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I had no idea that it wasn't called a party store everywhere---but then where I've lived outside of the Detroit area there really aren't that many independents. I think the difference is that in Michigan you can pretty much sell beer, liquor, chips whatever you need for a basic low-end party---but as a kid the candy aisles could not be beat. The liquor laws in other states I've been tend to limit stores mostly to liquor and not food so you don't really get party stores per se.

i enjoyed this season. as i see it, the name is 'top chef'. so really isnt it the whole package. the best food, the best host, the best 'can do' whatever is put before them....... as so many my feelings, opinions...how the chefs conducted themselves sure made me pick and choose. but as the final days are here. and having the top four..BOY. I WISH I COULD TASTE WHAT IS BEING SERVED!!! i do hope the most deserving wins. (but i do have my fav's and i do love the judges)

this chocolate hazelnut thing at the suisse chalet restaurant in aruba

When I was in high school my Mom worked in the cafeteria and her best freind was the baker. She made the BEST brownies I've ever had. My Mom got the recipe and I still make them for my son today. They're still the best brownies I've ever had.

bittersweet mocha custard

Hot chocolate in Italy was the greatest chocolate experience of my life, followed by a basic, fudgy chocolate gateaux with fresh cream poured over it.

My mother-in-laws fudge -- wow!

standing in the kitchen, age 8, licking brownie batter off my fingers from the ancient metal saucepan my mom always mixed them in. she had just showed me how to make them, and i was anticipating 30 minutes of cooking time agony before i could taste them.

it was almost as good as the finished brownies- dark, rich, gooey and addictive. that was over 20 years ago, and i've been making them ever since.

Chocolate Mousse

I have celiac disease and must follow a strict gluten free diet. When dining out desserts are the biggest challenge and often means having coffee and dessert at home. I recently went to a restaurant for a family celebration and much to my surprise the dessert menu listed a flourless chocolate brownie AND the menu clearly declared the gluten free status of each component! I checked with the wait staff and after a few questions, I was satisfied that they followed all the "rules'.

When the dessert arrived, I was more than pleasantly surprised. The warm rich chocolate brownie was topped with freshly whipped cream and a warm raspberry reduction syrup; with the first bite I was "lost". It was a soul satisfying indulgence.

My best friend and I decided to make a homemade Chocolate Lava Cake recipe and the results were outstanding.

Just made flourless chocolate cake similar to David Lebovitz's recipe mentioned above...it was heavenly! Perfect for V-day or everyday...