A Chocolate Seduction

Light, Dark, Semi-Sweet or White…..you either love it or hate it. I like mine in liquid form, truffles, bars, donuts, candies, cookies, cakes and ice cream. There is nothing better than chocolate! Did you know, however, that white chocolate really isn’t chocolate in the literal sense? It doesn’t contain cocoa solids, only cocoa butter. That doesn’t make it any less yummy in my humble opinion.

Where did all this chocolate goodness come from? The Aztecs believed that cacao seeds were the gift of Quetzalcoatl, the god of wisdom. I have to concur, ole Quetz was pretty smart because chocolate is the best!

Why has chocolate been associated with Valentine’s Day and when did this marriage occur? Was it a conspiracy by the candy manufacturers or is there a deeper, darker (more chocolaty reason)?

Well, back to the Aztecs….they considered chocolate a luxury item, combining roasted cacao beans with cornmeal, vanilla, honey and chilies. Sort of an ancient hot chocolate (although I could do without the cornmeal and the chilies!)

Chocolate swept through Europe in the early 1600s and chocolate houses began to rival coffee houses along the bustling streets of London. Even Marie Antoinette had her own personal chocolate maker. (That would be the perfect gift!)

When Valentine’s Day became a popular holiday in the Victorian era, chocolate was a natural go-to gift. Richard Cadbury actually created the first solid chocolate candies as opposed to the drink. (See? Those Cadbury eggs are RICH in history!)

So, what are the best types of chocolates to give someone on Valentine’s Day? Here’s a few to tempt your palette and please note….these are NOT your dime-store chocolates!

L.A. Burdick Chocolates

In this case, L.A. doesn’t stand for Los Angeles.It stands for Larry! He opened up a small store in New York City after encountering delicious chocolates and hand-made delicacies in Paris and Switzerland.He opened his confectionery in New York City, then moved to Walpole, New Hampshire.

http://www.burdickchocolate.com/

Fran’s Chocolates

Chocolate dipped salted caramels.Who wouldn’t want to eat a whole box of them?The creamy caramel, surrounded by decadent high-quality chocolate with a sprinkling of sea salt….I am in Heaven.Fran Bigelow is considered one of the best chocolatiers in the nation and is credited for the decadent chocolate renaissance in the United States.Go ahead and indulge!

https://www.franschocolates.com/

K&M Extravirgin Chocolate

French Laundry Chef Thomas Keller and Tuscany’s Armando Manni got together with their high quality cocoa beans and extra virgin olive oil. WHAT????? It’s processed to preserve the antioxidants typically lost in the chocolate-making process, so their bars are actually healthier to eat!

http://finessethestore.com/collections/k-m-extravirgin-chocolate-by-thomas-keller-armando-manni

Christopher Elbow Chocolates

Chris worked with the best in Las Vegas, chef Emeril Lagasse and then chef Jean Joho before moving back to Kansas City where he originally started his career. He left the Shiraz there and accepted a pastry chef position at the American Restaurant. It was there that he perfected his chocolate making skills. And we’re glad he did!

http://www.elbowchocolates.com/

Vosges Haut-Chocolat

Katrina Markoff was a pioneer of the bacon-and-chocolate trend. Who wouldn’t love anything she put together? She pairs chocolates with unexpected goodness like curry powder or bee pollen. Her collections are beautiful, the boxes themselves are works of art. Check it out!

http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/

Godiva Chocolates

I have very fond memories of Godiva. My Dad, who worked for the Government, was on assignment in Italy for a couple of weeks. He brought home a box of Godiva chocolates – one for my Mom and one for me. I thought I died and went to Heaven. Amazingly enough, I only ate 1 a day. That was tough for a 10 year old, probably even tougher for me now! Go ahead and indulge your inner Godiva!

http://www.godiva.com/

Ethel M Chocolates

Ethel M is a personal favorite of mine. One, they have their factory in Henderson, Nevada (where I live!) and two, they have a gorgeous cactus garden at said factory that is beautiful all year round, but gets dolled up especially for the holiday season. And did you know that Forrest Mars Sr. created Ethel M Chocolates in his mother’s honor? That’s almost as sweet as their confections!

https://www.ethelm.com/

I am having chocolate withdrawals now – I’m going to go on-line and order some dark chocolate truffles from Godiva, some Cherry Cordials from Ethel M, some Extravirgin chocolate goodness from K&M and some chocolate/bacon anything from Vosges. Please don’t wake me from my chocolate induced coma for at least 24 hours!