Tag 'dessert'

Historians trace the origin of the word "chocolate" to the Aztec word "xocoatl," which referred to a bitter drink brewed from cacao beans. The Latin name for the cacao tree, Theobroma cacao, means "food of the gods”. Many modern historians have estimated that chocolate has been around for about 2000 years, but recent research suggests that it may be even older. Sweetened chocolate didn't appear until Europeans discovered the Americas and sampled the native cuisine.

Dark chocolate has recently been discovered to have a number of healthy benefits. Amazing that something that so many people enjoy eating just for the sweet creamy indulgence can ALSO be good for us! Studies show that eating a small amount of dark chocolate two or three times each week can help lower your blood pressure. Dark chocolate increases blood flow to the brain as well as to the heart, so it can help improve cognitive function, help prevent strokes, prevent hardening of the arteries as well as protecting us from Type II Diabetes. The flavonoids in dark chocolate help reduce insulin resistance by helping your cells to function normally and regain the ability to use your body's insulin efficiently. Dark chocolate also has a low glycemic index, meaning it won't cause huge spikes in blood sugar levels. Dark chocolate also contains several chemical compounds that have a positive effect on your mood and cognitive health.

What can make you think of French cuisine? Is it a good old French comedy you watched on Friday night? Is it your favorite French song by Edith Piaf or Charles Aznavour? No doubt, you have a very original taste, in every sense of this word, if you do like something particular from French cinema or music.

Although there does not need to be any special occasion to share our best impressions about French gastronomy and everything it has given to us, nowadays this nation of real gourmets is preparing to celebrate a big holiday. And we decided that it could be a nice reason to discover something utterly delicious about them.