White Chocolate Recipes

Motivation by Chocolate

1.) Nothing worth having is ever easy. I had no idea how hard it was to figure out how to make chocolate and once figured out, how difficult to turn it into the amazing treat we now love! The beans only grow in a certain part of the world, and the trees are very fragile and hard to cultivate. Once you manage to grow cocoa trees, the beans are harvested, roasted and shelled, then ground to form cocoa liquor. The liquor is pressed to squeeze out the cocoa butter. Later the cocoa butter gets put back in (if it’s Good Chocolate). A few other things are added, then the mixture is conched (or mixed with a conching machine) for up to 3 days at temperatures between 140 and 167 degrees! Then it has to be tempered (or cooled) just right—and then molded. Mess up at any step and the whole batch is ruined. Holy cow! Who knew?

2.) Persistence is a key to success. Milton Hershey failed in his first two candy making ventures. He blew it, lost everything—twice! If he quit then, we’d never have had a Hershey Bar or a Hershey’s Kiss!!

3.) Have a passion—something in your life or your work you are excited about. Milton Hershey became passionate about helping young boys whose parents could no longer care for them. Profits from the chocolate business helped these boys have a better life. His school still operates today. Forrest Mars wanted to build an empire—he was passionate about selling his products all over the world. The number one selling chocolate bar worldwide today? The Mars Bar. Passion keeps us engaged and passion fuels all great accomplishments. What are you passionate about? If the answer is nothing, you need to get connected to something. Otherwise you’ll miss out on being everything you can be and enjoying your journey there.

4.) Stop eating and start tasting. I love chocolate (actually I love most food), and I’ve been eating it since I was a kid. But I never really tasted it. I went to my first chocolate tasting at Hershey (which is much like a wine tasting) where I was told to use all my senses; even listening to chocolate as we snapped tasting squares. The darker the chocolate, the more distinctive the snap. Milk Chocolate is too soft to really snap. I learned that a cocoa tree grown by an orange tree can actually absorb some of the citrus flavor which may be tasted in the resulting chocolate. Chocolate from different regions has different flavors. Who knew? But here’s the bigger lesson—we go through life eating and not tasting. We’re in such a hurry to get to the next step—the next big deal, the end of the day, the wedding—whatever it is, that we miss all the nuance, all the rich detail of the current moment. Spring is a great season to really taste—notice the flowers, the birdsong, this gorgeous world we take for granted. Eat a piece of fresh fruit and savor the juice, the color, the texture. There is more to everything than meets the eye—and we are usually in too much of a rush to notice.

5.) Go deeper. I am always amazed by people who don’t read, who visit the same places, who pretty much have quit learning anything new about themselves or about the world. To me this is like going through life with your eyes closed. The minute you learn something new, your world expands. And it’s exciting! Now when I eat chocolate, I think of Milton Hershey and his struggles in making it, or I eat an M & M and remember how hard it was to get Americans to buy them at first. I try to really savor what I eat and understand what “mouth feel” means when a Lindt truffle melts in my mouth. Pick anything that interests you and go deeper—learn about it. If it’s a person, ask them about their childhood or what their dreams are—there is so much more to the world and everything in it! Don’t let the demands on your time keep you in the shallows of life.

6.) Have fun! I can’t help but associate chocolate with fun. I didn’t see any sad faces at the World of Chocolate in Hershey. Adults and children alike were having a blast – it was like Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory without the creepiness factor. Somehow we have come to think of chocolate as bad (except limited quantities of Dark Chocolate for the health benefits), and we’re just too busy to have fun. Who can waste time at a chocolate tasting where there is e-mail to check? Right, who can waste time living where there is work to do? Trust me—there will always be work, but real fun is getting harder and harder for us to find. Or maybe allow ourselves to find. Sitting in the theater in the World of Chocolate as bubbles came down from the ceiling and 3D Reese’s Pieces flew off the screen—I was laughing with delight. When was the last time you laughed with sheer delight? If you can’t remember, it’s been way too long.

7.) Don’t take things for granted. Did you know that the regions in which the cocoa trees grow has been experiencing drought and over harvesting? That some types of cocoa beans are almost extinct? Can you imagine a world without chocolate? Now, clearly that is far too horrifying to contemplate for long. And Milton Hershey would be aghast—his vision was to make chocolate affordable, not just something for the very rich—and that was what he did with his original Hershey Bar. We take many things for granted—our loved ones, our health, chocolate. Nothing is forever—savor it now. Seize the day—eat chocolate!

About the Author

Denise Ryan, MBA, is a Certified Speaking Professional, a designation of excellence held by less than 10% of all professional speakers. She is a blogger http://motivationbychocolate.blogspot.com
Her website is http://www.firestarspeaking.com

Lindt Excellence

Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds $9 Crunchy, whole roasted almonds, enrobed in intense, slow-melting Ghirardelli dark chocolate.

Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Non-Pareils $17 Ghirardelli pure dark chocolate non-pareils are a classic favorite.

Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Brownie Mix $4.5 The luxuriously deep flavor and smooth texture of Ghirardelli premium dark chocolate is the secret to pure brownie perfection. Indulge in this ultra rich, moist and chewy brownie, and experience moments of timeless pleasure.

Dark Chocolate Flavored Candy Making & Dipping Wafers $12 From dipping nuts and fruit to molding mouth-watering candy, these rich dark chocolate flavored wafers melt easily to create irresistible treats.

Dark & Mint Filled Bar $3.95 Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate with White Mint Filling bars have a tantalizingly refreshing mint filling surrounded by intense dark chocolate.

Chocolate Fudge Sauce $10 For more that 150 years the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company has been making its exceptional chocolate according to a time honored technique. We roast cocoa beans from around the world, add pure ingredients and then blend for hours to create this silky smooth, intensely rich dark chocolate sauce.

Dark 60% Cacao SQUARES Stand Up Bag $3.95 Pure, intense 60% Dark Cacao chocolate decadence.

Dark & Caramel Filled Bar $3.95 Buttery caramel soft filling surrounded by intense 60% cacao dark chocolate.

70% Cacao Extra Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Bar $3.5 Our 70% Cacao Extra Bittersweet Baking Bar will stir the palate of dark chocolate connoisseurs with its intense fusion of dark, complex chocolate flavors and velvety texture.

Dark & Mint SQUARES Stand Up Bag $3.95 Dark Chocolate with White Mint Filling SQUARES chocolates have a tantalizingly refreshing mint filling surrounded by intense dark chocolate.

Intense Dark Cabernet Matinee Bar $4.35 The luxuriously deep and velvety dark chocolate in Cabernet Matinee is infused with the tart flavor of blackberries and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes delivering unrivaled chocolate intensity. Experience a moment of timeless pleasure with Ghirardelli’s all natural Intense Dark chocolate.

Intense Dark 60% Cacao Evening Dream Bar $4.35 Deep and velvety 60% cacao dark chocolate with a hint of vanilla.

Dark & Caramel SQUARES Stand Up Bag $3.95 Buttery caramel soft filling surrounded by intense dark chocolate.

Dark & Raspberry Filled Bar $3.95 Delectably luscious raspberry filling made with real fruit surrounded by intense dark chocolate.

Intense Dark 86% Cacao Midnight Reverie Bar $4.55 The luxuriously deep and velvety 86% cacao dark chocolate in Ghirardelli Midnight Reverie delivers the ultimate chocolate intensity.

Intense Dark Toffee Interlude Bar $4.35 The luxuriously deep and velvety dark chocolate in ghirardelli Toffee Interlude is fused with crunchy toffee and carmelized almonds delivering a moment of unrivaled chocolate intensity.

Intense Dark Hazelnut Heaven Bar $4.35 The luxuriously deep and velvety dark chocolate in Hazelnut Heaven is infused with crunchy, deep roasted hazelnuts delivering unrivaled chocolate intensity. Experience a moment of timeless pleasure with Ghirardelli’s all natural Intense Dark chocolate.Winner of Ghirardelli Chocolate’s 2010 Bring Dark to Light contest.

Intense Dark Sea Salt Soiree Bar $4.35 The luxuriously deep and velvety dark chocolate in Sea Salt Soiree is infused with bursts of sea salt and roasted almonds delivering unrivaled chocolate intensity. Experience a moment of timeless pleasure with Ghirardelli’s all natural Intense Dark Chocolate.

Intense Dark Gift Box $16 Dark chocolate lovers are sure to adore this gift box filled with individually Intense Dark singles.Includes 27 singles (60% Cacao Evening Dream, 72% Cacao Twilight Delight and 86% Cacao Midnight Reverie.

Intense Dark Midnight Reverie Singles Stand Up Bag $3.95 The luxuriously deep and velvety 86% cacao dark chocolate in Ghirardelli Midnight Reverie delivers the ultimate chocolate intensity.

Intense Dark Sea Salt Soiree Stand Up Bag $3.95 The luxuriously deep and velvety dark chocolate in Sea Salt Soiree is infused with bursts of sea salt and roasted almonds delivering unrivaled chocolate intensity. Experience a moment of timeless pleasure with Ghirardelli’s all natural Intense Dark Chocolate.

Intense Dark 72% Cacao Twilight Delight Bar $4.35 The luxuriously deep and velvety 72% cacao dark chocolate in Ghirardelli Intense dark Twilight Delight delivers a moment of unrivaled chocolate intensity. Net Weight: 3.5 oz.

Dark & Raspberry SQUARES Stand Up Bag $3.95 Delectably luscious raspberry filling made with real fruit surrounded by intense dark chocolate.

Intense Dark Twilight Delight Singles Stand Up Bag $3.95 The luxuriously deep and velvety 72% cacao dark chocolate in Ghirardelli Intense Dark Twilight Delight delivers a moment of unrivaled chocolate intensity. Bag includes 8 luscious singles.

Dark 60% Cacao SQUARES Chocolates – Case Pack $185 Take time to slow down and savor each bite of intense, slow-melting Ghirardelli chocolate. You’ll experience the perfect balance of chocolate intensity and rich ingredients. Enjoy as the chocolate pleasure lingers and time stands still. A full case of individually wrapped Dark 60% Cacao SQUARES&trade chocolates.

Dark & Mint SQUARES Chocolates – Case Pack $170 Take time to slow down and savor each bite of intense, slow-melting Ghirardelli chocolate. You’ll experience the perfect balance of chocolate intensity and rich ingredients. Enjoy as the chocolate pleasure lingers and time stands still. A full case of individually wrapped Dark & Mint SQUARES chocolates.

Dark & Orange Filled Bar $3.95 Take time to slow down and feel yourself melt with each bite. Savor the luxuriously rich flavors surrounding your senses “ velvety chocolate and zesty burst of real oranges. Enjoy as the chocolate pleasure lingers.

Dark & Truffle SQUARES Stand Up Bag $3.95 Ghirardelli signature SQUARES chocolates deliver the perfect balance of intense, slow-melting chocolate and rich ingredients in a variety of flavors. Take time to slow down and feel yourself melt with each bite. Savor the luxuriously rich flavors surrounding your senses “ intense velvety dark chocolate, decadent chocolate truffle. Enjoy as the chocolate pleasure lingers.

Dark & Truffle SQUARES Chocolates – Case Pack $170 Ghirardelli signature SQUARES chocolates deliver the perfect balance of intense, slow-melting chocolate and rich ingredients in a variety of flavors. Take time to slow down and feel yourself melt with each bite. Savor the luxuriously rich flavors surrounding your senses “ intense velvety dark chocolate, decadent chocolate truffle. Enjoy as the chocolate pleasure lingers. Case contains approximately 430 SQUARES chocolates.

Dark & Caramel SQUARES Chocolates – Case Pack $170 Take time to slow down and feel yourself melt with each bite. Savor the luxuriously rich flavors surrounding your senses – intense velvety chocolate, delicious buttery caramel. Enjoy as the chocolate pleasure lingers. A full case of individually wrapped Dark & Caramel SQUARES chocolates.

Dark & Sea Salt Caramel Bar $3.95 Take time to slow down and feel yourself melt with each bite. Savor the luxuriously rich flavors surrounding your senses – luscious buttery caramel enhanced by a touch of savory sea salt, all surrounded by intense velvety chocolate. Enjoy as the chocolate pleasure lingers.

Dark & Sea Salt Caramel SQUARES Gift Bag $14.5 Take time to slow down and feel yourself melt with each bite. Savor the luxuriously rich flavors surrounding your senses – luscious buttery caramel enhanced by a touch of savory sea salt, all surrounded by intense velvety chocolate. Enjoy as the chocolate pleasure lingers.

Heritage Collection Intense Dark Chocolates Tin $22 This timeless gift tin, inspired by our 160-year history, is bursting with of 40 assorted individually wrapped Intense Dark chocolates.

Dark & Sea Salt Caramel SQUARES Stand Up Bag $3.95 Take time to slow down and feel yourself melt with each bite. Savor the luxuriously rich flavors surrounding your senses – luscious buttery caramel enhanced by a touch of savory sea salt, all surrounded by intense velvety chocolate. Enjoy as the chocolate pleasure lingers.

Ghirardelli Caramel Turtle Brownie Mix $4.5 Take the perfect rich, dark chocolate brownie and add creamy caramel on top and walnuts all throughout and you end up with a Ghirardelli Turtle Brownie – an intense chocolate experience.

Unsweetened Cocoa $6.95 Our unsweetened cocoa offers the true essence of the roasted cocoa bean-dark and soul-stirring. Inspire moments of timeless pleasure with your chocolate creations using Ghirardelli premium baking cocoa.

Wooden Truck Gift $49.95 This vintage wooden truck carries a gift bag filled with 26 SQUARES chocolates in an assortment of Milk & Caramel, Dark & Caramel, and Dark & Sea Salt Caramel.

Business Card Gift Box $2 Make your card stand out by including a gift of premium SQUARES chocolates. Each holder fits a standard size business card or custom imprinted card. This box includes two SQUARES chocolates in solid Milk Dark 60% Cacao.The perfect premium gift for corporate giveaways, sales reps and promotional projects.Please note: Customization available on orders of 100 or more. Please contact Customer Service for assistance at 888.402.6262.

Chocolate Dark $22 Download the Chocolate Dark font for Mac or Windows in OpenType, TrueType or PostScript format.

Chocolate Dark Chocolate Bearings $10.99 Sweeten up your board with this set of 8 Dark Chocolate bearings that come packaged in a candy bar inspired box!

ERGO baby Organic Dark Chocolate $135 ERGO baby Organic Dark Chocolate

Chocolate Nutrition Bar with Dark Chocolate Filling $24.99 Chris Rogers Chocolate Nutrition Bar with Dark Chocolate Filling – Photographic Print

Triple Chocolate Brownie Kit $15 A generous measure of Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips adds that luxuriously rich, intense chocolate experience chocolate lovers cherish. All this finished with a layer of the finest Milk Chocolate with Caramel Filling Squares – brownie perfection.

Five Pound Milk Chocolate Bar $60 The ultimate gift for any chocolate lover. Five pounds of solid milk chocolate.

All Things Chocolate Gift Basket $179.95 Overflowing with Ghirardelli Chocolate’s most popular items, the All Things Chocolate Basket is the perfect gift for any chocolate lover!

Sweet Ground Chocolate and Cocoa $6.95 The cocoa is gently alkalized through the Dutch process for a product perfect for baking or chocolate beverages. We blend just the right amount of sugar and real vanilla, and add real chocolate for an intensely rich yet balanced chocolate taste.

Chocolate Comforts Gift Basket $44.95 Enjoy Moments of Timeless Pleasure with this classic assortment of Ghirardelli Chocolate.

Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa $6.95 The luxuriously deep flavor of Ghirardelli premium Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa creates the intense, lingering chocolate experience cherished by true cocoa lovers. We start with cocoa from the finest beans, blend just the right amount of sugar and real vanilla, and add real chocolate for a rich chocolate taste.