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According to the story, Ivory Coast, which has been split since 2002, has a government-controlled south and a rebel-held north, along with almost 6,000 UN peacekeepers and 4,000 French soldiers.

What does all of this mean for choc-aholics?  Probably nothing really.  You may notice a little price increase, but probably nothing more than good ‘ol inflation.  The chocolate-makers?  It may have a little more affect on them.  I would say those that feel the real changes if any will be the Ivory  Coast folks, and that’s much less about cocoa and much more about making peace, which is okay by me.

Unfortunately I wasn’t bad enough to get a stocking full of coal this year, and I’m not so sure if it’s available year round or not, so maybe if I’m really bad I’ll get some for my birthday?  The blackberry gum balls come individually wrapped, 2.5 oz  per each black box.  The packaging is very simple and low key- black with white lettering, funny phrases such as, “it’s all you get.” and “because you’ve been very bad.”  And if you know someone who has been very, very good maybe they deserve some Sugar Plum Fairies?

It doesn’t seem to matter how much or how little I eat, I can’t shake the feeling.  I’ve been giddy and giggly, full of smiles all day.  I’ve gone hours without eating a single cookie or even the smallest bit of chocolate, yet I can walk into the kitchen and just smile as the sweet spiciness of the gingerbread fills the air.  Or have my eyes light up while sitting at my desk, look over at my candy jar, filled to the brim with new candies I can’t wait to try.  Surely I’m not alone am I?   

I think the happiness I feel is much more related to the memories I hold of Christmas’ past along with the thrill and excitement of those yet to come.  Looking back on my life so far many things have changed, but many things have not.  The holidays are much different, as a grown up it’s no longer about waiting up at night for Santa or wondering what gifts I’ll get.  But as a grown up, I’ve learned to be excited about other things instead, like family and friends, not to mention learning more and more about the true meaning each and every year.  Some things will never change, I will always get excited about Christmas cookies and having my stocking filled to the brim with candy. 

Twizzlers

Each 1.9 oz package contains one 5.5 inch twist of each flavor; red - strawberry, orange - orange, yellow - lemonade, green - watermelon, blue - blue raspberry and purple - grape.  Sadly there is no mention of Rainbow Twists on the Twizzlers portion of Hershey’s website, so I don’t have any further details.  But if you want to know where you can buy Rainbow Twists or if you have further questions give the Hershey Company a call at: (800)468-1714

While you’re off enjoying your weekend if you find something we should share with readers tell us about it (by emailing:  jaaysgoodthings AT gmail DOT com)

Godiva is making pies of their own now.  Well, sort of - Godiva has introduced the American Pies Collection, a special edition line from the G Collection.  Unveiled for the Holiday season, according to Godiva, the line is “inspired by the nostalgic delight and comforting indulgence of American’s all time favorites.”  There are a total of eight flavors, which are:

• Apple Crumb Pie - Tart Granny Smith apples paired with the flavor of cinnamon cobbler crisp
• Chocolate Cream Pie - Silky 72% chocolate blended with rich cream and coated in smooth dark chocolate
• Pecan Pie - Toasted pecans accented by caramel, dark and milk chocolates with a hint of molasses
• Lemon Meringue Pie - Fresh squeezed lemon flavor, with a texture smooth as meringue, with the added flavor of silky white chocolate
• Strawberry Pie - pureed strawberries with sugar and pure, wholesome butter.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie - Homemade peanut butter layered with velvety chocolate
• Key Lime Pie - key lime juice, vanilla and sweetened condensed  milk create a taste of the caribbean.
• Banana Cream Pie - An infusion of white chocolate,  exotic banana, rich cream and tropical vanilla in creamy ganache

The collection comes as an 18-piece set presented in a pie-shaped box to go along perfectly with the “pie-flavored” truffles which have been beautifully painted and shaped to resemble tiny wedges of pie.  You can purchase them online or see if the G Collection is carried in a boutique near you.

Photo from Godiva

Vere (pronounced “very”) is aimed at creating the purest, most healthful and sophisticated chocolate imaginable. Vere starts with sustainably grown and pesticide-free cocoa beans, they add just the right amount of sugar, careful never to add too much.  Vere’s chocolates are not only pleasing to the palate but good for your body and soul.  In addition, all Vere products are 100% gluten free and they also offer a line of Vegan chocolates. 

So if you’re in the NYC area, mark your calendar and make your way to the Vere Chocolate Factory this week.  Unfortunately I won’t be there, but please enjoy some chocolate on my behalf.

So what’s a girl to do with so many candy canes?  I’ve come up with some ideas, and if you’re way more creative than I am (and chances are pretty good that you are.) I bet you come up with even more ideas.

• Candy canes make great stirring sticks for hot drinks.
• Crush some candy canes and add them to hot apple cider.
• For an adult treat, crush candy canes and use to coat the rim of a martini glass and serve Candy Cane Martinis
• Break up candy canes and drop them into a two-liter bottle of ginger ale. Add this to your punch for a wonderful beverage at your Christmas party.
• Crush candy canes and sprinkle them on an ice cream sundae.
• When making brownies,cookies, rice crispy treats or even fudge, add crushed candy canes to the batter.
• Save until Valentine’s Day and make peppermint hearts by unwrapping two candy canes and placing them together on a baking sheet forming a heart-shape(hook to hook and tail to tail) bake at 350 degrees for a few minutes, until canes stick together.

Crafts:

• Make Candy Cane Mouse or Candy Cane Reindeer (cute party favors)
• Use as Christmas Tree Decorations by hanging on tree branches.
• Create a festive Candy Cane Centerpiece inspired by Martha Stewart.

And of course we can’t leave out one of the most delicious uses of all - Peppermint Bark!