OUR VERY OWN "SWEET THINGS"

The threesome of February, valentines and candy are always welcome.  The bright red hearts everywhere brightens our mid-winter doldrums and the Peanuts classic, Charlie Brown Valentine, is a must.   However, I have recently discovered two very unique and scrumptious desserts that will not only will be sweetheart favorites, but become a year round passion!!  The goodies are different, but the care, the love and the entrepreneurial spirit behind the creations are the same.

 About a Bite Bakery is the love child of Jennifer Kaye.  As she says “It all began with my LOVE of desserts…pretty much anything baked for that matter.  That being said, I also have serious commitment issues.  So naturally, when I am faced with a dessert menu or a pastry case full of treats, I want to try a bite or two of EVERYTHING! I simply can’t commit to just one piece of cake or a cookie the size of a dinner plate.” 

Her baking hobby had very grateful friends and family that received wonderful bite size desserts, who encouraged her to take this idea beyond her home kitchen.  Her creations were not the typical chocolate chip cookie, but what she calls Fleur De Sel Chocolate Chip (chocolate chip cookie, vanilla crème filling, chocolate ganache center and vanilla fluer de sel).  After years of researching, building a business plan and searching for a proper commercial kitchen she gave up her career and went full tilt launching her made to order, on-line business.  She is located in Gold River and is truly a one woman operation.  She is now into her second year and has tasted success with a busy holiday season.  The kitchen is diligently working on filling Valentine orders for the special Chipotle Chocolate (Chocolate shortbread, chipotle dark chocolate granache and dark chocolate).

 Believing that variety is the spice of life there are three different product lines.   Bite – a cross between a cookie and a candy covered in chocolate with the favorite being the Chocolate Salted Caramel.  Bar – tasty layers of complementary ingredients such as the Port Cherry Brownie and the Between 2 Cookies – fresh baked cookies filled with crème, caramel or chocolate, most requested LLLemon. All ingredients are fresh with no preservatives or additives.   Everything is baked to order with 48 hour notice, shipped throughout the US and also delivery within the Sacramento area.   The web site is www.aboutabitebakery.com.  Check it out.

 “All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt!” – Lucy Van Pelt (in Peanuts).  The Chocolate Architect located in the Fair Oaks Pointe shopping center really fulfills this wish.  Becki Tyner grew up in Fair Oaks, went to school at Cal Poly, returned home and began her career as an architect.  She loved making candy, but really didn’t like the typical fudge that always seemed to be a bit dry and grainy.  Working with her grandmother’s recipe and her own creative touches she developed a more refined chocolate that is similar to the centers of a truffle.  At Christmas and special events she made her chocolate for friends, family and clients.  Through the years she received more and more requests for her chocolate that wasn’t found anywhere else in the world.  She made the move and started eleven years ago with an on-line store and what has become known as “chocolate silk”. 

 Becki’s fine skills at design truly show in her various presentations that include 55 different chocolate silk flavors.  The Silk Martinis are filled with bite size chocolate of your choice and available in three different sizes from colossal to mini martini glasses.  My personal choice was the hammered watering can with brass spout and handle filled with Coconut Toasted Almond Chocolate Silk.  It is her suggestion to use it as a table centerpiece, to be opened and shared by all.  YUM!!!

There is a choice of milk, semi-sweet and dark chocolate.  Sugar free, low-sugar and vegan are all available in different flavors.  A truly “to die for” is the Baby Blue Chocolate Silk – dark chocolate, chopped pecans and a hint of gorgonzola cheese.  This is a must to serve with a fine red wine.  Becki has partnered with the Bella Vista High School glass art class making glass trays from wine bottles and then she fills them with her wonderful treats. 

 The Chocolate Architect is open regular business hours.  They deliver locally and will ship anywhere.  Whole Foods in Roseville is now carrying the candy.  The web site is www.ChocSilk.com.  Remember – It’s not chocolate…it’s chocolate silk.