As many folks celebrate Valentine’s Day gifting sentimental cards, flowers, balloons and cheesy plush bears; I want to pay homage to the unassuming cocoa bean, my unconditional, little friend—the love of my life. CHOCOLATE!!
Tearing into a box of candy brings me immense pleasure. I’m not picky; Godiva, Ferrero Rocher, Whitman’s and Russell Stover do the trick! And, I’m not alone. Last year, Americans bought more than $345 million dollars worth of chocolate and consumed 58 million pounds. That’s a whole lot of beans. I hope Cupid is wearing his Fitbit.
My epic relationship with chocolate goes way back to my childhood. I remember my mom occasionally giving my sister and me Hershey’s Bars, while we waited for the bus in the rain, after shopping in downtown Buffalo. I was hooked.
Getting High
Hershey’s Bars were the gateway drug to Hershey Kisses, Fifth Avenue, Nestle Crunch and Three Musketeers; especially during my angst-filled high school years. Chocolate was an emotional cheerleader through bad grades, good grades, puberty, acne, PMS, dating woes, divorce, crummy Friday nights, work stress, menopause, long car trips, birthdays, holidays and celebrations.
It’s my fix when life is complicated, irritating and stressful. An Oreo dunked into a cold glass of milk soothes my nerves! Need I say more?
Chocolate just understands; no judgment, questions or grudges. I wish humans were as half as loyal! The aroma is intoxicating and erotic; it makes me so happy. It must be those endorphins released from the brain. I feel invincible, if only for a little while. LOL!!
I didn’t realize everyone didn’t love chocolate, until I met my husband. I looked at him with disgust; I took personal offense. I mean, who in their right mind isn’t a fan? But, talk to him about apple pie or carrot cake and he perks up like a sun dried flower in the rain. LOL!
Crack House For Chocoholics
If you’re truly an addict, check out Max Brenner’s Chocolate Bar in Manhattan. It’s mammoth! It’s amazing!! As soon as you enter, the sweet aroma, knocks you off your feet. The room is filled with zombie like customers entranced with all the goodies!! The extensive menu is crazy good including; Mexican Spicy Hot Chocolate, Chocolate Chunks Pizza and White Chocolate Cheesecake served with ganache and vanilla ice cream.
So. On this day filled with hearts and candlelight dinners; remember, above all else, to love yourself first!
You don’t need to be a couple to indulge in a box of truffles.
Love ya,
Very Viv
XOXOXO
What a wonderful description of our mutual obsession with CHOCOLATE!! It’s always been a huge mood booster 4 me 2 😊. Good Times & Bad Times. Favorite BD Cake? German Chocolate 😋.
Another reason to love you. Yes, my favorite birthday cake, too. xo
Reading this reminded me of the days I shared (as a young girl in Buffalo) walks with a most beloved best friend, to the corner store (Dairy on Delavan) , to purchase the oh so familiar blue and white packaged/perfectly foil wrapped
” Nestle Crunch Bar!” …It was her favorite at the time!
Still a favorite memory 🙂
OMG, can’t believe you remember that. Chocolate girl from way back. lol. And, can’t forget Mallo Cups. Do they still make ’em? lol