Archive Issue - Monthly Tidbits Article
January 2008

Willy Wonka Tidbit
by Jill Jackson

Over my short vacation after the holiday rush, I was able to sit and watch a childhood favorite, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”. Ah, yes, chocolate waterfalls, marshmallow-filled lollipops and wallpaper where “Schnozberries taste like schnozberries” filled the screen and took me back to fantasyland. The flowing river of chocolate and oompa loompas were just some of the most creative flavors gracing the scenes and the screens, and although there were the talents of Gene Wilder, the real stars were the desserts!

If you remember, there were also important values and morals in the underpinning of this classic, and tolerance, selflessness, hope, grace and modesty were lessons to be absorbed and pondered.

Now, not everyone can eat an everlasting gob-stopper, nor would many people I know want to. However, what people do want is endless delight and the experiences of childhood to be had over and over again. Nothing says that like dessert. Before diets ruled our existence we had the pleasure of enjoying dessert without the feelings of guilt and shame. You can still enjoy what dessert means, even if restricting yourself, just don’t go ‘overboard’ like Augustus Gloop!

I love this town and want to continue to share with you the essence of childhood no matter your stage in life--Here’s to you, Santa Clarita!

Remember the Wonka times, and bite into your fantasy and as long as you are thankful for the experience, it will be all the more fulfilling. I can help with the finest desserts with the finest ingredients….with or without the Golden Ticket.

I resolve to keep these classics, these core values and desires, and expand my horizons. I will believe in the process that makes my recipes special, thank those that help me do it and measure it all with the heart.

I wish you a very Happy and Healthy New Year!