National Chocolate Covered Day

Person holding a tray of various chocolate-covered treats in a colorful dessert shop, wearing a chef's hat, vibrant and inviting atmosphere.. — National chocolate covered day illustration

Hey there, chocolate lovers! Get ready to indulge because National Chocolate Covered Day is coming up! It's time to celebrate the most heavenly combination known to humankind: chocolate and covering things in it. Whether you're a lover of chocolate-covered strawberries, pretzels, or even bacon (yes, bacon!), this day is a delicious excuse to dive headfirst into a sea of chocolatey delights. So grab your sweet tooth and let's explore the delightful world of chocolate covered goodies!

When is Chocolate Covered Day?

It's national chocolate covered day on the 16th December.

A Journey into the Chocolatey Wonderland

Chocolate covered treats have been around for centuries, tantalizing our taste buds and warming our hearts. The history of coating things in chocolate can be traced back to the ancient Aztecs, who believed that chocolate was a divine gift from the gods. They would dip fruits and nuts into melted cacao beans, creating early versions of the chocolate-covered delicacies we enjoy today.

Fast forward to the 18th century, and European chocolatiers began experimenting with coating various confections in chocolate. This trend quickly caught on and spread like... well, melted chocolate on a hot summer day.

In the modern era, chocolate covered treats have become a beloved staple at parties, weddings, and special occasions. From chocolate-covered strawberries that deliver a burst of fruity sweetness with every bite, to chocolate-covered pretzels that satisfy both the salty and sweet cravings, there's a chocolate covered treat for everyone.

Get Creative with Your Chocolate Covering

While classic treats like strawberries and pretzels are absolutely delightful, National Chocolate Covered Day is all about thinking outside the chocolate box. It's the perfect opportunity to get adventurous and try something new!

Why not dip some marshmallows in chocolate and give them a quick roll in graham cracker crumbs for a s'mores-inspired delight? Or how about dunking some potato chips in creamy chocolate for the ultimate sweet and salty combo? The possibilities are only limited by your imagination (and maybe your willingness to experiment with unusual flavors).

Spread the Chocolaty Love

National Chocolate Covered Day isn't just about devouring chocolate-covered goodness all by yourself; it's also a great excuse to share the love! Whip up a batch of your favorite chocolate treats and surprise your loved ones with a sweet and thoughtful gesture. Trust us, they'll appreciate it!

Whether you're celebrating with friends, family, or even your furry pals (yes, there are chocolate-covered dog treats too, but let's not go there), National Chocolate Covered Day is a day to indulge guilt-free. So go on, treat yourself and savor the magic of chocolate coating everything around you.

History behind the term 'Chocolate Covered'

1842

Discovery of the cocoa press

In 1842, a Dutch inventor named Johannes van Houten patented the cocoa press, a machine that revolutionized chocolate production. The cocoa press made it easier to extract cocoa butter from cocoa beans, resulting in a smoother and more concentrated chocolate liquor. This advancement laid the foundation for the creation of various chocolate products, including chocolate-covered treats.

1847

The Invention of Chocolate Bar

In 1847, the first solid chocolate bar was invented by Joseph Fry. This marked a significant milestone in the history of chocolate, as it introduced a new way of consuming chocolate. Previously, chocolate was mainly consumed as a beverage, but the invention of the chocolate bar laid the foundation for future chocolate-related terms, including 'chocolate covered'.

1912

Introduction of the chocolate coating process

In 1912, a confectioner named Milton S. Hershey introduced a groundbreaking manufacturing process called chocolate coating. This process involved dipping various food items into melted chocolate, creating a thin chocolate shell around them. This technique allowed for the creation of delectable chocolate-covered treats, adding a delightful layer of sweetness and texture.

1894

The Concept of Chocolate Covered

In 1894, the concept of covering other food items in chocolate came to be known as 'chocolate covered.' This term gained popularity as it described the process of taking food items and coating them in a layer of rich and delectable chocolate. The idea quickly caught on, and chocolate-covered treats became increasingly popular.

1910

The Rise of Chocolate Covered Confections

Around 1910, chocolate-covered confections started to gain widespread popularity. Chocolatiers began experimenting with various treats, such as nuts, fruits, and creams, to create a delectable range of chocolate-covered confections. These treats became a symbol of luxury and indulgence, enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.

1926

First chocolate-covered candy bar

In 1926, the famous American candy company, Tootsie Roll Industries, introduced the world's first chocolate-covered candy bar. They combined their iconic Tootsie Roll candy with a chocolate coating, creating a delectable treat loved by many. This innovation marked a significant milestone in the history of chocolate-covered confections, paving the way for a wide range of chocolate-covered candies and bars in the future.

1947

M&M's debut as chocolate-covered candies

In 1947, M&M's, the beloved candy-coated chocolates, were introduced and quickly became an iconic treat. These small, colorful candies were created to meet the demands of soldiers during World War II. Their hard candy shells allowed them to be easily transported without melting. M&M's popularity soared, and they became a staple in the world of chocolate-covered confections.

1923

Chocolate Covered as a Culinary Term

By 1923, 'chocolate covered' had firmly been established as a culinary term used to describe a wide range of confections. The term was not limited to specific food items; it expanded to include various desserts, pastries, and even savory dishes. 'Chocolate covered' became synonymous with a delightful combination of flavors and textures that satisfied people's cravings for something sweet.

1974

Popularization of chocolate-covered strawberries

In 1974, the concept of chocolate-covered strawberries gained widespread popularity. The combination of juicy, fresh strawberries and rich, smooth chocolate created an irresistible indulgence. Chocolate-covered strawberries became a popular choice for special occasions, such as Valentine's Day and anniversaries. This delicious and visually appealing treat continues to be a favorite among chocolate lovers worldwide.

1940s

Chocolate Covered Snack Boom

During the 1940s, 'chocolate covered' experienced a resurgence in popularity with the introduction of chocolate-covered snacks. Companies began coating popular snacks like pretzels, marshmallows, and potato chips with chocolate, creating a successful fusion of sweet and salty flavors. These chocolate-covered snacks became a favorite indulgence for people seeking a unique and delicious treat.

Today

Chocolate Covered Delights

Today, the term 'chocolate covered' continues to be widely used and remains synonymous with irresistible treats and indulgence. From classic favorites like chocolate-covered strawberries to innovative creations like chocolate-covered bacon, there is a multitude of chocolate-covered delights available to satisfy every sweet tooth.

Did you know?

Did you know that the largest chocolate-covered strawberry ever made weighed over 8 ounces? That's one seriously massive strawberry dripping with chocolatey goodness!