Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope you all have a lovely and sweet Valentine's Day. 

When I think of this day, I always think of the heart shaped boxes of chocolate...most of the time, I'm not too fond of those because I'm particular about my chocolate. Yes, I am a chocoholic. Have been for a long time. I prefer dark chocolate and when I discovered that it could be good for you (in moderation of course) that simply affirmed my life long love affair with it.

So for today's celebration, I thought I'd share a little chocolate trivia with you. Enjoy!

"Strength is the ability to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands - and then eat just one of those pieces." ANSWER: Judith Viorst.

The name chocolate comes from the Aztec word xocalati meaning bitter water.

Research suggests that chocolate was originally used more than 2,500 years ago, beginning in Central America.

The name 'Cacao' is a Maya word meaning 'god food' which after being introduced to Europe in the 16th century, formed the basis of the Latin name for the Cacao tree 'Theobrama Cacao' meaning 'food for the gods'. It is thought that the word 'cocoa' has come about through a misspelling of 'cacao.'

Although not scientifically proven, chocolate is believed by many, to be an aphrodisiac. The theory is supported by the fact that chocolate does contain among many chemicals the stimulants: caffeine, theobromine, and phenyethylamine.

Cocoa butter is a by-product produced from the crushing of roasted cacao beans, and although used in the chocolate making process, it is also used in a number of cosmetic products including massage oils and skin cosmetics.

A cocoa pod contains an average of about 42 beans. It takes up to 270 cocoa beans to make a pound of chocolate.

Have a Blessed and Romantic Valentine's Day!