Hi! My name is Stephanie Zonis, and welcome to the March, 2000 edition of "For Chocolate Lovers Only". Each month, you'll find great recipes, tips, and recommendations on chocolate specialties.

Chocolate Recommendation of the Month: Not long ago, at a Chocolate Show in New York City, a gentleman was handing out small samples of hot chocolate. I tried to get near his booth to obtain a sample, but that proved impossible for some time, as there was always a crowd hanging around. I wondered about that, until I was able to try the hot chocolate myself. It was creamy, smooth, and rich--absolutely lovely. Then I found out that my sample had been made from a powder with low fat milk, which impressed me even more. For all of these reasons, March's Chocolate Recommendation is Musetti Choc-issimo.

Musetti Choc-issimo is imported from Italy (who knew the Italians made such great hot chocolate?); some of you may be familiar with the Musetti name if you drink coffee. In any case, the powdered mix is easily prepared at home, and it's available in individual-serving packets or larger bags. Hot chocolate is genuine comfort food to me, and I can't think of a better way to cheer somebody up or a better drink for quality time with your kids. Musetti Choc-issimo is available on line at http://stores.yahoo.com/lafenice/mushotchoc.html; to order it, click on the specific quantity you'd like. This is happiness in a mug.

Do you have a comment, question, or suggestion? I'd like your input into this column. You can reach me at: sdziadwm@nac.net; please specify that you're writing regarding "For Chocolate Lovers Only". Thank you!