Glendale historic district chocolate festival

Cupcakes, with chocolate, red velvet, and vanilla cake, covered in various types of frostings.  Cupcakes were baked in the 19th century, often in pottery cups, resulting in their name. Many of them were muffin like, and some were created from cake, with or without icing.  Cupcakes have evolved into many different types of variants, from gourmet cupcakes, to iced cake on a stick, shaped into balls.Chocolate covered strawberries, with milk, dark, and white chocolate, and various coatings.  Chocolate strawberries have often been associated with “romance”, and were rumored to have been invented in the 1960’s.  For a strawberry covered in a lighter chocolate, a light wine is recommended.  For a stronger chocolate, a full-bodied wine will compliment the taste.  A milk chocolate strawberry with champagne is always a succulent treat!Cream puff kabobs, covered or swirled in chocolate and skewered on a stick.  The kabob (kebob) was thought to have originated with Persian medieval soldiers, who roasted their dinner over a fire on their sword.  The kebob has now evolved into breakfast, lunch, and dinner skewers, as well as dessert!View the list »
Chocolate, and candy apples, plain, with nuts, or candy sprinkles.  The candy apple was invented in Newark by a candy shop owner, reportedly in 1908.  An apple was dipped in red cinnamon candy, and sold during Christmas as a festive treat.  Candy apples grew in popularity, and are now sold covered in various types of candy and coatings.

Places & Faces newsletter

Once again, the Glendale Historic District held its mouthwatering, eye-catching, Glendale Chocolate Affaire, a bonanza of delectable chocolates, and beautifully hand-crafted items. The waft of melted chocolate covering a myriad of confections was quite evident as hundreds of people walked among the crisp, white tents filled with all types of treats. A rich collection of unique and creative gifts were also available, from carved, wood roses, to glittering crystal jewelry. If someone was looking for a Valentine’s Day present, the festival was the perfect place.

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For an even more fun filled time, music and a wine garden were available, along with rides and an opportunity to make chocolate pizza for the kids. This Examiner took advantage of the “kid” in her, and made a sticky, gooey pizza with little candy pieces, candy kisses, and a swirl of icing, all on top of a yummy chocolate “crust”. Cerreta’s, a candy factory in downtown Glendale, had tours available so one could see how chocolate is formed into different candy pieces.

The event is held annually, and attracts people from all walks of life. From a fun filled day with the family to a romantic evening for two, the festival provides an ambiance for everyone. For a list of vendors, visit the City of Glendale site, as many of these chocolate treats can be purchased outside of the festival. If you missed it this year, plan on going in 2014. It’s well worth it.

View the list
  • Chocolate, and candy apples, plain, with nuts, or candy sprinkles.  The candy apple was invented in Newark by a candy shop owner, reportedly in 1908.  An apple was dipped in red cinnamon candy, and sold during Christmas as a festive treat.  Candy apples grew in popularity, and are now sold covered in various types of candy and coatings.
  • Cream puff kabobs, covered or swirled in chocolate and skewered on a stick.  The kabob (kebob) was thought to have originated with Persian medieval soldiers, who roasted their dinner over a fire on their sword.  The kebob has now evolved into breakfast, lunch, and dinner skewers, as well as dessert!
  • Chocolate covered strawberries, with milk, dark, and white chocolate, and various coatings.  Chocolate strawberries have often been associated with “romance”, and were rumored to have been invented in the 1960’s.  For a strawberry covered in a lighter chocolate, a light wine is recommended.  For a stronger chocolate, a full-bodied wine will compliment the taste.  A milk chocolate strawberry with champagne is always a succulent treat!
  • Cupcakes, with chocolate, red velvet, and vanilla cake, covered in various types of frostings.  Cupcakes were baked in the 19th century, often in pottery cups, resulting in their name. Many of them were muffin like, and some were created from cake, with or without icing.  Cupcakes have evolved into many different types of variants, from gourmet cupcakes, to iced cake on a stick, shaped into balls.
  • Made to order chocolate covered bananas, cheesecake, rice crispies, marshmallows, and cream puffs.  Many items can be made into dippers.  Some dippers that were included at the festival were bacon, strawberries, apples, graham crackers, and candy bars.  Potato chips, peanuts, various fruit pieces, and pretzels are also some popular dippers.
  • Hand carved wooden roses.  A flower that never fades, these hand carved roses came in many colors.  A following of man-made flowers has developed over the years, as their elegance and ability to withstand time is tried and true.  Wood roses can grace any table in any setting, and their beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
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, Phoenix Landmarks & Historic Districts Examiner

Val Wilson, an avid fan of historical architecture, lives in a former 1950's retirement community. By day, she teaches English and the dramatic arts. By night, she writes a newsletter for the PCA, an organization that researches and preserves pioneer cemeteries. In her spare time, she haunts...

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