Chocolate: One of the more versatile and most loved foods in the
world. We associate it with quality, social class, love, and romance. We use it
to end a fine meal, and share as gifts with friends and family. So why do we
have such a fascination with chocolate? One of the biggest reasons is obvious:
its flavor. The rich aroma and taste of chocolate is identical, which is not
true for many foods. Women may actually enjoy eating chocolate just a little
bit more than men because they have a better sense of smell. Chocolate seems to
pair well with anything from caramel to raspberries to habaneros. But it is
best all by itself. 
For centuries, chocolate has been a tried and true staple for
lovers. Now there is actual proof from the scientific community that there are
some benefits. Besides the jolt of caffeine served up in a piece of chocolate,
this savory candy also contains PEA, or phenylethylamine, the very same
molecule that courses through the veins of one who is in love. Combine our
internal stores of the natural amphetamine with chocolate and it will serve to
heighten that giddy sensation. Both dark and milk chocolate contain roughly the
same amount of calories per gram, but dark chocolate contains more cocoa which
is believed to have some additional health benefits. Eating chocolate one or two
times a week may lead to a reduction in heart risk. There are also studies that
suggest a regular intake of cocoa will improve mental function. Oddly enough,
it seems there is a connection. It has been observed that the countries which
have the most Nobel prize winners also enjoy the highest consumption of
chocolate. But let’s not kid ourselves. We’re
not eating it for those reasons. It simply makes us feel good.
Chocolate takes on many shapes and textures. It is amazing how
many beautiful things are made with chocolate. We see it as lively bunnies or a
lovely chocolate rose. It can be solid enough to create large statues. Or soft
enough to dip into it, drink it, spread it, or roll it in nuts. Chocolate plays
a part in most of the major holidays we hold dear: Halloween, Christmas,
Easter, and Valentine’s Day. It has deeply woven its way
into the fabric of our daily lives.
As with all foods, desserts have grown to become an artful and
creative business. Since many of our favorite desserts are made with chocolate,
Pastry Chefs are challenged to make fresh and unique items that one simply
cannot resist, even after a fulfilling meal. That was how the Sin of the Inn
was born. Pastry Chef, Joni Marty, wanted to create a delectable delight that
people could not resist. The Sin of the Inn is just that: an amazing creation
of pecan crust, layered with caramel, white satin, chocolate ganache, and
topped with white chocolate mousse. It is truly exquisite! Ganache is another
popular way chocolate is used. Ganache is made by simply heating cream, then
mixing it into solid chocolate pieces. You may add liqueurs or flavors to this
mixture as well. The result is a soft, rich chocolate substance that can be
used in many different ways. Pastry Chef Joni also makes the most perfect
chocolate dipped strawberries. She has made literally tens-of-thousands of them
during her pastry career, making over 7000 last December alone. Joni suggests
that if you are planning to dip your own strawberries, or any other items in
chocolate, you need to use a high quality melting chocolate, heating it very
slowly so it doesn’t “seize up”
or lose its smooth texture. Melting chocolate is superior for dipping as
it hardens nicely when it cools and isn’t sticky.
The many ways chocolate is used in desserts is endless: Decadent
Chocolate Lava Cake, Chocolate Cheesecake, Chocolate and White Chocolate Mouse,
Chocolate Tortes, Fudge, Turtles, Cakes, Cupcakes, and Cookies. This list goes
on and on. But there’s an old Midwest favorite that has
made an appearance at almost every family reunion and graduation party for
decades: the Brownie.
Pastry Chef Joni has been perfecting the art of bars and cookies
for many years, and she shared her favorite Brownie recipe with us to try:
Joni’s
Favorite Brownies
3-1/4 cup Sugar
13 oz. Butter
Cream together,
scrape bowl.
Add 6 Eggs
Blend well,
scrape bowl.
Add 1-1/3 cups
Flour
2 cups Cocoa
1/8 cup Vanilla
Blend well,
scrape bowl.
Add 8 oz.
Chocolate Chips
Spread in a
Parchment Lined Pan 15-1/2 x 10-1/2”
You may use Foil
Greased with Shortening
Bake at 350
degrees for 25-30 minutes.
So, enjoy your chocolate, in moderation. Now you know, there are
many reasons why you should. The marvelous flavor is only one of them.
-Christine Schiltz
Owner & Catering Director
Lake Elmo Inn Event Center
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