For thousands of years chocolate has been credited with mystical powers, seen as an elixir of life and, in modern times, as a symbol of romance and mender of broken hearts.

Its history can be traced back to the ancient peoples of Central and South America.  Early civilizations gave a religious significance to their beloved cocoa and their descendants still give offerings of cacao to their gods to this day.

Chocolate may even have helped change the course of history.  One of the great riches of the New World discovered by the conquistadors, a vein of chocolate runs through many historical events:  imperialism and the slave trade, revolutions planned in the coffee houses of 17th-century Europe, the Industrial Revolution and as a welcome boost to the morale of troops in many wars.

Today, it is impossible to imagine a world without chocolate.  In the words of Milton Hershey, founder of the Hershey Chocolate Company, "caramels are only a fad.  Chocolate is a permanent thing."

CHOCOLATE AND CULTURE

No longer reserved for the elite, chocolate has become an indispensable part of most people's daily routine.

All-day Treat: From our morning chocolate flavored cereal to our evening cup of hot cocoa, it seems that there is a chocolate product to accompany us at any time of day and for any occasion or any mood. Confectionery companies are constantly finding new ways to sell their products.

Chocolate and Cookies:   The chocolate chip cookie is as much a part of American culture as apple pie.  Ruth Wakefield, an American dietitian and food lecturer, is credited with creating the much-loved cookies.

In the U.S. the most famous brands are Nabisco's Oreos and Chips Ahoy!, and Keebler's Chips Deluxe.  There are endless varieties of the Oreo, which is probably the best-selling cookie in the USA.  Chips Ahoy! are also extremely popular. 

CENTERS OF CHOCOLATE EXCELLENCE

Most major European and American cities have famous chocolate stores and cafes, but there are a number of destinations which should form part of any chocolate pilgrimage.

Hershey, Pennsylvania:  In the US, chocolate heaven comes in the form of Hershey, Pennsylvania, where you can stroll along avenues called Chocolate or Cocoa, or down streets named after the cocoa-growing areas of Bahia or Caracas.  The street lights are shaped like Hershey's Kisses and the air carries the sweet smell of chocolate.  There is a large museum dedicated to chocolate and a shopping mall packed with enough boutiques to satisfy even the most dedicated chocolate fan.

Paris, France:  In Paris, specialist companies offer chocolate tours of the most famous master chocolate makers, as well as revealing the best-kept secrets of the French capital's sophisticated chocolate tradition.  The French academy of chocolate, called the "Croqueurs de Chocolat"--the chocolate crunchers--was formed in 1981 by a group of serious amateurs who wanted to promote high standards in French chocolate making.

Brussels, Belgium: Neuhaus, the birthplace of Belgian chocolate, was oepned in the city center by Swiss confectioner, Jean Neuhaus, in 1857.  The interior of the store has remained almost unchanged to this day with a dazzling selection of chocolates.  Mary Chocolatier on the Rue Royale is the queen of the Brussels chocolate makers.  The company supplies the Belgian royal family and even President George W. Bush, who tasted some of their range of seventy different prelaines when he visited the country.

Turin, Italy:  The city of Turin in northern Italy has a rich traiditon of chocolate making.  It is the home of the gianduja chocolate, made with the best hazelnuts from Piedmont.  The town center is dotted iwth excellent chocolate shops specializing in handmade gianduja chocolates, and artisan ice-cream makers selling intensely flavored chocolate ice cream

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