For love of Michigan Chocolate
“All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt!”
~Lucy Van Pelt (Peanuts)
While many of us count chocolate as a food group, there’s no doubt that interest in “the 5th food group” peaks around Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s pairings of Wine & Chocolate, Beer & Chocolate or just plain Chocolate & More Chocolate, it’s the time of year to celebrate the tastiest of health foods. It’s more than just for Valentine’s Day as researchers have found that chocolate benefits your mood too, and goodness knows we can all use a little boost here and there in February and March!
Because I would rather think about chocolate than work, I spent a little time digging around Absolute Michigan’s chocolate collection to help you indulge your sweetie’s – or your own – passion for chocolate.
I have to start with the chocolate I eat the most of: Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate from Mimi Wheeler. I am lucky enough to manage her web site, and thereby to be the recipient of all kinds of tasty truffles and chocolate delights. While it may be too late to order for Valentine’s Day this year, keep Mimi’s Valentine’s boxes in mind and visit her shop in Empire any time for some amazing handmade goodness.
Last weekend at the annual Taste the Passion wine tour, I met Patricia of Patricia’s Chocolates in Grand Haven. Her gorgeous artisan ganache and caramel chocolates (pictured right) have to be seen (and tasted) to be believed. You can view her selection and take my word that beyond flavors like Michigan Blueberry or Cherry and Hazelnut Cube are some chocolates that will take you to a whole new level like Saigon Cinnamon and perhaps the best chocolate I’ve ever had: Earl Grey Tea! You can read much more about Patricia in Patricia’s Psychology of Chocolate from Rapid Growth.
There’s a whole bunch more links waiting for you in Absolute Michigan’s chocolate collection, and if you’re still not full, check out the Chocolate slideshow from the Absolute Michigan pool (and feel free to add your own!)