What’s The Shape Of Your Sweets?
Ah, Valentine’s Day. The romance. The chocolates. The mystery of romance. The mystery of the chocolates - hey, what the heck is in these things, anyway?
For those of you who don’t know beans about bonbons, we offer this scorecard, courtesy of Atlantic Monthly magazine:
Round or oval chocolates are likely to be cream-filled; cream centers are usually forced through a funnel before being coated, resulting in a dome shape.
Square pieces probably contain some sort of nougat or caramel fillings, which are cut out of large slabs into small squares
Thin, rectangular candies are typically brittles.
As for what specific flavors you might find inside, well, romance requires a little mystery, right?
If you’re tempted to dig up the truth, you’re in a slim minority: According to a poll commissioned by boxed-candy makers, only 2 percent of Americans actually scratch the bottom of a chocolate with a fingernail to determine its contents.
That includes 4 percent of women, but only 1 percent of men - presumably, because men’s fingernails are shorter.
Pucker up
If candy seems old hat, the Texas grapefruit folks suggest giving your sweetie - what else? - a 20-pound carton of grapefruit.
But if you’re dating a defenseman, don’t bother. Another survey shows 59 percent of National Hockey League players would prefer chocolate over a fruit basket for Valentine’s Day.
Yada, yada, yada?
Among the new sayings on this year’s Necco candy hearts: “Cool Dude,” “You Go Girl,” “Yeah Right,” “Hello Friend,” “Sister Friend,” “Be My Icon,” “You Rule” and “Web Site.” Coming out of retirement: “Only You.”
Family tree
Turning from sweet to tart, the Washington Apple Commission is again looking for a “Granny Smith” to serve as its official spokeswoman for the coming year, appearing on supermarket posters and traveling to promote apples.
The commission is seeking “an on-the-go grandmother … whose lifestyle personifies the healthful attributes of Washington state’s famous Granny Smith apples.” The regional winner will receive $500 and a trip to the Granny Finale in May to choose the overall champion.
Look for entry forms at Safeway supermarkets, or write in 100 words or less what makes your nominee special and send (along with a nonreturnable photo) to: Granny Smith, 203 Bellevue Way NE, Suite 164, Bellevue, WA 98004. The entry deadline is April 3.
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
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