Chocolate Showdown at the State Fair of Texas

Part of Ghirardelli’s 160th anniversary celebration

Ghirardelli celebrated its 160th anniversary with a chocolate championship at the State Fair of Texas on Wednesday.

Elizabeth Sesler has been coming to the fair she was 11-years-old, but this event was her first chocolate showdown.

"Once it goes on the table, you have no control over it, and the only thing I can do is, like, 'What were the judges faces like?' ‘Did it look like they took another bite?’” Sesler said.

One of the judges, Ashley Washington, said it’s the entry with the best taste and a creative appearance that is most likely to win the annual contest.

This year's winner, a chocolate taco, doesn't resemble a  traditional dessert.

The taco’s shell is made out of toffee and almonds, chocolate custard serves as filling, spearmint and basil stand in for lettuce, the salsa is jalapeño jello -- and the cheese? That's shaved white chocolate.

Paula Wyse Kindred from Plano created the confectionery creation. For Kindred, it’s not only about winning the blue ribbon and gift basket.

"It's trying to achieve your personal best, you know that elusive win,” Kindred said.

The State Fair of Texas runs through Oct. 21, 2012.

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