Yes, I'll Have a Bowl of Chocolate Please!

If dessert hasn't been on your mind, it will be soon enough since February 14th is just around the corner. If Valentine's Day means nothing to you but getting a box full of chocolates, making chocolaty treats, or basically consuming as much chocolate as you can, I'm here for you.

So why do we love chocolate so much? After all, this love drug contains compounds similar to those found in ecstasy, morphine and marijuana(!), so it really should be illegal. These compounds act on receptors in the brain that release pleasure-generating neo-transmitters like dopamine. That's the euphoria you feel when eating it... like falling in love. It bestows heightened feelings of sexuality; an aphrodisiac that many people throughout history have believed a truth. (I'm willing to research this further. Just to be sure I've got the facts straight.) (Dark) chocolate might even be good for your heath. In moderation, of course.

Regardless of how it makes you feel, it certainly tastes good!

Here are a few recipes you may enjoy...

Sweets for the Sweet ( recipes for mousse, truffles, Mexican hot chocolate, and a chocolate martini)

Chocolate Truffles

Famous Brick Street Chocolate Cake

Death by Chocolate Cupcakes

Drinking Chocolate - Oh boy!

P.S. You may also like Chocolate! and Happy Birthday! (My favorite chocolate cake recipe.)

Photo: Luisa Contreras