There are certain things that strike me as inherently romantic. Maybe it's because tradition says they are or retail has made it so. Or, maybe, it's because they are sensual. Chocolate is one of those things.
This coming weekend is the Colorado Chocolate Festival here in Denver and my taste buds are tingling already. I can feel the smooth texture of milky chocolate melting in my mouth…the sweet subtly of white chocolate…the bittersweet bite of dark chocolate…the crunch of nuts…warm liquid centers. Oh, yeah…it's definitely the sensuality in this case.
In the nineteenth century, chocolates were not widely available unless there was a candy confectioner nearby. Cheyenne had one—the Ellis Candy Store—offering baked goods and confections such as Charlotte Russe, macaroons, lady fingers, and chocolate kisses. The store later discontinued its bakery and opened an ice cream parlor in the rear.
When I researched Denver history for CHANCES, I discovered Joslin's Dry Goods Company (later Joslin's Department Store) had a confectionary. The store was initially located at 15th and Larimer Streets. Every Thursday, there were Candy Specials such as Coconut Dainties for 20 cents per pound. I couldn't resist having my heroine head for Joslin's for a chocolate binge when all seemed lost.
Today, we find candy stores in malls and on the main streets of tourist towns and mountain villages. Chocolate bars are available at grocery stores and gas stations. We pay extra for it at movie theaters. Holidays such as Valentine's Day, Easter, and Mother's Day are surrounded by displays of gift boxes urging us to gift those we love. On TV, we watch competitors on Survivor balance on poles and offer outrageous bids just for a taste of chocolate. We have chocolate fountains at wedding. Strawberries dipped in chocolate are very nearly heaven and watching someone else eat one is…well… heaven itself. Liquid chocolate dribbled in the right places can be erotic.
Chocolate is that all wonderful treat that pleasures us, comforts us, re-energizes us, and conveys love.
Somehow, it's only suiting that five Denver area romance authors will help select the best truffles of the festival. If you live in the area, come on out and experience it with us. If not, eat some anyway and think about the simple pleasures to be found in chocolate and in romance.
Sweet Thoughts!
--Pamela Nowak
9 comments:
Pam, it sounds delicious! I wish I was in Denver. Chocolate is definitely the food of
romance. Healthy for the mind and body as well as the libido.
I wish I could come to Denver for the festival, but I'll think of you as I'm digging into my bag of dark Kisses! I consider chocolate a separate food group, and I make sure to have my daily portion.
We'll miss you--wish you could be there. Always good to meet other appreciators of chocolate.
Wish I could get to Denver ... chocolate is everything! I'm not even that far away, but too much to do with the recent move.
Terry:
I dropped a note on your blog re taboo hero professions and undertakers (my hero in CHANCES is an undertaker). AND he likes chocolate!
Oh, Pam. You're so right about chocolate. I have a funny, un-romantic story though. I was allergic to chocolate from birth (so sad), so my mother decided if she gave me a small bit every day, I'd outgrow the allergy. It worked! The only problem is . . . I now want a small bit every day! : )
I do like to give my heroine's food issues. It's a fun quirk. Thanks for the post. I love to read about CHOCOLATE!
There's nothing wrong with a little bit every day! All things in moderation is much better than binging on anything.
Hi Pam: I have to admit, I'm a chocoholic. I keep a dish of dark chocolate on my kitchen counter. When my dog sitter comes, I leave the bowl on top of her money. I figure if she gets chocolate she'll be good to my dog :-). At Pikes Peak conference, they served Death by Chocolate (cake) for the banquet dessert. I ate every crumb, but people around me left part of theirs. I have a theory. A chocolate a day keeps the doctor away. Wish I were in Denver. I came to Colorado Gold last year. I love Denver. In fact, I love Colorado. Have fun tasting those truffles.
Hi, Pam,
I loved that scene in CHANCES. You captured the innocent pleasures of that era.
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