What's the Sweet on Chocolate?
February is THE month to celebrate all things chocolate! And to help you celebrate this sweet confection, you can enjoy chocolates in a variety of ways at Grand Palms Resort.
A Bit(e) of History...
The love for chocolate goes back centuries. Archaeologists found evidence that chocolate was produced by ancient civilizations in the jungles of Mexico and Central America 4,000 years ago. The bitter cacao bean, believed to be a gift from the gods, was roasted (part of the process that turns it into cocoa) and ground into a paste before being mixed with water. The Spanish conquest of Central America introduced chocolate to Europe, where it became the royal drink of kings and aristocrats. It wasn’t until the 19th century that chocolate became mass-produced into bars and chunks.
Today, on average, Americans consume nearly 11 pounds annually in a variety of forms.
Chocolate is Healthy? Oh Yes!
Moderate amounts of chocolate may even be good for you. Cacao beans are a source of flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties that may play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease. The darker the chocolate, the more flavonoids it contains. But experts also suggest it doesn’t take much; a square or two of dark chocolate a day is enough to yield potential benefits.
In its purest form, chocolate is unsweetened. Pure cocoa powder is the result of cocoa solids that are pulverized after the cocoa butter is extracted. Baking or unsweetened chocolate is a mix of cocoa solids and cocoa butter without any added sugar. Bittersweet chocolate, used primarily for cooking and baking, is a blend of chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, sugar and vanilla. Semisweet chocolate contains additional sugar, and milk chocolate also contains milk solids, which give the chocolate a lighter color and extra smoothness.
Though most people think of chocolate as a sweet treat or a baking ingredient, it can also give depth and richness to savory dishes. Powdered chocolate can be used as a meat rub, while dark chocolate can add fullness to a sauce or stew.
Chocolate is surprisingly delicate and doesn’t like sudden temperature changes. Store it in a cool, dry place and never in the refrigerator.
Chocolate at Grand Palms Resort
Get your chocolate fix during your Grand Palms Resort vacation in the following ways:
Do You Want to Know S'More?
You can warm up at one of our new fire tables and enjoy making s'mores. S'more Kits are available at the Indoor Pool | Day Spa | Fitness Center for $5. S'mores at the Patio is offered daily from 5-9pm. The perfect way to cozy up to your loved one and share a sweet, chocolatey experience together.
Did Someone Say Chocolate?
You want to make your vacation extra special for your sweetie? We can arrange for your sweetheart to find a premium box of chocolates and a dozen red roses in your condo upon your arrival. Be sure not to miss our massage specials too! For more details call 888-913-4477.
Plan Your Vacation at Your Favorite Destination
We hope you enjoyed learning more about this sweet treat! To reserve your stay at Grand Palms Resort, call one of our friendly Reservations Representatives at 888-913-4477.
