DIVINE PARKNESHIP IN BAKING FOR LOVE
When both the Divine Masculine (chocolate) and Feminine energy (vanilla) weave through our energy system and unite in the chakras, we experience the ecstasy of transformational alchemy. We tap into the creative field of life and begin to feel the vast infinite possibilities of our power to co-create. The more we open to the cosmic flow of creation, the more she purifies our fear and self-doubt and we remember that we are worthy expressions of the creative essence of life and that we are love. As we evolve, our integrity deepens as does our willingness to serve for the flourishing and betterment of all life to serve the cosmic creative forces and to fine tune our bodies and our skills.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED
VANILLA – Aphrodisiac Tranquilizer; Sweet with mysterious woody, smoky flavor
CHOCOLATE – Food of Gods; unmistakable taste of all the glory, like cocoa creamy goodness which melts just below body temperature.
BITTERSWEET WARRIOR with SWEETIE WITH SMOKY EYES.
Even with so gentle appearance Vanilla is strong agent knows as an antioxidant, aphrodisiac, anticarcinogenic, febrifuge, antidepressant, sedative, tranquilizing and relaxing substance.
“Vanilla’s anti-carcinogenic property primarily comes from the compound vanillin, a polyphenol known to be a powerful antioxidant. The essential oil of vanilla has been shown to reduce free radicals thought to promote the development of inflammation and certain cancers.”
Vanilla – Giving you Holly Chill!
According to Nutrition and You vanilla extract has an array of vitamins and minerals including the B-complex and calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
Other significant health benefits obtained from vanilla extract (processed to purity with alcohol) is its ability to act as a mild tranquilizer and sedative, an antidepressant, and helps fight inflammation from fevers.
Many swear that whole vanilla beans offer the best health properties. Although expensive, discounts on quality beans can be found on the Internet. Nutrition and You advise caution when shopping for vanilla beans “as adulteration with artificial flavorings is quite common. A well processed good quality pod will remain potent for as long as three to four years.”
VANILLA extract has also been shown to be an effective scent used in aromatherapy and patients report it has a calming, soothing effect. It can even be successfully used to combat mild sleep disorders.
Far beyond a tasty ingredient of ice cream and candies, vanilla can be a powerful ally in the ongoing quest for good health.
Apart from its widespread use as a flavoring agent in certain organic foods, beverages and pharmaceutical industries as well as in culinary endeavors, the essential oil of vanilla has found extensive use in the world of medicine as well. A more complete explanation of these medical benefits are explained below.
Why choose DARK CHOCOLATE?
Contains flavonoids called procyanidins & epicatechins; flavonoids are part of a group of antioxidants known as polyphenols and are found in a variety of foods including dark chocolate, tea, red wine, and various fruits and vegetables
Decreases LDL (“bad”) cholesterol oxidation
Reduces the risk of blood clots
Increases blood flow in arteries and the heart
May lower high blood pressure
Cocoa may have a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels because it consists mainly of stearic acid and oleic acid. Stearic acid is a saturated fat, but unlike most saturated fatty acids, it does not raise blood cholesterol levels. Oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat, does not raise cholesterol and may even reduce it.
May improve mood and pleasure by boosting serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain
Regular intake is associated with better cognitive performance in the elderly
Contains a number of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium
What is chocolate?
Chocolate is made using beans harvested from the cocoa tree, Theobroma cacao. The beans are removed from their pod, fermented, dried, roasted and then ground to produce a cocoa mass or cocoa liquor. Cocoa liquor can be pressed to yield cocoa butter and cocoa cake which is ground up into cocoa powder. Cocoa liquor can also be combined with cocoa butter, sugar, vanilla, (and milk, in milk chocolate) to make chocolate.
What is dark chocolate?
Dark chocolate is also known as “bittersweet” or “semisweet” chocolate. It contains a high percentage (> 60%) of cocoa solids, and little or no added sugar. Dark chocolate has a rich, intense flavor, and is found in chocolate bars, candies and baking chocolate.
What qualities should you look for in dark chocolate?
- > 60% cocoa
- Made from cocoa butter instead of fats such as palm and coconut oils. Although cocoa butter does contain significant amounts of saturated fat in the form of stearic acid, it has been shown to have a neutral effect on cholesterol unlike the saturated fat in both palm and coconut oils.
- Made without the use of ‘hydrogenated’ or ‘partially hydrogenated’ oils, which are known to negatively impact cholesterol
- Darker is better: phytochemicals, like flavonoids, contribute to pigment. More flavonoids means darker chocolate and potentially greater health benefits.
- Chocolate is only as good as its ingredients; look for dark chocolate made from organic or fairly traded cocoa beans (Find a list of fair trade certified chocolate producers at: http://www.transfairusa.org/)
Veronika, http://livingharmonyondemand.com in her mixing and baking mood. http://soulharmonyondemand.com
Before you will mix all together in baking for LOVE, here is my last advice:
Top quality of INGREDIENTS are highly recommended!
Enjoy your time in your love kitchen together!
Reference: http://www.med.umich.edu
http://www.thestoryofchocolate.com
http://www.thestoryofchocolate.com
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