CELEBRATE CHOCOLATE

AH, CHOCOLATE! THE TASTIEST TREE TREAT

The Morton Arboretum Celebrates Chocolate; New, Vegan Chocolate Option

LISLE, IL (January 19, 2011) – It’s the ultimate kid-pleaser: pizza made out of chocolate.

In the “Kids’ Chocolate Pizza-Making Party,” children take chocolate “dough,” cover it with red sprinkles for “sauce,” add white chocolate “cheese,” and top it off with chocolate “pepperoni,” gummy bears and more, and take it all home in a colorful pizza box.

The party is just one of the exciting activities in “Celebrating Chocolate,” occurring through February at The Morton Arboretum (full schedule of events below). The month features chocolate sampling for all ages, chocolate and beer pairings for adults, truffle making classes, a chocolate-themed Valentine’s Day brunch, an expo of hard-to-find chocolate-infused lotions and other items that make perfect gifts for any time of year, and especially on Valentine’s Day, and a chocolate exhibit that traces the history and production of this sweet treat.

“We’re actually celebrating trees and the many products and benefits they give us – like chocolate,” says Marilyn Baysek, Arboretum Special Events Manager.

The celebration kicks off with the “Chocolate Expo,” where visitors can sample truffles, pralines, or a chocolate sauce with Grand Marinier liqueur that can be drizzled on cake, ice cream or brownies. There will be chocolates that contain unusual ingredients, such as chili powder. One chocolatier traveled all the way to Belgium to get his chocolate, which he melts onto waffles and lets visitors try the creation.

New at the Arboretum this year: samples of vegan chocolate: made without egg, cream, or butter products, and which contain beet sugar.

To wash down these mouth-watering delights, how about some beer? In "Bring Out The Best In Each Other: Beer and Chocolate Tastings," Two Brother's Brewing Company of Warrenville teams up with Graham's Fine Chocolate of Geneva and The Olive Tap of Downers Grove for a rare culinary delight. Adults find out how different kinds of beer – from ale to stout – complement chocolate-infused foods such as chili, salads, paninis, and more.

The family chef won’t want to miss “Truffle Making Workshop.” Participants will design, melt, chill, scoop, and roll truffles. Each attendee will leave with a dozen tasty truffle samples. Open to anyone age 16 and up.

Chocolate works its special magic in a romantic “Valentine’s Day Brunch.” Listen to live music and sip champagne as you dine on exquisite, chocolate-accented dishes.

Prior to brunch, pick up Valentine’s Day gifts that say “I love you” in a special way. There’s everything from chocolate-scented lotions, soaps, and candles. There are also chocolate cookbooks, sipping chocolate, and much more, in the Arboretum Store.

The “Chocolate Exhibit” highlights the growing, harvesting, and production process of chocolate and its relationship to trees.

CELEBRATING CHOCOLATE: SCHEDULE AND PRICES
(All except truffle workshop occur in Visitor Center area)

• Chocolate Expo: February 5-6, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (free with Arboretum admission)

• Truffle Making Workshop: February 12, sessions at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. $25/person. Held at Thornhill Education Center

• Valentine’s Day Brunch: February 13, seatings at 9:30 a.m., noon, and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $30-$42, plus taxes and fees.

• Kids’ Pizza Making Party: February 20: sessions at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. $15/person

• Beer and Chocolate Tastings: Event is February 27 from 3 – 5 p.m. $30/person

• Arboretum Store chocolate items: daily in February, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cost per item

• Chocolate Exhibit: daily in February: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

To register for classes or events, or to make reservations for brunch, visit www.mortonarb.org/chocolate or call 630-725-2066. Arboretum members receive price discounts.

Unless otherwise specified, all Arboretum events and destinations including the Children’s Garden are free with Arboretum admission. The 2011 rates are:

$11/adult, ($7 on Wednesday), ages 18-64
$10/senior, ($6 on Wednesday), ages 65 and over
$8/child ($5 on Wednesday), ages 2-17
Under age 2 is free
Parking is free

The Morton Arboretum is a world-renowned leader in tree science and education, working to save and plant trees. The 1,700-acre outdoor museum features magnificent collections of 4,117 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. The Arboretum's beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, research and education programs, and year-round family activities support its mission – the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Conveniently located at I-88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. Central Time until sunset. The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March through October, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., November through February. Visit Press Room at www.mortonarb.org, call to learn more.

Media Contacts: Gina Tedesco, (office) 630-725-2103, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Allison Phelps, (office) 630-719-5768, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it