Say 'om,' then 'yum'
Chocolate BonaVita, whose mission is to help us discover the joys of artisan chocolate, is offering a new series of classes that combine the zen of cacao with, well, Zen. "Chocolate Meditations" offers three classes for yoga, tai chi and guided meditation. Hourlong classes will conclude with chocolate tastings, with the goal that "the meditative state will prepare your mind and your palate for moments of pure bliss." Classes are free the first week in November, then $15 each after that (or $100 for 10 sessions.) at the Cowles Center, 528 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. For details and registration, visit www.chocolatebonavita.com/collections/classes.
Making it work
The Pillsbury Bake-Off teamed up with Project Runway to come up with a designer apron that its 100 contestants can wear when the 45th Bake-Off takes place in March. Three designers from past seasons were asked to create an apron, with Althea Harper from Season 6 emerging as top vote-getter on Pillsbury's Facebook page. Kara Janx came in a close second, followed by Carol Hannah Whitfield. Even if you're not in the Bake-Off, you'll have the chance to purchase the winning apron online in January for a limited time. Details will follow.
Apps from the experts
If you've ever craved an Entenmann's Cinnamon Crumb Cake but couldn't get to the store, now Entenmann's is offering an app for the iPad that enables you to make it yourself. Entenmann's Home Baking App features easy directions for more than 140 baked goods such as Chocolate Cake Donuts, Banana Crunch Cake and Cranberry Sour Cream Brownies. The app includes photos, a shopping list, a digital timer embedded in each recipe and other features. The app sells for $4.99 and is a companion to Entenmann's first-ever cookbook, "The Entenmann's Big Book of Baking." It's available through iTunes.
