Tuesday 19 May 2009

when only chocolate will do...

Y'know, we were promised a hot summer. Really. The Meteorological Office said so.

And I quote:

"The coming summer is 'odds on for a barbecue summer', according to long-range forecasts. Summer temperatures across the UK are likely to be warmer than average and rainfall near or below average for the three months of summer.... Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, Ewen McCallum, said: "After two disappointingly-wet summers, the signs are much more promising this year. We can expect times when temperatures will be above 30 °C, something we hardly saw at all last year."

Which would be why, outside my window, it's throwing it down with rain and blowing an absolute gale. I'm not exactly sitting here in my bikini, either.

Pah.

So - what to do?

Chocolate. A big whopper of a cup of the hot liquid stuff. That'll do for now. Preferably this one:


Deal hot chocolate


I had this during my trip to Deal, on the Kent coast. It was, simply, the best cup of hot chocolate or cocoa I've ever tasted. Fabulous, wonderful, lovely, unctuous stuff.

And served at one of the loveliest chocolate shops I've ever been to - Sara's Chocolates, on Middle Street. It's cute, quaint, quirky and homely all in one. And run by the bundle of gregarious energy, Sara herself, who will happily tell you all you want to know, and more, about chocolate.

sara's chocolates exterior


If you're ever down that way, do pop in. It'll be good for your soul and your sanity, though not necessarily for your waistline or arteries. But when chocolate is this good, who the hell cares?


sara's chocolates counter

12 comments:

Finla said...

Wish i had that chocolate drink sounds so so delicous.
Here too it is bad weather and I am really hopping that we have a hot summer this year too.

Manggy said...

Who indeed? (It is, however, extremely hot where I am!) Anyway, nobody said you couldn't wear a bikini in a thunderstorm :) (or maybe someone did, I lose track :)

Pia K said...

In my not so humble opinion there are two "professions" that are completely untrustworthy - politicians and meterologists. I'm sure they went to the same school of untrustworthy and devious behaviour.

And just so you know, the best cocoa ever is had at Chokladfabriken (Chocolate Factory) in Stockholm. That said, I could probably totally love this chcolate shop too, it looks right up the Pia-alley!

The Caked Crusader said...

I could LIVE in that sort of shop!

Kate - Aapplemint said...

gr8 ! now i'm craving some hot chocolate :p, inspite of the crazy heat !!! think i'll blast my air con n have some :P

aforkfulofspaghetti said...

Happy cook - it was particularly gorgeous. Hope you get your good summer, too!

Mark - maybe I need to join you. Not in my bikini, obvy

Pia - am looking forward to visiting Chokladfabriken when I'm next in Stockholm. It looks wonderful.

Cakey - you and me both!

Kate - hot choc in hot weather works, I promise you!

Cookie baker Lynn said...

What a delightful shop! I wish I could go get a cup of hot chocolate there to help me forget the blatting rain outside. We, too, are looking hopefully for signs of summer.

Maggie said...

I think that shop could brighten up the most dreary of days. The chocolate drink looks wonderful.

Nic said...

Mmmm... chocolate makes everything all better!

♥Rosie♥ said...

Oh what'd give for that choccie drink right now! Looks delish..

helen said...

this place is my addiction, a million treats and its glorious owner(s) who make you grin from ear to ear and back again! its worth a trip of any length!

Food Handlers Permit said...

I love hot chocolate drink in a cold wintery season perfect while in your couch with a blanket on and staring at the fire wood burning in the furnace.