Artisan Chocolate

January, 2004

Winter is the season for savoring a hot, steamy mug of your favorite beverage. And, if you are a chocolate lover, we have what may be the best cocoa drink you’ve ever tasted. Made with tiny bits of real chocolate and prepared with milk, this warm, smooth beverage is called “drinking chocolate”. Richer and more satisfying than powdered chocolate mixes, it’s truly gourmet. Where can find this delightful concoction"

Just look for the Schokinag display in our Bakery Departments. This family owned company has been making artisan chocolate since 1923 and just recently began packaging its products for home use. “We started carrying the line a few months ago,” says Denise McFarland, Bakery Manager at Sunset Lake Forest. The product line consists of 4 types of drinking chocolate (triple chocolate, white chocolate, white chocolate and caramel and chocolate mocha), baking chunks, baking bars and cocoa powder. With nearly 7 years in the Sunset bakery, Denise knows quality. “This is excellent chocolate for baking and dipping into fruit. It’s consistency is smooth. - most definitely top of the line.”

The Schokinag name is not as familiar in America as it is overseas but the we are doing our part to introduce the brand to Sunset shoppers. “We try to have demonstrations once a week using a cappucino maker to heat the milk”, says Denise. “Customers are amazed by the flavor. They buy the product and some are buying the machines!”

Whether you love a hot chocolate drink or enjoy baking, stop by the Bakery Department and pick up a Schokinag chocolate product - your creations will taste even better!

CHOCOLATE BROWNIES WITH WHITE CHOCOLATE CHUNKS
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
2/3 cup all purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 ounces white chocolate chunks

Preheat oven to 325°F. Butter 8-inch square baking pan. Stir chocolate and butter in heavy medium saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth. Cool to room temperature.

Combine 2/3 cup flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt in small bowl. Whisk 1 cup sugar, eggs and vanilla extract in medium bowl until mixture is very thick, about 3 minutes. Whisk in melted chocolate mixture, then flour mixture. Stir in white chocolate. Transfer to prepared pan.

Bake brownies until tester inserted into center comes out with moist crumbs attached, about 28 minutes. Cool, cut and serve with strawberries. Makes 16 brownies.

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