IMPROVING ON MOTHER NATURE:
The cacao tree originated in the tropical regions in Central and South America. The chocolate consumed by the pre-Columbian natives was a bitter, frothy beverage mixed with chiles and spices. Hats off to the Europeans of the mid-1600’s for adding that special ingredient from which chocolate will never be separated . . . sugar!
THE FAMILY TREES:
Mostly cultivated in Brazil and West Africa, the Forastero is one of the two main general classifications of cacao trees. A hardy grower, it produces dark purple beans having a harsh flavor, known as the “base bean.” The Forastero makes up 90 percent of the world crop, and forms the bulk of most finished chocolate.
The Criollo, a Central American native, is the other main cacao tree. Lower yielding, more susceptible to problems of disease and weather, and harder to grow, its yellowish-white bean is finer and milder in flavor. This is the “flavor bean,” rarer and more expensive. It is blended into every fine chocolate made. The ratio of Criollo to Forastero beans determines both the flavor and price of a confection.
A GOOD REASON TO SMILE:
Chocolate boosts the potent brain chemical serotonin, blessing us with feelings of calm and contentment.
The fat in chocolate is known to release endorphins in the brain, which further elevate our moods!
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX: IT’S A WRAP!!
Outside of the box is where you go when you finally realize that if what you’ve tried repeatedly hasn’t ever worked, it’s time to try something different. One young man searching for a job as a graphic designer found success in his “out of the box” experience.
He designed his resumé to look like a candy bar wrapper, and wrapped each one around an actual chocolate bar. Using the slogan “Credentials that will satisfy any organization’s appetite,” he called it his Resumé Bar. Thinking outside the box landed him a job inside a major candy-maker’s organization. Sweet Success!!
This Month’s Heavenly Selection from Your Favorite Chocolate of the Month Club:
“MMM . . .CHEESECAKE” Center pieces are CRUSHED OREO COOKIES WITH CARAMEL IN WHITE CHOCOLATE Outer pieces include a variety of MILK & DARK CHOCOLATE WITH THE FOLLOWING FRUIT-FLAVORED CHEESECAKE: BLUEBERRY, CHERRY, STRAWBERRY & RASPBERRY!
