Happy Valentine's Day

   If you're looking for something other than the usual roses, jewelry or heart-shaped box of chocolates, then this might fit the bill. It's called To'ak chocolate, and it's the most expensive in the world.
   From their website:
To’ak chocolate is sourced exclusively from 14 cacao growers in the valley of Piedra de Plata, Ecuador, from cacao pods that match the morphological and color profile of Nacional cacao, referenced from DNA testing. Each bar (50 grams / 1.76 ounces) is presented in a handcrafted Spanish Elm wood box that is individually engraved with the bar number.

Spanish Elm is the same wood used to ferment To’ak’s cacao beans. In the middle of the bar is a single roasted cacao bean that was measured and hand-selected by the co-founders themselves. The box includes tasting utensils and a 116-page booklet that tells the story behind the sourcing of our cacao beans and provides a guide to the ritual of dark chocolate tasting. Only two ingredients are used: cacao mass and cane sugar. To’ak chocolate is USDA Organic and Fair Trade certified.
   What does it cost? Well, it depends on what you're willing to spend. One is aged 18 months in a 50 year old French oak Cognac cask. 1.76 ounces (50g) will cost you $345 U.S. If that's a little too rich, they also have chocolate aged in a Spanish elm barrel for 18 months for just $315. The bar also comes with wooden tweezers you use to eat it with, so you don't touch the chocolate with your fingers, and get oil from your skin on it.
   So, if you really love your loved one (or are deep in the dog-house) and have more than $300 to spend, this might fit the bill.
   I think my wife would prefer having dinner cooked for her. Done!
   Happy Valentine's Day!

TTFN