5 Links to Read Before Cooking with Chocolate

Each week, we’ll be sharing a comprehensive list of links to help you master something new in the kitchen. Culinary greatness, here you come.

Today: Become a chocolate expert -- just in time for Valentine's Day.

The day of love is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by showcasing one of the world's most beloved ingredients? Chocolate -- whether it's used in cookies, cakes, pies, ice cream, or truffles -- is the quickest way to someone's heart. Brush up on your chocolate knowledge and make Friday extra sweet with these links.

• First: A primer on all things cacao. (Saveur.)

• The science behind tempering chocolate. (America's Test Kitchen.)

• Everything you wanted to know about cocoa powder. (Food52.)

• How to make chocolate ganache for any dessert. (Or to just eat with a spoon.) (The Kitchn.)

• And, in case you have leftovers, here's the best way to store chocolate. (Serious Eats.)

Chocolate lovers -- tell us your secrets in the comments!