Chocolate Makes the World Go Round

(***A Repost of the Blog I did for Women and Words Last Week)

People who bake are sexy to me. Aprons are too. Flour on someone’s cheek is extra sexy and the ultimate, final creation, whether decadent, succulent, or savory, makes the whole process of baking the sexiest thing in all of life. Okay, I might be exaggerating a tiny bit with that statement. But trust me, exaggeration, when well placed, can be completely called for.

This is one of those times.

I want you to imagine the last time you tasted something that was so good it almost brought you to your knees. You bowed down to the mingling of flavors, surrendering outright to the pleasure it brought your palate. It doesn’t happen everyday, but when it does, it’s so worth remembering.

There’s something sensual about that. Something rich. And if handled in just the right way, something hot.

Are you with me?

Recently, I wrote a romance called How Sweet It Is about a bakeshop and its owner.  But Molly O’Brien isn’t just any proprietress; she’s a master of all things chocolate. She’s quite simply a chocolate Jedi who wows the customers at her shop on a daily basis with her confectionary prowess. Imagine one-of-a-kind truffles, chocolate covered strawberries, passion fruit tarts, macadamia nut brownies, caramel apple cinnamon rolls and don’t forget the cream cheese frosting.  Should I keep going?

Let’s establish that I’m admittedly jealous of Molly. My culinary aptitude is not nearly as well developed. I’ve been known to bake brownies from a box, cookies from a tube, and stare at Pinterest from afar in abject terror.  However, I have big dreams for myself, you guys. And I love to daydream about how it could all be different. I envision the ways I’d put my mad skills to use if I were finally the baking goddess I long to be.

(Cue the harp music and “fuzzy screen dissolve” into my fantastic dream world)

• First of all, there I’d be, showering my friends and family with scrumptious edible gifts. We’re talking “Basket-‘O-Baked-Goods” for any-and-all special occasions. Birthday party?  No problem. “Here are my amazing peanut butter cookies for your birthday enjoyment. You don’t even have to send a thank you card.” Anniversary? Shazam. “Knock yourself out with these orange raspberry muffins. Take them in a hot air balloon ride with your sweetheart. You’re welcome (for the muffins and the idea).” Valentine’s Day? Nothing says, “I love you, Sexy” quite like the perfect S’More with some extra chocolate drizzled on top, because come on…that could be fun.

• Next, I’d win all the bakeoffs. That’s right. I’d travel far and wide on a full time basis (because I’m sure the prize money is self sustaining). I’d hit each and every state fair, small town festival, and carnival in the good ole US of A. Then take on abroad. Here I come, Germany. I’d have more blue ribbons than wall space. I’d have a blue ribbon wall. Four of them. You can come over and hang out. (Because we’re friends in this fantasy. And that brings me to my next point).

• Lastly, I’d be loved and adored by people far and wide. This part is important. The masses would see me coming and look on in admiration of all of my dessert knowledge and execution. I’d be high fived. Hugged. Asked to kiss babies. I would, of course, oblige, and hand you a chunky pecan pie bar to enjoy. We’d play Monopoly and you’d let me win. I’d bake more for you and our friendship would grow.

This is about the time the requisite harp music plays and brings me slowly back from my amazing daydream of awesome. I should tell you that I have a very active imagination. Whimsy is key.  But at the same time, my daydreams are highly motivating. One day…(sigh)

In conclusion, the holidays are around the corner.  That means Thanksgiving pies and Christmas cookies and all of the tasty goodness in between! You’re not going to believe this, but I’m the baker in my family. My relatives look to me to make most of the cookies appear on Christmas Eve and I will not fall short.

And maybe along the way, I’ll pick up a new recipe. But just one. I mean, let’s not go crazy.

In all sincerity, I’d like to wish you all a Happy Holidays! I hope it’s full of to-die-for food and fantastic company. Oh, and if you’re looking for a yummy read, snatch up How Sweet It Is, available now in both paperback and eBook. Sexy aprons abound.