I really need no excuse to eat dark chocolate everyday, it is afterall, good for you (hello, antioxidants). Yes, I am talking the dark stuff, and the darker the better in my book. You can have all the milk (and white, but that isn't even chocolate...) chocolate you want-- okay, admittedly been know to down a M&M or two, but for real chocolate satisfaction it's gotta be the finest quality dark stuff I can find. I have convinced myself that by indulging in the best, and darkest, I don't need to consume as much...hum, guess I do indulge in more than just a bite.
Now, in my constant quest for fabulous chocolate, and all things made locally, I have found three 'to die for' chocolate products, and all from hanging out at the Farmer's Markets. See, it ain't just about the fruit and veg. And, as much as I might like to, I just can't be selfish and keep these a secret:
Katherine Anne Confections -- Can't judge a book by the cover? In this case, trust that nestled inside the gorgeous (not to mention handmade, just like the contents, and sustainable) packaging, are some of the most wonderful handmade truffles, crafted with the finest natural ingredients. I know, I am all about the chocolate but, you must indulge in Katherine's caramels as well. OH. MY. GOD. Heavenly. Katherine will be at the Daley Plaza farmer's market this coming season, but meanwhile click thru to her
website for her list of retailers.
Rarebird Preserves and
GrownUp KidStuff -- love your chocolate in the form of a sauce to drizzle (yeah right, just drizzle) over ice cream or cake, or use as a fondue, slathered on crepes, or a really kicked up peanut butter sandwich? The chocolate sauces from both of these artisans are, well, let's just say, have the ability to leave me speechless.
Rarebird Preserves specializes in fruit preserves made with seasonal, local and sustainably grown fruit. Now, since fruit and chocolate pair so beautifully, owner Elizabeth Madden started cooking up batches of fruit infused chocolate sauces. One taste, and who needs anything but a spoon? I found Rarebird Preserves at the
Andersonville Farmers Market, but for now
click here for where to get your hands on these jars of fruit and chocolate heaven.
GrownUp KidStuff is the newest kid on the block, hailing from my 'hood, Rogers Park (represent). Constance and Don, the dynamic duo behind
GrownUp KidStuff, have been perfecting their chocolate sauces for years. Oh why didn't I meet them sooner, and could have been one of the friends, or family members, who was gifted their decadent chocolate sauce? Get yourself a jar (or two) of
GrownUp KidStuff duing one of their tastings this winter at the
Andersonville Galleria, or order directly from the
website. Once you get a jar of this chocolate heaven home, go beyond dessert, and try your hand at a braising short ribs, or mixing up a vinaigrette to dress roasted vegetables, or keep it simple, and stir into your morning cup 'o' coffee.
Hum, now I have to decide if I am going to share my chocolate finds with my valentine ;)
mo
moira@efete.net
p.s. want a wonderful flourless chocolate cake recipe made with one of the above products? email me at moira@efete.net
"My funny valentine, sweet comic valentine, you make me smile with my heart....is your figure less than greek, is your mouth a little weak, when you open it to...". Stop. Forget the real lyrics, how about 'is your mouth a little weak...for chocolate.' Yeah, yeah, doesn't rhyme, but in my case no truer words could be said when it comes to my favorite food group: chocolate. 
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