That was the question that greeted me when I opened a package that I got in the mail the other day. Amused, I flipped open the lid of the metal box within it and noticed the familiar red letters that spelled out ‘Mars.’ But this wasn’t just chocolate; it was dark chocolate. With everyone becoming a little more health conscious and with dietitians and nutritionists loudly proclaiming the benefits of dark chocolate because of all its “heart healthy flavinoids and anti-oxidant properties,” confectionaries left and right have adapted their production to include this variety in their products. I didn’t much like dark chocolate at first but I’ve come to really enjoy it now. Keep in mind though, that it’s still a treat and should still be consumed in moderation. Too much of anything is never a good thing.

Anyhow, back to my surprise package. Surrounding the bar were other items that on their own, would seem insignificant: A large candle, a sleeping eye mask, a light stick, a movie pass, a small packet of bath wash. In this context though, I thought it was quite clever. You gotta admit introducing a dark chocolate bar this way is refreshing. I’ve seen my fair share of press releases and kits so when one comes along that amazes me, or in this case, gives me a chuckle, I make a note of it. It’s getting tougher for advertisers to come up with unique ways of catching people’s attention so I can appreciate a good effort.

Like I said before, I like to give away the stuff I get so this pack will be another one I’d like to pass on to you. If you’d like to win this Mars Dark bar box ‘o’ goodies, email me with your answer to the following question:

What do YOU like better in the dark? (and keep it clean folks).

I’m going to keep this contest within the Lower Mainland because there’s a movie gift certificate that might not work elsewhere so all you local chocolate lovers out there, email me! The deadline for submissions is Friday September 21st.

For some yummy recipes using a Mars Dark bar, read on!

Read the rest of this entry »