…there is nothing better than the deep, rich taste of dark chocolate melting in your mouth.
What is it about chocolate that calls out to me in good times, in bad times and in times of stress and any time in between.
Chocolate comes to us from Mesoamerica. The Nahuatl word is xocolatl and is truly the drink and the gift of the gods. The best cup of hot chocolate that I have ever had was in Playa del Carmen, at the Ah Cacao, chocolate cafe. It was like drinking chocolate gold and was absolutely exquisite.
And if you happen to be in Barcelona, Spain, then you must check out the Chocolate Museum, where all the works of art and sculptures are made out of chocolate. Of course, they also have a chocolate shop where you can buy rich, rich,deep chocolate as well. My favorite was the portrait of Dali done in shades of chocolate.
It was not until the Spanish conquest of Mexico that chocolate was introduced into Europe.
Dark chocolate has a substantial amount of antioxidants and has been much promoted recently for its health benefits.
Chocolate also contains alkaloids such as theobromine and phenethylamine, which produces psychological effects and makes you feel good.
Romantic love lore identifies chocolate as an aphrodisiac. The reputed aphrodisiac qualities of chocolate are most often associated with the simple sensual pleasure of its consumption. It could very well be those alkaloids at work.
Giving chocolate has become a familiar courtship ritual.
What would Valentine’s Day be without a heart-shaped box of chocolates or Easter without a chocolate bunny.
And there is nothing better than a box of rich, dark chocolate after a break-up.
And who hasn’t read, Roald Dahl’s book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and hasn’t fantasized about being a child on that journey?
The gods most definitely gave us a gift in Cacao.
And so I will continue to consume deep, rich, dark chocolate as I await the arrival of my beloved.
