CHOCOLATE

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”

Charles M. Schulz

Mmm… Chocolate! I call it the happy drug. But not in a bad way. I call it the happy drug because it a) has this uncanny ability of making people feel happy, and b) has a tendency to be annoyingly addicting. But again, it’s not in a bad way. In fact, it’s good… really good! Chocolate is packed with antioxidants and may even help lower blood pressure. Hear that: chocolate is actually good for you! (In reasonable and moderate amounts of course.) And it’s also considered by many to be an aphrodisiac. ;)

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Now, you may be asking yourself why in the world I chose to write about chocolate today. Well, why not write about chocolate? You may also be wondering what chocolate has to do with weddings. It doesn’t. Not really. (Unless you’re having a chocolate wedding cake or cupcakes.) I chose to write about chocolate today to taunt you. (I’m kidding.) It’s because February is the month of chocolate as much as it is the month of l o v e.
Think about it: February is the most popular candy month of the year – second only to October. And chocolate is the candy of choice (next to candy conversation hearts) on Valentine’s Day. And whether you are single, in a relationship, engaged, or married – February 14th means chocolate in one way or another.

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Let’s talk about some of the ways you can enjoy chocolate on this loveliest day of love. And all days really. :)
Chocolate Pudding, Ice Cream, or Gelato : If you’re single this Valentine’s Day, spend it with the two men who never let a girl down – Ben and Jerry. Remember to never give up hope that love is out there. Stop looking for it and it’ll come to you. Until then, there is nothing better than a pudding cup with a dollop of whipped cream or a tub of ice cream to cheer you up.
Chocolate Fondue : How can you say no to a bubbling pot of chocolate fondue? Slice fruits like apples, strawberries, bananas, and pineapple for dunking in the chocolatey goodness. Try large marshmallows too for added fun!
Brownies : Can you say fabulous, fudgey, and delicious? They’re great on their own, frosted, minted (with Andes candies), or beneath a sundae. Yum! (Tip: Looking for a more Valentine-ish brownie recipe? Try Tuxedo Brownies – white chocolate cream cheese frosting, raspberry jam, and fresh raspberries. It’s dreamily divine.)

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Coffee Mocha : On Valentine’s Day why not hit a Starbucks and pick up a Mocha (or White Chocolate Mocha) for you and your honey? If you’re snowed in (or just feeling lazy) try stirring a piece of Valentine’s chocolate into your morning coffee for a chocolatey treat!
Hot Chocolate : Not a coffee drinker? Try a large mug of hot cocoa smothered with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, or marshmallow fluff. Mmm!! (Try homemade marshmallows!)

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Chocolate Chip Cookies, Muffins, or Pancakes : Pure, classic, deliciousness. You’re sure to make your sweetie smile with any of these baked goods. Especially if they’re made with love!
Box o’ Chocolates : You can never go wrong with a box (preferably heart shaped on V-Day) of chocolates!

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Cupcakes : My all-time favorite cupcake is yellow cake smothered with chocolate frosting! But I wouldn’t say no to a chocolate frosted chocolate cupcake either. Or cake for that matter. (Tip: My all-time favorite chocolate on chocolate cupcake mix is by the Barefoot Contessa. It’s the fluffiest frosting EVER.)
Chocolate Covered Bacon : OK, before you pass judgment, remember this: Don’t judge a book by its cover! Because I am here to tell you that chocolate covered bacon is AMAZING. Last year, I went to Whole Foods a few days before Valentine’s Day. They were running a chocolate event where every department put together a dish using chocolate. There were chocolate covered strawberries in produce, chocolate rubbed (I think it was chilean sea bass) in seafood, and chocolate covered bacon in the butcher shoppe. I kid you not it was as if breakfast AND dessert had exploded in my mouth!! If you like bacon, and you like chocolate, you’ll LOVE this!

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M&Ms : With so many different types of M&Ms to choose from these days, you and your man are sure to find a bag to share and indulge in! And if you’re feeling fancy, you could even get them personalized! (P.S. Pretzel M&M’s are ridiculously ADDICTING!)

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Chocolate Covered Strawberries : A favorite and very popular Valentine’s Day treat! If you wish to indulge in these chocolate covered berries on February 14th – decide early! If you want to make them yourself, buy the ingredients ahead before they run out. And if you’re looking to place an order – do it soon! Don’t think you’ll pick up an even dozen the day of. Most stores will fill all previously placed orders, but will only make a minimal number for in-store pick-up. (Meaning they will probably sell out before you can say Happy Valentine’s Day.) Take note: they aren’t the cheapest treat either – so if you’re looking to save a couple bucks, do-it-yourself! In fact, why not make them with your sweetie? It’ll be fun and delicious! ;)

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Chocolate Covered Pretzels : The perfect salty and sweet treat! And one of my personal favorites. (If I’m being honest – they’re my ultimate weakness!)
Chocolate Kisses : Need I say more? ;)

Now that I have given you an intense craving for chocolate – go ahead, INDULGE! And then share a little with your sweetie! Show someone you care this Valentine’s Day with a little choc-o-lat!
Oh, and tell them you love them too! That’s important! (Although you should be telling the ones you love that you love them on a regular basis – not saving it for this holiday created by Hallmark and Hershey’s.)

XO XO