Russell Stover

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

We were driving down Hwy 44, right before you get to Hwy 301, and we saw this huge building. When we went inside it was like we were kids in a candy store.

We went to the ice cream counter and we ordered each a cup with one scoop. They gave us a HUGE scoop of ice cream!

After we finished we went back in and looked around. There was a room on the east side of the building and we went in there to see what was up. They had an enormous assortment of chocolates, all priced extremely low. They had really big assortments to use for ??? They also had “bloopers” which had various chocolates that had the papers on them messed up but they said that the quality of the chocolates were unaffected. And they were priced 80% off.

Then we went to the main side and saw every kind chocolate you could imagine. I swear I gained a couple of pounds just walking in and smelling everything.

We asserted some serious self control and walked out with just a bag of Jelly Belly’s. But what a place!

[retiredguy123]

Bloopers? The papers were messed up? I'll bet that would go over great with your Valentine. (just kidding).

[Rollie]

Glad we don't live closer than we do.

Rollie

[Arctic Fox]

IMHO Russell Stover makes the worst chocolates on Earth - I doubt a cacao bean has been spotted inside any of their factories, judging from the taste

[npwalters]

we buy the sugar free bloopers there. Usually about half of what you would pay in another store.

[JoMar]

IMHO Russell Stover makes the worst chocolates on Earth - I doubt a cacao bean has been spotted inside any of their factories, judging from the taste

Based on the number of folks that go there YHO is probably a minotity, Stovers has been there ever since we have been here, 11 years, and doesn't seem to suffering for a lack of business. More important, what is in YHO the best chocolates here so we can all try the alternative?

[graciegirl]

IMHO Russell Stover makes the worst chocolates on Earth - I doubt a cacao bean has been spotted inside any of their factories, judging from the taste

Oh now artic fox, sir, Bad candy is like bad..............ANYTHING.

Better than nothin'.

We can't have a Belgian Chocolate factory near us so I am glad for ole' Russell Stover.

[Boomer]

This thread is making me hear in my head that Smothers Brothers song about falling into a vat of chocolate. I must give it a google sometime to see if it’s on YouTube.

Btw, Russell S. was acquired by Lindt in 2014.

Boomer

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Based on the number of folks that go there YHO is probably a minotity, Stovers has been there ever since we have been here, 11 years, and doesn't seem to suffering for a lack of business. More important, what is in YHO the best chocolates here so we can all try the alternative?

I'm not Artic Fox but I'll chime in with my own HO:

Peterbrooke in Sumter Landing Town Square
Kilwin's in Spanish Springs Town Square

Lindt and Godiva are better than Russel Stover's, but neither has their own store anywhere around here. Hershey's Kisses are better than Russel Stover's solid milk chocolates but again - no Hershey's store here, you'd have to settle for buying them in Walmart.

See's Candies are not available anywhere except from their own stores/mall kiosks, or ordering online, and there aren't any stores near the Villages. But their chocolate covered toffee (tins of what they call Toffee-ettes) is to die for.

Also - trivial factoid: "Belgian chocolate" has no legal distinction outside of Belgium. But within Belgium, "Belgian chocolate" has specific standards in order to get the label. But anyone outside of Belgium can make their chocolates using the same standard, there's nothing unique about "Belgian chocolate" since they get their raw cacao from the same places everyone else gets them (cocoa doesn't grow in Belgium): Africa, Central America, and South America.

[Boomer]

. . .

[ElDiabloJoe]

IMHO Russell Stover makes the worst chocolates on Earth - I doubt a cacao bean has been spotted inside any of their factories, judging from the taste

Russell Stover? You mean the candy they sell next to Whitman Samplers at CVS stores? I gotta agree with you, pretty nasty stuff. If you want good, I mean GOOD chocolate you have to either order from See's, have a Christmas time Pop-Up or airport kiosk you can get to, or be handy to one of the gazillions of See's candy stores in Southern California.

[Dotneko]

They also have a discount, frequent buyers card!

[JoMar]

I'm not Artic Fox but I'll chime in with my own HO:

Peterbrooke in Sumter Landing Town Square
Kilwin's in Spanish Springs Town Square

Lindt and Godiva are better than Russel Stover's, but neither has their own store anywhere around here. Hershey's Kisses are better than Russel Stover's solid milk chocolates but again - no Hershey's store here, you'd have to settle for buying them in Walmart.

See's Candies are not available anywhere except from their own stores/mall kiosks, or ordering online, and there aren't any stores near the Villages. But their chocolate covered toffee (tins of what they call Toffee-ettes) is to die for.

Also - trivial factoid: "Belgian chocolate" has no legal distinction outside of Belgium. But within Belgium, "Belgian chocolate" has specific standards in order to get the label. But anyone outside of Belgium can make their chocolates using the same standard, there's nothing unique about "Belgian chocolate" since they get their raw cacao from the same places everyone else gets them (cocoa doesn't grow in Belgium): Africa, Central America, and South America.

As I remember, those that you mentioned don't have the variety or pricing of RS. I love Kilwins but much more expensive. Lindt owns RS. Godiva was owned by Campbell Soup back in the 70's and I had a wife that could be bags of the rejects for a buck a bag......I miss that candy :).

[Aces4]

Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate, least lead and cadium...

[laryb]

We would always load up with Ethel M's when we were in Vegas. Always brought back a few pounds of the chocolates with liquor. When we were in Belgium we asked a local where we could buy Godiva and he laughed. He told us that every town had their own chocolatier, and Godiva was something you bought in the market. They were absolutely the best I've ever had. We flew back with around fifteen pounds of "Belgian Truffles", and they didn't last long

[bopat]

Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate, least lead and cadium...

+1 Ghirardelli, best chocolate ever! We make a few trips a year to Disney Springs and enjoy their ice cream too!

[Sensei]

Dorthy's candy in White Oak, Pennsylvania offers the most delicious candy I have ever had. Expensive... VERY...worth every penny. Sent as gifts on important occasions. Always a most enthusiastic response:
- Dorothy's Candies (https://dorothyscandies.com/)

john

[Dotneko]

We would always load up with Ethel M's when we were in Vegas. Always brought back a few pounds of the chocolates with liquor. When we were in Belgium we asked a local where we could buy Godiva and he laughed. He told us that every town had their own chocolatier, and Godiva was something you bought in the market. They were absolutely the best I've ever had. We flew back with around fifteen pounds of "Belgian Truffles", and they didn't last long

We love Ethel Ms! We go to the factory and cactus garden probably every other trip to Las Vegas. The peanut butter and jelly chocolates were wonderful. But, the prices these days! 2-3 dollars per piece make them a very special treat.

[Two Bills]

chocolate shop in chipping norton - Google Search (https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=chocolate+shop+in+chipping+norton&lqi=CiFjaG9jb2xhdGUgc2hvcCBpbiBjaGlwcGluZyBub3J0b2 5IgqPC_7OvgIAIWi8QABABGAAYARgDGAQiIWNob2NvbGF0ZSBz aG9wIGluIGNoaXBwaW5nIG5vcnRvbpIBC2NhbmR5X3N0b3Jlmg EkQ2hkRFNVaE5NRzluUzBWSlEwRm5TVVJoT0U0eVpUTkJSUkFC qgFoCggvbS8wMjB2bBABKhIiDmNob2NvbGF0ZSBzaG9wKAAyHx ABIhvjCs3CwJBgDnTJx1AEAMNsnoytJ6lTYlNGnbYyJRACIiFj aG9jb2xhdGUgc2hvcCBpbiBjaGlwcGluZyBub3J0b276AQQIAB A7#rlimm=13516096218134860711)

If you are ever around my area in the UK, pop into Chipping Norton, and visit this shop.
The dark chocolate raisins are :bowdown:
Milk chocolate as well, if you prefer.
The place is full of calories, cocoa and sugar!

[bowlingal]

right across the street from them, on 44 is an awesome antique store. You should take a look around, but don't get lost! But, I know you will

[golfing eagles]

Bloopers? The papers were messed up? I'll bet that would go over great with your Valentine. (just kidding).

Better than "poopers", which also messes up the paper :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Rzepecki]

For me, their best product is their hot fudge sundae. They make the hot fudge fresh every morning. Absolutely delicious!

[MandoMan]

I'm not Artic Fox but I'll chime in with my own HO:

Peterbrooke in Sumter Landing Town Square
Kilwin's in Spanish Springs Town Square

Lindt and Godiva are better than Russel Stover's, but neither has their own store anywhere around here. Hershey's Kisses are better than Russel Stover's solid milk chocolates but again - no Hershey's store here, you'd have to settle for buying them in Walmart.

See's Candies are not available anywhere except from their own stores/mall kiosks, or ordering online, and there aren't any stores near the Villages. But their chocolate covered toffee (tins of what they call Toffee-ettes) is to die for.

Also - trivial factoid: "Belgian chocolate" has no legal distinction outside of Belgium. But within Belgium, "Belgian chocolate" has specific standards in order to get the label. But anyone outside of Belgium can make their chocolates using the same standard, there's nothing unique about "Belgian chocolate" since they get their raw cacao from the same places everyone else gets them (cocoa doesn't grow in Belgium): Africa, Central America, and South America.

Enstrom’s Toffee, made in Colorado, is the best I’ve ever tasted by far. The filling won’t break your teeth, and it is not too sweet but is very buttery.

[Timtalk]

IMHO Russell Stover makes the worst chocolates on Earth - I doubt a cacao bean has been spotted inside any of their factories, judging from the taste

Nice. Way to discount original posters excitement for finding something new that excited her. Make you feel better trashing her post?

[asianthree]

When we travel Europe, chocolate is first thing we purchase, everywhere. Here rarely do we buy any chocolate unless it’s for company

[Bilyclub]

A great place to kill an hour. The ice cream selection is slowly recovering from the 2000 lockdown.

[asianthree]

Better than "poopers", which also messes up the paper :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

After Christmas you buy unsold packages of moose poop. No paper included.

[Dotneko]

Nice. Way to discount original posters excitement for finding something new that excited her. Make you feel better trashing her post?

Are you new here? Many posters get their jollies raining on others parades.
I just saw your post count lol - you ARE new here. Heads up, there are some grumpy gus posters that are best to ignore.

[Dotneko]

For me, their best product is their hot fudge sundae. They make the hot fudge fresh every morning. Absolutely delicious!

Agreed! Best hot fudge anywhere!

[Nana2Teddy]

Russell Stover? You mean the candy they sell next to Whitman Samplers at CVS stores? I gotta agree with you, pretty nasty stuff. If you want good, I mean GOOD chocolate you have to either order from See's, have a Christmas time Pop-Up or airport kiosk you can get to, or be handy to one of the gazillions of See's candy stores in Southern California.
We currently have both See’s and RS in the house right now so we are eating them side by side. See’s we bought in SoCal last month when we went home to spend Thanksgiving with our kids and grandson. RS is from a neighbor for Christmas. The difference between the two is night and day, with of course See’s winning hands down. If we had Peterbrooke in the house though it would definitely beat both, but It’s so pricey it makes See’s seem like a bargain. :)

[mraines]

We were driving down Hwy 44, right before you get to Hwy 301, and we saw this huge building. When we went inside it was like we were kids in a candy store.

We went to the ice cream counter and we ordered each a cup with one scoop. They gave us a HUGE scoop of ice cream!

After we finished we went back in and looked around. There was a room on the east side of the building and we went in there to see what was up. They had an enormous assortment of chocolates, all priced extremely low. They had really big assortments to use for ??? They also had “bloopers” which had various chocolates that had the papers on them messed up but they said that the quality of the chocolates were unaffected. And they were priced 80% off.

Then we went to the main side and saw every kind chocolate you could imagine. I swear I gained a couple of pounds just walking in and smelling everything.

We asserted some serious self control and walked out with just a bag of Jelly Belly’s. But what a place!
I knew that place was there but have never been inside. I don't know how much restraint I would have.

[Regorp]

We were driving down Hwy 44, right before you get to Hwy 301, and we saw this huge building. When we went inside it was like we were kids in a candy store.

We went to the ice cream counter and we ordered each a cup with one scoop. They gave us a HUGE scoop of ice cream!

After we finished we went back in and looked around. There was a room on the east side of the building and we went in there to see what was up. They had an enormous assortment of chocolates, all priced extremely low. They had really big assortments to use for ??? They also had “bloopers” which had various chocolates that had the papers on them messed up but they said that the quality of the chocolates were unaffected. And they were priced 80% off.

Then we went to the main side and saw every kind chocolate you could imagine. I swear I gained a couple of pounds just walking in and smelling everything.

We asserted some serious self control and walked out with just a bag of Jelly Belly’s. But what a place!

In 2 1/2 years in TV, we have gone there 6 times. Loving every minute of it! Next door is Lamar's Bus Tours, so after a trip it's time for ice cream sundaes and chocolate. Tastes great to me always!!

[Boomer]

Nice. Way to discount original posters excitement for finding something new that excited her. Make you feel better trashing her post?

Are you new here? Many posters get their jollies raining on others parades.
I just saw your post count lol - you ARE new here. Heads up, there are some grumpy gus posters that are best to ignore.




It’s all theater — much like real life. There will always be those who try to make themselves feel better by trying to make others feel worse. (While I am enjoying learning about other people’s favorite chocolate in this thread, there is no reason to bash someone else’s.)


In real life, I know someone I call “The One-Upper.” Any time I mention something I like or plan to do or have done, she makes it known that she has a “much better” choice or plan or experience than anything I could ever possibly come up with.

If I made her constant one-upping into a drinking game, and downed a shot every time she did her routine, I would be on the floor within a very short time. She also begins a lot of sentences with “I”…..She too often makes me feel like I am in some ridiculous competition I did not sign up for.

There are only so many standard personality types we run across in life or in literature — and on TOTV, too. It’s all theater — as we “strut and fret our hour upon the stage” — as said Shakespeare.

Hang around TOTV long enough — or too long (blush) — and you will see sometimes that things play out as if they have been scripted.

Boomer (and scene. :))

[Rodneysblue]

We were driving down Hwy 44, right before you get to Hwy 301, and we saw this huge building. When we went inside it was like we were kids in a candy store.

We went to the ice cream counter and we ordered each a cup with one scoop. They gave us a HUGE scoop of ice cream!

After we finished we went back in and looked around. There was a room on the east side of the building and we went in there to see what was up. They had an enormous assortment of chocolates, all priced extremely low. They had really big assortments to use for ??? They also had “bloopers” which had various chocolates that had the papers on them messed up but they said that the quality of the chocolates were unaffected. And they were priced 80% off.

Then we went to the main side and saw every kind chocolate you could imagine. I swear I gained a couple of pounds just walking in and smelling everything.

We asserted some serious self control and walked out with just a bag of Jelly Belly’s. But what a place!

Yep, been there. We take the grandchildren there just before we send them home. You know so they are stocked up. 😏

[Pixelpups]

My husband and I refuse to go into Russel Stover, because we have no resistance. The bloopers are a great price and we have succumbed now and then. (I'm not sure I'm happy to be reminded of their existence!) However, Sees never tasted as good as Fannie May to me - and I lived in CA for 39 years. Hands down, chocolate candy bought from local shops in Europe are exceptional, but I'm not there very often. Peterbrooke and Kilwins are yummy and pricey.

[New Englander]

In real life, I know someone I call “The One-Upper.” Any time I mention something I like or plan to do or have done, she makes it known that she has a “much better” choice or plan or experience than anything I could ever possibly come up with.

Boomer (and scene. :))

We have a "one upper" right here on this forum.

[Danube]

I'm not Artic Fox but I'll chime in with my own HO:

Peterbrooke in Sumter Landing Town Square
Kilwin's in Spanish Springs Town Square

Lindt and Godiva are better than Russel Stover's, but neither has their own store anywhere around here. Hershey's Kisses are better than Russel Stover's solid milk chocolates but again - no Hershey's store here, you'd have to settle for buying them in Walmart.

See's Candies are not available anywhere except from their own stores/mall kiosks, or ordering online, and there aren't any stores near the Villages. But their chocolate covered toffee (tins of what they call Toffee-ettes) is to die for.

Also - trivial factoid: "Belgian chocolate" has no legal distinction outside of Belgium. But within Belgium, "Belgian chocolate" has specific standards in order to get the label. But anyone outside of Belgium can make their chocolates using the same standard, there's nothing unique about "Belgian chocolate" since they get their raw cacao from the same places everyone else gets them (cocoa doesn't grow in Belgium): Africa, Central America, and South America.

We used to live near a large chocolate factory that was in a big tilt-up building in an industrial park in Chino, California. They had an outlet store and they made chocolates for many different "boutique" companies and Godiva and Ethel M (now part of Mars Corp). It was all the same chocolate, just packaged for different companies. We would buy Godiva turtles with a mis-shapen leg or a stray lump by the bag for a small fraction the retail price. It was all very good stuff but people love to pay extra $$$ for brand names / bragging rights.

They did not make See's, which is excellent.

[Topspinmo]

Oh now artic fox, sir, Bad candy is like bad..............ANYTHING.

Better than nothin'.

We can't have a Belgian Chocolate factory near us so I am glad for ole' Russell Stover.

I prefer Swedish chocolate.

[Topspinmo]

We were driving down Hwy 44, right before you get to Hwy 301, and we saw this huge building. When we went inside it was like we were kids in a candy store.

We went to the ice cream counter and we ordered each a cup with one scoop. They gave us a HUGE scoop of ice cream!

After we finished we went back in and looked around. There was a room on the east side of the building and we went in there to see what was up. They had an enormous assortment of chocolates, all priced extremely low. They had really big assortments to use for ??? They also had “bloopers” which had various chocolates that had the papers on them messed up but they said that the quality of the chocolates were unaffected. And they were priced 80% off.

Then we went to the main side and saw every kind chocolate you could imagine. I swear I gained a couple of pounds just walking in and smelling everything.

We asserted some serious self control and walked out with just a bag of Jelly Belly’s. But what a place!

Ben by there but never stopped in. My lost I guess? :)

[SoCalGal]

IMHO Russell Stover makes the worst chocolates on Earth.

You took the words right off my keyboard. Not worth the calories.

[Dotneko]

We used to live near a large chocolate factory that was in a big tilt-up building in an industrial park in Chino, California. They had an outlet store and they made chocolates for many different "boutique" companies and Godiva and Ethel M (now part of Mars Corp). It was all the same chocolate, just packaged for different companies. We would buy Godiva turtles with a mis-shapen leg or a stray lump by the bag for a small fraction the retail price. It was all very good stuff but people love to pay extra $$$ for brand names / bragging rights.

They did not make See's, which is excellent.

Really? I have been into the EthelM chocolate factory in Las Vegas and it looked like they were actually making them there.

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

Don’t get me wrong I LOVE See’s candy. (When we moved out here we went by See’s and bought numerous boxes) But See’s doesn’t have a store around here; RS does.

[SoCalGal]

...or be handy to one of the gazillions of See's candy stores in Southern California.

I currently live in southern CA. There are six in my county (Orange). They will give you one piece of candy free (their choice) when you drop in and ask. There used to be a store within walking distance but I used willpower (most times). Yes, it's high-quality chocolate, but expensive (IMO). Next best thing is Cadbury's--especially their mini-eggs, available at Easter time only. Surprisingly, Dove chocolates are pretty good, too, and available by the bag.

[kp11364]

This sounds like a wonderful trip, although I have to admit I have self-control problems when it comes to chocolate... and ice cream! When I was much younger, I'd break out in hives if I had too much chocolate, but I grew out out of that!

Russell Stover always reminds me of me of my grandma - we'd always get a special box for the holidays. It's good chocolate - maybe not THE BEST, but always enjoyable.

Back when I worked in NYC, there were two high-end chocolatiers right near me - Kron (Swedish) and Leonidas.

We were driving down Hwy 44, right before you get to Hwy 301, and we saw this huge building. When we went inside it was like we were kids in a candy store.

We went to the ice cream counter and we ordered each a cup with one scoop. They gave us a HUGE scoop of ice cream!

After we finished we went back in and looked around. There was a room on the east side of the building and we went in there to see what was up. They had an enormous assortment of chocolates, all priced extremely low. They had really big assortments to use for ??? They also had “bloopers” which had various chocolates that had the papers on them messed up but they said that the quality of the chocolates were unaffected. And they were priced 80% off.

Then we went to the main side and saw every kind chocolate you could imagine. I swear I gained a couple of pounds just walking in and smelling everything.

We asserted some serious self control and walked out with just a bag of Jelly Belly’s. But what a place!

[SoCalGal]

While there isn't a single, definitive "national competition" in the United States where chocolate lovers can vote on their favorite chocolate, there are several events and competitions that involve public voting or consumer choice elements in the realm of chocolate:

International Chocolate Awards: This competition is more about recognizing excellence in chocolate making rather than public voting. This award has become a benchmark for quality in the chocolate world, fostering a community of chocolate enthusiasts, makers, and judges dedicated to recognizing and promoting fine chocolate.

Cadbury's Inventor Competition: Cadbury has run consumer-driven competitions like the one in 2019, where the public voted on new flavors for Dairy Milk, but this is more about inventing new flavors than choosing from existing ones. This competition allows consumers to participate in choosing new products but isn't a regular annual event focused solely on existing chocolates.

Posts on X (formerly known as Twitter): There have been mentions of chocolate competitions like the "World Cup of Chocolate" where voting plays a role, though these are often more informal or themed events rather than formal national competitions. These are not official, regulated competitions but can capture the interest of chocolate lovers.

In summary, while there are competitions that involve chocolate in the U.S., they often focus more on the craft of chocolate making rather than a broad public vote to determine "the best chocolate." Events like those mentioned might include elements of consumer voting or preference, but they are not structured as a national competition explicitly for chocolate lovers to vote on their favorite chocolate. (Source: GrokAI)

Personally, I love "Ice Cubes"--a childhood favorite. They melt in your mouth.

Robot or human? (https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ice-Cubes-Chocolate-Candy-Pack-of-100/120350557)

[SoCalGal]

I have to admit I have self-control problems when it comes to chocolate...

There are scientific reasons for this! The allure of chocolate and the difficulty many people have in controlling their intake can be attributed to several factors, encompassing biological, psychological, and cultural dimensions:

Neurochemistry: Chocolate contains several compounds that affect the brain, including:

Phenylethylamine (PEA): Known as the "love drug," it increases dopamine levels, leading to feelings of pleasure.

Theobromine: A mild stimulant similar to caffeine, it can provide a sense of energy or alertness.

Caffeine: Although in smaller amounts compared to coffee, it can contribute to a mood lift.

Anandamide: A neurotransmitter that temporarily blocks feelings of pain and depression, creating a euphoric feeling.

Sugar and Fat: Chocolate's combination of sugar and fat is particularly appealing to our taste buds. This mix is highly palatable, triggering the reward centers in the brain, and leading to cravings and overconsumption.

Serotonin Release: Eating chocolate can increase serotonin levels, which is a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation, leading to feelings of happiness or relaxation. (Source: GrokAI)

[Danube]

Really? I have been into the EthelM chocolate factory in Las Vegas and it looked like they were actually making them there.

Yes I'm sure. Seen it with my own eyes.

Ethel M is a division of Mars Incorporated, a huge diversified international corporation. Probably have multiple "factories".

Vegas is a tourist trap.

Ethel M Chocolates Premium Chocolate Gifts | Ethel M Chocolates (https://www.ethelm.com/en-us) Scroll to bottom for Mars Inc. link.

Also, the Chino industrial-scale chocolate factory made Williams-$onoma s'mores. Wife just reminded me of that.

[Dotneko]

Yes I'm sure. Seen it with my own eyes.

Ethel M is a division of Mars Incorporated, a huge diversified international corporation. Probably have multiple "factories".

Vegas is a tourist trap.

Ethel M Chocolates Premium Chocolate Gifts | Ethel M Chocolates (https://www.ethelm.com/en-us) Scroll to bottom for Mars Inc. link.

Also, the Chino industrial-scale chocolate factory made Williams-$onoma s'mores. Wife just reminded me of that.

Of course there is a Mars link since Ethel M is a Mars daughter. But Ethel Ms are small batch chocolates.

[Dotneko]

There are scientific reasons for this! The allure of chocolate and the difficulty many people have in controlling their intake can be attributed to several factors, encompassing biological, psychological, and cultural dimensions:

Neurochemistry: Chocolate contains several compounds that affect the brain, including:

Phenylethylamine (PEA): Known as the "love drug," it increases dopamine levels, leading to feelings of pleasure.

Theobromine: A mild stimulant similar to caffeine, it can provide a sense of energy or alertness.

Caffeine: Although in smaller amounts compared to coffee, it can contribute to a mood lift.

Anandamide: A neurotransmitter that temporarily blocks feelings of pain and depression, creating a euphoric feeling.

Sugar and Fat: Chocolate's combination of sugar and fat is particularly appealing to our taste buds. This mix is highly palatable, triggering the reward centers in the brain, and leading to cravings and overconsumption.

Serotonin Release: Eating chocolate can increase serotonin levels, which is a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation, leading to feelings of happiness or relaxation. (Source: GrokAI)

I have a chocolate orchid that smells just like chocolate. I am always craving chocolate when it is in bloom lol.

[Boomer]

I have a chocolate orchid that smells just like chocolate. I am always craving chocolate when it is in bloom lol.

That is interesting. It really does sound like cause and effect. Btw, if you grow orchids, that is to be admired. I tried once. (sigh)

Speaking of craving chocolate, in my hometown of Cincinnati, many of us are hooked on Skyline Chili. Whether it be a 2-way or a 3-way or a 4-way or a 5-way, we Cincinnatians just have to get some every now and then.

AND it always makes me crave chocolate. Fortunately, they sell Peppermint Patties at the cash register. I bet they sell a lot of those.

I used to wonder why Skyline made me want chocolate, but then I heard that there is chocolate in the Skyline Chili recipe. AHA! Must be Cause and Effect.

The official Skyline recipe has never been made public, as far as I know. But people try to make “Cincinnati Chili” — I don’t know if they have chocolate in those recipes though.

Boomer

[retiredguy123]

That is interesting. It really does sound like cause and effect. Btw, if you grow orchids, that is to be admired. I tried once. (sigh)

Speaking of craving chocolate, in my hometown of Cincinnati, many of us are hooked on Skyline Chili. Whether it be a 2-way or a 3-way or a 4-way or a 5-way, we Cincinnatians just have to get some every now and then.

AND it always makes me crave chocolate. Fortunately, they sell Peppermint Patties at the cash register. I bet they sell a lot of those.

I used to wonder why Skyline made me want chocolate, but then I heard that there is chocolate in the Skyline Chili recipe. AHA! Must be Cause and Effect.

The official Skyline recipe has never been made public, as far as I know. But people try to make “Cincinnati Chili” — I don’t know if they have chocolate in those recipes though.

Boomer
Have you tried the Skyline chili they sell at Publix (canned or frozen)?

[Two Bills]

I have a chocolate orchid that smells just like chocolate. I am always craving chocolate when it is in bloom lol.

We have Chocolate Cosmos in our garden. Same effect.

[TVTVTV]

For me, their best product is their hot fudge sundae. They make the hot fudge fresh every morning. Absolutely delicious!

And they serve Hershey's ice cream.

[Dotneko]

That is interesting. It really does sound like cause and effect. Btw, if you grow orchids, that is to be admired. I tried once. (sigh)

Speaking of craving chocolate, in my hometown of Cincinnati, many of us are hooked on Skyline Chili. Whether it be a 2-way or a 3-way or a 4-way or a 5-way, we Cincinnatians just have to get some every now and then.

AND it always makes me crave chocolate. Fortunately, they sell Peppermint Patties at the cash register. I bet they sell a lot of those.

I used to wonder why Skyline made me want chocolate, but then I heard that there is chocolate in the Skyline Chili recipe. AHA! Must be Cause and Effect.

The official Skyline recipe has never been made public, as far as I know. But people try to make “Cincinnati Chili” — I don’t know if they have chocolate in those recipes though.

Boomer

Thank you! I have several orchids. The Oncidium Sharry Baby is what I have and I am proud of getting it to rebloom after a rest! I would post a photo, but I lack the knowledge for that lol. Several phals have rebloomed too.

[asianthree]

That is interesting. It really does sound like cause and effect. Btw, if you grow orchids, that is to be admired. I tried once. (sigh)

Speaking of craving chocolate, in my hometown of Cincinnati, many of us are hooked on Skyline Chili. Whether it be a 2-way or a 3-way or a 4-way or a 5-way, we Cincinnatians just have to get some every now and then.

AND it always makes me crave chocolate. Fortunately, they sell Peppermint Patties at the cash register. I bet they sell a lot of those.

I used to wonder why Skyline made me want chocolate, but then I heard that there is chocolate in the Skyline Chili recipe. AHA! Must be Cause and Effect.

The official Skyline recipe has never been made public, as far as I know. But people try to make “Cincinnati Chili” — I don’t know if they have chocolate in those recipes though.

Boomer

Our daughter went to UC and stayed for 8 years in Cincinnati. In the 80s My territory was Ohio for many years. Home office would call their orders in stop at Skyline, preordered for 30 people. Then off to Graeters ice cream for coolers pack with 50 pints packed in dry ice. Then drove to Detroit area, car inundated with Skyline Smells, and very happy coworkers who unpacked my car, someone took it to be detailed, and everyone had a great lunch with the best icream ever. Now you just buy it all at most grocery.

[Dotneko]

[QUOTE=Dotneko;2397122]Thank you! I have several orchids. The Oncidium Sharry Baby is what I have and I am proud of getting it to rebloom after a rest! I would post a photo, but I lack the knowledge for that lol. Several phals have rebloomed too.[/QUOTE

chocolate orchid.jpeg

[ElDiabloJoe]

I currently live in southern CA. There are six in my county (Orange). They will give you one piece of candy free (their choice) when you drop in and ask. There used to be a store within walking distance but I used willpower (most times). Yes, it's high-quality chocolate, but expensive (IMO). Next best thing is Cadbury's--especially their mini-eggs, available at Easter time only. Surprisingly, Dove chocolates are pretty good, too, and available by the bag.

^ Concur with this in its entirety. We are OC folk too. Nice to have 3 Costco's within 15 minutes (Doheny, Laguna Niguel (Oso Pkwy), and Laguna Nigel (5/Crown Valley), and 4-5 Trader Joe's within 10 minutes (Laguna Niguel Ocean Ranch, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, and Crystal Cove). There are double that many of each within another 15, so 30 minutes total because you got Irvine, Tustin, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, etc.). Oh, did I mention three REI's - Tustin, HB, and Laguna Hills. So many opportunities to spend money. Or at least find what you want right away because one store is out of stock. The convenience of always having something handy no matter where your commute took you.

Sighhhh, I have been so spoiled sometimes I didn't even appreciate it then. I appreciate other things now, like TV :)

[Two Bills]

And they serve Hershey's ice cream.

If it tastes the same as the Hershey chocolate bars, and was the only option available, I could be cured chocolism, and ice creamolism in one go.
I find Hershey chocolate, putting it most tactfully, an acquired taste, somewhere between :yuck: and barf