Party Idea: A Chocktail Party

Here's an idea older kids will love: a Chocktail Party. To make it a truly special occasion, specify a dress code on the invitation (semi-formal, cocktail, or festive attire), and arrange an elegant buffet by varying the height of the serving platters with cakestands and tiered plates, using real plates and utensils (or buy clear plastic plates and silver plastic utensils, available at party supply stores), and serving drinks in stemware.

Suggested menu:

• Chocolate chip cookies (offer several different types - thin, chewy, puffy, and/or use different kinds of chocolate chips)
• Chocolate mousse (Cooking Light's recipe uses tofu rather than cream and is quite tasty)
• Chocolate-dipped fruit (strawberries, dried apricots, etc.) or Chocolate fondue
• Truffles
• Chocolate Martini
• Milk

Finally, here are some tips for getting out chocolate stains:

• Let the chocolate harden (put in fridge if necessary). Remove as much chocolate as possible with a dull knife or spoon.
• Rinse the stain and rub in laundry or dishwashing detergent. Let stand for 5 minutes and rinse. (Work on the inside of the fabric to avoid damaging the appearance on the outside.)
• Repeat the last step several times if necessary. You can also try soaking the stain in milk or heavy cream. If an oily stain remains, use a commercial stain remover and wash normally.
• For carpets, scrape as much chocolate off as possible. Layer some paper towels over the stain and lightly run an iron on the lowest setting over the paper towels. Move the paper towels and repeat until the stain is gone (replacing the paper towels as necessary). You want to get the chocolate just melted enough to absorb into the paper towels but not so soft that it spreads on the carpet. Follow with a stain remover or a small amount of dishwashing detergent and blot dry.