photo credit: justalittlepeanut.blogspot.com

An old man and a young man worked in office next to each other. The young man noticed that the older man always had a jar of peanuts on his desk. The young man loved peanuts.

One day while the older man was away from his desk, the young man couldn't resist and went to the old man's jar and ate over half the peanuts. When the old man returned, the young man felt guilty and confessed to taking the peanuts.

The old man responded, "That's ok. Since I lost my teeth all I can do is lick the chocolate off those peanuts."

Once again, we are going to talk about Chocolate Covered Strawberries. We really can't help ourselves but be completely infatuated with Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Why? To be honest, we don't know why. I guess it is the simplicity of this aphrodisiac delicacy. But nonetheless, we sneak into the back of Cafe Cioccolato to show you some pictures of Behind the Scenes. Yeah, we love you this much!

Nicely dipped and drizzled with chocolate.



And of course, more chocolate! White this time, please




All ready. Waiting for it to set.



And voila, this decadent dessert is all ready to be box up for that perfect gift!

What do you guys think about Chocolate Covered Strawberries? Are they your favorite dessert?

Don't forget that every Friday is Strawberry Friday! You can also order online at all times right here and pick them up in-store!

So what happens behind the closed doors of Cafe Cioccolato? From house-made marshmallows to chocolate covered strawberries, it takes quite some work to make these delicacies. Traci, our chocolatier maverick makes all our delicacies with such precision and attention. From perfect timing to the right consistency, making the best chocolate requires your utmost patience. Here are a couple of pictures we'd like to share!

Dipped into chocolate and ta-dah! Our final product - smooth, buttery and creamy Pecan Cluster Turtles to die for!

Anytime an occasion arises, the most popular form of chocolate is certainly Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Whether it is for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Sister's Day (just kidding, but I think there might be a day like that), it seems that Chocolate Covered Strawberries is our default choice. It is a pretty, tasty and partially sinful indulgence. But whether this delicacy send you to the pinnacle of euphoria, you can be pretty darn sure that this delicacy will put a smile on everyone's face. (So the next time you fight with your loved one, get 'em one of these *wink*)

So what makes Covered Chocolate Strawberries so special?

Frankly, I don't know. Maybe it is the marriage of the strawberry's tanginess and sweetness of the chocolate. Others say it is simply an aphrodisiac. Nonetheless, the origins of chocolate covered strawberries started in the 1960s in a small boutique chocolate store in Chicago (so they say). There's not many secrets to making the best batch of chocolate covered strawberries but the first obvious choice is to get a fresh box of strawberries. Secondly, it is extremely important to melt the chocolate in a right temperature. Once done, dipped the strawberry and voila! There you go, simple enough.

But we have a better suggestion - Come to Cafe Cioccolato every Friday for "Stawberry Fridays"! 

I mean, we dipped them in imported chocolate. Your significant other will thank you profusely.

photo credit: www.fotosearch.com www.fanniemay.com

For our first edition of Cook With Us, we are going to introduce to you on how to make Chocolate Fritters. This delectable, sinful dessert is perfect for those looking for an alternative dessert to serve at your party, gathering or heck, just for yourself! So gather around and let's begin!

photo credit: flickr.com

First, you need to make "Simple Semolina Pudding"

What You'll Need
21/2 cups milk
1 vanilla bean
1/3 cup semolina
1/4 cup superfine sugar

Steps:
1) Heat milk and vanilla over large saucepan in low heat. Once boiling, remove heat and cover for 30 minutes.
2) Reheat the milk and then remove the vanilla bean. Bring milk to boil once again, and remove from heat. Add semolina gradually while stirring continuously.
3) Add in sugar and return to heat until boil. Stir continously.
4) Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 20 minutes. Make sure to stir often to avoid burning.

And now, for the chocolate fritters

* Add a few drops of almond extract to the semolina pudding for a nice flavor.

What You'll Need
2/3 cup semisweet chocolate
1/2 mascarpone cheese
11/3 cups blanced almonds
1 2/3 cups fresh white breadcrumbs.

Steps:
1) Melt 2/3 cup semisweet chocolate and cool slightly, then stir it into 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese. Allow to cool, then chill.
2) When chocolate mixture beomes firm enough, shape it into eight small balls by rolling between the palms and chill.
3) Divide semolina into eight portions and shape one portion neatly around each chocolate ball.
4) Roll semolina in ground almonds first to stop it from sticking to your fingers.
5) Chop 11/3 cups balnched almonds finely and mix with 12/3 cups fresh white breadcrumbs.
6) Roll fritters in beaten egg and coat in the almond/breadcrumb mixture. Chill for at least 30 mins before deep-frying.
7) Deep-fry fritters until crisp and golden. Roll in superfine sugar and serve immediately.

And all we can say, bon appetit!

Let us know how it goes!

 

Who would have thought chocolate and fashion went hand in hand? Although this post might be a little too late since NY Fashion Week commenced last Fall, I still can't help but to post this. While most would think chocolate would not be part of the conversation during Fashion week, I guess you can always wear chocolate. I don't know how the models did it, but I would have took a bite of my clothes before I could even walk out.

photo credits: www.closetcouture.com

Take a break and bring your chocolate euphoria to the next level.
Yes, do have a chocolate martini...or two.

photo credits: chicagonow.com, dennysfoodandrecipes.com, ehow.com

For our first Back to Basics edition, I am going to introduce to you on how to make lovely chocolate icing from scratch - perfect for cakes, crepes or any desserts!

What you'll need:
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2/3 cup water
10 1/2 semi-sweet chocolate

1) Make a syrup using the sugar and the water. Add the chocolate pistoles and whisk over moderate heat until chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth.
2) Then, heat to 230 F, or just below the thread* stage. Read below to understand the "thread" stage.
3) When the chocolate sugar syrup has reached the correct consistency, remove the pan from heat, knock out the air by tapping the pan on work surface. Use immediately.
4) This icing makes enough to cover a 10-inch cake.

Understanding the "thread" stage
To test for "thread" stage, dip your fingers in iced water. Then, dip your fingers into the chocolate and pull apart. The mixture should stretch in a thread between your fingers.

And there you go! Your own home-made chocolate icing!

 

Don't you just  love it when a funny joke makes your day? Especially when it is a joke about chocolates! I stumbled upon one today and thought I'd share it with you lovely folks.

"A man found a bottle on the beach. He opened it and out popped a genie, who gave the man three wishes. The man wished for a million dollars, and poof! There was a million dollars. Then he wished for a convertible, and poof! There was a convertible. And then, he wished he could be irresistible to all women... Poof! He turned into a box of chocolates."

Haha! Hope you are having a lovely weekend!

photo credit: Wapedia.mobi

 

Take the time and have a chocolate day with your loved ones....

photo credits: pureamourphotograpgy  kcleephotography.blogspot.com flickr.com