The Cult of Chocolate

So, you are knowledgeable enough to buy that special someone in your life a box of chocolates and perhaps a dozen roses this holiday? Good. You are normal. Breathe that sigh of relief, pop a chocolate covered cherry in your mouth, and learn just a little more about the one food that dieters, diabetics, and even religious zealots hate to give up: chocolate.

When partaking of that happy little "sin" known as chocolate, chemicals called Phenyl ethylamine and Serotonin are released into the system. To the eater of the chocolate, this can mean an energy boost, possibly creating the stamina needed at a critical moment. Though no proof yet exists, Phenyl ethylamine is reputed to be a mood elevator as well as an anti-depressant.

This is why chocolate seems to give its followers a euphoric effect, which has led many to believe and even swear that chocolate has the qualities of an aphrodisiac. The Aztecs alleged this, and when first introduced to Europe, chocolate was associated with love. It is said that Casanova partook of chocolate before partaking of his many adventurous romps. Montezuma drank a chocolate beverage before visiting one of his wives, as well, but don't rush out to the nearest confectioner's establishment to order a few crates, as the substances are found in minimal quantity. It would probably take much more than the average chocolate worshipper can actually ingest in order to experience an effect.

Over the course of history, as well, there have been other statements concerning chocolate of which a member of the popular cult should become aware. Here are a few commonly asked questions concerning chocolate, according to the Medical Board of Alabama and Phil Brandon, a local culinary arts student:

Primarily, you can definitely lay to rest that mythical belief that chocolate causes an increase in acne on any part of the body. While some people tragically suffer with an allergy to chocolate or one of its ingredients, doctors have disproved statements concerning the fear of it causing acne for some time, now.

Another question prompted by those who love chocolate comes from worshippers who want their beloved pooch to be able to indulge in the delicious benefits. Unfortunately, the theobromine in chocolate that stimulates the Cardiac and nervous system proves to be too much for dogs to handle, so many pet owners are urged to keep chocolate far away from their pet's diet. This is especially true with smaller dogs. A whole chocolate bar is poisonous to your furry little friend, and could even be lethal.

An additional myth surrounding chocolate which may not be known to its followers is that there is no such thing as a chocolate-chip Neiman Marcus recipe that people are willing to pay over $250.00 to receive. Neiman Marcus does not sell recipes from its restaurants. The department store gives them away for free to anyone who asks, but

they do not sell or serve cookies at any of their restaurants. There is no such thing as a "Neiman-Marcus Cookie."

There are, however, other places one can visit in order to find the perfect piece of chocolate. The Café Chocolateri Leonidas imports from Belgium, and when visiting the site at http://www.cafechocolaterie.com, you can choose from pralines, truffles, butter creams, liquors, marzipan, ganache, and candied orange peels. This chocolate is sure to create the sense of love from that special someone.

The Woodhouse Chocolate site has noted that they are completely sold out, and that regular shipments on orders will resume on Valentine's Day and thereafter. They are found on the web at http://www.woodhousechocolate.com.

Along with the best chocolates and a dozen roses, however, a thoughtful individual will close the holiday with a romantic poem straight from the heart. The appearance of that poem should be considered, however, and through surfing the web for ideas, one may land at http://www.dotsphinx.com/love.en/. There is a poetry generator for those who cannot seem to put their thoughts into the expression they desire, and there is also a shape printer so that your finished poem can be printed in different designs, such as a heart.

As with any holiday, always give the gift of chocolate from your heart, as it is considered as romantic as a fresh rose, as thoughtful as the expression of love, and worshipped as the food of the gods to many a would be Casanova.

Happy Valentine's Day!