Hi! My name is Stephanie Zonis, and welcome to the October, 1999 (Halloween) edition of "For Chocolate Lovers Only". Each month you'll find great recipes, tips, and recommendations on where to find chocolate specialties.

Chocolate Recommendation of the Month: I have recommended King Arthur Flour in the past, but I wanted to devote a little more space to the company this time. Look inside their Baker's Catalogue; you'll find almost everything a baker could wish for, as well as some clever items you've never thought about. Specialty ingredients and equipment abound. And the chocolate--oh, my! There are four types of cocoa (including Dutch process, which I recommend frequently), in addition to some baking/eating chocolates with excellent reputations. Van Leer, Peter's, Merckens, Guittard, Schokinag, Barry-Callebaut, and Scharffen Berger are all represented here. There's even a sampler pack, so you can determine your favorite among four pre-chosen brands of bittersweet. The chocolates are sold in different bar sizes; some come in wafer or chunk or chip form. King Arthur points out, and rightfully so, that the chocolate you prefer is the "best" one; there's no right or wrong among higher-quality chocolate brands. What a nice dilemna!

This is a terrific catalog for anyone who's ever even thought about baking. Do get hold of one. You can call the company (toll-free) at (800) 827-6836. I've ordered from King Arthur Flour a number of times, and I've been very happy with their products and service. You can also visit their website, at: www.kingarthurflour.com. By the time you read this, their catalog should be on line (you can also request a catalog on line). I think you'll be as pleased with King Arthur Flour as I have.

Non-Chocolate Recommendation of the Month: I am delighted to have found the-house-on-the-hill, a company that provides working replicas of historic cookie molds, most originally intended for the creation of fancy springerle cookies. Look into their catalog or website, and you'll see page after page of unbelievably beautiful molds and rolling pins, with themes ranging from music to angels to farming to the four seasons to medievalia. The molds are reproduced in a powdered wood-stained resin composite, so they really look like wood but are more durable and easier to clean; if you are a non-baker, the molds all come with hanging rings, so you can use them as ornaments or decorations.

Between the edible decorating paints and cookie cutters and flavoring oils, in addition to the molds and special rolling pins, I can almost guarantee you'll find something you like. Even during their busy season (now through December), service is prompt and polite. Remember this company for the holidays; did I mention that they have gift certificates, too? Check them out at their website (www.houseonthehill.net). For a catalog, send two dollars to: the- house-on-the-hill, P.O. Box 7003, Villa Park, IL 60181.

Chocolate Event of the Month: The Chocolate Show returns to New York City! Get ready, chocolate lovers; it's back. The 1999 Chocolate Show will be held at the Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 West 18th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues). Admission prices will be $12 for adults, $10 for ANY students (not just culinary students) with ID's, and $8 for seniors and children under 12, This year, participating chefs will include Stephen Durfee (The French Laundry), Michelle Gayer (Charlie Trotter's), Chris Broberg (Lespinasse), Jacques Torres (Le Cirque 2000), Nick Malgieri (Peter Kump's Cooking School) and others. Perugina-Baci, Valrhona, Martine's, Thuriez, Christopher Norman, and El Rey are only a few of the chocolate makers who will be there. You'll be able to buy chocolates, as well as order them for the holidays. Demonstrations, seminars, interactive exhibits, tastings, a cookbook store with author signings, and much more! Hours: Friday, 26 November, 2 to 7 pm. Saturday and Sunday, 27 to 28 November, 11 am to 7 pm. Monday, 29 November, 11 am to 9 pm. To receive a brochure, please call (877) 246-2638 (toll-free).

Do you have a comment, question, or suggestion? I'd like your input into this column. You can reach me at: sdziadwm@nac.netm; please specify that you're writing regarding "For Chocolate Lovers Only". Thank you!