Continuing with love for chocolate and books, we have a chocolate, fudgy cookie. I'm one of those people who loves love and romance, but has never gotten behind the idea our modern Valentine's Day. Love, chocolate, and books should be celebrated every day . . . in my humble opinion.
According to the Santa Barbara Chocolate company's website, "Chocolate is considered aphrodisiac food since the time of Aztecs. Chocolate is said to contain substance that inflames desire and make the beloved one more open to romance. In olden days, this resulted in the tradition in European royalty to give their lovers chocolates mixed with amber to stimulate their love."
I haven't vetted the information for accuracy, but it sounds good, so we'll go with it. Having a down day because you found out your book boyfriend loves someone else? Try a square of dark chocolate. Feeling elated because your book boyfriend chose you? Try a chocolate cookie. Wait, that book-boyfriend-choosing-us thing only happens in our imaginations, so back to feeling blue . . . try chocolate.
Two stalwart protectors, one a new friend, and the other a new love, and between them Katharine had found a home. (The Healer of Briarwood)
Those Briarwood women are lucky ladies.
Fix a cup of tea and enjoy a cookie or two while reading a great book. You'll notice To Whisper Her Name by Tamera Alexander in the book stack. It's a wonderful and clean historical romance. Want more? Check out the books →
The only change I made to this recipe was to add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and 1/2 tsp chocolate extract (because, duh, more chocolate), so I will simply provide the link to the recipe online: Cocoa Fudge Cookies.