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Thursday, November 04, 2025
Drowning My Sorrows In Chocolate
Sigh! What can I say?
There was nothing I could do. I was powerless. I could not partake of the process ; all I could do was watch, hope, silently plead, inwardly cajole and in the end… simply sigh…
Though I could not be a participant, the choice made by one nation (or more accurately, half a nation) will and does affect me and my life half way across the globe ; it affects the region in which my country sits ; it affects this world in which I want to live joyfully, freely and safely. A nation chose - - not only their own future, but that of the rest of the world too.
You know, change is good, and sometimes it is very necessary. But I’m also learning it doesn’t always come when you want it to.
So, last night, we joined Pim (and I’m sure many more out there) in drowning our disappointment in chocolate. For us though, it was a rich, intensely bittersweet (maybe I should have just used bitter unsweetened instead) chocolate pudding.
I figured that since I couldn’t do anything to help ensure greater multi-lateralism in the world, I could at least put some multi (lateral)-layers into the small world of chocolate, sitting in two wine glasses, that I had created and could control.
Our dark, luxurious (but low fat) chocolate pudding thus came layered with slivers of Italian ladyfingers soaked in a combination of strong espresso (we needed to stay awake) and amaretto. And finished off alternately with a sprinkling of shaved dark chocolate or a scattering of toasted almonds.
And, for a few moments at least, the world was serene and… at peace…
Copyright © 2004 Renee Kho. All Rights Reserved.
Please contact me for permission to copy, publish, distribute or display any of the images or text contained in this article.
09:23 AM in Food and Drink | Permalink
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Comments
Wow that looks absolute lovely! I really like the idea of using ladyfingers. Mmm...indulgence.
Posted by: Rachelle | November 4, 2025 09:52 AM
I'm a follower of your blog (and have and will continue to try your recipes) and I can totally sympathise with you. As I didn't have chocolates on hand, I consoled myself by gorging on TANG YUAN!
Your chocolate creations look great. What kind of chocolate are you using? Hershey's? Ghiradelli's?
Posted by: Eveline How | November 4, 2025 10:32 AM
I, on the other hand, rejoice over that very choice! So thank you, your recipe sweetens the celebration! ;)
Posted by: Antonia | November 4, 2025 03:24 PM
Hi Renee,
A very sad time for us Americans indeed.
Posted by: Reid | November 4, 2025 06:40 PM
Now why didn't I think of that? I went home after work, ate leftovers and moped. Maybe tonight I will follow your example!
Posted by: Cathy | November 4, 2025 07:21 PM
It does indeed affect our region Renee. And my country might even be the hawk's launching pad. :-(
No kind of food offers me comfort right now. I'm in environmental policy research and as it is, our work has suffered much. Another four years might just set back the environmental agenda altogether. But I'm trying to hold on to hope. Something positive might just happen soon.
Posted by: Karen | November 4, 2025 07:46 PM
what a coincidence - i too had a chocolate sponge (with raspberry icecream) to drown my sorrows last nite
Posted by: toru | November 4, 2025 09:41 PM
Unfortunately, I was so upset with the results--I lost my appetite and was unable to eat. Lost 2 pounds, from stress and outrage, no doubt. It's very depressing.
Sher
Posted by: sher | November 4, 2025 11:09 PM
Unfortunately, I was so upset with the results--I lost my appetite and was unable to eat. Lost 2 pounds, from stress and outrage, no doubt. It's very depressing.
Sher
Posted by: sher | November 4, 2025 11:09 PM
Renee,
your blog is really great. I have a good friend from Singapore who got me started on Chinese cooking, but I have learned a lot from you in the short weeks since you were a Yahoo! pick.
Fortunately, as upset as many are about the choice of a majority of the American people, what has happened is better than the alternative, as will be seen eventually. Just as with President Reagan, a rising tide lifts all boats, and many times those who are being helped are the ones who do the most complaining about it.
And pace Reid, it isn't a sad time at all for Americans -- as long as they voted for the winners.
Posted by: Yurodivi | November 4, 2025 11:40 PM
Just a reminder to everyone... Bush won by a tight margin.. about 48% of Americans (like myself) did NOT vote for the man. I just hope the rest of the world remembers this information when they start complaining about Americans and how we voted. There are a BUNCH of us who are just as disappointed as the rest of the world. And I drowned my sorrows in KitKats yesterday... 75% of my office was as depressed at the outcome as I was.
Posted by: Angielala | November 5, 2025 12:49 AM
Bush's heavy religious leanings make me uncomfortable. I base my personal beliefs on what makes sense not on blind faith, because I like to think things through. Also, I don't like Bush's "my way or the highway" attitude. I have known some people who were like that personally, and they are difficult to work with and difficult to live with. This attitude is reflected in his foreign policies. Remember when he said "you're either with us or against us"? The world's not that simple.
As long as U.S. continues to be on its aggressive military stance, the instability seen in Iraq will persist. In fact, Iraq is less stable now than it was a year ago; there are more kidnappings, more suicide bombs, more deaths, more suffering. When innocent civilians are killed, new insurgents and suicide bombers are created from the friends and families of those who were killed. It is an endless cycle and a hopeless spiral.
U.S. will continue to garner more hatred and make new enemies abroad. At home, the middle class is eroding. Formerly high paying tech jobs are being replaced by low paying service jobs. The gap between the rich and poor continues to widen.
U.S. used to be able to attract the best minds from all over the world to their best universities, and this had helped the country to be one of the most technologically advanced nation in the world. Half of all Phd students (and half of all engineering students of all college levels), who are involved in innovative research, are foreign students. U.S. will start to lose the technological edge, because the world's best students are having difficulty getting visas to start and continue their studies in this country. All this because of security measures that were created from policies made by the administration, an administration who continues to antagonize large parts of the world and who continues to create more enemies. It's an endless cycle, a hopeless spiral.
Fortunately, this does not have to last forever. At the end of the 4 year term, we have another chance to end this mess.
Posted by: Dennis | November 5, 2025 01:31 AM
Dennis, Angielala --
I am truly sympathetic to the loss and hurt you feel right now. Believe me, I was crushed when Bill Clinton was re-elected in 1996. (To be perfectly honest, I was crushed in February '96 when Bob Dole won the nomination, because I knew it was *already over.*)
Indeed, I am truly sorry for anyone who so despises his country and nearly half his countrymen as you seem to do. Perhaps your energy would be better directed at imparting your enlightenment to those poor, benighted, religious people who fill up all those red States in between the margins of Enlightened Blue America, rather than lamenting how stupid we all are and worrying that the world hates us. The fact is, Those benighted people had plenty of chances to listen to Senator Kerry: they just didn't agree with him. They voted for W because, in the main, they agreed more with his ideas than they did with those of Senator Kerry. Sell your ideas, present honestly what you believe, and let the best candidates win.
Posted by: Yurodivi | November 5, 2025 04:41 AM
isn't it great that we can all share our sorrows online? i'm not a big fan of chocolate like you guys, but i drowned mine in homemade lemon vanilla semifreddo...yum! actually, i celebrated, NOT because I like bush, but because this is the end of the election madness...my poor car and door knob can stop being hounded by stupid flyers...no more catfights, i mean debates...we can start to hear about real news instead of a minute by minute play by play of what those two ding dongs are doing...you get the drift
laura
Posted by: laura | November 5, 2025 04:58 AM
Yurodivi,
I couldn't agree more... but I don't despise my country or my fellow country men. I am saddened that our country is not going to have a fresh start, but I can never despise a country that has blessed me in so many ways. I am, however, tired of everyone making the assumption that because I live in a "red-Bush" state that I voted for the man or support his policies. I will always support my country and whether or not I agree with our current President, I will always try to have faith that things will improve. Please don't make the assumption that because I disagree with current politics that I am a "hater"... quite the contrary... but I will now and forever cherish the ability we as Americans have to have a difference of opinion and our ability to talk, gripe, support, differ, or argue about whatever we want, wherever we want, whenever we want. My brother voted for Bush and I don't despise him, or the 65% of Oklahoma that also voted for the man. But I don't have to agree with them. They will remain my neighbors and countrymen and there is no hatred in my heart... a lot of skepticism, yes, but just as much hope. Please choose your words cafefully next time... I am not offended, but am disappointed that my first message was taken in such a context.
Posted by: Angielala | November 5, 2025 05:25 AM
I love your blog, and I am still drowning my sorrows from the election. I've got to try some chocolate, or maybe a couple of beers :)
Yurodivi, not everyone who dislikes Bush or disagrees with his fellow citizens despises this country. I think it the height of patriotism to point out when the country is on a dangerous path, and have a discussion about why and whether it should be changed. I love this country and wouldn't live anywhere else, but that doesn't mean I can't see ways to make it better. Congratulation that your candidate won, and now I hope for the good of the country he listens to all Americans, from the left and the right, and takes the best from each.
Posted by: Andrew | November 5, 2025 05:34 AM
Here in Pennsylvania, I wish I'd thought to have a scrumptious dessert on hand whatever the outcome. But especially because yesterday (Wednesday)was so very hard...
I am very sad re: many issues, especially unilateralism, the demise of religious tolerance, and global warming.
We in the U.S. and the World deserve better.
Here's a chocolate-y toast to everyone.
Posted by: asha | November 5, 2025 06:01 AM
I have to live with police armed with machine games patrolling the streets. I guess I shouldn't complain because I am being helped. More chocolates, anyone?
Posted by: ST | November 5, 2025 10:59 AM
Did I just say "games", oops I mean "guns" :)
Posted by: ST | November 5, 2025 11:03 AM
I made a very sinful chocolate cake yesterday and ate half of it by myself. The rest are shared with my kids and hubby. I was hopeful...oh so hopeful for a change. Now I can only pray that the one in power will clean up his backyard and the mess he made on other people's backyard. I hope the next 4 yrs will go by quickly and most importantly peacefully.
God Bless :)
Posted by: TrishaRatna | November 5, 2025 12:24 PM
Renee, may I ask which camera you use to take these food pics?
Posted by: Madhu (Ze Chef) | November 6, 2025 04:06 AM
Chocolate, what a wonderful way to drown one's sorrows.
Each and every one of my friends is devastated by the results of our elections. It is so freightening, how far will we fall?
Posted by: russi | November 6, 2025 04:14 AM
Lawks-a-mercy! Save us all! That mean ole W will slay the open-minded, round up the free-thinking for indoctrination, and execute the counter-revolutionaries!
The streets will run with blood! The moon will fall and the sun go dark! He'll drown your kittens in the bathtub and make your dog jump through a hoop! He'll . . . he'll . . .
Oh, wait --- that stuff happens in *Communist* countries, not in the United States. Another helping of Khmer Rouge, anyone?
Look. The election is over. It's time for the hyperventilation to stop. Bush is not going to precipitate the end of the world. If "falling" means that the US Constitution won't be used for TP any more by activist judges, I say bring it on. It doesn't "freighten" me much.
If I recall correctly, when President Reagan was first elected, "the world" thought he was the veritable Antichrist. They said he would start a nuclear war with the Soviets and destroy the world with his cowboy recklessness. Well, here we are, 24 years on, and the Evil Empire is no more. Many millions more people are free than they were when Carter was president. And Reagan has left behind a legacy of freedom -- one which W no doubt seeks to emulate.
Will Bush meet that standard? Only history will tell. But I know this much: all the hysterics and ululation of the press didn't dissuade Reagan from doing the right thing, and he has been proved right over and over and over again. I suspect W will be seen the same way, eventually.
Posted by: Yurodivi | November 6, 2025 04:33 AM
dear all,
thank you for sharing your thoughts on my blog.
to those who feel the same way as me,
perhaps we should have organized a chocolate party, eh? ; )
to those who don't feel the same way,
I respect your feelings, please respect mine and others who feel like me.
to Eveline, Laura, Andrew, Asha and Russi,
nice to hear from you!
thank you for taking the time to drop me a note : )
to Yurodivi,
may I suggest that the only person in this discussion who should stop hyperventilating is perhaps you ; )
constantly checking my blog for new comments to this post, and jumping on every person who should choose to voice opinions different from yours is not helpful or friendly.
this being my personal blog, I am free to share the ways I am expressing my feelings through the food I make and eat.
I am curious at your need to feel so incensely defensive about your choice in the election.
why choose to exhibit the very characteristics of strident, aggressive intolerance to diversity and alternate views, opinions and attitudes that so many are choosing to turn against?
if the desire is to have others see things the way you do, being "combative" is hardly the way to go.
may I humbly suggest you are only reinforcing the "case" for the "opposing view".
you have chosen, so have others.
your choice was elected. let it rest.
others are allowed to express their feelings, just as I have allowed you the opportunity to express yours, not once, not twice but three times.
however, I now wish to draw the line.
I think you are now starting to get decidedly unfriendly, which given the mild and essentially friendly tones of the other postings, is unwarranted.
everyone is entitled to their own views.
if you wish to adopt the "my way or the highway" approach, please do so in your own personal blogsphere.
may I remind you that this is my personal blogspace, and I wish to keep this a friendly, open space.
any further postings by you will be deleted without prior notice.
Posted by: Renee | November 6, 2025 05:09 AM
Renee's spot on. This isn't a political blog, so chill people. Now on with the food .....
Those chocolate goodies look great Reneee. Too rich for my blood perhaps. :o)
Posted by: FatMan Seoul | November 6, 2025 10:10 PM
Thank you Renee. After all, this is *your* food blog, not a partisan soapbox. While I am deeply troubled by the thought of Bush in office, life (and eating and cooking) must go on. Oh, the comforting solace of good food :)
Posted by: Deb | November 7, 2025 03:41 AM
Renee,
my apologies. Thanks for showing the true colours of liberal tolerance.
Posted by: Yurodivi | November 7, 2025 11:16 AM
Dear Renee,
Sorry for being late to this party. Your chocolate stuff look so much better than my simple bowl of hot chocolate.
I am still in a sort of daze, slowly nursed back to reality by plentitude of food and friends. We all have to go on fighting, after all, we shall not lose so long as we don't give up.
cheers,
Pim
Posted by: Pim | November 7, 2025 01:13 PM
Renee,
I too drowned my sorrows with chocolate, in my case it was with Tim Tams...(oh why did I ever have to read your compelling post on the joys of Tim Tams? I am now hopelessly addicted! And I am not alone--my brother just visited from Seattle and in his suitcase home he packed 4 jars of Kaya and 2 packages of Tim Tams...)
One more reason to stay in Singapore for another four years...
Posted by: Danielle | November 7, 2025 03:13 PM
Right, let's get on with the food!!!
I would love some of that chocolate pudding (maybe more since it's low fat! ) ;-)
Posted by: pinkcocoa | November 7, 2025 10:05 PM
hey FMS!
long time no hear!
and thanks for being the ever good-humored peace-maker ; )
yeah, these choc puddings tasted rich, but they were very heart- and artery-friendly though : )
hi Deb!
thanks so much for the support!
yes, indeed! let the cooking and eating roll on! ; )
Yurodivi,
what you say amuses me so...
the ironies of your words...
if only you can hear yourself...
and oh, one final thought from me, about what you have written...
there's a Chinese saying: the right hand should not take what the left hand has given...
Pim!
you're never late for the party!
(there's always plenty of chocolate to go around ; ))
my sentiments exactly... the spirit shall not waver... we shall persevere...
hey Danielle!
haha! that brought a smile to my face.
Tim Tams... oh yes! they are great solace-givers, aren't they?... they've always been there for me too in my darkest hours ; D
and it looks like maybe before too long, the family will have you shipping boxes of kaya and tim tams back to them, eh? : )
pinkcocoa!
I'll make some for you... anytime ; )
Posted by: Renee | November 8, 2025 04:04 AM
Renee, what type of chocolates do you use for your desserts and where do you get them?
I always wonder if the Hershey's from NTUC can do the job of making such delicious desserts as yours!
Posted by: Eveline How | November 8, 2025 08:38 PM
The pudding looks really yummy Renee! I'm amazed that you've managed to make chocolate pudding look so pretty - I make it quite a lot but I've never considered it very photogenic... It's even yummier if you mix some malt powder (Horlicks) with the sugar and flour/cornflour before cooking.
Posted by: Angela | November 8, 2025 09:09 PM
hi Eveline,
oops, so sorry... I missed answering your question the first time round (I was ermm... being somewhat ermm... "inundated" at the time ; ))
I use Lindt's Excellence 70% alot... I like its flavors; it bakes/cooks well too - and is reasonably priced.
(this can be found at Cold Storage - I've seen them at all the branches that I visit like Centrepoint, Taka, United Sq, but I've been told by some of the other readers that they are not available at all CS outlets - and the "gourmet" supermarkets like Tanglin Marketplace and Jasons)
when I'm feeling indulgent, I like to use Valhrona's Guanaja.
sometimes I use the Dutch brand Droste too (sorry, can't remember the name of their 70% bar) - I usually get this at Taka - not sure if they are available elsewhere.
I have also tried using the dark chocolate from Ritter Sport before... but I think it is only about 45 or 55% cocoa solids, and I was not overly enthusiastic about its flavors after baking/cooking.
I have friends who are quite happy using Hershey's unsweetened and semisweet bars, although I personally tend to prefer not to, as I find the flavors rather "harsh" in the final baked good.
I've been told that the Baker's brand of baking chocolate - their unsweetened and semisweet bars - are better than Hershey's, but I haven't tried. (I've seen them at Tanglin Marketplace.)
some of my friends also like using Nestle Tollhouse baking chocolate, but again, I've never tried, so I can't really comment.
hope that helps : )
oh, in case you're interested... for this pudding, I used a combination of Dutch-process cocoa and dark chocolate (to lower the fat content : )) and also a tiny bit of coffee powder to bring out the chocolatey notes.
hi Angela,
ooh... I would never have thought of adding horlicks... how interesting.
I'll have to try that (I loved horlicks as a kid).
thanks! : )
this particular pudding was a first-time-tryout from cookinglight... and I think the ratio of cocoa powder (the recipe called for copious amounts of the stuff) needs to be tweaked a little... the texture was a teeny weeny bit grainy.
heh. all things chocolate look perfect in my eyes ; D ... so I guess it never crossed my mind that it wouldn't look pretty... I kind of just scooped some out of the glass and plopped them on the plate and snapped away : D
Posted by: Renee | November 9, 2025 02:24 AM
