Tired of hearing the kids say, "What are we going to do today?" Get them out of the heat for a week!

Sign them up for Williamsburg's unique chocolate experience - they'll participate in interactive art projects, learn the history and geography associated with chocolate, experiment with different types of chocolate, and learn how to mold, enrobe and combine chocolate with different foods. It's fun, it's educational and they'll come home with tasty chocolate treats.

Is it Real or Fake?

I heard one person say recently- "Chocolate is chocolate, there really isn't a difference." Well, if you are a chocoholic, or just like to indulge in chocolate for your health, stress relief, etc, then you probably know that not all "chocolate" is created equal!

How to Spot Fake Chocolate:

A tell-tale sign is the wording on the ingredient's panel of the packaging. For 100% real, authentic chocolate, look for the words "milk chocolate," "semi-sweet chocolate" or "bittersweet chocolate." On the other hand, it's not real chocolate if you see the words, "chocolate flavor," "chocolate coating," "chocolaty," or "made with chocolate." Beware of packaging that implies chocolate, but doesn't even mention it. So, the next time you're choosing your chocolate, check the label. Chances are you could be getting something that's, well, fake.

There are still openings available for Summer Chocolate Camp in Williamsburg with our favorite Chocolatier. Let the kids try something unique this summer.  Send them to camp with Mary!

Mary's hands-on summer camp gives children the chance to experiment with taste tests, chocolate making techniques, molding, enrobing and the art of combining chocolate with different foods.  They'll learn about all things chocolate, including its history and health benefits. The activities are engaging and team oriented, there's even a field trip to New Town to work with Opus 9's Executive Chef. This camp is designed for children ages 5-13 years old who want to broaden their horizons and experience the mysteries of chocolate.

It's no secret that both chocolate and wine have complex flavors. That is what makes them fun and never a dull addition to special events. Pairing them together, however, can be tricky. A good rule of thumb is to try and match a wine's sweetness with the sweetness of the chocolate.

I am a manufacturer and Virginia's Finest producer of chocolates, and enjoy educating chocoholics about their favorite aphrodisiac. To that end, I teach an Adult Chocolate Camp in the fall for those who want to learn more about chocolate, do some incredible tastings, and learn how to pair chocolates and wine.

I find that one of the most common mistakes people make when pairing wine and chocolate is that they pick a wine which is too dry. A good idea is to choose a wine which is at least as sweet, if not sweeter, than the chocolate you are serving it with.

Cacao? What is that, and how do you pronounce it?

In these tough economic times, we all wish that money grew on trees, I know I do! Oddly enough, one of my favorite remedies for stressful situations, like the economy, does grow on trees-- CHOCOLATE!

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What's that you say? Chocolate grows on trees? What nursery can I buy that tree from?

Looking for a unique camp for your children or for your visiting grandchildren? Virginia's Finest Chocolates offers fun filled chocolate camps. Each child will participate in interactive art projects, learn the history and geography associated with chocolate, experiment with different types of chocolate, learn how to mold, enrobe and combine chocolate with different foods, etc. Activities are designed with fun, team dynamics and CHOCOLATE in mind.

• Chocolate history
• Experiments and taste tests
• Health benefits
• Hands-on chocolate making techniques; combinations with different types of food, enrobing and projects using the imagination
• Goodies to take home to share
• Field trip to New Town to work with Opus 9's Executive Chef
• Art, games, activities, and chocolaty FUN

Available Sessions:
June 29-July 2, July 13-16, July 27-30, Aug 10-13 or Aug 24-27