In Chocolate we Trust Part I

“You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy chocolate. And that’s kind of the same thing.”

There are good reasons why there are so many quotes, anecdotes, and stories involving this dark pleasure. Not only is it sweet as the freshest nectar and easy to obtain, it is also scientifically proven to increase well-being and delight. Eating chocolate releases a variety of neurotransmitters that convey feelings of happiness and pleasure in the human body, similar to the feelings you get when kissing someone you like. Even though you have to consume a great deal of chocolate to release enough chemicals to give a permanent effect, consuming just a small amount is enough to simulate happiness for a short while. And if you wish to enhance and prolong that feeling you can always choose to use it as an aphrodisiac.

It is the only food to melt exactly at the temperature of the human body, so whether you wish to use it to feed your lover with gastronomical delight or titivate your body scent, chocolate provides many possibilities.

Chocolate and Wine

Chocolate is appealing to all the senses with its velvety smooth surface and aromatic allure. It is almost like tasting a little bit of paradise when it pleasantly starts to melt and fill your palate with divine flavors. Pair it with a good tasting red wine, such as Sauvignon Cabernet, Zinfandel or Pinot Noir for dark, Chianti for milk. It is a known fact that women and chocolate pair well together, behind every good woman is a lot of chocolate.

The delightful sweets can be obtained almost anywhere in the world, but there is a difference between chocolate and chocolate. Why waste your taste buds on artificially flavored cheap candy bars when you can invest in exquisite confections from Lindt and Ghirardelli? Or make the experience complete by visiting a chocolatier; just the aroma surrounding you when stepping through the door will be worth the visit.

Some of the best chocolatiers in the US are: Mast Brothers, Vosges Chocolate, Valerie’s Confections, and MarieBelle. However, these decadent shops can be found all over, and one of my favorite local ones is Stefanelli’s Candies in Erie, Pennsylvania. It is rather small, but the selection is great and their White Raspberry-filled chocolate is almost intoxicating and has the perfect long lasting flavor that makes chocolate great. One of the best things about chocolate is that it doesn’t have to be an expensive pleasure – the best chocolate I’ve ever had comes from Canada, BRIX chocolate for wine, and it can be enjoyed for less than $5.  You can take it even further by creating your own lavish sweets-feasts with one of the millions of chocolate recipes out there. Here is an easy for you to enjoy, alone or with someone:

Easy Chocolate Fondue.

Fondue is both elegant and easy to make. And it is perfect for so many occasions: a romantic evening, a fun ladies night, or an enjoyable dessert. I would recommend that you use a chocolate fondue set (a great gift), but you can also melt your chocolate by poaching it on the stove. Remember to oil the bowls first, as this will ease the cleaning process a great deal.

What you need is:

• Fondue serving set
• Saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Your favorite chocolate
• Dipping items of your choice such as: Strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, exotic fruits, kiwi, raspberries, soft coconut cookies, melon, etc. Be creative here, one great thing about chocolate is that it pairs well with almost anything.

Chocolate Fondue Directions:

• Arrange the dipping items of your choice on a plate.
• Bring water to a slow boil in the saucepan.
• Place mixing bowl on top and put pieces of your chosen chocolate in the pot to melt. You can use different kinds, but my personal favorite is white lemon chocolate, but it’s really a matter of taste and creativity.
• When melted, pour into the oiled fondue pot and light the flame underneath on low so it doesn’t burn too high. Be careful when you dip so that you don’t burn your mouth on the hot chocolate.

Enjoy!

Note: Look for Part II of this article, which will be published on Friday with two more easy recipes!