Decadence

Death by Chocolate. The name of the game; a.k.a. Decadence. Pure, unadulterated decadence.

Are you man enough? Are you woman enough? To place your best chocolate recipe up against others; to test the outer limits of your baking skills; to locate the iron will needed to taste well over 90 desserts in an evening? These are the questions to ask yourself during the long, dark, and bitterly cold days of February. A Wisconsinite says, “YES”. A true chocolate aficionado says, “ABSOLUTELY”.

The 4th annual Death by Chocolate event is scheduled for Saturday evening, February 21st, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Bakers: begin selecting your favorite chocolate recipe now! Bakers must submit an entry form and $5.00 entry fee by the deadline: Saturday, February 14th, 5:00 p.m.

Tasters: begin a rigorous practice schedule starting NOW! I recommend a visit to Sjolinds, our local coffee and chocolate shop, if you need help getting started.

Happily, our slate of celebrity judges will be returning, apparently undaunted by the challenge of tasting ALL of the desserts submitted and deeming one, and only one, the Judges’ Choice Award.

Welcome back Markus Candinas of Candinas Chocolates (2435 Old PB, Verona WI and 11 W. Main St., Madison, WI), David Bacco of David Bacco Chocolates (550 N. Midvale Blvd., Madison, WI) and Mount Horeb’s own, Tracy Thompson of Sjolinds Chocolate House (219 E. Main St., Mount Horeb, WI).

New in 2009 will be music, Big Band and Jazz, provided by DJs T and Greg of Isthmus DJs, LLC, who will also MC the event.

Remember, this elegant event is for ADULTS only. Adults ages 16 and up are invited to participate as bakers and/or tasters. Please find childcare for your younger children; the library will not be providing childcare for the 2009 event.

Death by Chocolate presents a distinct opportunity to rebel against winter, and cabin fever, in particular. It’s also a fantastic way to reconnect with friends, neighbors, and family whom you may have only caught a glimpse of this winter, all bundled up, while shoveling snow.

Another batch of white stuff in the forecast? Think DECADENCE.