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When you think about the types of chocolate fountains available for purchase or rental, you also think about the kind of chocolate usually put in it – Belgian chocolate. Belgian chocolate is a superior chocolate preferred by confectioners and enthusiasts the world over. The ingredients are of the highest quality and the chocolate is made by utilizing tried and true techniques invented hundreds of years ago. Although today’s world is full of technological advances and mass production, most Belgian chocolate is still handmade. There are many shops in Belgium and across the Atlantic Ocean that offer chocolate tastings.

But if you want to enjoy the taste of Belgium chocolate in your own home, you will find that chocolate fountains are the best way to do so. Chocolate fountains are simply types of fondue servers. They usually stand anywhere from two to four feet and cascade chocolate over several rungs to the bottom basin where it is recirculated back to the top. These fountains melt chocolate via a heating device inside. People taste the chocolate by dipping fruit, cookies, or marshmallows into the chocolate fountains. The layers of chocolate falling down are mesmerizing.

Before you purchase or rent any of the chocolate fountains available, you must do your research and read about other customer’s experiences with their fountains. They are a great way to enjoy a sweet confection and really bring an extra special touch to any party or occasion where they are used. And chocolate fountains make serving and eating food so much more simple because the hostess does not have to bother with clearing dishes with sticky chocolate on them. It is extremely easy to get chocolate fountains put together for their big debut. Of course, you will need to provide dipping food – bananas, strawberries, pretzels, marshmallows – to go with the chocolate.

You can even use these fountains to dress up birthday parties and they are appetizing and filling too. Children, especially younger ones, are fascinated by chocolate fountains. And because children cannot get enough of that sweet treat, they will keep coming back for more. Fountains will make their party a big hit and other children who attended will want fountains at their birthday parties too. However, if you are using a fountain1 for a child’s birthday party, the children should be encouraged against eating contests as they could choke.

If you are planning a romantic evening at home with your significant other or hosting a holiday party for your family, chocolate fountains can add to the magical atmosphere you are trying to create. Plus they are great to use on dessert buffets in wedding receptions. And if you are looking for the a unique gift to give someone special in your life, these fountains are a great choice.

So if you are interested in the type of chocolate fountains you can buy, the best thing for you do is get on the internet and find out what is available. Once you buy a fountain, you will want to use it time and time again.

Claudia Alfassy loves playing disc golf as an excuse to get outside. When not tossing a disc around, Claudia works on her site reviewing disc golf basket, as well as disc golf set.

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If your dinner salad consists of a wedge of iceberg lettuce and a dollop of ranch dressing, think again. Your body deserves more than a cream-coated lump of empty fiber – and packed with the right ingredients – a veggie-rich salad can provide your body with a powerhouse of essential nutrients that strengthen your immune system, protect your heart and ward off a variety of diseases.

Start With the Right Greens. Though you may love that pale, crunchy stuff – the dark, leafy greens are where it’s at. Two cups of romaine lettuce is packed with enough beta-carotene and vitamin C to actually prevent the oxidation of unhealthy cholesterol. Butterhead is loaded with depression-fighting folate. Spinach contains 13 different flavonoid compounds proven to lower the risk of ovarian and prostate cancers. Combine all three for an instant boost of protection.

Don’t be Afraid to Add the Avocado. Once perceived as a forbidden fruit, heavy on fat-laden calories, scientists and nutritionists have determined that buttery, rich avocados actually have a small amount of the ‘bad’ saturated fat and are extremely rich in ‘good’ monosaturated fat, proven to be very beneficial in lowering cholesterol and maintaining a healthy lipid balance. Avocados are also packed with over 20 vitamins and minerals including vitamin E (for healthy skin) and potassium (for proper muscle function).

Toss in the Red Bell Peppers. Red bell peppers add a sweet, crunchy taste to any salad. They’re also loaded with antioxidants A, C and lycopene – a carotenoid beneficial in warding off cancers of the cervix, pancreas and bladder. Red bells are rich in B6 and folic acid, which play a significant role in reducing blood vessel damage and heart attack risk. They’re also high in lutein, a powerful antioxidant that protects against age-related eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

A Little Bit of Onion Goes a Long Way. Whether you like them strong or sweet – green, yellow or red – a little bit of onion can offer your body a powerful shield against infection and disease, red onion is full of antioxidants. Onions contain bacteria fighting sulfur compounds which help fight colds, coughs, E.coli and salmonella infections. They help suppress tumor growth in the colon and protect against certain types of stomach cancer. Regular consumption protects the heart by lowering cholesterol levels and blood clot risk.

Dress for Success. If you’ve been hooked on bottled dressing you’re packing unnecessary calories and sugar when you could be soaking up good nutrients. A simple olive oil and vinegar, or what I prefer lemon dressing offers great health benefits and a serious reduction in high-cal no nos. Olive oil, with its distinctive, fruity flavor, has proven beneficial in reducing bad (LDL) cholesterol, and recent studies point to its ability to boost the body’s production of adiponectin – a hormone that revs up the metabolism and suppresses the appetite. A tangy spoonful of vinegar appears to boost weight loss, by helping the body break down fat before it settles in those unattractive places. Once you’ve packed in the basics, time to get creative! Make your own whole grain croutons, toss in some calcium-rich almond slivers, or sprinkle a bit of low-fat, shredded cheese. Just remember to keep your salad light, crisp and loaded with a powerhouse of healthy ingredients.