Peace Treatsy

There were so many notable conflicts during the 1970s and 1980s including the Vietnam War, bombings in Beirut, and who could forget the collision of chocolate and peanut butter. It wasn’t uncommon to hear, “You got your chocolate in my peanut butter!” and vice versa. I think we might have averted the chocolate/peanut butter argument if someone had thought to combine chocolate and liquor instead. Imagine a commercial where someone is walking along the sidewalk with a chocolate bar and accidentally collides with someone carrying a paper-bagged pint. Instead of an argument ensuing, I envision a euphoric scene with hearts, butterflies, and maybe even a pink unicorn - both parties are just that happy.

This kind of bliss exists at 341 Elm Street in Manchester, New Hampshire and at www.vanotis.com. Van Otis Chocolates’ confectioners have partnered some delicious chocolates and spirits including candied discs of Fragole Z Wine, Chocolate Raspberry Port Wine, Bacca Z Wine, French Brandy, and Cabin Fever Maple Whisky. Van Otis has also handcrafted the following truffles; some offers are limited, so hurry in!

Eggnog Truffle - These truffles are thickly layered with dark and milk chocolate and lightly sugar-coated. The creamy eggnog center has a hint of rum and nutmeg. It’s definitely a holiday-flavored treat.

Green Fairy Truffle - This truffle is a work of art with its powdered, mint green exterior. The extra creamy dark chocolate and strong absinth center is encased by a dark chocolate shell.

Cabin Fever Maple Whisky Truffle - This is another subtle alcohol offering with an interesting crunchy, dark chocolate exterior. The creamy chocolate center has a hint of maple flavor and an aftertaste of whiskey.

Baileys Truffle - A slightly bitter powdered exterior coats a milk chocolate shell, which encases a creamy chocolate and Irish cream center. These truffles are delicious!

Do You Have to Sneeze or Are You Doing Your Laundry

I had two important goals as a young girl. I was going to be either one of Charlie’s Angels or Bewitched’s Samantha Stephens. I spent hours working on my silhouetted angels’ pose and my nose twitch. I’m still pretty good at both, if I do say so myself.

Imagine being Samantha Stephens. Your housework, cooking, and childcare all done at the expense of a little nasal irritation. Sure, your mother and neighbors are a little annoying, but whose aren’t? Top that off with the fact that you get to change husbands without a messy divorce proceeding. As long as you keep calling him Darrin, no one will even notice!

Bring out your inner Samantha at the Witchy Women’s Celebration at Van Otis Chocolates’ Elm Street, Manchester retail store on October 22 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Costumes aren’t required to attend the event, but there will be a $50 prize awarded for the best costume. There will also be wine tasting hosted by Zorvino Vineyards, chocolate fountains, giveaways, and raffles. Kids’ games will also be available because unlike Samantha, we can’t all leave our Tabithas unattended upstairs.