GoodnessDirect Blog – Health foods & healthy lifestyles for you & your planet

Entries tagged as ‘chocolate’

It’s a fair trade – swap your purchase for a more ethical one

24 February, 2010 · 2 Comments

You probably know already that it’s Fairtrade Fortnight.

The Fairtrade Foundation are encouraging every household to swap just one of their everday buys for a Fairtrade version.

It’s so easy to get in on the action…

Fairtrade Farmers for a fair wage

Fairtrade Farmers for a fair wage

Choose to buy Fairtrade Coffee, Tea, Chocolate, Pasta, Jam, Bananas, Honey, Peanut Butter, Sugar, Biscuits, Snackbars, Oil, Fruitjuice, even Ricecakes or many other Fairtrade products in place of the type you’d normally buy.

Taste the difference, revel in the justice and hopefully, you won’t even want to swap back.

Then you can register your swaps online at the Fairtrade website.

Remember Fairtrade isn’t about charity, it provides the world’s poorer farmers with a fair wage for the food they put on our tables. So take a look at our Fairtrade Section and see if there’s something you could put on your table with pride.

Categories: Uncategorized
Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Valentine’s Day Ideas

10 February, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Every year about 1000 love letters are sent to Juliet in Verona. I can only wonder why poor Romeo misses out on all the fun? Does he know his amorous partner is being wooed by all these other men?

The event is to honour the annual celebration when every heart hopes for someone to be their Valentine.

So who will your Valentine be this year?

Here are a few ideas to help you make your special someone feel totally loved.

Ethical Valentine's Ideas

Ethical Valentine's Ideas

1. Tea – This suggestion comes straight from our office where a certain colleague (not me) would love you for days if you brought her favourite cup of tea to her, perhaps with a piece of marzipan on the side… (it’s Mr Scruff’s Make Us A Brew by the way). But it’s those little things that count isn’t it.

2. Imagination – Whether it’s dancing together in public, carving your names in a tree, or meeting at a secret rendezvous, doing that one thing that shows you think about them speaks volumes. No last minute dashes to buy a box of chocolates (seriously below standard fellas). The first rule has to be plan the perfect day around the things they love.

3. Flowers – A bunch of roses on is still the traditional way to say ‘I love you’, tulips and orchids are popular too. If you can, buy ethically sourced flowers indicated by some a fair trade label (most supermarkets will stock some). You can buy from arenaflowers online. But, be careful, remember Valentine’s is on Sunday this year – don’t get caught out by the shops being closed.

4. Dinner – A candlelit dinner for two will delight your lover, especially if you use the time to tell them how you feel about them. If you’re cooking a special meal at home, a little knowledge about aphrodisiacs will make the evening more exciting. Many foods are believed to increase libido (eg. avocados, asparagus, bananas, truffles, figs, chilli, sweet basil) but most of these are selected for their suggestive shape rather than any love-inducing properties. Something more effective is likely to be the smell of vanilla or chocolate on your Valentine’s skin; a deep scent is profoundly sensual.

5. Gifts of indulgence – You could order a hamper filled with your loved one’s favourite foods, or how about a basket full of luxury bathing items so they can pamper themselves. Dead Sea Spa Magik have some amazingly soothing products to try.

6. Chocolates – Confections, such as sugar plums, marzipan and sweetmeats used to be sent on Valentine’s Day because sugar was a highly valued commodity. Fortunately a gift of chocolates are still guaranteed to bring your sweetheart pleasure. Among the many chocolatiers out there perhaps the name The Chocolate Heart lends itself most to a day like Valentine’s Day with it’s truffle bites and mini bars – and if your lover’s a vegan they will go down a treat.

7. Fun – One great way to spend time together might be to actually make some chocolate yourself. The Chocolution has brought out a Mayan Magic Chocolate-Making Kit, an imaginative gift which will lead to great times of experimentation, creativity and delight.

8. Make their day – Finally, it’s not only romance which counts on Valentine’s Day, everyone appreciates an affectionate message, even if it’s just from mum or dad. Sending a gift to a friend just because you love their friendship can be a very loving thought.

Categories: Uncategorized
Tagged: , , ,

The Chocolate Lady’s creations

30 September, 2009 · Leave a Comment

We’ve got a new product on our shelves. It’s a chocolate made without any dairy ingredients and it looks (and tastes) wonderful.

The story goes that Emma Clacher became known as “the chocolate lady” when she started sharing home-made chocolates with her friends. The gift soon turned into an all hours obsession, but with one big drawback, Emma had an allergy to dairy products. When it comes to chocolate that can be a big obstacle but determined experimentation led to inspired creation and the result was a dairy-free truffle which customers couldn’t get enough of; and they were understandably popular with vegans too. That was the beginning of Emma’s Chocolate Heart company.

Now Emma’s range extends to fruit flavoured truffles and chocolates, with  rose, mint and sea salt varieties as well. But there’s not a shred of dairy produce in there. Instead Peruvian dark chocolate is mixed with natural lime, orange and peppermint oils, Himalayan salt, or freeze dried raspberries. There’s no added sugar either, just quality natural ingredients – ­ it’s easy to see why Emma’s culinary handiwork became popular.

So if you’ve got a ‘chocolate heart’ give it a try and start nibbling to your hearts content.

Categories: Chocolate · Dairy Free · Egg free · Vegan
Tagged: , , , , , ,

Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake

18 March, 2009 · Leave a Comment

This rich, dense chocolate cake is incredibly easy to make but will always impress. It can be served with whipped cream, crème fraiche, Green & Black’s Organic Vanilla ice cream or simply on its own sliced into small fingers with coffee. It can also be made with Green & Black’s Dark, Milk, White and Maya chocolates either on their own or in a combination. If it is made the day before and then chilled over night it becomes even more dense, fudgey and wicked. The lack of flour in the recipe also makes it suitable for coeliacs.

Instructions

1) Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/Gas Mark 4. 2) Butter and dust a cake tin with a removable base. 3) Put the first 4 ingredients in a bowl over barely simmering water and allow to melt. 4) Whisk the eggs with the ground almonds and then fold into the chocolate mixture with a spatula off the heat. 5) Pour into the cake tin and bake for between 35 and 40 minutes. 6) Allow to cool, and dust with icing sugar.

Green & Blacks © Green & Black’s 2007

Categories: Recipes
Tagged: , , , ,

Dairy-free Treats

11 March, 2009 · 1 Comment

Those who choose to forego dairy (either for their ethics or health) do not have to go without the nicer things in life, as there are a host of delicious alternatives available to traditional indulgence foods.

Chocoholic Bliss

Who doesn’t like chocolate? And what a sad world it would be without it. For vegans who eschew dairy products because of their beliefs or for those with a dairy intolerance there is a wide range of choccies available, some with soya, both organic and non-organic bars, regular or flavoured with orange oil, ginger or even cayenne pepper for a sweet kick. Carob is a naturally sweet alternative to chocolate that, like cocoa, grows in pods – but contains half the fat. It contains vitamins and minerals but no oxalic acid (which binds to minerals so reducing their bioavailability) or caffeine.

Carob and dairy-free chocolate also work well in cooking so can be used to make cakes and biscuits – even more chocolatey goodies.

Cakes and Bakes

Beware of ready-made cakes and biscuits that may contain dairy ingredients in one form or another, even if they’re not listed as milk or cream. Careful reading of labels will tell you what you can eat or if you’re feeling adventurous, soya, either sweetened or unsweetened can be used in home baking as an alternative to milk, as can oat milk, rice milk and nut milks. Add to this ingredients such as oats, nuts, honey and seeds to make delicious – yet still nutritious – dairy-free treats. Watch how many of them you eat though if you’re also watching the calories.

Just Desserts

Soya yoghurt-type puddings come in lots of different fruit flavours while more solid custard-like desserts are available in warming caramel, vanilla and of course chocolate – yum. They’re the perfect ending to a meal or a great snack and they taste as good as the real thing (better if you’re lactose intolerant).

Dairy-free cream works well with fruit and cakes or try dairy-free chocolate spreads on bread or biscuits for an indulgent snack or quick dessert.

Of course there’s a whole world of treats that have nothing to do with dairy or dairy alternatives at all – such as fresh fruit, dried fruit and nuts, fruit spreads, honey or on the savoury side, nut butters.

Just because you don’t do dairy doesn’t mean you don’t do indulgence.

Natural Lifestyle © February 2006

Categories: General Food
Tagged: , ,

Easter Competition from GoodnessDirect

10 March, 2009 · Leave a Comment

eastercomp3

Here’s your chance to win some delicious easter treats from GoodnessDirect.

Up for grabs this easter we have:

One lucky entrant will win the above by joining our GoodnessDirect newsletter featuring news, new products and special offers.

Terms and Conditions:

  • One entry per person
  • Winner is chosen at random
  • Competition open to EU residents only (excluding Malta)
  • Newsletter susbscription required which can be unsubscribed from at any time by link in email.

The competition is now closed. Thank you for entering.
The winner will be notified by email shortly.

Categories: Competitions
Tagged: , ,

Chocolate – a little bit of what you fancy?

4 March, 2009 · 1 Comment

We’ve come to think of chocolate as a fattening junk food as well as an aphrodisiac and anti-depressant, commonly linked to when we need comfort during emotional or stressful times but, is there more to this delicious delight?

Chocolate contains flavonoids (powerful antioxidants similar to those in red wine) that can protect blood vessels and may help protect against heart disease. Chocolate also contains caffeine, theobromine (both stimulants), iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium along with a range of vitamins.

With the addition of sugar it’s easy to see why chocolate can give us a boost. It also contains compounds that can raise levels of the mood-enhancing brain chemical dopamine; this has been linked to increased sexual interest in women.

It is often noted that women crave chocolate when they are pre-menstrual and this is a time when magnesium levels tend to be low… so is this the body’s way of seeking out a little of something that it genuinely needs?

Choose Organic Chocolate for an occasional treat

As an occasional treat choose dark chocolate (70% cocoa), it’s lower in sugar and higher in antioxidants. Try Booja-booja, Green & Blacks dark organic maya Gold. If you can’t tolerate dairy products there is no need to miss out – Plamil do a great range of dairy free chocolate.

Did you also know…

  1. Fresh fruit and vegetables (brightly coloured) are sources of antioxidants that can support the arteries thus helping blood flow.
  2. Vitamin C is said to ‘pick up’ sperm and can decrease levels of abnormal sperm. Sources: Strawberries, kiwi, broccoli and melon.
  3. Chilli can induce a temporary rush of endorphins resulting in a ‘high’. Endorphins are natural ‘morphine-like’ painkillers that can boost circulation.
  4. Spinach and asparagus are sources of folic acid; low levels can result in irritability and low mood. Remember to check your teeth for spinach before going out!
  5. Essential fatty acids (EFA’s) are needed for smooth skin, brain function, circulation and hormone balance.
  6. Eating complex carbohydrates can help balance blood sugar levels and boost levels of the happy brain chemical serotonin.
  7. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc which has a reputation for being a sexual tonic and low levels can leave you feeling miserable. It’s also found in eggs, wholegrains and of course oysters. Zinc is crucial for healthy sperm.
  8. Fatty foods such as burgers can decrease levels of the male hormone testosterone and a regular intake of these foods can clog the arteries thus effecting blood flow… to all regions!

Kate Cook © The Nutrition Coach February 2005

Categories: Chocolate · General Food
Tagged: , , , , ,

Magic chocolate pudding

5 November, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Serves 6

Ingredients

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4. Lightly oil six 175ml oven proof dishes. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together, using an electric whisk, until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
  2. Add the egg yolks and beat again until smooth. Add the milk, flour and cocoa and blend again, using the electric whisk, until smooth and quite runny.
  3. Wash the whisk heads then, in a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Gently fold into the chocolate mixture. Divide between the prepared dishes, and bake for 12 minutes or until risen. Carefully transfer to serving plates and serve immediately.

Categories: Recipes
Tagged: , ,

Allergen warning change on Green & Black’s organic chocolate

5 November, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Green & Black’s dark organic chocolate is no longer vegan

Why has the allergen warning changed?

The new communication will highlight milk as an ingredient in its previously labelled ‘vegan’ dark organic chocolate bars. As both the milk chocolate and dark chocolate bars are made using the same production line there is a risk of cross contact. A recent audit revealed that traces of milk residues can still be found on manufacturing equipment despite intensive cleaning.

Has the recipe for dark chocolate changed?

No, the recipe has remained the same since 1998.

Is the product being manufactured in a different factory or on different equipment?

No, the facility and the process have also remained the same.

Why might there be traces of milk in the dark chocolate?

As we make Green & Black’s dark organic chocolate bars on the same production line as milk chocolate bars there will always be the possibility of some cross contact. It is impossible to remove all traces of milk residues from the equipment.

What level of milk would be safe for a milk allergy sufferer?

There is no clear data for this and experts differ on what is safe. Some suggest 5ppm casein is sufficient to cause an attack in severe sufferers. As a result we are ensuring that our labelling clearly lists milk as an ingredient.

How much milk is present in Green & Black’s dark organic chocolate?

This is not possible to state without testing bars from each batch although we know that in some cases it may exceed the 5ppm that some scientist’s state can cause a reaction.

Why can’t the equipment be cleaned more effectively to remove the milk?

Whilst intensive washing with water and detergent could achieve the removal of the allergenic casein it is not practical to use water in chocolate handling equipment. The most practical method involves flushing the equipment with dark chocolate until the milk chocolate residues are removed. This is highly effective but still cannot guarantee the removal of all traces of milk protein residues.

Why can’t you make your dark chocolate on a dedicated line?

The restrictions for organic segregation and the design of plant we need for our type of chocolate restricts the availability of equipment. We are looking at alternative equipment and hope in the future to reverse this change.

I have a casein allergy and have been eating your dark chocolate for many years without a problem. Can I continue to do so?

There is actually no change to the risk but we are unable to advise you if this is safe for you to consume. What we are now clearly stating on pack is that we cannot guarantee the absence of milk. It is almost certainly going to be present – albeit at a low level.

The vegan statement has gone; has the product ever been suitable for vegans?

By definition vegan products contain no ingredients derived from animals within the recipe and this still remains true for Green & Black’s dark chocolate. However as our dark chocolate is made on the same production line as our milk chocolate there is some risk of cross contact. As a result, the desire for clearer allergen labelling now conflicts with the vegan statement and we have reluctantly decided to remove it from our labelling.

The ingredient list will show organic whole milk powder. Is this now an ingredient in Green & Black’s dark chocolate?

No, the decision to show milk as an ingredient was very hard and debated for a long time. Unfortunately we can not guarantee that our dark chocolate will be free from traces of milk as it is made on the same production line and we have therefore included it as an ingredient to ensure consumers, especially milk allergy sufferers, are aware of the possibility.

What dark chocolate can I buy if I have an allergy to milk protein?

Kinnerton produce a small range of Kinnerton brand dark chocolate guaranteed to be dairy-free.

© Green & Black’s

Categories: Chocolate · Organic
Tagged: , ,

A choc a day keeps the doctor away?

29 September, 2008 · Leave a Comment

I don’t know about you but I always delight in seeing chocolate in the news for just how health giving it can be.

With all the good press dark chocolate has been given, me and quite a few of my friends indulge in a square or two of raw or dark chocolate with 50% cocoa solids or more each day, for health benefits you understand! But here it is again: ‘Two-week dark chocolate diet that reduces heart disease risk’ headlining in the press.

The studies in question were carried out at the University of L’Aquila in Italy and Tufts University in the States and reported on in the Journal of Nutrition. The outcome of the trials is that eating dark chocolate daily for two weeks may lessen the risk of heart disease. Eating a couple of chunks daily for a fortnight can keep high blood pressure at bay and reduce the risk of diabetes. The chocolate appears to bring about such benefits quickly. Only dark chocolate works though, so take a fresh look at the high cocoa solids chocolate with health in mind. For us milk chocolate lovers, all is not bad news. Montezuma’s have a Milk chocolate from the dark side, with 54% cocoa solids. For the serious dark chocolate eaters we have 73% cocoa solids dark chocolate from Montezuma’s, Green & Black’s 85% cocoa solids intense dark, Maya gold has 55% cocoa solids and is really delicious, combining fairtrade dark chocolate with orange and spices. My problem is limiting it to a few squares, remember the calories do add up.

Cocoa flavanols appear to increase nitric oxide bio availability, protect vascular endothelium and decrease the risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The people in the test systolic and diastolic blood pressures also fell after the dark chocolate diet.

Categories: Chocolate · Health
Tagged: , , ,