A true chocolate lover knows no bounds. A true chocolate connoisseur knows the history and origin of their beloved confection. A true chocolate fiend will try chocolate of any variety – milk, dark, rich, light, white, bitter, sweet, bittersweet. From the usual, to the unusual, the known and the unknown. A true choco-holic will listen very closely to what I have to say.

Chocolate, any chocolate originates from the cacao bean – pronounced “ka-kow” not “co-co”. The scientific name for the cacao tree is “Theobrama cacao” which, when translated, means “food of the gods”. Many years ago, these precious, fragrant beans were so highly prized they were used as currency by the Aztecs – a rabbit sold for 10 cacao beans and a mule for 50 cacao beans. Back then, the beans were dried and left to ferment in the sun for several days. The fermented beans were then ground into a powder, water or milk was added along with cinnamon and chili peppers and the concoction was drunk. It was said to have great medicinal value and it was a rare and delicious treat.

Today, chocolate is a lost art form. Many people only appreciate the milk variety of chocolate, but we chocolate connoisseurs know that the beauty, grace and true delectable nature lies in that of dark chocolate. Hershey’s now makes a line of products known as “Cacao Reserve”. Delicious to the last bite, this tempting delicacy feature a 65% cacao strength. The higher the percentage, the more intense and flavorful the chocolate is. 65% is wonderful by any standard and this chocolate is no exception. It is bold, intense and fragrant. The chocolate stays on your tongue long after it has melted and is reminiscent of coffee. This particular bar features cacao “nibs” which are small coarse pieces of the actual cacao bean. They add a delightful crunch to the bar and make for an even more flavorful chocolate treat. This is not a bar you just “chomp”; rather it is a bar to savor. Very dark chocolate goes well with a fine dessert wine, or even a glass of milk. This chocolate can be used for baking or just as a way to treat yourself. This is truly one of the most delicious confections I have tasted in years.