Chocolate Covered Strawberries
How To Pick Champagne And Wines To Pair With Decadent Chocolate
The Problem With Combining Sparkling Wine, Wines And Chocolates
One of my favorite ways to entertain is with tantalizing champagnes and sparkling wines. So, it is no surprise to everybody who knows me, that two of my favorite things in the world are decadent chocolates, and a fine bottles of champagne. I prefer nothing better than having a house full of guests or a quiet evening at home indulging, lingering and sipping one of my favorites, while nibbling assorted desserts and chocolates. I have my own personal preferences that run the gamete from luscious chocolate covered strawberries, white truffles, or a bite size pieces of silky white or dark chocolate with fruit and almonds. Just thinking about it makes me happy, and satisfied.
However, there are champagne enthusiasts like myself who find the pairing of chocolate and bubbly to be unpleasant, and truth be told it can be. The fusion of the two flavors can leave a dry bitter after taste when the complexities of both the sweet coco and the bubbly co-mingle on the sensitive palate. This dry and dusty finish lingers in the mouth, and in many cases, as each individual wine or sparkling wine can have their own complexities that leave a unusual “dusty” taste impression. It can be difficult to imagine that your favorite chocolate can suddenly seems overly tart or even sour when paired with the complex sweetness of a sparkling wine, but with a little bit of experimentation you can discover the right combination that offers a more agreeable experience to appreciate. There are literally thousands of possible taste combinations, so you are sure to discover a personal favorite if you persevere.
How To Choose The Right Chocolates To Pair With Champagne and Wine
If you are inviting people over for a relaxing wine tasting party you might choose to include pieces of broken chocolate that contain nuts, and fruit which I have found pair very well with the wine, and break up the sweetness of the candy. Mousse of white or darker chocolate, cookies, nutted coco tarts, and a lightly flavored coco cake can all add scrumptious taste sensations to your selected wines and champagnes. White chocolate is an excellent choice and many find that it counter balances a delicious demi sec champagne, and making a white fondue is quite simple and fun experience for your guests. You can also add chocolates containing: cherries, bitter orange,assorted fruit, and dipped pretzels to the dessert menu too? Feel free to add some flavorful cheeses to add contrast to your sweet desserts.
Of course the individual tastes of your guests will be the most significant factor in any food and wine pairing that you choose, but a fine bottle of Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine) has found to pair well with chocolate due to its characteristic lighter and less acidic composition when compared to champagne. Do not be afraid to experiment, and enjoy the evening with friends, family, and loved ones.
The Set Up For Your Party Guests
Bottles: Chill The Liquors according to preference (Port, Sparkling Wine, Various bottles of Bubbly, Sherry, White Wine, Red Wines, Desert Wines, Flavored Liqueurs) have the bottles ready and separated into groups, the champagne chilled with glasses on hand, and standing by for a night of pleasure, and luxurious taste sensations.
* Try these: Ruinart Brut Rosé, Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque brut, Billecart
Salmon Rosé, Mumm Brut Cordon Rouge, or Piper Heidsieck Brut
* Muscat or Moscato; Ruby Port or a Tawny Port (avoid vintage ports)
* Dark cocoa pairs well with Cognac, and red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon/Bordeaux/Merlot
*Pair these with white cocoa: Muscat/Moscator, Rieslings, Chenin Blancs, and Sauternes
Glasses: Place Wine and Champagne glasses in a convenient location that does not interfere with the flow of the desserts, and cheeses.
Desserts: Set out the chocolates, or desserts in one central location, and spread bits of candied sweets on decorated plates or servers throughout the room as well.
Napkins: Choose white or red to set the wine theme
Plates: Choose small dessert plates which are easy to carry, but try to offer desserts in individual containers such as candy cups, and tiny parfait cups which make plates almost unnecessary.
* The goal is to have samplers of desserts not large portions.
* Set out the decadent desserts in one central location, and spread bits of chocolate, and nuts on decorated plates or servers throughout the room as well.
* The alcohol should not be in the same location as candied sweets and desserts.
* Have room temperature water readily available for your guests, as alcohol can be dehydrating, and also to refresh the palate.
Take Pleasure In Spending Time With Family & Friends
Enjoying the taste sensations of wine, sparkling wines, champagnes, ports, and sherry, followed by your choice of candied sweets, and scrumptious coco desserts can be quite tantalizing. Finding the right combinations, and great pairings can create a memorable evening for everyone.
Remember that you want your guests to imbibe slowly in a long leisurely evening taking pleasure in some of the most self-indulgent, and delicious collections you have to offer.
A fun Idea is for keeping the conversation going through out the evening, and your guests completely engaged is to schedule the evening pairing. Serve the wine and gorgeous desserts on a set schedule, and then make conversation based on each persons individual appraisal of the taste groupings.
You and your guests will find some pairings that will be delectable opening your eyes to matches you may not have ever considered and others will literally leave you dry and dusty, but once you find the perfect combinations of chocolate and wine you will have found your own blissful nirvana.
Of course wine, champagne, and decadent delights always go best with friends, and family. Gift baskets containing your favorite bottle of bubbly and sweets are a lovely gift to share as well.
About the Author
Having champagne delivered as a gift is something that everyone derives great pleasure in, and you will always know your recipient will appreciate your thoughtful gesture. The fact that it is a very simple and an uncomplicated gift option will make gift giving simple, and your choices of unique and delicious bottles are so immense, that you can spend a lifetime having unique bottles of bubbly delivered to your friends and family and never run out of delicious new gift options. You can find gift basket options at Best Champagne Deliver.com
Stay healthy by benefiting from the ingredients found in red wine. Learn more about Resveratrol Supplements
a truly amazing antioxidant that has anti aging, cancer fighting and more capabilities.
All The Best, Denise Newman
How To Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
|
|
Chocolate Covered Strawberries 3 Pc Set Lip Gloss $9.99 |
|
|
Victoria’s Secret-Black Satin & Mesh~Chocolate Covered Strawberry Garter – M/L $6.99 |
|
|
CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRY CANDLES 8 White Ceramic Heart Plate HOME DECOR NIB $5.99 |
|
|
(10)Think Thin Protein Bar Chocolate covered strawberries $7.52 |
|
|
PERFUME 2 OZ SPRAY~ CACTUS ~ CYPRESS U CHOOSE SCENT $17.81 |
|
|
PERFUME 2 OZ OIL BASED SPRAY~ CACTUS ~ CYPRESS U CHOOSE SCENT $17.95 |
|
|
Chocolate Covered Strawberries – Japanese Nailart $10.00 |
|
|
Coach Chocolate Covered Strawberry Key Ring Key Fob New without Tag $19.99 |
|
|
ROOM & LINEN SPRAY YOU CHOOSE SCENT CACTUS ~ CUCUMBER $7.25 |
|
|
Brand new Coach chocolate covered strawberry key chain (very hard to find) $75.00 |
|
|
Silver Dollar City Browns Candy Factory Chocolate Covered Strawberry Scented Pin $15.85 |
|
|
2 oz. diffuser oil u choose scent cactus flower~cypress $4.26 |
|
|
CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES BANNER SIGN candy dipped chocolatier sweet $19.99 |
|
|
Chocolate Covered Strawberries Scrub hat $9.99 |
|
|
Strawberries Chocolate Covered Concession Decal 14″ $13.99 |
|
|
SHEA BUTTER LOTION U CHOOSE SCENT ~ CACTUS ~CITRUS $14.95 |
|
|
SHEA BUTTER LOTION U CHOOSE SCENT ~ CACTUS ~CITRUS 2 OZ $8.09 |
|
|
AVON LOT 2,CHOCOLATE KISS LIP GLOSS COVERED STRAWBERRY $2.05 |
|
|
Upcycled Chocolate Covered Strawberry Plaid 100% Wool Rug Hooking Fabric $9.99 |
|
|
CHOCOLATE Covered STRAWBERRY CUPCAKES Recipe ~ Strawberry Batter ~ From Scratch $0.99 |
|
|
(10) Think Thin bars White Chocolate & Chocolate Covered Strawberries $5.00 |
|
|
Coach Key Chain Key Fob Chocolate Covered / Dipped Strawberry $35.00 |
|
|
New Chocolate Covered Strawberry Charm Necklace $11.99 |
|
|
Victoria’s secret panty satin string bikini chocolate covered strawberries L $8.48 |
|
|
FRAGRANT SALT CRYSTALS ~ CACTUS FLOWER – CUCUMBER MELON $15.89 |
|
|
FRAGRANT SALT CRYSTALS ~ CACTUS FLOWER – CUCUMBER MELON $15.89 |
|
|
FRAGRANT SALT CRYSTALS ~ CACTUS FLOWER – CUCUMBER MELON $15.89 |
|
|
FRAGRANT SALT CRYSTALS ~ CACTUS FLOWER – CUCUMBER MELON $15.89 |
|
|
CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES FREE DELIVERY $16.13 |
|
|
NWT Victoria’s Secret 2 Piece L Babydoll Nightie Chocolate Covered Strawberries $32.00 |
|
|
FRAGRANT BODY OIL ~CACTUS ~ CYPRESS U CHOOSE SCENT $7.25 |
|
|
HAIR DETANGLER 2 OZ SCENTED SPRAY CACTUS ~ CYPRESS $7.15 |
|
|
RealiTEA Party Gourmet loose Tea in decorative reusable tin 3.5 oz $10.00 |
|
|
BODY MIST SILKY SMOOTH 2 OZ U CHOOSE SCENT ~ C LIST $5.95 |
|
|
BODY MIST SILKY SMOOTH 4 OZ U CHOOSE SCENT ~ C LIST $7.95 |
|
|
thinkThin Protein Bar, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Gluten Free, 10 – 50 gra $20.79 |
|
|
Body Oil Special! 3 one-half ounce bottles Chocolate Covered Strawberries $15.25 |
|
|
BATH & AND BODY WORKS NEW Temptations Rare CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRY Candle $39.99 |
|
|
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Unisex Perfume Oil 1/32 oz. vial Sample $1.00 |
|
|
12″ CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES DECAL sticker candy dipped chocolatier sweet $8.99 |
|
|
72″ CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES BANNER SIGN candy dipped chocolatier sweet $34.99 |
|
|
CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES Candle & Soap Fragrance Oil 2oz $3.99 |
|
|
CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES Candle & Soap Fragrance Oil 4oz $6.50 |
|
|
CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES Candle & Soap Fragrance Oil 8oz $12.00 |
|
|
CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES Candle & Soap Fragrance Oil 16oz $20.00 |
|
|
CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES WATER SOLUBLE Fragrance Oil 2oz Samp $3.99 |
|
|
CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES WATER SOLUBLE Fragrance Oil 4oz $6.50 |
|
|
CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES WATER SOLUBLE Fragrance Oil 8oz $12.00 |
|
|
CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES WATER SOLUBLE Fragrance Oil 16oz $20.00 |
|
|
CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES ROOM SPRAY 4oz $6.49 |
|
|
CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES OIL WARMER FRAGRANCE OIL .5oz 1/2oz $3.25 |
|
|
DRY MASSAGE OIL 2 OZ U CHOOSE SCENT C LIST $11.75 |
|
|
DRY MASSAGE OIL 4 OZ U CHOOSE SCENT C LIST $17.60 |
|
|
(10) Think Thin bars White Chocolate & Chocolate Covered Strawberries $5.00 |
|
|
Dolci Frutta Dipping Chocolate Bakers Covered Strawberries 32oz EASY TO USE $11.50 |
|
|
Dolci Frutta Dipping Chocolate Bakers Covered Strawberries 4LBS (2-32oz boxes) $19.88 |
|
|
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Perfume Body Oils 1oz $15.00 |
|
|
CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES BANNER SIGN candy dipped chocolatier sweet $19.99 |
|
|
72″ CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES BANNER SIGN candy dipped chocolatier sweet $33.24 |
|
|
28 Pc LG BREAK APART AWAY WAX CANDLE TART BARS USE W SCENTSY OR YANKEE WARMER $3.95 |
|
|
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cappuccino Mix (case of 6) $33.08 |
|
|
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cappuccino Mix one 2lb bag $6.30 |
|
|
BATH OIL U CHOOSE SCENT ~ 4 OZ CANTALOUPE ~ CYPRESS $18.25 |
|
|
ESSENTIAL FRAGRANCE OILS CHOCOLATE, CHANEL No.5 TYPE,CHANCE TYPE MORE LIST-C $2.99 |
|
|
Chocolate Covered Strawberries pure perfume roll on $7.25 |
|
|
Chocolate Covered Strawberries on Black – Timeless Treasures Cotton Fabric YARD $8.45 |
|
|
Jumbo MY SWEETIE Chocolate Covered Strawberry Valentine Love Balloon $4.75 |
|
|
BATH OIL U CHOOSE SCENT ~ 2 OZ CANTALOUPE ~ CYPRESS $9.71 |
|
|
2 oz. Chocolate Covered Strawberries Perfume Oil $11.97 |
|
|
BOY Bear w/ chocolate covered strawberry paper piecing $4.25 |
|
|
CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRY ~ STRAWBERRIES ~ SWEETS ~ TIMELESS TREASURES FABRIC $8.50 |
|
|
Handdipped Chocolate Covered Strawberries (Custom decorated for your occasion) $12.95 |
|
|
Handdipped Chocolate Covered Strawberries (Custom decorated for your occasion) $24.95 |
|
|
Handdipped Chocolate Covered Strawberries (Custom decorated for your occasion) $36.95 |
|
|
Handdipped Chocolate Covered Strawberries (Custom decorated for your occasion) $48.95 |
|
|
PET COLOGNE YOU CHOOSE SCENT CACTUS ~ CUCUMBER 4 OZ $14.63 |
|
|
GIRL Bear w/ chocolate covered strawberry paper piecing $4.25 |
|
|
Harvest Sweets Milk Chocolate Covered Strawberries, 3.5-Ounce (Pack of 6) $25.53 |
|
|
CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES FRAGRANCE OIL 1/2 oz*** $3.38 |
|
|
BATH SALT CRYSTALS ~ CACTUS FLOWER – CUCUMBER MELON $14.55 |
|
|
BATH SALT CRYSTALS ~ CACTUS FLOWER – CUCUMBER MELON $14.55 |
|
|
BATH SALT CRYSTALS ~ CACTUS FLOWER – CUCUMBER MELON $14.55 |
|
|
BATH SALT CRYSTALS ~ CACTUS FLOWER – CUCUMBER MELON $14.55 |
|
|
Timeless Treasures Got The Munchies Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Cotton Yards $8.44 |
|
|
48″x120″ CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES BANNER SIGN candy dipped strawberry $113.99 |
|
|
36″x96″ CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES BANNER SIGN candy dipped strawberry $61.74 |
|
|
Selections Cappuccino Chocolate Covered Strawberry Mix( 2lb bag) $7.69 |
|
|
Selections Cappuccino Chocolate Covered Strawberry 6/2lb bags $40.36 |
|
|
iPhone 4/4S Case Cover Mickey Mouse Strawberry Chocolate $45.99 |
|
|
iPhone 4S/4 Case Cover Hello Kitty Strawberry Chocolate $44.99 |
|
|
iPhone 4S/4 Case Cover My Melody Strawberry Chocolate $44.99 |
|
|
Chocolate Covered Strawberries on White Hair Clips $2.29 |
|
|
CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES DOG BONE NECK PILLOW $16.99 |
|
|
Chocolate Lovers Fake Cupcake Strawberry Covered with White and Milk Chocolate $15.00 |
|
|
Chocolate Brown, Strawberry Pink & Vanilla Cream Neopolitan Dots Various Types $6.50 |
|
|
Chocolate Brown, Strawberry Pink & Vanilla Cream Neopolitan Dots Various Types $6.50 |
|
|
Chocolate Brown, Strawberry Pink & Vanilla Cream Neopolitan Dots Various Types $8.50 |
|
|
Strawberry chocolate Checkbook Cover Personalized $5.99 |
|
|
Handmade Table Runner Valentines Day chocolate covered strawberries fruit $26.05 |
|
|
Decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Soapettes – NWOT! $11.99 |
|
|
Wilton Chocolate Pro Electric Melting Pot $23.17 WILTON-The Chocolate Pro Melting Pot. It’s easier than ever to melt large amounts of chocolate or confectionery coating! With the Chocolate Pro it takes only minutes! With this you will be able to mold lollipops and fancy dipped-center candies. Dip things like fruits; pretzels; cake; and so much more! Create flavored chocolate sauces for ice cream or silky ganache glaze to pour over cakes. Feature… |
|
|
Wilton 307-250 Cupcakes `n More 24-Count 4-Tier Mini Dessert Stand $12.00 Individually decorated cupcakes are the perfect way to add a personal touch to celebrations. Now, with Cupcakes ‘N More, you have the perfect way to serve them! The look is fresh and fun, featuring bold silver-finished wire spirals to securely hold each cupcake. The twisting, towering design is perfect for any setting: anniversaries, wedding party tables, showers, kids’ birthdays, holidays, gradua… |
|
|
Ateco Dipping Tool Set $7.99 Get that professional, flawless look with your chocolates using these Stainless Dipping Tools. Each has a long handle and will let you deftly dip your candies without making a mess of your counter. Set includes a Three-Prong Fork, Two-Prong Fork and Spiral….. |
|
|
Ponchatoula Strawberry Salute $14.04 … |
|
|
Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Vanilla Skys – Single $0.99 … |
|
|
Chocolate Covered Strawberries $1.02 Combining elements of bands such as Depeche Mode, U2 and Train, Jadestone offers up 2 seductive, melodic rock sound. The music has been decribed as trans-atlantic euro-pop joining the elements of soul, R&B and rock…. |
|
|
My Lip Stuff- Tube – Over 600 Lipbalm Flavors Available Homemade, all natural lip balm made from only the finest butters, oils, & beeswax to moisturize dry lips!… |
|
|
Belgian Milk Chocolate Covered Strawberries, 12 Count $65.99 This selection of 12 strawberries features a Belgian milk chocolate coating for a delectable treat. The milk chocolate drizzling adds a decadent taste and texture…. |
|
|
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bath Ice Cream Fizzy – 6 oz. $9.00 The most unique bath fizzies ever, Bath Ice Creams are filled with fragrant oils, mineral sea salts, milk, flowers and more to treat you to a pampering guilt-free indulgence. Simply drop into warm water for a carbonated skin-softening treat and delicious aromas. Each scoop measures approximately 2.5″ in diameter and creates an aromatic and long-lasting mineral treatment bath…. |
|
|
Special K Bars, Chocolatey Pretzel, 6-Count Bars Net Wt 4.6 Oz (Pack of 6) $17.05 Kellogg’s Special K Cereal bar with pretzel pieces and naturally and artificially flavored chocolatey coating on the bottom is a lightly toasted, lightly sweetened rice cereal, high in flavor. Enjoy Special K every day as part of a healthy, reduced-calorie diet. It’s an excellent source of 11 vitamins and minerals. Kellogg’s Special K gives you the satisfaction you crave any time of day. In additi… |
