Chocolate lovers hold tasting event
Photo by Shari Harris
From left, winners at the Chocolate Tasting Fundraiser were Suzie Blackburn, Iretta Larbey, Darlene Reed, Berna Dean Schultz and Cindy Wampner. Not pictured was Rickie Moncrief.
“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”
This quote by cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, creator of Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang, was put to the test on Tuesday, April 21, as the first Chocolate Tasting Fundraiser was held by the Licking Bridge Builders. The word “first” is mentioned because there seemed to be interest in repeating the experience.
The chocolate creations were divided into four categories for judging: chocolate drinks, brownies/cakes, candies, and pies/cookies. Those attending the event could be judges or just tasters. Those who were judging rated each entry on a scale of one to five, then organizers tallied the votes.
A peanut butter banana chocolate smoothie, made by Suzie Blackburn, won first place and Berna Dean Schultz’s hot chocolate took second in the chocolate drinks category.
In the brownies/cakes category, Rickie Moncrief’s cherry brownies were chosen as the winner. A chocolate cake made by Iretta Larbey won second place, and chocolate eclairs, by Cindy Wampner, finished in third place.
Darlene Reed’s peanut clusters were the winner in the candy category, and Berna Dean Schultz’s peanut clusters won second place.
In the pies/cookies contest, Darlene Reed won another blue ribbon for her chocolate pie, and Suzie Blackburn finished second with German chocolate cookies.
After the winners were announced, the remaining treats were auctioned.
In this contest, ribbons could have been awarded to every entry, because they were all delicious.
Chocolate lovers and those who think their chocolate creations are the best should stay alert for the next Chocolate Tasting Fundraiser at the Senior Center.
