Savory

Chocolate Overload

Published April 29, 2012

It finally happened. Friday night in Orlando on the campus of the University of Central Florida there was more chocolate than I could EVER imagine even tasting one small bite. Oh, we tried. Spent about $30 in “samples” ranging from a Chocolate Salted Caramel Cupcake to package of Peterbrooke’s chocolate covered popcorn and EVERYTHING in between. Passed up chocolate dipped Twinkies – thought is was a criminal offense doing THAT to chocolate. Heads were spinning from the enormous amount of chocolate information presented from the history of chocolate to the processing of the cacao beans. Then, there was the “Yumway” – a stage where aspiring fashion design students tried their hand at making the best, most outrageous outfit made out of candy bar WRAPPERS. A bit bummed…was hoping for real chocolate dresses, pants, etc. This was fun nonetheless.

Saturday we were immersed in demos and classes. Where else can you rub elbows with such extraordinary chefs – Chef David Ramirez, Chef Steven Rujak, Chef Paul Joachim just to name a FEW whose brains I picked and who taught me hand seeding to temper chocolate, the making of a woven chocolate basket and sculpting a life-size jazz player. All were enthusiastic about their craft and willing to let this chocolate novice ask ANYTHING about chocolate and working with chocolate.

Later Saturday were competitions and Dove Chocolate Discoveries’ Stephanie Weinberger’s brownies took second in the category! Sorry, forgot to take a picture of the ribbon. Spent a couple of hours wow-ing the passersby with tastes of our savory Chocolate BBQ Sauce and Spicy Cocoa Rub. Attendees also indulged in DCD’s White Chocolate Mango Mojitos (kid-friendly) and our Chocolate Chipotle Spiced Caramel Clusters!

Final day to order for Mother’s Day! Click here to order online.