The Chocolate Expo returns to Hofstra University with sweet treats

Chocolate is food that evokes emotion, passion, love and happiness. One bite can transport you to another place or even turn your day around. On May 4, Long Island will get a boost of cocoa power as the Chocolate Expo returns to Hofstra University’s David S. Mack Sports & Exhibition Complex in Uniondale.

"This is a celebration of chocolate, food and fun," says expo producer Marvin Baum. "The crowd at the expo likes to try things they haven’t tasted before. They are seeking more than a treat but rather an experience."

Here are six chocolate specialties being offered this year plus some activities to look forward to.

CHOCOLATE CHIP CHOCOLATE SOURDOUGH BREAD

Jim Serpico, of Plainview, was a TV producer who left his career to become a full-time baker with Side Hustle Artisanal Bread Company, soon to be known as Serpico’s Bread Co. For his fourth appearance at the expo, he’s delivering a variety of loaves ($10 per loaf) including his own concoction chocolate chip chocolate sourdough bread.

"The chocolate chips give it a nice touch of sweetness, but it’s not too over the top," says Serpico. "It works well with making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich."

CHOCOLATE DIPPED ITEMS

Chocolate Works, of Bellmore and Plainview, dips everything in chocolate, from pretzels to Oreos to graham crackers to dried fruit. Not to mention jumbo chocolate lollipops ($6-$8 per bag, lollipops $3-$8).

"Each piece is hand dipped in milk, white or dark chocolate," says co-owner Nimisha Patel. "Then we drizzle it with different toppings like M&M’s, chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles or nonpareils."

CAMPFIRE S’MORES COOKIE

There’s no need to rough it camping to get your hands on a Campfire S’mores Cookie ($7 per cookie) from Downtown Dough LI, based in Melville, which makes its expo debut this year.

"These ½-pound cookies have a lot of height and we fill the inside," says owner Kristin Silvestri. "Our Campfire S’mores Cookie has a vanilla base with milk chocolate chips, plus we stuff it with graham crackers and marshmallow in the middle."

CHOCOLATE-COVERED GARLIC BACON

For those who like some spice swirled in their chocolate, try Bacon Bites’ chocolate-covered garlic bacon, which is crispy bacon strips covered in dark chocolate sprinkled with California dried garlic on top ($20 per box for three strips).

"It’s so strong, just crazy. But it’s the first thing to go," says owner Larry Rosenberg. "The taste is a sweet and salty combo with a little smoky flavor."

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHALLAH

You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy challah as it’s not just for Friday night Shabbat dinner anymore. Twisted Challah Bakery, based in Calverton, sells loaves of Double Chocolate Challah ($20, two for $35).

"It’s very chocolatey. Each braid is rolled out and filled with a chocolate mixture and butter," says owner Hope Kramer, of East Hampton. "Before I bake it, I put a chocolate streusel on top and chips. It tastes as if a babka and a challah got married."

DUBAI BAR

Perhaps one of the hottest chocolate items these days is the Dubai bar ($30 per bar), which is milk chocolate filled with pistachio paste and crispy pastry  in the center. 

"This bar is inspired by a rich Mediterranean dessert called kunefe," says Nathalie Homsy, owner of Omniya Delicacy, who will be selling the bars. "It is very smooth but crunchy. There’s a balance of nutty, crispy and creamy textures."

BRADY KIDS ON BOARD

Fans of "The Brady Bunch" will get a chance to meet Greg, Peter, Bobby and Cindy Brady, actors Barry Williams, Christopher Knight, Mike Lookinland and Susan Olsen, who will serve as special guests. The Brady kids will be doing a Q&A at 11 a.m. followed by autograph and photo-op sessions for a fee ($40 per photo, $40 per autograph, $60 for a combo of both).

"When they see us, people tend to click into a period of time in their life when ‘The Brady Bunch’ was an important show to them. Often, I’ll catch a 55-year-old woman turn into a 15 year-old teenager," says Williams, 70. "When that happens, it’s a good feeling and kind of nice. They also like to tell us what the show meant to them."

ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Balloon sculptor Robbie Furman, of Balloons & More LLC, will do some balloon twisting and create a balloon scene for selfies. Then at 5 p.m. a balloon popping party will ensue.

Kids can also get their faces painted and line up to participate in the Chocolate Smash at 3 p.m.

"Each kid gets to take a swing at a 6-pound milk chocolate pig sculpture with a rubber mallet," Baum says. "Then they are each awarded prizes as well as an opportunity to eat the pig!"

By David J. Criblez

david.criblez@newsday.comDavidJCriblez

David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.