You may have read about our family’s self-induced sugar-deprivation going on for Lent.  Well, tonight at the dinner table, the entire discussion focused on what sweets we missed the most (kids chose Jelly Bellies) and what we want for Easter dinner dessert.  The boys voted for homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast and a bunny cake with Bakerella’s cake ball “eggs” for lunch dessert.  A la mode, with homemade ice cream.  That’s as far as we got before we started listing our top 5 all-time favorite desserts.  Once you take our sugar, we have nothing left.  We’re mere shells of our former selves, counting down the days until chocolate can happen.

Until then, here are some ways to enjoy chocolate without the calories, and I’m not talking about artificial sweeteners, people.

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory DVD (Widescreen Special Edition) – $13 The original film with Gene Wilder, which our family likes better than the new one with Johnny Depp.  Although you may see lots of sweets, you won’t be eating any, but you get to enjoy the antics of Augustus, Mike, Veruca, Violet and Charlie.  Maybe YOU can figure out why all 4 of Charlie’s grandparents slept in the same bed.

Hershey’s Syrup Chocolate-Scented Candle -$12 Not sure if this would make matters worse or better, but… This 14.5 oz candle smells identical to the real thing and can fill an entire room with the delectably rich scent of Hershey’s chocolate syrup.  This candle comes in an authentic, retro-style can complete with pry-off lid and has a burn time of 65-70 hours.  Maybe we need this to accompany our Hershey’s candle.

Baby Fudge 8″ Chocolate-Scented Easter Plush Stuffed Animal Bunny by Bearington – $6 The perfect addition to any chocolate lover’s Easter basket, this 8″ tall chocolate-scented bunny is both adorable and collectible.  Did I mention the chocolate-scented thing?  Wonder what he tastes like.