By Ashley Ruzich
When it comes to sweets, chocolates are irresistible. Just thinking about their silky texture and delicious taste can bring a smile to our faces—and even a craving! From the bitter tang of dark chocolate to the creamy taste of milk chocolate with its cocoa butter and milk fat, chocolate is a versatile treat with a range of flavors.
Combine chocolate with peanut butter, raspberry, or caramel and you have matches made in heaven. Chocolate’s many varieties and pairing potential are just two reasons why it’s a perfect Valentine’s Day dessert to share with your sweetie.
Here in Western North Carolina, we are fortunate to have several talented chocolatiers who make unique truffles and treats.
Jael Rattigan, co-owner of French Broad Chocolates with husband Dan, says, “Theobroma cacao, the Latin name for the tree from which chocolate is made, translates to ‘food of the gods,’ which speaks to its sacred nature. It seems to have come from the universe just for us lucky humans.”
Some chocolates also go well with wine. The Biltmore Estate is one spot in town that offers a chocolate and wine pairing—how romantic! Since Asheville is also known as a beer city, there are more than a few stouts out there to enjoy a side-by-side tasting with a variety of fabulous dark chocolates.
If you didn’t already know, another reason why we associate Valentine’s Day with chocolates lies in the chemical makeup of chocolate. Many believe chocolate (a stimulant) also has aphrodisiac qualities with its chemicals, tryptophan and phenylethylamine.
French Broad Chocolates
Jael says, “Chocolate melts at our body temperature, which is what makes it such a sensual food to consume. Its chemical properties create the same experience in our brains as love does. Love! That’s some powerful witchy science, chocolate! We are blessed to be intimately involved in bringing this magic to people, from the post-harvest processing to the alchemy of transforming the seeds into chocolate.”
Lisa Klepzig, of The Chocolate Lab of Asheville, says “Chocolate, no matter the circumstance, always makes a wonderful, delicious gift. Worldwide, Valentine’s Day is known as the holiday in which you show your love to others by giving gifts of chocolate and flowers.
At the Chocolate Lab of Asheville, we combine these two ideas by making chocolate flower bouquets as well as chocolate hearts. We also have a selection of gift boxes that have assorted chocolates and truffles that make lovely Valentine’s Day gifts.”
Sue Chisholm, owner of Chocolate Gems with husband Andrew, puts it simply: “Everyone loves chocolate!” She and Andrew create chocolates with caramel selections, walnut ganache, and the very best ingredients including fine Belgian chocolate.
