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THE SWEET LURE OF CHOCOLATE

THE SWEET LURE OF CHOCOLATE

July 28, 2015 10,734 comments

Chocolate. There are few foods that people feel as passionate about — a passion that goes beyond a love for the “sweetness” of most candies or desserts: after all, few people crave caramel, whipped cream, or bubble gum. For the true chocoholic, just thinking about chocolate can evoke a pleasurable response.

When the Spanish first brought chocolate back to Europe, it was still being served as a beverage, but soon went through an important evolution: the chili pepper was replaced by sugar. The new, sweetened, chocolate beverage was a luxury few could afford, but by the 17th century the drink was common among European nobility. In England, which was somewhat more egalitarian than the rest of Europe, chocolate was more widely available. Those who could afford it could enjoy chocolate drinks in the new coffee and chocolate houses of London.

As other countries challenged Spain’s monopoly on cacao, chocolate became more widely available. Soon the French, English, and Dutch were cultivating cacao in their colonies in the Caribbean, and later, elsewhere in the world. With more production came lower prices, and soon the masses in Europe and the Americas were enjoying chocolate. For many people, however, the expanded production of cacao in the New World (along with that of other agricultural products) meant slavery and privation. Cacao production relied heavily on the forced labor of Native Americans and imported African slaves.

Cakes are special. Every birthday, every celebration ends with something sweet, a cake, and people remember. It’s all about the memories.

I suggest you try it again, Luke. This time, let go your conscious self and act on instinct. Don’t be too proud of this technological terror you’ve constructed. The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force. The Force is strong with this one. I have you now. Ye-ha!

Partially, but it also obeys your commands. Kid, I’ve flown from one side of this galaxy to the other. I’ve seen a lot of strange stuff, but I’ve never seen anything to make me believe there’s one all-powerful Force controlling everything. There’s no mystical energy field that controls my destiny. It’s all a lot of simple tricks and nonsense. Partially, but it also obeys your commands. Kid, I’ve flown from one side of this galaxy to the other. I’ve seen a lot of strange stuff, but I’ve never seen anything to make me believe there’s one all-powerful Force controlling everything. There’s no mystical energy field that controls my destiny. It’s all a lot of simple tricks and nonsense. You’re all clear, kid. Let’s blow this thing and go home! Don’t underestimate the Force.

Still, she’s got a lot of spirit. I don’t know, what do you think? Look, I ain’t in this for your revolution, and I’m not in it for you, Princess. I expect to be well paid. I’m in it for the money. What?! I need your help, Luke. She needs your help. I’m getting too old for this sort of thing. Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.

The Force is strong with this one. I have you now. I need your help, Luke. She needs your help. I’m getting too old for this sort of thing. A tremor in the Force. The last time I felt it was in the presence of my old master. He is here. I suggest you try it again, Luke. This time, let go your conscious self and act on instinct.

You are a part of the Rebel Alliance and a traitor! Take her away! Don’t be too proud of this technological terror you’ve constructed. The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force. I’m trying not to, kid.

THE SWEET LURE OF CHOCOLATE

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