The Cacao Nibbler

may 2011

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Upcoming CHOCOLATE WALKS

Join Chocolate Tasting & More this month as we explore the Metro's sweetest nooks and crannies:

  • Special Mother’s Day in The Pearl/West End on Sunday, May 8th. (Why not consider having brunch at Jake’s Famous Crayfish beforehand)
  • Lake Oswego on Saturday, May 14th (It’s Opening Day for their Farmers’ Market)
  • Downtown Portland on Saturday, May 28th
Attend one or all three of these neighborhood searches for all things chocolate. You can register right now by clicking on this link. Can't make one of these afternoons? Contact us to set up a fun and memorable adventure for your company employees, clients, or your closest chocolate-loving friends.

CHOCO-QUOTE OF THE MONTH


“My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start. I have finished two bags of M&Ms, and a chocolate cake. I feel better already.” ~Dave Barry

take a chocolate class

  • There is still time to sign up for our Chocolate Creations: a hands-on workshop being offered through PCC Community Education on Tuesday, May 10th from 6:30-9 pm in Beaverton. Make your own chocolate liquor, chocolate dessert rice balls, and much more- perfect for gift-giving and entertaining. Click here for more details and registration info.
  • From Nature to Nurture Chocolate Series begins on May 12th in West Linn. Each evening will cover a different facet of your favorite food group (5/12 Tree to Taste Buds, 5/19 From the New World & Back Again, and 5/26 Exciting Times for Cacao). For registration details, please contact West Linn Recreation and Parks Department by calling 503-557-4700 or clicking here.

CHOCO-word of the month

Criollo was the predominant variety of cacao in Central America and the northern regions of South America when Cortes invaded what is now Mexico in the early 1500’s. Over the years it has been replaced by more productive and disease resistant cacao varieties. Although cacao hybridizes easily, criollo is still highly prized as flavor beans and makes up less than 10% of the global cacao production. The best known criollo include beans from distinct regions of Venezuela: Ocumare Valley, Chuao estate, and especially the Porcelana near Lake Maracaibo.

MEETUP @ RIMSKY-KORSAKOFFEE

The Portland Chocolate Lovers’ Meetup was started to gather chocolate lovers together and explore the world of our favorite food group. If you live in the Portland, Oregon area, love meeting fellow food enthusiasts, and want to discover new and exciting chocolate in all forms, then then this group is for you. This month we’ll be meeting at Rimsky-Korsakoffee House, a wonderfully unique and funky local spot for great deserts and warm beverages. Get more info on this event by clicking here. See you there!

SEATTLE CHOCOLATE SALON

The 4th annual event is happening a few months earlier this year on Saturday, May 14th from 10 am-5 pm. Hosted by Taste TV, there will be samples to savor from prominent chocolatiers, confectioners, wineries, and other culinary artisans. Keep an eye out for Goat Milk Candy Co. Tried some of their goodies at the Edmonds, WA Farmer’s Market last fall and thought the goat milk and chocolate imparted a very unique flavor combination. Go here for more salon details and to see a video from the 2009 event.

“LIKE” US ON FACEBOOK

Click here to “Like” us to keep abreast of even more chocolate info, events, and choco-happenings in Portland, the Northwest, and beyond. We’re shooting for 50 “likes” by the end of the month, so your help is appreciated.

 
 

COCOA EXPORTS RESUME

Cocoa trade from the Ivory Coast has finally started again after a three month suspension due to political unrest. However, getting their cocoa industry up and running will still take some time as they wait for banks and ports to start up business again. This, along with weather and disease, has had a significant impact on the global cocoa market. The Ivory Coast produces over 40% of the world’s cocoa supply.

COCOA & WEIGHT LOSS

Scientists from the Hershey Center for Health and Nutrition and the Pennsylvania State University report that extracts from cocoa may block carbohydrate and fat digestion. Of the three types of cocoa used in the research, the one that was the least processed and had the higher amount of antioxidants was most effective. So in addition to possibly improving cardiovascular, skin and brain health, cocoa may also become an aid in weight management. You can get more info in this article.


CHOCOLATE-COVERED THANKS

Thank you to all our program participants, newsletter subscribers, website visitors, and friends and family who take the time to read through The Cacao Nibbler. Chocolate Tasting & More wouldn’t be here without you.

Have a great month!

 

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