Hi! My name is Stephanie Zonis, and welcome to the September,
1999 (Cake) edition of "For Chocolate Lovers Only". Each month
you'll find great recipes, tips, and recommendations on where
to find chocolate specialties. I've always loved baking cakes,
so this month the column recipes are devoted to them.
Chocolate Recommendation of the Month: Sure, it's September,
but don't put that ice cream spoon away just yet! As a rule,
I try to publicize the efforts of smaller companies in this
section, but I still believe that if any company does something
well, they ought to be recognized for it. With that in mind,
I must tell you about Godiva Ice Cream. I first tried
it earlier this summer, and I was very pleased. It's beautifully
creamy and smooth, with lots of "the good stuff" in it (chocolate
flakes, raspberry swirls, etc.). If you can stop eating the
Ivory Chocolate Chip, you're a better person than I am. Add
to that the Belgian Dark Chocolate, the White Chocolate Raspberry,
the Pecan Caramel Truffle...well, you get the idea; the flavors
available (six in all) make up a group that lovers of chocolate
and ice cream will be hard-pressed to resist.
Godiva
Ice Cream comes in small cartons only (smaller than one
pint), but it's easy to find, as it is distributed throughout
the U.S. in a number of large chain supermarkets. I have gotten
e-mail from several readers about these products; one described
them as "the closest thing to heaven on this planet". I urge
you to taste at least one variety, and decide for yourself!
More information about Godiva Ice Cream can be found on the
company's website, at: www.godiva.com. Check them out!
Non-Chocolate Recommendation of the Month: Even I cannot live
entirely by chocolate alone; that's why I'm recommending Jessica's
Biscuit Cookbooks. I have their current catalog in front
of me as I write this, and it's so extensive that it has an
index! Guides to beer, broccoli, and grilling; books on beans,
grains, and pasta; pressure cooker and wok cookbooks; celebrity
cookbooks; and volumes about regional cooking--they're all here,
most at sale prices. Really, when was the last time you saw
a cookbook devoted entirely to lasagne? Yes, they have one,
in addition to a book on mustard, one on sun-dried tomatoes,
and another based exclusively on quick curries for after work.
And did I mention the dessert cookbooks? Jessica's Biscuit
always has a huge selection (over 8,000 titles on their website),
plus they offer the convenience of armchair shopping. Call for
a catalog (toll-free, at (800) 878-4264), or check out their
website at: www.jessicasbiscuit.com. If you prefer to fax them,
you can do so at: (617) 244-3376. I have ordered from Jessica's
Biscuit myself; their service is polite, prompt, and reliable.
Keep this company in mind for the holidays--they have gift certificates
available in any denomination. Take a look at the multitude
of offerings, and you'll be hooked just like I was!
Chocolate Event of the Month: It's back!!! The Chocolate Show
makes a triumphant return to New York City this fall!! This
year, the Show will again be held the weekend after Thanksgiving,
26 through 29 November. The Metropolitan Pavilion, at 123 West
18th Street, will host the event. Exhibitors this year will
include Perugina, Payard, Hawaiian Vintage Chocolates, Chocolates
El Rey, Christopher Norman, Valrhona, and more! The admission
fee is $12 for adults, $10 for culinary students with ID, and
$8 for seniors and children under 12. Watch the October and
November editions of this column for more information.
Non-Chocolate Event of the Month: Do you like barbecue? Do you
enjoy a little friendly competition? Do team names such as "The
Beverly Grillbillies" or "The Three Brisketeers" inspire you?
If the answer to any of these questions is "yes", a visit to
Kansas City, MO might be in order, at least on October 1 and
2, for the American Royal Barbecue Contest. This is the world's
largest barbecue competition; last year, over 330 teams competed
for braggin' rights and/or prize money. Categories include (but
are not limited to) pork ribs, sausage, chicken, sauce, and
side dishes. There's an invitational contest as well as an open
division; smokers range from a refitted casket to a vat formerly
used to blend tea leaves. The festivities also include bands,
a clogging competition, and a childrens' area; admission prices
are $8 per person Friday, and $5 per person on Saturday. This
is the 20th anniversary of this competition. For more information,
see the American Royal website at: www.americanroyal.com, or
call American Royal at (816) 221-9800.
Do you have a comment, question, or suggestion? I'd like your
input into this column. You can reach me at: sdziadwm@nac.net;
please specify that you're writing regarding "For Chocolate
Lovers Only". Thank you!
