Chocorific - Belgian Chocolates

Belgian Chocolates

When you think of Belgian chocolates do you think of pralines? Maybe, maybe not. But pralines were invented in Belgium, and they're just as decadent as their Belgian chocolate predecesor.

Pralines: Gourment Belgian Chocolates?

In a sense, yes. Belgian chocolates are known for their smooth, velvety texture and their not too bitter, not too sweet taste. So if you take a smooth, perfectly sweetened, non-grainy chocolate and turn it into a hard outside shell, then fill it with one of any variety of fillings, and you have a delicious treat known as a praline. Pralines (also known as "the real Belgian chocolates") can be filled with nougat, more chocolate, caramel, a creamy vanilla, nuts, alcohol....the list is endless.

Other Chocolate Treats from Belgium

The makers of Belgian chocolates were busy in the 1920s bringing us such things like pralines and the chocolate bar. Although large chocolate bars (called tablets) that were 150 grams were available, Belgium was the first to make them in sizes of 30-45 grams. This enabled more people to indulge in Belgian chocolates because it was more affordable due to the smaller size.

Later, a Belgian named Frans Callebaut invented a way to stock and transport liquid chocolate. Therefore, chocolate no longer needed to be solidified before being sent to food manufacturers. This significantly reduced production costs, which made it possible to incorporate chocolate into more foods, including cereal! (Are you coo coo for Cocoa Puffs? What about Cocoa Krispies or Cocoa Pebbles?)

Great Gifts

Today, Belgian chocolates are considered to be an elegant gift. You can find lots of Belgian chocolate gifts at www.chocolate.com, such as a 1 lb. box of handmade Belgian truffles, a Belgian chocolate Easter bunny, a heart-shaped box of Belgian chocolates and more. Get these as gift or indulge in a box for yourself!