All things COCOA

There are many "followings" in this world. There are fan bases for just about anything you can imagine. However....there is no group out there, no club that requires membership fees, no gathering of enthusiastic groupies; no organized collection of people that are proven tried and true more than those of us who love -

~~~~ CHOCOLATE ~~~~

We go by many names. We've been called "CHOC-O-HOLICS," "Chocolate Lovers," "Addicted to CHOCOLATE," and many others names and phrases that only endear us and spur us on in our passionate quest for all things CHOCOLATE!

CHOCOLATE runs thicker than blood! Are some just genetically pre-disposed or is it a learned and nurtured relationship?

For me, I think it is BOTH! My mother had a passionate love affair with CHOCOLATE! To any doubter she was quick to point out the health benefits CHOCOLATE, but she never forgot to mention the pure pleasure that CHOCOLATE gave her! Many times I found my mom nibbling on CHOCOLATE from a secret stash, its where-a-bouts known only to her! So, it only stands to reason that I too have a fond connection with CHOCOLATE. To me, CHOCOLATE is luxury, pleasure, release, comfort, joy, and FUN!

One of my most cherished memories of time with my mom was a yearly event that at a certain age I was invited to attend with her. It was in my hometown of Durango, CO and it was called "CHOCOLATE FANTASIA" and fittingly, it benefited the local safe house and community shelter. It was an extravagant evening of all things indulgent. I remember it clearly even today.

And so it would seem that I was destined to begin my own love affair with this delectable indulgence. CHOCOLATE! Suitable as gifts for royalty, yet common enough today to bring a bit of luxury to everyday life!

Who of us, the CHOCOLATE lovers that we are, hasn't sought comfort in our favorite CHOCOLATE? Who of us hasn't felt our head swim at the mere thought of 7 layer CHOCOLATE cake? Who of us hasn't gingerly checked for drool while pressing our nose to the glass in front our our local CHOCOLATIER? Who of us doesn't have a stash unknown to anyone but ourselves? Who of us doesn't love to entertain the dream of swimming Willy Wonka's CHOCOLATE river, or moving to France to become a "CHOCOTAT" temptress creating confections that inspire magic...and of course a dreamy man like Johnny Depp!

AAAH....the power of CHOCOLATE!