Some Chocolate Gift Basket Ideas...

How to Make Someone Smile with a Chocolate Gift Basket

The search for the perfect gift can certainly be daunting. The idea is, of course, to find something that the person will actually enjoy. Thus, when looking for the perfect gift, pass up mundane gifts, and give the exciting gift of a chocolate gift basket.

Some Chocolate Gift Basket Ideas

Chocolate gift baskets can be purchased for a variety of different reasons. As such, if one does not want to make one’s own, there are a variety of different chocolate gift basket ideas to choose from.

The key to any chocolate gift basket is the basket or other type of holder that the gift basket comes in. More decorative chocolate gift baskets can be used as home decorations later on. For example, there is a chocolate gift basket that comes in a hand painted decoupage metal planter.

A nice gift basket to give to a coworker is one entitled “Caramel Knowledge.” This small gift basket comes with Lindt Lindor assorted truffles, a Ghiradelli milk chocolate with almonds bar, Malto Bella toffee chocolate malt balls, Cocoa Amore chocolate truffle hot cocoa, and a Lindt dark chocolate bar. This all comes in a bamboo woven basket, which, after the chocolate is eaten, is a lovely addition to an office desk.

There is an excellent chocolate gift basket for those who are romantics and have a love of Shakespeare. This basket, entitled “Romeo’s Basket,” comes with such delectable chocolate treats as La Tempesta biscotti with crispy almond and hazelnut slices, Harry London white truffle fudge pretzel joys, and Sconza Mocha toffee almonds. The basket itself is a lovely wooden box that would be ideal for jewelry.

Lastly, for those people who hope to impress their boss with a nice chocolate gift basket, there is a gift basket entitled the “Executive Sweet.” This basket comes with such treats as shortbread cookies, darn chocolate almond candy bars, and biscotti. Perhaps the most stunning feature of this gift is the basket itself, a medium-sized handmade wooden trunk (about the size of a larger jewelry box), trimmed with bamboo with a mahogany stain.

These are but a few of the many gift baskets that one can purchase on the internet. One can also find a great chocolate gift basket at a local chocolate store or bakery. The fun thing about chocolate gift baskets is that they can be quite expensively ornate, or just inexpensively simple. Either way, they make for wonderfully delicious gifts...

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Some Chocolate Gift Ideas...

Making Someone’s Day with a Chocolate Gift, Would be a Perfect Choice

There are many different reasons and occasions for wanting to buy someone a gift. However, with all the different gift options to choose from, there is one gift that is universally acceptable: Chocolate. Whether it is for romantic or platonic reasons, there is nothing better than a chocolate gift.

So here are Some Chocolate Gift Ideas

When it comes to figuring out what to get someone for a chocolate gift, there are a variety of different options to choose from. Upon observation, one will find that there really is a chocolate gift for every celebration or reason imaginable.

Say, for example, that it is autumn and someone wants to commemorate that time of the year by purchasing a chocolate gift for that person’s coworkers. Some examples of a chocolate gift include a box of chocolates in the shape of squirrels, or perhaps a box of chocolates in the shape of autumn leaves with several different fillings.

Halloween is an excellent opportunity to give a chocolate gift. A great gift idea is to purchase a delectable chocolate cake with chocolate drizzled on the top as well as a decoration of a pumpkin in orange frosting.

Thanksgiving also presents a great opportunity to present guests with a chocolate gift. One idea is to purchase small chocolate turkeys and put them at each person’s place at the table. Not only is this a delicious treat, it also makes for a fun table decoration.

Of course, Christmas is a holiday that lends itself to endless chocolate gift opportunities, especially for children. When it comes to this holiday, one of the most popular gifts to buy is the chocolate Santa. The chocolate Santa makes a great stocking stuffer because it comes in a variety of different sizes and flavors.

Finally, the holiday that perhaps generates the most chocolate sales is that of Valentine’s Day. Whether it is for a friend or a lover, the most popular chocolate gift to buy is the classic heart-shaped box of chocolates. The box (and the chocolates ;) can be as ornate or as simple as one likes, as there are a variety of different styles to choose from.

To find the best chocolate gift for someone, visit a local chocolate store or bakery. One can also find many different options on the internet, as there are lots of websites that cater specifically to chocolate needs. Indeed, if one is looking for a gift that is guaranteed to be enjoyed, a chocolate gift is the perfect choice. Wouldn't you agree?

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About Expensive Chocolates

Enter The World Of Expensive Chocolates...

With all the different food choices in the world, why would someone spend more money for chocolate when they could have a cheaper chocolate more readily? What makes expensive chocolate better than the less expensive version? Is it the quality? Is it the type of chocolate? Chocolate lovers worldwide would love to experience the exquisite taste of a very expensive chocolate, yet most cannot afford such a luxury. Yet, for those who can indulge themselves for such a delectable treat, it is well worth the cost. Chocolatiers worldwide go to great lengths to see who can create the most exquisite taste and melt-in-your mouth goodness. The choices of expensive chocolates available seem endless.

What Types Of Expensive Chocolate Are There?

Chocolate makes a perfect gift for just about any occasion. Expensive chocolates are an even more cherished prize than the common brands. Most expensive chocolates come in beautifully decorated boxes or wrapping and are very appealing to people at first glance. Many of the most expensive chocolates are made from dark chocolate, which has grown in popularity in recent years. Not only is dark chocolate delicious, but it is more healthy, containing antioxidants which have anti-aging effects. Many chocolates are created in truffle form. There can be a variety of shapes and sizes as well, from small balls to squares and long bars. The chocolate can be enjoyed hot or cold, even frozen on cakes. Expensive chocolate is used to decorate other dessert items, including pastries and pies. Organic chocolate is more expensive and is generally available at health food stores. This type of chocolate is manufactured free of chemicals and other toxins that are present in less expensive chocolates.

Expensive Chocolate As A Gift

Expensive chocolate can be given on a variety of occasions. Birthdays are a great time to purchase boxes of chocolate for loved ones. Weddings, anniversaries, and other celebrations provide a perfect time for these wonderful treats. Holidays are filled with chocolate confections one after the other. During times when someone is going through a difficulty, chocolate can be given as a way to lift a person’s spirits. It is a taste that is universally loved and cherished. It is worth the money to splurge for the more expensive chocolates as gifts. Family and friends will often savor each bite as special and will want to save them for certain occasions. Your loved ones will definitely thank you for it! Wouldn't you?

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About Luxury Chocolates

What Do You Know About Luxury Chocolates?

Chocolates – the word itself brings a smile on anyone’s face : ) This is one of the things that is adored by people the world over, without barriers of age, gender or cultural diversity. Everybody simply loves a bar of chocolate. This is why chocolates are also accepted as universal gifts. They can be offered at any occasion by anyone to anyone. Just as flowers, chocolates are excellent for all occasions – from the most special to the friendly encounter.

A Blessing Called Luxury Chocolate

Luxury chocolates are just as the name implies – items of luxury. They are expensive, they are excellent, and they are special. No matter where you and how you are, if you have some luxury chocolates on you, you will feel like you own the world. There are a wide variety of chocolates that come under the umbrella of luxury chocolates – check it out and learn to recognize them.

1. Dark chocolate – this is often known as the choicest luxury chocolate, owing to its special bitter-sweet taste and rich flavor. The cocoa solid content in this luxury chocolate is about 75 %, the rest being milk, cream, sugar and other ingredients.

2. Milk chocolate – this type of chocolate is the most common of all. You will find it in all shapes, sizes and budgets. For it to become luxury chocolate, it has to be made out of specially procured ingredients which would make it the best available in the world. This has less cocoa solids as its ingredient, and hence it is usually prone to melt faster at room temperature (24-26 degrees Centigrade).

3. White chocolate – this is actually a later addition to the ''list of luxury chocolates''. This has the least of cocoa solids and can be exceedingly demanding while preparing chocolate bars. However, the taste of this chocolate (like all other luxury chocolates) is something that you would not forget in a hurry.

4. Chocolate glace and couverture – these are the main ingredients that go into the making of the luxury chocolate items. You will find these in exclusive shops and specialist suppliers. This is what you can use to make a special batch of handmade chocolate that will leave everyone wonder about the secret ingredient. This can also be used as a cover for chocolate cakes and for special decorations of cookies.

5. Chocolate chips – these are a must-have in any special cake or cookie. They are available in all types, white, dark and milk chocolate to match whatever you want it add it to.

I hope you've learned some more about Luxury Chocolates...

Enjoy!

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Melting Chocolate

Add Extra Tate To Any Dessert By Melting Chocolates

Chocolate is the comfort and pleasure food that can brighten any day and add spice to any dessert. There are a variety of desserts you can create or improve by melting chocolate, let us explore our options and see how you can change a normal dessert into a gourmet one.

Be Creative

You can use melting chocolate on any dessert without adding too many calories to your silhouette and the way to do that is to use sugar free chocolates. One of the most common and enjoyed fruit dipping in chocolate is strawberry however, did you know that you can dip in melting chocolate almost any fruit you like such as: poached pears; baked apples; pineapple; cherries and even orange peels for a delightful serving with coffee after diner or whenever you choose.

Melting chocolate is very popular at parties during the cold season where you can dip a marshmallow to your heart’s content; for this purpose you will need melting chocolate fountains, which you can find in department stores the size and shape of your choice.

Use Chocolate For The Inner Part Of A Dessert

There are a few desserts that achieve melting chocolate in a dessert so that when you open the same the warm chocolate will flow all over it. In order to obtain such a dessert you need to use frozen chocolate when you bake it and/or follow the directions as per the prescription.

There are many types of chocolates that can be used for melting in order to suit everyone and they are: milk chocolate, dark chocolate and white chocolate. You can also find cooking chocolate which is specially used for melting purposes so it stays longer that way.

If you or your friends are suffering from any medical condition that do not allow you to eat regular chocolate you can find sugar free or chocolates with limited carbohydrates, which will help you watch your silhouette as well as enjoy a chocolate dessert as well.

Helpful Tip

Don’t use chocolate desserts as a main course or the melting chocolate fountain as the main attraction of the party but always serve them after the meal is done and you will be able to regulate that way the amount of calories you intake as you will be already full from the meal.

Chocolate is very tempting and usually at the late night hours when you don’t have any activity other than going to sleep, which in turn will allow those calories to create the much unwanted pounds therefore, try and eat chocolate at a time when you know you will have some activity and can work off those calories and/or don’t keep more chocolate in the house than you would like to eat.

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Merckens Chocolates

A Couple Brings Together Religion and Merckens Chocolates: A Profile of High Tides Chocolate

Merckens chocolates are a popular choice by independent chocolate-makers, and nothing is more independent than using chocolates to promote Biblical themes. South Carolina couple Brian and Susan Kennedy is the proprietor of High Tides Chocolate, a private-owned company that uses Merckens chocolates exclusively in its products.

High Tides’ Use of Merckens Chocolates is Heavenly

The company prides itself on bringing its core Christian beliefs to its products, and customers interested in offering loved ones a sweet gift with a divine theme should look over High Tides products.

High Tides uses Merckens chocolates to fashion treats that are at once sacred and witty. Thankfully eschewing gaudiness or tackiness, these chocolates are definitely not ironic kitsch, but a sincere way to gift chocolates with a religious theme.

Included in the catalogue is a chocolate rendering of the Last Supper, the iconic Praying Hands, the Fishes and Crosses, and the ubiquitous WWJD in chocolate letters. The prices are very reasonable – most under $10 each and the candy can be made in either dark or milk chocolate. Also available is a chocolate plaque, resembling stain glass of a cross, with the words “God Be with You.” While not strictly religious, High Tides Chocolate offers a range of inspirational messages in chocolate, as well.

There’s More Than Just Religion at High Tides Chocolate

While the company’s owners are proudly spiritual, there are other products available, all made with Merkcens chocolates, that are not religious, at all.

For example, there is a whimsical chocolate tackle box, complete with fisherman’s tools all made of chocolate that sells for a very reasonable $10.00. Also, for parents, there are chocolate letters that spell “Mom” or “Dad” much like the WWJD chocolate. Like most suppliers, High Tides also sells samplers – the company’s priciest products, at still reasonable prices of under $20.00.

Much like the religious themed candy, there are funny molded chocolates for the secular crowd, as well. For example, an adorable chocolate bear holding a balloon on a pretzel rod. $6.00 will get you half a dozen of these cute treats. A little more enigmatic, but no less pleasing are the chocolate Sea Island turtles made with liquid caramel and a pecan nut.

High Tides’ owner Brian Kennedy has bought the domain name of Merckens, and one can visit the Website to read more about Merckens chocolates and High Tides Chocolate.

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Milk Chocolate

While Milk Chocolate is Popular, it is Not the Only Chocolate Choice

Chocolate is one of the most beloved treats in the world. When one purchases chocolate, be it as a gift or just as a tasty snack, it has been noted that milk chocolate is the preferred type of chocolate. One cannot enter a chocolate store at any given time of the year and not find a milk chocolate product prominently displayed. While milk chocolate is delicious, and goes along well with other fillings such as nuts, there are also many other types of chocolate available.

The Many Alternatives to Milk Chocolate

The first alternative to milk chocolate is that of dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is most often seen in chocolate boxes that are to be given as gifts during Valentine’s Day. It is actually a flavorfully stronger version of milk chocolate, and works especially well in cakes if one is looking for a nice dessert.

Bittersweet chocolate is a great option for people who like the strong taste of dark chocolate, but want to try a chocolate that is completely different than that. As a result, this is a great chocolate for desserts such as chocolate truffles and tarts.

Semisweet chocolate is the right choice for people who want to try a dessert with a nice, pure chocolate taste, but do not want to be overwhelmed by it. This kind of chocolate is great for desserts like cookies and chocolate mousse. It also makes for a very nice chocolate sauce.

For chocolate that is ideal for elegant desserts, try white chocolate. White chocolate is known for being the kind of chocolate with the sweetest taste. This kind of chocolate goes quite well with different kinds of fruits, making it a great summer treat when raspberries are in season. White chocolate is especially delicious as a filling for truffles.

While there are several types of chocolate that make for great alternatives to milk chocolate, there are also a variety of specialty chocolate ingredients that one can choose from. These ingredients include chocolate extract, cocoa nibs, and the popular chocolate chips.

To find the best type of chocolate, one should visit a local chocolate store, where oftentimes samples are given. Just be sure to be aware of any food allergies that one might have, especially to nuts, as many types of chocolates contain them. Indeed, there are many alternatives to milk chocolate, and all of them are excellent in their own way.

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World's Finest Chocolate

World's Finest Chocolate: World's Finest Gift

World's Finest Chocolate offers a great variety of gifts for holidays, birthdays, as well as corporate gifts. A wide range of products, ranging from candy to nuts to pretzels, World's Finest Chocolate is an excellent source for finding the best kind of edible gift basket or tin for anyone in your life.

Chocolate Birthday Tier: World's Finest Idea for a Birthday Gift

Wrapped in a lovely bow, World's Finest Chocolates pair two pounds of chocolate almonds with a pound of a chocolate assortment, and it’s all wrapped with ribbon. The candy is packed in acetates. You can also personalize this gift for free. The Chocolate Birthday Tier retails for $29.99.

The Dark Chocolate Diamond Tier is another great gift from World's Finest Chocolates. The exquisite gift package includes dark chocolate pieces and an acetate of dark chocolate-covered almonds. The ribbon has a diamond patter, which fits with the sophisticated nature of the dark chocolate. Like the Birthday Tier, the Diamond Tier, runs for $29.99.

Similar to the Diamond Tier, there is also the Platinum Collection. There two acetates; one filled with chocolate almonds, the other filled with a chocolate assortment, like the Birthday Tier. There’s a simple elegant ribbon to hold the tier together. Also, the Platinum costs $29.99.

The Royal Birthday Tower

A beautiful tower of royal purple, World's Finest Chocolate assembled an assortment of flavored caramels, chocolates, almond bars and an assortment of mixed chocolates. Along with the royal purple boxes, there is a gorgeous purple ribbon. Available at a very affordable price of $37.50, and like with the other products, personalizing is free.

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year for World's Finest Chocolate

For the Christmas holidays, there is also the Noble Christmas Tree Tower of seven different types of treats for your loved ones, including almonds, malted malt balls, an assortment of chocolates, mints and candy. Wrapped in a beautiful classic Christmas wrapping, festooned with holiday colors and cold ribbon, the Christmas Tree Tower costs $29.99.

For orders, and information on other products, prospective buyers can visit World's Finest Chocolate’s Website at www.worldsfinestchocolate.com. There are also customer reviews, as well as, features that preview the most popular products of the company. World's Finest is also conscious of diabetics and dieters and offer sugar-free options, as well. Along with purchasing, there are also options open for fundraising, a noted aspect of the company.

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