Chocolate Company Kicks Off Contest With Celebrity Chef Dessert Showcase
By Yvo Sin
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Talk about your just desserts.
While Scharffen Berger's Upper West Side location has long since closed, the chocolate makers are maintaining their relevance on the sweets scene.
The group recently held a launch party to kick off their annual chocolate recipe contest. Contestants have until January 2, 2012 to "Elevate a Classic Dessert" with Scharffen Berger chocolate - for a hefty reward of $10,000.
Participants are encouraged to take a classic recipe - perhaps one they've been making since they were a child and learned at their grandmother's knee - and make it extra special, with only their imagination limiting them.
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The event, held at the International Culinary Center on Broadway, featured several celebrity chefs.
Elizabeth Falkner, of Orson, Citizen Cake and Top Chef: Just Desserts fame, was in attendance to show off her elevated classic. It's an ice cream sundae that she created with Scharffen Berger chocolate gelato, chocolate sauce, cake and marshmallow cream - all made from scratch - topped with Scharffen Berger roasted cacao nibs and chocolate curls.
Not to be outdone, the other celebrity chef in attendance, Johnny Iuzzini, the Executive Pastry Chef at 3-Michelin-starred Jean Georges, wowed the crowd with his twist on the classic chocolate pudding, layering passion fruit gelée, devil's food cake, chocolate crumble, chocolate crème fraîche, chocolate pudding - all made with Scharffen Berger, of course - and topped with roasted cacao nibs, freeze dried raspberries, fresh raspberries, and fresh passion fruit seeds.
In addition to the cash, winners of this contest will receive a Scharffen Berger goodie package valued at $250.
Think you got what it takes?
For full contest rules, prize details and to enter, visit the Scharffen Berger website.
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Yvo Sin is the founder and head writer of The Feisty Foodie.
