Chocolate Making Returns to Historical Society

The Wilton Historical Society is again offering two popular, chocolate-making workshops, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Both workshops will be held on Thursday, Feb. 11. The workshop for children in grades K–8 is perfect for kids who are having a winter break “staycation” over Presidents’ Day weekend, and will be held from 3-4 p.m.. Later in the evening, “Sweets for Sweethearts,” an artisanal workshop for adults, will be held from 7-8 p.m..

Workshop for Kids

While our colonial forefathers had to make do with a rather gritty version of our beloved hot chocolate, and no chocolate candies (they were not common until the mid-1800’s), program participants will make something extra nice for their valentines — delicious, professional-looking chocolates and an origami-style box to put them in.

The fun and easy, one-hour session will make use of an extensive collection of small, charming chocolate molds.  Hearts, a multitude of animals, and stars are just some of the shapes that will be on hand.

Registration is required and space is limited. Attendees can register by email or call 203.762.7257. There is a materials fee of $5 per members’ child, $10 per each non-members’ child. Please note:  This is not a drop-off program.

“Sweets for Sweethearts” for Adults

Wine and chocolate is a delightful combination. Those who gather at the Wilton Historical Society on Thursday, Feb. 11 will have an opportunity to try their hand at making molded chocolates for Valentine’s Day. The evening will be even more enjoyable as wine and other beverages will be served.

Beautiful, professional-looking molded chocolates will be made from an artisanal chocolate of very high quality and worthy of being savored by discerning sweethearts. It will make a lovely gift for that special someone. A variety of mold shapes, including hearts and flowers, will be used.

Registration is required and space is limited. Please register by email or call 203.762.7257 to reserve your place. The fee is $20 for members, $25 for non-members.

Wilton Historical Society, 224 Danbury Road/Rt 7, Wilton CT  06897 www.wiltonhistorical.org

Historical Chocolate Facts:  The American colonists were quick to begin making chocolate. The first factory was opened by James Baker and John Hannon in 1765 at a water-powered mill on the Neponset River near Boston. Their product, Baker’s Chocolate, was a hard cake of chocolate and sugar which the colonists ground up and frothed with boiling water. It was a luxury, and in hardscrabble colonial Wilton, the Betts Store may not have stocked it at all. Coffee and tea houses sold hot chocolate. During the Revolutionary War it was considered a patriotic drink as it was made locally and not taxed by the Crown. Chocolate was believed to have medicinal, nutritional (and aphrodisiac) properties, and was so valued that it was included in soldiers’ rations and used in lieu of wages.

Over time, chocolate making processes improved dramatically. Chocolate bars for eating were developed in the 1840s, and with the advent of the Industrial Revolution, became widely available.  The first heart-shaped candy box for Valentine’s Day was created in 1861, and milk chocolate was invented in 1875.

Historical Society Offers Perfect Valentine’s Day Date Night:  LoveNotes Readings

Looking for something intriguing and unusual to do on Valentine’s Day? Something that is short, sweet and full of affection? Love is in the air at the Wilton Historical Society on Valentine’s Day, Sunday, Feb. 14, from 4–5:30 p.m.. Fairfield County’s popular lunchtime theatre group, “Play With Your Food” (JIB Productions) will perform LoveNotes, a selection of amusing and romantic short stories and plays focused on love, in all its glory and complications!

Professional actors will bring irresistible gems by Mark Twain, Dorothy Parker, Anton Chekhov, Paul Rudnick, Laurie Colwin and more to life in this heartfelt and humorous performance. Readings will be followed by prosecco, chocolate madeleines and strawberries with the cast.

Tickets are $25 for members of the Wilton Historical Society, $30 for non-members. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Wilton Historical Society’s website.  For more information, call 203.762.7257.

The Wilton Historical Society is located at 224 Danbury Rd./Rt. 7.