Welcome To Blogspot and blogging

January 1, 2005
History

As many of you know, I sold one of my businesses in the summer of 2004 and am winding down another over the next few years. As the year was coming to an end in December, I was approached by an old friend with an idea to take my semi-famous website to a higher level, by creating a Blog based on Chocolate.

Until he mentioned it, I really didn’t know what a Blog was- though I guess I’d read a few, I just didn’t know any of vernacular or how it works. I did some research and after reading about Blogs on the Internet, I soon realized, it was nothing more than what I have been doing with my updates on www.eatmorechocolate.com. The only difference is a Blog makes it much easier for you to respond.

My friends, the feedback offered through the Blog is precisely the help I need to continue my quest to find my personal holy grail- great Chocolate of the world. I think the possibilities for this format are vast---

Joe

Greatest of All Time - Just Desserts' Chocolate Fudge Cake

I would make a big mistake if I waited any longer to discuss a favorite that kept me aliive in the 1980s when I lived in San Francisco. At Just Desserts (http://www.justdesserts.com/), the Plain Chocolate Fudge Cake is a classic and a must for those that just want a bit of "home" dessert.

There is nothing fancy here, just straight forward greatness!

Dallas - Morgan Chocolates Crunch Truffle

I don't write too much about Dallas chocolates- maybe my wife is watching what I eat too closely but....

Morgan Chocolates is a small factory just off the very popular Knox Street, on McKinney Avenue across from the wonderful Apple computer store. They do chocolate candies, molds and seasonal products. They offer a free sample if you stop in this factory store. I can always find something great in a hurry. They have a crispy hazelnut truffle that is to die for.

Greatest of All Time - Shipley's Chocolate Filled Donut

In my world, before Krispy Kreme, there was Shipley's (http://www.shipleydonuts.ws/) . Growing up in Houston, you almost couldn't go a couple of miles/streets without hitting a Shipley's donut shop. It probably where my love of hot fresh donuts began.

Now take a great donut and inject the best chocolate creme- Whiz, Bang, Boom -uh oh you have now created a delicacy!

Hurry for the Shipley's Chocolate Filled Donut!

New Orleans: "The Jackson Square"- Southern Candymakers

New Orleans: The name of the store is Southern Candymakers (www.southerncandymakers.com) and the candy is called "The Jackson Square". This is a small chocolate store on the left, on the way to Cafè Du Monde from Canal Place (across from the Jackson Brewery). They feature a peanut butter-crispy chocolate square, something that is out of this world. Don´t miss an opportunity to try this one; it is a treat!

This is one of the all time great candy stores in the US. The store is a maze of pralines, caramels, toffees and chocolates. Enjoy the visit.

Los Angeles: Farmers Market- Bodega & Little John's

On my way for a hot fresh donut at the Farmer's market in LA, I found two cool chocolate stores at this famed shopping center that everyone should sample if in the area. Littlejohn´s English Toffee House (http://www.littlejohnscandies.com/) in the Farmer´s Market has excellent fudge and a honeycomb chocolate candy. The English Toffee is also very good.

Bodega, http://www.bodegachocolates.com, which I have previously enjoyed at South Coast Plaza in Orange County, has opened a second unit at the fabulous new shopping center, The Grove at Farmer´s Market (Great Apple store if you haven´t seen it). Bodega has the most wonderful truffles sold as small candy bars. Classis, Hazelnut, Menthe, Dulce de Leche and Caramelo are UNBELIEVABLE. Their box sets make this a great gift.