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Yummy Link: Chocolate Mascarpone Brownies

partysugar — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:15:51 -0800

I couldn't let chocolate month end without tantalizing your taste buds with one more mouthwatering chocolate recipe. Chocolate mascarpone brownies, need I say more? —The Recipe Girl

10 Chocolate Prints to Drool Over

YumSugar — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:11:31 -0800

Although today marks the last day of chocolate month, you can let chocolate live all year long by posting one of these arty prints on your walls. I've gone through a substantial collection and picked out some of the best ones. I think you'll find something suitable for every taste. To check them out, click "Start Slideshow" below.

Come Party With Me: Wine and Chocolate Tasting — The Look

partysugar — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 06:01:51 -0800

Keep things clean and simple at your wine and chocolate tasting. Be inspired by the colors of the wine and chocolate — deep red and rich brown — and use these to create a gorgeous look. Cover the table in a chocolate brown tablecloth and give guests brown cotton napkins. Place snacks on red plates and fill red bowls with chocolate covered treats. Arrange wine glasses in neat rows for easy access throughout the tasting. Cheeky wine charms will stimulate conversation and help guests remember which glass is theirs. Light frosted brown candles and dim the lights. Instead of fresh flowers — you don't want the fragrance of flowers taking away the wine's aroma — arrange pots of green leafy plants. Give guests a surprise party favor — boxes filled with chocolate and tied with a pretty bow — as they are leaving.

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Come Party With Me: Wine and Chocolate Tasting — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 13:28:31 -0800

Normally I always serve a signature cocktail at my parties, but in the case of a wine and chocolate tasting, no hard alcohol is necessary. Instead be sure to have several different types of wine to pair with each chocolate course. If you don't know a lot about wine ask your local wine shop owner to help you. Explain what you are making — chocolate and brie sandwiches and chocolate orange cake — and that you want some wines that will complement these treats.

If you don't have a relationship with a local wine shop owner, check out my tips for pairing chocolate and wine when you

Come Party With Me: Wine and Chocolate Tasting — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 09:13:31 -0800

After sampling a couple of savory chocolate hors d'oeuvres, treat guests to a scrumptious chocolate orange cake.

No wine and chocolate tasting is complete without a salty sweet combination, so fill bowls with chocolate-almond saltine toffee. Supplement these homemade dishes with store bought chocolate truffles.

For the super scrumptious recipes,

Fill Your House With the Smell of Chocolate

YumSugar — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 08:13:10 -0800

Everyone knows that candles can really set the mood of a party. So what sort of mood would a chocolate candle send? If you want to find out then, check out one of these yummy-smelling chocolate candles. Just click the "Start Slideshow" button below!

The Guide to the Chocolate Guide

YumSugar — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:32:14 -0800

If you've ever found yourself in a new city and wished you knew where to go to find a chocolate payload then consider yourself lucky. Just in time for chocolate month, the folks at TasteTV have released The Chocolate Guide, a book on local chocolatiers, chocolate makers, chocolate shops, and more. This edition covers the West Coast — it says it covers California, Utah, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia; however, I found it to be really California-centric — and gives you descriptions and photos of each place. It's a pretty comprehensive guide — to California anyway — and would make for a fun chocolate road-trip tour guide. However, as much as I love drooling over chocolate, I found it to be somewhat frustrating. To see my thoughts on the book,

Come Party With Me: Wine and Chocolate Tasting — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 08:28:11 -0800

What's on the menu at a wine and chocolate party? Chocolate of course! Have a selection of — sweet and savory, homemade and store-bought — chocolate treats. A variety of chocolate bars is a nice start especially when complemented with chocolate dipped pretzels, chocolate covered nuts, and cocoa nibs. Surprise guests with a pair of homemade chocolate appetizers: savory chocolate napoleons and chocolate and brie paninis. To take a look at these recipes,

Chocolate Coaster: Love It or Hate It?

YumSugar — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 03:01:19 -0800

I saw these Chocolate Coasters ($12.95) and knew they'd be perfect for chocolate month. They come in packs of four and look exactly like hunks of brown or white chocolate. I think they might make a good gift for a super-chocoholic, but I'm not sure I'd want to use them on my coffee table. What do you think? Do you want them in your house?

Chocolate Coaster: Love It or Hate It?

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Reader Recipe: Chocolate and Chili Cupcakes With Peanut Butter Frosting

YumSugar — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:18:19 -0800

I was looking for a good dessert to share with you guys, when I came across these Chocolate and Chili Cupcakes With Peanut Butter Frosting by TeamSugar member celebrity_soup. I thought the combination was so intriguing and lovely. I love peanut butter and chocolate, I love chili and chocolate, and yet I've never thought to put the three together. Peanut butter, chili, and chocolate? Sign me up!

Soup says that they're even better than a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, and that they're really fudgy and dangerous. If that has you intrigued then check out her recipe and accompanying pics! To do so, just

Come Party With Me: Wine and Chocolate Tasting — Invite

partysugar — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:15:51 -0800

February is coming to an end and with it comes close to our Chocolate Month. But before we kiss those chocolate kisses bye-bye, I'm teaching you how to host a wine and chocolate-tasting party! So grab some wine, pick up a couple of chocolate bars, and gather up your friends, it's time to taste. To set the mood of the party, send the invites with chocolate! To see step by step instructions on how to make these,

We Tried Chocolate Skittles So You Can Buy Something Else Instead

YumSugar — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:13:51 -0800

Yesterday, my gal BuzzSugar surprised me with a packet of Chocolate Skittles. It was pretty exciting, because not only is it something new, it is also in time for chocolate month.

I heard about this new line of Skittles, but I hadn't actually seen them before. She found them at a local Walgreen's and picked up a pack for us to try.

I'll admit, I was really skeptical before eating these. I imagined them to be a bit odd and sort of so-so. Sadly, I was spot on. There are five flavors inside each pack, and none of them blew me away. They ranged from jelly bean like to Tootsie roll-like. To find out what we thought of each flavor,

Battle of the Quick Chocolate Mousse: Nigella vs. Giada

partysugar — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:48:31 -0800

Yesterday, while visiting my old friend The Food Network, I watched two episodes — one Nigella and another Giada — in which recipes for a super-simple chocolate mousse-like dessert were made. Both looked divinely delicious and uncomplicated to make — way easier than the chocolate mousse recipe I wrote about awhile ago. I decided to make them both and have a taste test to see which recipe was better. To take a look at the recipes and see the results of the battle between Nigella and Giada's chocolate mousses,

Yummy Link: Chocolate Petits Fours

partysugar — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:18:12 -0800

As much as I love to eat them, I've never really had a desire to make petits fours. Then I saw this recipe for mascarpone brownie petits fours with strawberry swiss meringue buttercream, and now I have to make them! These bite-sized chocolate treats look divino! — For the Love of Food

Yummy Link: Black and White Pudding

partysugar — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 04:58:11 -0800

When eating pudding, I have a terrible time deciding between creamy vanilla and rich chocolate. The solution to my dilemma? Black and white pudding with a thick layer each of chocolate and vanilla. — 64 Sq Ft Kitchen

Come Party With Me: Valentine's Day Single Gal Soirée — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 09:13:31 -0800

No Valentine's Day fondue party is complete without chocolate fondue. This gooey and delicious dessert is decadent and festive. Serve with the classic accompaniments: fruit — strawberries, bananas, pineapple — salted pretzel sticks, biscotti, cubed pound or cheesecake. For a super special treat, make homemade marshmallows, tint them pink with red food coloring, and cut out with a heart shaped cookie cutter. For the classic chocolate fondue recipe and another for the marshmallows,

Love Garlic? Love Chocolate? Why Not Try Garlic Chocolate?

YumSugar — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:43:19 -0800

Lisa at TokyoMango tipped us off to the latest trend in Japanese candy. The Japanese have become known for their interesting flavor combos, and this time a company in Aomori, one of Japan's top garlic-producing regions, is combining garlic and chocolate.

Their product is called "black garlic chocolate" and it is a piece of fermented black garlic, covered with chocolate and sprinkled in cocoa powder. A garlic truffle if you will. The black garlic is said to have a sweet-and-sour, prune-like taste.

Although Japan is usually the first to create such offbeat flavors, this is not the first time I've heard of chocolate and garlic. The folks at the Gilroy Garlic Festival have been doing this for years. However this may be the first time I've heard of fermented prune-like garlic. You know I'd love to try a piece? How about you?

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How Do You Eat a Box of Chocolates?

partysugar — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:18:31 -0800

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How Do You Eat a Box of Chocolates?

I blindly pick one and hope I'll like it.

I look at the chocolate guide and choose one I know I'll like.

I cut the chocolate in half to ensure I get one I like.

I always pick the same one.

Other — I'll tell you how I consume a box of chocolates below!

Show Your Love With Homemade Chocolate Caramels

partysugar — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:13:31 -0800

This Valentine's Day, instead of buying a box of chocolates for your loved one, make them! Experimenting with candymaking is super fun and simply rewarding. This recipe for chocolate caramels isn't difficult; you just need time and a candy thermometer. If you really want to get fancy, turn them into chocolate lollipops by placing a small stick into the ball before the final chilling. To take a look at the recipe,

Chocolate Treats For Your Sweet

partysugar — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:13:57 -0800

While we've been featuring plenty of fabulous gift ideas for Valentine's Day, you may be wondering where on earth are the chocolate gifts? Well, wonder no more! Giving chocolate is a delicious display of affection and here are my favorite cocoa-covered gifts.

Would You Rather Eat a Brownie Or a Blondie?

partysugar — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 04:31:39 -0800

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Would You Rather Eat a Brownie Or a Blondie?

A super chocolatey brownie.

A decadent blondie.

What's the difference?

Both desserts hold a special place in my heart.

Neither. I prefer ______ (please fill in the blank below).

Happy Hour: Brownie Cognac

partysugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 16:18:31 -0800

Valentine's Day is an excellent excuse to experiment with chocolate cocktails. I'm especially interested in this recipe because it creates a cocktail that tastes like a brownie!

This drink has a rich, glossy color and a decadent, smooth taste. It's a great dessert cocktail, perfect for when you feel like a sweet treat, but don't want something too heavy. To take a look at the recipe,

Yummy Link: Chocolate Marscarpone Cheese Pie

partysugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 14:13:31 -0800

After discovering a tub of Philadelphia's new ready-to-eat Chocolate Cheesecake Filling, Susan used it to create a delicious and delightful Valentine's Day dessert. — Sticky, Gooey, Creamy, Chewy

Bring the Chocolate to the Bedroom

YumSugar — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 08:50:31 -0800

For some folks, Valentine's Day is all about chocolate, for others it's all about the bedroom. For those of you who are into both, I've rounded up a few fun — and a few tacky — sensual chocolate gifts. While these may be a little risque, they are all definitely safe for work, but if you blush, don't say I didn't warn you! To check out my finds, click the "Start Slideshow" below.

Do You Like White Chocolate?

partysugar — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 06:02:31 -0800

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Do You Like White Chocolate?

Yes, I like chocolate in all of its forms.

Nope, it's not for me.

If it's in a baked good I'll eat it.

Other — I'll tell you what I think about white chocolate below.

Off to Market Recap: Box of Chocolates

partysugar — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:18:11 -0800

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and since I don't have a Valentine, I want to surprise my single older brother with a special gift. Although it's a little cliché, I want to send him a box of chocolates. I asked you to help me find the perfect box of chocolates. You looked for sweets that aren't too feminine or romantic. You bookmarked the boxes in Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, box of chocolates.

All of the chocolates look dangerously delicious, but I plan on sending him this box of domino chocolates. My bro is super-sporty, and I think he will love these bittersweet chocolate domino pieces because they're an edible game! Dotted with white chocolate and filled with rich caramel, the only way these could be better is if they were his favorite childhood game, Connect Four. Thanks jspeed — fabulous find! For more chocolate ideas, browse the collection below.

To learn how the bookmarking feature functions, please refer to geeksugar's explanation.

How Does a Sweetened Condensed Guinness Sound?

YumSugar — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:28:31 -0800

Earlier this week, I tipped you off to the winners of the Chocolate Adventure Recipe Contest, and while the top three spots do sound delicious, I was more intrigued by the runner-up. The name is Chocolate Ginger Delight, and it's a Guinness stout with sweetened condensed milk, ground ginger, and chocolate. Creator Karen Ariele Imm has really taken this pub favorite to a new level. If it sounds intriguing to you, get the recipe when you

Yummy Link: Black and White Chocolate Cake

partysugar — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 05:18:31 -0800

According to Fab, black and white are a hot combination right now. In the food world, black and white — as in chocolate and vanilla — never go out of style. Peabody proves this with her to-die-for rendition of black and white chocolate cake. — Culinary Concoctions by Peabody

Yummy Link: Brownie Trifle

partysugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:27:31 -0800

As chocolate month continues we can't forget about the super important, incredibly delicious brownie trifle. This one is layered with chunks of brownie, chocolate pudding, toffee, and whipped cream. — Dine and Dish

Does Your Loved One Deserve Free Chocolate?

YumSugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 09:15:13 -0800

Chocolate is one of those gifts that just about everyone loves to receive. Male, female, young or old, chocolate seems to make everyone happy. So when our pals at Hotel Chocolat wondered if I was interested in their Valentine's Day Chocolate Gift contest, I naturally said yes. This Valentine's Day they're helping you treat your loved ones by giving away a selection of their chocolates. To win, all you have to do is tell them why your loved one deserves this treat! However, you have to act fast, the contest ends this Friday!

Oh and the best thing? They promised that one of you — a YumSugar reader — would win. So what are you waiting for? Go to their website and enter now!

Make Chocolate Mousse For Your Sweetie

partysugar — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 16:17:31 -0800

My girlfriend Elizabeth has a little problem when it comes to making decadent desserts: She has no oven! However, she wants to make her boyfriend a romantic dessert for Valentine's Day, so I suggested she make a creamy chocolate mousse. Mousse is a wonderful dessert for any sort of party because 1) it's glamorous, 2) it has to be made in advance, and 3) it is served in individual portions. To get the rich mousse recipe — it has a subtle hint of coffee —

Chocolate Adventurers Get Ready to Travel!

YumSugar — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 10:15:31 -0800

This past Fall, I told you all about the Chocolate Adventure Recipe Contest. To participate, you had to create a recipe using Scharffen Berger dark chocolate and one of their "adventure" ingredients. Well, the contest is over and the winners have been announced! Now you can print out the recipes and go on your own chocolate adventure.

The top three recipes are Chocolate Wasabi Pom Poms, Dark Chocolate Caramel Calzoni, and Grapefruit Madelines with Rosemary Infused Chocolate Drizzle. All three of them look absolutely delicious, as do the ideas in the list of finalists. And if this isn't enough for you, come back later this week when we have the recipe for the honorable mention Chocolate Ginger Delight!

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Your Chocolate Words Against Mine

YumSugar — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 01:18:31 -0800

I'll tell you right now, I absolutely love game night. Sure it seems nerdy, but a nice glass of wine and a good game of Scrabble really make me happy. So when I found out that Brooklyn based Mary & Matt created a Chocolate Scrabble bar ($6), I knew I had to order one right away. It's made from dark chocolate and is the full alphabet of tiles; it's absolutely perfect for chocolate month! Get a few and make your own Scrabble game. I call the Z tile, it's ten points!

Decadent Breakfast Side: Chocolate Gravy

YumSugar — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 04:18:31 -0800

I was looking for delicious side dishes that would help us celebrate chocolate month when I came across this recipe for chocolate gravy. It sounds a bit crazy, but the concept of biscuits and chocolate gravy looks really delicious. It is actually more of a dessert, or breakfast pudding, than a side, but how thrilled will your guests be when you slather their biscuits in creamy chocolate? To get the recipe,

Do You Remember Your Chocolate Info?

YumSugar — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 01:18:31 -0800

February is National Chocolate Month, and to celebrate, we'll be sharing chocolate things with you all month long. To start it off, I thought I'd quiz you on a bunch of things chocolate. All of these answers can actually be found in old Yum posts, so good luck!