Various Forms of Chocolate

What is your favorite type of chocolate? Were you aware that there are several types from which to choose your favorite? You will not be able to identify your favorite without first trying all them. What a fun test to take with your children or special someone. Test them all out at home or take a special trip to a chocolate store and treat your taste buds to a little bit of heaven. (I am not at all partial to chocolate, can you tell?)

Types of chocolate- chocolate liquor

This is the base from which all chocolate types derive. It is made by roasting and grinding the cocoa bean into a smooth liquid state. Once this liquid chocolate has cooled, it can be made into molds and blocks of unsweetened chocolate. How many times have you used a recipe that called for unsweetened chocolate? Too many to count, like me? Chocolate liquor contains approximately 53 % cocoa butter. Cocoa is derived from this after it has been dried and all the cocoa butter has been removed. Dutch chocolate stems from cocoa that has been treated with an alkalizing device.

Types of chocolate- milk chocolate

Milk chocolate is my favorite! I can eat a few milk chocolate chips when I am having a sweet tooth craving - yummy. Craving is satisfied and now I have an open bag of chips. I guess I have to make cookies now. Milk chocolate is derived from cocoa butter and milk in addition to sweeteners and flavorings. This chocolate has more dairy added to its ingredients, creating a light and fluffy chocolate flavor taste.

Types of chocolate- bittersweet chocolate

Bittersweet chocolate is also known as semi-sweet chocolate. Well, better than milk chocolate-which contains twelve per cent whole milk. Bittersweet chocolate only contains chocolate liquor (35 %) and sweeteners. The number one selling chocolate in chip form for cookie making! (I am so making a batch of cookies after I finish this article!) People refer to this chocolate as baking chocolate.

Types of chocolate- sweet chocolate

This type has more sweeteners added than bittersweet. It is derived from at least fifteen per cent chocolate liquor. The cocoa beans used are what determine the flavor more so than the milk ingredients. This type can also be referred to as dark chocolate. Its flavor is can run from medium to deep chocolate flavored. Candy bar anyone?

Types of chocolate- white chocolate

This type contains cocoa butter but no cocoa solids. White chocolate contains sugar as well as sweeteners, flavorings and milk solids. No wonder it is also so lusciously thick. Its taste is similar to that of milk chocolate due to its milk content. Milk chocolate raspberry cheesecake- now that is a treat!

Determine your own personal favorite, if you do not already have one.