Sure, we’ve all got a favorite chocolate bar. Hershey’s, Kit Kat, Snickers, to name a few. They can be readily found at grocery stores, drug stores, convenience stores, gas stations and even discount department stores — strategically placed so they call your name and you can’t resist.
Chocolate, for some, is thought to be the world’s most perfect food. When consumed, it is a bright spot in our day, an added rush of energy, a sensory pleasing experience, and simply a satisfying and delectable treat for young and old alike. Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to delve deeper into the world of chocolate, and discover the real, the imported — the expensive stuff.
While the drug store variety of boxed chocolates is always a nice gift, it’s also a tad on the safe side. Consider skipping the traditional cream filled confections, and try a different variety. Imported chocolate bars and truffles, for example, are more costly, but that old adage, “You get what you pay for” can certainly be applied to the world of chocolate. Try not to substitute quality for cost.
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If you’re baking up a sweet concoction to top off that romantic meal, consider using the highest quality ingredients to really show your loved one how much you care. (As an added bonus, you, too, will get to reap the rewards.) Look for chocolate with no added extracts, concentrates or flavorings. If there are any flavorings, they should be made of all natural ingredients, so as not to distract from the pureness of the chocolate.
Imported Swiss chocolate, for example, is a favorite amongst pastry chefs. Known for its luxurious superb texture, Swiss chocolate is thought to be the finest in the world. The difference is in their blend of cocoa beans and the processing, rendering a smooth, rich flavor.
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Not ready or no time to tackle a sinful chocolate dessert? An easy yet fun way to enjoy the “world’s most perfect food” is to melt it down to its original form and experiment. In addition to the traditional chocolate fondue dippers, such as strawberries and pretzel rods, go for the unexpected. Serve your chocolate with sliced mango or papaya, dried figs, fortune cookies, potato chips, crystallized ginger — even chili peppers. The possibilities are endless. Really, just about anything works if you’re a chocolate snob.
Whatever your favorite, experiment, enjoy and show your Valentine just how much you care — with chocolate!
