(Camel) Milk Chocolate

Get ready for some seriously innovative chocolate! Al Nassma, a Dubai-based premium chocolate company is preparing to make its camel milk chocolate available to U.S. consumers within the next few months. Al Nassma’s chocolates are the first in the world to be made of camel milk. This brand new company, founded last October, has a farm filled with 3,000 camels exclusively for milk production and GM Martin Van Almsick says the company aims to produce 100 tons of the premium chocolate a year. Al Nassma plans not only to expand to the U.S. but also Europe, Japan and Australia and there are plans for opening up an online store. Van Almsick told Reuters that Al Nassma aims “to be the Godiva of the Middle East” and apparently if they reach success in the global market a comparison may not be necessary. The chocolates contain no chemicals or preservatives and are laced with local spices, nuts and honey. Besides having five times the amount of vitamin C compared to cow milk, camel milk contains less fat and lactose and more insulin making it more appealing to diabetics and the lactose-intolerant. I’m anticipating trying this new chocolate—how about you?

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Al Nassma

Cupcakes on the Go

We’re all familiar with the ice cream trucks that jingle around the neighborhood selling cool refreshments on warm summer days but did you ever expect to see a cupcake truck putting along dishing out mini delights? On the go New Yorkers jonesing for a sweet treat can have their cake and eat it too thanks to the CupcakeStop truck, a traveling cupcake-mobile. Former New York Law student, Lev Ekster, credited cupcakes for helping him survive through his grueling studies and now runs CupcakeStop. During his trial run of his new venture, Ekster ran out of cupcakes sooner than expected. Now, he estimates he will sell 1,200 to 1,500 gourmet cupcakes a day traveling between Union Square and Chelsea all ranging in price from $1 for minis and $2.50 for regular sized cupcakes.


Photo Credit: Courtesy of CupcakeStop.com

Bloomsberry & Co. Chocolates

Last month while I was on the hunt for chocolaty Easter treats for my pals, I came across Bloomsberry & Co. Chocolates. What made me focus in on these chocolates was the eye catching packaging. With amusing names for their chocolates such as, “Emergence Chocolate” and “Bochox” Bloomsberry is making its mark in the chocolate realm. This designer chocolate bar company hails from down under in New Zealand. After receiving loads of emails from customers all over the world raving about their chocolates, the folks at Bloomsberry expanded their reach and became accessible by opening up shop in Australia, Europe, and the U.S.A. Their clever casing and witty phrases help their tasty chocolates fly off the shelves. Bloomsberry & Co. Chocolates are a novelty item that surely make for an interesting alternative to the ordinary chocolate bar.

When I bought some of the chocolates for friends and family I snagged a milk chocolate bar for myself to try. I found the chocolate to be quite creamy and better than I initially thought it would be. I have not tried the dark chocolate variety but considering I was pleased with the milk chocolate I think the dark chocolate will be worth a try.

Prague Delights

If you ever thought of going to Prague I think this picture seals the deal. While checking out one of my favorite sections, the Travel section, in The New York Times I came across this mouthwatering image of desserts deliciously displayed in a Prague confectionery. The Erhartova Cukrarna is a vintage bakery dating back to 1937 complete with period decor. Read more about how to wisely spend 36 hours in Prague in this NYT article (check out the picture of the Dancing House, a remarkable architectural marvel!).

Photo Credit: Courtesy of The New York Times

Perfect Pancakes

I was browsing one of my favorite magazines, Real Simple, when I came across an interesting idea for reusing a ketchup bottle. You can recycle your ketchup bottles by using them as pancake dispensers. Make lovely round flapjacks by squeezing out the exact amount of batter without the mess caused by attempting to transfer it from a mixing bowl. Small, medium and large pancakes are easily achievable with this method and you can get crafty too! Squirt out ears for a Mickey Mouse pancake or create a three tiered snowman for the kiddies all with a few simple drops from the former bottle of ketchup.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Real Simple