I am Thankful for: Chocolate Covered Flaming Hot Cheetos

Each year my friend Christie hosts an amazing foodie party where the guests bring a food dish based on a specific theme.   Competition is fierce.

Christie's husband always has some killer submissions.  And I've learned that he has a secret ingredient that makes it's way into all of his creations: flaming hot Cheetos.

Now the first year when I was invited the food theme was grilled cheese.  I ate his grilled cheese creation with more than a bit of trepidation.  It had Velveeta, spam, and flaming hot Cheetos in it.  To be honest, I thought I was going to be sick, but since he was the host, I had to try it.  I went back for thirds...

This year we were lucky to share Thanksgiving with Christie and her extended family.  I got off easy, I just had to bring chocolates.  But not just any chocolates would do for her husband.  Yup, that's right:  Chocolate Covered Flaming Hot Cheetos.  I'm pretty sure that's going to be a new Thanksgiving food tradition at their house.  That is, if her husband shared with anyone else.

Chocolate & Cheer

Sometimes you need a jump start on the holidays, and this year was no exception.  I'm not talking about shopping, but the gathering of good friends and good food part.  Just before Thanksgiving we hosted a large party for about 70 guests.  We served Cocktails and Chocolate.  Guests who hadn't been to one of  our tastings before were surprised to see that all the chocolates were handmade.

All in all, there were about thirty different chocolates for folks to sample.  Along with associated spirit pairing.  We had lots of shot glasses for folks to use.  Thank goodness folks helped wash up!

We recovered from the excesses of chocolate just in time for the onslaught of Thanksgiving.  Hoping your holiday table was filled with good food and surrounded by good friends and family.