Homeschool field trip a.k.a. Good excuse for eating free chocolate

On Wednesday we took a trip into Seattle (no I do not like driving in this city and yes I had a slight panic attack as I got off the freeway) to learn about a special company that makes one of my favorite food groups....Chocolate! Not just any chocolate though. They are the first and possibly the only Organic, Fair Trade chocolatier in the U.S. I wouldn't go so far as to say that I am a chocolate snob but I definitely prefer the more pure form of the cocoa bean that hasn't been defiled with artificial and refined flavors.

The first part of the tour consisted of sampling chocolate bars based on their cocoa content while listening to how they turn a funny looking fruit seed into rich dark deliciousness. Are you salivating yet?   
My favorite was the spicy chile bar. When you first pop it in your mouth you taste a zest of Orange and as you let in go down you get a zing in the end from the cayenne.  The kids like the salted almond bar as well as their milk chocolate bar.

The next part of the tour we were able to go into the factory and see all the machines that processed the seeds. Did you know that the farmers ferment the cocoa fruit before drying the seeds?  I have a fascination with fermented foods so when I learned this I new my love for chocolate wasn't just superficial.

Bunnies!!!

 And how cleaver of them to end our tour arriving in the gift shop after smelling the sweet confection throughout our tour.
We bought some of our favorites and shared them with daddy when he got home. Yes, the chocolate made it home!





You know, I live a monastic lifestyle. No, I do. I do live in extremes, basically. I go back and forth. Once every six months, I'll have a day where I eat more chocolate than has ever been consumed by a human being. Jim Carrey

For those of you who have never put cocoa in your oatmeal here is a favorite:

http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/09/21/five-minute-chocolate-oatmeal/
5-Minute Chocolate Oatmeal
(Serves 1)

• 1 serving rolled oats (40g)
• 3/4 cup milk of choice
• 1 banana
• 1 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
• extra sweetener if desired

Combine all ingredients and cook, uncovered, over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes. When it starts to bubble, stir occasionally. When I make this for others, I stir in 1 tbsp sugar (or 1 packet nunaturals stevia).