So, the folks at Intentional Chocolate (www.intentionalchocolate.com) say they want to remind people of food's deeper spiritual purpose, which is to not only nourish the body but the spirit as well. O.K., that's kind of nice. They infuse their chocolate products with 'good intentions'. And by 'good intentions' I mean prayers, blessings and love. Experienced meditators, some of whom have studied under the Dalai Lama, project positive intention into a special device that is designed to transfer the good vibes into the chocolate. O.K., getting weirder. They say that each batch of Intentional Chocolate is then exposed to these recorded electromagnetic brain waves for five straight days before being packaged and sent out to consumers. Now here's the kind of amazing thing, a double-blind study conducted by the HESA Institute found that the mood of those who consumed Intentional Chocolate was at least 67% better on average than those who ate chocolate without the 'secret ingredient'. All the products from Intentional Chocolate are embedded with this intention:
“Whoever consumes this chocolate will manifest optimal health and functioning at physical, emotional and mental levels, and in particular will enjoy an increased sense of energy, vigor and well-being for the benefit of all beings.”
Upon reading all this, I decide to put their intentions to the test. Inside the box emblazoned with the Zen-like Intentional Chocolate logo were their Fine Dark Chocolate Pistoles, Milk Chocolate Covered Goji Berry Clusters, and Dark Hot Chocolate. I didn't much care that it was 9:30 in the morning, all I knew was that some serious chocolate consumption was about to commence.
I start with the Milk Chocolate Covered Goji Berry Clusters, but then I can't stop with them because they're almost too good. Then I read on the back of the package that the Goji Berry has more antioxident power than any other known food source, plus 500 times more Vitamin C than oranges. So I use this information to justify not being able to stop. I then dig into the Fine Dark Chocolate Pistoles, which are small nonpareil-shaped morsels that deliver a rich, creamy flavor. The size and texture make these ideal for baking with or for making a fondue sauce. Next I try the Dark Hot Chocolate, which smells so good I almost eat it in solid form. The recipe calls for either milk or water, but I go with water because I'm feeling mildly guilty about my chocolate breakfast. One sip and I realize that this is nothing like your mainstream hot chocolate; it stands alone in its own special chocolaty category.
Truth be told, it's got to be the best chocolate I've ever had. Sorry Lindt. Sorry Godiva -- it's just that it's so much creamier and richer than you are. There's a reason why the NY Times called it "the best chocolate in the world". And I must admit that I do feel noticeably happier and more optimistic since Intentional Chocolate came into my life that fateful morning. Although I can't say for sure whether it was the chocolate or the intention behind it that made me feel so good, I can say there's something to be said about loving your chocolate, and having your chocolate love you right back.
