The Chocolate Lover’s Haven – 5 Chocolate Festivals Worth Seeing

Practically every month, millions of chocolate lovers flock to main cities and small towns all over the world that celebrate special chocolate festivals. This is a true testament to people’s undying adore for these decadent pieces of pleasure. The chocolates that we adore happen to be born many, many years ago. The festivals feature specialty chocolates and in these festivals gather hundreds of well known chocolate makers to showcase how they concoct their best chocolate recipes in front of millions of chocoholics.

It is a one day fun-filled festival wherever you will find a lot of games, exhibits by famous artists, cooking demos, historical exhibits, chocolate consuming contests, along with other activities apart from the chance to taste some of the best chocolates ever.

Listed here are five excellent chocolate festivals which you have to determine in your lifetime.

1. Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival This occasion which happens every fall is home to Domingo Ghirardelli and the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company that was incorporated back in 1952. It is still celebrated in San Francisco wherever the company was born, held every year in the actually famous Ghirardelli Square. Activities include exhibitions, car shows, talent shows, cooking demonstrations, cooking contests, etc. It’s free to join the festivities but they charge minimal costs on those chocolate enthusiasts who just can’t resist chocolate tasting. Proceeds of this event will go to charity.

2. Salon Du Chocolat Festival Visited by vacationers and natives alike, Salon Du Chocolat is still celebrated annually in Versailles, France. Open to local and international chocolatiers, the festival isn’t at all about chocolate tasting. It is a lot more of geared towards holding numerous events like symposia, talent shows, cooking demonstrations and a lot more. This year it will open on October 14 till the18th.

3. Eurochocolate Celebrated in Perugia, Italy, this yearly event is where countless European chocolatiers meet. Known as one of the most important chocolate festivals in the world, it gathers leaders of the chocolate business to talk about reforms on running manufacturing companies. Of course, you will find countless chocolates accessible for tasting, partnered with wine, cheese and other meals which are surprisingly so chocolaty. For ten days, visitors will enjoy an array of activities that they might wish to enjoy such as cooking demonstrations, expositions, laboratories, cooking classes, banquets and many more!

4. Cioccolato of Turin Turin- the largest producer of chocolates in all of Italy, is home to Cioccolato, an yearly festival featuring Italian chocolatiers. This occasion is very well-liked to about 700,000 visitors that are mentioned to consume approximately 66,000 pounds of chocolates. The festivities which last 10 days feature chocolate and wine tasting, tea parties, cooking demonstrations, games and many others. Claimed to become the birthplace of the chocolate bar, Turin hosts vacationers from all over the world who are very eager to sample these precious delicacies. Chocolate enthusiasts get to watch extravagant productions staged by chocolate manufacturers and listen to lectures about chocolates’ delightful stories as well as their history.

5. Chocolate Lovers Festival in Virgina

Old Town Fairfax is home to Chocolate Lovers’ Festivals, a two-day event that surrounds supporters with vast options of delicious chocolate in many forms. There are bake sales, cooking demos, lectures, craft exhibits, cooking contests, chocolate eating contests, storytelling, theatrical shows and many a lot more.

They are just five of the so many famous and well-celebrated festivals all over the world. You will find many other people that function thousands of well-known and local chocolatiers. That is why whenever you travel, ask whether the place you are visiting might have their own festivals to celebrate and you may just get lucky! It is not everyday that chocolate lovers get to feast their eyes and hearts out on one thing they most love, the chocolates! So, if you’re a true chocolate lover, and couldn’t stop eating these fancy treats, pack up your bags and join the festivities celebrating the greatest indulgence the world has even known!

Lastly, you got to check out the site for True Chocoholic that will show you how to appreciate and understand about chocolate. Finally, I got a chance to learn more and taste more, to understand why chocolate is such a wonderful experience.

Chocolate Lovers Owe It To Background

Despite the ongoing recession we have today, a brave projection of a 2011 sales for American chocolates reached about $18 million. Apparently, the dwindling market has not affected the appetite of buyers when it comes to these delicate sweets. Chocolate lovers owe it to the background of chocolates. Chocolates have been pre-recorded and its recognition was never once questioned. In fact, if the numbers are right, people are finding more methods to take advantage of chocolate other than satisfy fantastic craving for the tempting.

Food for the Gods

Thank God for chocolates! As a chocolate lover, my curiosity was piqued when I had a bite of the macadamia chocolates that I truly love! Because then I knew that chocolates have originated from the Amazon were the first cocoas were found in 2000 BC. Largely used by the Maya Culture, the word chocolate came from xocoatl meaning bitter water. The Mayas adore for cocoa was imprinted in history thru the wood carvings found dating all the way back to about 300AD, showing pictures of cocoa pods. The Mayan territory expanded in 600AD and they took their cocoa with them to the northern parts of South America until their wanderings took them to the Guatemalan shores. This area became birthing soil to large cocoa plantations where the pods are frequently introduced as holy matters in rituals. They think cocoa to be food exclusive for the consumption of gods.

Dark Waters in Gold Goblets

The hot xocoatl, a dark drink that’s fairly sweet to the taste, was regarded by Aztecs and Mayans to be a health sustaining drink and used it for many medicinal purposes. They also believed that drinking the dark juice or eating the fruits would bring them wisdom. Even then, the natives considered in xocoatl’s nourishing powers. Their leaders drank gallons of dark chocolate dyed in red. Individuals had been served in gold goblets.

The Bean Pay Ups

Due to its popularity and significance, the cocoa beans even became a form of currency among Mayans and Aztecs. They used cocoa beans to sell, trade and purchase commodities during the earlier times.

In 1492, Columbus introduced King Ferdinand and his Queen with cocoas upon his return but very little attention was provided to them as well as on his journey in search for spices in India, Columbus didn’t understand the excellent potential of the chocolate. Otherwise, he could are already the one who found and announced the immense potential of such sweets.

And so more and more people have begun using the fairly sweet chocolates as an important currency signifying wealth depending on the vastness of plantations owned. In fact, an explorer through the name of Hernando de Oviedo y Valdez claimed to have bought slaves and prostitutes using cocoa pods.

And in 1519, some parts of Mexico were eventually conquered by Hernando Cortez who was fascinated by xocoatl more for its currency value than its taste. At that time, the taste of the chocolates was a little bit bitter fairly sweet and spicy. Leaning further that cultivating the cocoa tree is obviously a great company, he established multiple plantations thereby cultivating money for Spain.

Really, I can in no way imagine a world without these fairly sweet fanciful delicacies in my life. As a chocolate lover, I’ve usually had the yearning to discover new kinds of chocolates every day if possible. Might they be normal or ordinary chocolates, gourmet chocolates or home-made but exceptionally delectable chocolates, my love and passion for them will usually be there!

Lastly, you got to check out the site for True Chocoholic that will show you how to appreciate and understand about chocolate. Finally, I got a chance to learn more and taste more, to understand why chocolate is such a wonderful experience.

Chocolate Lovers Just Can’t Get Enough

For so many years, guys have set this kind of excellent esteem for chocolates. There had been moments in the history of chocolates that only the nobles had been permitted to encounter its wonderful taste. But those are the olden days, and gone were individuals days!

Today, huge chocolate factories and little but respected confectionaries allow the public to appreciate as much chocolate as they want, in amazing colors and flavors, partnered with other inventive recipes as although consuming a meal is unnatural without having chocolates. Let’s examine exactly why chocolate lovers will in no way get sufficient of this addictive treat.

The Royal Sweetness

Chocolates go as far back as pre-recorded background when Aztec royalties indulged themselves with chocolates which they known as “xocoatl”. Cocoa pods had been ground and processed to produce a dark, bitter sweet drink that they believed top give them energy and fertility. The normal folks wanted to taste them, obviously they had been not permitted to lest they endure the wrath of the kings.

Lengthy right after chocolates were introduced to Spain, this reverence for chocolate continued, evident in the truth that Spaniards kept the chocolate secret for nearly a hundred years from other nations till Dominican monks pilled the beans. After its invasion of Europe, chocolates slowly trickled down to the public, but at a higher value.

It’s human nature to want what’s prestigious and uncommon, and because chocolates happen to be treated most specially more than history, its respect and worth has not diminished. Today, you can get chocolates everywhere, but it’s undeniable that people still look at chocolates as food for the indulgent – a luxury, something you consume on special occasions.

Dark, Sweet and Sexy Historical accounts of chocolates’ aphrodisiac quality are everywhere. There had been studies that proved how chocolate eaters have more sex than non-eaters. The principle behind this is very obvious really – chocolates get us in a good mood. You will find even stimulants in chocolates this kind of as phenyl ethylamine (PEA), much like THC, that acts as “uppers”. PEA is really released in the body throughout orgasm. This raises dopamine levels in the blood thereby giving a sensation of pleasure.

Melts-in-Your-Mouth Chocolates might make you pleased, but there’s a damaging effect in your health should you consume too much of it. But what gives us a sensation of contentment when we put a tiny piece of that melty, bittersweet goodness in our mouths? Besides the chemical elements that keep people coming back for more, the unmistakable decadence is just almost to die for.

Males have waged many hours in the past trying their best to accomplish that smooth, creamy goodness we now know today. Thanks for the modern methods these days, they’ve enabled us to use chocolates in other recipes, involving many cooking methods that are guaranteed to show some outcomes to some countless flavors.

The world can never ever be the exact same without chocolates. Chocolates are a glorious treat for everyone who loves to eat sweets, especially the chocolate lovers. Males and ladies buy them for many reasons but there’s no denying that there’s an innate chocolate lover in all of us. We’re all born to adore and adore chocolates. Yes, it’s nearly addictive and alluring in many instances, but the experience of consuming them, delighting in its flavor is always different every time. Possibly, that is exactly the cause why we maintain coming back for a lot more.

Lastly, you got to check out the site for True Chocoholic that will show you how to appreciate and understand about chocolate. Finally, I got a chance to learn more and taste more, to understand why chocolate is such a wonderful experience.

Chocolate Enthusiasts And Obesity

Chocolates have become one of the most popular confectioneries ever made and sold. Chocolate enthusiasts, young and old, rich and poor, have discovered themselves becoming hooked having a confessing indulgence for it. Despite of the popularity chocolates have accomplished, you will find still questions and arguments that are being raised about its influence on the human health.

Black and White Chocolates

Chocolates have two faces under its name. One is white and the other is black, but of course, these variants represent benefits one can get from the other. Black chocolate, otherwise known as dark chocolate comprises sugar, cocoa mass and butter. On the other hand, white chocolate or milk chocolate has flavorings, vegetable fats and some milk solids. But whether white or black, dark or milk chocolate, chocolates still fascinate and give pleasure to anyone who eats it.

Debating Nutritional Value of Chocolates

For over the years, chocolates have made its method to being the preferred “confectionery” of all time. But despite the alluring images chocolates have produced, debate and arguments happen to be raised and created on where chocolates should be placed. This is because as we know, chocolates nevertheless stay in the ‘junk’ category. Both proponents of each side have their positions as to what chocolate can do. But for regular chocolate lovers, chocolates will still be chocolates.

But digging deep into it, enthusiasts or non-lovers of chocolate should and must get a glimpse of these issues. Whichever side includes a heavier and a lot more relevant proof, should be taken into a better consideration. Every bite leaves a soothing feeling that’s difficult to define, but renders a strong wish to experience.

Chocolates as Aphrodisiac

Aside from the sensation and delight it provides, chocolate also makes itself an aphrodisiac agent. As an energy booster, studies show that, it provides an adequate reserve of energy, particularly when they have greater glucose content in them. Food industries have created chocolate an integral part of the global market, and therefore, chocolates nevertheless remain top sellers in the marketplace these days since 600 AD, even from the time of the Mayans.

Chocolates and Obesity

Although the chocolate world has obtained valuable commendation, they also share a “veto” image just like any other item. These are the days when obesity has turn out to be a major word of mouth to every citizen around the globe. Obesity has not just become an ordinary irregularity of body mass, but also is considered as one of the essential causes of chronic diseases. Medical practitioners have spent time carrying out research to figure out the root trigger of this problem. From the very long record of factors that could trigger obesity, chocolates are found included in the record.

Obesity-Chocolate Link

An independent study in the UK predicted that occurrences of obesity might rise to more than 50% through the year 2020. Statistics, lawmakers & the medical world have proposed that confectioners should not be sold anymore in the pharmacies as becoming practiced in many corners of the world. Apart from becoming linked to obesity, chocolates are also suspected to be one causative factor triggering diabetes. This proposition is still under consideration due to the vast studies which are still in progress to prove the same.

Positive Reports on Chocolates

On the other hand, good reports on chocolates are continue to being circulated and made. Studies also show that dark chocolates consumed moderately, can bestow cardiovascular benefits due to the presence of “flavanol” which plays a major role in the circulatory system. This increases the content of high density lipoprotein (HDL), more popularly known as the good cholesterol; thus preventing the occurrence of cardiovascular related diseases.

The choice is ours and we are the ones who should decide if chocolates can someday be cheaper than therapy which never requires an appointment. Although a list of contradicting propositions follows, chocolates will continue to remain the most intimate confectionary close to a man’s heart. And with the abounding chocolates in the market, making us crave for every bite, chocolates will forever be a delight for chocolate lovers like me! Now the battle is choosing between chocolates and being overweight!

Lastly, you got to check out the site for True Chocoholic that will show you how to appreciate and understand about chocolate. Finally, I got a chance to learn more and taste more, to understand why chocolate is such a wonderful experience.

Chocolate Lover Or Chocoholic?

Can you really get addicted to chocolates?

Chocoholics Anonymous hasn’t been born yet but a lot clamor about chocolate addiction has been talked about in current years. There appears to be a heightened require for people to draw the line in between chocolate lovers and chocolate addicts or chocoholics as they call themselves. Scientists have even isolated the outcomes of the likened effect of chocolates to the marijuana, a prohibited drug that causes euphoria or even a sense of well being but carries the harmful chemical called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

It may be stated that food cravings, for example for chocolates, are often caused by emotions. Sudden shift from being happy to a much less relaxed state can prompt the mind to look for food that could alleviate the anxiety. Such is evident in people who’ve seasonal affective disorder or ladies who have premenstrual syndrome.

Women & Chocolate Addiction

Did you know ladies are more associated with chocolate addiction than men? If you will take a look at it, ladies often turn to these sweet temptations during heightened emotional stress. That is why it is a well known fact that chocolates carry uppers such as caffeine that elevate the blood pressure and quicken the breath thereby giving the person a feeling of high.

Many ladies experience food cravings on a monthly basis in close reference to their menstruation. Changes in hormonal levels affect the mood and consequently dictate the person to crave for certain type of foods which in the case of most ladies, the chocolates.

Most women claim that they get immense satisfaction upon eating chocolates which merely started as a habit. It just totally makes sense since metabolized sugar produces serotonin in the body, a chemical responsible to the feeling of elation. And who wouldn’t want to feel happy, in the first place!

Addictive Responses to Chocolates Defined

Current studies made in Europe found that allowing respondents to eat liberal amounts of chocolates, and cutting them back from eating the same resulted to the people salivating at the sight of chocolates. They felt anxious, deprived and depressed.

Another study conducted at Princeton showed rats that were fed with sugar experienced anxiety once sugar was removed from their diets. Their symptoms were like that of nicotine addicts made to quit cold turkey – shaking and their teeth chattering.

However, despite test results, researchers still believe that although the symptoms are similar, chocoholics are not addicts. There is no true chocolate addiction, as there is no definite chemical found in chocolates that are addictive. What the subjects are experiencing are anxieties based on breaking the habit of eating chocolates or that habits formed by eating something sweet when changes in moods occur.

But when do we say enough of chocolate is enough?

If you are unsure whether you are eating too much chocolate and may hamper your health, read and answer the following questions:

1. Do you usually buy loads of chocolates and keep them in stock at home?

2. Do you have more chocolate products than fruits and vegetables in your refrigerator?

3. Do you consume more than 1 pound of chocolate every month?

4. Do you have withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, anxiety, restlessness, sweating and teeth chattering?

5. Can you not last a day without eating chocolate?

If you answered YES to most of these questions then you are undoubtedly in trouble. Being a chocolate lover is not bad, but you also have to watch out for your health! As we say, an ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure!

Lastly, you got to check out the site for True Chocoholic that will show you how to appreciate and understand about chocolate. Finally, I got a chance to learn more and taste more, to understand why chocolate is such a wonderful experience.

A Chocolate Lovers’ Party – Your Very Own Chocolate Festival

Salon Du Chocolat, Chocolate Lovers’ Festival, Eurochocolate, Chocolate Rush, Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival, these are just some of the best chocolate fests celebrated all over the world. And they are usually attended by hundreds of thousands of chocolate lovers like me. They flock to these events to view and taste wonderful creations from world-renowned chocolatiers and take pleasure in chocolate inspired activities.

The joy and fun you’ll encounter is doubled when you attend this festival of merriment in the organization of your chocolate loving friends. You’ll certainly get crazy eating loads of chocolates of different types and sizes. Now, you don’t necessarily need to invest a great deal of money to go to these festivals why not think of getting a chocolate party in your location? You are able to be an expert party planner to create this happen, all you need is really a little help and some flickers of ingenuity!

Begin with the Menu

Do not force a sit down, four course meal. Do it just like you would on a regular barbecue Sunday. Serve grilled chicken, pork chops, pasta, and mashed potatoes, anything you are familiar with! Now, the simple chicken pieces and pork chops could be created magical by adding chocolate inspired sauces like mole, a Mexican, chili-chocolate important. Round it up with chocolate deserts such as chocolate cakes, pastries and do not leave behind to serve a pile of different types of chocolates. Make sure to have tons of them simply because you’ll be using them on games and other activities, anyway! You do not have to purchase individuals expensive gourmet chocolates, just grab the regular ones, your favorite manufacturers – unless the gourmet chocolates are really what you are going for.

If you would like to serve fondue, then prepare fondue matches like marshmallows, pretzels and fruits. Research on wines that could go well with chocolates and keep the concept for the party! And last of all, max out on the variety of drinks that could help clean your guests’ palates.

Stage the Grandeur

Consider out your best linens. If you have chocolate designed-linens, that could be excellent! You can line two or three tables with them. One table is going to be for tasting and the other for chocolate and wine tasting. It can also be a location where you are able to display desserts that fellow choco lovers may wish to indulge in anytime they wish to while in the party.

Decorate your party area by incorporating chocolate brown colors in your design. Set the sound system and make sure you have great joyful music to match the ambiance. And lastly, make sure that your programme is ready along with the materials which you would require in games or activities.

Make the Chocolate Party Fun

Here’s a list of things that you can do at your chocolate party aside from chocolate and wine tasting. You may choose one or few of them, a minimum of what ever is possible and could very easily be done without getting to spend so much.

1. Game – Who Can Eat The Most Chocolates? 2. Chocolate Painting – wherever you use chocolates and your hands to draw pictures 3. Stage an exhibit on the history of chocolates, print images and set them on display so everyone could have a look and learn although having fun 4. Choc Poker – Use chocolate pieces as chips. Your guest might take home what ever chocolates they are able to win. 5. Bake-off Challenge – Who Can Make The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie? 6. Special cooking demonstration – learn a new chocolate recipe and share it with close friends

It is so easy, right? You do not have to wait for a special occasion to throw a chocolate party! Becoming a chocolate lover is reason enough. But if you would like to create your birthday, Thanksgiving, reunion or any get together fancier allow the chocolate lover in you come out and allow your loved ones experience a feast that was originally made for gods and kings!

Lastly, you got to check out the site for True Chocoholic that will show you how to appreciate and understand about chocolate. Finally, I got a chance to learn more and taste more, to understand why chocolate is such a wonderful experience.

Weber Natural Gas Grill Review – 3 Top Gas Grills From Weber

Are you browsing for a Weber natural gas grill review? In this article we will review the 3 leading gas grills from Weber.

Do you like to grill? There are many ladies and men that take awesome satisfaction in their grilling knowledge as well as in their patios and backyards. When you select the correct grill you can really build a great impression on your family and associates. We are now going to go on to the Weber natural gas grill review and peek at the 3 leading gas grills from Weber.

Number 1 – Weber 1840301 Summit S450 Natural Gas Tuck-Away Rotisserie Grill

Yes, this grill is a bit costly but you are absolutely going to get what you pay for. The fact that it is made of stainless steel and also comes with a stainless steel enclosed cart as well as chrome plated cast aluminum handles are some of my much loved things about this grill.

The food preparation system is rated at 48,000 BTUS, plus 12,000 BTU per HR

Number 2 – Weber 1810001 Summit S-420

You are not going to have to pay as much for this grill but it still has some amazing features.

* 4-burner natural gas grill; 48,000 Btu’s; 650 inches total cooking area * 538 square inches food preparation area; 112 square inches warming shelf * Enclosed stainless steel cart; porcelain-enameled food preparation grates * 12,000 Btu side burner; 9.5-millimeter grate rods for optimal durability * 2 heavy-duty front locking casters and 2 heavy-duty back spin casters

Number 3 – Ducane 31742101 Affinity 4100

Customers that need a low price but still want to get that wonderful Weber value will find this grill to be perfect.

Features:

* 48,000-BTU natural-gas grill with 4 stainless-steel burners * Electronic ignition; 693 square inches of complete cooking space * Porcelain-enamel food preparation surface and upper warming holder * Thermometer; 2 work surfaces; casters; flexible hose included * Measures 28-1/2 by 57-1/2 by 62-1/2 inches with lid open

Weber Natural Gas Grill

These grills are the 3 best gas grills from Weber.

Are you searching for a Weber Natural Gas Grill ? Visit http://www.WeberNaturalGasGrill.com for more information

Cheap, Easy Recipes Despite Rising Food Costs

Most people will be aware of rising food costs and if you have a big family, are on a low income, or both, you will know that making good quality, healthy meals for them all can be difficult on a budget.

A lot of foods are more expensive than ever, including staples such as beef, chicken, milk, and butter. There are various reasons for these price increases. The rising energy costs mean that food is more expensive to process and to deliver to retail outlets so the end price reflects this.

A lot of countries have better living standards than they had previously, including China and India, and these countries are importing more of our produce. Ethanol is more expensive and is used to grow produce such as corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, and oats, making the prices of those go up too. Sometimes there seems to be no food cost control because there seems to be no end to the price increases.

Animals eat grains so the price of meat and poultry increases because the animals have been more expensive to feed. Grains like oats and corn are used in breakfast cereals so the cereals are more expensive now, as well as the milk you pour over it!

How to Feed Your Family on a Budget

If you are low on money but still want to give your family high quality, nutritious meals, there are a few things you can do. First of all, why not plan the week’s meals ahead of time and shop for all the ingredients? Try to include plenty of grains and fresh produce because these are nutritious and filling.

Chicken has always been quite cheap and there are many different ways to cook it, such as grilling, baking, frying, and poaching. You can make different sauces and flavorings to go with it because chicken is so versatile. What about a tasty dinner of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and salad? That would not cost much to make.

If you have ever read the history of Kentucky Fried Chicken you will know they started very small but managed to transform cheap ingredients into delicious meals. You can do the same and made KFC style recipes for the family. This is certainly cheaper than taking them out for fast food and fried chicken is very simple to make. For a healthier twist, oven fried chicken tastes just like deep fried chicken but is lower in both fat and calories.

Vary Your Meals

Healthy, cheap meals like stir-fry can be cheap because they use less meat than full pieces of beef or chicken. You might have a simple rice or pasta dish every other night and enjoy meat or fish the nights in between. This is better than the “feast and famine” you would get if you eat like kings for the first three weeks of the month then have to live off canned beans every night of the last week. Also, having varied meals keeps things interesting.

Homemade food is cheaper and more nutritious than fast food or prepackaged food and cooking can easy as well as enjoyable if you do it right! Making your own meals and varying them can make your dollars go much further.

SouthernFriedChickenRecipe.com we do pressure cooker fried chicken like no one else can. Our site is about nothing but fried chicken and fried chicken recipes from all over the world.

Raw Food Muscle Building Recipe, episode #319 | How To Gain Muscle

http://www.TheRawFoodWorld.com, For many years I ate this raw food recipe that is ideal for building muscle mass.Duration : 0:6:52.

See the rest here:
Raw Food Muscle Building Recipe, episode #319 | How To Gain Muscle

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Chicken Food Storage

Chicken is a lot of fun to cook with because it is one of the most versatile ingredients there is. Whether you are new to cooking in general or whether you want to brush up on your chicken food storage skills, here are some tips to make sure your chicken recipes are safe as well as tasty.

How to Buy the Best Chicken

When you are buying chicken, make sure it is cold to the touch and still within its expiration date. It is unwise to buy a package of fresh chicken, which is leaking or looks damaged.

Chilled food storage vans transport fresh chicken to retail stores so it stays cool. If you are going to buy chicken, make sure it is one of the last things you add to your grocery cart before going to the checkout, so it does not have a chance to warm up. You can double bag your chicken or just make sure it is bagged away from your other groceries. Leave the chicken in its original packaging and put it in the refrigerator when you get home.

Chicken Basics – Chilling, Freezing, and Thawing

You need to use fresh chicken within a couple of days. If you are not going to do this, it will need to be frozen. To defrost frozen chicken, you can either use a microwave, cold water or the refrigerator. The safest yet slowest way is to use the refrigerator. Boneless chicken breasts will thaw overnight in the refrigerator but a whole chicken might take a couple of days. If you defrost too much chicken in the refrigerator, you can refreeze the surplus.

If you want your chicken defrosted quicker, you can do it in water. Place the chicken in a Ziploc bag if it is not in sealed packaging and submerge it in cold water. You will need to change the water every half an hour to keep it cold. A whole chicken should be thawed in two or three hours and a pound of chicken breasts will be done in an hour.

Only thaw chicken using a microwave if you plan to cook it right away because it might start getting warm in places and cooking, which can lead to bacteria spreading through it.

You cannot cook chicken from frozen in a slow cooker or in the microwave but you can cook it from frozen on the stove or in the oven if you allow for a 50% longer cooking time.

You can marinate chicken in the refrigerator for up to two days but you should not stuff a whole chicken unless you are going to cook it right away. Cooked chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F to ensure that any bacteria have been killed.

If you have leftovers after making your recipe for Kentucky fried chicken chicken, you should refrigerate them within two hours.

How Long Will Chicken Keep?

A whole raw chicken keeps for two days in the refrigerator or a year in the freezer. Raw chicken parts will keep for two days in the refrigerator or nine months in the freezer. You can keep cooked chicken parts or a cooked whole chicken for four days in the refrigerator or for four months in the freezer.

Need some tasty fried chicken recipes? If you do you will want to come where everyone goes to get there fried chicken needs filled, SouthernFriedChickenRecipe.com.

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