A little something sweet...Chocolove

I am definitely one of those people who feels that dinner is "complete" with dessert. Unfortunately for my Weight Watchers program, I don't always have the points for a full fledged dessert after each dinner (though I do budget for those from time to time...). For me, a sweet treat is both a physical and mental signal that dinner is done. In the summer, oftentimes a great piece of fruit can do the trick- but come winter, that isn't always a viable option. Instead, I opt for hot chocolate (lots of 1 POINT options out there), tea (see an earlier post for my favorites), or, in other instances it chocolate to the rescue.

I am a firm believer that good, high quality chocolate is a worthy purchase. If I have iccky leftover Halloween style candy (not typically great quality...), it somehow just doesn't do the trick. I think that it has to do with the sweetness of the chocolate overpowering the actual flavor, or something like that and I end up eating more. Instead, I love a very small piece of high quality dark chocolate. Not too sweet- but a strong and rich true chocolate flavor that effectively signals that dinner is done. The high test stuff really is different (better) than Nestle or Mars.

I went through a Lake Champlain Chocolate phase (a nod to my New England roots), but recently have discovered Chocolove- made right here in Colorado! Not only is the chocolate itself the decadent dark chocolate that I love, but there are several varieties with blended fruits/spices. Right now I have a bar of it with orange peels melted in; last week it was crystallized ginger. They also have a raspberry and cherry/almond one. The 3.2 oz bar lasts me a week-- there are 18 little mini squares that you can break off the bar. I've been savoring 2 squares/night, as my little "nightcap". I just love the name too---and, BONUS: there is a love poem on the inside of each wrapper! The one on the bar that I have now is a part of a sonnet (I think...). How cute is that? Check out their website for more information- www.chocolove.com. I've seen them at Sunflower Market, King Soopers, and Whole Foods. Love that it is a local company, love the chocolate, and I love that this little something sweet helps me stay on program each night after dinner!