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Leann -- 1/29/08 9:30am
We won Good Housekeeping's Taste Test!
Have you gotten your February issue of Good Housekeeping yet? Well, when you do, turn to page 155 and read about the Hot Chocolate Taste Test they conducted. Very exciting! They hosted two categories – milk chocolate and dark chocolate. You were only allowed to participate in one category so we entered our Old World Drinking Chocolate in the dark chocolate category and we won! How cool is that?
They tested 19 brands overall with a panel of 18 tasters and in the dark chocolate category, they said our Old World Drinking Chocolate was “the category’s clear winner”. Sure, we were pretty certain we’d fair well but it sure feels good to see it in print and by such a reputable source.
If you haven’t tried it yet, there’s still time. Not only does winter still have a long way to go but honestly, you don’t need the cold weather to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. It’s great after dinner with dessert (or perhaps as dessert), mid-afternoon when you need a little boost, even on those rainy days when you’re feeling a little blue. It’s just plain goodness. And it can be made with a variety of milks including soy milk for those who are vegan or can’t have lactose. We’ve got you covered. Give it a shot and let us know what you think!
Comments? E-mail us at Info@LakeChamplainChocolates.com
Chocolate Intern Tracy -- 1/25/08 3:30pm
Once again during my college experience, I am doomed to revisit the “freshman fifteen.” Well, to put it lightly, as the newest intern for Lake Champlain Chocolates, I am destined to the “chocolate fifteen.” First indication of destination “chocolate fifteen” came from my mother, who instead of congratulating me for my new position exclaimed “be ready to gain weight this semester.” Gee, thanks Mom.
However, unlike my “freshman fifteen,” which directly resulted from the consumption of unpleasant microwavable macaroni and late night snacking, my “chocolate fifteen” weight gain will result from a mouth-pleasing experience of over-indulging in Vermont’s finest chocolates. Mmm Chocolate. My first experience with Lake Champlain Chocolates occurred at the internship fair held by my college. I can still remember the perfect packaging that held that beautiful piece of dark chocolate. It was love at first sight! And yes, after the first bite I was hooked. I am proud to report that I have become a full-blown chocoholic who truthfully could not care less about the “chocolate fifteen.”
I mean who has the opportunity to work in a chocolate factory every day? Not many! It’s a childhood dream, a fantasy. I have never been more pleased with the opportunity to indulge in so many tasty concoctions as available at Lake Champlain Chocolates. The delicious cappuccino filled milk chocolate truffles are to die for. I am also impressed with the delightful taste of the Aztec Chocolate Squares.
So that brings us back to where am I on my “chocolate fifteen” gain? Nowhere! I am somewhat happy to report that when I bring home any form of Lake Champlain Chocolate, it does not last long. I am able to enjoy a reasonable couple of pieces each day before yet another new chocolate enthusiast, my boyfriend, comes home only to soon reveal the bottom of my candy jar. (Like me, he also indulges without fear of the “chocolate fifteen.”)
At last thought, my boyfriend’s love for chocolate will inevitably make my Valentine’s Day shopping extremely easy. I mean, what guy does not enjoy great tasting chocolate? My dilemma no longer is choosing a gift he will love, but rather deciding which of the satisfying choices of Lake Champlain Chocolate to give him. He likes them all.
Comments? E-mail us at Info@LakeChamplainChocolates.com
Leann -- 1/18/08 9:00am
My chocolate cyber identity!
Be warned. This entry has very little to do with chocolate.
I read other people’s blogs all the time and just like with DJ’s on the radio, I always wonder what the writer looks like. For some reason, I feel certain I can guess their looks by their tone but the reality is I’m probably way off the mark but it got me thinking. I wonder if people wonder what this girl looks like that writes about chocolate all day long. (I won’t even ask if you wonder about my weight!)
So, in getting into this virtual world, I heard about avatars and decided to make one of myself so you can have an idea of what I look like. I couldn’t find a program that could accurately depict a near 40-something female eating chocolate so I used a little bit of artistic license and dolled myself up a bit. And since I don’t know anything about animation I couldn’t include the action of me popping yummy Vanilla Malt truffles in my mouth. You’ll have to just take my word for it.
So, looking through rose-colored glasses, squinting your eyes a little and using the filter they used to use for Cybil Sheppard in that old TV series “Moonlighting”, I’d say my avatar is a pretty close representation. Now you have an idea of my cyber-identity. Note the ultra-trendy purse! Just know that it’s full of good chocolate! Try making an avatar of yourself online at the many “make your own avatar” sites and send it on over to the e-mail listed below. Include some chocolate imagery in it and I’ll send my favorite a yummy prize!
Comments? E-mail us at Info@LakeChamplainChocolates.com
Leann -- 1/17/08 2:15pm
Ghana, Lake Champlain Chocolates and World Cocoa Foundation
Back in May, Jim Lampman (LCC owner) and his daughter Ellen (she also works at LCC doing purchasing and sourcing of supplies) visited Ghana with the World Cocoa Federation. They toured Chocolate Plantations and were able to see the processing of chocolate straight from the pod. Some of the photos they took really brought to life the incredible journey of the cocoa bean not to mention the challenges the cocoa farmers and workers have to overcome and the great strides and advances they’ve made.
While there, they were invited to visit one of the colleges, St. Joseph’s Training School, where the students were able to show some of their work. Apparently, the power supply for the area is not very reliable and during part of the tour, the power went out. Making the most of a common situation, the tour continued with the only light available - vehicle headlamps, candles and moonlight.
In response to the graciousness of the students and their current situation, donations from the various participating businesses were collected and generators were purchased and given to the school to serve as back up when the power supply went down. The generators were given to the school and above are some pictures of the presentation.
Comments? E-mail us at Info@LakeChamplainChocolates.com
Leann -- 1/16/08 8:45am
Lake Champlain Chocolate on Vacation?
Things have been so busy since the last time I wrote, I didn’t realize how much time had passed. If only the entire winter could go that quickly! I know all of you snow lovers out there are shaking your heads, wondering how I could wish the season away but it’s not the snow I mind so much. It’s the cold. And according to our weather man, it’s going to get colder! So far, I think I’ve drank my weight in Hot Chocolate!
I recently took a quick trip south to escape the freezing temps. It was only for a few days - just enough to thaw out my nose and feel the tips of my toes again. And it was a nice little break after the crazy holiday season we had. So, as I walk around Naples, FL doing some shopping and sightseeing, what do I come across but our chocolate bars. I don’t know why it surprises me to see our product in stores outside of Vermont but it does. And it always makes me smile. It’s like a little bit of my home while I’m away from it. So, I bought a bar and continued on my merry way, snacking all the while.
So, thank you Southwestern Florida for offering me a small escape with some of the amenities of home. It was nice to warm myself without having to miss one of my favorite treats - good chocolate from home!
Comments? E-mail us at Info@LakeChamplainChocolates.com