Chocolaca

And I Ate It All!

2010-01-06T16:16:00.000-08:00

I got this on Christmas Day...and finished it today. That is 13 days of blissful nibbling on 10.5 oz of Swiss Milk Chocolate with Apple, Pear and Almond bits. Oh my! What a combination. I happen to know you can buy them at World Market (I had to bribe an elf for that bit of information.)

Chocolate Soap and lots more at the Bazaar!

2009-11-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

My favorite boutique since I found it about 5 years ago. Lots of unique, artsy, ultra creative, and cutting edge vendors. This boutique is truly one of a kind. Here is a sampling of what you'll find:

Paintings of fish and birds (my personal favorites) by Ashley Mae Christensen

One of a kind items made from vintage materials by Katie Burgess of de ja vu old & new.

More cool handmade vintage stuff by Briana Wright. I love that lamp!

Cards, posters, giftcards, etc...by Sycamore Street Press

Limited and open edition original prints made into bookmarks, cards, jewelry, magnets, frames, and more...by Candace Jean Anderson

Oh and I must mention, original and unique photoart canvasses and jewelry made with vintage and found materials and our own photography; plus, handmade soaps with chocolate made by yours truly and my friend Rachel. Hope to see you there.
Check us out at provident peacock.blogspot.com!

You may browse all the artists for the Beehive Bazaar at this link.

Chocolate Gnomes

2009-08-11T19:06:00.001-07:00

Here's a little chocolate sweetie. Little Mary, handmade by Nettie's Gnomes using stylish chocolate brown and bonnie blue fabrics. Tiny little handmade details and delightful surprises embellish each doll making it one of a kind. See Mary and other handmade lovelies at thecheckeredumbrellaboutique.blogspot.com.

Pig Candy

2009-07-01T18:13:00.000-07:00

After seeing this on Serious Eats New York, I decided to make my own "Pig Candy." That's right, chocolate covered bacon. (Not for the heath food enthusiast.) So I used our favorite bacon, Hormel Fully Cooked from Costco. I like to cook it a little extra to crisp it up.
I melted a small bowl of chocolate chips in the microwave and dipped away.
Yes, a bit salty and sweet which can be a delicious combination. Imagine crispy, salty, bacon and add chocolate!!! No surprises here. My children tried some and called it "yummy." It was definitely edible, but, for me, consuming this confection is not worth the calories or artery buildup. This just proves that anything can be good coated in chocolate.

Walking in Chocolate

2009-06-29T23:33:00.001-07:00

A Great Reason to Walk in Chocolate :
Tom's Chocolate Canvas Stitchout Shoes

TOMS Shoes was founded to clothe the children of the world in need. For every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. ONE for ONE. They have a variety of shoes and other clothing to choose from. Do some shopping and help out a child...

Check out TOMS Shoes

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There's Chocolate in Your Teeth

2009-06-20T13:44:00.000-07:00

Now you can eat, drink and then brush your teeth with chocolate! A constant presence of chocolate in your mouth. If that doesn't help you get "close up" with the one you love...sweet chocolately kissy close....what will?
And the best part is, according to research done at Tulane University, an extract of cocoa powder protects teeth, and may be more effective than fluoride when it comes to cavity prevention. WHAT! (see story here)

If you want to see some more creative ways chocolate has been used, check out this post "10 Coolest and Yummiest Stuff Made from Chocolate."

Chocolate and Water DO Mix!

2009-03-17T17:30:00.000-07:00

Have you tried this yet?

I found this Metromint water at a local health food store and was very intrigued by the concept of chocolate in water. So, I had to try it. I felt very indulgent as I drank my new bottled water, laced with chocolate/mint essence. Tantalizing, light and refreshing. I LOVED IT!

Oh, and the Lemonmint is delightful also. Imagine water so cool it almost makes your mouth ache...in a good way! That is the minty "chill factor" and fresh lemon.

Utah Man wins Best Chocolate Award in London!

2009-02-18T21:46:00.000-08:00

Wow...can't wait to try this!

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

More about their chocolate at http://www.amanochocolate.com

Chocolate for your Skin!

2009-02-04T15:19:00.000-08:00

A great Valentine's Day gift idea!

Cherry Cordial Soap
Check it out at www.basabody.com
See this soap and Mint/Chocolate Mousse soap
on their Valentine's gift link and
click on "Hug Me" mini or "Kiss Me" gift packs!

(So fun...my husband loves to shave with the mint soap, it leaves his skin fresh and tingly. And...handmade soap is so moisturizing.)

Some Things Should NOT Last Forever!

2009-01-14T08:37:00.000-08:00

My sister-in-law recently told me about a necklace made of real chocolate dipped in resin. Can you imagine, hanging chocolate around your neck? A chocolate bar belongs on the palate, not in the jewelry box! The whole thing reminds me of my own great idea...as a teenager, to save a bit of chocolate "Forever." My boyfriend at the time had given me a giant chocolate kiss for Valentine's Day. I couldn't bear to eat it and not have a token of his adoration. So I painted it with varnish...it looked so shiny and delicious. But, soon turned white and disgusting and I had to throw it away! What a waste. Don't learn this the hard way...Chocolate is meant to be eaten, the sooner the better!

Ready for Winter with Hot Chocolate

2008-11-19T10:07:00.001-08:00

I can't be caught without hot chocolate in the winter! There's nothing like getting cozy with a warm cup of chocolate on a cold day. Even better if it's storming outside. Here's a hot chocolate mix you can make right now and store in your pantry.

2 cups dry milk powder
3/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 cup mini semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup powdered nondairy creamer
1/8 tsp salt

Whisk in mixing bowl until blended. Makes about 4 cups of mix. Store in an airtight container. To serve: add 3-4 heaping tablespoons to a cup of boiling water.
(Substitute mini chips with chopped mint chocolate or white chocolate chips for a flavor variation.)

Chocolate Meal Chasers

2008-11-12T10:54:00.000-08:00

Last night we had delicious shredded beef fajitas for dinner. Afterward I had to have chocolate. My children offered various chocolate morsels from their left over Halloween candy. They know the sweet glories of chocolate after a good savory meal. Mexican food, pizza, yes, even sushi is best chased by a bit of chocolate.