The lecture will include some basic information about chocolate, the various types, and how to work with it. Samples and recipes will include several different types of truffle candies, perfect for giving your loved ones at any time.

Maria Brandriff is the former Assistant Director of the Cheshire Public Library, where she was in charge of public programming.  Ms. Brandriff’s interest in fine cooking and baking came from growing up in a Ukrainian household where Viennese-inspired tortes and confections dominated every holiday.  Since then, Ms. Brandriff has experimented with the traditional recipes and has come up with her own variations.  She has also become more and more involved with the intricacies of working with chocolate. At holiday time she produces hundreds of chocolate truffle candies, which she shares with family and friends.  Ms. Brandriff completed the Certificate of Gastronomy program at the University of New Haven in 2003.  In early 2004 she had the opportunity to travel to the city of Arles in France for an intensive 3 day apprenticeship with a noted Provencal chocolatier. Ms Brandriff has also been the featured chef at the Chef’s Table series at Zinc Restaurant in New Haven.

Although this program is free and open to the public, pre-registration is necessary, as attendance is limited to 50 participants.  Please register online or call the library at 203-272-2245 for further information or to register.

A special thank you to the Friends of the Library for their funding of this program.