Tag Dark Chocolate with Almonds Day

NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DAY

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On August 4th, National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day gives us an opportunity to dunk American’s #1 favorite cookie. Whether yours are homemade or storebought, pour a glass of milk and enjoy.

Without chocolate chips, the cookie would still be number one. Or would it?

Nestle Toll House, Milk Chocolate Morsels, 23 oz by Nestle
Nestle Toll House, Milk Chocolate Morsels, 23 oz

by Nestle

For that reason, we also recognize Ruth Graves Wakefield on National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. Thanks to her inventiveness and curiosity, chocolate chips and a cookie dough go together. And for this reason, we hover around ovens savoring the moment the timer dings. Don’t forget World Chocolate Day too.

How the Chocolate Chip Cookie Began

Imagine if Ruth Graves Wakefield hadn’t run out of baker’s chocolate for her cookie recipe that day in 1937. Because that’s what happened. The cookie recipe she was preparing called for baker’s chocolate and would have blended smoothly into the dough. However, she was out. And what if Mrs. Wakefield hadn’t considered using semi-sweet chocolate instead? She figured it would just melt into the dough and work much like the baker’s chocolate.

Or, what if someone had interrupted Ruth Graves Wakefield that day and caused the cookies to burn and ruin the experiment?

Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips - 12 oz - 3 pk by Ghirardelli
Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – 12 oz – 3 pk

by Ghirardelli

Well, none of that happened. Instead of interruptions or doubts, the baker added the chocolate to the dough. Moments later the mouthwatering aroma began to waft from Mrs. Wakefield’s oven. Perhaps the smell lured a child into the kitchen. Or maybe a guest at the Tollhouse Inn she and her husband owned. We may not know the finer details of the day the chocolate chip cookie came to be. However, we do know Ruth Graves Wakefield made it happen.

Walkers White Chocolate & Raspberry Cookies - 5.3 oz by Walkers
Walkers White Chocolate & Raspberry Cookies – 5.3 oz

by Walkers

And if it weren’t for her, we wouldn’t know the ecstasy of warm chocolate chip cookie melting on our tongue. We know that feeling. When our eyes close in heavenly satisfaction and a perfect smile graces our face. No, if it weren’t for Ruth Graves Wakefield, entire generations would be denied the bliss that is a chocolate chip cookie.

KooK Glass Storage Canister, Clear Jar, With Clear Glass Lid- 1/2 Gallon (Set of 2) by KooK
KooK Glass Storage Canister, Clear Jar, With Clear Glass Lid- 1/2 Gallon (Set of 2)

by KooK

We could even go so far as to say she is responsible for all those other nuggets of goodness. Those morsels of butterscotch, peanut butter, and white chocolate we enjoy in much the same way we enjoy our chocolate delights.  Nothing, though, rates quite as high as the chocolate chip cookie Ruth Graves Wakefield brought to us in 1937. No, nothing.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #ChocolateChipDay

Make your favorite chocolate chip cookies and throw some extra chocolate chips into the mix! Give this recipe a try. Post on social media using #ChocolateChipCookieDay.

NATIONAL MILK CHOCOLATE DAY

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On July 28th dive into the ever-popular National Milk Chocolate Day. When it comes to chocolate, this sweet easily pleases.

On average, we recognize three chocolate holidays a month. Interestingly, July celebrates chocolate as often as February. 

Solid chocolate, when combined with either powdered, liquid or condensed milk, is known as milk chocolate. While candy bar makers use milk chocolate to make their most popular candy bars, the treat isn’t the healthiest of the chocolates. Dark chocolate takes home the honors for nutrition. With added sugar and fat, milk chocolate packs on the calories. Add to that, milk chocolate’s popularity in baked goods, and the calorie count keeps going up. Don’t forget, we add it to specialty coffee drinks and other beverages, too.

DOVE PROMISES Milk Chocolate Candy Individually Wrapped Bulk Pack (43.07 oz, 150 Piece) Bag
DOVE PROMISES Milk Chocolate Candy Individually Wrapped Bulk Pack (43.07 oz, 150 Piece) Bag
HERSHEY'S Milk Chocolate Candy Bars, 1.55 oz (36 Count)
HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Candy Bars, 1.55 oz (36 Count)
M & M's Milk Chocolate Candies, Milk Chocolate, 38 Oz Bag
M & M’s Milk Chocolate Candies, Milk Chocolate, 38 Oz Bag
HERSHEY'S, KIT KAT and REESE'S Assorted Milk Chocolate Candy Variety Box, 27.3 oz (18 Count)
HERSHEY’S, KIT KAT and REESE’S Assorted Milk Chocolate Candy Variety Box, 27.3 oz (18 Count)
Chocolate Gift Basket, Candy Food Gifts Arrangement Platter, Gourmet Snack Box, Birthday Present Idea, Corporate Him & Her, Men Women Sympathy Family Parties & Get Well- Bonnie & Pop
Chocolate Gift Basket, Candy Food Gifts Arrangement Platter, Gourmet Snack Box, Birthday Present Idea, Corporate Him & Her, Men Women Sympathy Family Parties & Get Well- Bonnie & Pop

In fact, we’ve been adding milk to chocolate beverages since the mid-17th century. But, in 1875 Daniel Peter invented milk chocolate by mixing a powdered milk developed by Henri Nestlé with the liquor. It’s been milk chocolate bliss ever since. 

Since the days are heating up, melt that chocolate down. Drizzle it on some ice cream or mix it into some popcorn. Nobody said this holiday would be difficult.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #MilkChocolateDay

Enjoy your favorite milk chocolate. Create a sweet treat and share with friends. Don’t forget to share on social media and tag with #MilkChocolateDay.

Fannie May, Milk Chocolate Candy, S'mores and Peanut Butter Pretzel Snack Mix, 2 Pack (18 oz and 22 oz Bags)
Fannie May, Milk Chocolate Candy, S’mores and Peanut Butter Pretzel Snack Mix, 2 Pack (18 oz and 22 oz Bags)

NATIONAL LOLLIPOP DAY

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July 20th recognizes National Lollipop Day as a way to celebrate this enduring and ever-popular treat. Pick up your favorite flavor to savor! 

Ever delightful and sweet, lollipops have satisfied generations of sweet tooths. And it’s possible they’ve been doing that for centuries. However, no one is sure how old the lollipop is. During prehistoric times, a form of lollipop may have preserved nuts and berries in honey. As sugar became plentiful, lollipops appeared much later in 16th century Europe. 

In the United States, confectionaries and medicine shops as early as the 1860s sold lollipops in various forms. However, George Smith gave this sweet treat an official 20th-century story in 1908. Smith earns credit for inventing the modern style lollipop. In 1931, Smith trademarked the name which he claims came from his favorite racing horse, Lolly Pops.

JOLLY RANCHER Assorted Fruit Flavored Hard Candy Variety Bag, 46 oz Visit the Jolly Rancher Store
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JOLLY RANCHER Assorted Fruit Flavored Hard Candy Variety Bag, 46 oz
Visit the Jolly Rancher Store

Lollipops range in size. For variety, the smaller candies can be purchased by the bagful. Banks, barbershops, and vendors at parades give the sweet treat away to customers, too! Specialty candy shops make giant lollipops in a variety of bright colors, shapes, and sizes. While they are attractive, these lollipops can be cumbersome and often are more than we can handle!

Lollipops in Pop Culture

This candy made its mark in pop culture. Movies, TV, and commercials feature the lollipop in various ways.

  • 1934 – In the movie Bright Eyes, Shirley Temple sang the song “On the Good Ship Lollipop.”
  • 1939 – The Wizard of Oz brought us a world of characters, including the Lollipop Guild. Armed with a giant spiral sucker, The Lollipop Guild welcomed Dorothy to the Land of Oz.
  • 1969 – How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop. The Tootsie Pop (the trademark name for Tootsie Roll’s lollipop) commercial debuted on U.S. television. The 60-second advertisement included a boy, cow, fox, turtle, owl, and the narrator.
  • 1973-1978 – How do you make a lollipop look tough? Put it in the hands of Detective Lieutenant Theo Kojak. The lollipop-loving detective was played by Telli Savalis in the TV series Kojak. At the same time, the candy did no harm to the tough guy’s persona. 

NATIONAL LOLLIPOP DAY HISTORY

The National Confectioners Association founded National Lollipop Day. 

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalLollipopDay

“I want candy! I want candy!” Enjoy a lollipop today to celebrate. You can also explore the magic of candy making. Pick up a bagful and give them out to friends, neighbors, and customers, too. Give a shout out to your favorite candy shop using #NationalLollipopDay on social media.

Find a great assortment of lollipops for you, or get a jumpstart for trick or treat stock up.  Do you own a business?  If it works at banks maybe it will work for your too.

Dum Dums Original Mix 390 ct. Bag - All-Time Classic Flavors - Lollipops Bulk, Bulk Suckers, Individually Wrapped - Bulk Candy for Any Occasion! Visit the Dum Dums Store
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Dum Dums Original Mix 390 ct. Bag – All-Time Classic Flavors – Lollipops Bulk, Bulk Suckers, Individually Wrapped – Bulk Candy for Any Occasion!
Visit the Dum Dums Store
YumEarth Organic Fruit Flavored Pops, 50 Lollipops, Allergy Friendly, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Vegan, No Artificial Flavors or Dyes Visit the YumEarth Store
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YumEarth Organic Fruit Flavored Pops, 50 Lollipops, Allergy Friendly, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Vegan, No Artificial Flavors or Dyes
Visit the YumEarth Store
SmartSweets Lollipops, 3oz, Blue Raspberry & Watermelon Flavors, Hard Candy with Low Sugar (1g), Low Calorie (40), No Artificial Sweeteners, Plant-Based, Gluten-Free (Packaging May Vary)
Visit the SmartSweets Store

CHOCOLATE WITH ALMONDS DAY

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National Chocolate with Almonds Day on July 8th each year offers combo deal to celebrate. What a great way to wrap up chocolate and almonds in one package. Celebrate it by giving some to a friend or neighbor. 

When it comes to adding almonds to chocolate, the options are plentiful. From cakes to chocolate bars, puddings and cookies we can celebrate this National Day with snacks and desserts galore! Whether you pick up a chocolate bar or make something from scratch, this holiday will surely hit the spot. This timeless combination brings smooth chocolate and crunch to snack time. However, it also adds a warm nuttiness to cakes and brownies. Add both to ice cream or mousse for a richer flavor or elevate other divine desserts such as cheesecake and custards. 

Chocolate syrup with chopped nuts drizzled over your favorite pastry adds just a hint of sinful flavor. And when popcorn screams for added crunch, chocolate and almonds answer the call. The options are unlimited for this combo, don’t doubt it.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHOCOLATE AND ALMONDS:

Almonds are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium. Almonds have been shown to help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. They may also help protect against heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is also a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants can help protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Dark chocolate also contains flavonoids, which can help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.

HERSHEY'S Milk Chocolate with Whole Almonds Candy Bars, 1.45 oz (36 Count)
HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate with Whole Almonds Candy Bars, 1.45 oz (36 Count)

When combined, almonds and chocolate can offer a number of health benefits. For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that eating almonds and dark chocolate together can help lower LDL cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol. Another study found that eating almonds and dark chocolate can help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.

Of course, moderation is key. Too much chocolate can be high in calories and sugar, so it’s best to enjoy it in moderation. A handful of almonds or a few squares of dark chocolate are a healthy and delicious way to snack.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #ChocolateWithAlmondsDay

Enjoy chocolate and almonds are by sipping coffee flavored with the combination. Be sure to invite friends who appreciate these holidays, too. Anyone who savors friendship and chocolate should be included. Don’t forget to share photos on social media using #ChocolateWithAlmondsDay.

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WORLD CHOCOLATE DAY

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World Chocolate Day on July 7th each year indulges in one of the world’s favorite treats. Whether it is chocolate milk, hot chocolate, a chocolate candy bar, chocolate cake, brownies, or something covered in chocolate, this day is for chocolate lovers.

How is chocolate made?

Chocolate comes from the seed of the tropical Theobroma cacao tree. Cacao has been cultivated for at least three millennia and grows in Mexico, Central America, and Northern South America. The earliest known documentation of using cacao seeds is from around 1100 BC.

Since cacao tree seeds have a very intense, bitter taste, they must be fermented to develop the flavor.

Godiva Chocolatier Classic Gold Ballotin Chocolate, Perfect Hostess Gift, Gifts for Her, Mothers Day Gift, Chocolate Lovers, 19 Count by GODIVA Chocolatier
Godiva Chocolatier Classic Gold Ballotin Chocolate, Perfect Hostess Gift, Gifts for Her, Mothers Day Gift, Chocolate Lovers, 19 Count

by GODIVA Chocolatier

Research has found that chocolate, when eaten in moderation, can lower blood pressure.

ChocZero's Keto Bark, Dark Chocolate Almonds with Sea Salt. Sugar Free, Low Carb. No Sugar Alcohols, No Artificial Sweeteners, All Natural, Non-GMO (2 bags, 6 servings/each) by ChocZero
ChocZero’s Keto Bark, Dark Chocolate Almonds with Sea Salt. Sugar Free, Low Carb. No Sugar Alcohols, No Artificial Sweeteners, All Natural, Non-GMO (2 bags, 6 servings/each)

by ChocZero

Once fermented, the beans are dried, cleaned, and roasted. After roasting, the shell is removed to produce cacao nibs. The cacao nibs are then ground into cocoa mass, which is pure chocolate in rough form. The cocoa mass is usually liquefied then molded with or without other ingredients. At this point in the process, it is called chocolate liquor. The chocolate liquor may then be processed into two components: cocoa solids and cocoa butter.

  • Unsweetened baking chocolate – cocoa solids and cocoa butter in varying proportions.
  • Sweet chocolate – cocoa solids, cocoa butter or other fat and sugar.
  • Milk chocolate – sweet chocolate with milk powder or condensed milk.
  • White chocolate – cocoa butter, sugar, and milk but no cocoa solids.
Ghirardelli Assorted Squares XL Bag, 15.77 Ounce by Ghirardelli
Ghirardelli Assorted Squares XL Bag, 15.77 Ounce

by Ghirardelli

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HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldChocolateDay

Visit your favorite restaurant and indulge in a delicious chocolate dessert. Another idea is to host a chocolate tasting party. Invite friends to bring their best chocolate recipes to share. Here are a few recipes to try. Explore chocolates from around the world, too. Post photos on social media using #WorldChocolateDay.

Lindt, Hershey, Belgian, truffles, bars,
With so many to choose from it’s hard to pick a favorite when its chocolate!