I remember a time when we celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, Mother's day, Father's day, Easter and Christmas only. Year on year other celebratory days have crept in. Recently we have seen an explosion of international days. The more recent ones I have witnessed are Emoji Day and Wear Your Slippers To Work Day. Oh well, it's now a part of the modern world so I guess I'll embrace them. Did you know that 7 July was officially International Chocolate Day? Who thought it was a good idea to celebrate this indulgent delicacy just once a year? Here at Whitmore & White we believe every day is Chocolate Day. But, then again we also believe every day is Gin Day and Wine Day! Seriously Rich Chocolate The great Spanish explorer, Hernando Cortez was the first to discover the value of the cocoa beans in the early 16th century. During his conquest to Mexico he became fascinated with the frothy drink the Aztecs called chocolati made from the beans. Chocolati (meaning 'warm liquid') was very bitter; not surprising the taste was not welcomed by the Spanish. Popularity grew when the drink was sweetened with cane sugar to make it more palatable. The canny explorer established a cocoa bean plantation in 1519; his reason was quite literally to grow money as the beans were used as currency! Local Hero One of our favourite chocolatiers is Eponine Patisserie & Chocolaterie, based here in the North West. We're delighted to stock their amazing products. All their chocolates, bars, confectionery and drinks are lovingly handcrafted in their kitchen. Their drinking chocolate has just received the Academy of Chocolate Gold Award. They have brought the Aztec's 'warm liquid' into the 21st century in the form of a truly luxurious drink. They do this by combining the highest quality ingredients with cutting edge techniques. Adults Only For those readers who love chocolate and wine why not treat yourself to a bottle of Rubis, a Tempranillo red wine combined with decadent velvety dark chocolate, it really is like drinking a black forest gateaux. And for those of you who love gin and chocolate you just have to try Eponine's Gin and Tonic Truffles, awarded the Academy of Chocolate Silver Award. Tom, Frodsham's resident wine expert, and all things alcoholic guru, suggests pairing chocolate with Noe Pedro Ximénez and Diplomatica Rum. Sounds good to me! Mandi