Have a Chocolate Tasting Party - The Merry Chocoholic Way!If you've ever considered hosting a chocolate tasting party, but were afraid you were not enough of a "chocolate expert" to pull it off, fear not. Do it The Merry Chocoholic way"! You don't have to be a master chocolatier or connoisseur of chocolates. The finest and most expensive chocolates are certainly not required. Our way is all about having fun with a few chocolate-loving friends. It's easy!
Select the chocolate for the tasting party:
Select plain chocolate bars for a chocolate tasting party. You can concentrate on a particular type (say dark chocolate) or choose a broad range from milk chocolate to the darkest variety. Likewise, you can select to taste from one particular brand or country, or you can mix it up. If it's your first chocolate tasting party, we recommend mixing it up a bit. You can always have a follow-up party to concentrate on the favorites!
Gather up a few party necessities:
You'll need just a few things. Have water and plain crackers on hand to cleanse the pallet between each chocolate tasting. Plain breadsticks or flatbreads work well too. We like to serve wine or champagne. Hey - it is a party! Prepare some type of "rating form". Simply list the varieties and a section for comments. Have guests note their likes and dislikes with respect to the flavor, aroma and texture of each chocolate sample. You can hand print the rating form on index cards or make them on your home computer.
Prepare the chocolate for the party:
Break chocolate into small pieces and place each type on an individual plate. Guests will want to nibble a little piece at a time. Instruct guests to let the chocolate sit on the tongue awhile to savor the full effect. Place a card with the description and pertinent info in front of each plate, or use the label from each bar. Experts do suggest tasting the lighter chocolates first and working your way up to the darkest. Don't feel that you have to follow the "rules" though.
That's it! It's really that easy. Compare notes. Taste more chocolate. Above all, have fun!
If you'd like to learn more about the fine art of tasting chocolate, we recommend this informative article, How to Taste Chocolate, found on The Nibble.
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