For chocolate lovers, the news that dark chocolate could boost brain power, lower blood pressure and enhance heart health by improving blood flow was about the best news we thought we could get. Suddenly, instead of being an indulgence, satisfying a chocolate craving meant taking care of ourselves in the best possible way.

Hold on! What if in addition to those bennies, you might also increase your wellbeing, vigor and energy by an average 67 percent over a mere three days? Sounds like the perfect prescription for a holiday weekend.

Intentional Chocolate and its research partner, the Human Energy Systems Alliance, are dedicated to shifting the way we relate to food by "delivering sustenance that nourishes both body and spirit." They hope to transmit their vision for "conscious eating and intentional living" through their gourmet chocolate products, which you can enjoy for yourself or pass along to someone special this holiday season in a personalized gift box filled with Gratitude, Lasting Peace, or Love for All Beings. All of the Intentional Chocolate products are infused with good intentions from advanced meditators, some of whom have reportedly studied with the Dalai Lama. Their good intentions are said to be transferred to those who eat the infused chocolates. Has enlightenment ever been so easy?

I haven't tried the hot chocolate yet (the one that's making Geshe smile), but the truffles are so rich that even I can eat only one at a time. A single creamy Love Truffle (in flavors like Tahitian Vanilla, Lilikoi or Kona Coffee) is so intense that you may find yourself totally satisfied. Or totally impassioned!

The dark chocolate Pistoles (also 68 percent cocoa) are another story. I love the way the bite size discs melt on my tongue, and this morning I sprinkled a few into scone batter. I can't vouch for any health benefits from the organic butter (I know, I know), whole wheat flour and flax seeds I added, but these little pastilles are so much more powerful than my usual Italian baking chocolate that I couldn't even finish a second scone (and these are small; two are par for the course).

But the big question is, do I feel different having consumed this chocolate? I definitely have more energy. Despite having awakened at 5:30 this morning for no reason in particular (except maybe vampire dreams after seeing Twilight last night), I'm motoring through my work like a house afire. At this rate I may actually complete all the tasks I've set for myself within the time allotted.

As to whether I'm more enlightened, I think I'll get a better sense of that over the next few days if I can keep to my intention of staying calm while negotiating airport crowds, cooking an enormous meal in a strange kitchen, and juggling various relatives' personalities. Maintaining inner peace through a family holiday is the true test of enlightenment.