JFI - January

Its my turn to host this month's JFI(Jihva For Ingredients). This event was started by Indira of Mahanandi and you can read all about it here. After much thinking (who am I kidding), I decided on this month's special ingredient. Full credit goes to my husband for suggesting this. Its my most favorite ingredient and I think it holds true for most of you out there. Both kids and adults love it. I have not come across anyone who hates it. There are people who like it, some who love it and then there are people like me who adore it.

Yes this month's special ingredient is CHOCOLATE.


For the last few months, every time a JFI ingredient was announced, I would hope that it isnt chocolate. I am glad that I got to choose this as my ingredient. You can say that I am obsessed with it. I love chocolate in any form or shape.

We have all heard and read a lot of contradicting reports about its health benefits (dark chocolate is considered the best), but no one has challenged its taste and the smile it brings to ones face after a bite. Even dieters and diabetics can indulge in healthy chocolate dishes. It is a proven mood enhancer and some even claim its an aphrodisiac. I usually don't need a reason or occasion to have a chocolate filled dish and I am always on the lookout for new recipes. So this will be a good chance for me to learn a lot of new chocolate based dishes from all you guys. Another more selfless reason was, since most of us are baking goodies for the holiday season it might be easier for everyone to participate.

Since chocolate does not need any further description, I am listing the rules for participation. You can use chocolate (milk, semisweet, dark or white), cocoa powder or carob (for people with allergies) as your main ingredient. Do not restrict yourself to desserts alone, there a lot of main course dishes that can be made with chocolate like here.

1. Prepare a dish with this ingredient, and post it on your blog. The choice of recipe is not restricted to Indian cuisine.

2. Please link to this event announcement, and feel free to use the logo.

3. Send in your entries to letzcook@gmail.com with JFI-Chocolate in the subject line.

4. Include the following details in your mail:
Name of blog
Blog url
Name of recipe
Recipe url
Picture of the dish

5. If you are a non-blogger, please send your recipe and picture with your e-mail and I will post it for you.

6. The deadline for this event is Jan 5, 2008 (so that you have enough time to send in your New Year goodies entries). The round-up will be posted by Jan 10, 2008.

I look forward to your creative contributions.