My Date With Duff

I have a new crush. He bakes, cooks, is charming, and is absolutely hilarious. You might of seen him on the Food Network and you probably have a copy of one of his cookbooks. He is the owner of Charm City Cakes in Baltimore and one heck of a rebel. Yes ladies and gents, it’s Chef Duff Goldman. This week at the Kenmore Craftsman Brand Live Experience Studio in Chicago, Duff launched his new line of delicious truffles with the world famous chocolatiers, Godiva. I was excited to host the show and get down to business on how he got paired up with Godiva, how the bake shop is doing, and what’s new in Duff’s world.

We had quite the crowd and everyone was excited to meet the talented chef. I loved being on stage with him because we had a great chemistry on set and he made everyone feel at home and gave the audience plenty of belly laughs. Not to mention I was on the biggest sugar high after sampling all the flavors he has introduced including birthday cake, chocolate chip cookie dough, hummingbird cake, and his personal favorite, butterscotch walnut. They were spot on with flavor and so yummy!

After truffle talk, Duff delighted the audience with a special cake decorating demonstration. I was over the moon when I was given direct instructions on airbrushing this cake (which was more nerve racking than you could imagine! I mean…what if I screw up this whole cake??). The crowd joined in the fun by asking questions including what’s the most special cake you’ve ever made to which Duff’s reply made all the ladies swoon. “I haven’t made the most special cake yet because that’s going to be my wedding cake to the beautiful woman I will find someday to marry.” Charming. Absolutely charming.

The night concluded with my bartending skills because Godiva asked me to create a signature cocktail with their line of chocolate infused vodkas. We made a toast and Duff sliced the birthday cake we decorated to feed the masses. It was a total success and a happily ever after in my book.

Below is my recipe for the cocktail I created so enjoy it responsibly! Check out the full show on kenmore.com or You Tube and don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @Chitownchef
Happy Eating!

Godiva White Chocolate Graham Cracker Truffletini with Raspberry Vodka Whipped Cream
Ingredients:
•1 oz Godiva chocolate vodka
•1 oz Godiva white chocolate liqueur
•1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
•1 pint heavy whipping cream
•2 tablespoons powdered sugar
•2 tablespoons Godiva chocolate raspberry vodka
•1 teaspoon vanilla
•1 pint fresh raspberries
• fresh mint

In a stand mixer, add heavy cream, powdered sugar, chocolate raspberry vodka, and vanilla. Whip until stiff peaks and then add in the raspberries for 10 seconds until combined. Keep refrigerated until ready to use. In a martini shaker, add the vodka and the liqueur and some ice. Rim a martini glass with the graham crackers and strain in martini. Top with a dollop of the whipped cream and a sprig of mint. Enjoy!