Chocolates Galore - Don't you Just Love the Market?



Freshly made turtles



Where do we start? 

The Reading Terminal Market is a temple to chocolate and all things sweet.  Sure, there's plenty of gorgeous fresh produce, first class fresh fish and meat, but what really sets our hearts racing are the sweet treats to be found in the Market.

Wondering what to get your honey for Valentine's Day?  Fresh flowers and chocolate in some shape or form is probably your safest bet.

We had fun scouting around the Market for all things chocolate.  These are just a few of our favorite things!

Any guesses where these are from? 

Chocolate nonpareils. We may not be able to pronounce the word but are happy to consume - any time.

How decadent!  Chocolate coated chocolate chip cookies from Famous of course...



Termini Red Velvet minis - cocoa gives the cake that special something



Whoopie Pies in the making - molten chocolate gloriousness.



What are you planning to stock up on this Valentine's Day?

Prefer something less calorific?  Why not buy a pair of tickets to the Valentine to the Market Gala on February 25th?  This Gala is a fun-filled out of hours fundraiser which includes live music, entertainment and a dazzling array of food catered by your favorite merchants at the Market.  Expect to see amuse-bouche versions of all your favorite Market classics such as mini-cheesesteaks from By George, mini roast pork sandwiches from DiNic's, fried oysters and chicken salad from Beck's Cajun Cafe.

Show your love for the Market and impress your date by buying your tickets now!  See http://www.partyticketsonline.com/

See you there.

Chocolate to Heat Up the Night

In the countdown to Valentine's Day, and the hotly anticipated Heat Up the Night Market Gala, we turn our attention, naturally, to chocolate.   We've discussed the amatory associations of chocolate before--the chemicals contained in this divine substance mimic the body's response to the euphoria of limerant love.  Chemistry aside, we know we love it.  For excellent Valentine gift ideas, chocolate and otherwise, visit the Market.   You know what they say about the way to a person's heart.....

With the mercury dropping and the snow lingering on the ground you may be looking to warm your heart, and possibly some other parts as well.  Despite what Punxatawny Phil said, winter is certainly still in force here and hot chocolate may be just what the doctor ordered.  This version, a rich, thick, European style drinking chocolate, is best sipped from small cups in lieu of dessert.   We can't make any claims on this elixir as a love potion, but I would be mighty fond of a person who rustled this up for me on a chilly evening.

Hot Chocolate for two


1 heaping Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp water
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate (Ghirardelli 60% cacao chips work well)
whipped cream for garnish if desired

Mix cocoa, sugar and water in small saucepan to form paste.  Heat over medium til bubbly.  Add milk and chocolate, stirring constantly til completely melted, blended and hot.  Pour into cup, garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon or cocoa powder if desired; serve immediately.  Sparkler optional.

Drink up, you sexy things! 



We started to create a list and description of the different types of chocolate and their uses, but found the information far too extensive for a blogpost. For details on chocolate in all of its forms--cacao nibs, liquor, powder, bittersweet, unsweetened, milk or white chocolate (which, to our minds, should be exterminated), read this. Thank you, facts-about-chocolate.com.

Nuts about Nuts (...and a Chocolate Drizzle)

Having exhausted our New Year's Resolutions and in the build up to the big day (Feb 26th, as if you need any reminder!), we've turned our attention to that most unassuming of aphrodisiacs -- the nut. 

Nuts don't sound very exciting, yet they are traditionally viewed as a powerful fertility symbol and were believed to inflame passion and engender love. 

Pine nuts are considered to be the most potent, because of their high zinc content.  According to one source, the Roman poet, Ovid recommended imbibing a sickly sweet concoction of almonds, pine nuts and thick honey to "restore sexual vigor."

The Italians in particular revered them as aphrodisiacs; during Harvest Festival, when young maidens celebrated the fecundity of Mother Nature, they symbolically passed round bowls of nuts to recognize Nature's greatness.  Likewise, walnuts have been used since medieval days to bless a wedding - one tradition goes that walnuts (not rice) were thrown at bride and groom to bring luck and ensure a fertile union. 

Hopefully, they were taken out of the shell first..?  

Perhaps Hades (in cartoon above) might have had more luck if he'd tried the following sensual recipe out on Aphrodite?

Add Semi-Sweet Chocolate + Sea Salt to this....



And you make Chocolate Drizzled Nuts



The team at Real Simple Magazine devised this...possibly one of the most scrumptious dessert combinations imaginable. The sea-salt just tips this over the edge...