Kelsey Blackwell

writing.eating.dreaming.wandering.reveling

Archive for November, 2007

The best gift

November 10th, 2007

No, the photo above is not a little turd, but a most delicious pumpkin truffle from my dear friend Chi-an. She brought over a bucket full of the little guys a few days ago and I’ve already worked my way nearly half through. It seems she’s decided to go into the truffle producing business and would like to use me as her taste tester. I was reluctant to sign on, but what are friends for?

It seems to be the season for cocoa. It’s on everyone’s mind and lips of late. First, there was this article in the New Yorker about one of my favorite chocolate producers Dagoba. Then, the world or chocolate party and the most expensive dessert. Now, a most impressive gift. Wondering what other tidbits might present themselves?

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Posted in Chocolate, From My Kitchen

Buy dessert or buy a car

November 9th, 2007

How would $25,000 taste? Like “frrozen (sic) haute chocolate” according to Serendipity-3 a New York City restaurant. The record setting dessert, “earns its expensive price tag by containing the following:

- A blend of 28 cocoas, 14 of which are the world’s most expensive varieties
- 5 grams of edible 23-karat gold infused in the chocolate
- A whipped cream topper containing even more gold
- A side of La Madeline au Truffle from Knipschildt Chocolatier, which retails at $2,600 a pound
And if that weren’t enough, it’s served in a goblet lined with edible gold, with an 18-karat gold bracelet with 1 carat of white diamonds at the very bottom,” Drive-Thru reports.

No word on refunds.

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Posted in Chocolate

A World of Chocolate?

November 9th, 2007

Who hasn’t been dreaming of the land of chocolate? The land we were first introduced to by Gene Wilder where everything was edible, shiny and sweet? I’ve joked about this fantastical place with friends, but never did I think it could exist, could it? Well, a fax landed on my desk today that offers much promise: “Calling all chocolate enthusiasts: Indulge in a world of chocolate,” What? Dost my eyes deceive me? Apparently not. The next line was, “Annual Holiday Benefit Raises Funds for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.” Since I’m clearly not in heaven (there are too many looming deadlines) I can only think this is an answer to my Wonka reverie and a very clever fundraiser event. I would certainly give my right leg, or the $75 general admission price, to be granted entrance. Past years have showcased the sweet stuff in 20-foot tours, flowing fountains and Willy-esque rivers. Though it’s not set to take place until November 29th, I anticipate they’ll be looking for volunteers to help set up? I’m available but may need help suppressing my inner Gloop.

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Posted in Chocolate

Tune in or Lose Out

November 8th, 2007

WTTW-11 presents “Foods of Chicago: A delicious history” Nov. 27th delivering answers to Chicago food quandaries. Like how the Chicago dog came to be . . .

“It became popular during the Great Depression, when various ethnic groups added their favorite veggies to a German sausage with the hopes of getting a cheap, well-balanced meal,” the site says.

And our cities greatest culinarian creations other than deep dish.

“You probably know… that Italian Beef and Deep Dish Pizza were invented in Chicago (and we’ll learn the history of those foods) but did you know that flaming saganaki, the cafeteria, the brownie, and chicken Vesuvio were also invented here? We’ll meet the people who say they can prove it,” the channel is advertising on their site.

Mmmm. . . I can’t wait.

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Posted in Eating in Chicago

Pass the Pizza

November 7th, 2007

Toss your Jenos and Totinos friends. Toss them right out the window. After hearing of the e. coli break linked to the pepperoni in these pies, my friends and I thought it high time to revive the art of the pizza party. We got creative with the toppings: shrimp, Asian stir-fried beef, ricotta cheese and cilantro as well as a smattering of tried-and-true faves like peppers, mushrooms, basil and onions. No frozen anything, or more importantly, pepperoni in site. It wasn’t deep dish but it was delish.

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Posted in From My Kitchen

There’s a party in my tummy

November 3rd, 2007

I’ve always known about the party in my tummy, though it was nice to be reminded by this floppy green guy from the kid’s show Yo! Gabba Gabba.Things got particularily rowdy the night flourless chocolate cupcake and cheese whiz were invited. There wasn’t room for many other invitees — I found them quite dissruptive.

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Posted in Eating in Chicago

Green city market goes into hibernation

November 3rd, 2007

Though the sun is sunny and the sky is blue, today the green city market moves into its winter-weather digs at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive. You can still pick up your squash, mushrooms and apples only a few blocks away from the outdoor location on the same days, Saturday and Wednesday, from 7 a.m. to noon. Best of all, cooking demonstrations will show us exactly what can be done with cooler the weather fare. Mashed celeriac anyone?

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Posted in Eating in Chicago

National Men Make Dinner Day

November 2nd, 2007

When I heard of this day I was at once delighted and disgusted — delighted that such a day has been designated and disgusted that it’s only one day (the first Thursday of November). Yesterday, people were sending around these silly celebratory cards to commemorate. Well I’m here to tell you men, you’re not off the hook. Us ladies deserve a weekly commitment — and, I’m not talking chili, spaghetti, grilled meats or other stereotypical dishes. I want crème brûlée. Not sure what that is? A blowtorch is involved, which should please us both.