TasteTV Chocolate News Updates

Video: Chocolate Fashion Show - For the Love of Chocolate

2011-09-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

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This blog from the contributors, producers and correspondents at TasteTV at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, seafood

Bridal Chocolate Salon and Chicago Chocolate Salon Awards

2011-07-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

TasteTV and the International Chocolate Salon are pleased to announced the Awards for the 2011 Bridal Chocolate Salon and the Chicago Chocolate Salon.

This year's competitions saw a variety of new and existing artisans with a wide range of exciting new products. The submissions highlighted the ongoing increase and focus on quality, innovation, and taste.

Award winners in various categories can be seen on the sites: www.BridalChocolateSalon.com and www.ChicagoChocolateSalon.com.

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Los Angeles Chocolate Salon - September 25, 2011

2011-05-11T10:47:00.001-07:00

The 5th Annual Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon is scheduled for September 25, 2011.

Los Angeles Chocolate Salon: www.LAChocolateSalon.com

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Chocolate Molded Easter Bunnies! Martha Stewart Shows Chocolate Bunnies from Antique Chocolate Molds!!

2011-04-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

When asked most people don't think they "know" chocolate molds..until they are reminded of their Easter Baskets...many Americans were fortunate enough to have experienced molded chocolate in the form of that most Adored Chocolate Easter Bunny - precisely placed in our Easter Baskets for discovery on Easter Morning.

Meanwhile, molded Chocolate was popular for occasions and events all over Germany and the rest of Europe. Everything from Santa's to Victorian Children to animals and monuments were available in molded chocolate!

So, obviously I'm excited for Easter...I can't wait to see what kind of molded chocolate Bunny the Easter Bunny will bring me this year!! (crossing my fingers for Dark Chocolate)

Antique Chocolate Molds are available worldwide and of course online..yes..on my website Http://www.VictorianChocolateMolds.Com.

They really are wonderful to look at and fun to use for molding chocolate, making candles, soaps and chalkware or paper mache figures..also...Martha Stewart has an Easter Special coming..the preview shows 2 large molded Chocolate Bunnies...can't wait to see them!!

2011 San Francisco International Chocolate Salon

2011-01-15T12:43:00.000-08:00

The San Francisco International Chocolate Salon is coming on April, 17, 2011 to Fort Mason.

The premier chocolate show on the West Coast takes place this Spring at the 5th Annual San Francisco International CHOCOLATE SALON, April 17th, 2011 at the Fort Mason Center's Festival Pavilion in San Francisco. Chocolate aficionados, fanatics, buyers and journalists can experience the finest in artisan, gourmet & premium chocolate in one of the world's great culinary metropolitan areas.

Featuring the "Best of the Best" selected and curated by the Organizers, International CHOCOLATE SALON participants include over 50 master chocolatiers, confectioners, wineries and other culinary artisans such as The Tea Room chocolate, Guittard Chocolate Company, Christopher Michael Chocolates, Plumeria Flours, Saratoga Chocolates, Choclatique, Divine Chocolate, Landru Chocolates, Alter Eco Fair Trade Chocolate, Goat Milk Candy Company, Snake & Butterfly, Clarine's Florentines, Salt Side Down Chocolates, Dolce Bella Chocolates and Cafe, Neo Cocoa, Fabrica de Chocolate Momotombo, CocoTutti, Her Coconess Confections, Marti Chocolatt, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, Gateau et Ganache, Nicole Lee Fine Chocolates, Coco-luxe Confections, Vice Chocolates, Socola Chocolatier, Amano Artisan Chocolate, Cacao Atlanta Chocolate Co., William Dean Chocolates, Seattle Chocolate Company, Jade Chocolates, and Kika's Treats.

More information at www.SFChocolateSalon.com

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The Fall Luxury Chocolate Salon on November 14th

2010-11-09T07:41:00.000-08:00

The Fall Luxury CHOCOLATE SALON participants include over 30 chocolatiers, confectioners, wineries and other culinary artisans. An intimate setting, the Fall Chocolate Salon is the perfect place to find the perfect gift, while tasting and savoring the chocolate lovers experience.  

Participants include TCHO, Saratoga Chocolates, The Tea Room chocolate, Ghirardelli Chocolate, Salt Side Down Chocolates, CocoTutti, Landru Chocolates, Choclatique, Coco-luxe Confections, Sterling Confections, Coco Delice Fine Chocolates, Socola Chocolatier, Gateau et Ganache, ALTER ECO Fair Trade, CJ's Bitz, Snake & Butterfly, Jade Chocolates, Amano Artisan Chocolate, Carlos Mann Nicaraguan Artisan Chocolates, Clarine's Florentines, Au Coeur Des Chocolats, Poco Dolce, Vice Chocolates, Plumeria Flours, Christopher Michael Chocolates, Farm Fresh To You, Carolyn Tillie Designs' Chocolate Jewelry, Quady Winery, Punk Dog Wines, Rigolo Cafe, 122° West Wines, Garden Creamery sorbet, TasteTV, and more.

www.fallchocolatesalon.com

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Seattle Chocolate Salon on July 11th

2010-04-29T11:23:00.000-07:00

Chocolate lovers, en garde! The premier chocolate event in the Northwest this millenium returns with the 3rd Annual Seattle Luxury CHOCOLATE SALON on Sunday, July 11th, 2010. Chocolate aficionados, fanatics, lovers and addicts can taste & experience the finest in artisan, gourmet & premium chocolate in one of the world's great culinary metropolitan areas.

Seattle CHOCOLATE SALON 2009 participants included chocolatiers, confectioners and other culinary artisans such as 2008 CHOCOLATE SALON AWARD WINNERS Amano Artisan Chocolate, Theo Chocolate, Intrigue Chocolates, Oh! Chocolate, and Posh Chocolate, as well as newcomers Crave Chocolate, Forte Chocolates, Divine Chocolate, Carter's Chocolates, Chocolopolis, Chubby Chipmunk Hand-Dipped Chocolates, La Châtelaine Chocolat Co., Eat Chocolates, Choffy, The Chocolate Traveler, William Dean Chocolates, Xocai Healthy Chocolate, Suess Chocolates, Claudio Corallo Chocolate, Decadent Tastes, Marco Polo Designs' Chocolate Jewelry, Honest Tea, TasteTV, Yelp, Sizzleworks Cooking School, Ventana Wines, Rimon Winery and more.

Salon highlights include chocolate tasting, demonstrations, chef & author talks and ongoing interviews by TasteTV's Chocolate Television program. (Salon Entry includes all chocolate & confection tastings, demos, etc.).

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SNL Video: Brownie Husband, with Tina Fey

2010-04-12T21:08:00.000-07:00

Saturday Night Live Video:

Brownie Husband, with Tina Fey

Duncan Heinz introduces a new indulgence for single women—"In just 90 seconds, Brownie Husband bakes into a delicious partner...":

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2010 SF Chocolate Salon

2010-01-18T22:02:00.000-08:00

Bigger and better!

The 2010 Fourth Annual San Francisco International CHOCOLATE SALON participants include over 70 chocolatiers, confectioners, wineries and other culinary artisans, such as: Amano Artisan Chocolate, Sacred Chocolate, Guittard Chocolate Company, Saratoga Chocolates, The Tea Room chocolate, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, TCHO, Neo Cocoa, Kikas Treats, CJ's Bitz, Socola Chocolatier, Divine Chocolate, Drexelius Chocolates, Alter Eco Fair Trade Chocolate, Chocolate, Amella Caramels, Jade Chocolates, Ococoa, Malie Kai Chocolates, Happy Chocolates, Choclatique, Coco Delice Fine Chocolates, Clarine's Florentines, Napa Valley Fudge Company, Nicobella vegan organic truffles, Robyn's Chocolates & Confections, Vice Chocolates, Dolce Bella Chocolates, William Dean Chocolates, Edible Love Chocolates, Marti Chocolatt, Coco-luxe Confections, Sterling Confections, Christopher Michael Chocolates, Posh Chocolat, Gateau et Ganache, Poco Dolce, XOX Truffles, Schoggi Swiss Chocolates, Divine Organics by Transition Nutrition, Her Coconess Confections, Snake & Butterfly, Truffles in Paradise, Cacao Atlanta, Barlovento Chocolates, AF2 Chocolatiers, Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream Liqueur, Quady Winery, Blue Angel Vodka, Fentimans Botanically Brewed Beverages and Ginger Beer, Rigolo Cafe, Farm Fresh to You, Resveratrol WINETIME Bar, California Naturals, The Winery Collective, Radee Wine, Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka and Chocolate Liqueur, Sonoma Valley Portworks, Loft Organic Liqueurs, Zinc Details, The Bread Project, Omnivore Books on Food, Carolyn Tillie Designs (Just Desserts Jewelry), Le Creuset, Swissmar, Putumayo World Music, Chocolate Television, The New York Times, TasteTV, and many more.

All this in over 50,000 square feet of Chocolate, Wine and Confections.
www.SFChocolateSalon.com

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Why is everyone so sweet on chocolate?

2010-01-09T09:20:00.000-08:00

A great story on Marketplace (APM / NPR) about why chocolate is doing so well, and companies are trying to buy into the business. Below is the transcript:

KAI RYSSDAL: If you've been listening to this program, or reading the business pages, you have no doubt heard about the various firms that are trying to buy the candy maker Cadbury. Kraft's $17-billion bid was too low for the British company, also too high for Kraft's biggest shareholder Warren Buffett. He said ixnay to the eel-day. So Cadbury board members have reportedly started talking to the folks at Hershey, I imagine trying to gin up a counter-offer there.

Now I like a good candy bar as much as the next guy. But this does seem like a whole lot of fuss about chocolate. Marketplace's Jeremy Hobson explains all that maneuvering is not as crazy as it sounds.

JEREMY HOBSON: We may be cutting back on houses, cars, electronics and eating out. But chocolate appears to be totally recession proof. The market research firm Mintel says Americans bought about 2.5 percent more chocolate in 2009 than they did in 2008.

MARCIA MOGELONSKY: Chocolate provides a certain comfort, even when times are bad.

Marcia Mogelonsky is a global food and drink analyst at Mintel. She says the real growth is overseas. In India, for instance, chocolate sales grew almost 17 percent as the world plunged into the economic slump.

MOGELONSKY: You know you wouldn't think of India as a great chocolate country because of the temperature. Chocolate will melt. You can't have it in the corner store. But what's been happening as the Indian economy develops, there's been a growing network of air-conditioned malls opening up across India. And in those air-conditioned malls, you can sell chocolate.

Keeping chocolate cool is not a problem right now here in frigid New York City. I stopped by a chocolate store in Rockefeller Center, and found Evelyn McGrath ogling the window display. She says she's making less money now, but still eats chocolate every other day.

EVELYN MCGRATH: I don't know, I just really like chocolate. I like dark chocolate a lot, and they say that it's healthier for you. If you can eat like the 60 percent dark chocolate like at least once a day, it's better for your heart or something.

Ahh, the things we tell ourselves.

Kenise Scoop's not making any excuses. She admits despite the recession, her chocolate-buying habits haven't changed.

KENISE SCOOP: No, they probably should have, but they haven't.

HOBSON: Still buying the same amount?

SCOOP: Possibly more, actually.

Scoop's in good company. Mintel reports chocolate has become a substitute for other items in this recession. As in, forget the diamonds for Valentine's Day, how about a heart-shaped box of chocolate truffles instead?

In New York, I'm Jeremy Hobson for Marketplace.

Read the transcript or hear the story here.

TasteTV Events include:

Chocorotica Video

2009-11-01T09:20:00.000-08:00

... kind of aimed at people with extreme sweet tooths (teeth), not necessarily the artisan chocolate lovers --- but whatever! Enjoy

via http://www.everythingisterrible.com/

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White Chocolate Conan O'Brien - video

2009-10-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

White Chocolate Conan O'Brien - video

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Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream & Blue Angel Vodka

2009-09-26T12:10:00.000-07:00

Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream, Blue Angel Vodka join the Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon on October 11th.

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Chocolate Coins Music Video

2009-09-19T10:22:00.000-07:00

Chocolate coins and dradels, that's the theme of this funny hip-hop music video by comedia/rapper Eric Schwartz

Watch Chocolate Coins in Comedy | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

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Simple Luxuries Thrive in Depressed Economy - ie. Chocolate

2009-08-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

MSNBC and Entrepreneur.com have identified the truth. People keep eating chocolate during a recession. Even a Great Recession.

Why?

Because they can,

because they need to,

because they can afford at least one bite.

Per writer Amy Reinink:

Simple Luxuries Thrive in Depressed Economy

Beer, chocolate and video games. People find comfort on a tight budget with these recession-proof products.

Chocolate

Davidson Chocolateisnt the only chocolate company to enjoy a recent boom in business. Industry giants like Hersheys and Cadburys have also reported increased profits.

Elliott says Davidsons success stems from keeping the focus on quality, and by creating an atmosphere of luxury at an affordable price point.

If people come to really appreciate the quality of your product, they will see paying $1.35 for a truffle as a good value rather than a splurge, she says.

As soon as customers walk into Davidson Chocolate, they are greeted by a staff member--and by the aroma of the on-site chocolate production.

People just stand there and smell for a few minutes, Elliott says.

Then, whether the customer is buying three pounds of chocolate or three pieces, Elliott says owners and staff strive to create the feeling of, Oh, can we wrap your gift, or get you a gift card, or do anything else to make you feel special?

People have to go grocery shopping, Elliott says. They dont have to come into the store. We want them to feel like theyre being treated.

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Inhale Your Chocolate?

2009-08-25T08:50:00.000-07:00

Remember when "inhaling your chocolate" just meant you ate it very quickly?

No more. Now there's some smart guys who have figured out how you can literally inhale the product. Is it better that way? No clue.

For a Calorie-Free Chocolate Treat, Just Inhale

Bostonians got their first chance to sample Le Whif late last month at the TEDxBoston conference, when silvery packets containing a single brown inhaler were handed out to the 250 or so attendees. Le Whif inventor David Edwards, a Harvard professor of biomedical engineering, was one of the speakers, as was his former student Tom Hadfield, who made the case that over the course of human history, we've been eating food in smaller and smaller portions (whole dead mastodon -> Whopper Jr.) The next natural step, Hadfield argued, is breathing our food.

Via Boston.com

Here's the video to go with it:

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New Chocolatiers for LA Chocolate Salon on October 11th.

2009-08-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

New additions to the October 11th, 3rd Annual Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon!

They include the Chocolate Traveler, Sweet Beauty Organic Chocolate Sap, Ococoa Chocolates, Tifa, Xocai Chocolate, and (not chocolate), Zhena's Gypsy Tea.

There are also a number of new Tasting Panelists, who will be announced soon.

TasteTV Events include:

Chocolate Helps Heart Attack Survivors

2009-08-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

Yet another report claiming chocolate can help you live longer and healthier...

Do we sound skeptical? No, just tired of seeing enough proof already.

Per US New and World Report:

Chocolate Helps Heart Attack Survivors
Eating chocolate can reduce heart attack survivors' risk of dying, say researchers who followed 1,169 Swedish men and women, ages 45 to 70, from the time they were hospitalized with their first heart attack in the early 1990s.
Those who ate chocolate two or more times a week were about three times less likely to die from heart disease than those who never ate chocolate, the study found. Smaller amounts of chocolate also offered some protection,Agence France Presse reported.
The study, which appears in the September issue of the Journal of Internal Medicine, is believed to be the first to demonstrate that chocolate can help prevent death in heart attack survivors.
"Our findings support increasing evidence that chocolate is a rich source of beneficial bioactive compounds," the researchers wrote.

So instead of that emergency tab of Aspirin, keep around a big dark bar of Amano or Guittard

TasteTV Events include:

Los Angeles Chocolate Salon Poster

2009-08-11T10:34:00.000-07:00

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Pelosi’s Secret Weapon in Health Care Debate: Chocolate

2009-08-02T07:06:00.000-07:00

According to the New York Times:

In recent days, Ms. Pelosi and other Democratic leaders have experienced extraordinary tumult as they weathered criticism of the legislation from the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition on the right, and then from more progressive lawmakers who revolted against some of the compromises made to appease the Blue Dogs.

“You’ve had difficult meetings all week,” a reporter said. “Can you tell us about your methods to reach consensus?”

In an unguarded moment, Ms. Pelosi, whose deft political maneuvers catapulted her through the ranks of the House Democratic leadership to make her the first woman speaker in United States history, shared her secret.

“Chocolate,” she said.

And she was only half-kidding. Ms. Pelosi, who represents San Francisco, keeps stashes of Ghirardelli chocolate squares strategically placed throughout her suite of offices in the Capitol.

That's San Francisco style politics ... use gourmet foods to put your foes at ease.

TasteTV Events include:

Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon - October 11th

2009-07-29T11:20:00.000-07:00

The 3rd Annual Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon is on October 11th, with more chocolate, more chocolatiers, and more things happening!

TasteTV Events include:

Awards for the July 12th CHOCOLATE SALON Announced

2009-07-27T08:27:00.000-07:00

After excited attendees in the Northwest on Sunday enjoyed exceptional chocolate, confection, wine & tea offerings as part of the national Chocolate Stimulus Plan, The Awards for the 2nd Annual SEATTLE CHOCOLATE SALON have been selected by our team of expert panelists, and can be seen on the Salon website here.

See a TasteTV VIDEO FROM THE SALON

Sample Chocolate Salon Awards include

Best Dark Chocolate: Amano Artisan Chocolate

Best Truffle: Suess Chocolates

Most Artistic Designs: William Dean Chocolates

Best Flavored Chocolate: Posh Chocolat

Best Flavored Chocolate Bar: Divine Chocolate

New Product Award: Amano Artisan Chocolate / Posh Chocolat / Marco Polo Designs' Chocolate Jewelry

Sample Press Reviews:

MetBlogs Seattle here
AmazonBlogs - Al Dente here
Valentina Vitals photos can also be seen here.

And a great selection of Flickr photos here

Sample Attendee Reviews:

Says the Aly M. on Yelp: "Sooooooooooo tired of chocolate right now. I never thought that would happen. But, it was freakin amazing. I liked so many things, but it was also nice to find things I didn't like--it shows there was a nice variety there....."

Adds Nancy B. on Yelp: "For the second year TasteTV put on an amazing event with...vendors at the Bell Harbor Convention Center. Jewelry, Spa products, wine... oh how there were so much more than truffles this year!!! ."

Plus says Inna B. on Yelp: "This was one crazy delicious event that left plenty of folks in a chocolate coma... The chocolate samples ranged from good to being a flavor explosion/party in your mouth.. and a lot of them looked almost too beautiful to eat. Many of them had some interesting flavors and... well, let's just say I'm probably no longer going to my regular shopping-mall chocolate stores when buying fancy chocolate as a gift. There are simply too many amazing little chocolate companies that so many people have not even heard of!."

Many thanks to our talented and prestigious panelists, as well as volunteers and speakers, including Joseph Whinney (Founder & CEO of Theo Chocolate), Lauren Adler (Founder & Chief Chocophile of Chocolopolis), and Lisa Francoise Schafer (Owner & Creator of Chocolate Spa 'Sweet Beauty'). We also want to thank the staff from the Bell Harbor Conference Center.

UPCOMING CHOCOLATE SALONS:

September 19 2009: Las Vegas
October 11 2009: Los Angeles

March 2010: San Francisco
May 2010: Chicago

TasteTV Events include:

2nd Annual Seattle Luxury CHOCOLATE SALON

2009-07-03T11:26:00.000-07:00

The 2nd Annual Seattle Luxury CHOCOLATE SALON, July 12th 2009, announces a delicious lineup of speakers and members of its Chocolate Tasting Panel, including Joseph Whinney, Founder & CEO of Theo Chocolate, Lauren Adler of Chocolopolis, and a chocolate spa demonstration by Lisa Francoise Schafer, Owner of Sweet Beauty.

The Seattle Luxury CHOCOLATE SALON takes place from 11am-5pm on Sunday, July 12th, 2009, during Bastille Day Weekend. Chocolate aficionados, fanatics, lovers and addicts can taste & experience the finest in artisan, gourmet & premium chocolate in one of the world's great culinary metropolitan areas.

Seattle Chocolate Salon participants include Amano Artisan Chocolate, Theo Chocolate, Intrigue Chocolates, Oh! Chocolate, Posh Chocolate, Crave Chocolate, Forte Chocolates, Divine Chocolate, Carter's Chocolates, Chocolopolis, Chubby Chipmunk Hand-Dipped Chocolates, La Châtelaine Chocolat Co., Eat Chocolates, Choffy, The Chocolate Traveler, William Dean Chocolates, Xocai Healthy Chocolate, Suess Chocolates, Claudio Corallo Chocolate, Marco Polo Designs' Chocolate Jewelry, TasteTV, Yelp, Sizzleworks Cooking School, Chocolate Television and TasteTV.

CHOCOLATE TASTING & SALON AWARDS

The Salon's Chocolate Awards Tasting Panel will select the best of the best on July 12th, and is composed of Tan Vinh (Seattle Times), Jay Friedman (Gastrolust.com, Seattle Restaurant Examiner), Keren Brown (Frantic Foodie), Viv (Seattle Bon Vivant), Traca Savadogo (Seattle Examiner, Seattle Tall Poppy), Carol Dearth (Sizzleworks Cooking School), Julien Perry ("Go Eat!" - KOMO Radio, WINO Magazine, Urbanspoon), Dana Cree (TastingMenu.com, Veil Restaurant), Brenda Pederson (CulinaryFool.com), Loretto Hulse (Tri-City Herald), Katelyn Hackett (Seattlest.com), Becky Selengut (Chef Reinvented Blog, Seattle Homes and Lifestyles, Edible Seattle), Connie Adams (SeattleDining.com), Alice Currah (SavorySweetLife.com), Leslie Seaton (FreshPickedSeattle.com), Leslie D. Helm (Seattle Business Magazine), and food and lifestyle writer Joann Natalia Aquino (DailyCandy, Citysearch).

Chocolate Tasting Panelists have the luxurious responsibility of tasting all chocolates and confections and rating them for receipt of Luxury Chocolate Salon Awards.

The Seattle Luxury CHOCOLATE SALON is Sunday, July 12th, 2009, at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center, 2211 Alaskan Way, Pier 66. 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $20.00 in Advance (recommended). For Advance Ticket purchases, Salon information, updated chocolatiers and other exhibitors, or for the Menu of events, go to http://www.SeattleChocolateSalon.com.

TasteTV Events include:

Current Seattle CHOCOLATE SALON Lineup

2009-05-29T09:36:00.000-07:00

Seattle CHOCOLATE SALON participants include over 30 chocolatiers, confectioners, wineries and other culinary artisans, including 2008 CHOCOLATE SALON AWARD WINNERS Amano Artisan Chocolate, Theo Chocolate, Intrigue Chocolates, Oh! Chocolate, and Posh Chocolate, as well as newcomers Crave Chocolate, Forte Chocolates, Divine Chocolate, Carter's Chocolates, Chocolopolis, Chubby Chipmunk Hand-Dipped Chocolates, La Châtelaine Chocolat Co., Eat Chocolates, Choffy and The Chocolate Traveler.

www.SeattleChocolateSalon.com

TasteTV Events include:

Chocolate-Powered Race Car

2009-05-07T07:43:00.000-07:00

What a waste of chocolate! On the other hand, it is Green (or rather, "brown")

FOX News reports Chocolate-Powered 150 MPH Race Car Revealed

A team of British engineers have designed a car that not only runs on a fuel derived from the tasty treat, but is largely constructed from parts derived from vegetables.

The steering wheel of the open-cockpit car is constructed from carrot fibers, the foam in the seats from soybeans, and the rear view mirrors and body panels produced from the starch of potatoes. Even the brakes are based on cashew nut shells.

TasteTV Events include:

Seattle Luxury CHOCOLATE SALON returns on July 12th

2009-04-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

The TasteTV Chocolate Stimulus Plan continues!

The 2nd Annual SEATTLE LUXURY CHOCOLATE SALON returns on July 12th, 2009 to the beautiful Seattle waterfront, continuing its tradition as the premier chocolate event in the Northwest this millenium.

Seattle CHOCOLATE SALON participants include over 30 chocolatiers, confectioners, wineries and other culinary artisans, including 2008 CHOCOLATE SALON AWARD WINNERS Amano Artisan Chocolate and Intrigue Chocolates, as well as newcomers Crave Chocolate and Forte Chocolates.

At the Seattle Luxury CHOCOLATE SALON, chocolate aficionados, fanatics, buyers and journalists will experience the finest in artisan, gourmet & premium chocolate and specialty food items in one of the world's great culinary metropolitan areas.

The Seattle Luxury CHOCOLATE SALON is Sunday, July 12th, 2008, at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center, 2211 Alaskan Way, Pier 66. 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Early Bird Tickets are $17.50, through May 31st.
Regular Tickets are $20 for Adults (Advance Purchase) and $25 at the Door.

For Advance Ticket purchases, Salon information, updated chocolatiers and other exhibitors, or for the Menu of events, go to http://www.SeattleChocolateSalon.com.

CHOCOLATE SALON PHOTOS & VIDEOS

Never been to a TasteTV Chocolate Salon?

See photos from the 2008 Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon can be seen on Flickr

See an SFStation video of the 2009 San Francisco International Chocolate Salon

See an NBC video of the 2009 San Francisco International Chocolate Salon

TasteTV Events include:

SF Chocolate Salon - SF Station Video Report

2009-04-04T08:19:00.000-07:00

SF Station (www.SFStation.com) came to the 2009 San Francisco International Chocolate Salon, and produced this entertaining feature video:

TasteTV Events include:

Chocolate is now the "Affordable Luxury"

2009-03-12T22:14:00.000-07:00

According to The Times in South Africa, people are now concluding,
"If you're broke, have a chocolate."

Per The Times:

AS NEWS of tough economic times continues to bombard people, so consumers are turning to chocolate for consolation...

Strong growth was experienced across emerging markets, particularly in South Africa, India and South America, where local chocaholics munched their way to a 20 percent increase in revenue growth.
This was attributed to more people spending time at home instead of going out .

Earlier this week upmarket store Selfridges in London said chocolate sales are 80 percent higher than they were a year ago.
Consumers are splashing out on chocolate as an “affordable luxury”, said a spokes man from Selfridges.

Certain sectors likely to attract more investors in a downturn include luxury goods, pharmaceuticals and utilities.

Chocolate and drugs. Sounds like self-medication to us.

TasteTV Events include:

Photo from last year's Chocolate Salon

2009-03-03T21:41:00.001-08:00

Originally uploaded by Marco Sanchez

Someone looks a little happy about their chocolate!

Eating Chocolate is Recession First Aid

2009-03-02T08:16:00.000-08:00

People are not cutting premium chocolate consumption even
during this economic crisis.

Why is that? Perhaps because we're looking for guaranteed, guilt-free and affordable comfort in this time of apprehension and uncertainty.

At least, that's what's coming up from these articles and studies (and we believe them):

What Chocolate Says About The Recession

Cadbury sees chocolate eating rising in recession

Americans reach for small luxuries amid sour economy

Finding Ways to Live Green in a Down Economy

Is chocolate recession-proof?

Recession vs. chocolate? Bet on the chocolate

Alright, we're convinced!!!

TasteTV Events include:

New Additions to the SF Chocolate Salon

2009-02-20T11:45:00.000-08:00

New additions to the upcoming 3rd Annual San Francisco INTERNATIONAL CHOCOLATE SALON include:

TCHO, Tifa Chocolate, Yelp!, Omnivore Books, The Sweet Beauty Organic Chocolate Spa, ARTworkSF, and PlayFirst's "Chocolatier" video games (Decadence by Design)

TasteTV Events include:

SF Chocolate Salon Film Festival Call for Videos

2009-01-25T20:37:00.000-08:00

Chocolate Videos, Documentaries, etc. for the SF Chocolate Salon Film Festival. The 3rd Annual San Francisco International CHOCOLATE SALON is on March 21st, 200 (www.SFChocolateSalon.com). During this month, the SF Chocolate Salon Film Festival will be airing on TasteTV on Demand in Northern California, featuring selected videos on the topic.

To submit a video for consideration, go to the Tastemakers Social Club website (http://tastemakers.tastetv.com) and upload a video. After uploading, send a message to the TasteTV profile (do not email TasteTV directly) to review your video. Selected programs will be notified on February 5th.

Selected videos need to be sent to TasteTV on DVD for broadcast. Winners will also receive two tickets to the Chocolate Salon.

TasteTV airs on over 100 television stations nationwide, as well as on KFTY-TV50 (Ch. 199, 4:30pm Sundays) in the San Francisco Bay Area viewing area, as well as on Comcast On Demand in Northern California (inc. SF, SJ, Oak, Marin, etc., Comcast Ch 1 > Get Local > TasteTV), reaching millions of households & viewers.

TasteTV Events include:

SF International Chocolate Salon Returns on March 21st

2008-12-28T11:32:00.000-08:00

San Francisco International Chocolate Salon Returns on March 21st

Chocolate lovers, get ready!

San Francisco. March 21, 2009. The largest major chocolate show on the West Coast takes place this Spring at the 3rd Annual San Francisco International CHOCOLATE SALON, Saturday March 21st, 2009 at the Fort Mason Center's Herbst Pavillion in San Francisco. Chocolate aficionados, fanatics, buyers and journalists can experience the finest in artisan, gourmet & premium chocolate in one of the world's great culinary metropolitan areas.

The Third Annual San Francisco International CHOCOLATE SALON participants include over 50 chocolatiers, confectioners, wineries and other culinary artisans, such as: Coco-luxe Confections, Sacred Chocolate, Guittard Chocolate Company, Saratoga Chocolates, Marti Chocolatt, The Tea Room chocolate, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, Neo Cocoa, Socola Chocolatier, Kikas Treats, CJ's Bitz, Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream Liqueur, Quady Winery, Sol Rouge Winery, Akaroa Winery, Le Creuset, Swissmar, Putumayo World Music, Chocolate Television and TasteTV, and many more.

New 2009 Chocolate Salon additions include an actual Chocolate Wedding, and a Chocolate Art Gallery. Other Salon highlights feature chocolate tasting, demonstrations, chef & author talks, wine pairings, a live chocolate body frosting demonstration, ongoing interviews by TasteTV's Chocolate Television program, and book signings of the Intenational Chocolate Salon publication, "The Chocolate Guide (Western Edition)." The Salon will also include a Silent Auction/Raffle charity fund-raiser for Holy Family Day Home, providing care and education for homeless children.

TasteTV also announces that the Ten Days of Bay Area-wide chocolate events culminating with the Chocolate Salon at San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center. During the week leading up to the International Chocolate Salon, Williams-Sonoma San Francisco and Draegers San Mateo and other locations will present daily chocolate recipe classes in their kitchens by chocolatiers as well as by well-known chefs and cookbook authors.

TasteTV Events include:

Chocolate News & Updates

2008-11-17T09:07:00.000-08:00

Heidi Klum's chocolate-flavoured lips:
The German supermodel often longs for chocolate cake from her homeland, but has discovered a secret weapon to curb her desires. She is quoted as saying (read more)

Tainted chocolate turns up in Oshawa, Niagara Falls"
Tainted Hershey's chocolate has been discovered in Oshawa and Niagara Falls, just days after federal inspectors removed 640 pieces of the candy from five ...(read more)

Chocolate: Treat or Trick?
Chocolate is the food of the gods, according to the ancient Mayans, and a favorite of Halloween trick-or-treaters. But do these sweets come with an environmental price? (read more)

TasteTV Events include:

The Chocolate Guide - Eastern Edition has been released

2008-11-14T13:00:00.000-08:00

Publication Release of The Chocolate Guide - Eastern Edition

TasteTV's Eastern Edition of THE CHOCOLATE GUIDE has just been released for New York, New England, Florida, etc., and is now available on Amazon.com. It will soon be in Borders and Barnes & Noble for the Holidays.

See the featured chocolatiers, and download a PDF excerpt of the East Coast (+Chicago) Guide here.

Featured Chocolatiers include:

TasteTV Events include:

NYTimes: Tasting Responsible Chocolate

2008-11-11T09:08:00.000-08:00

Another great one from the New York Times. In this instance they do a taste test of all the fair-trade/organic type chocolates they can gather, and give them to a local chef for his thoughts. As you can guess, he hates most of them.

Reader and chocolatier comments ensue! Hilarity for all (not)

TasteTV Events include:

Awards for the 2nd Annual LOS ANGELES CHOCOLATE SALON

2008-10-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

The Awards for the 2nd Annual LOS ANGELES CHOCOLATE SALON have been selected by our team of expert panelists, and can be seen on the Salon website here. Sample awards include

Best Dark Chocolate: Amano Artisan Chocolate

Best Milk Chocolate: Guittard Chocolate Company

Best Truffle: Valerie Confections

Most Artistic Designs Christopher Michael Artisan Chocolates

New Product Award Marti Chocolatt

Chocolate Pioneer Award: Guittard Chocolate

The full list of awards can be viewed here. Photos can also be seen Flickr. Many thanks to our talented and prestigious panelists, as well as volunteers and speakers, including MJ Lachica of Downeys, the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory, Chef Michael Antonorsi of Chuao Chocolatier, & Authors Carole Bloom and Amy Reiley. We also want to thank Edible Los Angeles.

Says the Los Angeles Times: "Anyone who attended Sunday's second annual Los Angeles Chocolate Salon certainly got her chocolate fix. Chocolatiers and chocolate makers handed out samples of chocolate-covered toffee, truffles, chocolate bars, even mocha espressos....."

Also, here's an article by the Wandering Chopsticks blog, with videos & photos .

TasteTV Events include:

LA Buzzing about the 2nd Annual Los Angeles Luxury CHOCOLATE SALON on October 5th

2008-09-29T13:35:00.000-07:00

VARIETY MAGAZINE describes the premium chocolates at the upcoming Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon as:
"Fancy, Legal Speedballs" (read more)

TasteTV is happy to say that this is not the only buzz being generated from the 2nd Annual Los Angeles Luxury CHOCOLATE SALON. Chocolate aficionados, fanatics, lovers and addicts can taste & experience the finest in artisan, gourmet & premium chocolate in one of the world's great culinary metropolitan areas.

According to LA Splash magazine about the 2007 LA Chocolate Salon, " If you're a chocolate lover, you would have been in chocolate heaven at the First Annual Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon...this decadent and delightful event."

Fine chocolate is an affordable luxury, and to many people it's even more. In a recent interview for Britain's Glamour magazine, "Desperate Housewives "star Teri Hatcher stated that one of the great Keys to Happiness is chocolate.

TasteTV Events include:

Chocolate SEIZURE: The Ultimate Wine for Chocolate Lovers

2008-09-16T10:04:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Seizure Wine:
The TasteTV final public tasting event at Crushpad to create "The Ultimate Wine for Chocolate Lovers," was a success, and the winning blend was a 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, which received the vast majority of votes. WIth only 300 bottles available, this will be very special wine to savor with the best dark chocolate. www.ChocolateSeizure.com

TasteTV Events include:

CHOCOLATE SEIZURE 2008: Making the Ultimate Chocolate Lovers Wine

2008-09-03T19:42:00.000-07:00

TasteTV, producer of Chocolate Television and the International & Luxury Chocolate Salons, has teamed with Crushpad to create the very first wine specifically designed to go pair well with chocolate: CHOCOLATE SEIZURE 2008.

The design team for this one of a kind boutique wine consists of TasteTV, Crushpad winemakers, a panel of top artisan chocolatiers and food & wine journalists, and you - the chocolate lovers -- who will jointly decide on the flavor components that should be blended into the first chocolatiers cult wine:

"Domaine de Taste Amerique: Chocolate Seizure 2008."

Chocolatiers include artisans such as:
- Coco Delice
- Jade Chocolates
- Cosmic Chocolate
- Schoggi
- TCHO
- The TeaRoom Chocolates
- Saratoga Chocolates
- Amano Artisan Chocolate
- NEWTREE America

The $40 cover price will include panel participation, chocolate & wine tasting, and a future reserved bottle when it's ready of this Limited Edition boutique cult red wine: Chocolate Seizure 2008.

Tickets can be purchased at www.ChocolateSeizure.com

TasteTV Events include:

Chocolate Awards Panelists Announced for Chicago Salon

2008-08-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

Panelists for the upcoming 1st Annual Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon on September 7th have been announced and feature regional food, wine and event experts.

Chocolate Award Panelists include Anthony Todd (Chicagoist.com), Erielle Bakkum (Fancy Toast blog), Mandy Burrell Booth (Gapers Block's Drive Thru blog), Laura Stolpman (Chicagoist.com), Gemma Petrie (Pro Bono Baker blog), Robert Luce (Chicago-Scene.com), Kara Walsh (Metromix.com), Bernard Pacyniak (Candy Industry Magazine), Laura Hansen (Best of the Best Dining in Chicago), Krystal Moench (The Daily Journal), and Gloria Henllan-Jones (Chicago-splash.com).

TasteTV Events include:

The Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon - Sept. 7th

2008-07-25T12:59:00.000-07:00

The new location for the upcoming 1st Annual Chicago Luxury Chocolate Salon on September 7th is the Grainger Ballroom, at the Chicago Symphony Center The space is located directly across the street from the well-known Art Institute of Chicago, on MIchigan Avenue in downtown Chicago.

Ticket sales have begun for the following Chocolate Salons in Chicago and Los Angeles.

Seattle Chocolate Salon awards can be seen here.

TasteTV Events include:

Seattle CHOCOLATE SALON to be a Foodie Staycation

2008-06-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

Chocolate lovers in the Northwest can enjoy a delicious "staycation" in Seattle on July 13th!

The first major chocolate show in the Northwest this millennium takes place at the SEATTLE LUXURY CHOCOLATE SALON on Sunday, July 13th, 2008. Chocolate aficionados, fanatics, lovers and addicts can taste & experience the finest in artisan, gourmet & premium chocolate in one of the world's great culinary metropolitan areas.

Featured chocolatiers and confectioners include Amano Artisan Chocolate, Kekau Chocolatier, Cocoa Chai Chocolates, Petit Noirs, Guittard Chocolate, Poco Dolce, Theo Chocolate, Blissful Brownies, Island Angel Chocolates, Alma Chocolate, Lula's Chocolates, Intrigue Chocolates Co., Andy's Handmade Chocolates, Fiori Chocolatiers, Dilettante Chocolates, Posh Chocolat, GrendelSweets Handcrafted Chocolates, Oh! Chocolate, Decadent Tastes, Cadeaux Chocolates, Emily's Chocolates, Cosmic Chocolate, Sweet Beauty Organic Chocolate Spa, Sol Rouge Wines and more.

Chocolate demos are also spotlighted by local talent, including Carol Dearth of Sizzleworks Cooking School in Bellevue. Members of the Salon's Chocolate Tasting Awards Panel include Seattle food and city journalists Molly Wizenberg (Orangette, Bon Appetit), Eric Scigliano (Seattle Metropolitan Magazine), Viv (Seattle Bon Vivant), Ritzy Ryciak (Conscious Choice Magazine) and Dana Cree (TastingMenu.com, Pastry Chef - Veil Restaurant). Chocolate Tasting Panelists have the luxurious responsibility of tasting all chocolates and confections and rating them for receipt of Luxury Chocolate Salon Awards.

The Seattle Luxury CHOCOLATE SALON is Sunday, July 13th, 2008, at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center, 2211 Alaskan Way, Pier 66. 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $17.50 in Advance (recommended). For Advance Ticket purchases, Salon information, updated chocolatiers and other exhibitors, or for the Menu of events, go to http://www.SeattleChocolateSalon.com.

TasteTV Events include:

Death by Chocolate - Ashton Kutcher

2008-06-09T07:49:00.000-07:00

You've heard of Death by Chocolate? Take a look at this killer chocolate skit from Saturday Night Live.

TasteTV Events include:

Chocolate News - May 20

2008-05-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

Latest Chocolate News - May 20

Letter: Chocolate Fest benefits youth club
Enterprise-Record - Chico,CA,USA
The planning, support and production of this three-day celebration of chocolate — including our Queen's Coronation, Chocolate and Wine Tasting, ...
See all stories on this topic

Drink Wine, Eat Chocolate and Stay Young at New York City's ...
PR Web (press release) - Ferndale,WA,USA
... located on Madison Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, invites travelers to enjoy a "Drink Wine, Eat Chocolate and Stay Young" weekend package. ...
See all stories on this topic

TRIPS WITH A TWIST: Chicago's tasty getaways -- delightful ...
Kalamazoo Gazette - MLive.com - Kalamazoo,MI,USA
Next time you're headed to the Windy City, you might consider a chocolate tour. Talk about a taste of Chicago! The lady behind the tours is Valerie Beck, ...
See all stories on this topic

See’s Candies Review: Peanut Butter Patties & P-Nut Crunch
By admin
It seems really unfair to review the chocolates I got at See’s Candies after reviewing what appears to be the crowned glory of peanut butter filled chocolate, the Vosges Peanut Butter Bonbon, but such is life. ...
the chocolate peanut butter gallery - http://www.cpbgallery.com

Dove Chocolate Tasting Party
Ozarks First - Springfield,MO,USA
Dove® Chocolate at Home™ will be hosting a chocolate tasting party for those interested in learning more about how to entertain, give gifts and make ...
See all stories on this topic

Singapore's Grand Prix, Vegas' chocolate extravaganza and more new ...
Times Online - UK
They’ve done gambling, booze, sex, but the big new thing in Las Vegas is chocolate. Caesars Palace has installed a 13ft imitation-choc cuckoo clock that has ...
See all stories on this topic

TasteTV Events include:

Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon - Oct. 5

2008-05-11T07:46:00.000-07:00

The 2nd Annual Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon will take place on Oct. 5, 2008, at the Pasadena Conference Center.

Featured 2008 Los Angeles Luxury CHOCOLATE SALON chocolatiers and confectioners include Mignon Chocolate, Chocolate All the Time, Sacred Chocolate, Ojai Chocolat, Arlene's Gourmet Toffee, Valerie Confections, Jade Chocolates, Malibu Toffee, Guittard Chocolate Company, Marti Chocolatt, The Chocolate Traveler, Poco Dolce, San Francisco Toffee Company, Silver Stone Wines, Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream Liqueur, and more.

TasteTV Events include:

Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon - July 13, 2008

2008-05-11T07:41:00.000-07:00

Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon announced for Sunday, July 13th, Bastille Day Weekend. The Salon will feature chocolatiers such as Amano Artisan Chocolate, Kekau Chocolatier, Cocoa Chai Chocolates and many more.

For more information, go to The Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon.

TasteTV Events include:

The Chocolate Guide: Chocolate Tasting at Zinc Details

2008-03-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

The Chocolate Guide at the Zinc Details Chocolate Tasting and booksigning receiption on March 20th in San Francisco, featuring the TeaRoom Chocolates and Cosmic Chocolates.

www.flickr.com

TasteTV's TasteMakers photoset

TasteTV Events include:

Buzz on Brothers Chocolate

2008-03-22T20:27:00.000-07:00

There's been a lot of buzz about Mast Brothers Chocolate and the Brooklyn Brothers ad agency's new chocolate. It's a bit confusing, but it appears some if it comes from the fact that one's an ad agency that's decided to go into the product business as well.

Mast Brothers, also with a Brooklyn connection, has the notoriety of being made from bean to bar, which is always unique.

Per Adweek about Brooklyn Bros:

NEW YORK The Brooklyn Brothers, an ad agency that is neither based in Brooklyn nor run by brothers, is getting into the chocolate business.

The New York-based independent is currently testing an organic chocolate called Fat Pig that it hopes to get into select stores soon.

"The first reason we decided to do this is because we adore chocolate," said Guy Barnett, agency founder. "A year and a half ago I saw a report that the organic candy market is worth about $200 million. Knowing that the non-organic market is worth billions and billions, we wanted to take advantage of that opportunity."

For more on Mast go to:
EatMakeRead
Brooklyn Based

Unlike many chocolatiers who use couverture — discs of pre-made chocolate that can be remelted for confections and bars — Rick Mast, 31, (on the left) and Mike Mast, 28, are one of a dozen or so American chocolate artisans who hand make chocolate from cocoa bean to bar.

TasteTV Events include:

The Chocolate Salon Promo Spot

2008-03-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

Of course TasteTV and Chocolate Television had to create a promotional video spot for the Chocolate Salon:

TasteTV Events include:

Chocolatier Chocolate Tastings/Booksignings

2008-03-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

Current Schedule for Chocolatier Chocolate Tastings/Booksignings for:
The Chocolate Guide 2008

March 1 - Draegers, 11am-3pm (San Mateo, CA) - The TeaRoom

March 8 - Jays Wine Bar, 1-3pm (Potrero Hill, SF, CA) - The TeaRoom

March 13 - Sugar Shack, 6-7:30pm (Menlo Park, CA 94025) - Saratoga Chocolate

March 20 - Zinc Details, 6-8pm ( SF, CA) - The TeaRoom and Cosmic Chocolate

March 22 - The Cheese Shop (Healdsburg, CA) - The TeaRoom

March 22 -Bacchus & Venus Wine Bar, 1-3pm (Sausalito, CA) - Coco-luxe

March 29 - Beyond Pots and Pans, 1-3pm ( Stockton, CA 95207) - Chocoholics

March 29 - - Wishbone, 1-3pm (7th & Irviing, SF, CA) - Chocolatier TBA

March 30 - Savor the Flavor (Sierra Madre, CA 91024) - Mignon Chocolate

April 3 - Confetti Le Chocolatier, 12:30-2:30 (downtown SF, CA) - The TeaRoom

April 4 - Canyon Market, 5-7:30pm (Glenn Park, SF, CA) - The TeaRoom

April 5 - Toque Blanche, 11-2 (Half Moon Bay) - Saratoga Chocolate

April 12 - Whole Foods, 1-3pm (Portrero Hill, San Francisco, CA) - The TeaRoom

April 19 - Joseph George Winery (San Jose, ) - Saratoga Chocolate

April 19 - Vihuela Winery (Paso Robles, CA) - TBD

April 27 - In Good Taste (Portland, OR 97209) - Sahagun

Early May - cork • a bottle shop (Portland, OR) - Sahagun

This TasteTV Celebrity Chefs Update comes from the latest news online about what the TasteTV TasteMakers Social Club say they want to know here and at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, celebrity chef

National Chocolate Mint Day

2008-02-19T12:29:00.000-08:00

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National Chocolate Mint Day

Koina
YUM! ®
Juicy Food News & Culture

USA– Today is National Chocolate Mint Day. What’s that, you didn’t know?

Apparently, neither did the other 6 billion people on the planet. It appears the Oompa Loompas at the National Confectioners Association are insiduously slipping sugar-coated holidays into International Calendars in hopes of sparking a worldwide candy revolution. I can hear their little proletariat voices chanting in some underground cavern of a seemingly innocent candy factory, “VIVA LA DOLCE!!! VIVA LA DOLCE!!! VIVA LA DOLCE!!!“

This year alone; the Oompas have managed to slip these highly addictive dates into the past six weeks:

National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day - Jan, 3rd
National English Toffee Day - Jan, 8th
National Peanut Brittle Day -Jan, 26th
National Gum Drop Day - Feb, 15th

And its only February! Can National Gummi Worm Day be far away? (check your calendars, its July 15th)

But since we’re such suckers for little men with chocolate we took their brownie recipe anyway!

Mint Meltaway Cake Brownies

INGREDIENTS

2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
2 eggs
1 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 tablespoons cocoa
1 cup water
½ cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
8-10 Fannie May® Mint Meltaways *(or See’s Chocolate Mint Truffles)

MAKE

Preheat oven to 375° degrees. Grease 2 - 8″ pans.
Place flour and sugar in a large bowl.
Mix butter, cocoa, and water in a saucepan and continue to stir until it comes to a boil.
Add to the flour and sugar.
Combine eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla in a separate bowl. After mixed well, add to the flour and sugar.
Using a food processor, grind Mint Meltaways into fine crumbs. Then add to batter and mix well.
Divide batter into two greased pans and bake 20 to 30 minutes.
Smear your favorite frosting atop
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This TasteTV Celebrity Chefs Update comes from the latest news online about what the TasteTV TasteMakers Social Club say they want to know here and at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, celebrity chef

SF CHOCOLATE SALON - April 13th

2008-02-11T11:00:00.000-08:00

Chocolate lovers, get ready!

The finest major chocolate show on the West Coast takes place this Spring at the 2nd Annual San Francisco International CHOCOLATE SALON, Sunday April 13, 2008 at the Fort Mason Conference Center in San Francisco. Chocolate aficionados, fanatics, buyers and journalists can experience the finest in artisan, gourmet & premium chocolate in one of the world's great culinary metropolitan areas (www.SFChocolateSalon.com).

The Second Annual San Francisco International CHOCOLATE SALON participants include NEWTREE Gourmet Belgian Chocolate, The TeaRoom, Coco-luxe Confections, Saratoga Chocolates, Sacred Chocolate, Guittard Chocolate, The Chocolate Traveler, San Francisco Toffee Company, Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolate, Chocoholics Divine Desserts, Cosmic Chocolate, Poco Dolce, The Xocolate Bar, Jade Chocolates, Patchi Le Chocolat, Ghirardelli Chocolate, Gateau et Ganache, Charles Chocolates, Amano Artisan Chocolate, Trader Joes, Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe, Rushburn Toffee Company, Chuao Chocolatier, Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream Liqueur, Victorian Chocolate Molds, Le Creuset, Swissmar, Putumayo World Music, Chocolate Television and TasteTV, and many more.

<>This TasteTV Celebrity Chefs Update comes from the latest news online about what the TasteTV TasteMakers Social Club say they want to know here and at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, celebrity chef

SFist.com: Chocolate Porn = Yummy Fun

2008-01-11T10:18:00.000-08:00

SFist.com, part of the -Ist network that includes LAist.com, posted the first review of TasteTV's new publication, THE CHOCOLATE GUIDE, WESTERN EDITION (2008)

"I didn't know there are so many chocolate places," our husband said as we collectively eyed The Chocolate Guide Western Edition, billed by some as "chocolate porn". Learning can be sooo much fun. This guide easily earns a spot on our lifestyle and travel bookshelves because it covers chocolate based info that Lonely Planet, Zagat, Rick Steves, and other guides miss. The guide's mission is to promote something called a "chocolate lifestyle" which seems to be the consumption of chocolate, and chocolate making accessories. Perhaps the folks making the chocolate -- such as Charles Chocolates, Michael Recchiuti, Joseph Schmidt, Fleur de Cocoa, Wine Country Chocolates and The TeaRoom, are champions of the chocolate lifestyle? The drool worthy suh-weet pics and tidbits make this $15.95 guidebook a treat. " Mary Ladd, SFist.com

OTHER CHOCOLATE NEWS
<>
This TasteTV Celebrity Chefs Update comes from the latest news online about what the TasteTV TasteMakers Social Club say they want to know here and at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, celebrity chef

The Chocolate Times

2007-12-20T18:33:00.000-08:00

TasteTV and Chocolate Television fans: As beneficial as good chocolate is to humans, the same cannot be said for the animal world.

Greedy parrot suffers death by chocolate

One kea's binge session on dark chocolate proved deadly, leading international journal New Scientist has reported.

The kea was found dead outside a hotel kitchen in Mt Cook village. It had eaten more than 20 grams of dark chocolate, presumably stolen from a rubbish bin.

Chocolate to be used to control wild dogs

DEATH by chocolate could provide a new method of pest control, scientists say.

OTHER CHOCOLATE NEWS

Los Angeles Luxury CHOCOLATE SALON Welcomes Celebrity Panelists

2007-11-19T13:03:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles Luxury CHOCOLATE SALON Welcomes Celebrity Panelists and Chocolate Film Screening

San Francisco, CA Nov 19, 2007 -- The Los Angeles Luxury CHOCOLATE SALON, December 9th, 2007, announces a delicious lineup of speakers and members of its Chocolate Tasting Panel, including food radio celebrity Evan Kleinman, the host of Good Food on KCRW, cookbook author and founder of Slow Food, Los Angeles. TasteTV also announces that the Salon's chocolate events will include a sneak-peak screening of the new short film, "Searching for the Heart of Chocolate," by filmmaker Sarah Feinbloom at the Pasadena Center.

Other exciting Chocolate Tasting Panelists include Lesley Balla (Editor, Eater LA), Lindsay William-Ross (Food Editor, LAist), lifestyle/cooking personality Audrey Bernstein (Oh-Audrey), author Amelia Saltsman (The Santa Monica Farmer's Market Cookbook), Anne Smith (The New School of Cooking), and others.

During the Salon, producer and director Sarah Feinbloom will have an advance screening of her new short film, "Searching for the Heart of Chocolate." Sarah Feinbloom's films have appeared on PBS, NPR, and at film festivals. A trailer for the film can be seen on www.ChocolateTelevision.com, as well as on www.TasteTV.com under "Chocolate.

At the Los Angeles Luxury CHOCOLATE SALON, chocolate aficionados, fanatics, buyers and journalists will experience the finest in artisan, gourmet & premium chocolate, wine, and specialty food and items in one of the world's great metropolitan areas. A partial list of Luxury Chocolate Salon participants includes Guittard Chocolate, L'Artisan du Chocolat, Mignon Chocolate, Chuao Chocolatier, Decadent Tastes, Yum! Chocolate, The Chocolate Traveler, Malibu Toffee, Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream Liqueur, Silver Stone Wines, Randy Fuhrman Events / Randy's Brownies, Le Creuset, Swissmar, Putumayo World Music, Chocolate Television, and much, much more.

The Los Angeles Luxury CHOCOLATE SALON is Sunday, December 9th, 2007, at the Pasadena Center, 300 Green Street. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children 6-12, under 6 free (Advance Tickets are $17.50). 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For Advance Ticket purchases, Salon information, the film trailer, or for the Menu of events, go to http://www.LAChocolateSalon.com, or http://www.LuxuryChocolateSalon.com

The Chocolate Guide to be Released

In a separate announcement, TasteTV and Chocolate Television announce that their upcoming publication, "THE CHOCOLATE GUIDE: To Local Chocolatiers, Chocolate Makers, Boutiques, Patisseries and Shops - Western Edition," will begin shipping on December 15th. The Eastern Edition is currently under development.

View a PDF Excerpt from the Chocolate Guide

About TasteTV

Salon sponsor TasteTV is the leading New Media food, wine and lifestyle network, covering delicious topics ranging from restaurants, food, and wine to chocolate, cooking, fashion, and style. Its videos can be seen online at http://www.TasteTV.com, ChocolateTelevision.com, BlogCritics.org, on TiVO, Comcast On Demand, and on over 80 television stations nationwide.

Website: http://www.TasteTV.com

Website: http://www.LAChocolateSalon.com

This TasteTV Chocolate Update comes from the latest news online about what the TasteTV TasteMakers Social Club say they want to know here and at TasteTV.com. technorati tags:TasteTV, restaurants, video, content, food, Chocolate, wine, recipes, cooking, Restaurant Reviews, Chef, ITV, fashion, celebrity chef

Los Angeles Chocolate Salon - December 9th

2007-11-10T13:51:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon - December 9th

Chocolate aficionados, fanatics, buyers and journalists can experience the finest in artisan, gourmet & premium chocolate in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Taste and discover products that reflect your appreciation in the finer things in life.

The Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon highlights feature chocolate tasting, demonstrations, chef & author talks, wine pairings, and ongoing interviews by TasteTV's Chocolate Television program.

Enjoy:

Artisan and Premium Chocolatiers
Top-end Wineries, Spirits & Beverages
A full day of events, demos, tastings and speakers
Chocolate-themed Fashion and Styles
Celebrity Chocolate Tasting Panel
Screenings of Chocolate Programs

A sample of salon participants includes L'Artisan du Chocolat, Mignon Chocolate, Decadent Tastes, Yum! Chocolate, Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream Liqueur, Chuao Chocolatier, Le Creuset, Swissmar, Putumayo World Music, Chocolate Television, and much, much more.

$17.50 in advance / $20 door
Sign up Now! Purchase Advance Tickets Here

11am-5pm

Pasadena Center
300 Green Street

Go to http://www.LAChocolateSalon.com

TasteTV Chocolate News Updates

2007-08-29T19:00:00.000-07:00

FDA Issues Recall on Bella Cucina "Death by Chocolate" Cookies ...
InjuryBoard.com - Tampa,FL,USA
By Courtney Mills Bella Cucina of Atlanta, Georgia has issued a recall on certain lots of the company's "Death by Chocolate" cookies. ...
See all stories on this topic

Dads crave chocolate too, says survey
Food Week - Sydney,New South Wales,Australia
Survey results conveniently released shortly before Father's Day has found that 86% of men admit to craving chocolate. Conducted for chocolate company ...
See all stories on this topic

Chocolate tops brain game
Melbourne Herald Sun - Australia
British researchers have discovered that chocoholics' brains respond to chocolate as drug addicts' do to drugs. The scientists also discovered that areas of ...
See all stories on this topic

New 'Chocolate' TV Range From LG
Smart House - Australia
... 29/08/2007 We first heard of the LG Black Label series of products when it launched its Black Label mobile phones; the Chocolate and the Shine phones. ...
See all stories on this topic

Chocolate red wine cake
ABC Regional Online - Australia
Fold through the chocolate. Bake in a 20cm springform pan for 45 minutes at 180 degrees or until cooked. Place on a cake rack. Cook ingredients at a low ...
See all stories on this topic

Recipes: Chocolate strata pie and more
Minneapolis Star Tribune (subscription) - Minneapolis,MN,USA
This is the winning recipe for the Ghirardelli Chocolate Championship, from John Parizek of Prior Lake. Prepare meringue: Beat egg whites with vinegar and ...
See all stories on this topic

Dawn French Dropped From Chocolate Orange Ads
Life Style Extra - UK
Dawn French has been dropped as the face of Terry's Chocolate Orange after 10 years, it was confirmed today. The larger than life TV star, 49, ...
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OTHER CHOCOLATE NEWS

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TasteTV Announces 2007 Chocolate Salon Awards

2007-08-27T21:08:00.000-07:00

TasteTV Salon welcomed over 2,000 Chocolate Aficionados

For Immediate Release

San Francisco -- The San Francisco International CHOCOLATE SALON today announces the 2007 Award Winners of its Chocolate Tasting Panel. The Salon, sponsored by TasteTV and TasteTV.com, welcomed over 2,000 chocolate aficionados, fanatics, buyers and journalists who enjoyed 27 of the finest artisan and premium chocolatiers, in addition to wine, beverages, and Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream Liqueur.

Because of the success of the first San Francisco International CHOCOLATE SALON, TasteTV also announces that it will be sponsoring the Salon again next year in July 2008, as well as in Los Angeles in October 2007. In addition, it will be launching an annual series of publications known as The Chocolate Guides, showcasing the chocolate makers, chocolatiers, bakeries and matching wines of four North American regions. The first Chocolate Guide, the Western Edition, is scheduled for publication in Fall 2007.

The Chocolate Tasting Panel presented awards in categories such as Best Dark Chocolate, Top Artisan Chocolatier, Most Artistic Chocolate Designs, Most Luxurious Chocolate Experience, Best Organic Products, and Best Comfort Chocolates. Winners include Amano Artisan Chocolate, Charles Chocolates, L'Artisan du Chocolat, XOX Truffles, Poco Dolce and The Xocolate Bar. To see the full list of awards, go to http://www.SFChocolateSalon.com

Organic and Fair trade chocolates were well represented at the Salon, and speakers included chocolate perfumer Yosh Han, blogger Emily Stone of Chocolate in Context, Global Exchange's Adrienne Fitch-Frankel and conceptual chocolate artist April Banks, Seneca Klassen of the Bittersweet Chocolate Cafe, food writer GraceAnn Walden, and New York's Reverend R. M. Peluso, who demonstrated how to use chocolate in spiritual meditation.

For more information about the San Francisco International Chocolate Salon, go to http://www.SFChocolateSalon.com.

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