What is Dutch Processed Cocoa?

What is Dutch-processed cocoa, and is it better than regular cocoa? But, before we answer that question, let’s remember what cocoa powder is.

The cocoa powder is the remnants of the cocoa beans after they are dried, roasted, fermented, and then ground into a paste. Cocoa powder is what gives chocolate its flavor without any added fats, sugar, or milk.

Natural cocoa powder is the most common type, and its tastes vary depending on where it’s made. However, no matter how the factory makes it, natural cocoa powders will always have the same characteristics, such as bitterness and acidity. Cocoa powder has a pH level of between five and six.

Dutch-processed cocoa, also known as European, Dutched, or Alkalized, is washed with a potassium carbonate solution to neutralize the pH level (7). Heavily Dutch cocoa powder has a pH level of 8 and has a bittersweet taste. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will appear darker in color than other cocoa powders.

Due to its neutral pH level, Dutch-processed cocoa does not mix well with baking soda and will not produce carbon dioxide. That is why recipes that call for Dutch-processed cocoa require baking powder.

Can you use Dutch-processed cocoa to replace regular cocoa and vice versa? The answer depends on whether the recipe calls for baking powder or soda. If your recipe asks for baking soda, you’ll need to use regular cocoa. You will need to use Dutch-processed cocoa when it calls for baking powder.

When the recipe asks for baking powder and soda, you can use either one or the other: Dutch-processed or regular cocoa. You must follow the recipe to get the correct balance of acidity and alkalinity. However, any recipe that asks for baking powder will rise.

In the case of chocolate cake, Dutch-processed cocoa has a rich and more profound chocolate taste than natural cocoa. The kind of cocoa you use depends on your preference when it comes to any pudding, dessert sauce, custard, or ice cream.

All and all, using Dutch-processed or natural cocoa all depends on personal preference. But, you must follow the recipe carefully to ensure you get the best results.

At Lazar’s, we offer a wide variety of delicious handmade chocolates. From regular chocolate bars to nuts, fruits, and other filled treats. And if you need party favors for your celebration, we have you covered there as well.

For a complete list of our products, visit our website or give us a call at (516)829-5785. We will answer any questions you may have.

graduation chocolate gifts

Our graduation chocolate gifts are the perfect way to congratulate your student on their hard work, no matter the school level, whether elementary, high school, college or university. We carry a variety of gift baskets, from fancy gift baskets to our platter-style baskets. There is something for everyone here at Lazar’s. 

Are you planning a graduation celebration and wondering what you can put out to wow the guests? Our platter-style baskets aren’t just for giving as gifts. They also make an excellent spread for all types of parties and celebrations. Choose from our assorted candy platter, which contains various sour and sweet gummies, chocolate-covered pretzels, and assorted chocolates. Or if you want a little bit of everything on one platter. Some platters include everything you could ask for, candy, chocolates, pretzels and popcorn. 

So, why choose our graduation chocolate gifts? Well, all of our chocolates are handmade by a family of chocolatiers. We take pride in all our products and always come up with ways to celebrate all occasions. We also work hard to provide treats to those with dietary restrictions, such as nuts, sugar-free and kosher. 

For more information on our graduation chocolate gifts or our many other products, visit our website or call us at (516) 829-5785. Contact Lazar’s today! We will answer any questions you may have. 

graduation chocolate gifts

chocolate teacher gifts

It’s never too late to think about chocolate teacher gifts. Even though the school year is over, there is still time to give away delicious treats to the educators in your lives. Some teachers work throughout the summer to help their students achieve greatness. And for all their hard work, they deserve something special.

When it comes to our products, we have many options for picking from our famous hand-dipped chocolates to miniature foil-wrapped and even signature chocolate bars. We also carry nut-free chocolates for those with nut allergies. And if you’re more into candy, we haven’t forgotten about you. There are plenty of sour and sweet candies for you, including jelly beans.

Chocolate teacher gifts aren’t the only options we carry. At Lazar’s, we create gifts for all occasions and holidays. And because not everyone celebrates the same holiday, we design treats for all faith-based holidays. Are you thinking about having a backyard party? We have you covered. Our platter-style gift baskets will have all your guests talking and coming back for more. Choose from our assorted candy, chocolate, fruit and nut, chocolate-covered pretzels, assorted chocolates, and our chocolate, candy, pretzels, and popcorn platter.

For more information on our chocolate teacher gifts or other products, visit our website or call us at (516)829-5785. We will answer any questions you may have. Contact Lazar’s today!

chocolate teacher gifts

chocolate graduation gifts

Chocolate graduation gifts are the perfect way to celebrate your student’s hard work and achievements, no matter what level of education. At Lazar’s, we carry a variety of sweets that everyone will surely enjoy. From chocolate roses to gift baskets that range in sizes. We also have party platters that will liven up any graduation party.

You’re never too old for a sweet treat, but if chocolate isn’t your thing, do not worry. We also have an assortment of sour and gummy candies for your choosing. Speaking of not being old, we also carry chocolates for the kiddos or the kids at heart. These kid-friendly themed chocolates include chocolate marshmallow pops, chocolate band-aids, iPhones, tv remotes, race cars, and more. Give them away as gifts or as a treat.

Chocolate graduation gifts are not the only present option we have. There are also fancy gift boxes and gift platters. And if party favors are what you need, we have you covered. We have a wide range of favors for all occasions like weddings, baby showers, and other important milestones. All our party favors are customizable to suit your theme and vary in size and chocolate type.

For more information on chocolate graduation gifts or to place an order, visit our website or call us at (516)829-5785. We will answer any questions you may have. Contact Lazar’s today!

chocolate graduation gifts

chocolate order online

What can be better than placing a chocolate order online, especially when it’s from your favorite chocolate shop, such as Lazar’s. Not everyone can make it out to our stores. That is why we offer shipping to almost anywhere. Shipping costs vary between location, climates, and seasons. If you live somewhere warm, we add an extra ice pack fee to ensure your chocolate gets to you safely.

We know not everyone loves chocolate as much as others. Some people prefer candy and other sweets, while some are more savory types. For those who follow under these categories, don’t worry. We haven’t forgotten about you. There are plenty of candies for you to enjoy. For our savory lovers, we have a platter of fruit and dried nuts that you may enjoy.

Placing a chocolate order online is easy. Go to our website, click on a category, select the product you want, choose from the different sizes and type of chocolate, add it to the cart, and then follow the payment and delivery instructions. Shipping costs and delivery time will be determined at checkout. An extra $3.50 insulation fee is added to all orders if you live someplace warm or during the warmer months.

For more information on placing a chocolate order online, visit our website or call us at (516)829-5785. We will answer any questions you may have. Contact Lazar’s today!

chocolate order online

chocolate worldwide shipping

At Lazars, we offer chocolate worldwide shipping to anywhere in the world. Costs to send vary depending on the location and the time of year. An extra expense is added during the summer and warmer climates for an insulation fee. The time it takes to receive your package will also depend on where you live. The longest shipping time is six days.

Chocolate isn’t the only sweet treat we can ship. We also offer a variety of candies, dried fruits, and mixed nuts, so if you’re not quite into chocolate but want to try our other products and can’t make it into our store. Why not take advantage of our shipping? Not sure what to get? A complete list of our treats is available on our website. We think you will be pleasantly surprised at our selections.

What are the exact costs for our chocolate worldwide shipping? Areas in Great Neck pay a flat rate of $5, whereas other locations outside of Great Neck cost $14.50-$15.50 for UPS shipping or $20 to $30 for same-day delivery. The rest of the country pays $15-$25 if needed, a $3.50 ice pack fee to keep the products cool during shipping.

For more information on our chocolate worldwide shipping, visit our website or give us a call at (516)829-5785. We will answer any questions you may have. Contact Lazar’s today!

chocolate worldwide shipping

Does chocolate have a lot of caffeine?

When you are low on energy and need a bit of a boost, some people turn to coffee to give them that pick me up. And others will grab a chocolate bar to power them through. With that in mind, does chocolate have caffeine in it? And if so, how much?

Before we get to the caffeine content, remember we make chocolate from cocoa beans which we liquefy, producing butter and solids, caffeine is found only in the cocoa solids. 

The caffeine content in chocolate depends on the type, except white chocolate, which has no caffeine. The darker the chocolate, the higher the caffeine amount. 

Milk chocolate contains nine milligrams (mg) of caffeine per 1.5 ounces. In comparison, dark chocolate has 12 mg per once ounce. When comparing that to coffee, the average cup of coffee has 95 mg. So, if you’re looking to replace your morning cup of Joe with a chocolate bar and want the same effect, you may still want to keep that cup of coffee on hand. 

However, these numbers can also vary as some chocolate bars, such as energy bars, will have more caffeine added. It’s always best to read the labels if you want less or more of a boost.

When comparing that to coffee, the average cup of coffee has 95 mg. 

Cocoa beans also contain Theobromine, which gives dark chocolate its bitter taste. Theobromine may have anti-inflammatory properties and lower tumor growths. It’s naturally occurring and can even help boost mood and alertness. Just don’t consume too much as it can have a negative effect on your mood. And if you’re caffeine sensitive, you may not want to eat chocolate so close to bedtime. 

Dark chocolate is especially good for you as it can boost your immune system, lower blood pressure, improve brain functions, and have many other health benefits.

Now while chocolate isn’t a replacement for your cup of coffee, it doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy it. And at Lazar’s Chocolate, we have plenty of dark and milk chocolate products for you. From handcrafted chocolates to the standard solid chocolate bar. We also carry themed chocolates for various functions and holidays such as graduations, teacher and student appreciation, and many more.

For more information on our products and store locations and to place an order, visit our website or call us at  (516)829-5785. We will answer any questions you may have. Contact Lazar’s today! 

great neck chocolate

At Lazar’s, our Great Neck chocolate shop location is just one of the ways to get your hands on our delicious handmade treats. So, if you’re in the area, drop-in, say hi, and take a look and what we have created. We are sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Best of all, our shops are run by family members. There’s nothing like a family-run business.

One of the best parts about owning and running our chocolate and candy shop is creating different treats for all occasions. Whether it’s for a wedding, baby or bridal shower, religious holiday, graduation, etc. We try to make something that everyone will enjoy. With this in mind, we also have a selection of special dietary needs treats like nut-free chocolates and sugar-free candies. Can’t find what you’re looking for, or don’t know what to get? All you have to do is give us a shout, and we’ll help you out.

Not able to visit our Great Neck chocolate shop? Have no fear. There are other ways to get your hands on our treats, such as ordering online and shipping them to you. We deliver to pretty much anywhere, with additional costs to make sure your treats get to you safely.

For more information on how to get to our Great Neck chocolate shop, visit our website or give us a call at (516)829-5785. We will answer any questions you may have. Contact Lazar’s today.\

great neck chocolate

best chocolate in new york

Who has the best chocolate in New York? Why Lazar’s Chocolate, of course? And what makes us the best? Maybe because we are a fourth generation of chocolatiers and handcraft all our chocolates, or because we create treats for all occasions, including weddings, graduations, religious holidays and much more.

Speaking of graduations, it’s nearly that time of year when your student ends their journey and begins another one. Our graduation chocolates are the best way to congratulate your student on a job well done. There is something for the teachers as well. And if chocolate isn’t the answer, why not try some of our candies. We have a wide selection of gummy and sour candies that any candy lover will enjoy.

How do you get your hands on the best chocolate in New York? We have two stores. One store is located in Great Neck, and the other at the Wheatley Plaza in Greenvale. But if you can’t make it out, we deliver to almost anywhere in the world. Shipping costs depend on where you live and the time of year, as we charge a little bit extra in the warmer months for ice packages and insulation to keep your products nice and cool.

For more information on why we have the best chocolate in New York, visit our website or call us at 516-829-5785. We will answer any questions you may have.

best chocolate in new york

new york chocolate shops

Looking for the best New York chocolate shops, look no further than Lazar’s Chocolates. We offer some of the best handmade sweets there is, from the traditional solid chocolate bar to a wide variety of hand-dipped chocolates. Our chocolates are perfect for any occasion, whether you are celebrating an important milestone or looking for a gift for that special someone.

Sometimes chocolate isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay because we offer more than just chocolate. We also carry various gummy and sour candies, licorice, and jelly beans. And if you’re planning on having a party, consider our assorted candy platter. These platters come with a mixture of everything, making them the perfect addition to your celebration. We also carry chocolate platters that contain a variety of our famous hand-dipped chocolates.

So, what makes our stores the best New York chocolate shops? If we’d have to guess, we’d say because we’re a fourth-generation family of chocolatiers? Or that we take care in crafting all of our sweets, or maybe because we like to create different treats for every occasion and holiday of every faith. There are many reasons to shop at Lazar’s. Visit one of our two stores in Great Neck or the Wheatly Plaza in Greenvale. Can’t make it out? No problem, we can deliver to almost anywhere.

For more information on the best New York chocolate shops, visit our website or call us at 516-829-5785. We will answer any questions you may have.

new york chocolate shops