Chocolate's

 Sure, Valentine's Day might be over, but that doesn't mean you can't still get excited by the thought of something sweet and chocolatey crossing your lips. Once worth its weight in gold, chocolate has come a very long way from its roots. Chocolate’s humble beginnings have the cacao bean being used for medicinal purposes in Mayan culture. From there, cacao migrated to Spain where its popularity grew and expanded across the globe to different countries, cultures and classes of people, who found ways to refine these little beans into the chocolate we know today.

And there's been no stopping us since.

Chocolate is a world unto itself. Technically it could be classified as a type of candy, but I'm always wary of putting it in the same class as other candy. Just talk to anyone who has ever dreamed of sticking their head directly underneath a chocolate fountain and you will know it is much more than just a candy. It's not just something to cure a sweet tooth. It is an experience. It is an escape. It seems to hold magical powers that cure any emotional, physical and psychological pains that may be ailing you. You can eat it when you're happy. You can eat it when you're sad. You can eat it when you're bored. It is one of those oh-so-sweet indulgences that work in any situation.

If you're a fan of chocolate, (and really, who isn't?), then you'll be happy to know that New Orleans has plenty to cure even the biggest of chocolate cravings.

Our first stop takes you to Southern Candymakers in the French Quarter, known for their delicious pralines. This family-owned candy shop makes everything in-house. They are known to cover almost anything in chocolate, from chocolate-covered strawberries to chocolate-covered Oreos to chocolate-covered pretzels. Specialties like chocolate bark and the Jackson Square are sure to make the trip to Southern Candymakers worth your while. And don't forget to try the chocolate pralines, a nice twist on the traditional favorite.

One of the fondest memories I have of growing up is our trips to The Fudgery at the Riverwalk Marketplace. Anyone, child or adult, lucky enough to pass while they are making their famous fudge is treated to quite a show. The friendly candy makers will sing and dance right into your hearts. And the best part of the show…a delicious treat of warm fudge for the audience. Just don't forget to repeat the pledge, "I promise to always LOVE THAT FUDGE!"

What's that you say? You're looking for chocolate with more of a chill, laidback vibe? Something to keep you cool on those (freaky) warm winter days? Well, look no further than La Divina Gelateria. With two convenient locations, one in the French Quarter and one on Magazine Street, you are never too far away from their line of artisan gelati & sorbetti. Their chocolate selections include various flavors of chocolate.  Some examples are: “The French”, a mixture of Valrhona chocolate and milk; “The Scura”, a deep, dark Vahrhona chocolate; and the absolutely delicious “Chocolate Azteca”, a blend of dark chocolate, cinnamon and spicy cayenne. These concoctions are all homemade so flavors vary daily, but no matter what's available, you are sure to be in for a cool treat.

For chocolates a little more refined, try Sucre's handmade collection of bite-sized chocolates with various fillings and designs. Also take the time to try some of their chocolate bark, chocolate truffles, chocolate-covered marshmallows, or the chocolate-covered macaroons. And don't forget their hot drinking chocolate. It is sure to warm you up on those cold mornings or evenings, or anytime you need a rich, frothy, chocolatey pick-me-up.

No chocolate tour would be complete without a trip to Blue Frog Chocolates on Magazine Street. Blue Frog boasts chocolates from all over the world, ranging from truffles to chocolate bars, and even chocolate dessert toppings. They also have a wide variety of custom gifts and baskets for chocolate lovers. But what makes Blue Frog Chocolates really stand out are the Italian Candy Flowers, imported directly from Italy. These can only be accurately described by Blue Frog's own website: "Each petal is made using antique artisan traditional methods from a delicious candy coating and a rich, dark European chocolate, nut or licorice center, then hand wrapped with vibrant colors." They're almost too beautiful to eat.... ALMOST.

And that's just the tip of the chocolate iceberg. Chocolate City, indeed! I challenge everyone out there to go out and find their own favorite NOLA chocolate spot. As for me, for my good deed of educating the masses on the wonderful world of chocolate, I think I deserve a truffle break. Yumz!

*Photo Credit: http://www.bluefrogchocolates.com/*

http://www.southerncandymakers.com/

http://www.fudgeryfudge.com/

http://www.ladivinagelateria.com/index.php

http://www.shopsucre.com/

http://www.bluefrogchocolates.com/