| |
Hi! My name is Stephanie Zonis, and welcome to the May, 2004 edition
of For Chocolate Lovers Only! Each month, you’ll find
recipes, tips, and recommendations on great chocolate specialties.
Happy Mother’s Day to all of the Moms out there!
Chocolate Recommendation of the Month: I must admit I’m
not the world’s greatest fan of insects, but even I love ladybugs.
They’re small and cute and beneficial—but do you know
about the connection between ladybugs and chocolate? If not, I need
to tell you about Endangered Species Chocolate Company. They
offer, among many other items, a corrugated cardboard ladybug filled
with 20 small squares of either organic dark or organic milk chocolate
of surpassing quality. Each square is called a “Bug Bite”,
is individually wrapped, and comes with its own miniature insect
trading card. These Bug Bites are the perfect size for a little
indulgence, and I’d think this ladybug could be a wonderful
part of any Mother’s Day gift. Looking for something a bit
more extravagant? Check out the 12 bar assortment (you choose the
varieties) of 3 ounce bars in combinations such as milk chocolate
with coconut (the Orangutan), dark chocolate with hazelnut toffee
(the Black Rhino), or a dark and white swirl (the Panda Bar, of
course!). If you prefer organic chocolate, there’s also a
box of organic “baby bars”; you select them from four
flavors, including Zebra (dark chocolate with tangerine) and Snow
Leopard (milk chocolate with mocha).
I know I’ve mentioned Endangered Species Chocolate Company
before, but they keep coming out with new and interesting products,
such as Chimp Mints, delicious small squares of dark chocolate with
peppermint. I also have no end of respect for this company. Jon
Stocking, the head honcho, is The Genuine Article regarding both
his chocolate and his commitment to animal species that are threatened.
He has demonstrated that it’s possible to grow a responsible
business with fun and worthwhile products while doing some good
for serious environmental and wildlife groups. But enough of my
rambling; it’s time for you to do some intense investigating
of your own. It’s up to you to discover whether you agree
with my claims about this chocolate, but I know you’re the
equal of such an important task. Surf for the chocolates (and more)
of Endangered Species Chocolate Company at www.chocolatebar.com
(online ordering is available), or order by calling toll-free at
(800) 293-0160; you can also find these products at many natural
foods stores.
Non-Chocolate Web Feature of the Month: Are you a pepperhead?
Does the mere thought of a batch of habanero-laced chili or jerky
set your heart a-flutter? Is a day without chipotles like a day
without sunshine? If so, you probably already know about the Ring
of Fire, a web ring of linked chile-related sites. You never
know exactly what you’ll find here; there are lots of small
companies advertising their products, of course, but you’ll
also see hot pepper growing guides, salsa and hot sauce review pages,
and recipes. I’ve run across Bates Motel Hot Sauces, Most
Wanted Foods (with their Armed and Dangerous Hot Pepper Sauce),
the Arizona Chili Company (a whole new approach to enjoying chili
at home), and even From Diablo’s Kitchen (cookies for chileheads).
Most of the sites seem to originate in the US, but there are some
based elsewhere; there are several written in German and at least
one in Portugese (though I think that was one is from the Napa Valley).
I can’t even eat hot/spicy foods, and I still love this web
ring. If you’re not looking for anything specific, the best
and most fun approach is to head over to www.ringoffire.net and
click on “Random Site”, then just keep surfing. It might
not hurt to have your credit card with you, because sooner or later
you’ll see something you have to try!
Do you have a comment, question, or suggestion? I’d like to
hear it. You can reach me at: .
Please specify that you’re writing about chocolate. Thank
you!
|
