My name is Stephanie Zonis, and welcome to the June, 2005 edition of “For Chocolate Lovers Only”! Each month, you’ll find a recipe or two, tips, and recommendations on great chocolate specialties. This month, we celebrate Father’s Day; let your Dad know how much you appreciate all of his efforts on your behalf. Let’s get into the kitchen!

Chocolate Recommendation of the Month: It’s summer, and time for a cold drink. As an admirer of both chocolate and coffee, you’d like something refreshing that combines the two tastes. You’re in luck! Royal Kona has come up with a very nice Mocha Latte Coffee Drink, and the real surprise is that it comes in a can. Now, don’t instantly dismiss it because of that. I almost did, but I’m glad I sampled it and took a look at the label. It’s not too sweet, it tastes like good iced coffee, and there’s just a hint of chocolate flavor that comes in at the end. But perhaps it’s most notable for what it doesn’t have: no preservatives, no artificial colors or flavors, and no high fructose corn syrup. Let’s see some of the bigger names in coffee drinks match that! This Mocha Latte Coffee Drink contains only water, sugar, Kona Blend coffee, milk powder, salt, and natural flavors.

Although this is a product of the Hawai’i Coffee Company, one needn’t venture to the Pacific to get some (sorry, you’ll have to find another excuse for that trip to Oahu!). Four-packs are available in most Target stores, as well as select Walgreen’s, CVS Drugstores, and Whole Foods Markets. In California only, you can find four-packs at Albertson’s Markets and individual cans in Gelson’s Markets. If you have more questions about Royal Kona’s Mocha Latte Coffee Drink, or need to order it by the case for some reason, surf on over to www.hicoffeeco.com. Click on Royal Kona, then, on the left side of the screen, on “Coffee By Type”. Click on “Canned Coffee Drink”, and there you are. And if you like a little variety in your cold coffee drinks, you can also find this beverage in Kona Blend, Cappuccino, and Vanilla Macadamia varieties. Check ‘em out!

Do you have a comment, question, or suggestion? I’d like to hear it. E-mail me at: sdziadwm@nac.net. Please specify that you’re writing about chocolate, or I might think it’s spam.