Ghirardelli

What Chocolate Do You Cook With?
Cooking Basics

What's Your Go-To Chocolate For Baking?

If you've been keeping up with YumSugar this week, you'll know that we've been talking about all things chocolate.
by

If you've been keeping up with YumSugar this week, you'll know that we've been talking about all things chocolate. Hopefully you've been inspired by the chocolate recipes and will whip up something delicious to enjoy with loved ones on Valentine's Day. When it comes to cooking with chocolate, I want to know what's your go-to brand. I always bake with Ghirardelli chocolate because it's local and good quality without being insanely expensive. How about you? What brand of chocolate do you cook with?

Source: Flickr User somegeekintn

Come Party With Me: Inauguration — Dessert
Come Party With Me

Come Party With Me: Inauguration — Dessert

Although the Inauguration isn't until next Tuesday, I'm inviting friends over to kick off the ceremony on Sunday.
by partysugar

Although the Inauguration isn't until next Tuesday, I'm inviting friends over to kick off the ceremony on Sunday. Since Barack Obama was senator in Chicago, the menu has a Chicago theme. After finishing the deep-dish pizzas, wait an hour before serving this decadent dessert. Eli's is the Windy City's famous bakery known for its chocolate chip cheesecake. While you could order a cheesecake from Eli's and have it delivered, I recommend whipping up a homemade variation. This recipe features sour cream (like most Chicago-style cheesecakes) and results in a cake that is firm on the outside, but deliciously creamy on the inside.

To look at the recipe, read more

Ghirardelli: It's Gourmet With a Side of Trans Fat
Chocolate

Ghirardelli: It's Gourmet With a Side of Trans Fat

I picked up a bag of one of my favorite treats last night - Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Squares with Caramel filling.
by

I picked up a bag of one of my favorite treats last night - Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Squares with Caramel filling. I know, they're not at all good for you, but they taste amazing.

Since they are a popular brand of gourmet chocolate, it didn't even occur to me to check the label. Maybe I should have a long time ago because once I saw the dreaded words - partially hydrogenated vegetable oil - I just about had a sugar crash.

WTF!! I am NOT happy about this. Why can't manufacturers just stop putting this crap in our food? At least you have to eat 3 whole squares in order to get just .5g of trans fat, but still - I'm trying to avoid this stuff altogether.

Fit's Tips: Learn from my mistake. Always read the label and check for trans fat and other unhealthy ingredients before you buy it. Remember to look for interesterified oil too. You can't just assume something is good for you just because you want it to be!