Ginger Chocolate (Thursday Writing Essentials)

September 13, 2007 09:56 AM EDT

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"A true chocolate lover finds ways to accommodate his passion and make it work with his lifestyle"

Judy Davis of the Los Angeles Times

Ginger Chocolate

Have you ever worked someplace where you'd be willing to take home your pay in product instead of cash? Many years ago, my friend Charlie recommended me to help a friend in need. The customer database had crashed and needed to be reloaded with customer orders for Fran's Chocolates in Seattle, Washington. I would have willingly taken my pay "in kind" every day I worked there and I would have done so gladly if the IRS weren't so picky about how they get paid. I understand they go more for green than brown.

"Strength is the capacity to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands and then eat just one of the pieces." Judith Viorst

Fran's office was actually several doors down from the shop, but the essence of buttery rich caramel, Belgian chocolate, nuts and coconut impregnated the atmosphere. Fran gave me a tour of the bakery and chocolate making operation before she got me started on my real work. I believe she wanted me to know how special her chocolates were and that the people ordering these delights were just as special. It worked! I was impressed with the fine workmanship, the aromas, and the special care that went into each order. Thankfully I have a sure hand when typing so we were able to get the database back up and running pretty quickly.

"What use are cartridges in battle? I always carry chocolate instead." George Bernard Shaw

Thus began my love affair. I have always liked chocolate, but that's like saying I've always liked men. There's no doubt about that. I have never turned down a candy bar, truffle or kiss. But, the chocolate at Fran's is different. Fran has won awards from prestigious chocolatiers the world over and deservedly so. Her chocolate is so rich in flavor that it's almost as if it's infused with a double portion of this food of the gods. When eating a Fran's Gold Bar or Coconut Gold Bar (like a Snickers bar for grown ups), you take small nibbles, allowing each flavor the chance to dance upon your tongue. Eating Fran's chocolate isn't to be taken lightly. It is more like the commitment of the fine love affair I've had with my husband these last thirty plus years.

"Nobody knows the truffles I've seen." Anonymous

In addition to the tasteful and aromatic artistry, Fran's chocolates are also each a work of art. The truffles all have their own signature decoration. The Gold Bars are wrapped in beautiful gold foil. The Fixations come in a wrapper reminiscent of fine old cigars.

"Chocolate is the perfect food, as wholesome as it is delicious, a beneficent restorer of exhausted power. . . it is the best friend of those engaged in literary pursuits." Baron Justus Von Liebig, German Chemist (1803-1873)

After discovering these treasures, nothing less would do for me. The very next Valentine's Day, The Househusband bought a special treat. It was a hollow chocolate heart wrapped in shiny red foil and filled with truffles. As I savored each truffle one after the other, he commented from another room, "I'm not sure how to store that so it keeps, but..." Keeps? There aren't storage instructions because chocolate is meant to be enjoyed. You rarely enjoy fine chocolate that is hidden away in a cupboard much less a freezer. It is just like life. You have to just dive in. You can‘t put it on hold!

"Don't wreck a sublime chocolate experience by feeling guilty. Chocolate isn't like premarital sex. It will never get you pregnant. And it always feels good." Lora Brody

Shortly after that, I went through treatment for breast cancer. I received many floral bouquets from well-wishers, but one of the most healing gifts came from Fran. She and the staff sent along a supply of chocolate with the sentiment that it couldn't hurt. I have come to believe over the last sixteen years that not only did it "not hurt," it was very vital to my recovery. Breast cancer treatment is all about hurting. The realization that your body is ill, the surgery, the chemo, and the radiation are all very hurtful. They are all meant to destroy. The healing had to come from within me. I believe my mind to be very effective in the healing process of my body. My frame of mind changed dramatically over that year. I went from thinking, "poor me," to "I love life and everything in it!" Those chocolates helped me frame my defense. "Hey, I am worth saving! I have Fran's Chocolates to devour!"

"1932 (the Mars Bar) and 1937 (the Kit Kat) - These dates are milestones in history and should be seared into the memory of every child in the country." Roald Dahl

Over the years, Fran has devised more than a few taste treats. My favorite is the candied ginger from Australia that is covered in dark chocolate and wrapped in foil. Now I'm sure ginger isn't on the top of everyone's list, but I absolutely adore it! The combination of the spicy heat of the ginger and the creamy smoothness of the chocolate are unbeatable. I have been known to create my own "spa weekends" at home. I do this when my guys are gone. I spend time on me, writing in my journal, taking aromatic baths, pampering myself. It always includes a box of Fran's Chocolates. The Househusband is now well trained. All holidays are candidates for a special gift from Fran's.

"No other factory in the world mixes its chocolate by waterfall. But it's the only way if you want it just. . .right." Willy Wonka

You will never be invited to enter into a love affair with my sweet husband, but I offer you now the opportunity to begin your own love affair with Fran's. Whether you like dark chocolate or light, truffles, caramel, or nuts, you too will find something to love and enjoy for yourself.

"I probably have some sort of chocolate five times a week. There's definitely a change it does to the chemistry of the body. It's my favorite feeling. I live for it." John Travolta

© Susan K. Barton 2007