One of the many perks of being Pam's spouse is tasting wonderful food.  One night this week, the food did not come from our kitchen as usual.  Instead, it was part of the offering at an event dubbed, appropriately enough, "Death By Chocolate."  Local chefs and bakeries prepared chocolate desserts and submitted them for judging in a friendly competition at a fund-raiser sponsored by the Girl Scouts.  Pam was one of the judges of the event in 2008 and got an invitation to return.  She was given four complimentary tickets to the $40 dinner.  I invited Nick Kjos, Scott ["Hollow Leg"] Halvorson and his wife Brenda to join me.

There were eight desserts in all, and yes, we ate them all.

Some of the cake artists really pulled out all the stops in terms of creativity.  This volcano display and its raspberry-flavored cakes took second place.

Susan and Bob Wefald were hostess and host.  In the background, silent auction items are displayed.  I was the successful bidder on a bottle of wine and gift certificate from a new restaurant situated on the Missouri River, "Captain Freddy's."

Another treat

This creation from Mr. Delicious, a local restaurant, earned the People's Choice award.  Those little brown balls on the top of the cake are Cocoa Puffs [cereal].  Clever.

Marci Narum, a television personality in Bismarck, introduces Pam and the other three judges.  In addition to all the desserts, there was a buffet with slices of beef and skewers of chicken, plus untold veggies and more.

And the winner is ... this creation from The Patisserie.  The chocolate mountains had a cookie base and were topped with chocolate flowers dusted with gold and burgundy sugar.  As Pam always tells me, "The eyes eat first."  These desserts were almost too pretty to eat.  I forced myself.

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Pam and her Miata made the Bismarck High's student newspaper recently.

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