Charlottesville365: Chocolate at Monticello

Chocolate at the Jefferson

We all know Thomas Jefferson was a man of many trades – Founding Father, American president, inventor, writer, lawyer are just a few that come to mind. If you didn’t already admire Jefferson’s impressive and versatile array of accomplishments, perhaps you can appreciate this one: chocolate enthusiast.

In a letter to John Adams, Jefferson emphasized the importance of chocolate: “By getting it good in quality, and cheap in price, the superiority of the article both for health and nourishment will soon give it the same preference over tea and coffee in America….” Ah, a man after my own heart. 

I want to extend an invitation to all my fellow chocolate-lovers out there for a delectable event, Taste: Chocolate at Monticello. First, learn a bit about how hot chocolate was prepared in Jefferson’s home by grinding cacao beans and adding sugar and spices for a variety of flavors. After the demonstration, you will be invited to taste American Heritage Chocolate! Next, local chef Harrison Keevil of Charlottesville’s Brookville Restaurant will make a chocolate dessert using American Heritage Chocolate. Chocolate recipes will be available for you to try at home. Finally, winemaker and Director of Gardens and Grounds Gabriele Rausse will teach you about wine and chocolate pairing as you sample three different chocolates with three local Virginia wines. Leave with an American Heritage Chocolate recipe for chocolate wine, a great gift idea for Valentine’s Day!

Taste: Chocolate at Monticello

When: Saturday, February 2, 2013, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Where: Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center

Price: $49 per person (cost includes a guided house tour of Monticello – don’t forget to make reservations! Buy tickets HERE)