Smart About Chocolate: A Sweet History (Smart About History) (Smart About History)

Book Description

Our unique, kid-friendly Smart About series continues with something for your sweet tooth! Smart About Chocolate is "chock-full" of fun facts about the history of chocolate, from the Mayans to Milton Hershey! Kids will learn how chocolate comes from beans of the rain forest's cacao trees and how candymakers in England and Switzerland first produced the chocolate we know and love today. Includes recipes and recommendations of classic books about chocolate.

Customer Reviews:

Informationally sweet.......2006-04-06

Written in a nonlinear, post-modern style, the book, CHOCOLATE; A SWEET HISTORY, is both interesting and fun. The author's choice to impart a wealth of information in the style of a young boy's school report makes the book entertaining. The amount of information contained within the pages is impressive. It includes a chronological history of chocolate, present-day manufacturing of a Hershey's bar, the benefits of eating chocolate and recipes for chocolate treats. Although the book is written in a simplistic style, the information in the book is comprehensive and advanced (including the name of the chemical, phenylethylamine, which causes the happy feeling people experience when eating chocolate). The pictures are interesting, colorful and fun with most being drawn in a cartoon style with balloons to provide the text. Other pictures seem as though they were taken during a family trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania. Children from elementary school through high school will find this book informative and entertaining, however it is truly geared toward elementary students.

Something Truly Bitter-Sweet........2005-03-31

SMART ABOUT CHOCOLATE: A SWEET HISTORY is one of the SMART ABOUT series of children's books. These books are written and designed to inform students about a wide variety of topics that they probably have some interest in, but don't know much about. The books are written in the form of an essay that a "student" writes for a school report. CHOCOLATE: A SWEET HISTORY is filled with all kinds of photographs and illustrations that complement the information it contains. The book gives a history of chocolate and how it was first used, how it has changed moving from one continent to the next, and how it is produced. The book is only 30 pages long but is very informative. For instance, I learned from reading this book that the scientific name fro the cacao tree is theobroma cacao which literally means "food of the goods". I also learned that most of the worlds cacao beans are imported from Africa and that the Aztecs found cacao beans so valuable that they eventually started using them as money. The book is very colorful and has plenty of illustrations to catch even the most disengaged of young readers attention. Towards the end of the book a recipe for making chocolate yum-yums appears. The final page of the book is a sort of bibliography that lists a few other titles that student might be interesting in reading if they like chocolate. Overal, a tasty bit of reading.

Average customer rating:

Enthusiastically recommended reading!

Ganong: A Sweet History of Chocolate
David Folster
Manufacturer: Goose Lane Editions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Company Profiles | Biography & History | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Chocolate | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

History | Gastronomy | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0864924801

Book Description

Nothing says love like a box of delectable chocolates. And selling love is how Ganong, famous for its century-old Delecto brand, became one of the world's leading candy-makers. At one time, this family-owned business produced 1100 different kinds of chocolates and confections. Ganong: A Sweet History of Chocolate is an illustrated history of the family and its business, from its humble beginnings in St. Stephen, New Brunswick to its current niche in a world dominated by super-sized conglomerates. In 1873, James and Gilbert Ganong opened a grocery store; they soon discovered that candy would sell and set about finding true artisans who would invent some of Ganong's trademark sweets. They did, indeed, discover a "lozenge man," a hard-candy specialist, a "gum and jelly" man who was also adept at mixing chocolate, and a "sugar-boiler." Ganong was on its way. In a hundred and thirty-three years, the company has amassed an impressive list of firsts: it concocted the first All-day Sucker, the five-cent chocolate nut bar, and that Maritime Christmas favourite -- the Chicken Bone. Ganong was one of the first companies to sell boxed chocolates, and it was the first company in Canada to use the heart-shaped chocolate box, first for Christmas and later for Valentine's Day. As this lusciously illustrated book reveals, Ganong pioneered not just the art of making candy but also the art of selling it. The company's colourful streetcar posters were "rich in Edwardian idealism. The women were lovely, the men were handsome." Its trading cards, its newspaper ads, and the actual chocolate boxes were true reflections of the times and today are treasures in themselves. Along with the colour reproductions of many of Ganong's packaging and marketing materials from days gone by, author David Folster has selected a rich array of archival photographs of the original Ganong factory (now a retail outlet and museum) and the many loyal employees who have contributed to the sweet success of this company. Five generations of Ganongs have worked in the factory, still located in St. Stephen, and the Ganong family continues to run the company today. Their name represents more than a commercial brand or a delicious candy. According to Folster, Ganong is emblematic of Canada itself. And they make fine chocolate, too.

Customer Reviews:

Enthusiastically recommended reading!.......2007-01-04

James and Gilbert Ganong opened their grocery story in 1873 and found that candy was a best selling, motivating them to invent what would eventually be more than 1100 different kinds of chocolates and confections, making them one of the world's leading candy-makers. "Ganong: A Sweet History Of Chocolate" is a wonderfully illustrated and fascinatingly presented history of the Ganong family and their business from its humble beginnings in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada, down to its present international status as a unique niche candy-maker in a world dominated by super-sized conglomerates. For the past 133 years, Ganong's chocolates have earned a number of 'firsts' that include the first All-Day Sucker, the five-cent chocolate nut bar, and that Maritime Christmas favorite - the Chicken Bone. They were the first company in Canada to use the heart-shaped chocolate box, first for Christmas, and then for Valentine's Day. Profusely illustrated throughout, "Ganong: A Sweet History Of Chocolate" is an inherently fascinating account of five generations of Ganongs who have worked in the family factory (still located in St. Stephen) and enthusiastically recommended reading!

Average customer rating:

Chocolate: The Sweet History
Chocolate delicious by body hottie
Oh Lordy!! Makes your mouth water :-()
Kudos and Congratulations on a wonderful book -- its a winneer
A delicious presentation indeed, packed with history and appeal

Chocolate: The Sweet History
Beth Kimmerle
Manufacturer: Collectors Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Chocolate | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

History | Gastronomy | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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Candy: The Sweet History
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Indulgence: Around the World in Search of Chocolate

ASIN: 1933112042

Book Description

With the same satisfying style that flavored CANDY, Beth Kimmerle returns for another trip into America's scrumptious past with CHOCOLATE.This richly illustrated celebration of our favorite indulgence is beautifully presented with pho-tographs, vintage packaging, and candy graphics that bring to life the truly sweet history of an age-old delicacy. Delve into the detailed stories of well-loved chocolate companies as Kimmerle profiles America's top chocolate makers and discovers some new chocolatiers creating a stir in the industry. Learn the history, discover the European roots, and read the fabled stories behind this American obsession. Whether you prefer dark or white, truffles or cup-cakes, enthusiasts will delight in this delicious diary of all things chocolate.

Customer Reviews:

Chocolate: The Sweet History.......2007-07-16

Chocolate: The Sweet History details the history of chocolate form its origins in MesoAmerica dating at least as far back as 600BC to present day. In the earliest times, chocolate was used in a spicy drink. This drink evolved into a sweet drink as high classed Europeans adopted chocolate into their culture. Evolving techniques used to work the cocoa beans eventually led to the wide variety of chocolate that we see today.

Chocolate: The Sweet History includes a lot of interesting tidbits and facts about chocolate, about chocolate making techniques, and about the innovative people who are responsible for the variety of products that we have today.

I was surprised at how little I actually knew about chocolate before opening this book. Now, I find myself bringing up interesting chocolate facts in conversations. I'm sure most readers will find themselves doing the same thing. Many readers will also likely find themselves reminiscing as they look through the pages of this book at the various advertisements and product labels illustrating company and product changes over the years.

Chocolate delicious by body hottie.......2007-01-23

this book was delicious it was very interesting i never knew most of this stuff in there
it made me so hungry for chocolate and im a chocolate fanatic
DELCIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

even the book tasted good
~~~ body hottie

Oh Lordy!! Makes your mouth water :-().......2006-01-24

What a delicious book. It's beautiful presented both inside and out and it talks about one of my favourite subjects: chocolate. It can't get better than that. Apart from the great pictures in here, there is a lot of information about this heavenly treat and also history about brands. Yoo-Hoo was created in 1924, the Godiva company was founded in 1926 and Hershey's Chocolate World theme park opened in 1973 are just some of the fun facts in the chocolate timeline in here. There is a section about descriptions and terms of chocolate. It lists the differences. Then later in the book there is more info about the various chocolate companies (Mars, Hersheys, Sees Candies etc). This book I'm sure will appeal to so many people of all different tastes and backgrounds because if there is one thing in the world that most people can agree on, is how good chocolate is.

Kudos and Congratulations on a wonderful book -- its a winneer.......2005-07-28

I collect and invest in cookbooks. I also purchase histories of food. . .including historical narratives of appetizers, entrees, desserts, coffee, spirts, etc.

Kimmerlie's book is a classic. . I've ordered additional copies of her impressively researched, well-written, and wondefully illustrated book, as gifts for friends, and relatives. Her first "candy" book is also on my list of purchases that I purchase for valued colleagues.

bjd

A delicious presentation indeed, packed with history and appeal.......2005-07-04

Chocolate makers and company evolution are the focus of a tasty selection of historical notes in Beth Kimmerle's Chocolate: The Sweet History - but the focus doesn't end with company profiles alone. Historical details trace chocolate's Aztec origins, cocoa plant myths and usage, timelines of chocolate trade development, and more, adding depth and insights which include notes on different varieties of chocolate. Add luscious historical photos and ads in full color and you have a delicious presentation indeed, packed with history and appeal.

The Sweet Life chocolate engagement calendar, 1983: Recipes, history, humor and all you'd ever want to know about chocolate, and perhaps more

Average customer rating:

The Sweet Life chocolate engagement calendar, 1983: Recipes, history, humor and all you'd ever want to know about chocolate, and perhaps more
Lois Libien
Manufacturer: Sweet Life, Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B00072KP0Q

The Sweet Side of Little Rock: A History of Candy Making in Arkansas

Average customer rating:

The Sweet Side of Little Rock: A History of Candy Making in Arkansas
Del Schmand
Manufacturer: August House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Company Profiles | Biography & History | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Production & Operations | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

A History of Sweet and Chocolate Manufacture. (book reviews): An article from: Food Trade Review

Average customer rating:

A History of Sweet and Chocolate Manufacture. (book reviews): An article from: Food Trade Review

Manufacturer: Food Trade Press Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Food Trade Review, published by Food Trade Press Ltd. on August 1, 1989. The length of the article is 444 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: A History of Sweet and Chocolate Manufacture. (book reviews)
Publication: Food Trade Review (Magazine/Journal)
Date: August 1, 1989
Publisher: Food Trade Press Ltd.
Volume: v59 Issue: n8 Page: p402(1)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

The sweet taste of history: Chocolate: The Exhibition at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.: An article from: Semana

Average customer rating:

The sweet taste of history: Chocolate: The Exhibition at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.: An article from: Semana

Manufacturer: Spanish Publications, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Science & Technology | Subjects | e-Docs | Formats | Books
ASIN: B000825KVE
Release Date: 2005-07-31

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Semana, published by Spanish Publications, Inc. on February 15, 2004. The length of the article is 1349 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The sweet taste of history: Chocolate: The Exhibition at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Publication: Semana (Magazine/Journal)
Date: February 15, 2004
Publisher: Spanish Publications, Inc.
Volume: 10 Issue: 572 Page: S2(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

The Sweet Life chocolate engagement calendar 1982: Recipes, history, humor and all you'd ever want to know about chocolate, and perhaps more

Average customer rating:

The Sweet Life chocolate engagement calendar 1982: Recipes, history, humor and all you'd ever want to know about chocolate, and perhaps more
Lois Libien
Manufacturer: Sweet Life
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B00072KP0G

Average customer rating:

Pretty Pictures don't save the boring patterns

Gorgeous book with a "nature" twist

Comforts of Home: Simple Knitted Accents

Aesthetically pleasing and simple projects abound!

Fresh, clean vibe

Comforts of Home: Simple Knitted Accents
Erika Knight
Manufacturer: Martingale and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Knitting | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Textile Arts | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Decorating | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Simple Crochet

ASIN: 1564773353

Book Description

Comforts of Home
Simple Knitted Accents
by Erika Knight

Transform your home into a luxurious retreat with exquisite knitted accents!

Capturing the mood of minimalist design, Comforts of Home offers simple patterns for creating luxurious, contemporary knitted accents for the home. Eighteen beautiful and practical projects feature the easiest stitches and patterns, making this book ideal for even first-time knitters.

Starting with basic knitting techniques, Comforts of Home provides detailed photographs and easy-to-follow instructions that introduce each knitting concept clearly and concisely. From casting on to increasing, decreasing, and binding off, you'll find each project simple to stitch and a joy to create.

· Quick-to-knit designs follow the stylish "natural look" trend, using soft, lavish yarns and muted color palettes to harmonize with any decor

· Large projects are conveniently broken down into portable sections for knitting at the soccer game, the doctor's office, or away from home

· No previous knitting experience is needed--most of these lush accessories can be completed in a weekend, even by novice knitters

These elegant, quick, and easy projects for modern interiors offer a casual look that will transform your home's spaces into comfortable, welcome havens for living.

Customer Reviews:

Pretty Pictures don't save the boring patterns.......2005-04-10

Yes, there are some lovely pictures in this book but I was less than impressed with the projects and patterns found inside. It probably wouldn't be that bad if it wasn't so expensive - if you can find a used copy for cheap buy it. But what really botered me was how unoriginal the projects were. The garter stitch pillow case was the worse, the stockingnette stitch plants and the rag rug were all close runners up. Everything in this book I have seen free patterns for on the net and with only 18 projects I would recommend something else - anything else. This book did not impress me at all, no matter how pretty the pictures were.

Gorgeous book with a "nature" twist.......2004-08-19

The emphasis of this book is clear - fantastic photography. From the front page to the back, it is filled with some of the most spectacular photographs of knitting I've ever seen. The intended emphasis of the book, though, is to feature simple, natural projects for the home - made from natural materials, mainly in earth tones, these items will not overwhelm any decorum. The book starts with a showcase of all different types of natural materials that can be used in knitting - yarns, twine, stones, buttons - all photographed in the most amazing way. There is a pretty short section explaining how to knit, but although the photographs are great, I don't think this is the book to pick up if you don't know how to knit at all. The projects include decorative cushions, throws, a felted sweater, slippers, a sisal wash mitt, mini bathrobe, a basket, and even a bathrug. Most projects are worked in garter, stockinette, or seed stitch, some with striping and bead decorations. These look like simple projects with an earthy slant that would thrill any "all-natural" lover. I think that this book is so beautiful and that it would also make a great gift.

Comforts of Home: Simple Knitted Accents.......2004-06-03

This book has a FEW really cool ideas and A LOT of very basic stuff. Definitely geared to someone just starting to learn how to knit. It's not very challenging, or creative. The pillows and blankets are rather boring.

The only things I'll probably use are:

1. Beaded edges or tassles on pillows.
2. The knitted rug. I'd probably want to knit it with sisal twine, which you can find in any local hardware store. Denim would also be really interesting. The options are endless.

The rest is either too easy or too ugly.

Aesthetically pleasing and simple projects abound!.......2004-03-05

This book is very lovely and I use it for more inspiration than actual patterns for home decor.

Hand-knitting household accents is an enjoyable and relaxing task. They give yr home a comfortable and lived in look and you have complete creative control in colours, patterns, texture and size instead of purchasing something readymade in a store. They also make extremely thoughtful gifts especially if you make things to match the gift recipent's colour scheme and decor.

My favourite pattern in this book is for a lush shaggy bath rug. I also like the beaded accents on the throw pillows.

This book is appropriate for every skill level, in fact more advanced knitters would just finish the project that much quicker and easier, while the novice knitter would have a fairly easy time knitting the mostly rectangular patterns and most of them call for fairly bulky yarn.

I would suggest purusing a copy at a bookstore or library before purchasing because it is a little pricy and the best aspects of it are the ideas and presentation. Most semi-experienced knitters would not even need a pattern if they saw a picture and then could knit from their mind's eye.

On the other hand this book is so lovely and provokes creativity for me in decoring my home that it is worth having and keeping and flipping through.

Fresh, clean vibe.......2003-12-03

I like the feel of this book - it seems to come from a world that is bright and clean and warm and tidy and quietly creative.

I like the side-by-side comparisons of swatches in different weight yarns. And this is a good introduction to household items that are knittable - a different way of thinking for me.

My favorite item so far though is the loofah mitt - knitted with sisal. That just wouldn't have occurred to me ever.

This book isn't worth hundreds of dollars or anything, but I think it offers something fresh for those like me who are new to knitting.

Interior Alchemy: Secrets to Creating Expressive Ambience
Average customer rating:

Not your usual decorating, thank goodness!

My Favorite "Decorating" book

Decorating Eden

My new decorating bible

Close-to-realistic decorating

Interior Alchemy: Secrets to Creating Expressive Ambience
Rebecca Purcell , and Kathy Walton
Manufacturer: William Morrow & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Interior Design | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
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Decoration & Ornament | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0688148948

Customer Reviews:

Not your usual decorating, thank goodness!.......2007-09-02

I do NOT have a french or english country estate, so decorating books showing large rooms are not helpful for me. I hate French country decor, with the stupid ugly chickens and everything painted mustard and blue. Pottery Barn, Res Hardware and Crate and Barrel are handy but cookie cutter... This book is not any one of these things and I really love it! Some of the decorating styles, like "Alienated" are a bit too eccentric even for me but I love seeing the ideas taken to completion with out appology. It's not about shabby chic, it's more eccentric than that, like vintage photos of show girls, morrocan lamps and velvet couches... I really hate decorating books where everything is painted flat white, like an apartment, and cutsy little flowers everywhere. Too girly. No punch. This book is using what you love, even if, or especially if, its odd to create atmosphere with attitude. I think this is especially good for people with old houses or apartments, who are good at found art and collage. If your mother was an antique dealer like mine and you have mis matched yet interesting things, there are very useful ideas here. Medieval enthusiasts and goth kids would love this book. People with Magickal households that have unusual things would love this book, as well.

My Favorite "Decorating" book.......2007-06-26

This is more of an analysis of your artistic style than one of those cookie cutter decorating books--every page is amazing. If you are artistic & don't like to follow current trends, you will love the offbeat, quirky ideas. Worth every penny--sequel, please?

Decorating Eden.......2007-02-11

Firstoff the four stars is hard to explain. I want to give this item five. But there is a few things I cannot overlook. However, this book is amazing. It is a decorating eden, filled with wonderous things you should look into and explore. If you look at this book and you think "ack, $$$!! I do not have the money to pull off these styles" you will miss the entire point of the book. The entire book is about doing it yourself, and she does it on a penny. she explains throughout - its possible to get the look and spend a reasonable amount of money. The book is not about buying the most expensive antique. Its about creating. Its about making something yours from junk. Its about hooshing - making it yourself; spending no money. It is a tome of creativity.

The only reason I cannot give it 5 is the one chapter 'Humble' - while the style is visually appealing she seems to forget a few things, like sanitation. The cute little guest cottage is made out of an old large chicken coop, where the walls have sustained beautiful natural water damage. While asthetically pleasing, its mold. Also, chickens carry alot of airborn diseases that if you mess around in their dried feces (like oh say, in a chicken coop) you can inhale and get terrible things like meningitis. (It happened to a friend's brother of mine while he was cleaning out a similar coop to the one she uses. Not something to mess around with. And he was wearing an air filter and construction gear.)
While this chapter can be completely overlooked and ideas still gained from it, it completely ignores hygine and health. But honestly, this shouldn't make you ignore this book. Its a diamond in the rough. No book is perfect, but this - is pretty darn close.

My new decorating bible.......2005-02-03

I adore this book. I found a copy of it mysteriously in my office (I'm a set dresser) and it has completely overhauled my beliefs in decorating. The pictures are feasts for your eyes... There's just so much to look at, all layered so perfectly. I can't wait to create my own lofted bed, my own hooshes, and mysteriously curtained nooks. I feel like I finally fit into a design catagory.

Even if this book doesn't quite mesh as well with your design style, it is still interesting to look at the unique ways of decorating, and the text is lively and quite non-snore inducing (which most decorating books tend to be).

Amazing book. Buy it, you won't be disappointed. It will leave you yearning for another one from the very creative Rebecca Prucell.

Close-to-realistic decorating.......2005-01-05

I have mixed feelings about this book, despite the 5 stars. I don't actually like clutter myself. I take its presence as a sign that somebody needs to tidy up and/or throw a few things out.

Still, whose home is neat and organized all the time? Through great effort, I can get mine to lose that just-been-burglerized look for about 5 minutes a week.

So I was delighted to find Purcell's book, much of which is devoted to making clutter actually look good, a process she refers to as "hooshing."

She also appreciates that few people's household belongings are new, unstained or well-matched.

--which is (IMO) why the rooms in this book bear some resemblance to places people actually live.

The main deviation from TRULY realistic decor derives from the fact that HER piles of clutter consist of things like old globes, brocade samples, hardcover books etc., whereas most people's clutter is stuff like old newspapers and dead plants. But for an interior decorating book, it's close enough.

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