For the Love of Chocolate

Marlene Guest Post, Style at a Certain Age

International Chocolate Lovers Unite! The world over loves chocolate…in sooo many forms!! It’s Valentine’s Week, as I pen my little musings on this very well-loved confection, that is actually a food ~ that brings thoughts of sweetness, love and heartfelt smiles!

Leonidas Leondas Assorted Chocolate Ballotin (Macy's)

TL;DR

Today, Marlene is sharing her love of chocolate

From a short history of chocolate to ways to enjoy it, Marlene deeps dive into this divine delicacy

All of Marlene's suggestions are shoppable via text-widgets

Each alternate is shoppable via a text widget

For the Love of Chocolate

1. Chocolate Tradition

The tradition of giving and enjoying chocolate has been revered in France, England, and around the world for centuries, and is considered one of France’s ultimate delicacies.

It is the epitome of romance the world over and is given and received for special remembrances and holidays year-round! Some of the richest are European, due to high cocoa and fat content.

Quality counts. Fine chocolates are made of the freshest ingredients and today they may even be hand-painted or gold leafed on milk, dark, and white chocolate!

Neuhaus Chocolate History Collection Box of Chocolates (2)

Neuhaus Chocolate History Collection Box of Chocolates (Neiman Marcus) | Leonidas 1913 Heritage Chocolate Gift Box (Macy's) | Godiva Chocolatier 22-Piece White Chocolate Assortment Gift Box (Horchow) | Charbonnel et Walker Heritage Dark Chocolate & Truffle Selection (Bloomingdale's) | MarieBelle New York Matcha Chocolate Truffles (Macy's)

Chocolate Recipes and Techniques from the Ferrandi School of Culinary Arts Hardcover

Chocolate: Recipes and Techniques from the Ferrandi School of Culinary Arts (Amazon.com) | The Art of the Chocolatier: From Classic Confections to Sensational Showpieces (Amazon) | Chocolates and Confections: Formula, Theory, and Technique for the Artisan Confectioner (Amazon) |Sensational Showpieces (Amazon) | Verve Culture Hot Chocolate (Neiman Marcus)

Prisma (Amazon)

2. Chocolatiers

Dutchman Frank Haasnoot, won the World Chocolate Masters competition in 2011 (Paris) and now presents his brilliant work, artistically and technically in his first book, Prisma. He showcases his elegant and creative style and work in Dubai, New York, Taipei, and Hong Kong.

Chocolatiers are admired by all…not just in the culinary world. Their inspired creations are delectable treats, especially delightful after a fabulous meal. A beautiful selection of chocolates is also the mark of an exceptional host-hostess!

Angelina Hot Chocolate (Bergdorf Goodman) | Breton (France) Chocolate Pot & Lid (Replacements) | Mariebelle 10oz Tin of Spicy Hot Chocolate (Bergdorf Goodman) | Shop Verve Culture Mexican Hot Chocolate (Saks Fifth Avenue) | Verve Culture Hot Chocolate Clay Jug (Neiman Marcus)

ANGE_RIVOLI_CHOCOLAT_CHAUD_VERSION_TABLE-redim_0 (2)

No trip to France is complete without a visit to Angelina’s in Paris (226 Rue de Rivoli), so chic and charming! It’s become world famous with its classic French chocolat chaud, essentially a cup of “silky, velvety melted chocolate mixed with a little milk or water.” L’Amour ~ L’Amour! xoxo

Chocolate Parisian Style Cherries (Williams Sonoma) | Deluxe Chocolate Covered Strawberries (Williams Sonoma) | La Maison Du Chocolat Orangette 68-Piece Chocolate-Covered Orange Peels Gift Box (Bergdorf Goodman) | Leonidas Orangette Chocolate (Macy's) | Chocolate Covered Company Premium Belgian Chocolate Dipped Fruit (Bergdorf Goodman)

Chocolate delights us drizzled and covering many luscious fruits… from apples to cherries, mangos, pears, pineapple, oranges, plump strawberries and more!

Connoisseur Truffle Selection Heart (Bergdorf Goodman) | Charbonnel Et Walker Mini "Handbag & Heels" Chocolate Shoes (Bergdorf Goodman) | Charbonnel Et Walker (Horchow) | Gold Speckled Chocolate Eggs (Williams Sonoma) | Mrs. Prindables Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Almond Jumbo Caramel Apple (Macy's)

England’s Charbonnel et Walker offers heart-warming selection of elegant favorites including Pink Marc de Champagne, Milk Salted Caramel, Salted Praline Caramel, Sipsmith Gin, Dark Gold Leaf, and Whisky Truffles galore!

3. Sharing Chocolate

Chocolate comes in every imaginable shape and form ~ hearts, eggs, shoes, lips, and of course, little geometric shapes and the classic chocolate bar!

It’s perfect for Days of Love and Celebration…Birthdays, Easter, Mother’s Day, or Just Because, Thank You and Thinking of You days!!

Hotels often use it to Welcome guests! (I remember fondly, receiving the elegant gold Leonidas Ballotin on arrival at the lovely Westbury Hotel in New York). Très chic!! The Greek-born chocolatier Leonidas began in the early 1900s and his Belgian chocolates are revered!