Some Blocks to Remember

Recently I was talking with a friend about the next quilt project I wanted to do.  Nothing was really coming to mind until I remembered some quilt blocks I had.  And I must say, I'm very proud of myself.  Not only did I remember where these blocks were but I also remembered where the book was that I was going to use. 

Enter the box:

I probably remembered where these blocks were because they are in, what else, a chocolate chip cookie box.

Christmas is Coming

One of the few pictures I have taken before I ripped into the packaging.  Only because I had eaten two truffles before I came across these, so they made it home to the camera.  Theo's has a nice smooth chocolate.

The Meaning of Life

I found this in the magazine Mental Floss: 

What is the Meaning of Life?

There were several answers but my favorite was: 

"All evidence to date suggests it's chocolate."
                                              Siri

a segment of my chocolate quilt

 

A Chocolate Week in and around Chicago

Just got back from a great trip to Chicago.  I stayed for a week with my friend Karen and although she's not into the chocolate like I am she was game.

I took the train from Ann Arbor, arrived on time and stored my suitcase in a locker.  Karen took the Metra down and then we took off walking towards a place called Bloomers.  We smelled the heavenly chocolate long before we got there.  We sampled, we bought.  Excellent.

We did some regular shopping: Carsons, Nordstrom's Rack, etc., and started looking for a place to eat.  We checked out several restaurants which were either too pricey or just not our kind of food (okay, not my kind of food, I'm pretty picky).  Turned down a side street and there it was: The Melting Pot.  The thought of chocolate fondue suddenly came to mind.  We did have vegetables dipped in . . . I want to say cheese however, I don't remember.  I DO remember the chocolate fondue though, that we had for dessert.  Fruits, marshmallows, I even dipped the left-over bread from dinner.  Highly recommend.

The next day we drove to Anderson's Candy Shop in Richmond.  Of course I had to buy a chocolate covered marshmallow as that is my favorite, a chocolate covered marzipan, just to see what it was like and a chocolate covered nougat, which in this case turned out to be my new favorite.  Karen bought three different ones (don't remember what although she bought some bar that I wish I had bought).

Disclaimer: All pictures were shot after sampling as none of mine made it home in one piece

We spent another day in Long Grove at Long Grove Confectionery.  If you want to go on the Factory Tour make sure you call ahead and go to Buffalo Grove.  Something we did not do.  Save for next time as we will definitely be back.

Also there we went in the Olive Oil Tap where I ended up buying a bottle of Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar.  I understand you can drizzle this over fruit or ice cream.  I recently had some left over chicken in the refrigerator and I warmed it up in a pan with a little bit of this and butter.  Really good. 


We ended up in Woodstock at Ethereal.  Need to have my family sign me up for their Chocolate of the Month Club.

Another day was spent in Lake Geneva, WI.  We wandered in and out of shops and came across Lake Geneva Spice Company.  A wonderful place and of course, while wandering in there I found Chocolate Tea (with raspberry and candied lemon thrown in for good measure). 

Delicious!

 One evening we went out to dinner at Portillo's.  Although we went for dinner I was mainly drawn there as a friend had recommended their chocolate cake.  It was moist and one of the best I've ever had.

Somewhere in the week we found a spa that offered a chocolate scrub. Exfoliates and hydrates plus you smell divine.  Excellent service. elitelaserandskinspa

My last day we took the Metra early into the city, stashed my stuff in a locker again and took off.  Our destination this time was Uzma Sharif in Chinatown where we met the owner.  Took a water taxi and walked several blocks to get there.  Well worth the trip! 

The best Turtle I've ever had.

 While walking around Chicago I saw a huge sign stating: Sprinkles Cupcakes ATM.  Didn't need the ATM however, I could go for a cupcake.  Lo and behold, the ATM is for dispensing cupcakes!  We watched people slip their credit card through, pick out which one they wanted from a screen and voila!  A cupcake appears in a very nice cardboard box.  We ended up not buying because the lines were so long -- standing at the ATM and waiting to get inside the store so I have to think they are pretty good cupcakes.

I will leave you on a non-chocolate note: Snap Kitchen.  This store looked quite interesting so we stopped in on our way to the train station.  Everything was individually packaged for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, etc.  These are all healthy items.  There is a microwave and a place to sit but I think most people would head home with their lunch or dinner or back to the office.

Have some new places lined up to visit next time I head for the Windy City and places that I will revisit. 

Chocolate Soap

Yesterday I water-proofed our side deck.  Besides my misstep and spilling it down the front of me it was also hot out.  Went to take a shower and discovered I needed a new bar of soap.  Rummaged through my stash (I have no clue why I have so many different soaps.  Apparently when I see an odd one I just buy it and store it and then go buy another one) and found this lovely little gem.

And Now the Trouble Starts

Part 2:  (Part 1 is The Bridal Shower)

"Here," Janelle shoves what looks like a bag at me.  Where did this come from?  "I need both hands."

"Let go!"

"No!"

I bring up the rear.  I realize now, since I have plenty of time while the two of them battle their way down the steps that I am not holding a bag but a bunch of papers.  I recognize these as the papers that were handed out when we started playing games.  These are strategically wrapped around something bulky, in a  cone shape.  A large cone shape.  I do not remember this and none of us won anything.

"What is this?" I ask as we settle in the car and drive off.

"Oh, that's for you.  While you were inside grabbing cake I ran around to all the tables outside and took all the chocolate.  You're welcome."

"What?  You did what?  I'm the only one that likes chocolate!  Fran is going to blame me for this!" I screech.

"I know!"  Both sisters laugh.

I take a peek, "You took ALL the chocolate?"

"Yeah, four tables worth," Janelle waves a hand.  "Don't worry, everybody was inside."

"How could you do that?"

"I did her and you a favor.  It was all melting in the sun."

Even if I tell Fran it wasn't me she's not going to believe me.

A few weeks later I call Janelle.  "Did you ever hear from Fran?"

She gives a short laugh.  "Oh, yeah.  She called."

"Did she notice we left early?"

"Yeah.  They opened up one of our presents and wanted to thank us.  When they couldn't find us, they realized . . . also, nobody else knew how to work the margarita machine . . ."

"Oh, great.  What'd ya tell her?"

"That you had to get home."

"What?  Me?  What about Rebecca's foot?"

"She went to the doctor's yesterday.  It's healing nicely.  I'll tell her you were asking about her."

I just can't wait to show up for the wedding.  Wonder if the chocolate and/or wedding cake will be under armed guard? Locked behind a glass case? Or none there at all?

Best to bring my own.  Something tells me I'm going to need it after Fran gets done with me.

A Bridal Shower

My daughter was recently in a wedding, hence the 'Together Forever' bag of M&M's.  While I am not partial to M&M's except in baking or Hershey's I must say that these dark chocolate covered caramels are w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l!

However, the M&M's reminded me of a recent get-together.  I, too, am going to a wedding very soon.  We'll see how much chocolate is there.  I can attest to the fact that there was plenty at the bridal shower.

Being the chocoholic that I am I was very good staying out of the various chocolate cookies, the chocolate brownies and the chocolate cakes.  For the first hour.  By the second hour I had discreetly grabbed a cookie here and there and had slunk off to eat them, making sure that there were no crumbs on me each time that I reappeared.  It was most fortuitous that my two sorority sisters who know me well were kept busy.  One being the hostess of the shower and the other being the only one of ninety people who knew how to work the margarita machine.  Yes, she was very busy with that job.

So, the cookies were easy to grab but not so the brownies and cakes.  One of which had a secret ingredient in it that I was really itching to sink my teeth into.

We stood around and made small talk with strangers, had lunch, played games and then -- it was announced the bride-to-be would now open her gifts.

"She's got to have over a hundred presents," I hissed.  "Do you realize we'll be here for another two hours?"  Another two hours  before dessert.

"We can always leave," Janelle* said.

"We can't up and leave," I said.

"Why not?  We're outside.  She'll never miss us."  Janelle's sister Rebecca* had recently had foot surgery.  With her toe to knee cast and a pair of crutches coupled with a beautiful sunny day, we had opted to sit on the deck along with a handful of other people who had moved inside to watch the presents being opened.

All three of us turned and looked at the narrow steps leading off the deck to the cars.  We huddled back, "I really wanted to try that one piece of cake . . . plus the brownies."

"Oh, yeah, the cake has something special in it.  I wouldn't mind a bite of that myself.  Okay, I'll check on the margaritas and see if I can't grab something.  If nothing else I can probably swipe some cookies."

"No!  I'm full of cookies!  Just the cake and the brownies."

"Okay, I'll see what I can do."  A few minutes later Janelle came out empty-handed.  "There's too many people standing around.  I couldn't do it."

"Okay, I'm going in," I said.

I hung back but positioned myself so that when I saw an opening I could quickly grab a plate and forks and then I'd swoop in on the good stuff.  Ah, they're moving closer to see what the guest of honor received.  Closer, closer, keep going . . .

I grabbed the plate, the forks, brownies, cake -- I feel a presence at my elbow.  Now, I'm short so everybody pretty much towers over me and this young thing did just that with a glare.  I think she's going to do all right disciplining her kids when her day comes.  But I have age and wisdom on my side.  "I'm terribly sorry to be doing this, " I whispered, "but I have to leave shortly and I just wanted a little bit of dessert.  It all looks so delicious."

"Oh," she brightened, "I completely understand.  We have plenty.  Help yourself."

I make my way back to the deck and hand out forks.  Janelle takes a bite of cake right after I have put my piece in my mouth and pulled the fork out.  "Oh!  She soaked it in coffee!  That's the secret ingredient."  Okay, most people would love this.  I hate it!  I can't even stand the smell.  Why did I not notice this when it was headed for my mouth?  My nose is right there! 

"No!" both Janelle and Rebecca say as I look out over the yard and start to stand up.

I can't argue my case with my mouth full.  But the more I keep it in my mouth the more the dreaded liquid is sinking into my tongue.  Janelle gets up, grabs a bottle of water from the cooler and hands it to me.  "Here.  Wash it down."   

"Oh, it's terrible!" I finally get out.  "I'll never get the taste out of my mouth as long as I live!"

"Have some brownie," offers Rebecca.

"This is great," Janelle says between mouthfuls. "I have got to get the recipe."

Okay, I have still not quite recovered from my awful ordeal, although the brownie helped, but we are done eating and all three of us are looking longingly at the steps.

"Come on, nobody's looking," says Janelle.

"I'm not feeling good about running out," I sighed.

"Do you want to stay?  We'll be here for another two hours at least.  Rebecca, how's your foot?"

She thinks about this.  "Yeah, I think I need to go home and put my foot up."

"Yes, cuz there's no place out here that you can do that," I look at her.

"Let's go."  Janelle and Rebecca stand up.

"Shouldn't we at least say good-bye to our hostess Fran* if not her future daughter-in-law?"

"Fran won't let us leave -- she'll never miss us."

Janelle goes first and realizes that besides the steps being narrow they are a little rickety.  She turns around and grabs Rebecca's arm.

"Let go, I can do it myself!"

"I'm trying to help."

"I don't want your help.  I want to grab hold of the railing."

"No, if you start to fall I want to have a hold of you."

"I'm going to fall if you don't let go!"

"No!"

"Yes!"

"Ya know, if we can't move quickly, can we at least move quietly?" I grumbled. 

They both turn and look at me. 


I will post the conclusion tomorrow:  And Now The Trouble Starts

*names have been changed because these are my actual sorority sisters who still haven't forgiven me for writing the book, Beg(ga)(he)r, about sorority sisters.

Jelina Chocolatier

I am having the best success at finding good chocolate for a reasonable price at my local Meijer store.  Recently I found these two and had to try them.  They are both a fair trade chocolate and  very good. 

Chocolate Tea

A friend and I were shopping in Whole Foods when we came across the tea section.  We both were trying to decide which of the chocolate ones we wanted to try.  "Why don't we each get one and split them in half?" I suggested.  Okay.

                             Here is what we bought.  I've tried both of them.  Very good.

Bark Thins vs. Snappers

I say, eat them both.  They are excellent! 

Sweet Gem Confections #6

The one that made me stop at her booth: Lavender Flower.  Love the scent but couldn't imagine eating it.  Customers there assured me it was a "must try."  Tastes just like it smells.

Wonderful!

Sweet Gem Confections #5

I received a sheet of paper telling about the various chocolates that they sell however, I could not find this one listed.  All I can tell you is that it was a solid dark chocolate and very good.

Sweet Gem Confections #4

                                        Birthday Bacon Bon-Bon with matching cover!

Just a hint of bacon, not over-whelming.  Very nice.

Sweet Gem Confections #3

                                                Costa Rican Black Peppercorn and Vanilla

Okay, I bought this simply because of how it looked, I didn't care what was in it.  Blue.  A blue piece of chocolate.  It had a rich dark chocolate scent with a creamy inside.  A delicacy.

Sweet Gem Confections #2

Earl Grey.  I like tea so why not?

           I prefer dark chocolate and this is the only milk chocolate one I got (but I had to try the tea).  Smooth with a nice consistency.

Sweet Gem Confections

I got a cute little box of delicious chocolates from Sweet Gem Confections out of Ann Arbor, MI. 

And once a day I plan to tell you about each one of the six that I bought. 


Day 1:

Stout with Plum Butter in the lower left hand corner.

Would never have picked this on my own but got talked into it.  Also, I need to expand my chocolate horizons.  Delicious!  Plan to buy it again.

Birthday Stash

March is my birthday month (why celebrate for just a day?) and what a month I am having.  My friends just seem to know what to get me.  They also know that I do not share my chocolate well. 

Last week I visited a friend I've known all my life.  She met me at the door with, "I forgot your birthday, didn't I?"

"Yes, you did."

"Well, I didn't forget it!  I just didn't call you.  I did remember.  See?  Here's a chocolate bar I bought for you . . . and, um . . . I took a bite out of it.  Happy birthday!"

Various Chocolate Mixes

Nothing goes better with bitter cold than hot chocolate.  One Christmas my daughter bought me this.

                                                               To go with my stash:

It's That Time of Year

At least I have plenty of options.

A robot stakes out my chocolate

Hmm, what's this?

My human is getting careless. She left her chocolate out . . . and unattended. 

     I don't see her anywhere.

Oh, look, one just 'happened' to fall out.

Oh, that was good  She'll never suspect with just one gone.

Mmm, good, tasty, ahh, ---

Nnnnoooo!!!!

Crackers

I have a favorite recipe that calls for lots of butter and brown sugar on top of crackers.  They call for saltines, but over the years I have substituted with Club, and graham crackers.  Now-a-days I use all three in the pan so that everybody gets the one they want.  I usually put nonpareils on my section but the last time I made them I hunted through the cupboard.  

I tried peppermint bits, toffee, and cutting up caramels.  And left a small portion plain.

All good.

Pairing with Wine

While walking through the candy aisle at my local grocery store I found blocks of chocolate that are paired up with wine.  I naturally picked up the dark chocolate and found that it went with sweet wines.  Perfect. 

Chocolate Book

          A story about a Lady who tries to resist chocolate but happily, does not, in the end.

                                                     
                                                                (My kind of story!)

Happy 2015!

Happy New Year All!

I just got back from ringing in the New Year with good friends.  

One of them came up to me holding a tin and asked me, "What is your favorite chocolate?"

I answered, "Chocolate covered marshmallows."

"And you can't get your favorites anymore, right?"

"Right."  I sighed  (I am terribly picky about the marshmallows).

"Well, try these."

She handed me the tin.  I popped it open and discovered --

(Alright, so there's a few gone from the picture.  I think I did pretty good considering 1) I've been without my favorites for a long time and 2) it's chocolate)

These are hand-made little gems and boy, are they wonderful!  (I ate another one after taking the picture)  Hopefully I can do this recipe justice myself and then I'll never be without.

Thank you, dear friend.

It's already shaping up to be a great year.