Too Many Strawberries

My husband Dan and I have been together for about eight years, and I think we've only celebrated Valentine's Day our first two years together. After that, we figured that if we were going to take one day out of the year to show our appreciation and love for each other, it should probably be our anniversary. (But really? Only one day? I want chocolates and flowers EVERY day!)

The real reason we stopped celebrating Valentine's Day, I secretly think, is because one year I completely ruined it for us. A pound of chocolate-covered strawberries was all it took. They came from a candy shop in Columbia, where we were living at the time. Walking with this candy store's signature white box created a Pied Piper effect... Dan had something like nine or ten girls following him back to my dorm. I don't think it was just his ravishing good looks either... it was the strawberries.

Dan presented them to me, a whole glorious pound of dark- and white-chocolate dipped berries. I pushed him out of my room and sat on the floor devouring those giant strawberries. Girls kept peeking in my room, hinting at just a bite. I ignored them. They could get their own box. Or their own boyfriend. After about 20 minutes and a whole pound heavier, I was curled up in a ball, sick to my stomach. We had to cancel our dinner plans, which Dan had made months in advance at a very exclusive steak house (we do love our steak dinners). I swore I'd never eat a chocolate covered strawberry again.

Well, it's been about six years now. I've been strong. I'll eat strawberries, and I'll eat chocolates, but the combination could be deadly. I think I've met my match, though: Askinosie Chocolate is selling a half-pound box for $25. These strawberries are huge. Dipped in rich, dark chocolate (70% or greater). My stomach is churning with delight just thinking about them. I picked up multiple order forms and have placed them in various, obvious places: Dan's desk, his pillow, on top of his beer in the refrigerator, in his magazines, taped to his computer screen...we'll see if he gets the hint!

Until then, I've been nibbling away on Askinosie's new "El Rustico" chocolate bar. It's a splurge at $10.50, but oh my gosh. Dark chocolate, crunchy sugar crystals, and real vanilla bean. One square is all I need to satisfy my sweet tooth. All 32 of them...

Nicole Chilton, blog contributor

Nicole Chilton and her husband, Dan, own Moxie Cinema in Wilhoit Plaza. Nicole is also a past president of the Downtown Springfield Association.

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