I love Whole Foods Market. From their all-natural and
organic 365 Everyday Value brand, to their delicious food court (try their
white pizza- it’s to die for) and their extensive holistic health selection,
Whole Foods provides an excellent resource, both in products and information,
for healthy living. So, when I received an invitation to attend the blogger’s
Valentine’s Showcase event I jumped at the opportunity, healthy chocolate
anyone?
The event, held at the Glastonbury, Connecticut Whole Foods
Market, gave the invitees the chance to sample the wonderful culinary offerings
that Whole Foods has planned for the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday.
Tables brimming with allergen-free chocolate took center stage. Boasting a selection of organic, raw, gluten-free, vegan, soy-free, and superfruit-filled chocolates there was truly something for every taste. Shockingly, as I am not normally a fan of what you may called 'flavored chocolate' like chocolate cake, ice cream, and pudding, the gluten-free chocolate cake was my favorite. Deliciously decadent the cake had the airiness of cake with the richness of fudge. Fairly certain I could have eaten an entire cake singlehandedly. I also loved the chocolate bars filled with maca and goji, as well as sea-salted almond.
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| Gluten Free Chocolate Cake. |
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| Hail Merry Macaroons: With No Refined Suger They Are Still As Sweet As Can Be |
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| Incredible Chocolate Covered Strawberries |
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| Righteously Raw Chocolate Maca Bar: Maca is Known for Many Uses, One of Which is Aiding in Virility, Perfect for Valentine's Day. |
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| Chocolate Covered Risotto |
Not to be overshadowed by the sweeter offerings, a number of more savory options were available as well. Two appetizers took an interesting take on chocolate. The first, a panko-almond fried shrimp perched on gingered sweet potatoes, spicy slaw, and a honey gastric was topped with shredded chocolate; the spicy sweetness created an unusual but incredibly pleasing taste on the palate. The second, one of my personal favorites, was orzo cooked risotto style with marshmallows formed into balls, dipped in chocolate and topped with candied bacon. I absolutely believe you cannot go wrong with candied bacon.
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| Almond-Panko Fried Shrimp |
The crowning glory of the event was the collection of samples for Whole Foods Market's "Sweetheart Dinner Deal for Two." The dinner deal allows for a choice of two entrées, two sides, and a dessert of chocolate covered strawberries, all for $24.99. We sampled the Pomegranate Brown Sugar Braised Short Ribs, which were delightfully tender and presented beautifully, as well as the Mashed Lime Sweet Potatoes toped with feta cheese and walnuts which was, in a word, divine.
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| Pomegranate Brown Suger Braised Short Ribs |
Entrées Available: Choice of Two
Pomegranate Brown Sugar Braised Short Ribs
Roasted Salmon with Meyer Lemon & Thyme
Polenta Napoleon with Truffled Kale and Sofritto (vegan)
Tangerine Honey Glazed Cornish Hens
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| Mashed Lime Sweet Potatoes with Feta Cheese and Walnuts |
Sides Available: Choice of Two
Savory Sweetheart Ravioletti
Wild Rice Salad with Cranberries (vegan)
Green Beans with Roasted Garlic (vegan)
Twice Baked Potatoes
Catalan Spinach (Vegan)
Mashed Lime Sweet Potatoes (vegan)
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| Tinkerbelle Was Quite Curious About the Goodie Bag |
The "Sweetheart Dinner Deal for 2" is a perfect option for those lovebirds looking for a quiet, romantic night at home without the hassle of having to cook an amazing meal. With both meat and vegan options there are choices that everyone would love, no matter their dietary preference. While you are at Whole Foods Market placing your Valentine's Day order, make sure to check out Whole Foods Market's Chocolate Fest where you can sample many of the products mentioned above. The free event is happening store-wide the weekend of February 7th so make sure to check your local store's listings.
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