The Love Potion

Escazu Chocolate

However much I want to say that Valentine's Day is so commercialized, I do like to be reminded now and then with hugs, kisses and how much my family loves me. Even if you're not into it or don't expect to be anyone's Valentine, you must give out love at least once per year.  Valentine’s Day is a good excuse to do so.   Like our children, packing 40 packages of chocolate takes dedication and love...even if it is for the classmates and not the actual Valentine. Our daughter was determined to write personal notes to all of her friends, now that her writing skills have been captured, best homework ever!  Our son made his Valentine cards 3 weeks ago and has been asking me every other day if today is Valentine’s Day yet.  He hid the cards under his pillow…how cute is that!  Let’s see if your Valentine can top that.

I can totally skip the flowers and go straight to the bubbly and the cocoa emulsification. I demand for not just any chocolate, mind you. Yes, all women know the good versus the bad. So, if you're thinking about Godiva and the franchise chocolate for your loved one, think again. Give her tailor made chocolate and dance with her or all night, if you want to get anywhere in the relationship. The chocolate must melt as it touches your warm tongue. It must be balanced between sweet and bitterness with a surprise from vanilla, chili or any other voluptuous element. And most of all, it must be "unique". We, women, are after all, the unique ones.

The Chocolate Shop

I must be honest with you that I do not typically crave for chocolate. But if and when I crave, my karma sets in to find the best. I discovered 2 places in Raleigh. To have, not 1 but 2 very different chocolatiers in your neighborhood is a blessing.  Escazu is in downtown Raleigh, next to Peace College. The other is Chocolate Boutique in north Raleigh.  Both are locally operated and all chocolate are uniquely made in house.  Escazu cacaos are from Costa Rica and Venezuela.  The chocolatier is a Venezuela native pastry chef who crafts chocolate with strong, exotic spices.  The Chocolate shop has a European trained chocolatier with Belgian chocolate.  You will find more recognizable flavor here such as key lime, lavender and sea salt.  The printing designs on the chocolate give you a hint of what awaits.

So, don' t be shy or short changed, get out there and find the unique chocolatier. Your loved ones deserve nothing but the best. Even if you don't tell he or she how much you love her or him everyday, now is the time.

Happy Valentine's Day,
Teera