Adventures of a Chocolate Soldier Quiz

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. At the place where I was made, I was put in a box with a lot of other chocolate soldiers. Imagine my joy when I was unpacked and put in the window of one of London's most prestigious food stores. Located on Piccadilly, what is the name of this shop?

Answer: Fortnum and Mason

Founded as a grocery store in 1707, Fortnum's reputation was built on high quality merchandise. Although it has since expanded into a department store, it still specialises in unusual and exotic foods, as well as stocking the basics. In 1851 it created the very first scotch egg, and in 1886 became the first shop in Britain to stock Heinz baked beans.

Its tea room is open for more than just tea; the breakfast menu is one of the best in London.

2. After sitting in the shop window as part of an army of chocolate soldiers for a few days, several of us were bought. We were transported to a theatre, where we found ourselves part of the scenery in a ballet. Which ballet, usually performed at Christmas, features toys fighting the Mouse King?

Answer: The Nutcracker

With music by Tchaikovsky in this ballet has become enormously popular. Adapted from the E Hoffman's story "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King", it premiered in 1892. Although it was not immediately successful, "The Nutcracker Suite", consisting of music used in the ballet, was. Since the middle of the 20th century, however, the whole ballet has been performed by countless ballet companies all over the world during the Christmas season.

3. Packed up and moved on again, my companions in arms and I find ourselves in a cinema foyer as part of a publicity display for a film called "The Chocolate Soldier". Who wrote this operetta?

Answer: Oscar Straus

Based on the George Bernard Shaw play "Arms and the Man", the operetta was composed by Oscar Straus in 1908. It was an instant success, although Shaw hated it. In 1909 it premiered in New York and was the hit of the season. It was first filmed as a silent film in 1915.

In 1941 a film musical starring Nelson Eddy was made. This retained the Straus music, but the plot was based on "Testor", a play by Ferenc Molnar.

4. A chocolate soldier's life is not without incident. I was nearly eaten by a dog today, but fortunately his owner saved me in time. Why would eating me have been very bad for the dog?

Answer: Chocolate is poisonous to dogs

The caffeine and theobromine in chocolate are toxic to dogs. Dark and unsweetened chocolates are worse as they contain a higher concentrate of these elements. Although a fairly large quantity of chocolate would have to be consumed to poison a dog (depending on the size of the dog), it is safer not to give them anything other than special dog chocs. Symptoms of poisoning include irregular heartbeat, pacing and seizures, and in very severe cases death can result.

5. Saved from the dog, I next find myself decorating a cocktail bar. I am now so famous there is a cocktail named after me. What are the two main ingredients of the chocolate soldier cocktail?

Answer: Cognac and Dry Vermouth

Two parts cognac, two parts dry vermouth, one part dark cacao liqueur, and a dash of orange bitters. Place in a cocktail mixer filled with ice cubes, stir and strain into a cocktail glass. No particular skill is required for the next part - drink the cocktail.

6. While I am still in the bar, some Australians come in. They refuse to order a chocolate soldier, as in their native land this is slang for what?

Answer: Someone who won't fight

Chocolate soldier is digger slang. This is slang used by the Australian armed forces from the first world war onwards. A chocolate soldier is someone who wears the uniform, is a member of the forces, but is unwilling to fight.

7. Thrown out by the bar, I am picked up by an author who puts me on his desk and uses me as inspiration for his book. Written by C.T. Studd, what is the theme of his book "The Chocolate Soldier"?

Answer: Radical Christianity

Published in 1944, this book, at 26 pages, is only just over pamphlet stage. It exhorts people to become missionaries, to stand up for God, not to be "chocolate soldiers" who say they will--but then forsake Him when things become difficult or their beliefs are challenged. The full book is available as part of the Gutenberg project.

8. I'm afraid that my bright and shiny foil covering is starting to get a bit soiled and worn, but at least I'm still here. Several of the other chocolate soldiers in my army have gone to be melted down. What edible insect have they been used to coat in chocolate?

Answer: Ants

Chocolate covered ants have become readily available over the years. These are not, however, your common or garden domestic ant. Many manufacturers use giant leaf cutter queen ants, or ants that have been specially bred to be eaten. Before being coated in chocolate, the ant is first toasted. They are said to have a nutty taste and to be very good for the immune system.

9. Oh the indignity! From being a smart and beautiful milk chocolate soldier, I have gone to being shoved in the back of a cupboard, uniform tatty and torn in places, one foot slightly nibbled by mice. I am now two years past my "sell by" date. Am I still safe to eat?

Answer: No

If stored in a cool dry place, dark chocolate will last for some years. Milk chocolate, however, will develop a sort of grey/white bloom on it and should be eaten within a few months of purchase. Once the bloom can be seen, it should no longer be eaten.

It can, however, be melted down and used in baking quite safely. Any food stuffs that have come into direct contact with mice, however, or other pests should be destroyed uneaten.

10. My adventures have come to an end. I am consigned to the rubbish bin. Another chocolate soldier in pristine condition has taken my place. Regrettably, chocolate soldiers have never been issued to real soldiers in military rations. When was the first military chocolate issued to American troops as part of their basic field rations?

Answer: 1937

Chocolate has been issued to troops as part of the standard military rations kit since 1937. The majority of it is made by Hershey's. It differs from normal chocolate in that it is capable of withstanding high temperatures without melting, and the bars are thick and rectangular to be carried in a pocket.

It is not issued as a treat for soldiers; it is seen as a quick and easy high energy food source.

Source: Author Christinap

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Pagiedamon before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

Adventures of a Chocolate Soldier Quiz

I am a newly made, bright and shiny chocolate soldier. Follow me on my various adventures as I move from place to place.

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