History has never tasted as chocolaty sweet as it did at the 18th Annual Chocolate Fantasy Chocolatier Competition. The event's theme "A Greek Odyssey" challenged 16 New Mexico pastry chefs and culinary students to create a chocolate rendition of a person, place or event of significance in the Greek Odyssey.

A first year entrant with a passion for chocolate, Luminaria's very own Andrea Clover molded 125 pounds of dark chocolate to create a two and half foot tall rendition of The Deceptive Conqueror scene, which depicted Greek warriors exiting the infamous Trojan Horse and preparing for their surprise attack on the City of Troy. Andrea's chocolate masterpiece took first place in the Best Taste-Most Artistic award in the Restaurant, Caterers and Artists category.

This entry took nearly 200 hours over a three month period to create, but winning first place made it all worth it, said Andrea. The pastry talent New Mexico harbors is amazing, each entry was exquisite. I am humbled to have won among such a talented group of pastry chefs and aspiring students.

Congratulations Andrea! Loretto is very proud of you.