Sweets for the Sweet
D
o you always buy your sweetheart some chocolates on Valentine’s Day (or birthday, Easter, Christmas…the list goes on)? And do you say “Sweets for the sweet” when you present them? Well, you’d be surprised to know that line was originally penned by William Shakespeare and actually refers to the graveyard scene in Hamlet where the “sweets” referred to are flowers being scattered over the grave of Ophelia. Not that romantic (never say it to a theater major)!
Chocolate (along with roses) is almost exclusively linked with Valentine’s Day because it’s been considered an aphrodisiac as early as 600 AD in Aztec times. Some even call it “The Love Drug” because it mildly boosts your serotonin levels which increases desire and can put you in the mood for love.
Dark chocolate is actually good for you and is one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet. Studies have shown it to protect against heart disease, improve cognitive brain function and have various other health benefits, so don’t feel guilty when occasionally indulging. That being said, you’ll only reap max benefits if the chocolate is organic and made from at least 60% cocoa.
Both milk chocolate and white chocolate unfortunately don’t get the same thumbs up because of their high sugar and fat content. That doesn’t mean you should enjoy them any less. In fact, most people prefer the taste of milk chocolate to its dark counterpart.
The top chocolate eaters are in Europe (who would have thought?) — the top 3 being Switzerland (they eat more than 20lbs. a year per capita), Austria and Germany. We in North America only come in ninth.
That being said, gifting chocolate in any form and no matter where or when, is always a good idea. We don’t know anyone who doesn’t like it — in fact, we know some people (you know who you are) who probably can’t live without it!
You can bake a decadent chocolate cake (tiramisu, black forest) and create a finishing touch to a romantic dinner for two. Perhaps a luscious chocolate mousse or a Mississippi mud pie will set the mood. It doesn’t really matter, as long as it’s made with chocolate! Probably your best bet for the greatest chocolates is to find a local chocolatier who makes truffles and just let loose!
Here are some lovely chocolate items (including other sweets) that anyone would be very pleased to receive:
Some say that this company makes the best chocolates in the world and once you’ve eaten them, no other chocolate will do. They have 100 varieties, even gluten-free and chocolates that are certified Kosher. Order directly from Leonidas. Most chocolates come pre-wrapped with a beautiful bow — nothing for you to do except to give (or keep for yourself and enjoy)!
Canada: leonidaschocolate.ca USA: leonidas-usa.com Europe: leonidas.com/belgium
This Canadian company has been making some of the best handmade chocolates since 1988 when they opened the first storefront in Whistler, BC. Choose from treats such as Barks, Bombs, Clusters, or Peanut Butter Cups, Caramel Apples, and more. The only problem you’ll have is choosing!
Canada: shop.rockychoc.com USA: rmcf.com
Chocolates aren’t the only sweets that people love — here are a few other companies to check out!
This company boasts to have candies from the best artisans in the world. You can create your own Candy Bento Box with designs that celebrate every occasion. You can even pair their candies with a bottle of your favorite champagne, wine or spirits and have it shipped to your GyftBuddy!
Canada: sugarfina.com/ca/ USA: sugarfina.com
By D Revelins
Photo Credits: See Acknowledgements