The  decadent looking picture above was made by Brownies from Heaven, they are delectable truffle brownies and they are just as yummy as they look! Bonnie Brasure  is the Chef/owner of this lovely shop, check out their website www.browniesfromheaven.com .  Chocolate Fest had so many wonderful treats, and not all of the goodies were Chocolate.

The picture above is this fabulously decadent face mask by “Muddy H2O” www.muddyh2oetc.com .  Use their masks to support your skins natural youthfulness There are (5) unique masks – one for every skin type.  The one I chose to purchase was the chocolate mask of course.  The main ingredient is organic cocoa powder. Each mask comes with a packet of the cocoa powder, honey and a cute little brush with instructions on how to apply.  Treat yourself and your girls to a night of chocolate and pampering before your big day.  All Muddy H2O masks are easy to cutomize using fresh ingredients such as honey, milk or essential oils.

There were so many beautiful truffle displays, almost too pretty to eat, “but”, I did it with ease.   One of the vendors that stuck out from the rest was  Cocoa Velvet www.cocoavelvetchocolates.com. They are located several places here in Portland. To order go to there website or call them (971)-235-2045.  A way to celebrate or just have a unique party in your home is to have Cocoa Velvet throw a tasting class. They will make great wedding favors for you by putting together two piece chocolate truffle gifts your guests. They can box or bag them in your wedding colors.

Here in the Northwest 99.9% of us LOVE coffee, we are, after-all home to Stumptown Coffee, and if you happen to be one that doesn’t much care for coffee, go to Stumptown, your life will be changed! – Speaking of change, I sampled something incredible at Chocolate Fest. It wasn’t coffee, or hot chocolate its called CHOFFY. It is brewed chocolate! And for most, that is saying enough. Its not what you think, its not sweet, nor acidic, like coffee is. There is no caffeine and yet it provides a natural energy without giving you the jitters, like coffee sometimes can. I think it would be a perfect smooth alternative to serve. It is 100% organic cacao beans, roasted and ground for a rich, full-flavored drink. CHOFFY is naturally loaded with antioxidants and a taste that will make you wonder how you ever did without it!  CHOFFY won best organic product at the Portland Chocolate fest, well deserved, such a spectacular beverage! To order CHOFFY contact your local independent distributor: www.drinkchoffy.com

One of the most artistic tables there was set up by Sterling Truffle Bar. Their motto is “Expect Something Extraordinary” I definitely agree! From the moment you first taste the Sterling Truffle Bar, you do experience something extraordinary. Its triangular shape. The vibrant colors. Its contemporary designs. And most importantly, anticipating how the spectacular  flavors will come together. Example’ White Chocolate Raspberry peppermint or how about Banana Honey Caramel (my favorite,dangerously delicious!) or Pineapple Ginger Macadamia Nut??? Is your mouth watering yet? That is just a few of their interesting combination. Theses bars were not only super yummy, they are lovely little pieces of art! www.sterlingconfections.com

Looking for some yummy treats for your honey for Valentines?? Check out Sipping dreams and order online before February 10th and receive 10% off your purchase when you purchase $20 or more. Enter in code; sipdrms. 2% of proceeds supports FOOD for Lane County. www.sippingdreams.com

I think one of the neatest ideas is hiring Flavour Pals Personal Chef Services to come and cook for you and your family, especially for the busy families who want to take a break, but don’t feel like going out and braving a crowd of people.  Romance someone with dinner for VALENTINES DAY. Contact them chef@flavorpals.com or check out their website at www. Flavourpals.com

Above is a picture of  all the treats I purchased. The colorful soaps are from Soap Lady Oregon www.soap-lady.com I bought a natural shampoo sample pack, consisting of six (6) bars; coconut shampoo, Green Apple Shampoo, Charcoal Shampoo, Rose Shampoo, Tea-tree Shampoo and Sweet Orange Shampoo, all of them smell so wonderful and what a perfect gift to give to your bridesmaids or give to someone for a treat on their birthday.

Second purchase more soaps, some tea and peppermint oil from  Seely Family Farm, they are from Clatskanie, Oregon they specialize in producing these lovely peppermint & spearmint teas, oils and organic soaps. Mike had such a great deal going – buy (3) for $11 ! I picked (2) peppermint Shea Butter soap bars and (1) spearmint Olive Oil Soap. The soaps are amazing, so creamy and aromatic. Knowing that they are organic, NATURAL soaps makes it all the better! Seely Family Farm doesn’t  have a website. But I found this great article about the family and how hard they all work to bring their wonderful product to the rest of us! Read it HERE. If you have questions for them, like where to purchase their products send them an email; mintfarm@clatskanie.com

The above photo is the yummiest most interesting truffle we sampled! Ladybug Chocolates created this wonderful confection! If you are in the neighborhood, stop by for a treat, they are located on NW 1st ave in Canby, Oregon. Check out their adorable website www.ladybugchocolates.com! Ladybug Chocolates took Best Confection, Most Innovative Ingredient, and Overall Best in Show at Chocolate Fest 2010!! They deserve it! Congratulations!!

I hope you enjoyed the eye- CANDY!  xoxo