Even thousands of years after its discovery by the Aztec and Mayan tribes, chocolate remains one of the surest ways to satisfy a sweet tooth. Yet here are a few facts you might not know about this delectable confection:

• The average American consumes approximately 11.7 pounds of chocolate each year.

• According to recent health studies, dark chocolate is a potent anti-oxidant. Anti-oxidants gobble up free radicals, destructive molecules that are implicated in heart disease and other ailments.

• A leading chocolatier is celebrating a milestone anniversary with the rebirth of an iconic collection, ushering in the next generation of Belgian-style chocolate making.

"To honor our 80 years of chocolate heritage, we've taken a bold leap into the future," says Gene Dunkin, president, Godiva North America. "The new collection offers luscious new chocolates alongside revamped classics."

The Gold Collection presents a new palette of signature chocolates with a tantalizing range of taste and texture that is the result of the current trends in chocolate. Scrumptious new pralines are made with hazelnuts and almonds. The rich flavor of deep ganache is now available in three dark chocolate intensities. The favorite creamy caramel continues to delight-now bursting with flavor accents of fruits and nuts.

"We are proud to offer new taste and form with bold praline textures, fast-melting ganaches and more creamy caramels," says Thierry Muret, Godiva Senior Chef Chocolatier. "The final product is an extraordinary chocolate experience."

The Gold Collection is available in a variety of sizes, ranging from a two-piece to a 140-piece box. The collection can be purchased at Godiva boutiques, specialty stores and finer department stores nationwide.

Consumers may also order online at www.godiva.com or by calling (800) 9-GODIVA. A popular chocolate collection has been reimagined to tantalize the taste buds and satisfy many a sweet tooth.

Article Directory: Article Dashboard

Other articles from Gourmet...
7.  Chefs Share Tips To Stock Italian Kitchen by Stacey Moore
8.  Dine in Style Every Day With a Few Simple Steps by Rodney Wright
9.  5 Simple Steps To Clone A Red Lobster Chocolate Lava Cakes by Joana Steele
10.  Create Gourmet gift baskets by OliviaAndrews
11.  Impress With Duck by Stacey Moore
12.  YES! You Can be a Food Gourmet and a Skilled Gourmet Cook Too by The X Chef
13.  Delightful Dessert Delivered From Disaster by Wayne Ryan
14.  Wrap Your "Claws" Around This-Tips On How To Eat A Lobster by Wayne Ryan
15.  Gourmet Gift Baskets Impress Your Business Contacts by Malorie Dael
16.  Lardo di Colonnata : A Tuscan Delicacy by Andrea Flint