Blake Makes recently gave away free samples of a new type of chocolate. This chocolate is crafted by a company called TCHO. TCHO bills themselves as a “startup premium chocolate manufacturing and sales company.” Their website has a very young and high tech appeal to it and they come off sounding very much like the Gary Vaynechuk of chocolate. I appreciate the enthusiasm. I guess the founders better get themselves a Twitter account and join the color wars.

The chocolate that I tried is described as being in a “Beta” stage. This means that they’re still working on the recipe and are hoping for some constructive feedback from people who have tried the current batch. When I ate the chocolate I felt like it had a really great texture, but it was just a tad too bitter for me. That didn’t exactly stop me from eating it though. It was gone before the first commercial break of New Amsterdam. Don’t raise your eyebrows! It’s a good show and I worked out first. Anyway, I’ve been craving chocolate chip cookies all week and I think the TCHO chocolate would be great chopped up and used in the batter. So if anyone (hint hint) wants to send me any more chocolate I’d be happy to test that theory.

My girlfriend and idol, Nigella Lawson, is back on the Food Network with all new episodes. Nigella Express begins airing this Sunday, October 7 at 10:30 AM. I can’t wait to see what she’s cooking up this time. Apparently everyone’s favorite Domestic Goddess plans to wow us with quick and easy recipes that require very little effort. Since I’m working full time again while going to grad school I’m all over that sentiment. I just hope she still raids the fridge at the end of every episode in her nightgown. Who doesn’t love a little kitsch in their kitchen?!

Poor Gary Vaynerchuk, the New York Jets are breaking his heart, but he’s still there for his wine fans. Check out this great podcast where Gary gives the run down on some wines that pair well with Pizza.

Bread making is my achilles heel. It intimidates me horribly and nine times out of ten I’d rather just serve my guests loaves from the bakery, but October 17 is World Bread Day so if there’s one day this year that you and I should give in and play with flour and knead our little hearts out it should probably be then. In addition, this site is collecting entries to make a round-up of your best efforts.

Obviously pink is one of my favorite colors. Although, I did get a little offended when a co-worker of Chris’s declared that my food blog looks like the “OMG Ponies” April Fools joke that Slashdot played last year. Needless to say I may be rethinking my stance on pink very soon, but at the very least it’s appropriate for October since this is Breast Cancer Awareness month. In honor of this Couture Cupcakes is hosting a pink dish competition complete with a tasty themed prize. All entries are due by October 15 so get your favorite pink recipes ready.

I just watched Gary Vaynerchuk’s appearance on Conan and it was hilarious. This man just might be the David Beckham of wine. If you’re looking for a hearty laugh where you may actually learn something than definitely check out this segment. In addition, as I mentioned previously his video blog located at Wine Library TV should be added to your rss reader immediately. By the way, if you somehow manage to work up the courage to munch on an asparagus wrapped sock please keep it to yourself.

I’ve been a member of Cork’d since it opened last year, but I honestly really didn’t use it very much. However, since my attempts at keeping a paper wine journal have been woefully unsuccessful at best, I’m determined to utilize the Cork’d website to keep track of wines I’ve tried. As an extra bonus there is a ton of buzz surrounding Cork’d this week as it was acquired by Wine Library TV and the absolutely adorable Gary Vaynerchuk. I watched one of Gary’s wine podcasts today for the first time and I thought it was hilarious, approachable, and extremely instructive. I’m super excited to watch more and of course I’m always up for a great bottle of wine.