Belle du jour

I hate March sometimes. The north wind starts blowing, allergies start flowing, and end-of-winter dry skin and weepy eyes make me feel distinctly unglamorous. I was therefore delighted to find MarieBelle Aztec Hot Chocolate mix recently. It’s ultra-rich European-style ground chocolate (just add boiling water or hot milk), not cocoa, and it’s been taking the foodie world by storm. I hadn’t seen it here in Sacramento until I spotted the sophisticated turquoise-, gold- and chocolate-colored packaging at the French Hen. Other MarieBelle products there include high-toned tea, jewel-like boxes of truffles and pretty pastel White Chocolate Sorbet Bars in flavors like pistachio and strawberry. The latter would be lovely for a girly Easter basket, but until the wind changes for good, I’m sticking with the hot chocolate. It’s warming, hydrating and glamorous enough to help me forget all about the dust and pollen swirling in the air. 3200 Folsom Boulevard, (916) 452-7494.