February has always been a good month for chocoholics, but Morton Arboretum is raising the (milk chocolate) bar this year with a lineup of cocoa-themed events all month.
After all, it’s easy to forget that chocolate doesn’t actually grow in little shiny wrappers. It all starts with cocoa trees, and the garden is putting that fact front and center with events from its daily “Celebrating Chocolate” exhibit to a truffle-making workshop to a kids’ chocolate pizza party.
You can find more yummy details on Morton’s website, and order tickets online.
Daily in Feb., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Visitor Center
This small exhibit highlights the growing, harvesting, and production process of chocolate and its relationship to trees.
Saturday& Sunday, Feb. 5& 6,10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Visitor Center
Local vendors will showcase a variety of sweet treats and delectable desserts.
Truffle Making Workshops
Saturday, Feb. 12,1:30, 2:30& 3:30 p.m.
Thornhill Education Center
$20 ($25 non-member)
Design classic, hand-rolled truffles with Katherine Duncan of Chicago-based Katherine Anne Confections. Working in groups of four to five, participants will create, design, melt, chill, scoop, and roll truffles to completion. Each attendee will leave with a sampling of the four truffles created that day.
Valentine’s Chocolate Brunch
Sunday, Feb. 13,9:30 a.m., noon& 2:30 p.m. Seating
Visitor Center
$36 Adult ($42 non-member)
$25 Child ($30 non-member)
Children under 2 are free
Enjoy a Valentine’s brunch with a touch of chocolate throughout the whole meal. Eventincludes cash bar and live music.
Kids’ Chocolate Pizza Party
Sunday, February 20,1, 2& 3 p.m.
Ginkgo Restaurant
$10 ($15 non-member, includes free admission for one child and adult)
Become achocolatier for a day! Create chocolate pizzas with candy toppings, and take home chocolate in your very own “chocolatier” carry tote.
Beer& Chocolate Tastings
Sunday, Feb. 27,3-5 p.m.
Ginkgo Restaurant
$25 ($30 non-member)
Enjoy artisan beers from Two Brother’s Brewing Company of Warrenville, along with food and chocolate pairings from Graham’s Fine Chocolates& Ice Cream of Geneva. Ages 21+
