Super Opportunity

As you may know I am a Independent Chocolatier for Dove Chocolate Discoveries. What this means is I get to bring delicious chocolate into the homes of my hostess and feed all their guest bites of super chocolate delicacies.

In December Dove has announced a special for anyone who wants to become a Chocolatier in their own town, Just $79 gives you everything you need to jump into a really fun business that is also profitable.

If you are looking for a way to earn extra income or even become a full time Chocolatier. Contact me at sweetrewards@Daytonchocolatiers.com for more information. It doesn't matter where you live, everyone loves chocolate.

Jessie Thatcher
Independent Chocolatier

Catching Up

It's been a long time since I posted to my blog. This has been a difficult time for us. My beloved Mom passed in November and shortly after I came down with the worst cold I have ever had, turned into bronchitis and lasted forever. I am finally getting back to normal (somewhat) and hopefully will be more diligent with my postings.

I did find a great recipe from Nigella using Chocolate in a most unusual way. Thought I would post it since it is so cold and rainy out for us and snowy for most of the country. Try it and let me know if you enjoy it.

Stay warm with Nigella’s chocolate chip chili
The celebrity chef offers her take on two staples of cold-weather cooking
Keep your guests happy — and coming back for seconds — with recipe from the TV chef’s newest cookbook, “Nigella Christmas.”
INGREDIENTS
• 10 (or 5 linked pairs) chorizo sausages (not the salami sort), approx 1 1/4 lbs.
• 3 1/4 lb boneless beef shank, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 3 onions (about 1 lb), peeled
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 fresh long red chile, seeded
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• Seeds from 3 cardamom pods
• 2 tsps ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp dried pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 cup tomato ketchup
• 4 x 15-oz cans red kidney beans, drained
• 3 x 14-oz cans diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup bittersweet chocolate chips *use Dove Single Origin Chocolate Chips for a better taste
• 1 cup water (swished out in one of the diced tomato cans)

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
2. Finely chop, or process the onion, garlic and chile.
3. Heat the oil in a large ovenproof pan (with a lid) or cast-iron or enameled Dutch oven and fry the onion, garlic and chile until soft, on low for about 10 minutes, then add the cardamom seeds, cumin, coriander, cinnamon and red pepper flakes.
4. Stir the oniony spiced mixture together and then add the chorizo, sliced into 1/4-inch coins, letting them ooze their paprika-orange oil.
5. Drop in the cubes of beef, turning them in the pan with the chorizo and onion mix, to brown the meat.
6. Stir in the tomato paste, ketchup, drained kidney beans and diced tomatoes. Add the water and bring the chili to a boil.
7. Once bubbling, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the chili and give it a good stir. Put on the lid and transfer to the oven.
7. Cook at this low heat for 3 hours. Once cooked it is best left overnight to improve the flavor.

Here are the Three Musketeers, Roxy's in the middle

Rainy and cold already

The old nursery rhyme comes to mind today...rain rain go away! It is not only wet but it is cold already. It is supposed to be Indian Summer???

I don't know what was going on in my back yard last night but my youngest puppy Roxy had a very sleepless night, consequently I also had a very sleepless night! She cried, whined, scratched at the door and when I let her out at 3 AM she wouldn't come back in so I was tramping out into the cold dark and wet backyard to chase her back in. Of course she has slept most of the day today, except for those times when I very unkindly woke her up and made her run around the house.

I am finding out a lot about people and chocolate lately. People have very definite ideas about which kind of chocolate they like and they are almost militant about it. Dark, Milk or White....does it matter, I think so. One guest at a party was so against Dark Chocolate that she wouldn't taste anything until I assured her it was not the despised DARK chocolate. Personally if it is chocolate I like it. I particularly like European chocolate that is not particularly sweet. My sister has an exchange student from Italy and when she returned home her parents sent my sister a tin of Italian Chocolate, they hated it and gave it all to me. It was unbelievably delicious. I have never been able to find the same chocolate, but our Dove Dark Chocolate is equally good so I just enjoy the different items we have that are wrapped in this delicious chocolate.

White Chocolate lovers are just as adamant, except they all claim they don't like the waxy feel left on their tongues when they eat it. Dove White Chocolate has no oil, wax or other ingredients and consequently has no after taste or coating of your tongue when you enjoy it. It just melts aways and leaves you with a very satisfied taste.

Which every kind of chocolate you enjoy, be sure to get the best you can afford, because there is nothing better than fine chocolate, just like there is nothing better than fine wine.

Quarter Auction

Well we experienced our first "Quarter Auction" last night. What a trip that was. The local Direct Marketing chapter held a benefit for Breast Cancer Research and we decided to see what it was all about.

You arrive and pay your$2 admission fee, buy door prize tickets and then check out all the items being "auctioned" off. There are 4 sections of the evening and all of the vendors donated prizes. You are supposed to figure out which one you really want and get ready to "bid".

You don't really "bid" you just have to throw your quarters in a bucket to take a chance of getting the prize. If they call your number you get the prize, if they don't....OH WELL....more quarters to the event.

We were lucky enough to get two of the items...better than some who didn't get anything and worse than some whose number seemed to be called over and over.

$40.00 later we were hoping to win a door prize....NO LUCK. Including our dinner the evening was an eighty dollar night.

It was fun, but you learn a lot your first event. There are things I would do differently next time. We did get to pass out a few Dayton Chocolatier cards and maybe next time we will be better prepared to push our own business.

If you get the chance to go to a Quarter Auction, take a roll of quarters and have a good time.

Wow What a Week and it isn't over yet

It was crazy time here, my two grandsons (11-13) came to stay, unexpectedly, for 3 days. We had events scheduled one right on top of the other, in the middle I get a call from the school....101 fever and needs picked up immediately...panic calls and finally got a ride, the event was very slow and generally a waste of time, but on to the next, had to pick up child 2 at school, go to the grocery. (Didn't know my little Pontiac could hold so much stuff and 3 people...amazing!!), change inventory and then off to event number 2. We had to split up because I also had a client for computer training, dropped 1/2 group off, took off to my clients house....back to the mall to pick up my Chocolatiers, on the way home phone rings....they forgot books....U TURN...back to the mall, finally get home to find out grandson 1 has developed a cough to go with the fever....back in the car and off to the drugstore. Finally dropped into bed at 11:30....I AM TOO OLD FOR ALL OF THIS! This morning had to be at the Dr's office at 8:00 for blood work...regular nurse took the day off (I may never speak to her again.) The replacement just couldn't seem to hit a vein.....2 tries later and in my hand finally BLOOD. Granny was not feeling well, had to deal with her.....Boys finally just got picked up at 9:15 and I am going to bed. Tomorrow is another full day. At least Amy sold a big cable package so today isn't a total loss....Good for her!! GOOD NIGHT

Customer Service

If you have ever wondered how important customer service can be to the success of your business let me cite an example. Amy sold a customer last week and as a requirement they needed to have ground plugs put in before installation....they forgot and when the installer came to put in the ATT UVerse he couldn't finish the install. As a consequence someone messed up and they were without phone and internet all weekend. The customer called Amy this morning, upset because they couldn't use either service. Amy jumped on her white horse (the telephone) and worked with ATT and the customer to come up with a solution. She spent most of the morning going up the chain and getting as good a resolution as possible. She wasn't sure the customer was totally satisfied, but she did everything she could do.

As she was leaving to start her evening she received a call from the customer asking her if she could come by the house, without asking why Amy said Yes and drove immediately to her home to get the ....NEWS??? Upon arrival she found the neighbors waiting for her and with the current customers referral she was able to sign the neighbor to begin ATT UVerse. They only reason she received the referral was because of the great customer service she gave to the customer in resolving her issues. They didn't tell her why they wanted her to come to their house, but admitted it was a final test of her dedication to great customer service and she passed with flying colors. So the next time you get someone with a problem, don't brush them off, give them the best service you can and maybe you too will reap the benefits of a satisfied customer.

Another Yummy Recipe

Found this on another blog and wanted to pass it on. It sounds fabulous if you love chocolate and peanut butter (and who doesn't)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Recipe
It’s easy to make your own gourmet chocolate peanut butter at home. Put it in a fancy jar, and it’s great for gifts, bake sales, or fund-raisers.

Ingredients:
•1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
•1-1/2 cups smooth peanut butter
•1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
•1/4 cup confectioners sugar
•1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
•1 teaspoon hot water



Directions:

Melt chocolate chips (preferably Dove Chocolate Baking Bits) in a double-boiler or in the microwave until smooth. Take care not to scorch the chocolate. Let cool until barely warm, but still liquid.

Scrape melted chocolate into a large bowl. Add peanut butter, butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until thoroughly combined.

Mix instant coffee with hot water until completely dissolved. Add coffee to the chocolate peanut butter mixture until combined.

Scrape into glass jars with tight seals. Serve as a spread with cookies, crackers, or toast or use as a filling for cakes.

Pretty jars of chocolate peanut butter make great gifts for any occasion and also work well for bake sales and other fund-raisers.

Yield: About 2 cups peanut butter

CHOCOLATE OPPORTUNITY

I know I am shouting, but this is such a great opportunity that I just have to shout.

Dove Chocolate Discoveries has just announced that anyone who wants to lauch their own Chocolate Business during September and October has the opportunity to join as a Chocolatier at a very special price for the chocolatier kits.

For only $99.00 (plus $20 shipping) for the basic kit, you can become Dayton's newest Chocolatier. That is a savings of $50.00. What you receive is everything you will need....chocolate products and supplies ....for your first 4 Gourmet Chocolate Tasting parties.

This is a chance to be in business for yourself...but not by yourself. Dayton Chocolatiers will provide you lots of support and guidance showing you how chocolate is such an easy delicious sell that you can't resist being a winner.

Check this great opportunity out on our website at www.dove-chocolate-discoveries.com/daytonchocolatiers or just contact us at sweetrewards@daytonchocolatiers.com.

I know the economy is this area is terrible but people will always find a way to have a little chocolate.

If you love the taste of sweet and salty you have got to try the new Sea Salt Chocolate Caramels that are new for fall. They are so awesome, they can make you cry.

Join Us today and have a party every day.

Ammendment to Tomato Soup Recipe

After some consideration I may make a change or two to the recipe I posted yesterday for Fresh Tomato Soup.

you might want to very thinly slice a onion and carmelize it in the olive oil, before you put in the tomatoes. The onion should almost dissapear as the soup cooks, but when you blend it you will never see the onion.

Also you might also want to add 1 tablespoon of honey to counter some of the acidity of the tomatoes.

It is good without these changes, but you can always make it better

Himalayan Salt is so good

note: this is one of the salts used on our Dove Sea Salted Caramels, I saw this article and found it very interesting.

Imagine the purest salt being deposited in its most natural state.

Much purer than sea salt, Himalayan pink salt combines sublime flavor from the ancient sea with rich minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and iron. This marine fossil salt, harvested from the foothills of the Himalayas, is 100% natural, unrefined and unpolluted pink, translucent crystals. Its subtle, crunchy texture, raw or cooked, makes a unique and delightful addition to any savory fare.

Himalayan Salt History

Since ancient times, salt has been the principal source of income for people living in those remote regions. Because food preserved in salt retains its nutritional properties for several months, Himalayan people use it to keep fish and meat all year long. They also use it as a currency in trading. For centuries, once a year in springtime, the Himalayan people have been transporting the salt to the Nepalese valleys for trade. Heavily burdened yaks carry the salt, traveling along narrow sloping paths, often these paths have been carved in cliffs. Once they have arrived at their destination, the salt is traded for cereals, which is the staple of the diet for these Himalayan salt traders. It is easy to understand why salt has always been so precious for mankind.

Tomatoes taking over your kitchen???

I have one tomato plant but a bounty of delicious tomatos. So I decided to try something new.

I took 4 medium tomatos, scalded them so I could remove the peels
I then cut them into 1/8 pieces

Heat 3 Tbsps. of good olive oil in sauce pan
Add the cut up tomatos
Add 1/4 Cup of Chopped Basil Fresh (less if you are using dried basil)
Cooked them until the tomatos were mushy and easy to break apart. (about 5 minutes)

Pour the tomatos into a blender or food processor and pureed the mixture until it is smooth.

Return mixture to the original saucepan
Season to taste with salt and pepper
Stir in 4 tsps butter and let melt (makes the soup glossy and delicious)

VARIATIONS:
You can serve this soup hot with fresh basil sprinkled on top
You can serve it hot, warm, cool or cold
You can add a piece of fresh mozorella cheese to the warm soup
For a cream soup, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream to the warm or cold soup

Add some crispy bread or a grilled cheese sandwich and it makes a delicious meal

Takes less that 15 minutes to make the soup
Serves 2 generous portions or 4 cups of soup with the sandwich and your tomatos didn't go to waste.

I hope you enjoy this homemade version, it is much better than canned tomato soup

TEST

Please ignore the word TEST in my blog, I don't know how I got it on there and I don't know how to take it off.
SORRY

Half Hour Meals-Rcipes for your lifestyle

You really have to try these, the recipe comes from Australia and is awesome


Salted White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
This may seem to be an unusual recipe because it takes traditional cookie goodness such as oats, sugar and white chocolate, and combines it with a touch of salt. Not so unusual, when you consider the popularity of fleur de sel caramels and salted caramel sauce. These salted white chocolate oatmeal cookies are absolutely wonderful. They have a crunchy texture that is at odds with its chewy-looking exterior. Plus that hint of salt, you have to love them.
Note: The original recipe says it will make 24, but you may get more and that is fine, in fact that is great.
The original recipe is from SmittenKitchen.com .
Salted White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose (plain) flour
¾ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon table salt
14 tablespoons unsalted butter, slightly
softened
1 cup sugar
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups rolled oats (You can use quick oats)
6 ounces Dove Chocolate Discoveries
white chocolate, chopped
½ teaspoon flaky sea salt (like Maldon or fleur
de sel), for sprinkling on top
Steps:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and table salt into a medium bowl.
3. Beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Scrape down bowl with rubber spatula, then add egg and vanilla and beat until incorporated. Scrape down bowl again. Add flour mixture gradually and mix until just incorporated and smooth. Gradually add oats and white chocolate and mix until well incorporated.
4. Roll about 2 tablespoons of the dough into balls, then place on lined baking sheets about 2 ½ inches (6cm) apart. Using fingertips, gently press down each ball to about ¾-inch (1.8cm) thickness.
5. Sprinkle a flake or two of sea salt on each cookie (Sprinkled more if you really like salt!)
6. Bake until cookies are deep golden brown, about 13 to 16 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through. Transfer cookies to wire rack to cool.
Store in an airtight container

Business takes a stand against animal cruelty

Hi All,

I thought I'd pass this along. I got this from a member of the local dog training club.

Dicks Sporting Goods has made the decision not to sell shirts with Michael Vick's Number on them. Please call to thank them at 1.877.846.9997. Dial 3 and speak with a representative or dial 2 and then 0 and thank the operator. They are keeping track of the calls made and will make the number public at a later date. I called and it is true. I spoke with the rep and he thanked me for calling to support them in this endeavor.

They are the ones who need thanked for taking a stand against the actions of this man against not only his dogs but all animals.

Support Dicks Sporting Goods any way you can.

You Just Never Know..Always be prepared!

I took my new car in to service today and on a whim pulled out a Dove Chocolate Catalog and gave it to my Service Advisor, she was so excited and wants to book a party or two. You just never know when you will hit someones hot spot and have the opportunity to show off the great products from Dove Chocolate Discoveries. During the conversation I also found out the other Service Advisor is looking for a puppy and I just happened to know about a puppy who needs a new happy home. Hooked them up and hopefully both will find what they want in each other.

I don't really know what I am more passionate about....my chocolate or my puppies health with Blue Buffalo foods. It is hard to not talk about all of my projects at one time, but then I think I would lose my audiences really fast, so I do try to filter myself.

But since my puppies can't have chocolate and I don't think I want to eat their Blue dog food it seems like a match made in Heaven.

The weekend looms and I have to be at PS Beavercreek in the morning and Huber on Sunday, sometimes it is hard to get there, but when I do I love meeting all the pets and their parents.

Hope you all have a great Labor Day Holiday and don't "labor" too much.

The History of Labor Day

Few people know that the holiday originated in Canada out of labor disputes in Hamilton & Toronto Ontario in the 1870`s. The result was a Trade Union Act which legalized union activity in 1872. The parades held in support of the movement, led to huge annual celebrations in Canada. In 1882, American labor leader Peter McGuire saw one of these festivals in Toronto. He was so inspired, that he returned to New York and organized the first American "Labor Day" in New York on Sept. 5th of the same year.
After the death of a number of workers at the hands of the US military, during the 1894 Pullman Strike, President Grover Cleveland made reconciliation with labor a top priority. Fearing further conflict, legislation making it a National Holiday was rushed through Congress unanimously, and signed into law a mere six days after the end of the strike.
The vital force of labor has added immensely to the highest standard of living and the greastest production the world has ever known. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation`s strength, freedom and leadership, the American Worker.

A Message from Oprah

This comes from my daily Oprah email and I just had to share it with all of you.

6 Foods that May Lengthen your Life.....


Garlic
Add just one clove (cooked or raw) daily to pasta, salad, or a stir-fry to drop your LDL cholesterol. This can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke by 38 percent

Fish
Have three servings every week (good choices include baked trout or broiled wild salmon). Women of childbearing age an
d young children should stick to two servings a week and avoid large predatory fish, such as swordfish, albacore tuna, and shark. You'll cut your risk of heart disease and stroke by 14 percent.

Fruits and Vegetables
Eat five, 3/4 cup servings daily to lower your blood pressure, slash your risk of cancer, and lower your heart disease risk by 21 percent

Nuts
Sprinkle two ounces on your cereal or salad each day to reduce your LDL ("bad") cholesterol by 14 percent

Wine
Sip a five-ounce glass each evening to cut your risk of heart disease by 32 percent

AND OF COURSE MY FAVORITE

Dark Chocolate
Savor two ounces with a minimum of 60 percent cocoa content each day, and your risk of cardiovascular disease dips 11 percent. Check out this site for a great way to get yours...
http://dove-chocolate-discoveries.com/daytonchocolatiers

Christopher and Banks Rocks

Stop in to see Patti at C&B at the Greene and she wants us to come back several times over the next two months. She is so excited about our Dove Chocolate and talks to lots of people about us, even in her managers meeting. She says she has her own personal Dove Chocolatiers. You gotta' love it. Between her and Wendy at the Dayton Mall we should be in good shape for pre holiday events that will help us kick off this business.

The only problem is their clothes are awesome and we had to buy the Chocolate T Shirts to wear at our parties, they are really awesome....so there went our profits...at least some of them. At least they are brown so we don't have to worry about getting chocolate on them.

We took August to get the word out about Dove Chocolate and now we are starting to get our bookings, people are so surprised that we have Chocolate Parties in their home....what a concept.

Hope this keeps building so we can afford Christmas, of course everyone on my lists will be getting chocolate. We even have sugar free so I can give some to my Son, although he prefers white chocolate I am sure he will eat this as well. You can't tell it is sugar free it is so smooth and delicious.

Enough about chocolate....I spent the morning grooming my three dogs. It is easy to see why it costs so much to get them professionally groomed it took almost 2 hours for the 2 fluffly white ones, Furby is the easy one he just needs a bath, dryed, sprayed with vanilla and kissed on the head. It is funny to brush his teeth now that he only has 4 in the front but he still loves the doggy toothpaste. I should take their picture and post it, maybe I will do that later.

Hope all of you have a great evening. Ta Ta for now...Jeopardy is on and I must go.

The most fantastic S'Mores Brownie Recipe Ever

S’mores Brownie Bars

These are the most awesome treats you have ever tasted, they are rich and just drip with flavor.
ENJOY!!

Graham Cracker Crust

2 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs (15-17 crackers)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

Fudge Brownie Filling:
6 ounce unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 cup plus 2 TBSP unsalted butter, chopped into TBSP sized pieces
2 ½ cups granulated sugar
5 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups pecan halves, chopped
4 cups (packed) miniature marshmallows

Line a 10 x 15x 2 inch glass baking dish with foil or parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang around the top edge of the pan. Smooth out any big wrinkles in the lining and then lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray.

Preheat oven to 350F.

• Combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a small bowl. Gradually add the melted butter until the crumbs just hold together when squeezed in your palm. Press the mixture into an even ¼ inch layer on the bottom of the prepared pan. Run a smooth bottomed measuring cup over the crust to pack and level it.
• Combine the chocolate and butter in a large bowl that fits a double boiler. Place the bowl over barely simmering water and stir as needed until the chocolate and butter are melted. Remove from the heat and whisk in the sugar, followed by the beaten eggs and vanilla extract. Stir in the flour, mixing until smooth. Pour the batter on top of the graham cracker crust and level with a small offset spatula.
•Scatter chopped nuts evenly over the batter.
•Bake 30-35 minutes, or until cake tester inserted in brownie center comes out with dark, damp crumbs on it. Do not over bake. Set on a wire rack and cool completely in the pan.
•Distribute the marshmallows evenly over the brownie top. Place the pan under the broiler in the top third of the oven for about 1 minute, or until the marshmallows are puffy and golden brown. Watch carefully and rotate the pan regularly, as the marshmallow can easily burn. Cool until the topping is firm and easily cut without sticking.

Remove the brownies from the pan in one block by gently pulling up on the foil/paper overhang. Place directly on a cutting board. Remove all lining and cut brownies into 2-inch squares. For the neatest cuts, use a sharp knife, wiped clean with a warm, damp cloth between slices.

S’mores Brownie Bars

Graham Cracker Crust
2 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs (15-17 crackers)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

Fudge Brownie Filling:
6 ounce unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 cup plus 2 TBSP unsalted butter, chopped into TBSP sized pieces
2 ½ cups granulated sugar
5 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups pecan halves, chopped
4 cups (packed) miniature marshmallows

Line a 10 x 15x 2 inch glass baking dish with foil or parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch over hang around the top edge of the pan. Smooth out any big wrinkles in the lining and then lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray.
Preheat oven to 350F.

•Combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a small bowl. Gradually add the melted butter until the crumbs just hold together when squeezed in your palm. Press the mixture into an even ¼ inch layer on the bottom of the prepared pan. Run a smooth bottomed measuring cup over the crust to pack and level it.
•Combine the chocolate and butter in a large bowl that fits a double boiler. Place the bowl over barely simmering water and stir as needed until the chocolate and butter are melted. Remove from the heat and whisk in the sugar, followed by the beaten eggs and vanilla extract. Stir in the flour, mixing until smooth. Pour the batter on top of the graham cracker crust and level with a small offset spatula.
•Scatter chopped nuts evenly over the batter.
•Bake 30-35 minutes, or until cake tester inserted in brownie center comes out with dark, damp crumbs on it. Do not over bake. Set on a wire rack and cool completely in the pan.
•Distribute the marshmallows evenly over the brownie top. Place the pan under the broiler in the top third of the oven for about 1 minute, or until the marshmallows are puffy and golden brown. Watch carefully and rotate the pan regularly, as the marshmallow can easily burn. Cool until the topping is firm and easily cut without sticking.

Remove the brownies from the pan in one block by gently pulling up on the foil/paper overhang. Place directly on a cutting board. Remove all lining and cut brownies into 2-inch squares. For the neatest cuts, use a sharp knife, wiped clean with a warm, damp cloth between slices.

The best and last cake recipe of the week

If you are from OHIO you will appreciate this cake, if you are not from Ohio you will love it anyway.

Buckeye Peanut Butter-Fudge Cake

There are Buckeye candies, peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate (a.k.a. Ohio’s unofficial state dessert). They’re the inspiration for this towering, multi-layered, ganache-drizzled cake:
Buckeye Peanut Butter-Fudge Cake.
Here it is again, star of stage, screen, and bowls of batter everywhere – espresso powder! This won’t make your cake taste like coffee (unless you add enough). It enhances the flavor of chocolate.
Set oven on to 350°F, to preheat while you make the cake batter.
Chocolate Cake
Put the following ingredients in a mixing bowl:
2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups (8 1/2 ounces) unbleached all purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3/4 cup Dark Cocoa or Dutch-Process cocoa
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons espresso powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
Stir to combine.
Add 4 large eggs, 3/4 cup vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
Beat till well combined; the mixture will be fairly thick.
Next, add 1 1/4 cups cold water, beating until smooth. As you can imagine, this has the potential to be a messy project. To avoid chocolate splashes, add water gradually, draping a dish towel over the top of the mixer, if necessary.
Get out two 8”x2” Round Pans Note: These pans need to be at least 2” tall; if you have non-standard, shorter 8” pans, substitute 9” round pans.
Spray the pans with your favorite non-stick spray. Then line bottom of each pan with parchment paper, and spray the parchment.
Divide the batter between the two pans.
Bake the cakes for 35 to 38 minutes (a bit less if you use a 9” pan), or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the cakes in the pan for 15 minutes, then loosen their edges with a thin table knife.
Turn upside down onto a rack ……lift off the pan, and peel off the parchment. Repeat with the other layer.
Let the cakes cool completely;
Pick up one layer using a large spatula and transfer it to a piece of parchment or waxed paper or foil – so it’s not sitting directly on your counter. Use a long serrated knife to cut the cake in half around its circumference. You now have four separate layers.

Peanut Butter Filling
Put the following in a large mixing bowl:
4 cups (1-lb. box) confectioners’ sugar (sifted)
1 1/2 cups peanut butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Mix till well combined.
Gradually add 3/4 cup milk.
Filling should be smooth and easily spreadable (if too thick ad a little more milk, if too thin add more confectioners sugar until preferred consistency)
Put one layer on a serving plate. Spread about 1/3 of the filling ( a generous 10 ounces) on top
Repeat with the remaining layers. Put the final layer on top.
Note: You can anchor the layers with four bamboo skewers to avoid layers slipping
Chocolate Ganache Icing
Put the following in a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup:
1 1/3 cups (8 ounces) chocolate chips or chopped semisweet chocolate
1/2 cup heavy or whipping cream
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
Heat in the microwave till the cream is hot and the chocolate soft, stir until the mixture is completely combined. This takes a few minutes for the ingredients to blend completely. Be patient. Pour the ganache on top of the cake. Spread until smooth and dribbling down the sides.
It is best if the finished cake sets for a couple of hours – then serve to the fans while playing the Ohio State Buckeye Battle Cry. YUM!!

I declare this Chocolate Cake Week

I tried this fabulous Chocolate Cake recipe this week for a special birthday and it was so good.

You have to be sure you cool it completely before unmolding it from the bundt pan and be sure you spray the pay well to eliminate any sticking.

It is beautiful as well as delicious.


Sour Cream Chocolate Cake

(Source: The back of "Bakers & Chefs" brown sugar bag)

Ingredients

3 oz baking chocolate chopped
1/2 cup butter
1 cup boiling water
2 cups packed brown sugar
2 cups unsifted all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla

Directions

Combine the chocolate, butter and boiling water in a small bowl; stir until chocolate and butter are melted.
In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, baking soda and salt.
Gradually add chocolate mixture to the dry ingredients; blend well.
Add eggs, sour cream and vanilla; beat one for one minute at medium speed.
Pour into a greased and floured bundt pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in the pan on a cooling rack for 10 minutes.
Invert the pan onto the cooling rack and let cool the rest of the way.
Top with chocolate ganache and powdered sugar

Ganache
4 Oz Chocolate Melted
4 Oz Heavy Cream Warmed and stirred into chocolate

Chocolate Zuchinni Cake

This is a great way to use some of that prolific zuchinni that everyone gives you at this time of the year. It is super delicious!!

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

CAKE
1/2 cup (1 stick, 4 ounces) butter
1/2 cup (3 1/2 ounces) vegetable oil
1 3/4 cups (12 1/4 ounces) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup (4 ounces) sour cream or yogurt
2 1/2 cups Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
3/4 cup (2 1/4 ounce) Dutch-process cocoa
2 teaspoons espresso powder, optional
2 cups shredded zucchini (about one 10″ zucchini, about 12 ounces)
1/2 cup (3 ounces) Dove chocolate chips

Icing
6 oz heavy cream
9 oz chocolate chips

Directions
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Lightly coat a 9″ x 13″ pan with baking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, oil, sugar, vanilla, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Beat in the eggs. Stir in the sour cream or yogurt alternately with the flour. Then add the cocoa and espresso powder, mixing till smooth. Finally, fold in the zucchini and 1/2 cup chocolate chips.

Spoon the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake the cake for 35 - 40 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and cool on a rack.
To prepare the frosting, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips. Wait 3-5 minutes then stir to combine. It may take a few minutes of stirring for the ganache to come together… but it will. It will thicken as it cools… when warm (but not hot) pour over cake and smooth with offset spatula. Allow frosting to set for about 30 minutes before serving

Chocolate is Healthy

The health benefits of chocolate remain very much questionable, and it looks as though they haven’t been thoroughly studied yet.
Reports on chocolate state that dark chocolate contains flavonoid, an antioxidant that is effective in preventing the formation of blood clots and developing bowel cancer. Besides, it inhibits macular degeneration — the condition responsible for various health problems like blindness in seniors, dementia and premature labor.
Now scientists are beginning to discover the effect the intake of chocolate produces on cardiovascular diseases.
The Journal of Internal Medicine published a study that says eating chocolate can help individuals with a heart attack history diminish the risk of dying from a second heart attack.
It appears that people who survived one heart attack can decrease the threat of another one by three times just through eating at least two chocolate servings per week. And they waive this kind of chocolate protection if they eat less chocolate.
Chocolate with its high cocoa content lowers blood pressure and therefore can be very efficient in improving blood circulation thus bringing down the number of deaths caused by a recurring heart attack.
Scientists are optimistic about the ability of the bioactive compounds in chocolate to keep heart attack victims in a better condition.
Lead researcher Imre Janszky concludes: “if you are not overweight nor have diabetes I would not recommend against eating chocolate.” In her opinion chocolate in small amounts ranks among the healthiest desserts.

AT YOUR DESK …
CHOCOLATE SALES WILL ROCKET
Global sales of chocolate are forecast to grow by 85 per cent in value terms by 2011, according to Dr Morgaine Gaye, food futurologist.
There will be a strong growth with a focus on health, high cacao content and ethical sourcing as consumers become more aware of production methods. We will also mix everything with chocolate, including bacon and other meats.
BUT YOU’LL TRY TO INHALE ITDr Gaye says we will use our olfactory senses when consuming indulgence foods like desserts, chocolate and alcohol.
The Le Whif chocolate inhaler was launched in June 2009 and there are already two prototypes — the “smell server” from AromaJet in America and the I-Aroma in Japan — for USPs made with six base oils which can send smells over the internet.
Rumour has it that NTT Communications in Japan is researching fragrance cartridges for mobile phones as well

WHY JUST SMELL IT WHEN YOU CAN HAVE THE DELICIOUS TASTE WITH
DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES AND DAYTON CHOCOLATIERS.

sweetrewards@daytonchocolatiers.com

Special Events

Wow, what a busy weekend, we were invited to come to the Christopher and Banks stores at the Dayton Mall of Friday to do two events. One at the CJ Store and one at the main store. We were able to set up right at the door so we could catch people walking the mall along with their customers. It is fun to introduce Dove Chocolate Discoveries to the people of Dayton. As a result we booked a show, have a possible chocolatier and were invited to go to the C&B at the Greene on Sunday for a private party. We just arrived home from another successful event.

Our goal is to touch as many people as we can in August, book parties for September and start making some more money. With school starting people are focused on their kids, but soon that will be over and they will need lots of chocolate.

I tried molding the chocolate into some halloween candies and they were very successful. It is much nicer to hand out little white chocolate ghosts rather that a broken piece of a bar. They always invoke smiles from our potential customers and they get to taste the fantastic white chocolate.

Our Pumpkin Chai Spice Dip is always a rousing success, taste just like cheesecake and is so easy to make and transport in our little covered plastic cups.

Hopefully this intro period will be over soon and the parties and monies will start rolling in.

We are tired but happy so it is on to Monday.

new event

Come see us this Friday at Christopher and Banks at the Dayton Mall. We will be at the CJ Banks store from 1:30 to 3:30 in the afternoon and 5:30 to 7:30 at the main store. There will be tastings and lots of catalogs so you can order more chocolate. It sounds like a lot of work but a fun time and I hope to be very very busy.

Doing these types of events is always a gamble and we never know how many people we may touch, but it is so important to introduce this area to this great product and possibly have the opportunity to book a party or two so people can have a fun time with friends and chocolate in their own home.

This is a new concept for the Dove Chocolate Discoveries company and we are working to make it a success in our favorite home town. After all we know that Dayton is a living city, not a dying city....and a living city needs good chocolate.

To top it off there is a great sale going on at Christopher and Banks and they have a cool chocolate tshirt that you can get to go along with the actual chocolate.

Hope to see everyone there. We have the new Fall items and they are delicious.

Chocolate and Cable and Harry Potter

Amy worked with a Cable Customer last night who has the coolest candy boxes. They are all based around the candies in the Harry Potter movies. They bought ATTUVerse and then they gave her samples of the boxes. It just goes to show that cable/chocolate/movies all go hand in glove.

I hope she does as well this evening. Selling door to door is not an easy job, but she has been successful so far.

We really need friends to schedule a Chocolate Party and this seems to be a little difficult, but every NO leads to the next YES! We just have to keep remembering that and keep the good faith.

The new fall products are unbelievably awesome (I think I already said that in a previously entry) but it is so true.

Gotta go and get dinner ready, but then it is back to the phones to call more friends and family.

Have a sweet evening (Chocolate helps).

Christmas in August??

Today must be Christmas, Santa left an entire porch full of chocolate. The fall order, the party order and my new Chocolatier (Amy's) kit. I had to go in through the garage and open the door from the inside just to get in the house. Thank goodness I was only gone for a short while as it is in the upper 80s today. It was so much fun to open the boxes and see all the goodies. Amy was excited to get her supplies as her first party is next week and she was worried that she would not get them in time. The caramels look delicious (although I resisted a taste, until maybe this evening). Cody (my 12 yr. old grandson) was with me and helped me lug everything to the basement office. He helped seperate them and put everything away (maybe a future Chocolatier?), then he and the dogs had a blast playing with the cardboard boxes.

All my party attendees are excited to get their chocolate tomorrow and hopefully I will be able to convince them that a party is in their very near future.

Now I am off to make labels for all the new catalogs and flyers for my "new" customers.

It is going to be a busy afternoon.

Yankee Candle was interesting, since it was only for 2 hours 10=12 on a Sunday Morning it was very slow, but a few good contacts might result in some bookings. We learned a lot about what to expect and what to require. Every experience is a learning experience, if you remember that you are already a winner.

Can't wait to get the new Fall Products, rumor they are awesome.

I think we are going to try the meringue snow caps with chocolate dipped bases for our next event. They should be easy and produce a lot of tasting samples.

Found a good excuse to indulge in chocolate.....it is good, makes you feel good, and doesn't make you pregnant!!! Silly but fun.

Another Chocolate Event

Sunday my new Chocolatier will take on the early customers at Yankee Candle in the Greene, in Beavercreek. Not sure about the time of the event but it is still a good opportunity to get the word out about our great Dove Chocolate Discoveries opportunities here in the Dayton, OH area.

It seems all we really have to do is mention Chocolate and other businesses jump up and down with delight. I suppose it is because we are so new and you don't have to buy kitchen supplies or jewelry to take advantage of this great tasting. And who doesn't like some kind of chocolate?

I'm legit!

Mary Rose (our first hostess) totally rocks! She not only had a mega party and told everyone to buy, buy, buy ... she also didn't use her hostess dollars. On purpose!

We used the double hostess credits to get me an actual kit so I'm not the ghost of Dayton Chocolatiers. Now how do we fast start both businesses? hmmmm

Not only does this get me legit it gets us a ton of chocolate for our next parties. Yippee Hippy!

Signing off now to go sell Cable....who lives a double life?

My Head Hurts!

So much has been going on that I haven't been contributing to the Blog. We had our first event, our first party, set up a domain and hosting account, set up email and set up accounting. I really dislike accounting. I never feel like I have everything done correctly and it takes me a looooooonnnngggg time to enter items.

You should have seen us running around looking for receipts, setting up files and generally trying to get organized. Ha! I don't think we're there yet but at least we have file folders with labels. One thing I'm sure of, you must have receipts and records for a home business.

So after dealing with our web host, setting up Outlook accounts for email, setting up accounting software and entering everything my head hurts!

This would be a good day for chocolate

It started at 5:15 AM with an enormous clap of thunder and bolts and bolts of lightening and it hasn't changed much all day. Decided to have a cup of Dove Chai Vanilla Tea and catch up on paperwork and receipts. When you have your own Home-based business you really need to capture every little expense and transactions so that you have an acurate record for taxes at the end of the year.

It also easier to find things if they are all entered into Excel or a good Accounting Program on your computer. Of course the very first thing I did when I was so rudely awakened was go and unplug my laptop. Losing everything because I hadn't backed up my files would have been traumatic.

It's Gran's 98th Birthday today so it is off to take her out to a birthday celebration with the core family. Hope it doesn't rain

Great Recipe for White Chocolate Sauce

Found a great recipe for White Chocolate Sauce, delicious over cake, brownies or chocolate ice cream.

White Chocolate Sauce

3/4 cup heavy cream
8 ounces white chocolate, chopped or shaved into small pieces
1/2 cup sour cream, preferably at room temperature

Make the chocolate sauce:In a medium-sized pot, bring the cream to a gentle simmer. Remove the pot from the heat and whisk in the white chocolate pieces. Allow the mixture to sit and cool for a minute. All of the white chocolate should easily melt into the cream. Whisk in the sour cream and taste for seasoning. Cook's Note: Sour cream is temperamental when heated, so take care that your mixture never gets overly hot. If so, cool a little before incorporating. Set aside at room temperature

http://www.foodnetwork.com/alexandra-guarnaschelli/index.html

Chocolate Uses

Found a new use for our melted chocolate. Picked up a package of premade Cream Puffs from Sams Club. Melted some dark chocolate and dipped them in. Since they were still cold the chocolate dried quickly. They were good before, but they are delicious now. Great for a quick party dessert and people won't realize that they came from the store. You can also sprinkle them with chopped nuts before they cool for an extra burst of flavor. Yummy

The day after

Our first party was a success, but we are still learning how to be more efficient and productive. Lots of orders, a booking and a possible chocolatier. Not bad for us amatuers. The chocolate was good except I shouldn't have put the cold Baileys into the Hot Chocolate, siezed up immediately and had to start over right in front of all the guests.

Lots of inputs from our guest and suggestions to make it go smoother at our next party, it is a learning experience. Direct Sales can be very good if you get it right.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

Our first Event

Today was a good day, we went to our first Holiday event and met a lot of other Direct Sales Reps. Even tho' we were a last minute addition, the coordinator put us right at the entrance so we saw everyone who came in the door before anyone else. We were able to get our name and info out to a lot of employeed people because the event was held in an office complex for the people who work there. Everyone was amazed with our offerings and were excited to see and taste the Spiced Chai Mousse. We were able to pre make it and pipe it into small cups with lids and charged a minimal amount so that we could give money to the Breast Cancer Research charity designated by the group. We actually donated over $40.00 from our little enterprise and they were very happy with us, and we were very happy with them.

Almost to a "man" the attendees didn't know anything about our program and we were the talk of the show. Now we have to follow up and make sure we take advantage of all the names and contacts we collected today.

First "Show"

What a caflunker.......lots of problems...caused by some poor planning. The Chocolate was yummy and everyone loved it. We really do need to get a script together so that we both know what parts we are supposed to do. Amy has read all the material so she can do all the technical stuff...just like always.....I can cook (if I have the right cream...need whipping cream, not half and half), we need to figure out the martinis. The should be the star but for some reason I didn't get them right......read more directions. The real shows are coming this week and I know we will have our stuff together.

The First Show

We had our first show for friends and family. What a hot, crazy mess! Kids, lots of people forgot to come, dogs were seriously hyper and We really need a script. It was a great opportunity to try the products that we hadn't tried and happily everything tastes good. Okay, seriously not much worry since everything is chocolate. The display table was complete and looked nice.

Our show was rocky at best. We did not exchange talking time. I became Vanna to her Pat Sajak. I pretty much expected that to happen. I love her but if I don't want to be the sidekick I need to do my own shows.

We had kids so we decided to make virgin chocolate martinis. I took the underage to the kitchen to make the virgins at the blender. Well, the shaker lid would not come off for the loaded martinis and the shaker came into the kitchen for surgery. Everyone got so involved in the shaker drama that the presentation for the Virgin martinis was pretty much ignored. Of course, the service for the VM's was fully focused and they were delish ... I hear. I didn't get to taste any which is okay, I was pretty chocolated out. The loaded martinis were not great. Vodka with syrup, souper strong limited chocolate flavor. This is their biggest seller? We definitely did that one wrong. Although, all of it was consumed. Maybe, the guests (or hosti) needed Vodka to get through these show.

The moonpies were super messy in that perfect tasting decadent delicious way. Brownie mix with marshmellow fluff and chocolate topping. The fluff got a little soft and everybody had chocolately fingers and smiles.

We have a mousse packet that you are supposed to make at the party to show how incredibly easy it is to make. You put 3/4 cup of whipping cream to 1 packet of mousse mix melt 2 bars of dark chocolate. Pipe in onto spoons ... voila anyone can do it! Unless you buy half and half instead of whipping cream. Doh!

Props to Jessie, she mixed that half and half for 10 minutes with no stiff peaks. I just kept serving chocolate. (Fondue, Almonds, White Chocolate, Chocolate Covered Grapes) She called for Cool Whip and saved the mousse demo. Yeah! and it tasted great! (of course half and half, cool whip and chocolate .. what's not to like)

We didn't pimp the product as much as we should have so our sales weren't great. Actually, our sales were zero, no show, no business partners. But everybody got a boat load of free chocolate. And we got insight into how seriously bad our presentation is right now. The big money shows are coming up so we can fix the problems. Hopefully ...

Found awesome items for the Breast Cancer Event. A really cool box, a matching plate and when filled with Dove Chocolate items, even I would like to win it. I hated having to give away the box.....I may have to go back and get one for myself.......after I make some $$.

The Dollar Tree was a boon for the small items, check out the big craft stores for bargains and don't forget Marshalls ( found some awesome stemless martini glasses (I thought they were glass, turned out the are plastic.....exactly perfect for toting to parties for martini tasting). Also found "amuse bouche" tiny glasses. (I only knew what they were because of Top Chef). That should be everything needed for the kick off week. Both of them only $3 a set on the close out shelf.

Today is the day to set up the Quick Books so I don't lose track of all the expenditures

Todays challenges

It finally stopped rainy and we are off to find items to add to a basket for our first event. The proceeds go to Breast Cancer and as a survivor I want to be sure our basket raises lots of money. It is great to be able to do something you love and still do something for a great cause.

Hope you all watched So You Think You Can Dance last night, great performance to support Breast Cancer. AWESOME.

We keep finding more and more resources to help us kick off this direct sales business, all you have to do is keep surfing the internet and you will find information that will answer almost any questions you might have. From how to get started, find contacts, networking and more. I am on linkedin.com and all of the traditional social networking sites. It is truly amazing how many people you can touch without leaving your house.

What to do on a rainy Wednesday

So much for the picnic...cancelled. So today I get to break out the spoons and do some cooking. I need to try more of the chocolate so when I open my mouth to speak I will know of what I speak. Of course I already know that Dove Chocolate is to die for, but it also should have the power to beat the blues. They say it is almost as good as having "whoopie"...if you get my drift. So this will be a good day for experimenting. Some guy on TV wants me to buy expensive salt...WHY! I love savory dishes but I am not sure how to use chocolate in these type of dishes, any suggestions???? Maybe expensive salt makes everything better?

Our First Show!!

We booked a show for the Chocolate business!! We went to the EMS office building to pick up paperwork and general administration. There were signs all over the building about a Christmas in July Bazaar and the vendors were Longaberger Baskets, Silpada, Pampered Chef, Mary Kay and more .... These people needed chocolate.

We called the organizer and they were booked for this show. Bummer! It was a free show. Jessie explains that Amy works for EMS (right there in their building) and we bring Chocolate. She says she'll see what she can do. So here we are planning our first show!!

We are trying to decide what to put in the door prize basket. How to set up the table. Do we want to sell any "cash and carry"? If so, what would that be. Also, our starter kit had no tablecloth and the apron is an oilcloth horror that doesn't work for me. I'm no Tim Gunn and I cannot make that work.

Jessie is off to Gabriel Brothers where (whoopee!) a $7.99 full size chocolate colored tablecloth. Perfect for a 6' table. 4 yards of fabrics, trim and sewing machine and voila 2 aprons.

Surprise when we set up the table and opened the Brownie Kit. This thing is phat! Even I (Amy) could make brownies with this! It has Wilton cupcake wrappers, frosting, 3 bars of premium milk chocolate (I could stop there). Okay, now Jessie and I are debating, "is it milk or dark chocolate"? Who cares it's three bars of chocolate. Oh and the brownie mix. So we take a picture of the kit. I guess this is where product knowledge matters.

The table is pretty. We do a run through of a party and boy are we bad!!! We've got a lot of work to do. But hey, we booked a show!!!

I bet you didn't know Dogs love chocolate too

Oh course Dogs can't eat chocolate, it is toxic to them. You shouldn't feed them grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, and onions as well. The best thing to feed them is a fantastic food called Blue Buffalo. It is a totally organic food for dogs and cats and helps to protect their health so I don't have to keep the vet in business. All three (Furby, Agnes and Roxy) are my Blue dogs, but they are really blue....in fact... they are all spoiled rotten and they are sitting here carefully watching everything I write. Take a look at http://www.bluebuff.com/ to see what it is all about.

Why am I talking about pet food? I love the food and I sell it at PetSmart on the weekend.

Put the Chocolate on the back burner

Another of my Seniors need help with their computer, so I am off tomorrow to guide them through the wonderful world of the internet. It is so cool that Seniors are learning how to email, use EBay, Twitter, Facebook and even Snapfish to keep in contact with family and friends. It can be challenging because I have to sometimes go over something several times to be sure they really do get it, but it is amazing how even my 80 year olds catch on so quickly.

I really love working with them but I can tailor the training to meet the needs of almost anyone who needs help and doesn't find what they want in structured classes.

Maybe I can even sell them some chocolate.......who knows?

Why Do I Suddenly Feel Like Willy Wonka?

This is Amy ... the daughter. I went looking for a job in this economy and found one! Selling ATT Uverse door to door through a company called EMS. They run their business like direct sales. (More Later)

The Mummer's comes to me and says she has a great idea for a business. Sell Chocolate. I cook ... savory. I don't bake. I've made cupcakes that crated like the face of the moon. I feel a cold sweat start breaking out. Make chocolate? Sell chocolate?

She starts selling and nobody resists Mom when she starts selling. The website promises no baking expertise required. And it came with Chocolate Martini Mix. So if the whole thing goes off the rails we can at least enjoy Chocolate Martinis.

The best part ... NOBODY in Dayton or Columbus is doing this business. There is only one person in Cincinnati so it's wide open. We did a bit of research and decided to do this gig. Now there is a styrofoam cooler of chocolate in the house. You know that song from the 80's? You can look at the menu but you just can't eat?

Now the potato chip addict is peddling chocolate ... and cable. So hopefully we've got a golden ticket. I hope we see some oompa loompas.

I Love Anthing Chocolate

I was sitting in my living room one morning trying to figure out how I was going to pay all my bills on a fixed income, when Tory Johnson came on GMA and started talking about home based business and how they can be a great way to earn some extra cash during these hard times. I kinda' yawned and said here we go again and then she said the magic word....CHOCOLATE....

Immediately I woke up and listened to her talk about Dove Chocolate Experience and how I could talk about and taste chocolate and make money. Too good to be true??? I logged into GMA's website found the link and checked out the company. Only $149 to start and that bought me a lot of chocolate along with all the stuff I needed to start (Hey if the business isn't what I thought it could be I could just eat the inventory!!). I dove in (no pun intended) and signed up, it only took a few minutes to get hooked (heck I was hooked when she said Chocolate). My friends are excited as I am and immediately booked parties so they can taste the Chocolate Martinis. My daughter is jumping into the chocolate pond with me and we are going full force to spread Dove Premium Chocolate all over this area of the state.

Our own personal stimulus plan

It's tough to be in Dayton, Ohio right now. Unemployment is over 10% and going up. Our biggest employers are General Motors, the Air Force, NCR, Reynolds and Reynolds, and Lexis Nexis. You'd have to live in a cave not to know about GM - they just closed all their plants in town - I guess bankruptcy has a trickle down effect. NCR is moving to Atlanta - and they tried to use federal money to move. Reynolds and Reynolds keeps laying off folks or forcing them to take pay cuts. So it's tough to be here. It's also a great town with a great history. You can raise a family. The Wright Brothers invented flight here. The cash register was invented here. The combustible engine was invented here. Hey even the pop top on your can of soda was invented here. And not to sound like Al Gore, but the internet was created at Wright Patt AFB which is ....hmmmm......here. It's great in Dayton....most of the time and we will rise again!!!!

This is our blog about diving into the world of direct sales. This is how we're going to combat the blues ... SELL CHOCOLATE!!! and cable (more to follow) and computer instruction (again, more later). So hang in there while we share our journey into the world of direct sales. Successes (hopefully a lot). Mistakes (hopefully not too many). Insights. Revelations. Whatever. Stayed tuned. We're nervous. Like a lot of people here....we have a lot of good ideas, energy, determination and time so hopefully you can wish us luck.