Notes from the Chocolatier: Summertime with family

Summertime brings fun and excitement to many as school ends, graduations commence, and everyone picks up a more carefree and enjoyable attitude. There is something about the warm weather and endless activities that bring a sense of excitement to those around. My children will be getting out of school this week and are anxiously awaiting swim lessons and math camp. It is easy for children to enjoy this time of year as school gives way to extracurricular activities, but it is important that as adults, we take time to recharge and enjoy the days we have with our family and friends.

Delysia-Chocolatier-Aspen-Food-Wine-Classic-Austin-Texas-chocolate-shop-23My family in particular certainly enjoys this month as we travel together to Aspen, Colorado for our third year at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. The anticipation brings an excited buzz through the Culinary Center as we prepare to feature new flavors at The Classic. All the preparation leads to a great weekend meeting extraordinary talent in the food and wine industry. Unfortunately for my husband, it means he will be working through Father’s Day, but what better place to do that than surrounded by the beautiful mountains in Aspen.

 

For many of us, the men in our lives seem to be the center of some of our favorite summer activities: manning the grill on summer nights, piloting the boats around the lake, even fixing a flat tire on road trips. Whether or not they are the only ones capable of these tasks, the big and small things they do should never go unnoticed. Make a point this Father’s Day to let them know you appreciate these everyday gestures. This annual family road trip to Aspen is always one of my husband’s favorite times during the year as a way for our family to connect while exploring new places.

Whether you’ll be reading on the beach, attending a June wedding, or even just taking a long mid-day nap, take time to enjoy yourself this month. What activities do you have planned to take advantage of the summer?

Sincerely,

Signature - Nicole Patel

 

 

Nicole Patel

Nicole Patel is the proprietor of and chocolatier for Delysia Chocolatier. In 2006 while pregnant with her first son, Nicole made a batch of chocolate truffles as holiday gifts. To the delight of friends and family, she continued to create chocolates as a way to relieve stress from her corporate engineering job. In 2008, a chance trip to Becker Vineyards led to Nicole being the first in Texas to make truffles using local wines. Within five years, what started as a hobby turned Delysia into one of the Top Ten Chocolatiers in the Americas, as selected by the International Chocolate Salon.