12 delicious ways to celebrate National Chocolate Day

Chocolate lovers rejoice! Today is National Chocolate Day – our favorite day to celebrate the “the food of gods.” You might think that constantly being surrounded by chocolate would get tiresome. But, it’s quite the contrary. Here at Lake Champlain Chocolates our world literally revolves around chocolate, smooth chocolate truffles, chocolate nut clusters, chocolate caramels. Oh the irresistibly delicious options are endless. While every day might feel like National Chocolate Day, today we invite you to join us in taking chocolate fanaticism to a whole new level. Here are some unexpected and delicious ways to celebrate:

1. Shake it up with chocolate for breakfast

Yes, chocolate for breakfast. This hot chocolate smoothie recipe is a protein-rich mix of oats, almond milk, unsweetened cocoa powder and a sprinkling of cacao nibs. Yum! If smoothies aren’t your thing, you can always start your morning with a delicious batch of double chocolate cherry muffins.

2. Share the chocolate love

It’s truly amazing what a small square of chocolate can do. Pass a few of these organic chocolate squares out to an unsuspecting neighbor or coworker and just watch as their face lights up with joy. As an added bonus, each one of these fair trade chocolate squares also helps to improve the lives of cacao farmers and their families. There's nothing quite like good chocolate karma.

3. Win FREE chocolate

No need to adjust your screen, you read that correctly – FREE chocolate. Simply add your email to our mailing list and you’ll be entered to win a scrumptious 30 piece chocolate sampler box for every month you are subscribed. And who knows, for National Chocolate Day we might just have a few surprises up our sleeve.

4. Learn how chocolate is made

Did you know that cocoa only grows within 20 degrees north and south of the Equator? Learning how chocolate is crafted from bean to bar will change your whole outlook on life (and chocolate).

5. Know where your chocolate comes from

Just how much do you know about the chocolate you eat? Sustainably and ethically sourced chocolate is not only better for you, but for the farmers and farming communities who work hard to grow the cacao. Simply look for the Fair Trade certification symbol!

6. Spice it up with chocolate for lunch

And we don't just mean unwrapping a bar. This tantalizing braised pork mole taco recipe combines smooth dark chocolate, ancho peppers and dark cherries to create the perfect chocolate-infused lunch.

7. Explore your dark side

Looking for another reason to eat chocolate? There are countless studies that have explored the health benefits of chocolate. Whether it's a focus on heart health or pregnancy, these studies all have one thing in common - when it comes to chocolate, darker is better!

8. Indulge in the Ultimate Chocolate Experience

The Autumn colors are still on full display at our Flagship Store in Burlington, Vermont. Visit our legendary Hot Chocolate Bar, savor a slice of our Burlington Blackout Cake from our in-house bakery, and enjoy free samples while shop for all your favorite chocolates. We promise no tricks, only treats!

9. Get your holiday shopping done early

Imagine a world where you can finish your holiday shopping early and get to choose when and where to ship your gourmet chocolate gifts. Simply shop online and find great gifts for all of the chocolate fanatics in your life, like a monthly chocolate subscription.

10. Warm up and “mallow” out

Go ahead and treat yourself to a mug of “America’s best hot chocolate.” Top with a couple of our gourmet vanilla marshmallows and you’ve got the perfect drink to enjoy while you finish your aforementioned holiday shopping.

11. Have chocolate for dinner

Bring the flavors of Vermont to your table with delectable chocolates, local cheeses, and Vermont craft beer. Learn the professional tips and techniques for tasting and for pairing. Then, gather your friends and fellow chocolate lovers for an unforgettable evening.

12. Eat more chocolate

This one is a no-brainer. True chocolate fanatics never miss the chance to eat great gourmet chocolate. So, go ahead and have just one, or two, or three more squares. After all, it IS National Chocolate Day. Cheers!

Do you have a great way to plan to celebrate National Chocolate Day? Share it with us @LCChocolates #iloveLCC!