Chocolate & Pets

Chocolate & Pets, Pet lovers may want to spoil their beloved critters on Valentine’s Day, but they should think twice before letting Fido anywhere near the chocolate — among other things.

With all the chocolate and other sweet goodies that will flow around on Feb. 14 — and Feb. 15, when leftovers are taken to work — pet owners should remember that certain human treats are poisonous to animals.

“Chocolate can be dangerous for many animals, but especially dogs, because it contains theobromine, a stimulant naturally occurring in the cacao bean,” company officials wrote on the Hershey Web site. “Theobromine is chemically similar to caffeine. While safe for humans, other species, such as dogs, lack a specific enzyme and can’t metabolize theobromine. Consumption of theobromine by animals can lead to seizures, convulsions, toxicity and even death in some animals.”

Valentine’s Day-type treats that should be kept away from pets include alcohol, chocolate, coffee, fatty foods, macadamia nuts, raisins and grapes, according to the ASPCA.

Pet owners should not despair if they want to spoil their pets on Feb. 14. Options include heading over to a local pet bakery and picking up a holiday-decorated treat. Pet companies such as Petco and PetSmart are also selling holiday-themed pet items.

So keep the chocolates and other goodies stashed away in a safe, out of reach spot. And don’t fall for the puppy face!

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Chocolate covered strawberries are perfect for Valentine’s Day. Around this time, you’ll see them readily available at your local grocery store. However, the last time I checked the price, I have to admit that I winced. If you don’t have the time and are willing to pay extra, then having them ready to go is perfect for you. But, if you do have the time and are willing to do a little extra work, then you can save your money towards a great dinner instead.

Dark chocolate is the best choice when choosing chocolates, but if you prefer, milk or white chocolate will work as well. I recommend buying dark chocolate in the 60% range. Ghirardelli sells a 60% bittersweet chocolate that is available almost anywhere or any top rate brands will work the best. I don’t recommend getting cheap chocolate. Chocolate is basically one of the two main ingredients and it’s important to get a chocolate that tastes good. You will be able to taste the difference!

The first project to tackle when making these strawberry delights is to temper your chocolate. This process is much easier than it sounds and you don’t need to be an expert to be able to do this. The tempering process is recommended if you want to get that crisp crunch from your chocolate when you bite into your strawberry. If this step is skipped, it will appear less glossy and more than likely will be soggy.

There are a few tempering processes that can be done, but the easiest one to follow is the seeding method. Tempered chocolate is added to melted chocolate. It is then slightly cooled till it reaches the desired temperature. Don’t worry, after you’ve read over the process this will make much more sense and before you know it, you’ll be an expert!

How To Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries

How To Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries, When it comes to romance, dessert comes to mind, chocolate covered strawberries. Chances are you’ve bought; perhaps you’ve tried to do yourself. No matter what you had in the past, nothing compares to this adaptation of decadent chocolate covered strawberries traditional Royal Palms Resort and Spa is a pastry chef, Travis Watson.

Chocolate dipped strawberries
Ingredients
1-½ pounds of dark chocolate (the best quality, best)
3 cups cream, halved
Bailey Irish Cream 1 oz
3 eggs
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup water
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1-teaspoon sugar
½ c. teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation:
Put the sliced strawberries, 1-teaspoon sugar and vanilla extract in small bowl. Stir to incorporate. Set aside.

At the top of a double boiler, melt chocolate. While chocolate is melting, take half of cream and Bailey’s Irish cream and place in a small saucepan.

Bring the cream and liqueur to a boil.

When chocolate is completely melted, pour the hot cream into the chocolate. Turn off the oven chocolate at this point.

In the bowl of a mixer, mix the eggs. At the same time, make simple syrup using ¼ cup sugar and ¼ cup water.

When the syrup starts boiling, slowly and carefully pour the syrup into the egg mixture while the mixer is running.

When all the syrup has been added, turn mixer on high. Once the eggs become light and fluffy, incorporate them into the chocolate.

Take the other half of the cream and whisk until stiff. Fold it as well.

Valentine’s Day is just days (Hint Hint) around the corner. Classic gifts such as flowers, cards, and a romantic dinner in town or nearby towns, without children-are in the spirit of love.
But for a gift that speaks the language of love-universally and unilaterally look no further than Melrose, which could well be shaped like a heart shaped box of chocolates, there is the chocolate good in this small, but apparently densely rich, cocoa-city undercover.
To help you decide, we made an overview of all things chocolate for your eating, cooking, drinking, and yes, even fun flavor. Provided a list of form suggests that it is a wish list, shopping your beloved is for you even easier! Just print, select or highlight the desire of your heart (s), and voila! Nobody gets hurt.
In the round up, you will find (breathing): chocolate candy, cupcakes, cakes, chocolate lollipops, chocolate biscuits, chocolate-dipped strawberries (dipped in hand, natch), chocolate candy decorated wine glasses and chocolate pizza. (Another deep breathe.) Not to mention more chocolate in a liquid (alcohol) in dry form (ready-to-make pancake mix), frozen (death by chocolate cream), and in a jar (sauce fudge) … exhale. There are simply too many things to list.