Cocoa Loco
You aced the holiday gift test – found that perfect, thoughtful, useful, fun gift for your sweetie. And now, you’re fresh out of original gift ideas for V Day.
So stick with the old stand-by: chocolate. It’s easy. And these unique chocolates will give your Valentine something to choc about.
Hawai‘i Chocolate
Everything tastes better when it doesn't have to endure a six-hour flight or a five-day sail from the mainland. That includes chocolate.
Malie Kai chocolate bars are made on the North Shore using cocoa from cacao trees grown on former Dole Pineapple plantation land. Find stores that carry them here.
Waialua Extra Dark chocolates are made from the same O‘ahu-grown ingredients, but are sold only at the Dole Plantation store in Wahiawa.The Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory in Keauhou makes chocolate in small batches using cocoa from trees grown on the same property where the chocolate is made. Find stores that carry it here.
Other Unique Chocolates
Put sugar with spice and you get everything nice. But what about melding sweet chocolate and and salty, smoky bacon? Chocolate-covered bacon is a surprising bite. Find it at Neiman Marcus Ala Moana Center and Honolulu Chocolate Company at Ward Center.
You've never believed chocolate was to blame for breakouts. But chocolate that can make your skin clearer? Frutels is an anti-acne vitamin cocktail contained in a sugar-free chocolate drop. Online at www.frutels.com
Even if your Valentine chocolates don't come with the promise of love, they'll bring you happiness − definitely in the short term, and maybe for the long term. Intentional Chocolates are candies made by meditators who've studied with the Dalai Lama and infused with a blessing for the recipient. Here's what's intended for anyone who eats one: “Whoever consumes this chocolate will manifest optimal health and functioning at physical, emotional and mental levels, and in particular will enjoy an increased sense of energy, vigor and well-being for the benefit of all beings.” Online at www.intentionalchocolates.com
Eat with a grain of salt. (Or a slice of bacon.)
Posted on Monday, February 2, 2009 in Permalink
Lei Chic associate editor Terri Inefuku graduated from Northwestern University with degrees in Journalism and International Studies, and worked in New York, Chicago, Austin and Honolulu as a broadcast journalist before joining HONOLULU Magazine. When she's not rooting out new fashion discoveries for Lei Chic, you'll find her in the kitchen baking up treats for family and friends.
