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Hearts of Montage

08.20.14

You can help save three lives by donating blood at the Hearts of Montage Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, August 21 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Grand Ballroom III at Montage Laguna Beach.

Donors just bring a photo ID and you can sample fresh fruit and delicious cookies prepared by the pastry chefs at Montage Laguna Beach. Valet parking will be complimentary for all donors. There are three ways to sign up for the blood drive: sign up online at RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code MontageLB; email Laura Rudd at laura.rudd@redcross.org or call Hearts of Montage at 949.715.6208.

Participants will receive a coupon for 2 tickets to the Long Beach Laugh Factory (2 drink minimum) and 50% off selected games for the San Diego Padres.

Montage Laguna Beach is at 30801 S. Coast Highway in Laguna Beach.

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Greer's Girls

Chocolate 101 with Amy Jo Pedone

08.19.14

By Kelley Moody

Whenever I get the opportunity to indulge in true artisan chocolate, I naturally take just a little bit longer in my bites before swallowing it all and claiming it was delicious. I had no idea after all these years how wrong I truly was. Thank goodness for Amy Jo Pedone, founder of Valenza Chocolatier, and her fantastic workshop, Chocolate Tasting 101.

Held at the Hood Kitchen Space in Costa Mesa, I was able to learn all about the origins and making of chocolate, from bean to bar. After brief introductions, Amy Jo took us through all the ropes of what it meant to truly enjoy chocolate, tasting it in a proper and most fulfilling manner, and how to best identify and describe our favorites. I never knew that the flavors you experience when tasting chocolate come not from the bean itself, but also from post-harvesting and manufacturing techniques.

Amy Jo Pedone is a cheerful instructor who quickly becomes a friend in your heart. She specializes in Italian inspired artisan chocolate and confections and has a true passion for her creations. Her love of chocolate is rooted in family tradition. She explains that many of her recipes are rooted in ideas of her childhood and fond memories of holiday desserts made by her own family. She has studied with Chef Chocolatier Patrick Peters of Godiva and with the largest Italian chocolate maker, ICAM Choco Scuola.

By the end of our 8-piece taste tests, I was able to identify that I prefer chocolates with caramel and earthy flavoring. I assumed that as someone who always preferred dark chocolate, I would have no problem with these 70% or higher cocoa treats, but I must say, many had a more bitter taste than I ever anticipated. Amy Jo saved the day once more, however, by treating us to a few samples of her own made confections including the Caramellos and PB+C Bar. Out of all the flavors of the night, her creations were by far the most delectable, which makes sense given her many awards as well as 2013 & 2014 Official Artisan Chocolatier of the Golden Foodie Awards. She also was sure to send us home with the Tartaruga, 2013 OC Fair Culinary Arts Blue Ribbon Winner. This treat is a delicious combo of caramel, sea salt and Georgia Pecans.

After this delightful experience, I truly feel as though I am a properly seasoned veteran of the chocolate realm. I now hold an all new skill set for tasting and enjoying. This class is a wonderful experience for anyone looking for a unique evening out. Lasting an hour and a half, this $30 class will both entertain and teach you the art of chocolate.

For information on upcoming workshops, visit valenzachocolatier.com, or email info@valenzachocolatier.com

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