Too Hot Chocolate

I’ve become hooked on a new vice: hot chocolate. Specifically, hot chocolate from Panera. Yeah, I know. As far as personal vices go, I’m boring. (But my ho’s and dealers still bring me my money on time ’cause they  know I’ll put my boot in they ass if they late.)

I was never a big hot chocolate fan, except during my week in Sweden a couple years ago. But when back here in the States, I again became just “meh” on the stuff. But a few weeks ago, I was told I should try some Panera hot chocolate.

Wow, good stuff. If food was physical activity, Panera hot chocolate would be warm, slow, morning sex. Now I’m addicted to a couple cups a week, especially since it’s been unusually cold in this area so far this winter. I’ve tried a cup of chocolate from a couple other places, as well, but only Panera’s blend of chocolate syrup and milk really turns me on. (Those other hot chocolates conjure up the coyote ugly delimma.)

But what is it with heating the drink to a scalding temperature? I presume this is an issue with coffee drinkers, as well. They make the stuff so damned hot I can’t actually take a taste of it for 20 minutes.

I went in Panera one time with Calfgrit9 and got two cups — one for me, one for Cowgrit waiting back at home. The cashier apparently thought one of the cups was for CG9, so she asked if I wanted one of them “Not so hot.” I said, “Yes, make both of them not so hot. Thanks.”

This was a good option. I could drink my warm chocolate immediately, and it stayed warm enough right to the last sip. But I’ve thrice since requested this “Not so hot” temperature, and although the fixer said, “Okay,” they were still far to hot to drink right away. Again, I had to wait at least 20 minutes before letting any of the liquid touch my tongue.

That’s rather frustrating, having a really good treat in hand but knowing if you even take a sip of it any time too soon, you’ll burn your tongue and nothing will taste good for the rest of the day. <insert joke tying in this statement to the “morning sex” comment above>

Bullgrit