Chocolate Lovers, Rejoice!

“It has been shown as proof positive that carefully prepared chocolate is as healthful a food as it is pleasant; that it is nourishing and easily digested… that it is above all helpful to people who must do a great deal of mental work.” – Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

I have a confession to make. I love developing recipes. I love matching flavors and techniques to create a dish that makes people smile. When Central Market told us that February’s article should be about their Chocolate Festival, which runs through February 14, my mind went into overdrive, working out ideas for appetizers, entrees, and new desserts. Until, that is, I went to Central Market to get ingredients.

When Central Market celebrates, they CELEBRATE. There is chocolate in every department. My inner chocoholic was overwhelmed! So instead of recipes, I thought I would take you on a tour of the store, pointing out some of my favorite chocolate indulgences.
In the produce department, there are all sorts of amazing fruits that can be dipped into a luscious chocolate fondue. Strawberries? Of course! Star fruit? Yes, please! Clementines? Swoon-worthy! In addition, there are beautiful chocolate-dipped apples. An apple a day, right?

Moving on to the wine and beer department, you are met with a display of wine and Central Market chocolate truffles. Red wine and chocolate, what a combination! For the beer drinkers out there, there are numerous chocolate-based beers that are seriously delicious. “Chocolate beer?” I hear you cry. I’m here to tell you that if you like rich, dark beer, you will love chocolate beer!

I was heading from the wine and beer department into the grocery department when a display of Good Day Chocolates caught my eye. I did a little bit of research and found that Good Day Chocolate is a company that makes “chocolate-with-benefits.” The geniuses behind this company have combined chocolate with dietary supplements. Oh my… I got several varieties. For science. Yeah, that’s it. Science.

Needless to say, Central Market has an amazing variety of high-quality chocolate. Whether your recipe calls for cocoa powder or bar chocolate, Central Market has you covered. Of course, you could just buy a lot of chocolate bars for snacking. Or so I’ve heard.

I love mole negro. This rich, complex Mexican sauce contains chocolate (as well as more than 20 other ingredients) and is divine on poultry or pork. I once attempted to make mole negro. Even though I used to be a professional chef, I have to say that I will never attempt that again. So I was thrilled to see that Central Market has mole negro available. After grabbing chicken, queso fresco, and corn tortillas, I was set for dinner!

Do you love kombucha? Why not try some raspberry-chocolate kombucha brewed in Austin? Pair it with chocolate brioche or a chocolate baguette. Eclairs? Chocolate tarts? The richest-looking chocolate cake you’ve ever seen? Central Market’s bakery department has the most luscious, mouth-watering chocolate desserts you have ever seen.

Because I can’t leave you without some recipes, here’s the link to some great recipes from Central Market. If you are a chocoholic, all I can say is run, don’t walk, but RUN to Central Market now. If you aren’t a chocoholic, don’t worry. All your favorites are still there. No matter if you need a quick lunch or a full meal for 50, Central Market is your one-stop shop! Now excuse me, there is a bar of single-origin chocolate from Costa Rica that is calling my name!