Indulging in the rich, velvety goodness of chocolate is a universal pleasure. And what better way to honor this delectable treat than with a dedicated week of celebration? American Chocolate Week, observed annually in March, serves as a delightful ode to the nation’s love affair with all things chocolate.
American Chocolate Week traces its origins back to the National Confectioners Association, which established it as a time to celebrate the timeless appeal of chocolate. While the exact inception date may vary, the spirit of the event remains consistent: to showcase the diversity, innovation, and craftsmanship of American chocolatiers.
During American Chocolate Week, chocolate lovers across the country are treated to a smorgasbord of events, promotions, and activities dedicated to celebrating this beloved confection. From chocolate tastings and pairings to cooking demonstrations and factory tours, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
One of the central themes of American Chocolate Week is the celebration of local chocolate artisans and businesses. Whether it’s a small-batch bean-to-bar operation or a family-owned chocolatier, this week provides a platform for these artisans to showcase their creativity and dedication to their craft.
American Chocolate Week is not just about indulging in delicious treats; it’s also an opportunity to explore the cultural significance of chocolate. From its ancient Mesoamerican origins to its evolution into a global phenomenon, chocolate has a rich and storied history that is worth exploring and celebrating.
In recent years, research has shed light on the potential health benefits of chocolate, particularly dark chocolate with high cocoa content. Rich in antioxidants, chocolate has been linked to improved heart health, cognitive function, and mood enhancement. American Chocolate Week is an ideal time to learn more about the science behind these claims and how to incorporate chocolate into a balanced diet.
As consumers become increasingly conscious of the environmental and ethical implications of their purchasing decisions, sustainability has become a key focus for the chocolate industry. American Chocolate Week provides an opportunity for chocolatiers to highlight their commitment to sustainable practices, from sourcing ethically produced cocoa beans to reducing waste and carbon emissions.
Ultimately, American Chocolate Week is about spreading joy and delighting the senses with the sweet, decadent pleasure of chocolate. Whether enjoyed alone or shared with loved ones, chocolate has a remarkable ability to bring people together and evoke feelings of happiness and contentment.
American Chocolate Week is a time to indulge, explore, and celebrate the many wonders of chocolate. From its tantalizing taste to its rich history and cultural significance, chocolate holds a special place in the hearts of people around the world. So, whether you’re a devoted chocoholic or simply looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, join in the festivities and treat yourself to the irresistible allure of chocolate during American Chocolate Week.
Bakery-Style Jumbo Chocolate Chip Muffins
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a jumbo muffin tin or line with jumbo muffin liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
- Add Chocolate Chips:
- Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Fill Muffin Tins:
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared jumbo muffin cups, filling each cup almost to the top.
- Bake:
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
- For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top of each muffin before baking.
- These muffins are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving to restore their soft, bakery-fresh texture.
- Feel free to customize these muffins by adding chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella to the batter before baking.
Enjoy these bakery-style jumbo chocolate chip muffins as a delicious treat for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and satisfying!
Chocolate Lava Cake with Raspberry Coulis
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Lava Cake:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
For the Raspberry Coulis:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Garnish:
- Fresh raspberries
- Powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Ramekins:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease four 6-ounce ramekins with butter and dust them with cocoa powder, tapping out any excess.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate:
- In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler), melt the butter and chopped chocolate, stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually whisk in the melted chocolate mixture until smooth. Fold in the flour and salt until just combined.
- Fill Ramekins:
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling each one about 3/4 full.
- Make Raspberry Coulis:
- In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds. Set aside to cool.
- Bake:
- Place the filled ramekins on a baking sheet and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Serve:
- Carefully remove the chocolate lava cakes from the oven and let them cool in the ramekins for 1-2 minutes. Then, using oven mitts or a kitchen towel, invert each ramekin onto a serving plate to release the cakes. Remove the ramekins and garnish each cake with fresh raspberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of raspberry coulis.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the chocolate lava cakes immediately, allowing the warm, molten centers to ooze out with each bite. Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra
Keto Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Sugar-free chocolate chips, for garnish (optional)
- Whipped cream, for serving (optional)
- Fresh berries, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Avocados:
- In a food processor or blender, combine the ripe avocados, cocoa powder, powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, almond milk or coconut milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Blend Until Smooth:
- Blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl or blender as needed to ensure everything is well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness, if necessary, by adding more sweetener.
- Chill the Mousse:
- Transfer the chocolate avocado mousse to individual serving bowls or glasses. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the mousse to chill and set.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, garnish the chilled mousse with sugar-free chocolate chips, if desired. You can also top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh berries for added flavor and presentation.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the keto chocolate avocado mousse chilled as a satisfying and indulgent dessert that’s low in carbs and sugar, making it perfect for those following a ketogenic lifestyle.
Tips:
- Make sure to use ripe avocados for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness of the mousse to your taste preferences by adding more or less powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- For an extra chocolatey flavor, you can stir in some sugar-free chocolate chips into the mousse before chilling.
- This keto chocolate avocado mousse is rich, creamy, and satisfying, making it a delicious treat for anyone looking to satisfy their chocolate cravings while staying on track with their low-carb diet.
Not Your Grams Kitchen 