As more and more people turn from indulging in chocolate “decadence” – those big rich, chocolate desserts which taste fantastic but wrap themselves around the waistline like an anaconda – to high quality single-origin chocolates, hosting a chocolate tasting is sure to be a hit. Here are three ideas for entertaining with chocolate that are simple, affordable, and are sure to be memorable.
1. Wine and Chocolate Tasting Choose three wines of the same varietal (such as Cabernets, Pinot Noirs or Champagnes) and three chocolates of the same type (such as single origin darks from Venezuela, Ghana and Madagascar, or perhaps a dark, bittersweet and milk from the same region or maker). Remove the labels from the chocolate and make cards to identify them (Chocolate #1, #2, and #3). Have guests examine the shine and snap of a small piece of the chocolate, cup their hands around their nose as they take quick, deep sniffs to experience the aroma. Then have them savor the chocolates. Encourage them to let the chocolate melt in their mouths, and ask them to taste the chocolate first on the tip of the tongue (for sweetness), then on the sides at the center of the tongue (for acids), then on the front and back sides of the tongue (for saltiness) and finally at the back of the tongue (for bitterness). Discuss what they experience, what they like and don’t like, which are their favorites. Can they guess accurately which each is? This is not a proper tasting, because the tastes of the wines (which you will similarly compare) will interfere with the tasting, but it’s your party, have fun and save the seminar for another time.
2. Chocolate Pot Luck Ask your guests to each bring a small box of artisanal molded chocolates, then have a feast of all the best chocolates. If there aren’t enough of each to go around, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and dried, to cut them in halves or slices. This is a great way to taste a variety of the finest chocolates, at an affordable price. Set whatever rules you want, or none at all, regarding what they bring (such as nothing available at the local drug store, or nothing over ten dollars, or assign various brands to each guest – assuming you know them well enough to be so bold!). This type of tasting can be the dessert course to a dinner party, or the accompaniment to a tea party or evening get together for wine, whatever you’re up for.
3. Truffles for Two Enjoy an intimate evening with a lover or friend. Buy or make some delicious French rolled truffles, or better yet, make your own and roll the ganache into a small log instead of the traditional ball shape. Either way, round or logged, serve the truffles with a beautiful small butter knife for slicing and savoring. Serve wine, champagne, chocolate tea or sparkling juice (try mixing sparkling white grape juice with pureed strawberries for a delicious non-alcoholic drink that is delightful with chocolate). Play your favorite music, burn some candles, show the movie Chocolat perhaps? Above all, bask in the luxury of your company – and the delicious chocolate you share.
