Chocoholic Frolic is a chocolate sampling event that will feature delectable bite-size tastings of foodstuff from participating restaurateurs, caterers, private chefs, bakers, and wine merchants coming from Union and nearby counties. Such food items include luscious desserts, sumptuous dishes made better with chocolate and chocolate beverages.

An estimated 20 to 30 vendors and about 400 guests are arriving who will get to listen to live instrumental music by My Gentle Harp and support the Council’s mission to teach adults to read, write, and understand English constructively. The beneficial programs involve one-on-one tutoring, group instructions, books, and working around computers. “Our goal is for adults to read with confidence the most basic daily information, such as a street sign, their child’s report card, a medicine bottle, and a job application,” said Kelly Norton, Executive Director.

Norton said: “The response has been really good. People are really intrigued by having a chocolate party, and vendors are really interested and excited about it. Some of the smaller vendors see it as a great way to get out in the community and let people hear about them.”

“Gallery Restaurant is looking forward to creating a delectable dish for Chocoholic Frolic,” said Heather Tapper, the Assistant Food & Beverage Director at The Ballantyne Hotel which was among the first ones to sign up for the said event, followed by Crossroads Grill , Dolce Paradiso, Gimme A Cupcake, Lone Buddy Boy Candy, Cone Toffee, Barking Dog Bakery, and Macaroni Grill,  among many others.

And don’t worry about the drinks, they got it all covered. Bottled water, as well as coffee, will be served. Beer and wine will be put up for sale and you know how they go perfectly with chocolate-flavored dishes. The Council reportedly chose February as the date for the particular festive and playful affair since they thought it screams fun especially when Valentine’s Day is nearing.

You can get tickets beforehand for $25 online (www.literacyunion.org) and at the Literacy Council’s office, 105-A E. Jefferson St. in Monroe. But you can get your general ticket on the spot for $30.  Or, for $50, you can get a Patron ticket which will enable you to come in an hour earlier (for 3 hours of tasting) and get one free beer or a glass of wine.

The word “mousse” is a French word which means “foam” or “lather”. A mousse is a certain type of food that incorporates air bubbles to give it an airy texture.  Depending on how you prepare it, it can turn out light and fluffy or creamy and thick.

It made its way into the culinary world in the 18th century which was the period when chefs in Europe, especially in France, learned about the frothing power of eggs. A French writer Menon recorded the recipes which mostly involved different kinds of dishes from fish to vegetables. It didn’t take too long until the infamous 19th century French painter and cook Henri de Toulouse came up with the idea of mixing in chocolate with mousse.  He originally called it “chocolate mayonnaise”, which we now know by the more appealing name “chocolate mousse”.

In the United States, the earliest printed references to chocolate mousse supposedly come from a Food Exposition which took place at Madison Square Garden in New York City in 1892.

Mousse, as we know it today, is yielded by the introduction of egg whites. The invention of electric mixers definitely made life easier, as doing the foaming process by hand is downright agonizing and it’s just not as effective.

Nowadays, there are endless possibilities with regard to working with chocolate mousse. Some recipes even have fancy liqueurs in them,   but the main ingredients stay the same, namely chocolate, egg whites, and sugar.

However you plan on presenting your chocolate mousse, as with any other recipe, it all boils down to the quality of ingredients you use. Opt for only the finest ones and not just anything you can get your hands on. Your chocolate mousse is only as good as your chocolate, or so they say. So you better get the best chocolate you can.

Just in case you wanted to know, the word mousse is French and it means foam or lather. This is a specialty in French restaurants, which made its way into the British and American culture in the 1960s. The most essential part in creating chocolate mousse is the foam, which gives this treat an airy and light texture. You have the freedom of choice to prepare it light and fluffy or creamy and thick. It all boils down to your liking.

This simple yet appetizing dessert can come in handy this time of year especially when all the food you’ve prepared is finished by some other guests, and unexpected ones come over!

Enjoy!

But don’t stop here, you can modify the recipe by using other dried fruits and nuts available in your kitchen or fridge. And always keep in mind, the quality of the chocolate brittle will be as good as the quality of the chocolate you will be using, so see to it that you use quality chocolate!

Better yet, get some other chocolate recipes from the previous posts and try to make all you can. Then put them together in gift baskets to give away to your friends and loved ones. This is one surefire way of making their Christmas merry!

The tangy note of orange is just heavenly when united with the sweetness of chocolate. When a certain cake features the combo, it leaves an intricate taste in your mouth. You’ll know it’s not just another boring dessert.

You can use this recipe for these up-and-coming holidays and entertain your guests with a cake that has the interesting combination of orange and chocolate with the crunch of walnuts.

Enjoy!

It may sound bizarre to others who don’t experiment with food much, but beer and chocolate go together splendidly, especially the dark variants. The pairing sounds pretty strange but boy does it work!

People who aren’t crazy about beer often have a fancy for chocolate, so it’s safe to say it’s a win-win recipe. Huge beer fanatics can find flavors in beer that can also be found in chocolate.

With some experimentation, foodies now have come up with something that would make beer fans and chocolate lovers meet halfway. Those who have a sweet tooth are the ones who will enjoy it better, though!

Enjoy!

A soufflé is a baked cake with a light and airy texture, basically composed of egg yolks and whipped egg whites along with other uncomplicated ingredients.

The term was derived from the French word ‘souffler’ which means “to blow up” or “puff up”. In accordance with its name, a soufflé should be puffed up and fluffy when it comes out of the oven.

Ramekins are the conventional container for soufflés but it is still your call where you want it placed. There is an array of soufflé themes, but just because we’re going for the easy one doesn’t mean it’s gonna be any less good!

Enjoy it right after a delightful meal or just about any time you want, fresh out of the oven.

Pecan pie is one of those desserts that is popularly served at Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.  It is also considered a specialty of Southern U.S. cuisine. 

Pecan pie is typically made of corn syrup and pecan nuts, but you’re on my website and that means you expect chocolate.  So here’s a chocolate pecan pie recipe for you to enjoy.  And, this one is quite simple to make.

Enjoy!

Cherries are known for their important nutrients such as beta carotene (19 times more than blueberries or strawberries), magnesium, potassium, fiber, folate, iron and vitamin C. New studies have revealed that a cherry-enriched diet can lower cholesterol, total weight and body fat, especially along the midsection or more commonly known as ‘belly fat’.

The festive seasons are just around the corner and one of the best ways of showing your affection to your loved ones is through gifts. Give these treats and see the joy on their faces.

Enjoy!

Muffin recipes originally materialized in print by mid 18th century and quickly stepped forward. By the 19th century muffin, as a marketing strategy, men walked the streets of England at tea time. They wore trays of muffins on their heads and rang their bells to attract customers.

As a matter of fact, three states in the United States of America have embraced their own official muffins. Minnesota, Massachusetts, and New York, have adopted the blueberry muffin, corn muffin, and the apple muffin as their official muffin of choice, respectively.

Enough with feeding the brain? Then go feed your tummy.

Go nuts!