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Chocolate Mint Day
Feb 19
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
"There are four basic food groups: milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, and chocolate truffles."
~ Anonymous
Double, double, truffle, truffle! If one chocolate truffle is delightful, two are simply irresistible! While it remains a mystery whether this smooth strathspey was inspired by the making or the indulgence of mint truffles (or perhaps both), the lively reels and promenades are sure to guide you straight to the refreshment table—where a delectable namesake treat may be waiting!
The classic chocolate truffle first emerged in France in the late 19th century, its name derived from its resemblance to the prized, dark, and craggy mushrooms found at the roots of oak and hazel trees. Traditionally crafted from velvety chocolate ganache, truffles are often infused with liqueurs, fruits, nuts, spices, or mint, then dusted with cocoa for the perfect bite-sized indulgence.
Today, truffles vary across regions, each boasting its own signature style. The refined French truffle remains a classic, while Swiss versions often feature creamy milk chocolate. Italian truffles showcase the rich flavor of hazelnut paste or crushed nuts, while Belgian truffles are revered for their silky ganache centers. Across the Atlantic, American truffles take on a playful twist, incorporating flavors like peanut butter, caramel, and fruit. No matter the variety, one thing is certain—truffles are a dance of flavors worth savoring! 🤎 💚 🤎 🍫 🌱
Mint Truffles
The chocolate mint left on a hotel bed pillow is a familiar site.
According to food and Hollywood folklore, this tradition began sometime in the 1950s as a result of a (probably apochryphal) story related to movie star Cary Grant. Actor Cary Grant was staying at the luxurious Mayfair Hotel in downtown St. Louis. He was a frequent guest and often booked the penthouse suite. As the story goes, he invited a special guest to meet him at the suite. When she arrived, she found that that he had laid a trail of chocolates beginning in the sitting room, into the bedroom, across the bed, and onto the pillow.
The Mayfair’s manager heard about the chocolate gambit and liked the idea so much that he made a chocolate on the pillow one of the hotel’s many standard amenities.
Whatever the true origin of this custom, hundreds of hotels adopted the gesture, and many travelers look forward to a chocolate mint on their hotel room pillow!
Click the picture below for a recipe to make your own special chocolate mint truffles.
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
