A few years ago I read about a woman in the south of France who was celebrating her 105th birthday. When asked what she attributed her long life to she replied that she ate a piece of chocolate everyday. Perhaps the antioxidant properties of chocolate had a direct effect on her physical well being. I am guessing that the sheer pleasure derived from enjoying something delicious everyday gave her the will to live on and on and on. While I may not want to live to be 105 years old, I do make a habit of having something chocolate every day for the great pleasure it gives me. Now that the weather has turned colder my chocolate of choice is a cup of thick, rich, dark hot chocolate. Served mid morning in a lovely china cup and saucer. Sometimes I toast a sweet French baguette (La Brea Bakery) to dip into the thick, pudding-like drink. I have made my own from scratch but now that there are so many great hot chocolate mixes available made with premium ingredients, I say 'why bother?'. Especially if you are taking your break at work where there is only a microwave oven to heat up your mug of milk. In that case I would heat the milk to simmer. Add the dry mix, stirring well. Return to microwave for another minute. Stir and let sit for a minute or two to thicken.
My favorite hot chocolate this month is Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolate:Cocoa Noir available from Cocoa Bella Chocolates. They also carry a spicy version which I will try next time. If you live out of town you can order on-line. The shop on Union Street is lovely or visit their new location in the Westfield San Francisco Centre which opens tomorrow!
Kevin, Thanks for the Chocolate TV info. I checked it out. Great fun!
Posted by: culinary muse | October 20, 2006 at 08:21 AM
Have you seen the several videos at filmed at Cocoa Bella Chocolates that are running on TasteTV (at http://www.TasteTV.com) under "Chocolate Television"?
Posted by: Kevin at TasteTV.com | October 15, 2006 at 02:22 PM
Cocoa Bella Chocolates --- Yum..Y-U-M-M-Y!
Posted by: Mary | October 04, 2006 at 11:39 PM
Jennifer, Have you tried the spicy version of Christopher Elbow's hot chocolate mix?
Posted by: culinary muse | September 27, 2006 at 11:17 AM
I love Cocoa Bella Chocolates... mmm. And you're right - this is the season! I think I used up every bit of my stash, so I'll have to get out and try something new.
Posted by: Jennifer Jeffrey | September 27, 2006 at 11:12 AM