When Chocolate Stole My Heart

Valentine's Day is a day we love to hate and hate to love. It is a day for couples to celebrate their love in the most romantic of ways, but it is also an annual reminder to those who are alone that chocolate and wine are their eternal soul mates. I'd like to think the holiday is really all about the chocolate and lots of it. No matter if you have found love or are still searching, it is important to remember that Valentine's Day would be nothing without the presence of chocolate. While I am not encouraging you to approach Valentine's Day with the intention of clearing out the chocolate aisle at your nearest drugstore, I suggest you welcome this favored food with open arms. It may just give you a loving hug in return.

Here are some fun facts about our dear friend, chocolate:

1. On Her Mind

Chocolate is the food most commonly craved by women – it's a fact. If you're looking to satisfy your chocolate craving without expanding your waistline, try dark chocolate. It is rich with antioxidants and helps curb other cravings.

Photo by Jana Schwartz

2. Versatile

Melt it and coat your favorite snacks, blend it in your smoothie, incorporate it into your baking and even throw a little into your glass of bourbon. You're welcome.

3. It Gets Eaten... Often

Did you know the average American consumes roughly 10-12 pounds of chocolate per year? This seems like an astonishing amount, and it is. Nevertheless, we can all smile again, because the average Swiss eats roughly 21 pounds of it per year.

4. Freeze It!

Frozen chocolate can last up to six months, so if you enjoy having a handful of chocolate chips every once in a while, or baking once a year, this is a useful way to savor the treat.

5. Crowd Pleaser

Chocolate is undoubtedly America's favorite flavor. When it comes to ice cream, coffee, candy, milk or even after-dinner cocktails, Americans love the sound of "chocolate-flavored". Chocolate is everywhere and in everything and who would ever complain about that?

It is unclear where the connection between Valentine's Day and chocolate emerged, but it definitely fits the bill. Chocolate has both the power to cure a broken heart and to bring long-time couples even closer.

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