From the movie Chocolat, which was one of my favorite books long before it was a movie:
Armande Voizin: Your cinnamon looks rancid.I've never been a chocolate freak, like a lot of people are. I actually crave salt and heat over sugar any day. While most woman are turning to Godiva during times hormonal, I am searching for sushi, with a side of high-sodium soy sauce, and enough wasabi to knock me off my ass.
Vianne Rocher: It's not cinnamon, it's a special kind of chili pepper.
Armande Voizin: Chili pepper in hot chocolate?
I don't dislike chocolate—I'm in heaven with a $2 bite of dark chocolate from a good chocolatier, but that's about all I can handle with out reeling from sugar-nausea.
Every time I watch the movie or thumb through my copy of Chocolat, I've been intrigued with the idea of chocolate and chili pepper. Sounds, darling, like it's right up my alley. Why have I not searched it out?!
As luck would have it, a friend begifted me with this bar of chocolate, after a trip to San Diego last week.
Uh-my-gawd, chocolate and chili pepper ROCKS! Where in the hell have I been?!! Look, baby, I doled out a square of this my son and his friend, who happened to be around when I opened the bar, but that is IT!!! The only reason this candy bar lasted 4 days is because I meant to ration it and make the heaven last. I had to FORCE myself to stop eating it!I did a bit of research. Chuao Spicy Maya Chocolate Bar is not inexpensive. One candy bar runs about $13, but Va-Va-Voom, is it ever worth it!!!
I don't know if I'm the last goober on earth that hasn't experienced this stuff—for all I know it's as common as Hershey's, and I've merely remained oblivious in the chocolate loop in search of nori and wasabi. I am pleased as punch however, to finally have tasted cayenne pepper chocolate, to have moved a little closer into one of my favorite books, and to understand the surprise of Armande Voizin, when she tastes her chili chocolate.
Joyfully, the movie will never be the same. Neither will I.
Chocolate and chili pepper sounds nauseating and I've never even heard of such a thing? How bizarre!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you like it though. I've always been a fussy eater anyway. Mayo? Pickles? EEEE-YUCK! There's all sorts of food I won't eta. I did learn to like hot stuff after many years though. Super hot Thai food is my fave now. BTW thanks for your kind words about my friend. It's pretty weird losing a lover even if it's an ex-lover. Brenda was stellar about the whole thing too.
I don't know much about stellar ex relationships, but I do know one thing—Cashews and chewing gum should be packaged together.
ReplyDeleteAlso a fan of the book Chocolat. Also quite enjoyed the movie version, though I was a little annoyed that much of the witchcraft had been removed or glossed over. I've also always been curious about chocolate and cayanne.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to try it! I wonder if Moonstruck sells chocolate with pepper?
Andy T!! All sorts of food you won't eat? Tsk tsk. I guess you save your sense of adventure for things like playing the guitar on stage wearing nothing but a pair of socks? [He really did, guys, go poke around his blog, you'll see!] ;-)
ReplyDeleteWell, hope you're still hanging in there...
ChuckDap: Cashews and chewing gum. Conjures up a nice image. Throw in some popcorn while you're at it.
Tracy: If you find local cayenne chocolate, you'd better call me ASAP! There are lots of recipes for chili hot chocolate, I'm toying with whipping some up this weekend.
WOa ....now I'm really interested in getting my taste buds to experience that contrasting tastes. Fusion food is interesting once you open your mind to it. DOME in Malaysia does a mean "spicy olio with beef bacon bits." Yummy!!
ReplyDeletewhenever I invite friends over for a Mexican fiesta I whip up this chocolate fire cake. I've always loved it.
ReplyDeleteEdina: Olio? What's Olio? It sounds good, I'm coming over.
ReplyDeleteSS: I am all over that cake recipe. I think I'll call in sick right now and run home and make it! Thanks!
GNG: That kinda reminds me of the ice cream we had this summer. The chili, blahty, blah, blah, something or other. It tasted like cinnamon to me.
ReplyDelete'Member??
Momo: Oh yeah! The ice cream with the crayons in it. That was pretty good!
ReplyDeletea 13$ candy bar better be good!
ReplyDeletePictures describe stuff way better than words. What was that saying again....a picture is worth a thousand words?? :)
ReplyDeleteThe next time I eat spicy olio..I'm gonna whip my camera out, take a picture...and then proceed with the meal.
Not to forget molé sauce. Nothing like a good molé, although I've had some bad molé I'd rather forget.
ReplyDeleteSounds amazing to me. But I love all things chocolate....We have a store, Ma Petite Shoe, nearby that sells amazing shoes and high end chocolate. What a combo that is!
ReplyDeleteV: I'm with you, $13 for ANYTHING better be good!
ReplyDeleteGuido: You're a bartender, start working on your own special chocolate/chili martini, the Guido Special! I'll pay...well, not $13 for it...
Ruben: Aw, grilled Spam, just like Mama used to make. Not terrible, if you can past the Spam Jelly. What about fried bologna sandwiches?
Edina: Food and photos of food are 2 of my favorite things! Bring it on!
RC: Ok, it *does* sound weird, what if I skip the turkey, and beans and onions...and just cook some chocolate soup? Oh, Ok, I'll give it a try!
Greg: Hi, Greg! How can I not have tried Molé yet?!! Doesn't sound like something that would be done well, locally....any advice here or Chicago area?
Wendy: YAY! A pic! Nice to see you! Shoes and chocolate? Ingenius! A MUCH better idea than bathing suits and chocolate! I'm still mulling over the oil-change and manicure place.
Sounds like your cha-cha-chocolate is cha-cha-ching. I have paid the big bucks for a mouthful, so $13 for a whole bar,which is straight out of your dreams, is well worth it.
ReplyDeleteWe enjoyed dinner with you last night and always love all that you do to maintain our mental health. When you are at Silvercreek,if you have to go,Death by Chocolate is a good way to go.