With the American election taking up so much oxygen recently, it felt appropriate to tell the story of someone who helped keep us from being one of them. Laura Secord had married a loyalist and was living in Upper Canada during the War of 1812 – that time when American forces tried to push north and take over what eventually became Canada. One summer morning in 1813, the middle of an American invasion, Laura overheard plans for an American sneak attack at Beaver Dams. She took it upon herself to make the 32 kilometre trek through rough terrain to warn the British. Information in hand, the British and their Mohawk allies repelled the Americans, who surrendered in a field near the Welland Canal. 500 prisoners were taken to the British base at Ball’s Falls. The loss demoralized American troops and, from then til the end of the war, they kept their patrols close to home. On the 100th anniversary of Laura’s walk, a patriotic Canadian named Brand O’Connor opened up a chocolate shop at the corner of Yonge and Elm Streets in commemoration. This month, we say thanks to Laura Secord for making it possible for us to watch the U.S. elections from a distance. This big chocolatey imperial stout with notes of berries and flowers is warming for the winter and perfect for the finish of a 32 km walk, or even for just opening a box of chocolates.