News Archives – Holiday Gift Baskets | The Sweet Basket

Articles of Interest

Award for Business Excellence


The Sweet Basket Company is proud to be the recipient of the prestigious Canadian Consumer Choice Award for business excellence.

Our employees, our quality products and our exemplary level of customer service is what led us to this achievement.

 


Emerging as the company of choice in Montreal is a great honor and makes us proud to serve our Canadian, American and clients overseas.

Through market research, studies and surveys carried out by Leger Marketing since 1987, Canadian businesses are selected in a variety of categories including superior customer service.

Read more about the Consumer Choice Award

 

 

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New Baby

Unique Baby Names!

You envision your child, who has yet to be born, to be the most beautiful, sweetest, most amazing person in the universe. Therefore, you’d like to give him or her a name that is truly unique-one that sets your baby apart from the rest. Since every child is a unique creation, it only makes sense that we might be prompted to give our children names that are special, even one-of-a-kind.

Still, you should exercise some caution when trying to give your baby a unique name. There are certainly some things you should try to consider, before placing that unusual name on the child’s birth certificate.

 

Stress the Positive
Your child’s name should conjure up pleasant memories. It should also carry a meaning that is truly special to you. Since your baby’s name may cast a long shadow, you will have to be especially careful when deciding on a name. You might mention some of your ideas to friends and relatives to find out their reactions. While you may not want to name your child based upon a consensus vote, it doesn’t hurt to have input from other people.

Think About Rhythm
Rhythm is highly important in music, so it should come as no surprise that it may have an effect on how your child’s name is perceived to be. In general, your baby’s first and last name, spoken together, should have a pleasing rhythm. Also, the number of syllables in your child’s first name should differ from the number of syllables in the surname. If you have a particularly common last name, an unusual first name may indeed be best for baby. When he or she grows up, it will certainly make it easier to find your offspring in the phone book!

Pronunciation Guides
While you may think it interesting to have your baby’s name pronounced in an unusual way, it could make life unbearable for your child on down the road. For instance, if you name your baby girl “Maria” but pronounce it “Mariah,” your child will have to constantly correct people. As an alternative, you might consider an unusual spelling of a common name, such as Karyn or Caren – which make for unique baby girl names.

Investigate Your Family Tree 
If you’re looking for an unusual unique baby name, you might try investigating the various branches of your family tree. You might find that your great-great grandfather or great-great grandmother had a distinctive name-one that is seldom used today. In this way, you are forging a link to the past, while also providing your baby with a distinctive identity.

 

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Chocolate

Chocolate is Good for You!

Great news on the chocolate front! Chocolate is good for you. Under certain circumstances.

 

Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Squares Gift Tin

Katherine Tallmadge, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, says, in the February 9, 2005, WASHINGTON POST, that “cacao, or cocoa beans, contain ‘flavanols,’ naturally occurring plant compounds also found in tea, red wine, and apples.

Their properties have been studied as heart disease inhibitors.”

Carl L. Keen, chair of the department of nutrition at University of California, Davis, states in the same article that “the flavanols in cocoa help maintain a healthy vascular system. They reduce blood clotting — an aspirin like effect — reduce oxidative damage and improve blood flow.”

Unfortunately the flavanols in chocolate are bitter and are mostly removed from processed chocolate. The level decreases with each step, from the bean to the cocoa powder, and ultimately to a finished product. But big manufacturers like Nestle and Mars Inc.(producers of M&Ms) are working on chocolate items that are — what else? — good for you. We can soon expect chocolate bars and candies that advertise their high level of flavanols. In the meantime, the only product that states its flavanol level is Mars’ Dove Dark Chocolate, which has 150 mg. in 1.3 oz., a high level. It also has 200 calories. We live in an imperfect world.

While we’re waiting for more high-flavanol products, Ms. Tallmadge recommends unsweetened cocoa powder, but not the alkalized “Dutch processed” kind, which has had its flavanols reduced. Next in desirability is semisweet or bittersweet chocolate with a high cocoa percentage. Some chocolates contain as much as 70 percent cocoa, but they can have as little as 35 percent. The percent of cocoa in milk chocolate can be even lower, and she does not recommend it. She says, “I recommend cocoa or an ounce per day of dark chocolate, which may be about 110 to 150 calories, depending on the chocolate. Any more than that and you’re probably going to take in too many calories for weight control.”

Do you have any idea of what you just read? A highly qualified nutrition professional is RECOMMENDING that you eat chocolate! Maybe not large quantities of chocolate, but chocolate. If you have suffered much in the area of chocolate, you may want to enlarge that statement and post it on your bathroom mirror, where it can cheer you on rainy mornings.

Now comes the chocolate frosting on the cake. Deanna K. reports: “The Diabetic Educator told me about CARBOLITE, a 1.1 oz. low carb chocolate bar made with Splenda, containing 0 sugar carbs, 15-18g carbohydrates, depending on flavor. On Google type in ‘Carbolite’for more information.”

Deanna continues, “The other chocolate bar that I think is acceptable is Amber Lyn Chocolates (fine imported Belgian chocolate), sugar free and carb conscious. A little higher in calories than Carbolite, the 1.2 oz bar has 15-16g carbs. For nutrition information visit www.amberlynchocolates.com.” The dark chocolate bars have 157 calories.

Flavanols are not listed, but these dark chocolates are a good bet for that HEALTHFUL piece of chocolate it is your DUTY to eat regularly. And soon, no doubt, manufacturers will begin to formulate their candies to be high in flavanols — and say so.

 

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Articles of Interest

The Thrill of Gift Baskets

Gift baskets are the new gift to give. They are popular with everyone from business associates to children. A gift basket is much like a goodie bag – the person never knows what will be inside, but they cannot wait to find out. The many choices in gift baskets make them a good idea for many special occasions…

A gift basket is simple a combination of small gifts in a nice container. It does not necessarily have to be a basket, either.

 

– Baby Shower: A gift basket for a baby shower is very fun to put together. Babies require many small items that often are overlooked. These items alone probably wouldn’t make a great gift, but put them together in a cute package and they will be a big hit. A cute example is a bath tub themed basket. Items like wash clothes, hooded towels, baby wash, lotions and bath toys are put inside an old fashioned washing tub:Gift baskets can be boxes, bags or creative packages, like baby tubs. The gift basket is made to suit the occasion as well as the person. A gift basket works great for close friends and simple acquaintances. Gift baskets are made in a variety of themes that are suitable for any age group, as well. The possibilities for gift baskets are endless. The following list gives examples of gift baskets for every occasion:

 

– Father’s or Mother’s Day: Nothing says “You’re the greatest” like a beautiful gift basket. Children will love putting together special items for their parent in a gift basket. The theme should be suited to the person. For example, a dad who loves golf could be made a basket with little golfing items, like tees and balls. Some other golf themed items could be thrown in and the whole package could be put in a new golf bag.:

 

– Birthday: A birthday gift basket is a great way to buy someone things they would never buy for themselves. Gourmet foods are a great gift basket, packed inside a nice cooking pot. The birthday gift basket should center around the idea of pampering for adults and big fun for children. A child’s birthday gift basket could include stuffed animal themes, outside play themes, bathtub fun themes, or art themes. The ideas are endless!:

 

 

– Christmas: A gift basket makes the perfect gift for someone who is hard to buy for. Some people seem to have everything they could possibly need. In cases like this a gift basket works great. Little trinkets or food items in a stylish package work great for anyone on the Christmas list.:

 

A gift basket can be made for any occasion imaginable. The basic idea is to use small items based around a theme to create a great gift. It is becoming very popular to give gift baskets and people are thrilled to receive them. The next holiday or special occasion that rolls around is definitely worth giving gift baskets a try.

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Chocolate

Chocolate Glossary!


AFRI-KOKO
A chocolate-coconut cordial made in Sierra Leone.

BITTER CHOCOLATE
Known as the best type of chocolate for baking,
it is made from chocolate liquid which has been cooled and molded into blocks. Also Known As: Unsweetened Chocolate.

 

BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE
A dark chocolate containing a minimum of 35% chocolate liquor as a general rule. In spite of that ruling, bittersweet usually contains about 50% chocolate liquor. Semi-sweet chocolate falls more into the 35% range. Can be used interchangeably with baking chocolate. Also Known As: Semi-sweet blocs, squares, bits.

BLOOM
Cocoa butter, the fatty part of chocolate, can solidify into different crystalline forms at different temperatures. This means that untempered chocolate is vulnerable to changes in temperature. Chocolate must be tempered to stabilize it before use, or crystals may form, causing what is called “bloom”. This can appear as a white film on the surface of chocolate, and in some cases the chocolate may become soft or crumbly. While bloom is unwanted, it is not harmful and chocolate with bloom is still safe to eat.

BREAKFAST COCOA
Cocoa powder which contains at least 22% cocoa butter.

CACAO
The cacao tree (Theobroma cacao) is a native of South America. Its fruit is a large pod which can contain many imbedded seeds. The pod is fermented, then the seeds are removed, cured and roasted. The end results are called nibs. Cacao has a high fat, carbohydrate and protein content. Besides chocolate, cacao is used in the preparation of cosmetics and medicines.

CHOCOLATE LIQUEURS
The most common type is creme de cacao, and is found in many chocolate-based drinks. There are also many other specialty chocolate liqueurs available.

CHOCOLATE LIQUID
This is the basic building block from which all chocolate and cocoa products are developed. It comes from ground nibs. Also Known As: Chocolate Liquor.

CHOCOLATIER
A shop or a candymaker that creates and sells chocolate confections.

COCOA BEANS
Seeds from the pod of the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao), native to Amazon forests. The center of the cocoa bean is called the nib, from which chocolate is made.

COCOA BUTTER
The vegetable fat contained in a cocoa bean. It is a yellowish-white fat. It is removed from chocolate liquid by using high pressure.


COCOA POWDER
The portion of chocolate liquid that remains after most of the cocoa butter is removed. It is an unsweetened powder. Different types of cocoa powder include breakfast cocoa, medium and low fat cocoas, and Dutch process cocoa.

CONCHING
Raw unprocessed chocolate is not yet ready to eat, because it is too gritty. To make it smooth, liquid and rich, it is rolled and kneaded until it achieves the desired state. Special machines designed to perform this action contain rollers that are shaped like conches, giving the process its name.

CONFECTIONARY COATING
A blend of sugar, vegetable oil, cocoa powder and other products. Vegetable oil is used in place of cocoa butter to reduce costs, and to cause it to melt easily and then harden quickly. It is really more of a chocolate-flavored candy, not a true chocolate. It can be used to coat fruit bits, and for other decorating purposes. Also Known As: Compound or Decorator’s Chocolate.

 

COUVETURE CHOCOLATE
For a chocolate to be couverture it must contain at least 32% cocoa butter. Some couverture chocolates contain up to 39% cocoa butter. The addition of this extra cocoa butter give it the right texture and consistency to be used for hand-dipping chocolates. It can also be used to enrobe a candy, which means that the chocolate is poured over the candy to coat it. Also Known As: Coating Chocolate, Enrobing Chocolate

DUTCH PROCESS COCOA
Cocoa powder which has been treated with alkali to neutralize acidity. The process creates a darker, milder chocolate.

GANACHE
Ganache is used to glaze cakes, or can be beaten until fluffy to use as fillings for truffles and other candies. It is made by mixing chopped semi-sweet chocolate with boiling cream, then stirring until smooth.

LOW FAT COCOA
Cocoa powder containing less than 10% cocoa butter.

MEDIUM FAT COCOA
Cocoa powder containing between 10% and 22% cocoa butter.

MILK CHOCOLATE
Milk chocolate is made by combining chocolate liquid, extra cocoa butter, milk or cream, sweetening, and flavorings. This chocolate is generally considered the best for eating, because of its sweetness.

MOLINILLO
A wooden stick with rings attached to the bottom. It is used to whip chocolate drinks to make them foam on top.

NIBS
After cocoa beans are fermented and roasted, the nibs, which are the center of the bean, are ground and become chocolate liquid. The high fat content is what allows them to become a liquid.

 

SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE
Semi-sweet chocolate is created by blending chocolate liquid with varying amounts of sweetening and extra cocoa butter. Flavorings may be included. Semi-sweet chocolate is available in bar form, but is usually sold in pieces or chips. Semi-sweet contains between 15% and 35% chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, sugar, lecithin, and vanilla. It may be used in recipes that call for bittersweet or sweet chocolate, but is not interchangeable with milk chocolate. Also Known As: Semi-sweet blocs, squares, bits, chocolate chips, morsels.

SWEET CHOCOLATE
Made by mixing chocolate liquor with sweeteners and extra cocoa butter. Flavorings may be included. Sweet chocolate is usually molded into bars. It contains a minimum of 15% chocolate liquor.

TEMPERING
A method of preparing chocolate so that it will not develop fat bloom. Chocolate that will be used for dipping or coating must be tempered, which also gives it a glossy quality, free of streaks. The classic tempering method is to melt chocolate until it is lump free. Then 1/3 of the chocolate is poured onto a marble slab, spread and worked back and forth with a metal spatula until it becomes thick and reaches a temperature of about 80 degrees. This chocolate is then added back to the remaining 2/3 of the melted chocolate and stirred. The process is repeated until the entire mixture reaches 88-92 degrees for semi-sweet chocolate, 84-87 degrees for milk or white chocolate. Care must be taken not to over temper chocolate, which brings it back to its original state – grainy and susceptible to fat bloom.

UNSWEETENED CHOCOLATE
Chocolate liquid which has been cooled and molded into blocks. This is the best type for baking or cooking. Also Known As: Bitter Chocolate.

WHITE CHOCOLATE
Not a true chocolate, since it does not contain cocoa solids. It is a mixture of sugar, cocoa butter, milk solids, lecithin, and vanilla. If cocoa butter is not mentioned, the product is a confectionary or summer coating, not white chocolate. You need to be careful when melting white chocolate because it is more fragile than true chocolates.

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Articles of Interest

How to Give the Gift of a Lifetime


Giving that special someone a special gift can be very difficult. Depending on the situation and occasion, it can be a very tricky thing. You want to do the right thing, but if you’re not careful, it can backfire. As many have found out, you need to give this some considerable thought. But everyone wants to give the “right” gift. What makes up a great gift? In my experience, a great gift:

 

 

A great gift doesn’t necessarily have to cost hundreds or thousands of dollars to be great. But also understand that getting a gift that is cheap can show how much “you don’t care.” Before you start to shop and buy, also consider the following:Is truly unique, personal and creative;

 

  • Demonstrates to the recipient the thoughtfulness and caring that went into securing the gift;
  • Evokes emotions from the recipient whenever it is used, seen or thought about; and
  • Makes the recipient truly feel special

     


1. Who is the recipient? Is it your spouse, significant other, sibling, parents, relative, close friends, neighbor or business associate?
2. Next, what is the occasion? Holiday, birthday, anniversary, graduation, wedding, engagement, promotion, a “just because” occasion, or “I-need-to-get-out-of- the-doghouse-occasion?”
3. Be yourself. The gift is from you, so make sure it shows it. But be appropriate, and be sure the gift is something that the recipient will relate to and enjoy.
4. Try to avoid excessiveness. Simple gifts tend to also be very well received.
5. Don’t wait until the last minute. It only gives you too little time to get a great gift, and also shows how much you don’t care.

 


Being creative is a fantastic way to ensure getting the right gift. People love it when it’s obvious their gift required some imagination and creativity. So as you’re going through the “what do I get them” process, remember that a little bit of creativity, uniqueness and personalization will go a long, long way! 
The true measure of a great gift will be seen in the eyes of the recipient when they get it. You’ll know it, you’ll feel it, and you’ll feel great yourself when you’ve given the “Great Gift”! 

 

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Spa

Spa in a Cup!


We are so pleased to have recently acquired our lastest luxury brand- Tea Forté – a truly enchanting line of extraordinary gourmet teas.

 

Tea Forté is an award-winning specialty tea which captures the “Art of Tea”. Known for their signature silken tea infusers made by hand and using whole tea leaves creates a visually stunning way to prepare and serve tea.

Their blended high-quality teas of which, there are 37 varieties include black, green, white, oolong and herbal .Their sophisticated, culinary inspired blends include Mojito Marmalade, Apricot Amaretto, Blueberry Merlot, Kiwi Lime Ginger and Cherry Cosmo.

Featured exclusively in high-end retailers, gift shops, restaurants, spas and hotels worldwide, Tea Forté is a true contemporary tea experience!

See what Oprah has to say:

“If you’re a tea lover, this is about as good as it gets. Whole leaves
picked from the tea gardens of China are hand-packed in silken
pyramid-shaped infusers that give buds lots of room to bloom into a
spectacular cup of tea.” — Oprah

Stay tuned for our Mother’s Day Gift Collection featuring our exclusive line of Tea Forté gift ensembles!

 

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Chocolate

The Health Benefits of Chocolate

With the New Year come and gone, many of us are making good on a resolution to eat healthier. So what’s a chocolate lover to do?

 

Good news. Research says you can have your cake and eat it, too. As long as that cake is chocolate.For centuries, chocolate has been used to treat diseases and maladies such as depression. Civilizations from Mexico to Europe have hailed chocolate as an aphrodisiac.

The U.S. government officially recognized its virtues in World War II, making the chocolate candy bar standard issue for the military.

Chocolate’s scientific name, theobroma cacao, is literally translated as “food of the gods,” and we chocolate cravers don’t need any studies to tell us the power of chocolate in mood alteration. Its feel good chemicals have long been associated with feelings of love, safety, and comfort. Maybe that’s why Americans eat an average of 12 pounds of chocolate per year.

Chocolate contains vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E, as well as potassium, sodium, iron, and fluorine. Now, researchers say those creamy chocolate confections may actually help us live longer, too.

 

Premium Nut and Chocolate Assortment Gift Tin

Harvard researchers tracked nearly 8,000 males, with an average age of 65. Those men who enjoyed chocolate and candy lived almost a year longer than those who did not. Those who ate one to three candy bars per month had a 36 percent lower risk of death (compared to the people who ate no candy), while those who ate three or more candy bars per week had a 16 percent lower risk.

Why? The researchers say they don’t know for sure, but that it might have something to do with antioxidants. Chocolate contains the same antioxidant chemicals as wine (phenols). In the chocolate bar, phenols help preserve the fat. In our bodies, phenol can help prevent atherosclerosis.

Like anything, chocolate is best enjoyed in moderation. Just one ounce of solid chocolate packs about 150 calories and can be as much as 50 percent fat. So, for your next chocolate fix, consider reduced fat alternatives, such as chocolate covered foods or chocolate syrup. 

 

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