People can’t help but notice my enthusiasm when talking about chocolate. I do have a lot of interests. It’s fascinating to me to learn more of the back story on some of the chocolates out there. I thought I’d share with you some of my favorites and a simple French truffle recipe to experiment with.

For a tried-and-true, all-around great chocolate for baking, I suggest the Callebeaut covertures. I’ve had great success in using these blocks for numerous recipes. You can make a simple rocky road, just by melting the chocolate and adding walnuts and marshmallows. Then you simply cool it and break it into chunks for an attractive and delicious treat to take to a holiday event. I made this once when I was short on time, and it got rave reviews. We sell both the dark and white Callebeaut; using both together would make wonderful peppermint bark!

For those of you who have done the Callebeaut before and are looking for a different experience, try the country of origin chocolate collection from Valrhona. Valrhona has an amazing collection of chocolates that make it fun just to taste and explore different regions of the world where the cocoa beans are grown; each package includes a descriptor.

Much like wine or coffee, chocolate has its own unique characteristics. A fun party idea: Buy some chocolates you find interesting, invite your friends over and do a chocolate tasting!

The Felchlin Cru Hacienda with 70% cocoa and Felchlin Cru Savage with 65% cocoa are two of my faves. Cru Hacienda is organic and it comes from the Dominican Republic.
Cru Savage is in high demand right now, making it hard to find. While supplies last, you’ll find it at many of our Markets. What’s so special about the cocoa from these ancient trees in Bolivia? It’s the amazing citrus notes that make this chocolate very special. Another tried and true Cru is the Maracaibo with 67.5% cocoa. I use this one extensively in my own cooking and it makes for an amazing fondue – Yummm! All of these are in coin form for ease of use and are packaged in little brown bags.

Last but not least is the newest member of our chocolate family, the Cordierra from Columbia. This one is just so cool. It is sustainably processed in Columbia, thus avoiding the long trip that most cocoa beans travel from the rainforest to Switzerland or Belgium, then to us. Talk about getting premium chocolate at an amazing price. Compare the richness and flavor profile with your current chocolate selection and you decide!

Simple Truffles:
2 lbs chocolate
¾ c heavy cream
3 T butter

Heat heavy cream and chocolate over low heat. I recommend a double boiler, but you can use a metal bowl over a pot of boiling water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate chips are melted, but not dissolved. Be careful not to get any water into the mixture. Add butter and stir until fully incorporated. Cool until you are able to scoop the soft chocolate into 2” truffles (3 to 4 hours). Roll in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or dip in chocolate ganache. Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool place. Enjoy!

With school days here and fall events in full swing, catching a breath during your busy week is tough. Although, I love the hustle and bustle of fall days … Oh, excuse me, officially, we still have a couple of “summer” left – but let's face it, when school starts summer is over. That’s how it was as a kid, and some things never change.

On crisp mornings, I crave the buttery oat streusel found on our muffins and coffee cakes. Biting into the big juicy berries nestled in the center is simply divine. It makes my mouth water just thinking about those days as kids, picking berries until we found the perfect one. Juicy and sweet Yum!

On chilly days, I also long for a cup of our Jasmine Pearl Feel Better Tea. The herbs found in this tea soothe my sinuses and help me focus on the day ahead. When pulled in so many directions, taking a moment for a cup of tea seems to soothe my psyche, as well.

There are so many warm, cozy drinks offered by your Market Barista, it’s hard to settle on just one. Choose a latté in the morning to get you going, then a mid-morning tea, an Italian soda with lunch, a smoothie for a healthy, afternoon pick-me-up … OK, I know Italian sodas and smoothies aren’t hot but they are yummy and I like to mix it up!

During this fall whirlwind of activity, you can always find respite in a comforting drink and delicious treat found in your Market Bakery.

You may have noticed you Market Bakery tables filled with beachy, fun-themed choices this summer. These items celebrate years past, when, as kids, we would walk into a boardwalk candy shop and marvel at the beautiful candy. We’ve chosen items from near and far to feature this year.

The first eye-catching item would be our fun and colorful lollypops, which come in a variety of flavors, like pink lemonade, sour grape, sour apple and tangerine, available in both the unicorn and traditional round lollypop shapes. I’m stocking up for my nieces’ and nephews’ birthdays to tie atop their gifts! I remember being amazed, as a child, as I coveted them at coastal candy shops.

You’ll also find all sorts of shell chocolates and more, perfect for a gift basket. Another favorite of mine is the chicken bones. These old-fashioned candies were a prelude to Butterfinger candy bars. As a child, I remember riding my bike to the store and buying them as my special treat. These crunchy, peanut butter treats really bring back memories.

If you haven’t noticed, Moonstruck has pulled out all the stops this year with their summer packaging. When you have a chance, check out the peanut butter sand dollars, chocolate starfish and the cutest-ever clownfish.

Other local vendors have some beautiful offerings, as well. We have too many fun things to list, from taffy to licorice, so come enjoy a bit of nostalgia. Personally, I plan on stocking up while supplies last, so you better hurry. Summer won’t last forever!

I’m sure many of you have made and craved them: perfectly personal, beautifully delicious cupcakes. They make wonderful little office gifts or a special surprise that says, “I love you, sweetie!”

Cupcakes have taken the place of the traditional cake at many events, even weddings – imagine, no cake-cutting dilemma or mess! Just know that when planning a big event, your guests probably won’t have just one, so be sure to order plenty!

Like our cake program, our cupcakes are available in as many flavor combinations as you can imagine. We can fill them with our fillings and all butter icings, just for you. For an entirely different look, we dip them in our scrumptious white, chocolate or dark chocolate ganache.

We offer fondant and gum paste flowers and other decorations to match your party theme, as well. Each is charged separately, so you can mix and match. The possibilities are endless. You know how much we love a custom order!

Just think … a white cupcake filled with our amazing lemon burst icing and topped with our delicious buttercream, decorated to your specifications. Beautiful and delicious!

Or maybe … a super moist chocolate cupcake filled with chocolate cream cheese, topped with our dark chocolate ganache. Super rich and fudge!

Do I dare go on? My favorite is a table cupcake filled with peanut butter buttercream, a bit more of the peanut butter buttercream on top and dipped in dark chocolate ganache. Hold me back!

There are three sizes available: mini, table size (medium) or jumbo. We call the medium “table size” because that is the size you will find on our bakery tables. Not because they are as large as a table! Table cupcakes usually come in vanilla or chocolate iced with chocolate or white buttercream. All sizes can be customized to suit your event.

Come into your Market Bakery to place your special order, or enjoy the delicious cupcakes all ready to go.

See you next time!