I Love Chocolate: Easter and Passover Desserts

by Stephanie Zonis

Easter and Passover Desserts

Hi! My name is Stephanie Zonis, and welcome to the March, 1999 edition of "I Love Chocolate." Easter and Passover are almost here, and we've got some dessert-making to do; everybody into the kitchen!

Chocolate Find of the Month:

I Love Chocolate

February's Chocolate Find is Chocolat, at 2039 Bellevue Square in Bellevue, WA 98004. Will Deeg and Rob Scott sell Neuhaus and Teuscher chocolates in addition to the famed Angelina Rumpelmayer (of Paris) chocolates and hot chocolate mix. If you'd like a fine beverage to accompany your chocolate selection, you may choose from a variety of well-regarded Mariage Freres teas or select one of several types of Cafe La Semeuse. Chocolates are hand-selected in Europe and imported overnight; new shipments arrive weekly, so your chocolates will be fresh. Of course, Chocolat also carries chocolates to match different holiday seasons. For example, Easter specialties include champagne truffle eggs from Teuscher, solid and hollow chocolate rabbits, and ballotins in Easter-themed wrapping paper. Chocolat will even make up a customized Easter basket for you.

I have spoken to Mr. Scott at some length, and I like his attitude. He is interested in bringing to his customers what he believes are some of the best chocolates (and accompaniments) out there. You can call Chocolat at (800) 808-2462/(888) 826-4354 or (425) 452-1141, or fax them at (425) 452-1142. Give them a try; I'm sure you'll find a new favorite product or two.

Chocolate Answer of the Month:

Back in January, I asked if anyone knew of a cooking school devoted to chocolate. Thanks to my reader Jeff, who wrote to tell me of the next best thing: a cooking school where at least some of the classes are devoted to chocolate. Peter Kump's New York Cooking School has two locations, uptown (307 East 92nd Street) and downtown (50 West 23rd Street), both in New York City. You can reach them by phone at (800) 522-4610 or (212) 410-4601. Peter Kump's also has a fun and informative website, at: www.pkcookschool.com. This school offers a vast number of recreational and professional classes in many food areas; they also feature culinary walking tours, and they even offer gift certificates and courses for kids. Jeff notes that he was able to turn his interest in baking and chocolate into a great career. Check them out!

Special Feature--London Foodie's Guide:

London Guard

Planning a trip to London in the near future? Having just returned from that city, I can tell you that, despite anything you've heard, it is quite possible to eat very well in London these days--just bring money! This is an expensive city, but many restaurants offer two or three course specials for lunch or dinner. Londoners tend to eat at somewhat later hours than many people in the U.S. If you don't like crowds, consider eating at the more famous or trendy places for lunch, when there may be fewer people. All the same, it is a very good idea (and often a necessity) to reserve ahead, especially during the tourist seasons.

Important note:
Some establishments in the UK do not accept credit cards, and many will not take traveller's checks, even in pounds sterling, for amounts higher than your purchase (the banks won't give them change). For a highly subjective listing of good places to eat or buy edibles, check out my London Foodie's Guide.

I Love Chocolate wants YOU!!! Do you have a comment, question, or suggestion? How about a recent chocolate "find" you'd like to share? You can contact me at: sdziadwm@[email-address-removed]; I'd like your input on this column. Thanks!

'Til next month,
Yours in chocolate,

Stephanie