We are walking on tiptoes and covering our mouths when giggling. The kids are finally asleep. The slight snoring coming out of their room is the signal we've been waiting for.
The w@ne bottle is open releasing the fragrant aroma of grapes from faraway Italy. A slice of Merlot cheese and black grapes are introduced. A slight pop and swish and the bar of Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate is unraveled from it's packaging.
This is a rare occasion and we are trying to indulge in it as much as we can.
A little fancy in everyday busy.
Eight o' clock is my everyday goal for our the kids' bedtime. A goal that not everyday I manage to achieve. They might be in their beds by then, lights off, nightlight on, fan on, all 23 plush toys hugged and snugged next to them. And sometimes they go right to sleep. But more often than not, the marathon of I-need-some-water, can-you-fix-my-cover, I-don't-want-this-toy, starts.
What I'm saying is, for the past few years the evenings for my Hubby and I consist of indulging.... in silence. That's also our chance to clean up, catch up and get things ready for the next day.
My Hubby and I decided it would be the perfect excuse to try and get some of our couple time back.
It was a double win for me since I proudly call myself a Chocoholic. My Hubby will always take salty or spicy over sweet. So, while I would be totally happy with just chocolate, he was all for the idea of mixing the flavors and pairing the chocolate with food and w@ne.
The all-time favorite pairing of chocolate and red w@ne was much appreciated by both of us. First, you take a sip of your w@ne and let it rest on your tongue while you inhale. This opens up your taste buds for the next flavors.
Swallow the w@ne and take a bite of chocolate, like Ghirardelli's Intense Dark Cabernet Matinee. Let it slowly melt in your mouth.
That's the full experience.
Try to combine the Intense Dark Sea Salt Soiree chocolate with Merlot cheese. An unexpectedly good balance of deep richness of chocolate with saltiness from cheese and a crunch of sea salt, followed by the hint of w@ne.
Thank you, Ghirardelli, for giving these two busy parents a chance to create a romantic event and encouraging us to make it a monthly tradition. Because even though I love to bake and every special occasion gives me an excuse to create something decadent, this time we wanted an easy to reach, but indulgent and satisfying treat.
Sometimes a little square of chocolate is so much more rewarding than a big slice of cake.
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says
Awesome! I too go through the marathons of water, I heard a noise, Wheres my other pj's? Until they finally drift off..problem is I'm not far behind them lol!
Danielle says
Hi Anna, this post is amazing! What a wonderful pairing of wine, chocolate, and cheese. Is there anything better? I don't think so : ) What a perfect date night for you and your hubby! If I could ever get my son to bed at eight o'clock I will try this. I might have to make it nine... Either way, looks delicious!
CrunchyCreamySw says
I am happy if our kiddos are asleep by 9! 🙂 Thank you, Danielle!
Anna @ Hidden Ponies says
Oh, I'm jealous...dark chocolate and red wine are the perfect pairing for my husband and I too. Unplugged date nights don't happen often enough, thanks for the reminder to keep it up!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Thank you, Anna! xoxo
Jen Laceda says
I like to pair my chocolate with...a little silence! No kids, no husband...just me and my blanket 🙂
CrunchyCreamySw says
lol Thanks, Jen 🙂
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
Perfect date night getaway!! Chocolates and wine, cannot get better than this 😉
CrunchyCreamySw says
Exactly 🙂 Thank you, Kiran!
Lizzy Do says
Anna, what a fun evening for the two of you. My youngest (19) is home for fall break and I heard him turn on the house alarm at 2:30 AM!!! My how things change! Enjoy the peace of the late evenings while it lasts 🙂
CrunchyCreamySw says
Ooohh, I am not looking forward to this!! lol Thanks, Lizzy! xoxo
The Café Sucré Farine says
Such a sweet post Anna and you've got me craving chocolate and the the rest of your lovely fixings too! I remember so well having to be very creative in order to find time for each other when the kids were small. Keep this up - it will pay off one day when they walk out the door and you still have a relationship. I know it sounds like a clique, but it happens way sooner than you will ever dream! 🙂
CrunchyCreamySw says
I think you are absolutely right, Chris. Thank you so much for your sweet comment! xoxo
Tiffany/MyCrowdedKitchen says
Anna, this is such a beautiful post, with beautiful pictures as always. So glad the two of you got to spend time together. Hugs!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Aww, thanks, Tiffany! xoxo
Anne@FromMySweetHeart says
Anna....so glad you found some quiet and alone time! Your cheese and chocolate board looks fabulous....and even lovelier when you open a beautiful bottle of red! What do I like to pair chocolate with? Another piece of chocolate! : )
CrunchyCreamySw says
It was so fun! We already decided we want to make it a monthly event. Thank you so much, sweet Anne! xoxo
Baking Serendipity says
Chocolate and wine nights are my favorite 🙂
CrunchyCreamySw says
Thanks, Sarah!
Lisa {Sweet 2 Eat Baking} says
What a fantastic evening for the both of you, the chocolate does look incredibly rich yet creamy and some incrediblle flavours too! The addition of the wine looks and sounds amazing too.
I've learnt from experience [3 kids] that time alone with the partner is always special and treasured after having kiddos. Enjoy!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Thank you so much, Lisa! I am so glad you enjoyed my post! xoxo
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe says
How lovely! I love eating chocolate with wine, but even moreso, I love eating sharp cheeses. So delicious!
CrunchyCreamySw says
I highly recommend pairing Ghirardelli with cheese. The Merlot one we had was perfect for this event. Thank you, Amanda!! xoxo
curryandcomfort says
First of all congratulations for getting picked for this Tastemaker program event!! You did a great job! Your pictures and evening sound so romantic and elegant. I don't drink wine... so I would just eat ALL the chocolate. 🙂
CrunchyCreamySw says
It's so exciting to be a part of this campaign - we are talking about chocolate here! 🙂 I'm so glad you enjoyed my post, Ramona! Thank you so much!! xoxo
Lyn says
This sounds lovely. As a mom and a chocolate lover myself, I can totally appreciate an evening like this!
CrunchyCreamySw says
So happy to have you here, Lyn! Thank you!!
Terry says
Sounds like a wonderful evening!
CrunchyCreamySw says
Thank you so much, sweet Terry!
the wicked noodle says
Girl, you have set the bar high!! I was lucky enough to have a Ghiradelli night, too, and I'm going to have to work might hard to keep up with your wonderful post. I'm so happy you guys had such a nice time! I can totally relate to not having enough couple time and this sounds like a great excuse to change that! xoxoxo
CrunchyCreamySw says
Yay! I am so happy you like my post, Kristy! Can't wait to read yours! xoxo