The world's love affair with chocolate seems to take an even sweeter road around Christmas time. During the Yuletide season, chocolate is in abundance- from your mother's famous hot chocolate to Grandma's chocolate pie. The usual recipes that you are too lazy to prepare during the 'normal' months suddenly come out of the cupboard.
Chocolate is so good that you can have it anytime of the day. Chocolate croissant is the perfect companion to your usual morning coffee along with the leftover pastries from last night's dinner party. Even the most mundane office cafeterias serve some form of chocolate as dessert. And your just couldn't sleep without that special hot chocolate you made so famous. There is a reason why chocolate is a staple on all of the meals. Studies have shown that eating moderate amounts of chocolate is good for the heart and the rest of the body as well. It is a proven aphrodisiac and your happy enzymes all show up when you consume chocolate.
One of the more recognizable forms of chocolate is fudge. Fudge is the kind of food that makes you reminisce of a warm Christmas night spent with your family. There must be a hundred different recipes of fudge available today - not counting the recipes handed down from generation to generation. Fudge comes in its usual squares-in-a-tin-box style, although there are a number of different ways you can wrap this goodie up.
Fudge is made up of good quality chocolate, butter, cream and sugar. Basically all the good stuff. After that, it can only get better. Add-ons add personality to your fudge. The most popular kind would be nuts. Walnuts, pecans and almonds add an extra 'oomph' to your fudge. The best way to know which nut works best is to try all of them.
Liqueur can also be an add-on to your recipe. Kahlua or Orange Marnier can be mixed with the fudge, giving it a mysterious edge that your guests just couldn't place. Imagine Chocolate and liqueur - the perfect combination to send you to chocolate heaven. The only thing that is limiting you from discovering new combination's is your imagination. Of course, you will not get a perfect taste every time. The key is to keep trying. Adding and subtracting ingredients until you find a combination that is just right. The chocolate's couverture quality and your cream's thickness will make the fudge feel rich and flavorful. Adding this personal touch to your recipe is what makes fudge out of love.
The tin can method may provoke fond memories of your childhood, but there are a number of new ways you can present your creations. Party stores sell multi-colored cups and attractive boxes which you can use to wrap your presents. Your friends and family will surely appreciate the personal touch you put into your gifts. Now, its time to get creative with chocolate!