Chocorific - Belgian Chocolate

Belgian Chocolate

Belgium is known worldwide for their chocolate. It's very smooth, which is part of its appeal. It's not too sweet or too bitter, and good Belgian chocolate is made only with natural ingredients--the only vegetable fat in it comes from cocoa butter. But what Belgian chocolate is most synonymous with is pralines because they were invented there.

History of Belgian Chocolate

Belgian chocolate has been around for many, many years, but they weren't well-known until the praline was invented by Jean Neuhaus, Jr. in 1912. The Neuhaus family wasn't new to chocolate, and Charles Jr. continued the tradition by creating a hard chocolate shell with a smooth, creamy center. His wife packaged these treasures in gift boxes, and the first box of chocolates (pralines, to be exact) was invented.

Praline fillings can be in almost any flavor and texture, from a liquid-like cream (similar to that in chocolate-covered cherries) to a caramel center or a creamy whipped filling. Flavors can be anything as well, like coffee, chocolate or vanilla, just to name a few. Belgian chocolatiers have perfected this art so well that "pralines" are interpreted as being the same thing as Belgian chocolate. Indeed, Belgians did create the praline, but in New Orleans, they have a different kind of praline. People often confuse the two.

Today Belgian chocolates are sold in gourmet chocolate shops and given as elegant gifts all over the world. Belgium produces fine chocolates outside of pralines too. The smooth texture and rich tastes are combined with other delicate flavors, and it comes in various shapes and with various toppings, so you're certain to find the perfect Belgian chocolate. A good place to look for Belgian chocolate gifts is www.chocolate.com. You can find Belgian chocolates from Harry and David, Belgian chocolates for Easter, Belgian truffles in ceramic eggs (also for Easter) a 1 lb. box of assorted Belgian truffles, a heart-shaped box of Belgian chocolates and much, much more.