What's for Dessert?

Have your guests discover their "Perfect Pairing" with GHIRARDELLI INTENSE DARK CHOCOLATES and your favorites wines

Dinner might be over but the party is just beginning when you invite your guests to explore the amazing compatibility between six GHIRARDELLI INTENSE DARK CHOCOLATES with six different sips of elixirs that accentuate various attributes of these luxurious treats. While taste is certainly subjective, every guest is invited to figure out which is his or her favorite combination.

Dedicate six small platters or plates, preferably plain white, to showcase the contrast of the chocolates — one for each individual chocolate variety. Display them, along with their wrapper or an extra bar, in the following order, ranging from mild and creamy to sweet, through silky and bitter, toward sweet and crunchy:

GHIRARDELLI Intense Dark 60% Cacao Evening Dream Bar
GHIRARDELLI Intense Dark 72% Cacao Twilight Delight
GHIRARDELLI Intense Dark 86% Cacao Midnight Reverie Bar
GHIRARDELLI Intense Dark Sea Salt Soiree Bar
GHIRARDELLI Intense Dark Toffee Interlude Bar
GHIRARDELLI Intense Dark Hazelnut Heaven Bar

Now, number and line up your favorite bottles, behind or alongside the platters/plates, in order from driest to sweetest. Note that you can choose your favorite brands to match these suggested categories. The idea of the pairing is to let guests take sips of each wine while sampling various chocolates. Some pairings will be better than others, which is precisely the point: Generate conversation and, perhaps, even competition, among friends who in search of the Perfect Pairing.

Before guests start sipping the sweet wines, have them try a buttery, New World (read: California) Chardonnay first. Though technically not a "dessert wine," a plush, high-fruit, low-acid Chardonnay complements the cocoa and caramel in the chocolate.

You can choose any medium-bodied, fruity red here to accentuate the fruitiness in the chocolate, or to contrast the chocolate's bitter, earthy qualities.

Sherry comes in many styles, from bone dry to syrupy sweet. The salty, nutty nose on a dry Oloroso Sherry mirrors the nutty nuances in some of these chocolates.

Demi-sec is a term used to classify sparkling wines that have a touch of sweetness; these wines compliment the fruity notes in chocolate. Contrary to common belief, dry, or "brut" sparkling wines tend to taste bitter with most chocolates.

Though, rich, viscous Sauternes can be dessert unto themselves, their honeysuckle aromas and dried fruit flavors complement caramel and toffee perfectly.

It's no surprise to find Port paired with chocolate in general, but a lighter, nuttier Tawny Port is exactly the style that this nutty toffee demands. Port's toffee and caramel flavors, along with a mouthwatering jolt of acidity to cut through chocolate

Want more INTENSE DARK Pairing Party ideas? Visit Ghirardelli's Perfect Pairing page. Need Tasting Notes for your guests? Check out Ghirardelli's Intense Dark Pairing Guide. What are your perfect pairing ideas? Take a photo with Ghirardelli.

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Gourmet Coffee - What's So Special About It?

Since it's discovery, coffee has been one of the most sought-after drinks on the planet, mainly for it's aromatic flavour and pick-me-up qualities.

Until recently, coffee vendors offered few alternatives other than your usual, short black, long black, latte, cappuccino, vienna and variations of these. From mild Italian espresso to thick strong Turkish coffee, the choice of flavour was basically still coffee with milk and sugar.

But today's coffee consumer has become far more sophisticated. Coffee now comes in just about any flavour, strength or combination to satisfy even the most fastidious consumer. No longer are gourmet coffees only set aside for a rare treat, but an increasing number of people keep gourmet coffees stocked in their cupboards for any occasion.

So What is Gourmet Coffee Anyway?

Gourmet coffee is simply ordinary coffee to which has been added compatible flavours that actually enrich its coffee aroma and taste. The basic coffee taste, texture, aroma and pick-me-up effect is still there, but with a hint of, let's say, mint, caramel, bacon, vanilla, chocolate or any other tantalizing possibility. Add to that, the subtle differences in flavour and texture of coffee beans from selected parts of the world with varying climates and elevation and you have the perfect combination for gourmet coffee.

This is what gives gourmet coffee its distinction.

Most of us have at some time enjoyed a nice cup of coffee with something to nibble. It may be choc-mint biscuits, cheesecake, nuts, savoury snacks, pizza or any other imaginable delight. With a gourmet coffee, you can feel like you're enjoying both, without actually eating the food.

Where Can I Buy Gourmet Coffee?

Gourmet coffee is available in most grocery stores but the most convenient way to choose your selection, is to buy online. Numerous gourmet coffee websites are waiting for you to order from their extended range.

Gourmet coffee has become a very popular gift idea. They're great for housewarming parties and are a very smart business gift. Many vendors, such as Boca Java, offer gift presentations which include not only the coffee, but also accessories to add to the appeal.

The definition of gourmet is a fine food or drink that has been assessed by an authority to be excellent. Today, the coffee industry is becoming more like the wine industry, where experts put their credibility on the line to evaluate quality. Bottom line is, if they say it's good, it must be good. Gourmet coffee has earned its name.

One of the most expensive gourmet coffees, is Jamaican Blue Mountain, mainly because it is so rare due to hurricanes. Its beans are not only used for brewed coffee, but are also the flavor base for the famous Tia Maria coffee liqueur. Most online suppliers of any repute will include Jamaican Blue Mountain on their menu.

The term "gourmet coffee" not only refers to just the coffee itself, but includes all of the aspects, activities, techniques and experience that surrounds that type of coffee. From the selection of the beans, the masterful roast, adding unique flavour... to the final product. Gourmet coffee is the result of a complete and specialised process. Can you smell the aroma now?

Peter enjoys great coffee. For more information about online gourmet coffee providers, visit http://bocajavareview.com

What's The Problem With Gourmet Ingredients?

When was the last time you bought some gourmet ingredients? If you're like the overwhelming majority of people, it's likely to be either so long ago you can't really remember, or you may admit to having never actually bought any gourmet ingredients at all yourself. Yet why is this so often the case?

Is it because we don't feel we deserve gourmet food, or that we don't really know what to do with ingredients like that once we've got them? Is it because the local supermarkets don't stock gourmet products, offering instead the general, bland everyday food which sells well? Perhaps it's that we don't entirely know what we mean by gourmet, and imagine that if we buy French food from a restaurant, that's as close as it gets.

Sadly many people have a combination of these misunderstandings and assumptions, meaning that very few of us really tend to go out and choose gourmet items to cook with, or to enjoy as they are. Yet in truth it is neither hard to find such items, nor is it difficult to incorporate them into our everyday cooking. In fact many of your favourite recipes which you can happily put together yourself any day of the week could easily be transformed into something quite extraordinary thanks to just one or two gourmet ingredients being used in place of your normal ones. So first of all, let's challenge any possible assumption that we don't deserve gourmet food.

We have all been born with tongues, taste buds and the ability to enjoy good food. Indeed, eating is a pretty fundamental part of life, and so we might as well enjoy it. It is our right to enjoy the food we eat, but all too often we become so accustomed to the everyday convenience food offered by the supermarkets, that we can become extraordinarily pleased with ourselves if we happen to upgrade our standard beige steak pie for an "Extra Special, Customers' Choice" steak pie, which comes in a different coloured cardboard box. This isn't gourmet food, and it isn't what we deserve to have all of the time.

Now I'm not suggesting for one minute that we all dump our normal food and upgrade to first class gourmet dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But there's also no reason why every single meal of every single day has to be of the same standard. It would be great to treat yourself and your family and friends to something a bit special. And to be honest once you find out how easy it is, you'll wonder why you didn't switch sooner. So in terms of deserving gourmet food, if you have a mouth and a stomach, then of course you do.

The next question then is where to buy French food and gourmet items that can be used in your favourite recipes. Unfortunately many of the supermarkets offer a very limited selection, if anything at all, and so it can be hard to find the sort of thing you need locally. However, with the internet just a click away it's actually very easy to buy gourmet French products, by visiting a specialist retailer online, ordering your food and then waiting to have it delivered to your door. It really couldn't be much easier.

Finally, how do you integrate gourmet ingredients into your everyday cooking? You'll actually find that most of the better online retailers will provide a selection of ideas, suggestions and recipes, such as using goose fat for roast potatoes and vegetables, or using dried porcini mushrooms in your risotto. Take a look online today for gourmet ingredients and places where you can buy French food - your taste buds deserve no less!

For a wide selection of gourmet ingredients, recipes, tips and ideas visit The Good Food Network where you can buy French food and specialist ingredients online.

What's The Problem With Gourmet Ingredients?

When was the last time you bought some gourmet ingredients? If you're like the overwhelming majority of people, it's likely to be either so long ago you can't really remember, or you may admit to having never actually bought any gourmet ingredients at all yourself. Yet why is this so often the case?

Is it because we don't feel we deserve gourmet food, or that we don't really know what to do with ingredients like that once we've got them? Is it because the local supermarkets don't stock gourmet products, offering instead the general, bland everyday food which sells well? Perhaps it's that we don't entirely know what we mean by gourmet, and imagine that if we buy French food from a restaurant, that's as close as it gets.

Sadly many people have a combination of these misunderstandings and assumptions, meaning that very few of us really tend to go out and choose gourmet items to cook with, or to enjoy as they are. Yet in truth it is neither hard to find such items, nor is it difficult to incorporate them into our everyday cooking. In fact many of your favourite recipes which you can happily put together yourself any day of the week could easily be transformed into something quite extraordinary thanks to just one or two gourmet ingredients being used in place of your normal ones. So first of all, let's challenge any possible assumption that we don't deserve gourmet food.

We have all been born with tongues, taste buds and the ability to enjoy good food. Indeed, eating is a pretty fundamental part of life, and so we might as well enjoy it. It is our right to enjoy the food we eat, but all too often we become so accustomed to the everyday convenience food offered by the supermarkets, that we can become extraordinarily pleased with ourselves if we happen to upgrade our standard beige steak pie for an "Extra Special, Customers' Choice" steak pie, which comes in a different coloured cardboard box. This isn't gourmet food, and it isn't what we deserve to have all of the time.

Now I'm not suggesting for one minute that we all dump our normal food and upgrade to first class gourmet dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But there's also no reason why every single meal of every single day has to be of the same standard. It would be great to treat yourself and your family and friends to something a bit special. And to be honest once you find out how easy it is, you'll wonder why you didn't switch sooner. So in terms of deserving gourmet food, if you have a mouth and a stomach, then of course you do.

The next question then is where to buy French food and gourmet items that can be used in your favourite recipes. Unfortunately many of the supermarkets offer a very limited selection, if anything at all, and so it can be hard to find the sort of thing you need locally. However, with the internet just a click away it's actually very easy to buy gourmet French products, by visiting a specialist retailer online, ordering your food and then waiting to have it delivered to your door. It really couldn't be much easier.

Finally, how do you integrate gourmet ingredients into your everyday cooking? You'll actually find that most of the better online retailers will provide a selection of ideas, suggestions and recipes, such as using goose fat for roast potatoes and vegetables, or using dried porcini mushrooms in your risotto. Take a look online today for gourmet ingredients and places where you can buy French food - your taste buds deserve no less!

For a wide selection of gourmet ingredients, recipes, tips and ideas visit The Good Food Network where you can buy French food and specialist ingredients online.

Gourmet Coffee - What's So Special About It?

Since it's discovery, coffee has been one of the most sought-after drinks on the planet, mainly for it's aromatic flavour and pick-me-up qualities.

Until recently, coffee vendors offered few alternatives other than your usual, short black, long black, latte, cappuccino, vienna and variations of these. From mild Italian espresso to thick strong Turkish coffee, the choice of flavour was basically still coffee with milk and sugar.

But today's coffee consumer has become far more sophisticated. Coffee now comes in just about any flavour, strength or combination to satisfy even the most fastidious consumer. No longer are gourmet coffees only set aside for a rare treat, but an increasing number of people keep gourmet coffees stocked in their cupboards for any occasion.

So What is Gourmet Coffee Anyway?

Gourmet coffee is simply ordinary coffee to which has been added compatible flavours that actually enrich its coffee aroma and taste. The basic coffee taste, texture, aroma and pick-me-up effect is still there, but with a hint of, let's say, mint, caramel, bacon, vanilla, chocolate or any other tantalizing possibility. Add to that, the subtle differences in flavour and texture of coffee beans from selected parts of the world with varying climates and elevation and you have the perfect combination for gourmet coffee.

This is what gives gourmet coffee its distinction.

Most of us have at some time enjoyed a nice cup of coffee with something to nibble. It may be choc-mint biscuits, cheesecake, nuts, savoury snacks, pizza or any other imaginable delight. With a gourmet coffee, you can feel like you're enjoying both, without actually eating the food.

Where Can I Buy Gourmet Coffee?

Gourmet coffee is available in most grocery stores but the most convenient way to choose your selection, is to buy online. Numerous gourmet coffee websites are waiting for you to order from their extended range.

Gourmet coffee has become a very popular gift idea. They're great for housewarming parties and are a very smart business gift. Many vendors, such as Boca Java, offer gift presentations which include not only the coffee, but also accessories to add to the appeal.

The definition of gourmet is a fine food or drink that has been assessed by an authority to be excellent. Today, the coffee industry is becoming more like the wine industry, where experts put their credibility on the line to evaluate quality. Bottom line is, if they say it's good, it must be good. Gourmet coffee has earned its name.

One of the most expensive gourmet coffees, is Jamaican Blue Mountain, mainly because it is so rare due to hurricanes. Its beans are not only used for brewed coffee, but are also the flavor base for the famous Tia Maria coffee liqueur. Most online suppliers of any repute will include Jamaican Blue Mountain on their menu.

The term "gourmet coffee" not only refers to just the coffee itself, but includes all of the aspects, activities, techniques and experience that surrounds that type of coffee. From the selection of the beans, the masterful roast, adding unique flavour... to the final product. Gourmet coffee is the result of a complete and specialised process. Can you smell the aroma now?

Peter enjoys great coffee. For more information about online gourmet coffee providers, visit http://bocajavareview.com