Chocolate of Choice: Chocolate Mochi

Manila-based writer Karla Rey and chocolate mochi

Name Karla Rey
Location Mandaluyong City, Philippines (as of the writing)
Occupation writer, marketing coordinator, landscape contractor
Chocolate of Choice Kozui's Chocolate Mochi

I never really bothered asking what it is made of until I had to. Apparently, it's chocolate with rum gnache at the core of chewy chocolate mochi finished with fine cocoa powder. The size is perfect,
too! Sometimes I would eat it bit by bit and then on other times, I would pop the whole piece into my mouth. The layers mix differently with every bite so the intensity of the chocolate and the, hmmm, "other flavor" vary. (Come to think of it, I haven't tried not chewing so I'm not sure if it can melt away like most chocolates).

 - Karla, Manila
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Pssst, make it at home! Here's a chocolate mochi recipe.

Did a chocolate make you smile today? Send me a picture of you and your favorite chocolate at marriedtochocolate@gmail.com and tell me why you like it. I want to meet you! - Kris
 
PS
Hey, Manila! Have you been to Kozui yet? It's this really cool, must-eat Japanese tea place in Tomas Morato. Read my review here (blast from the past, all the way from 2007!), and if you haven't been, do yourself a favor and GO.

Chocolate and I New York 2010

Chocolate, no one loves you like i do.

How sweet it is to be in New York!

See, Manhattan and I, we don't always see eye-to-eye on things (i.e. skyrocketing prices and mythical parking spots downtown). Next week, however, my love-hate relationship with this crazy little city will be tipped into full-blown L-O-V-E—not because it's Valentine's Day—because NYC is paying a special tribute to my sexy sweetheart: chocolate!

Chocolate and I New York is an annual gourmet chocolate appreciation extravaganza (i.e. chocolate heaven) that brings together chocolatiers, chocolate experts, chocoholics, cacao growers (and "cacao alchemists"), dessert chefs, food lovers, art enthusiasts, and just about anyone who has ever been taken by the so-called "food of love." And I'm very, very, excited to be part of it this year. I'm a volunteer and I'm doing it for L-O-V-E. 

The fun starts on Monday, Feb. 8 and there's a lot of chocolate-y things going on (see list of events here). I'm pretty excited about chocolate pairings (chocolate and sake, anyone?), chocolate tastings by premier chocolatiers (hello, Michel Cluizel!), and meeting WD-50's Alex Stupak! The event runs all week, all the way up to the Hearts Day on the 14th. Quickly, here's the info:

Chocolate and I New York, Feb 8 - 14, 2010
511 W. 25 Street
between 10th and 11th ave.
New York, NY 10001

If you're in the area, drop by and say hi!

- Kris Alcantara

No-Bake Mondays: White Chocolate PB & J

White Chocolate PB & J

When was the last time you ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?

When was the last time you had it with white chocolate? Spice up a classic PB & J with a spoonful of melted white chocolate and you're in for a creamy treat—like eating a dreamsicle!

No-Bake White Chocolate Peanut Butter and Jelly

Makes 2 small sandwiches

In Minutes 5

Ingredients

1/4 cup white chocolate chips

2 tbsp orange jelly

2 tbsp creamy peanut butter

2 dinner rolls

Procedure

1. Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir until completely melted.

2. Spread peanut butter, orange jelly, and melted white chocolate chips on dinner roll. Line them up or stack 'em--it's up to you.

3. Enjoy with a glass of milk. 

Have fun!

- Kris Alcantara