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.

Three Dishes, Four Chilis

Speaking of chilies, here is a go-to menu for a fall/winter dinner party that features four different varieties and forms of our favorite heater-uppers--fresh jalapenos, dried anchos, chipotles in adobo, and chili flakes.  And, yes, you can procure virtually everything you need for these delish dishes at Reading Terminal Market.

Even better, you can do pretty much all of it ahead of time, which leaves you free to enjoy your guests and your cocktails before serving this masterpiece of a meal.

Kachumber Salad

3 large cucumbers, peeled, seeded and chopped
1 pt cherry tomatoes, chopped
1 small red onion, chopped
1/2 bunch fresh cilantro rinsed well and chopped
1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped  (see video below for procedure)
juice of 2 limes
1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)

Mix all ingredients.  Allow salad to sit for at least one hour before serving.  Can be made 1 day ahead.

To clean your jalapeno::




Chili Braised Short Ribs

Doubly Hot Chocolate

For each serving:
1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 Tablespoons water
1/4 cup dark chocolate morsels (bittersweet or semi sweet)
1/2 cup milk
sprinkle of red chili flakes

Mix cocoa, sugar and water into paste in small saucepan; heat on medium til bubbly. Add milk, morsels and chili flakes. Continue heating on medium/medium low. Stir til blended and completely melted. Serve immediately, or set aside and reheat as needed.

We promise, your guests will be wowed.  And, with the reputed aphrodisiac quailities of chilis, it could be a long and interesting night for everyone.  Wow, indeed.