Well, then . . . I must be chocolate!

A man is what he thinks about all day long. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

I'm sure Emerson had something loftier in mind when he wrote this, but the main thing on my mind today has been chocolate! Do you ever have those days?

Did you know that many cities now have chocolate tours? What a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening? Here is a sampler of tours, but, there is a caveat . . . you'll need a chocolate fix after seeing these sites: Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and maybe a city or town near you. Or, what a great idea for a new business; you could start a chocolate tour in your hometown!

And here's an amazing concept - a Chocolate Spa! The Spa at Hotel Hershey offers a full range of chocolate treatments - how great would you feel after a Chocolate Sugar Scrub or a Whipped Cocoa Bath? Or, how about combining two great passions - jewelry and chocolate? That's right, Wendy Mahr has created chocolate jewelry. Wow!

According to their website, the jewelry can be worn several times and then eaten. You can even send the non-chocolate parts back to have a permanent piece of jewelry created. This is such a wonderful idea that I know you'll want to see the earrings, too.

Hope you enjoyed this little chocolate chat - I'm off to find that last, leftover Godiva Santa . . .

What's Cheery on a Cold, Rainy Evening?

Hot Chocolate, of course!

It's been a chilly, rainy, yucky day here as the remnants of Hurricane Ida blew through town. After weeks of sunny fall days, this little winter preview was a bit of a shock and I, for one, will be happy to see the back-side of Ida! But, it's not all dreary tonight - our Hot Chocolate Pot has come out of its summer hiding and we're ready for some yummy, chocolaty hot chocolate. Did you think the phrase 'chocolaty hot chocolate' was redundant? Well, not really because not all hot chocolate is really chocolaty. I'll admit I am prejudiced against any food that begins as a powder - especially if it ends with a quick hot water stir. But, even staunch hot chocolate mix supporters will be converted once they try homemade hot chocolate.

Take a look at this recipe - it's from the reprint version of the Better Homes & Gardens New Cook Book. It's an exact copy of the original 1953 cookbook, age-yellowed pages and all. If your mom or grandmother had this book, you'll enjoy this clever edition - and not just for the recipes.

The Breakfast Chocolate recipe is, however, one your whole family will love. It's very much like coffee-house hot chocolate, especially if you have a frother like the one in our chocolate pot. We've had this Williams-Sonoma pot a few years (it was a gift!) and use it often during the winter. If you love hot chocolate, check out their latest version here: Williams-Sonoma Hot Chocolate Pot.

And even though these marshmallow pirates were seen here recently, I wanted to share them again (in case you missed the peg leg the first time around). After all, no hot chocolate discussion is complete without at least a hint of marshmallow.

Coffee + Chocolate + Pecans = Cookie Heaven

Can a person who doesn't like coffee like coffee-flavored things? Yes! I think coffee smells so yummy, but I don't like the taste. But, desserts flavored with coffee are another story . . . I love them. Perhaps because they're often also chocolate. Here's one of my favorite cookies that combines these two great tastes. They're easy to make and the batter can be refrigerated for several days and baked in batches. (Yes, that means cookies hot from the oven on multiple days!)

Mocha Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
2 tablespoons instant coffee
2 teaspoons boiling water
1 cup all-purpose flour (or 1 cup self-rising and omit the salt & baking soda)
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (one stick) butter, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 egg
1/2 cup pecan pieces (they're much better if you toast them first - 350 for 3-5 minutes)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350. Melt 1/2 cup chocolate chips in microwave (or over a pot of simmering water). Stir until smooth; let cool to room temperature. In a small cup, mix boiling water and coffee until dissolved; set aside. If using all purpose flour, combine flour, salt, and baking soda in medium bowl; set aside.

In large bowl, combine butter, sugars, and coffee. Beat until creamy (a hand whisk will work). Add egg and melted chocolate. Mix well. Gradually add flour mixture. Stir in remaining 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips and pecans.

Drop by rounded teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Let stand on baking sheet 2-3 minutes before removing. Cool on rack.

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I hope you try these cookies because they're really easy and so delish. If you're a coffee drinker, you can substitute cold, strong, brewed coffee for the instant. It's nice to keep a small jar of instant coffee or espresso powder in the pantry, though, because it can add a depth of flavor to stews, baked goods, and gravies - just experiment with a small amount.

Did you expect vanilla in the list of ingredients? We usually have vanilla in chocolate baked goods, but in this recipe coffee takes its place. So, if you're out of vanilla and have a craving for chocolate, just whip up a batch of these! Finally, I think these are best a little chewy so when I store them in an airtight bag or container, I usually add a small piece of bread. It will keep the cookies soft (an apple slice also works, but imparts a fruity flavor . . .).

Enjoy!

Tea and Chocolate

Do you ever worry about things that will probably never happen? Like how to escape if you're chased by a pack of wild dogs? Or how to cut the seat belt with that little tool you keep in the glove compartment if your car starts to sink during a flash flood? Or if your butler can only bring you one thing on a silver salver, should you pick tea or chocolate? These are the things that keep us awake at night, but no need to fret over the last scenario. You can simply choose a tea-flavored chocolate like this Dark Chocolate with Earl Grey.


I'm not a fan of chocolate flavored teas, but foods made with chocolate are another story. This Belgian bar is a dreamy combination of Chocolate Noir and Earl Grey tea. Even if Earl Grey is on the bottom of your favorite tea list, you will love this chocolate. There are lots of chocolates flavored with tea - so check out the chocolate selection at your local gourmet shop or grocery store (or even Target) and give them a try. Then you can check one thing off your worry list.

Say It With Chocolate . . .

Writing with chocolate - what a great idea! Take a look at this yummy dessert from the Jasmine Porch restaurant at The Santuary on Kiawah Island - not only is the cake mouth-watering, but the presentation is fabulous. You can get this same effect by using Hershey's Syrup and a squeeze bottle. Simply write your message or design with the syrup and let it sit, uncovered, overnight (room temperature). In the morning the chocolate will be hard and ready to use with your favorite dessert. The chocolate will not soften and you can even store the dish in the refrigerator. The possibilities are endless: designs, names, dates, riddles, initials, proposals, and so on.