Tuwanna's Tittilating Tastings

A highly rewarding part of my job is meeting a couple to discuss their wedding. I take special care in trying to get to know them, so that I can offer something very personal. There are many things I must factor in, and questions I must ask. The most basic is do they know what they want? If not, no worries. I discuss the wedding location, color, themes, how did they meet, what are some of their favorite things, etc... What time of the year their wedding is being held is also important, because let's face it: chocolate melts. 

    After the basic questions, I then assemble several different flavors for a tasting. I can match any flavor with the flavor of their wedding cake, except Red Velvet (I'm still working on that). I can add embellishments to match many different themes. Ultimately, the goal is to create a flavor that both complements the wedding and is pleasing to the pallet.

    Although some of these questions may seem insignificant, they all come together to present the couple with something they'll love. Nothing is more important to me than making sure the people involved are satisfied. Once everything is completed, it's up to me to assemble a tasty treat.

   While it can be time consuming, and even frustrating to get the finished product just right, it's undeniably worth it. Nothing beats having a bride and groom thrilled with my work. It's also exciting and heartwarming to know that I helped make their special day all the more special.

The History of Chocolate

    Chocolate is a key ingredient in many beverages and foods, from chocolate milkshakes, candy bars, hot chocolate, and chocolate chip cookies, to the chocolate covered Oreos I make. Chocolate has an amazing history, as well as a myriad of benefits.
    Evidence of chocolate beverages dates as far back as 1900 BC. However after it's arrival in Spain in the 16th century, sugar was added to it, whereupon it became immensely popular. In the 20th century, chocolate was a staple, immensely popular with soldiers at war.
    To harvest cocoa, and therefore make chocolate, one must locate cocoa trees that grow in the wet lowland tropics of Central and South America, West Africa and Southeast Asia. Once harvested, the football sized pods must be split open. Often, they contain up to fifty beans. They must then be fermented, and cooked under heat. Periodically, workers come along to stir them and ensure they are cooked evenly. Finally, they are dried and sent to a factory, where they are roasted and turned into chocolate liquor, where milk and sugar is added to create delicious chocolate.
    Chocolate has many benefits that many are not aware of. Did you know that:

1. Each coca tree produces roughly 400-800 bars of chocolate a year?

2. Dark chocolate has the largest quantity of cocoa solids – at least 70%?

3. Candy eaters live almost a year longer than those who don't eat chocolate?

4. The creator of the Nestle Tollhouse cookie struck a deal with Nestle when her cookies first came out? She would sell them the rights for her cookies in exchange for a lifetime supply of chocolate.

5. Dark chocolate contains many more anti-oxidants than red wine?

    As you can see, chocolate is fascinating. Not only is a time-consuming and grueling process to make it, but it also has many health benefits people overlook. Who would have though that a bitter drink in 1900 BC would turn into the sweet treat we all know and love today?

The World's Favorite Cookie

    The Oreo has an illustrious history, from it's humble beginnings in a New York baker in 1912, to the world's favorite cookie, being sold in more than 100 countries. In fact, the Oreo is so popular that it even has a street named after it! However, as popular as these delicious cookies are, no one is sure where it's name came from. Perhaps it derives from the French word for gold, the original packaging color. When the Oreo first came out, it came in two flavors: Original, and Lemon Meringue. Original was far more popular, and Lemon Meringue was soon discontinued. There have been many variations since, some only available in certain countries.
  
   1. Big Stuf Oreo. This cookie was several times as large as a regular Oreo, even larger than the double and mega stuf we have today. Unfortunately, it has since been discontinued

   2. Green Tea. This cookie is only available in China 3.

   Strawberry milkshake. This delicious cookie is available in Canada, and for limited times in the U.S

   4. Chocolate and Dulce de leche Oreo, sold in Chile and Argentina.

   And many others. The process to make these delicious treats is high on resources, in fact an estimated 18 million pounds of cocoa and 47 million pounds of cream are needed to make an annual batch! If there was ever any doubt that these cookies are immensely popular, here is a mind-boggling fact.
   381. That’s the approximate number of times all the Oreos ever made could circle the Earth along the equator. If you prefer to stack them, they could reach the moon and back 5 times. 450 billion cookies have been sold since their conception. 71% cookie and 29% cream is the original ratio of these cookies.
   As you can see, the Oreo has a long history, (close to 102 years) and has proven itself to be one of the most popular cookies in America, and perhaps the entire world. Whether you twist it, lick it, crunch it, or dunk it, the Oreo is a treat we can all enjoy.

Almighty Flavor Contest

    As some of you may or may not know, Louise's Sweets is having a contest where you can create your own flavor. Not only do you have the satisfaction of getting your creative juices flowing, but you also get a dozen cookies, once a month, for three months!
   Imagine a flavor you've always wanted, coming to life. Simply click on the link at the bottom of this page, and submit your flavor (along with three optional ingredients.) Voting starts this Monday, and your flavor could be one of three chosen!
   However, picking only three flavors has proven to be a challenge. I have to make sure ingredients are readily available for the flavors I do pick, and then I have to meticulously taste test each one to make sure it's up to my standards. Probably the most rewarding part will be when the winners come to my store to pick up the flavor they envisioned.
   There are many reasons to run a contest, and just as many to enter. The thrill of winning free stuff, the bragging rights of knowing your flavor was chosen, the anticipation as you wonder what flavors were chosen, the feeling when the dust settles and you see the three finalists...... Well, maybe I'm being dramatic.   
    Contestants are able to submit as many different flavors as they want, so if there are a lot of ideas bouncing around in your head, let them all out. Maybe you'll come up with something sweet and simple, or wacky and far out. I love seeing all your great ideas! Make sure to read the contest rules carefully, and while you're at it, if you haven't already, give my page a like! I've seen a lot of great entries so far, and I look forward to seeing more.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LouisesSweets


Contest link: https://www.facebook.com/LouisesSweets?sk=app_451684954848385&brandloc=DISABLE&app_data=dlt-1