Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton to host 'Chocolate Olympics' for kids

SHELTON - Plumb Memorial Library will host a new program debuting in February for fans of chocolate.

"Chocolate Olympics" will be held from 11 a.m.-noon Feb. 23 at the Library, 65 Wooster St.

The program is for children ages 4 and up.

Contestants will compete and test their knowledge of chocolate through trivia and games of skill too! This event will require handling of food.

Caregivers must remain with their children for program duration.

Registration is required for children only and begins Tuesday, Jan. 31 at noon either here on Miss Maura's Programs Facebook page or by calling 203-924-1580 ext. 5108.

This is shared from Miss Maura's Programs Facebook page.

Seymour Public Library to host Food Explorers' fun via Zoom

SEYMOUR - Join Food Explorers at 5:30 p.m. April 20 hosted by Seymour Public Library via Zoom to make Chocolate Fudge Pop-Tarts! 

Learn how to make your own pastry, chocolate fudge filling, and chocolate glaze.

You’ll need the following ingredients: flour, butter sugar, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, heavy cream OR milk and chocolate chips. You will need a rolling pin.

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/.../tZ0udOqpqD0sGtPOjQDyEYp3vXdgr...

This is shared from the Seymour Public Library Facebook event page. 

Tweens to make chocolate at Huntington Branch Library

Chocolate Make & Take Program
Huntington Branch Library
3:30-4:45 p.m. Aug. 20

SHELTON - Tweens entering grades 5-8 can join Kim Larkin of Klassic Kreations for a mouthwatering afternoon!
Learn about young chocolate entrepreneurs and chocolate history. Take a trivia quiz. 
Then, sample make-and-take chocolate creations during a demonstration of a tempering machine. 
Please note: ingredients have been processed in a facility that also processes nuts. 

The Library is at 41 Church St.

Register by calling 203-926-0111 or register online: http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=2
661&BranchID=827&Branch=Huntington+Branch+Library&EventID=344035&PK

Recuperation journey: Shades of gray on a gray day

As I mentioned here yesterday, the 7-day Black and White Photo Challenge currently making the rounds on Facebook is fun, and strangely addicting. 
I've started looking at my photo archives in a new way, searching for some that I could turn into interesting B&W pix to share.

I thought this one - a gift from my sister-in-law after my kidney transplant - looked cool in shades of gray:

It was two pounds of fabulous chocolates for me to "share" with my family members. 
I probably gained five pounds eating many of these bon bons when no one was looking. 
But I was recuperating, so I figured it was OK.

Recuperation journey: Making a pie

Believe it or not, yours truly made a chocolate pie. 
Those who know about my minimal skills in the kitchen are no doubt surprised. 

But the recipe I happened upon looked so easy I had to give it a whirl. 
It only has three ingredients: chocolate, whipped topping, and chocolate cookie-flavored crust. 

Step 1 ^ Open packages.  :)

Step 2 ^ Mix.

... and finished product.


Looks good to me, but I never said it was good for you!

... And more chocolate was delivered

I'm healing fast over here.  :)

Chocolate helps healing ... or so I've been told

Two pounds of Munson's Chocolates to help in my recuperation.  :)

Event in Shelton combines chocolate, champagne, charity

Ashley Varrone, left, and Katy Williams, employees of Common Bond Market in Shelton, serve samples of chocolate raspberry creme cake, raw chocolate mousse, and peanut butter balls at the fourth annual "In Love and Chocolate" fundraiser Sunday at Courtyard by Marriott in Shelton.

SHELTON - I had a great time again this year at 'In Love and Chocolate' Sunday, an event that benefits two great causes. 
The proceeds will go to Spooner House, a homeless shelter and food bank at 30 Todd Road and The Mary L. Schmecker Turtle Shell Fund, to support art education in local schools. 
(Please click link above to read my story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.)

I can say for sure I wasn't the only one who enjoyed the afternoon. The ballroom at Courtyard by Marriott was filled with smiling faces as folks visited vendors and sampled chocolatey concoctions and sipped champagne, if they were so inclined.

Stacia Monahan of Stone Gardens Farm in Shelton.

Stacia Monahan, who owns Stone Gardens Farm with her husband, Fred, offered samples of "Heart Beet" brownies. 
She told me she used two-and-a-half pounds of beets in the recipe. 
Monahan roasted and pureed the root vegetables and added them to the brownie batter. 

If you're not a beet lover, it's a good way to get some nutrition while indulging your sweet tooth. The brownies were delicious, and you can't taste the beets!

Fred Bialek, co-owner with his wife, Michele of Liquid Lunch in Shelton and Milford, served samples of spicy Mole Chili. 

Jim Calkins, executive chef and co-owner, Seasonal Sweets and Catering in Derby,'toasts' marshmallow fluff to create unique s'mores treats. His wife, Michelle, executive baker and co-owner, right, waits on a visitor.  

These gluten-free and nut-free s'mores were a popular item. Michelle Calkins made the marshmallow fluff and the graham crackers. 

Roy W. Tidmarsh, owner, Tidmarsh's Bake Shop in Ansonia, shows off the chocolate he uses to dip strawberries.

Starbucks of Shelton employees Emily Bob, left, and Amber Onidi, serve hot chocolate to Diane Mauriello.

Singer/songwriter Dave Hogan of Stratford entertained.

If you've never been to this fun event, I urge you to put in on your calendar for next February! 

Chocolate is the star at fundraiser in Shelton

This annual event benefits the The Mary A. Schmecker Turtle Shell Fund and Spooner House in Shelton.

More than 20 vendors will be offering samples of their chocolate-oriented food and drinks, and there will be live music and prizes.

I can attest that this is a fun fund-raiser to attend!