Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate... It was a chocolate lovers heaven at Saint Joseph's Parish Saturday afternoon.

The Grayson County Alliance held the second Chocolate Challenge where all the best chocolate recipes in the county were available for sampling.

With 24 chocolate cakes, pies and candy recipes entered there was plenty for the judges to sample.

A $5 entry fee was all that was required to become a judge and sample each of the different chocolate recipes.

The idea for the fundraiser came from a past president of the Grayson County Alliance, Don Lee, after he had traveled to Knoxville and attended a similar event.

The challenge was such a huge success the Alliance raised over $500. All proceeds will benefit the Alliance programs such as the Food Pantry, Prescription Program and Repair Affair.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the turnout,” said Alliance President Charlotte Shaw. “There have been a steady stream of people all day and we cannot thank everyone enough who helped and participated.”

Tasters had a field day as they enjoyed the different treats.

“I have tasted 11 different kinds of chocolate and have 13 more to go,” said nine-year-old Keragan Collard. “Then I will go back and vote for my favorites.”

“I came because of the chocolate,” said taster Frances Jones. “I came a couple of years ago and it was so good that I came back this year and it is a good way to help the alliance.”

Laura Paley was crowned Grand Champion Chocolate Maker of the 2010 Chocolate Challenge after winning in two separate categories,

Pie Category: 1st, Donna Wilson

Cake Category: 1st, Laura Paley; 2nd, Hazel Embry; 3rd, Betty Taylor

Cookie Category: 1st, Mary Ann Layman and Katie Rishkofski (High School Consumer Science team) ; 2nd, Fran Abell; 3rd, Laura Paley

Brownie Category: 1st, Catherine Gawarecki; 2nd, Erv Moore, 3rd, Donna Wilson

Candy Category: 1st, Sherry Weedman, 2nd, Shelia Cottrell and Samantha Lyons (High School Consumer Science team); 3rd, Pat Boone

Special (non-traditional) Category: 1st, Linda Clements; 2nd, Emily Green and Brianna Powell (High School Consumer Science team)

Children's category (15 years and under)

Candy: 1st place, Kennedi Cave

Pie: 1st, Makayla Ramsey