FMF | A Confession: The Curious Case of a Chocolate Convert (Mostly)

This post is part of the Five Minute Friday blog link-up. Where I join up with a community of writers and bloggers of all ages and stages who gather around a single-word prompt to free-write, unscripted, unedited, for five minutes. This week’s word prompt is {{Chocolate}}

This week we’re meeting up over at Andrew’s place—a big thank you to Andrew for hosting this week.

I know, I know. Just reading the title probably had some of you reaching for a stress square. You’re bracing yourselves for the blasphemy I’m about to utter, but I need to be honest with you, dear readers.

Prepare for the collective GASP

I’m really not a fan of chocolate.

Yes, you read that right. I can practically hear the horrified shrieks from here!

It’s a strange thing, because I haven’t always been a chocolate ‘downer.’ Up until about 10 years ago, I was perfectly happy to indulge in a bar or a hot chocolate like anyone else. So, what happened? Honestly, I haven’t the fanciest idea. It seems that as I’ve aged, I’ve become genuinely repulsed by the stuff. The rich, sweet smell and taste that used to entice me now makes me wrinkle my nose.

This aversion is baffling, but it’s my reality. I navigate birthday parties, holidays, cookies, and cake without a second thought for the ubiquitous cocoa-based treats.

The Annual Hankering

Here’s where it gets interesting, though. My hatred isn’t 100% consistent. Maybe once or twice a year—like clockwork—I get a fleeting, undeniable hankering for chocolate.

In this brief window of weakness, I’ll go out, purchase some small chocolate item, eat it, and then… I’m done. Good for months on end. It’s like my system requires a minimal dose to reset, and then it goes back into full-repulsion mode.

My Holiday Confession: The Terry’s Chocolate Orange Revelation

Now for the real confession, and the reason I’m writing this blog post at all.

A few Christmases ago, my best friend was joyously segmenting one of those iconic Terry’s Chocolate Oranges. As she peeled off a piece, I let out a dramatic, disgusted, “EEwww.”

She looked at me, unfazed, and said I really should just try it.

Reluctantly—and I mean reluctantly—I took a segment. I braced myself for the familiar, cloying sweetness that I now despise.

WOW

It wasn’t just chocolate. The burst of bright, zingy orange oil completely cut through the density of the cocoa, creating a flavor that was fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious. It was a chocolate experience I could actually enjoy!

And so, my friends, I have become a convert—but only to one specific, spherical, holiday treat.

Around the festive season, you can find me secretly indulging in a Terry’s Chocolate Orange. It is now my annual holiday exception, my little moment of cocoa compromise.

If you’re a lifelong chocolate lover, I’m thrilled for you. But if, like me, you’ve developed a complicated relationship with the world’s favorite treat, perhaps there’s an exception out there waiting for you, too!

What about you? Do you have a food you used to love and now hate, or a seemingly universally-loved food that you just can’t stand?

I’m linking up this month with these AMAZING Blog Hop/Link-Up party hostesses!