5 Things: Chocolate Is Not Just For Desert, I Like Salamanders

1. Chocolate can be used as the main ingredient in recipes that are not just for dessert. If that seems unbelievable, head over to the Belmont Public Library tonight at 7 p.m. for 'Cooking with Chocolate,' a cooking demonstration and tasting with Liz Barbour who has been cooking professionally in the Boston area since 1992 and started The Creative Feast in 2004. Registration is required so call 617-993-2870. The event is part of the library's 'Fifty Shades of Chocolate' month and is free thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Belmont Public Library.

2. Learn about the coming salamander season – yes, salamanders – at a nature talk presented by the Massachusetts Audubon’s Habitat Nature Sanctuary beginning at 1 p.m. at the Beech Street Center. In New England, spring is vernal pool season when the snow melt and rain water collect in low places and provide a temporary habitat for some very interesting life. Come find out more about these fleeting habitats and meet some fascinating organisms that call the pools their home: fairy shrimp, spotted salamanders, aquatic beetles and more. Presented by Mass. Audubon’sHabitat (Belmont) Nature Sanctuary.

3. It's Storytime at the Belmont Public Library: Story time for 2's and 3's, songs and movement are part of the story time experience for children ages 2 and 3, will be held at the Belmont Public Library's Children's Room. The fun begins at 9:30 a.m. and then again (for you late risers) from 10:30 a.m. Storycraft for 4's, 5's, and 6's will be held at 3:15 p.m. 617-489-2000.

4. Drop-in yoga classes, taught by professional instructors in the Vinyasa style – flowing with the breath – will be held in Gardner Hall (enter via Alexander Street) of the Plymouth Congregational Church, 582 Pleasant St., beginning at 9:15 a.m. All levels welcome. Bring your own mat. Childcare is available for $6 per child with a $12 family maximum. There is also free parking on Pleasant and Leonard streets and behind Macy's. All proceeds benefit Plymouth Nursery School.

5. Benton Library's Pre-school Story Time is a 45-minute program geared toward children between 3 and 5. It features a variety of stories, as well as music, finger plays and/or a craft. Parents and caregivers must remain with their preschooler during the program. Sign up is not required. The program begins at 10 a.m.