Chocolatouring with you
It’s been a busy couple of weeks! I almost missed bringing you a post this week as we’re in the final throws of putting Chocolatour: A Quest for the World’s Best Chocolate together. It will be printed in less than four weeks. (We’re expecting to receive the first copies by July 1st.)
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll see on the pages of Chocolatour:
This is one of the gorgeous stamps that the uber-talented graphic designer, Jennifer Cook of Cats in the Bag, designed for Chocolatour.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements: Appreciation to friends, colleagues, supporters, and members of the global chocolate and travel communities who have provided the author with assistance and information
Preface
Introduction: An invitation to join the author on a sensuous, taste-tempting journey of chocolate discovery
Chapter 1 – How and Where Cacao Becomes Chocolate: A look at where and how cacao (cocoa) is grown and processed, and some important chocolate terminology and distinctions.
Chapter 2- Chocogasms and Other Health Benefits of Chocolate: A scientific and sensuous look at a woman’s biological need and desire for chocolate, and why we should all eat more pure, dark chocolate.
Chapter 3- Exploring the Various Personalities of Chocolate: How do you want it? Sophisticated, elegant, exotic, sensual, playful, adventurous, purist, traditional, innovative, intellectual—or do you have a thing for multiple personalities?
Chapter 4: The Brilliance of Belgium
Chapter 5: The Flavours of France
Chapter 6: Happiness in Holland
Chapter 7: The Impact of Italy
Chapter 8: The Sensuality of Spain
Chapter 9: Sweet Success in Switzerland
Chapter 10: Ultimate Chocolate of the UK: Join the Chocolate Revolution!
Chapter 11- Chocolate Events: A listing of selected chocolate festivals, events, museums, and attractions around the world.
Chapter 12 Pairing Sensations and Recipes: Wines and other libations to pair with your favourite chocolate, plus a few chocolate-based recipes to please your palate.
Chapter 13: Chocolatour’s Awards for Chocolate Excellence
Chapter 14: An A to Z Guide for Chocolate Lovers: Alphabetical guide to chocolate around the world.
If you’re as excited about the release of Chocolatour as I am, please subscribe to https://chocolatour.net, the official site for Chocolatour, where I’ll be posting updates about the book, launches and chocolate events, and where you’ll be able to order the book and interact with me.
Thanks for being a part of the journey over the past 3.5 years as I’ve researched and written the first volume of Chocolatour. Research is already underway for volume II and there will be a lot more chocolate travel right here to keep your taste buds tingling and your travel toes tapping.
Look like an interesting one, a book on chocolate.
Seems like its a good book for Chocoholics, my wife is one of them :). I would refer it to her.
Hello Anirudh and welcome to Chocolatour! If your wife is a chocolate lover, she may well indeed enjoy a copy of my book. Why not buy a copy for her as a surprise! She will love you for it! 🙂
Hi Doreen – as a new reader of your blog I though I’d just hop on and leave a quick comment here to say I’ve been enjoying it very much. Cheers! Shaun
Thanks, Shaun. Glad to have you onboard.
Chocolates, chocolates, chocolates….just thinking about it makes me excited. Can’t wait for the book Doreen!
Thanks, Stacey. Glad to have you joining the team of Chocolatour enthusiasts. The book will be out in a month. Stay tuned!
Chocogasms eh? very interesting and “stimulating” term you have there. lol. But really, can’t wait to get my hands on that book. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Emilia.
Yes, indeed, chocolate does produce a lot of wonderful feelings in the body. I was totally high on some high octane chocolate this past weekend while in Toronto. Couple that with how good it tastes, and you’ve truly got the world’s best power food!
Wow a 3.5 year journey, that is so wonderful. I can imagine the story’s you can tell in your travels. Thank you so much for sharing a little preview of your upcoming book. I look forward to reading it 🙂
Thanks very much, Cheryl. We’re just making the last few changes to the proof and the book will be out next month. I hope you’ll enjoy it.
Thank you for this useful article.
Congratulations! What a great combination of subjects–Chocolate & travel; two of my favorite things!
Thanks, Ann. Glad you’re willing to join me on the chocolate trail. Stay tuned for plenty more.
I wish I could join you on this Chocolatour! It sounds absolutely delightful!
Thanks, Cassi! Stay tuned! There will be many Chocolatours to entice you!
Doreen, My mouth is watering for the release of your book. I can not wait. It sounds wonderful. I envy your travels and your chocolate tastings.
Thanks, Elizabeth! I’m glad the book has got your mouth watering. Just 4 more weeks to go and you can have your own copy. Stay tuned!
How exciting and a very popular subject that will be well received.
Good luck and much success on your book!
Thanks so much, Arleen. Thanks for stopping by the blog, and for your words of encouragement.
How did I not know you were writing a book on chocolate?! That is absolutely brilliant! I love the idea and I love the way you have broken up the book. I am completely jealous that you get to travel and do research on chocolate. That is fantastic!
Thanks so much, Mary! Well, I honestly didn’t think there was ANYONE whom I’m hooked up with that didn’t know about Chocolatour. I’ve been working in it for 3.5 years. It’s been quite the project! Stay tuned!
Congratulations to you. Looks like it will be an interesting read on Chocolate. I would like to read it.
Thanks, Shalu. Please stay tuned to https://chocolatour.net as to when the book will be available. Cheers!
I have many chocoholic friends that I will surely be sharing this with! Congrats on your journey!
Thank you for sharing!!
Thank you Mark and Jeri! I really appreciate your support. Will try and visit your blogs this week and see what’s new. 🙂
Definitely looking forward to seeing what each chapter holds in store!
It sounds like you have a winner here. I know many people (myself included) adore chocolate. Well done!!
I’m counting on it, Laura! I don’t believe there has ever been a chocolate book that focuses on the people making it and incorporates the element of travel. I’m so excited to be sharing these stories with you. Stay tuned!
Congratulations, how very exciting! I love the the titles of the chapters, can’t wait to see it.
Thanks, Debra! I’m excited as you are! Seeing the pages on the screen is one thing. Holding the book in my hand is will another!
I am anxious to see your pairing suggestions. This should be a great book.
Hi Jon: I wish I’d had more time to do a more comprehensive chapter on pairings. That will have to wait until the next volume of Chocolatour. I did include a short chapter on recipes and pairings to whet your appetite for the time being. Thanks so much for your ongoing support and interest. 🙂
Yum, Yum, Yummy! Can’t wait t read it. Congrats! I know it was worth all the hard work you put into this.
Thanks, Suzanne. And thanks for being my companion on the British leg of the research. That’s turned out to be one of the best chapters in the book!
Great news, Doreen!
Love Susan’s comment: ” It looks like a deliciously good read”. Could not express it better:-)
Thanks, Catarina. It’s been great having you and members of the BHB group supporting my blogs. I’m so grateful that publication date is finally drawing near. Cheers!
Looks like a great book for any chocolate lover. All the best, Doreen!
Thanks for your comment, Salika. It’s been great having you as a supporter of this blog. Makes the process so much more fun. 🙂
Fantastic news that you are so close to printing! Should be a torturous read, talking about so much chocolate!! Not good for my diet :< I was wondering if you had also heard of the Chocolate Purity Laws in Germany. Something interesting to consider for Vol 2 !! All the best, ashley
Thanks for your comment, Ashley, and welcome to the blog!
My research of German chocolate has been scant. I will be researching it further in future. Thx for the tip about the Chocolate Purity Laws. I will investigate. This is why it has take me so long to research and write Chocolatour. The world of chocolate is just so big and multi-faceted! Stay tuned!
Wonderful preview of what is to come! Thanks for sharing. I wish you huge success on your book!
Thanks, Esther! It’s been a long haul, but it’s great having you with me, every virtual step of the way. Thx so much for your friendship, love, and support.
That is awesome news. I can’t wait to get my hands your new book. It looks like a deliciously good read. 🙂
Thanks Susan and Cheryl. You two have truly been wonderful friends and supporters of my blogging efforts. We’ll all wait in anticipation over the next month while the book is being printed. I hope you will be pleased. 🙂
Can’t wait to see it! 🙂
Thanks for the thought and mention, Susan. I’d love to taste your chocolate brownies! I’ll have to try making them over the summer. Cheers!