Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Spicy homemade chocolate + book giveaway from author @DarylWoodGerber


Yes, those are pirate skulls!
Hard to get definition when photographing chocolate!



I'm in chocolate mode because Fudging the Books is coming out and there are chocolate recipes in the book. But I can't share those until the book releases, so I made this special homemade chocolate which I included in Stirring the Plot, (3rd Cookbook Nook mystery) using cayenne pepper and honey. It was for Jenna to give to Pepper as a peace offering. 

It was so delicious, I had to try again. I mean, was I just lucky that it turned out so well?


Nope. It’s a tried and true recipe. It turned out great this time, too! I switched it up with syrup and white pepper. Yo-ho-yum! Just what a “pirate” would prefer. Sweet, yet savory. 

You’ll never buy store-bought again!

Here’s a little chocolate-making tip, however. Make sure that no water or liquid gets into the chocolate, as it can cause the texture of the chocolate to become grainy. Ick. Even be careful of wet hands or a drop of water when you pour the chocolate into the molds.  And having a candy pourer is a must, as far as I’m concerned. I found mine in the candy-making section of a Michael’s Arts and Crafts store.

Another tip: I used skull-shaped molds I found on line. They worked nicely, but I have to admit my smooth heart-shaped molds popped the chocolate out better! Just saying.


Pirate Dark Chocolate Laced with White Pepper

1/2 cup natural cocoa powder
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
pinch of sea salt

Melt coconut oil in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until clear liquid.

When coconut oil is completely melted, add cocoa powder, syrup (the more syrup, the sweeter the chocolate), vanilla extract, and white pepper.

Make sure all ingredients are well incorporated and smooth.

Using a candy pourer (found at specialty shops) or a pastry tube, pour the chocolate into candy molds to harden. Let harden for several hours at room temperature. Then remove the candy from the molds. If the candy is not yet hard, stick in the fridge to harden.  (I had to do this both times! It took about an hour in the fridge to harden.)


Another little tip:  The last few remnants will be hard to get out of the pourer. Use a spatula, when necessary. And if you over-pour into a mold, use a teaspoon to scoop a bit out.

Another eensy-beensy tip: The smooth molds for the heart chocolates (which I used in Stirring the Plot) were much easier to pop out the chocolates than the skulls. I think because of the detail.

Enjoy!



About Fudging the Books:

Pirate Week is sweeping through Crystal Cove and keeping Jenna Hart and her bookstore, the Cookbook Nook, plenty busy. But she’s not too swamped to also host the local Chocolate Cookbook Club’s meeting—especially because the guest of honor is her friend, candy maker and cookbook author Coco Chastain.
Click here to PREORDER

Jenna whips up a delicious event amidst the rowdy festivities, but the mood is soon broken by robberies, simmering tempers, and a dead body—Coco’s editor, Alison. The suspects turn out to be more plentiful than a pot full of gold doubloons, so to prove Coco isn’t responsible for the dastardly deed, Jenna will have to stir up some clues and figure out who’s the real sticky-fingered killer…


NOTE: This is not about “real pirates.” Pirate Week is a fun romp where folks dress up like pirates, climb rock walls, go whale watching, and take in Pirates of Penzance or hunt for missing gold doubloons.

News!

I've set up a Goodreads giveaway for 5 lucky winners to win Fudging the Books. It started July 15 and ends July 31.  Good luck!

Also I'm having a release party on Facebook on August 4th, so mark your calendars! Look for the event invitation. There will be door prizes!

Also, I'll offering a giveaway August 3rd via my newsletter to someone (or a few someones) who are signed up to receive it! Don't delay. Sign up.






TODAY'S GIVEAWAY:

Today's giveaway, as a thanks for being my fans, you will have your choice of the first three Cookbook Nook Mysteries OR any of the Cheese Shop Mysteries on the shelves + some fun swag. Leave a comment, with your email (cryptic, if you must) so I can contact you!  

And tell me what's your favorite store-bought chocolate?


Daryl Wood Gerber aka Avery Aames
Tasty ~ Zesty ~ Dangerous!


Friend Daryl on Facebook
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Follow Avery on Twitter
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Check out our website.

AS GOUDA AS DEAD
order here





FUDGING THE BOOKS, the next Cookbook Nook Mystery, is available for order: order here.



If you haven't done so, sign up for the mailing list 
so you can learn about upcoming events, releases, and contests! 






101 comments:

  1. Store bought chocolate? Wow, that's hard because "sometimes you feel like a nut; sometimes you don't." But, for argument sake, I'd have to say....I could devour a Snickers. I really like them frozen, but can't wait that long! So, I buy two...one for now, and one 'frozen' later.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love this recipe! My favorite store-bought chocolate is from the brand Chocolove - such great bar flavors. EMS591@aol.com

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  3. Seattle's Best Chocolate Truffle, See's Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds and Rum Truffles....haven't sound a store bought fudge I like yet, though. Have you any recommendations?

    Kathleen Bylsma h5apby@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yum for your choices. I will say See's fudge is great!

      ~ Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  4. My favorite store bought chocolate is Dove dark chocolate promises. Thanks for the great chocolate recipe and the chance to win your good books!!! darholley1(at)aol(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. Darlene, I love Dove. I keep a few in my purse, just in case.

      ~ Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  5. My favorite store bought chocolate is a Heath bar. Toffee center surrounded by delicious chocolate. Nothing better.
    Jhdwayne@peoplepc.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Heath bar. Yum! Have you had Heath bar ice cream?? Delicious.

      ~ Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  6. I never met much chocolate I didn't like. Of course there is See's and Ghirardelli's and Fanny May's, but my new-found favorite from the store is Russell Stover's Molasses Chews. Yum.
    sallycootie@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Oh, Sally, the molasses chews sound good. See's makes something like that, too.

      ~ Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  7. So many chocolates to love! Since my former favorite to share with my now former boyfriend was Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate with Caramel, my favorite now is Cadbury Milk Chocolate with Almonds. sssusieq@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I adore Ghiradrelli chocolate, period. I grew up in the Bay Area and went there often for candy or sundaes. Yum!

      ~ Daryl / Avery

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  8. I love Dove chocolates: rich, smooth, and creamy. Thank you for the chance to win :)
    jslbrown2009 at aol dot com

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    Replies
    1. Lisa, you bet! As I said above, I love Dove, too. Very rich.

      ~ Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  9. What a fun way to start the day---I love all three things that you discussed: reading, pirates and chocolate!!! My favorite store bought chocolate bar is Cadbury milk chocolate, however I'm quite partial to drinking chocolate as well (If you've never tried an actual drinking chocolate it's soooo much better that plain hot chocolate mix), and my favorite is a brand called Dagoba. Happy Wednesday! Nicole :-)
    nicolev.girldetective@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dagoba drinking chocolate. Nope, haven't heard of that, but I'll look it up. I do like Penzey's hot chocolate, though!

      ~ Daryl / Avery

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    2. I'll have to try the Penzey's! :-)

      Delete
  10. Thank you for the chocolate recipe (I have never used white pepper in chocolate). My favorite store bought chocolate is Ferrero Rocher.
    myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. Jen, I doubt many HAVE used white pepper, but it's one of my little tricks. I love the zip of white pepper.

      ~ Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  11. I have a co-worker that loves those spicy chocolate bars! My favorite store bought chocolate in Lindt. Thanks!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lindt is so lovely, isn't it? Smooth and creamy. Can you tell I've been chocolate tasting? :)

      ~ Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  12. Recipe sounds yummy and so does your book! bessert57@gmail.com

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  13. Hershey's milk chocolate bar is still my favorite. doward1952@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Doward, there's just something special about Hershey's, isn't there? Childhood memories or something! Thanks!

      ~ Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  14. Thanks, Daryl! Dove chocolates, Lindt Truffles, York Peppermint Patties, Nutella...guess I'd better stop! :) patucker54 (at aol dot com)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha, ha, Patricia! Yes, sometimes it's best to stop salivating. :)

      ~Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  15. My search continues for the perfect dark chocolate--rich tasting with that marvelous mouth melt.
    I can imagine the skulls were a bit reluctant to release the chocolate. But they are fun.

    libbydodd at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, those skulls were stubborn, and they look much better than the picture allows. Oh, to be a professional photographer. The dark darkness made it hard to light. :)

      ~Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  16. I will eat any chocolate that doesn't run from me ! Dove is a fav tho :) kathambre@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. Kathy, LOL! I've never had chocolate run away. Never!

      ~Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  17. My favorite candy is sponge candy. It's a western NY Favorite.---Rae

    raco774(at)Yahoo(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. Sponge candy, sounds sort of fun. Like gummy bears or something, right?

      ~Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  18. My favorite is Cadbury's Milk Chocolate. I bought it way back when I was young and savor it. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cadbury has a yumminess that is luscious. Very creamy. Love it.

      ~Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  19. Chocolate is so soothing. I enjoy York Peppermint Patties very much. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  20. See's dark cherries are my favorite but since they are not national, I also like Milky Way Midnight bars. lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  21. I am afraid I really only like chocolate in ice cream form. (Hanging my head in shame)

    ejbs3s@yahoo.com

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  22. You pretty much have me at the word "chocolate." Have you tried the Mars bars from England - different from here, and incredibly delicious! Thanks for the contest! bobandcelia@sbcglobal.net

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    Replies
    1. No, I haven't how are they different? Very cool!

      ~Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  23. Love chocolate in and on anything. My favorite candy is Russell Stover's chocolate covered caramels. fsumom99@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, caramel. That might have to be my next book. I adore caramel. ;)

      ~Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  24. I love Dove Chocolate. But like a few others I have never seen chocolate I didn't like.
    I tell you what Magnum Ice Cream Bars are awesome. The chocolate on them is to die for.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Forgot my email....... karolyn.yoakum@gmail.com

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    2. Magnum Ice Cream Bars? Sound awesome. I love Dove ice cream bars, too. Have you ever had the Mickey Mouse-shaped dark chocolate one? No kidding. Great!

      ~Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  25. Well, there's Godiva, Whitney's, Russell Stover's, Hershey 's, and if I happen to just need a quick taste.... Almond Joy or Mounds or York patties or Reeses Peanut Butter cups might keep me going. If I'm lucky enough to find a really good fudge shop I'll likely get peanut butter and chocolate fudge. Sheesh, it's only 10 a.m. in Alaska and now I'm craving candy with none in the house!! LOL mtrver@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. 10 a.m. in Alaska! Hello!!!!! You are definitely in trouble today with that list. ;)

      ~Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  26. I LOVE Milky Way Midnight, Milky Way Simply Carmel candy bars, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Reese’s Pieces. The Pirate Dark Chocolate Laced with White Pepper sound wonderful !!!! Thank you for the recipe and great giveaway. :)
    peggyhyndman@att.net

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  27. Snickers. York Peppermint Patties. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Heath Bars. Ghirardelli Salted Caramel. Room temperature. Frozen. Melted. I'm an equal opportunity chocolate eater.

    ReplyDelete
  28. jdhyvh@amaonline.com
    Sorry. Didn't read all the instructions.

    ReplyDelete
  29. My favorite store bought chocolate is Dove Milk Chocolate. But most chocolate calls my name and I always answer. I will have to try your recipe, sounds scrumptious. Thank you for the opportunity to win one of your awesome books.
    angelhwk68@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. Barbara, cute. You always answer? Sometimes I say it has to "go on hold." :)

      ~Daryl /Avery

      Delete
  30. Chocolate, chocolate, gotta have chocolate.
    Looks delicious.
    thanks
    txmlhl@yahoo.com

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  31. I love chocolate, in all forms, my favorite is dark chocolate. So many brands, so little time (lol). Chocolove and Marich (Chocolate with Caramel and Sea Salt)

    kaye dot killgore at comcast dot net

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    Replies
    1. I'm truly appreciating the deliciousness of sea salt!

      ~Daryl /Avery

      Delete
  32. My favorite store bought chocolate is anything from Martine's in NY or Hershey's kisses! I"m looking forward to your newest!

    afarage (at) earthlink . net

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    Replies
    1. Martine's in NY. Haven't heard of it, but I'll have to find it next time I'm in.

      ~Daryl /Avery

      Delete
  33. I love Hershey's Special Dark the most but I also love all Hershey's! Thanks for the giveaway!
    sharonbabyme@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. As I said earlier, Hershey's just drums up good memories.

      ~Daryl /Avery

      Delete
  34. I love milk chocolate. The best chocolate I can remember was a hot fudge sundae drowning in whipped cream at the Ghirradelli ice cream shop in Chicago. .
    Kkdurban@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Ghirardelli mill chocolate is divine. And their sundaes are so gooey delicious. Yum!

      ~Daryl /Avery

      Delete
  35. I like the almond joy bars---all that coconut is so sweet and googy.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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  36. Pearson salted nut rolls or their Nut Goodies.....so. Good��

    ReplyDelete
  37. Pat (patdupuy@yahoo.com)July 22, 2015 at 7:59 PM

    I'll get Dove dark chocolate for "healthy" snacking. Ha. My favorite ice cream syrup is Elmer's Gold Brick. Loved that stuff. It has pecans in it and "freezes" when it hits the ice cream.

    ReplyDelete
  38. We have a local choclate maker that employs special people called Highland Chocolates. The local stores carry them. My favorite is their milk choolate pretzel bark.(rblerner@ptd.net)

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  39. My favorite store bought chocolate is See's chocolate assortment.
    bhometchko@hotmail.com

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  40. My favorite chocolate is Hershey kisses. Yum!!!

    xzjh04@ Gmail.com

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  41. Dove dark chocolate and plain old M&Ms

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  42. Do you mean manufacturer or type of chocolate? My fav chocolate is anything dark chocolate - chocolate turtles, caramels, you name it! Favorite store bought manufacturer - I like See's and Tuck's in Rockport, MA
    dm_richards (at) yahoo (dot) com

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    Replies
    1. Turtles are so much fun, aren't they! Who came up with that clever idea and called them turtles?

      ~Daryl

      Delete
  43. Favorite is Dove dark chocolate. I love when I find the big Dove dark chocolate bars with almonds. I usually only see those at CVS drugstores. My email is hcalhoun78@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. I could maybe be considered a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup addict. I love them! I buy them and then toss them in the fridge when I get home. Eating those things cold? Heaven to me. Thanks for the chance to win.

    robbfan141729@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My husband loves Reese's! Whenever I think of Reese's, I think of ET, the movie.

      ~Daryl

      Delete
  45. QVC sells Harry and David chocolates that are to die for.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Really? Harry & David usually come in Christmas gifts and they are fabulous truffles!

      ~Daryl

      Delete
  46. QVC sells Harry and David chocolates that are to die for.

    ReplyDelete
  47. QVC sells Harry and David chocolates that are to die for.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Right now it's Dove milk chocolate with almonds and toffee
    elainehroberson@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Elaine, you and many are on the Dove kick. Me, too. So easy to toss one in the purse and savor when needed. :)

      ~Daryl

      Delete
  49. That looks so good! I will have to try that sometime. And it doesn't have much sweetener in it, just like I like!

    ElaineE246 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  50. My favorite store-bought chocolate are the Theos dark chocolate peanut butter cups.

    bluedawn95864 at gmail dot com

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    Replies
    1. Bonnie, I've never heard of those. I'll look them up! Thanks!

      Daryl

      Delete
  51. Russell Stover coconut or turtle. Or Mounds bar.

    ReplyDelete
  52. My favorite is Lindor Truffles, any flavor at all!
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

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    Replies
    1. Those truffles are scrumptious. No doubt about it

      Daryl

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