can look at the health benefits we get every day we eat healthy dark chocolate. Any chocolate has some health benefits, of course, but if you can try the cold pressed dark chocolates, for the best benefits.

Just like eating healthy raw broccoli is healthy compared to beer batter covered deep fat fried broccoli drizzled with cheese sauce. Chocolate also can have a bad side. Actually chocolate is usually not bad, it's the other additives that can be bad. So, this National Chocolate Day, make yourself the promise to seek out the tasty, healthy cold processed dark chocolate. And eat some.

Have a taste!

fighting one choco myth

I am just surprised why there are lots of myths about chocolates. One is - it is the cause of high blood pressure. I have been a chocolate drinker for such a long time now and I have a low to normal blood pressure to take pride.

I just noticed that people here in Davao are avid soft drinks addict. And I am mightily amazed too that some whom I know personally even drink it with their breakfast. Well of course everyone knows how the acid in these soft drinks works inside our stomach but nevertheless it just gives some people the perk. I won't take that chance.

I have taught myself to be friendly with my stomach for some time now. I am not getting younger so I think I also have to think of my vital organs' wellness. Dark chocolates just happen to have high contents of flavonoids that helps relax our blood pressure and balance certain hormones in our body.

In such a dry city like Davao, I get tempted to drink cold soft drinks most often too, but I welcome the sweat that brings out the toxins in me when I drink my hot chocolate drink. Have to delay some gratifications! No pain and sweat equals no glory!

I'd rather have that for my stomach than a glass of softdrinks!

one taste is all it takes

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. I am inspired to take my chocolate business seriously because of my wanting "chocolates" to be a permanent fixture in my life. That is aside from my family, of course.

an angel of a son

Today, my son Angelo and I had some very hard moments. I think he will not be able to enroll in this big school he is attending. I felt so bad while ranting my frustrations, that I did not think - the hurt I felt must be twice or thrice for him.

I have been so lenient to my children and I think they all have this feeling that the world out there will understand them the way that I do. Now, I just pray that this world would not be that harsh for them.

I cried my deepest cry today. But now I am thinking, my son and I should not hurt our relationship. After all the hurt, I only want to embrace my son and cover him from frustrations. Frustrations are but fleeting. If we both dwell on it, we won't be able to move on.

Oh my Angelo, this is for you my angel:

"Nothing in this world is ever completely wrong, even a stopped clock is right twice a day."
by Paulo Coelho

Today, I was afraid that I would leave this world early because I thought I still have many things to teach you to survive this life. But on second thought, life is a better teacher than I am. Just go on living, my angel.

choco man and Sappho poem

Like a god he seems to me,
that man who sitting across from you
listens attentively to your sweet voice
and lovely laughter - a thing
that sets my heart aflutter ,
for suddenly as I look at you,
my voice is stuck in my throat,
my tongue is tied and a subtle flame
courses beneath my flesh,
my eyes not seeing,
my ears whirring,
sweat pouring down,
my whole body trembling
my skin greener than grass
and I just short of dying
yet all this must be borne since.

by: Sappho

I fell in love with this poetry when I read this from the book "Erotic Love Poems of Greece and Rome" by Stephen Bertman. I find some harmony in reading poetry because it gets me through inside. It gives me an opportunity to look at myself in another perspective and understand that my complexities are but normal. Make those complexities the reason to polish my life and create an awareness that we have to live this life to the fullest always. And appreciate beauty in every aspect of life.

fond of strawberry

My husband used to bring home chocolates from Japan which I really loved. It got strawberries as fillings. I am not so discriminating with chocolates but the strawberry and chocolate blend was just perfect. I do not exactly like the taste of fresh strawberries. But it is the shape and color that I love.

When I was in high school I remembered using Strawberry as a pen name to some stuff I do. Not big thing writing stuff but I remember doodling with the right strawberry strokes as signature. I also dreamed of having a small ice cream and do-nut parlor which has Strawberry as its name. It never happened. But I like dreaming, it gives me a free hand to do what I create in my mind. I get very detailed in my dreams, too.

Nowadays, I am dreaming of a chocolate shop and how I am going to make this big. I only need some funds to start my facility. I will get there.

By the way, both the strawberry and chocolates have high contents of antioxidants. Antioxidants protects our body from aging and who wouldn't like the chocolate-strawberry team inside our system? Not me.

simple and special choco moment

I have always loved talking to friends. When they come and visit me at home it automatically stops me from doing what I have to do. Just like the art of making "hand written"letters, receiving a guest for some talk is something I miss.

I got a small garden where I often receive my guests. This gives me and friends opportunity to stop and commune with my flowers, greens and trees. With the plants around me I feel some sense of security. Security because they have been a part of my life and nurturing. The flowers for example has some ways of telling me that " life is wonderful and colorful" when there are times that I felt everything else is collapsing.

I sometimes sit alone in the darkness of the night and look up to the moon and talk to it from afar. I sometimes have a crazy feeling that when I look up to the moon - it could read my mind and communicate it to the universe.

Anyway, it also feels great to be far away from the computer to finally face a person. A living thing whom you could see expressions, hear the words from the mouth and touch the skin. Sometimes relationships in the computer is so limited. But when you have the person in front of you, one just get everything.

I love serving my hot chocolate drinks during these special moments. There is so much grief in this world so a couple of pep talking and a dose of serotonin (anti-depressant) from the chocolate, will make us all feel like kings and queens in a far enchanted land!