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!

Mars Surprise Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup (250 ml) softened butter
1 cup (250 ml) lightly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (125 ml) granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla
2 3/4 cup (675 ml) all-purpose flour
1 tsp (5 ml) baking soda
1/4 tsp (1 ml) salt
6 Mars Dark (50 g size)

Directions:

1. Beat the butter with the brown and granulated sugars until very smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until combined. Stir in the vanilla. Add the flour, baking soda and salt; mix until combined

2. Cut each Mars Dark bar into 6 pieces. Divide the dough into 36 equal portions. Form each portion of dough around each piece of Mars Dark bar; smooth the dough over top. Place at least 2-inches (5 cm) apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Chill the sheets for 15 minutes

3. Preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C). Bake, in batches and on the centre rack, for 14 to 16 minutes or until bottoms are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack

Yield: 36 cookies

The Ultimate Mars Cheesecake Bites

Ingredients:

3 Mars Dark (50 g size)
3/4 cup (175 ml) chocolate wafer cookie crumbs
2 tbsp (30 ml) melted butter
8 oz (250 g) brick-style cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup (50 ml) granulated sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) milk
2 eggs
Whipped cream (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Chill the Mars Dark bars for at least 20 minutes. Slice each Mars Dark bar into 16 slices; reserve in the refrigerator until ready to use

2. Preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C). Line a 24-cup mini muffin pan with paper liners. Toss the crumbs with the butter; divide evenly between the cups. Press lightly into the bottom of the cups to make a crust. Bake for 5 minutes; cool slightly. Divide 24 of the Mars Dark bar slices between the crusts; reserve

3. Beat the cream cheese with the sugar and milk until very smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until just combined. Spoon an equal portion of the cheese mixture evenly over the crust to fill each cup. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until set.

4. Cool to room temperature; chill until ready to serve or for up to 3 days. Just before serving, garnish each cheesecake bite with a dollop of whipped cream and a reserved slice of Mars Dark bar

Yield: 24 cheesecakes

Mars Blondies

Ingredients:

5 Mars Dark (50 g size)
1 cup (250 ml) butter, softened
2 1/2 cups (625 ml) lightly packed brown sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla
3 cups (750 ml) all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp (2 ml) salt

Instructions:

1. Freeze the Mars Dark bars for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch (3 L) baking pan. Beat the butter with the sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs, adding two at a time. Stir in the vanilla

2. Combine the flour with the salt in a separate bowl; mix into the butter mixture. Finely chop the frozen Mars Dark bars; fold into the batter. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan

3. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden around the edges but still moist in the centre. Cool completely on a rack before slicing

Yield: 48 bars

Optional Glaze: Place 1 additional chopped Mars Dark bar in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on High, stirring twice, for 30 to 45 seconds. Add 2 tsp (10 mL) of milk, stirring until chocolate is melted and smooth. Drizzle over the cooled, baked bars; place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to set the chocolate before slicing