By Margot C. Lester
Staff Writer
The Aztecs called it xocolatl, which translates roughly to “bitter water.†But they couldn’t have been all that bitter about it because they also associated it with Xochiquetzal, the goddess of fertility. Perhaps that’s why we associate chocolate with Valentine’s Day and other opportunities to win one another’s affections. But is there more to the magic of chocolate than ancient deities and gift-giving traditions? Possibly. In one study, melting chocolate in the mouth increased heart rate and brain activity more intensely than passionate kissing.
Whoa!
Whatever the reason, we love our chocolate. And we love giving (and getting) it for Valentine’s Day. From the dreaded (and clichéd) Whitman’s heart-shaped sampler to expensive imported confections, sweets for the sweet are pretty much a required element for a romantic Valentine’s Day. This year, why don’t you show a little love for the object of your affection and your community by buying your Valentine’s Day candy from a local maker?
Here are three:
Carolina Confectionery Company
www.carolinaconfectionery.com u 967-7500
Hand-made toffee from mom’s recipe and other candies
Valentine’s specials: Heart-shaped box of toffee ($35)
or Heart-shaped box of truffles ($40)
Matthew’s Chocolates
107 N. Churton St., Hillsborough u 732-0900
Selection of chocolate changes weekly
Miel Bon Bons Patisserie & Confiserie
www.mielbonbons.com u Carr Mill Mall u 967-2313
Hand-crafted petit fours and bon bons
Of course, if you want to get your candy along with a whole slew of other goodies, head to Chapel Hill’s mega gourmet grocery A Southern Season in University Mall. They’ve got more high-end chocolate than you can shake a stick at. And at least you’ll be spending your tax dollars with a “big box†that’s locally owned and operated.
Fancy chocolates also are available from the local outpost of Dutch chocolate-maker Chocolaterie Stam at Chapel Hill North.
Editor’s note: Did we miss a local maker of chocolates? Are there local candy makers we should know about before the next sweet-centric holiday (that’d be Easter)? Drop a line with the business’ name and contact information to margot at carrborocitizen.com
Weaver St. Market
” Local chocolate lovers will find a delightful selection from Luca Chocolates and New! Chapel Hill Toffee. Look for in-store tastings of both this weekend and next weekend.
Hurry to our bakery case for a sweet dessert to tempt any lover’s heart:Linzer Tarts – hazelnut crust with raspberry preserves and toasted almonds
Mousse cups – edible chocolate cups filled with rich chocolate mousse
Mousse Cakes – Heart shaped, Tiramisu for 2, Chocolate and Fangelico, or Tropical flavor.”