Naked Chocolate by David Wolfe & Shazzie

"David and Shazzie's new book is great! A very interesting read with many color photos too. So far, in a word I'd say it's ...... Captivating. Can't wait to try the recipes. I think maybe there is some magic in that book. Get it! If you cannot afford it, have your local library order it!"
-- Shannon Cox, Portland, Oregon, USA

"...arrived really promptly thank you...I was "champing at the bit" for the chocolate book, which is fantastic...and we have a new favourite recipe – chilli con cacao!!! Actually the chocolate pizzas went down pretty well too... Kind regards" 
-- Tanya, UK

"The most complete book on chocolate I have ever read! Shazzie and David do a perfect job sharing extensive cutting edge history, little-known factoids and colorful scrumptious raw chocolate recipes! The best and only raw chocolate book on the market!" 
-- Alex, USA

There is nothing in the world like chocolate. It is luxurious, sensuous, delightful, passionate, inspirational, sexual and exciting to all senses.

ca·cao. Pronounced [ka-kow]. Rhymes with "cow".
e·lix·ir . An aromatic solution serving as a vehicle for medicine… A substance believed to maintain life indefinitely. Also called elixir of life… A substance of transmutative properties... Alchemy: An imaginary liquor capable of transmuting metals into gold; also, one for producing life indefinitely; as, elixir vit[ae], or the elixir of life…The refined spirit; the quintessence… Any cordial or substance which invigorates… A substance believed to cure all ills… The philosopher’s stone.

We know you've been anxiously awaiting Shazzie's next book, and you've been dribbling a bit, too because it's all about chocolate. However, this isn't the chocolate that's full of naughty fat and sugar, it's Naked Chocolate. That's right, we get right under the skin of the Chocolate industry, the cacao tree, the cacao fruit and finally, we find the raw bean -- full of nutrients and full of life.

Thanks to authors David Wolfe and Shazzie, we can finally Live By Chocolate!

You learn everything you always wanted to know about chocolate here, and all the stuff that's been kept under shiny foil wraps. It's all totally laid bare for you.

And, then once you have this info, you're chomping at the bit going "But what do I do with it?" And that's where our Chocolate Alchemy section comes in. We've created over 60 original and mouthwatering sweet and savoury recipes for you. They're all beautifully photographed in full colour and have step by step instructions so you can become your very own Naked Chocolate Chef right now!

Table of contents

Check out some of the recipes!

News flash

Dark chocolate seen healthy for arteries Fri Jun 24, 2:34 PM ET

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) -- Eating dark chocolate may have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system in healthy people, the results of a new study suggest.

"Epidemiological studies suggest that high flavonoid intake confers a benefit on cardiovascular outcome," Dr. Charalambos Vlachopoulos, of Athens Medical School in Greece, and colleagues write in the American Journal of Hypertension.

They point out that the elasticity or stiffness of arteries "are important determinants of cardiovascular performance and are predictors of cardiovascular risk."

The researchers examined the effects of flavonoid-rich dark chocolate on blood-vessel function in 17 young, healthy volunteers over a 3-hour period after they consumed 100 grams of a commercially available dark chocolate.

The investigators saw that an artery in the arm dilated significantly more in response to an increase in bloodflow. Chocolate consumption also led to a significant 7-percent decrease in aortic stiffness.

"The predominant mechanism appears to be dilation of small and medium-sized peripheral arteries and arterioles," Vlachopoulos and colleagues suggest.

The team didn't detect any change in antioxidant levels, so they suggest other possible explanations. "The dilatory effect of chocolate under resting conditions can be attributed to improved nitric oxide bioavailability, prostacyclin increase, direct effect of chocolate in smooth muscle cells, or activation of central mechanisms," they write.

SOURCE: American Journal of Hypertension, June 2005.

Review by Mary Ziolo

Naked Chocolate -- wow, what a title! Really makes you think…

Naked and chocolate - two words that evoke a multitude of images, and thoughts that flood the mind. Words like sublime, seduction, and decadence spring forth. All those wonderful things that were prohibited but were plainly innocent, good naked fun, simply having the best day ever - that's what it's all about.

We all share delightful childhood memories of smudging our hands and faces with this dark, creamy substance. Remember digging into the chocolate Easter bunny; devouring mini chocolate bars for Halloween; double fudge brownies; chocolate birthday cakes or chocolate pudding? All these recollections are associated with celebration and joyous occasions.

Discover the myths and legends from ancient civilizations surrounding chocolate. Did you know that cacao was utilized in shamanic rituals, and as money, by the Mayans? Others have regarded chocolate as a medical remedy.

Uncover the hidden alchemy within chocolate as the true spirit of cacao is exposed in Naked Chocolate. Dive into the cornucopia of possibilities for the best synergy with chocolate for endless creations with this food of the gods. Have you ever combined raw cacao with: maca, agave nectar, bee pollen, cashews or vanilla? Your lips will be smacking with tastebud delight as your heart sings with joy.

An endless symphony of natural chemical components lies within to be incorporated by our bodies and spirits. Find the extensive list in Naked Chocolate including magnesium, anti-oxidants, neurotransmitters, anandamide (the bliss chemical), and tryptophan.

Besides its reputation as a powerful aphrodisiac, Naked Chocolate has an entire section on "what to do with Cacao Beans" and sublime recipes. Talk about innovation! Besides the usual dessert applications, did you ever think of marrying chocolate with beets to create Beetroot Mousse? What about making Chili con Cacao, Chocolate Pizza or Chocolate Tortillas? I bet you never thought of those combos!

Tantalize your palate and libido with recipes such as Menage a Quatre, Deep Pecan Pies, Cacao Kapow, Sticky Hazelnut Clusters, or Fudge Reloaded.

Connect with the Magic and Consciousness that is raw chocolate.

Naked Chocolate is a fun book that will not only entertain you but also educate and inspire you to become a creative little chocolate devil! Enjoy!

Mary Ziolo, Veggie Hedge™