Program is choc-full of fun

CHOCOLATIERS of tomorrow got a taste of what their future holds when they took part in a decadent cooking class from Birregurra chocolate-maker Melanie Hall yesterday.The kids' masterclass at South West TAFE was just one of the many mouth-watering activities held to celebrate the second annual Warrnambool Chocolate Week.A group of 36 children aged between six and 10 took part in the chocolate truffle-making and decorating class which was followed by designer chocolate chip cupcake-making for 11 to 15-year-olds.An adult master class will be held at the TAFE today.Ms Hall who hand-makes Diva du Chocolate products and teaches children's cooking classes said it was great to see so many enthusiastic youngsters in the kitchen."This is easy because everybody likes chocolate but I think kids' willingness and openness to try foods starts now," she said."I do a lot of kids' cooking classes and at the start of class you have kids say they don't eat this and don't eat that but by the time they've cooked it they don't mind having a taste."Hopefully this encourages a sense of adventure in the kids about food and trying something new."Keen to get in on the truffle-making was nine-year-old sweet tooth Kiara Atkinson of Allansford."I came to have fun and learn how to make chocolate," she said.Entry to the classes was by gold coin donation which will be put towards promoting the use of fair trade cocoa beans in chocolate.Next week South West TAFE will host an adults' short course on entertaining with chocolate, with bookings to be made through the TAFE.For those who aren't as keen to get hands-on but still want to indulge, a range of cafes, restaurants, hotels and retail outlets has put on some delicious treats to celebrate chocolate week.From chocolate cocktails to chocolate dessert buffets, hot chocolate to chocolate hunts and even chocolate-dipped cheese ?? there is bound to be something to tempt everyone from children to the most seasoned chocolate connoisseur.Cheese World's Julie Carney said many people who attended the hourly tastings were intrigued by the seemingly unusual combination of chocolate and cheese."They are just cubes of cheese in chocolate. It's actually quite nice," she said. The event is an initiative of the Warrnambool Tourism Association ."It's been fabulous to see so many businesses and people taking part," co-ordinator Jane McDonald said.For more information about events and outlets participating in Warrnambool Chocolate Week, pick up a brochure at The Standard office or go to VisitWarrnambool.com for a full list of details.