Celebrated local chef Vern Wolfram shares his passion for chocolate at the University of Alaska Anchorage Campus Bookstore from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2004.

For the eighth year, Chef Vern and his student assistants show off their baking and confectionery skills at Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate, the annual indulgence that gets local cooks and food enthusiasts in the mood for holiday food.

This event is open to the public, and the chefs encourage guests to taste the chocolate creations and ask questions.

Chef Vern also explains different types of chocolate and illustrates cooking techniques for each—giving tips on dos and don’ts and how to correct mistakes.

In past demonstrations, he has created chocolate treasure boxes, truffles, gingerbread houses, cioppata bread, chocolate face masks and decorations, chocolate eggs, chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate, pasta, a lesson on chocolate covered cherries, chocolate covered balloons, lace cookies dipped in chocolate and many other delicacies.

Emphasizing pastries and decorative pieces, Chef Vern teaches beginning and advanced baking at UAA. He puts on the bookstore demonstration because it gives him a chance to get out and do a service to for the university. He also considers it part of his teaching component and believes community service is very important to the profession.

As an active member of the Alaska Culinary Association, he does many demonstrations and other culinary and charity events around the area.

“If it has to do with food, people love it no matter what it is,” Chef Vern says. “I just want people to have fun and ask questions. I like it when people ask questions.”

See Chef Vern’s past demonstrations. See UAA’s Culinary Arts Program