Worlds-finest-chocolates-19
By Kristyne McDaniel
My husband and I have been blessed with many things to make our life happy and full. We have a strong committed relationship, we have raised healthy successful independent children, and we have financial security. We were reflecting on this the other day when we were trying to come up with a unique gift idea for our friends. When we were first married we struggled financially for several years. One couple that we were friends with in college remain our best friends today. Through the years we have both been blessed with financial security. This is wonderful; however gift giving ideas were much easier to come up with when we were both struggling financially. In those days a cheap bottle of wine and a certificate for a delivery pizza seemed like manna from heaven. Now that we are in a position to be able to buy what we need and want it is not as easy to come up with ideas. I was watching a cooking show the other day and the chef was talking about the worlds finest chocolates. He and his guest were having a disagreement on what which country has the worlds finest chocolates. Their discussion made me think of our friends and their love of chocolates. I went on the

Spicy Turkey Paella
Spicy Turkey Paella
Turkey Chilaquiles
Turkey Chilaquiles
Asian Turkey-Noodle Soup with Ginger and Chiles
Asian Turkey-Noodle Soup with Ginger and Chiles
Pancetta-Sage Turkey with Pancetta-Sage Gravy
Pancetta-Sage Turkey with Pancetta-Sage Gravy
Carmelized-Apple and Pecan Pie
Carmelized-Apple and Pecan Pie
Garnet Yams with Blis Maple Syrup and Maple-Sugar Streusel
Garnet Yams with Blis Maple Syrup and Maple-Sugar Streusel
Bacon, Apple, and Fennel Stuffing
Bacon, Apple, and Fennel Stuffing
Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Currants and Chestnuts
Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Currants and Chestnuts
Wild Rice with Butternut Squash, Leeks, and Corn
Wild Rice with Butternut Squash, Leeks, and Corn
Pear Cobbler with Dried Blueberries and Stone-Ground Corn Biscuits
Pear Cobbler with Dried Blueberries and Stone-Ground Corn Biscuits
Sweet Potato and Apple Puree
Sweet Potato and Apple Puree
Scalloped Yukon Gold and Sweet Potato Gratin with Fresh Herbs
Scalloped Yukon Gold and Sweet Potato Gratin with Fresh Herbs
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Marshmallow-Sour Cream Topping and Gingersnap Crust
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Marshmallow-Sour Cream Topping and Gingersnap Crust
Yukon Gold and Fennel Puree with Rosemary Butter
Yukon Gold and Fennel Puree with Rosemary Butter
Huevos Rancheros in Tortilla Cups
Huevos Rancheros in Tortilla Cups
Cranberry Relish with Grapefruit and Mint
Cranberry Relish with Grapefruit and Mint
Pomegranate-Marinated Lamb with Spices and Couscous
Pomegranate-Marinated Lamb with Spices and Couscous
Pumpkin Spice Layer Cake with Caramel and Cream Cheese Frosting
Pumpkin Spice Layer Cake with Caramel and Cream Cheese Frosting
Avocado and Pink Grapefruit Salad with Coriander
Avocado and Pink Grapefruit Salad with Coriander
Scampi Fra Diavolo
Scampi Fra Diavolo
Pork Chops with Tarragon Sauce and Cornichons
Pork Chops with Tarragon Sauce and Cornichons
Buttermilk Biscuits with Green Onions, Black Pepper, and Sea Salt
Buttermilk Biscuits with Green Onions, Black Pepper, and Sea Salt
Citrus-Glazed Carrots
Citrus-Glazed Carrots
Pomegranate-Marinated Lamb with Spices and Couscous
Pomegranate-Marinated Lamb with Spices and Couscous
Cauliflower and Brussels Sprout Gratin with Pine Nut-Breadcrumb Topping
Cauliflower and Brussels Sprout Gratin with Pine Nut-Breadcrumb Topping
Quick Sausage and Mushroom Lasagna
Quick Sausage and Mushroom Lasagna
Roasted "Chips"
Roasted "Chips"
Golden Pan-Fried Fish and Quick Tartar Sauce
Golden Pan-Fried Fish and Quick Tartar Sauce
Cranberry and Tart-Cherry Compote
Cranberry and Tart-Cherry Compote
Crudités with Green Goddess Dip
Crudités with Green Goddess Dip
Pumpkin-Turkey "Ghoulash" With Caraway NoodlesPumpkin-Turkey "Ghoulash" With Caraway Noodles
Pumpkin-Turkey "Ghoulash" With Caraway Noodles
Truffled Red Wine Risotto with Parmesan BrothTruffled Red Wine Risotto with Parmesan Broth
Truffled Red Wine Risotto with Parmesan Broth
Mini Chicken Pot Pies with Bacon and Marjoram
Mini Chicken Pot Pies with Bacon and Marjoram
Roast Beef Tenderloin with Port Sauce
Roast Beef Tenderloin with Port Sauce
Orecchiette Carbonara
Orecchiette Carbonara
Maple-Hazelnut Pie
Maple-Hazelnut Pie
Ginger-Garlic Hummus
Ginger-Garlic Hummus
Sicilian-Style Potato Gratin
Sicilian-Style Potato Gratin
Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Apple Chutney
Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Apple Chutney
Mediterranean Salad with Prosciutto and Pomegranate
Mediterranean Salad with Prosciutto and Pomegranate
Dried Fruit and Nut Crostata
Dried Fruit and Nut Crostata
Roated Butternut Squash, Pomegranate, and Walnut Salad
Roated Butternut Squash, Pomegranate, and Walnut Salad
Pork, Prune, and Green Peppercorn Pâté
Pork, Prune, and Green Peppercorn Pâté
Cauliflower Ravioli with Guanciale
Cauliflower Ravioli with Guanciale
Brownie-Chunk Cookies
Brownie-Chunk Cookies
Mushroom Soup with Hazelnut Gremolata
Mushroom Soup with Hazelnut Gremolata
Pork Roast with Braised Collard Greens, Creamy Polenta, and Creamy Jus
Pork Roast with Braised Collard Greens, Creamy Polenta, and Creamy Jus
Cornmeal Biscuits with Cheddar and Chipotle
Cornmeal Biscuits with Cheddar and Chipotle
Thai Green Chicken Curry
Thai Green Chicken Curry
Mustard Greens Pesto on Pasta with Shiitake Mushrooms and Smoked Mozzarella
Mustard Greens Pesto on Pasta with Shiitake Mushrooms and Smoked Mozzarella
Smoked Turkey, Blue Cheese, and Red Onion Sandwiches
Smoked Turkey, Blue Cheese, and Red Onion Sandwiches
Cappucino Éclairs
Cappucino Éclairs
Composed Salad with Fig Vinaigrette
Composed Salad with Fig Vinaigrette
Wild Mushroom Crostini
Wild Mushroom Crostini
Meatballs in Tomato-Serrano Chile Sauce
Meatballs in Tomato-Serrano Chile Sauce
Individual Zucchini, Lemon, and Ricotta Galettes
Individual Zucchini, Lemon, and Ricotta Galettes
Steak with Parmesan Butter, Balsamic Glaze, and Arugula
Steak with Parmesan Butter, Balsamic Glaze, and Arugula
Leeks Vinaigrette with Burrata Cheese and Mustard Breadcrumbs
Leeks Vinaigrette with Burrata Cheese and Mustard Breadcrumbs
Grilled Fish with Crab-Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms and White Wine Sauce
Grilled Fish with Crab-Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms and White Wine Sauce
Brandied Plum Clafoutis
Brandied Plum Clafoutis
Chicken and Guajillo Chile Sandwiches with Cotija Cheese and Romaine Slaw
Chicken and Guajillo Chile Sandwiches with Cotija Cheese and Romaine Slaw
Poached Eggs and Parmesan Cheese over Toasted Brioche with Pistou
Poached Eggs and Parmesan Cheese over Toasted Brioche with Pistou
Limoncello Gelato
Limoncello Gelato
North Carolina Coleslaw
North Carolina Coleslaw
Crispy Pancetta, Burrata, and Tomato Sandwiches
Crispy Pancetta, Burrata, and Tomato Sandwiches
Grilled Corn with Hoisin-Orange Butter
Grilled Corn with Hoisin-Orange Butter
Turkey Burgers with Tomato Jam, Olives, and Feta
Turkey Burgers with Tomato Jam, Olives, and Feta
Lemon-Lime, Corn, and Jalapeño Relish
Lemon-Lime, Corn, and Jalapeño Relish
Chocolate Chip and Banana Ice Cream Sandwiches
Chocolate Chip and Banana Ice Cream Sandwiches
Stuffed Butterflied Leg of Lamb with Caramelized Lemon Jus
Stuffed Butterflied Leg of Lamb with Caramelized Lemon Jus
Grilled Eggplant with Caponata Salsa
Grilled Eggplant with Caponata Salsa
Lime Ice Cream Torte topped with Berry Sorbets
Lime Ice Cream Torte topped with Berry Sorbets
Grilled Flank Steak with Spicy Pepper and Watermelon Salad
Grilled Flank Steak with Spicy Pepper and Watermelon Salad
Summer Corn Soup
Summer Corn Soup
BLT Chicken with Rosemary-Lemon Mayonnaise
BLT Chicken with Rosemary-Lemon Mayonnaise
Zucchini Blossom Frittata
Zucchini Blossom Frittata
Grilled Pizza with Pears, Fresh Pecorino, and Walnuts
Grilled Pizza with Pears, Fresh Pecorino, and Walnuts
Shrimp Skewers with Tzatziki, Spinach, and Feta
Shrimp Skewers with Tzatziki, Spinach, and Feta
Fresh Peach and Ginger-Cream Shortcakes
Fresh Peach and Ginger-Cream Shortcakes
Charred Heirloom Tomatoes with Fresh Herbs
Charred Heirloom Tomatoes with Fresh Herbs
Chicken-Fried Skirt Steak with Country Gravy
Chicken-Fried Skirt Steak with Country Gravy
Dark-Chocolate-Dipped Cherry Ice Cream Cones
Dark-Chocolate-Dipped Cherry Ice Cream Cones
Grilled Scallops and Nectarines with Corn and Tomato Salad
Grilled Scallops and Nectarines with Corn and Tomato Salad
Crab Hush Puppies with Curried Honey-Mustard Sauce
Crab Hush Puppies with Curried Honey-Mustard Sauce
Zucchini "Tagliatelle" with Mint, Cucumber, and Lemon
Zucchini "Tagliatelle" with Mint, Cucumber, and Lemon
Grilled Chicken with Edamame Skordalia
Grilled Chicken with Edamame Skordalia
Tomato and Tapenade Tartlets
Tomato and Tapenade Tartlets
Oven Fries with Coriander Seeds
Oven Fries with Coriander Seeds
Caper-Rosemary Tuna with Herb Salad
Caper-Rosemary Tuna with Herb Salad
Mint Hot Fudge Sundaes
Mint Hot Fudge Sundaes
Asian Avocado Salsa
Asian Avocado Salsa
Hazelnut-Crusted Chicken with Raspberry Sauce
Hazelnut-Crusted Chicken with Raspberry Sauce
Lobster and Shrimp Cioppino
Lobster and Shrimp Cioppino
Fresh Corn and Basil Cornbread
Fresh Corn and Basil Cornbread
Nectarine-Raspberry Crisp with Spiced-Oatmeal Crumb Topping
Nectarine-Raspberry Crisp with Spiced-Oatmeal Crumb Topping
Yogurt with Granola, Tropical Fruit, and Crystallized Ginger
Yogurt with Granola, Tropical Fruit, and Crystallized Ginger
Grilled Asian Flank Steak with Sweet Slaw
Grilled Asian Flank Steak with Sweet Slaw
Potato, Greens, and Goat Cheese Quesadillas
Potato, Greens, and Goat Cheese Quesadillas
Tomatillo-Pepita Gazpacho
Tomatillo-Pepita Gazpacho
New Orleans Shrimp, Okra, and Tomato Saute
New Orleans Shrimp, Okra, and Tomato Saute
Texas Caesar Salad
Texas Caesar Salad
Beer-Brined Grilled Pork Chops
Beer-Brined Grilled Pork Chops
S'mores Cheesecake with Summer Berries
S'mores Cheesecake with Summer Berries
Huevos Rancheros with Chipotle Black Bean Sauce and Avocado Salsa
Huevos Rancheros with Chipotle Black Bean Sauce and Avocado Salsa
Tamarind-Glazed Lamb Skewers With Dried-Apricot Relish
Tamarind-Glazed Lamb Skewers With Dried-Apricot Relish
Corn And Crab Chowder
Corn And Crab Chowder
Crispy Bruschetta with Goat Cheese, Tomatoes and Mint
Crispy Bruschetta with Goat Cheese, Tomatoes and Mint
Chicken and Sausage Cacciatore with Grape Tomatoes
Chicken and Sausage Cacciatore with Grape Tomatoes
Raspberry-Yogurt Cake
Raspberry-Yogurt Cake
Negroni Punch
Negroni Punch
Slightly Sweet Dill Refrigerator Pickles
Slightly Sweet Dill Refrigerator Pickles
Chard and Salami Frittata
Chard and Salami Frittata
Fish and Chips with Tarragon-Malt Vinegar Mayonnaise
Fish and Chips with Tarragon-Malt Vinegar Mayonnaise
Orange-Scented Couscous
Orange-Scented Couscous
Layered Salad with Roasted Garlic Dressing
Layered Salad with Roasted Garlic Dressing
Grilled Halibut with Grilled Red Pepper Harissa
Grilled Halibut with Grilled Red Pepper Harissa
Blueberry Pie with Cornmeal Crust and Lemon Cream
Blueberry Pie with Cornmeal Crust and Lemon Cream
Cabbage And Corn Slaw With Cilantro And Orange Dressing
Cabbage And Corn Slaw With Cilantro And Orange Dressing
Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Spinach Tomato Salad
A fresh and modern spin on the classic spaghetti with tomato sauce.
Chocolate-Cinnamon Gelato with Toffee Bits
This creamy gelato is packed with flavor and simpler to make than ice cream.
Grilled Striped Bass With Orange-Saffron Butter
Warm seasoned butter adds a citrusy kick to grilled striped bass.
Chicken, Asparagus, and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This stir-fry doesn't require much preparation and the oyster sauce gives it rich flavor.
Strawberry Shortcakes With Mint And Whipped Cream
Tender, buttery shortcakes are topped with mint-scented strawberries and cream.
Spicy Lime and Herbed Tofu in Lettuce Cups
This Asian tofu dish features a fabulous ginger-lemongrass sauce.
Cornmeal Buttermilk Pancakes
Cornmeal adds a little crunch to this classic breakfast dish.
Orzo, Green Bean, and Fennel Salad with Dill Pesto
Orzo, Green Bean, and Fennel Salad with Dill Pesto
Grits, Cheese, and Onion Soufflés
These versatile souffle's can be served for breakfast or lunch, or as a side dish for dinner.
Grilled Tuna with Provencal Vegetables and Easy Aioli
Grilled Tuna with Provencal Vegetables and Easy Aioli
Black Pepper-Roasted Duck Breasts with Grilled Plums
The intense flavor of grilled plums is delicious with roasted duck in this dinner-party dish.
Roasted Shrimp and Mushrooms with Ginger and Green Onions
Shrimp are roasted with a garlicky ginger-and-herb sauce in this quick and luscious entrée.
Multi-Grain Pasta With Sicilian Salsa Verde, Cabbage, And Haricots Verts
A healthy vegetable pasta dish featuring a satisfying herb, garlic, and anchovy sauce.
Three-Cheese Pizza with Pancetta and Mushrooms
Homemade dough is topped with mushrooms, pancetta, and lots of gooey cheese.
Fresh Salmon Salad With Chickpeas And Tomatoes
This healthful, delicious dish is great served either warm or at room temperature.
Lemon Souffles with Boysenberries
The soufflés can be assembled up to four hours ahead; chill until ready to bake.
Peppered Beef Stroganoff
This is a clever combination of steak au poivre and Stroganoff.
Halibut with Roasted Beets, Beet Greens, and Dill-Orange Gremolata
The whole beet—greens and all—is used in this clever, elegant main. Gremolata—a mixture of chopped herbs, garlic, and citrus peel—is the classic topping for osso buco. This garlic-free variation gives bright, fresh flavor to the halibut.
Asian Chicken Salad with Snap Peas and Bok Choy
This quick main course is a weekday version of the popular Asian chicken salad served in restaurants.
Mom's Meat Loaf
Meatloaf just like you remember it, featuring beef and pork and plenty of ketchup.
Fresh Pea Hummus Crostini with Pea Tendril Garnish
This fresh new take on hummus makes a beautiful spring appetizer.
Arugula and Bacon Quiche
This fresh take on an old favorite pairs peppery arugula with crisp bacon.
Spanish-Style Grilled Vegetables With Breadcrumb Picada
Grilled peppers, eggplant, and zucchini are topped with garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs.
Chipotle Deviled Eggs
The addition of canned chipotle chiles takes eggs to the next level.
Chicken Cheddar Quesadillas with Tomato and Corn Salsa
Hearty enough for dinner, these crispy quesadillas come together in a snap.
Risotto Alla Primavera
Velvety risotto shows off the flavors and textures of young spring produce.
Beer-Brined Grilled Pork Chops
Thick, bone-in chops turn out tender and tasty, thanks to a beer-and-molasses brine.
Crispy Bruschetta with Goat Cheese, Tomatoes and Mint
Goat cheese and mint make for a special springtime version of bruschetta. Serve these on a platter as an appetizer, or offer them alongside salad.
Wok-Seared Sesame Green Beans
Green beans are quickly stir-fried with a versatile Asian-inspired sauce.
Spanish-style Grilled Vegetables With Breadcrumb Picada
Grilled peppers, eggplant, and zucchini are topped with garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs.
Orzo, Feta, and Tomato Salad with Marjoram Vinaigrette
This fresh take on pasta salad makes a nice side dish for grilled fish or lamb.
Lamb Chops with Dried Cherries and Port
Succulent shrimp are paired with a garlicky herb mayonnaise for a stunning party dish.
Dark and White Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Crystallized ginger makes these decadent chocolate-chunk cookies a little different.
Chipotle Deviled Eggs
The addition of canned chipotle chiles takes eggs to the next level.
Chicken Saltimbocca with Lemon Sauce
Saltimbocca, an Italian classic, traditionally calls for veal but tastes just as good with chicken.
Chicken Cheddar Quesadillas with Tomato and Corn Salsa
Hearty enough for dinner, these crispy quesadillas come together in a snap.
Beer-Brined Grilled Pork Chops
Thick, bone-in chops turn out tender and tasty, thanks to a beer-and-molasses brine.

internet and found that there are chocolate samplers that can be purchased that have a variety of chocolates in them. I then came across a site that was advertising different chocolates from several different countries. It was a club to join or give a membership for. Each month the worlds finest chocolates are shipped to the club member. If there is a holiday in the particular month that is featured, however the main reason for the membership is to have a sampling of the different chocolates from around the world. I thought that this would make a great gift for our friends. I liked the idea that they would be getting something each month instead of one large amount at the holiday time. The advertisement for the membership promised eating as well as cooking chocolates would be sent. There would also be an order form as well as a critic form so that you could keep track of which of the worlds finest chocolates were your favorites, and have the chance to order more. I shared the information with my husband and he agreed that this would be a fun gift to give to our friends. My hope is that they will want to share some of the wonderful chocolates that they will be sent.