Hi! My name is Stephanie Zonis, and welcome to the October, 2001 edition of "For Chocolate Lovers Only". Each month, you'll find recipes, tips, and recommendations for great chocolate specialties.

Chocolate Recommendation of the Month: So, you think you've seen it all in chocolate? You think there's nothing new out there under the chocolate sun? OK, try a chocolate blanket on for size! Nope, it's not a joke; chocolate blankets are a specialty of Theobroma Chocolate Company of Sitka, Alaska. The chocolate blanket turns out to be a tasty and clever chocolate bar, designed to resemble the dancing regalia of the indigenous peoples of Southeast Alaska and British Columbia; this item was originally referred to as a Chilkat Blanket. The blankets are available in sets of four (two milk chocolates and two dark chocolates; one of each contains coffee). But these blankets are not the only intriguing items sold by Theobroma Chocolate Company. How about surprising someone special (or a Monty Python fan) with a chocolate halibut?

If you'd rather stick to more commonly-seen forms, the company also offers chocolate bars, ranging from a white raven (white chocolate with finely ground coffee beans) to dark sitka crunch (dark chocolate with raisins and pecans). I have tried only the chocolate blankets and the assorted chocolates, and I thought the former were far superior. But I hope, dear reader, you will see fit to make up your own mind on what you like best, perhaps while sampling a chocolate salmon or two (yes, they have those, as well). And don't forget that October includes Halloween--wouldn't some of these chocolates be fun for a party? Theobroma Chocolate Company can be reached toll-free at (888) 985-2345, via the web at www.theobromachocolate.com, or by snail mail at P.O. Box 2237 in Sitka, AK 99835. Check 'em out!

Upcoming Chocolate Event: Question: How can you find chocolate sculptures, holiday gifts, 50+ brands of chocolate, and a cookbook store with author signings all under one roof? Answer: By going to the 4th Annual Chocolate Show in New York City, which promises to be a veritable chocolate lovers' mecca! The show will take place at the Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues) from Thursday, November 15 through Sunday, November 18. Chocolate tastings will abound, and there will be demonstrations by top pastry chefs and chocolatiers (including Nick Malgieri and Francois Payard) at two culinary theaters. Just a few of the brands there will include Trufflesbythepound.com, Valrhona, Vermeer (chocolate liqueur), Martine's, Guittard, Chocolate Chix, and chocolates made by Jacques Torres. For more information, watch this column in November--but you can also call (212) 865-6100 to receive a brochure. Click Here to purchase tickets online or receive more information. Note: there is a discount for tickets ordered online in advance.

Do you have a comment, question, or suggestion? I'd like your input into this column. You can reach me at: sdziadwm@nac.net. Thank you!