Notes on chocolate: ‘It’s time to talk about the other ‘c’ word’

I have been harbouring a secret these past few months. In September, I was diagnosed with cancer. Not really a jolly bit of news and I’m sorry. But there you go.

It did mean that I’ve not been able to travel. So when I stepped off the train in Leeds recently and was met by my oldest, we both cried. Not because I hadn’t seen her all those months – as if! – but because this most normal of activities had been out of my reach. When all the other mummies were visiting their daughters, I was not. Instead, she had come home to me, and we had made good use of FaceTime.

But here was Leeds and here was I, and her, arm in precious arm. I no longer had my own hair, and my eyes were a-puff and these things are nothing to be ashamed of but, rather, testimony to how brave I – and countless others – are every day while the world goes on about its business.

Leeds, as I’ve said before, is missing a really good chocolatier.

The Lindt shop in the Trinity shopping centre was busy. I was tempted to try the Dubai chocolate (not a new trend but gaining traction) but at £10 a bar I passed, plus I’ve yet to taste a Dubai chocolate I can recommend.

"Can we go to Knoops?" my daughter asked. Actually, that was just what I felt like. Not a fancy chocolate shop but a hot (and cold) chocolate shop. A bit too much choice – I counted 20 bars from 28% to 100% cocoa – but for me it was simple; when I’m not professionally testing I rarely go below 85% these days.

And that’s what I opted for, hot, with almond milk. It was delicious: powerful and strong. Just like me. And countless others.

Photograph Jamie Lau / Studio Lau