Bakery Excursion in Columbus

Just because we aren't in France doesn't mean we can't enjoy some delicious pastries.
Earl and I had a day off simultaneously, so after a 7-mile run this morning, we drove down to German Village to Pistacia Vera, a bakery that sometimes seems French.

Earl and I decided to have breakfast, splitting a chocolate croissant and an oranche brioche. Both had terrific flavors, although the bread seemed a little denser than I would have found in France.

I had a mocha to go with my morning bread, and the chocolate in the mocha tasted so rich and dark; it wiped out a lot of the sweetness, but fulfilled me in another way.

We bought a box of pastries to go. A chocolate bombe, which has chocolate mousse under the shell, a creme brulee eclair, that has a hard shell on top, and a traditional eclair for Grace after she comes home from work.
At the last minute, we also ordered a raspberry truffle torte too. No picture of that.
Sometimes, we need to treat ourselves, even though we aren't in France yet.
Good thing I ran 7 miles, cause I've eaten enough calories to make up for it today.
I can't wait to move to France and be close enough to a bakery, a patisserie for French treats that are much less expensive than these.

Awash in Chocolate

Do you think it's possible to have too much chocolate?
I know. That question sounds ridiculous even as I say it, but the chocolate lying around my house gives evidence to the contrary.
My husband bought me chocolates for Valentine's Day and I still have a few left.

Then last week, for no reason except that he's romantic and fabulous, he brought home a small box of chocolates when he walked past the chocolate shop on his way home. 

For my birthday yesterday, he traveled to the Godiva shop to pick up some more delicious chocolates.

 And, of course, what sort of birthday cake would I want? Chocolate!

This chocolate bombe, as it's called, comes from Pistacia Vera in German Village Columbus. It is filled with chocolate mousse and the chocolate outside has a definite French chocolate taste to it. 

Having too much chocolate is quite a dilemma. There are only two ways to fix it -- eat it or share it.

I wish you were all close enough to share... but since you aren't...