The Aztecs (as it is well known) regarded chcolate as ambrosia - food of the Gods. With this opinion I heavily agree.

It was brought to Europe around the 16th century by the Spaniards. It was thought to be so good that they kept the secret of chocolate to themselves for some time, before numerous defences in European wars obliged them to surrender the recipe. Not unnaturally, it spread, then the Swiss began adding milk and sugar and Messers Cadbury, Fry et al began making it over here. The rest is (lovely) history. :)

In this day and age, we are expected to justify our pleasures by remarking on the health benefits as though pleasure for its own sake was forbidden in a workaholic age. Chocolate alone eludes such rubbish. It remains a treat - purely enjoyed for its own sake. Bite it, let the delicious taste spread over your tongue. Bite it, feel it yield beneath the teeth. [Shut up, you're making me hungry - (z)Ed.] There is nothing like it!

Chocolate is a comfort when you are feeling sad. Here is at least one thing that will never fail you. It cheers the heart. It is the perfect accompaniment on a nice day, helps you feel at one with the world, and its many delights. Indeed, you become a delight to yourself, rejuvenated, confident, happy, strong, able to face and do anything.

The effect of eating chocolate is said to produce an effect similar to sex. Sex is of course a real pleasure - but consider how much of the world's horror is caused by lust and sex. Adultery, broken homes, rape, child abuse, bestiality. However, chocolate is a purely innocent pleasure. It hurts no one [usually - being hit over the head with a Mars Bar is seriously painful - (z)Ed], especially if you buy chocolate from Oxfam or Traidcraft which gives a fair amount to coco producers - as well as tasting much nicer than commercial brands!

Thus, I have demonstated that chocolate is a force for good and world improvement. And I am sure the Aztecs are right - there will be chocolate in heaven!