Chocolate Delights

Even though I didn’t have time to prepare any elegant desserts for Christmas dinner, I still wanted to have something decadently chocolate to end the dinner. It just isn't Christmas without chocolate. 

So I searched for someone local who made their own chocolates and found Dolce Bella. Battling Christmas Eve afternoon traffic to their café and shop was almost as stressful as trying to make something myself at the last minute. But after tasting their samples, I knew I had made the right decision.

I selected 24 chocolates of different flavors – hazelnut, lavender, dark chocolate, habanero chili, Tahitian vanilla and several others. The rich dark color and interesting shapes were all very inviting. My plan was to serve everyone a chocolate with a glass of Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve Port at the end of the meal. 

Well, the stress of the day affected my focus, and I completely forgot the chocolates. I remembered them after half the guests had already departed and others were on their way out the door. So much for my elegant idea. The good news is that Larry and I are still enjoying these exquisitely rich chocolates and port, one bite and one sip at a time, on ordinary days. This way I get to try all the chocolate flavors and extend the holiday mood!