pilot

Forever Sweet Deal on Mill Street

by Cate Murway

Chocolate: whether you're feeling down, celebrating something special or just want to indulge a little, it's always perfect! A recent study at Scotland’s Glasgow University found that chocolate consumption improves blood flow and might reduce the risk of strokes. Most studies credit flavonoids, the beneficial antioxidants found in cacao plants.

'Theobroma cacao', meaning 'food of the gods' is one of the most popular sweets of all time. Cocoa powder and chocolate are made from the dried seeds that are found in pods on the cacao tree, indigenous to Central and South America, the bio-diverse understory of tropical rainforests.

The first people to make use of it were the Maya, an ancient people who lived in the Yucatan Peninsula, as long ago as 600 AD. The Aztecs used the cocoa bean for currency and in some parts of Central America, this continued as recently as the last century.

Chocolate was introduced to the USA when an out-of-work Irish chocolate-maker John Hannon imported cocoa beans from the West Indies into Dorchester, MA, and refined them with the help of American Dr. James Baker. On March 8, 1765, Hannon, financed by Dr. Baker, began producing one of the first North American-made chocolate products using water power. The pair started their new business venture, America's first chocolate mill, and by 1780, the mill was making the famous BAKER'S ® chocolate.

Chocolate was exclusively used as a luxury drink, a spicy, frothy beer- like beverage called xocolatl that brought vitality and energy for the elite class, until the early Victorian times when a technique for making solid 'eating' chocolate was devised.

In 1879, Swiss confectioner, Rodolphe Lindt [1855-1909] thought to add cocoa butter back to the chocolate. Adding the additional cocoa butter helped the chocolate set up into a bar that "snaps" when broken, as well as melting on the tongue.

The early eating bars were made of bittersweet chocolate. Milk chocolate, "Little Squares of Tenderness" was introduced by Henri Nestlé, born Heinrich Nestle [1814 –1890], a German confectioner, founder of Nestlé and a maker of evaporated milk; and Swiss chocolatier, Daniel Peter [1836-1919]. Peter called his product, "Gala" Greek, meaning, "from the milk."

Today it is preferred by 80% of the world's population.

Now, in our culture, chocolate is often thought of as a romantic gift, outside the realm of mundane, day-to-day food and reserved for special occasions, one of the most popular holiday gifts. For women especially, it’s associated with love and romance.

Throughout history, chocolate has remained an ingredient for which mankind has exhibited a lot of passion. Whether it is chewed, chomped or sipped, chocolate is one of the world's most celebrated foods.

“Nine out of ten people like chocolate. The tenth is lying.”

Chocolate has been deified to such an extent that the 13th of September is officially hailed as International Chocolate Day. By the way, Milton Hershey, the founder of Hershey's, was born on this day in 1857.

Here’s the sweet news- the bar is raised. Looks like Holly Jean Cooper and Rachael Lyn Kowalsky are making kitchen time fun, cooking up crowd-pleasing quality chocolate products. These taste-tempting sensational sweets are even better because they are homemade. Holly and Rachael get up close and personal with a sucrose molecule.

They hand craft all different kinds of confections, gift baskets, chocolate covered pretzels, cake pops, cupcakes and more and their four legged furry friends aren’t forgotten. They also make homemade pet treats.

Holly’s fiancé, Lawrence Robert Rhoades, delivers their finished creations and markets their Forever Sweet Shop business at 247 Mill Street. He and Holly are Avon representatives as well.

They recently held an Easter basket raffle to raise funds for the Women's Humane Society in Bensalem. This Delaware Valley society is a shelter committed to the humane and compassionate treatment of animals. They are planning to hold raffles on a regular basis to assist local charities.

Let go of your inhibitions, one should never feel guilty munching on some delightful chocolate morsels. Get a taste of the sweet life today. Grab a treat or two, and savor the flavor!

Easter selections are now ½ price.

Their handcrafted confection gifts are the perfect choice for the discerning chocoholic.

Browse through their collection of mouthwatering molded chocolates.

Order a handmade personalized hanging sign to go with your selection.

Call in advance for cakes, brownies, cake pops and cupcakes.

Baskets for any occasion are available and the seasonal holiday decorations are for sale also.

Mention this article and you are entitled to one extra of whatever you are purchasing.

The Forever Sweet Shop

Mill Street Marketplace

247 Mill Street

Bristol, PA 19007

267.755.8158