Monday, August 31, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 31, 2009


Chocolate of the Day:

2 frozen bars
Fudgsicle (Unilever)
Dark Chocolate Flavored Frozen Dessert (bars)
(Triple Chocolate Fudgsicle assortment box: contained dark, milk, and white fudgsicles)
Good +
Weight: 3.3 fluid oz. (97.4 mL) in two bars/29.7 fl. oz. (878 mL) in total box of 18 bars
Calories: 120 calories in two bars
Cost: $0 (gift - thank you Megan)
Purchased from: n/a (gift)

When the last day of August rolls around, it's hard to stay in denial about summer coming to an end. I ate two dark chocolate frozen Fudgsicles (Unilever) as my farewell salute to warm, sunny days and sunsets that extend until after 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 30, 2009


Chocolate of the Day:

1 serving (5 pieces)
Marich Confectionary Co.
Dark Chocolate Brandied Cherries
Very Good
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) /4.5 oz. (125 g.) in total package
Calories: 170 calories in 5 pieces (per package label)
Cost: $3.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Safeway, in San Jose, CA

These mouth-watering, dark chocolate covered brandied cherries from Marich Confectionery Co. (Hollister, CA) might be nice with a fruit and cheese plate, and a small glass of wine or port.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 29, 2009


Chocolate of the Day:

1 serving
Safeway Select
Mint Chocolate Chip (Light) ice cream
Very Good
Weight: 7.5 fluid oz. (222 mL)
Calories: 240 calories
Cost: $0.88 (estimate) for 1 container
Purchased from: Safeway, in San Jose, CA

After a 5.5-mile walk in the hot sun, this light ice cream tasted very nice and refreshing. (For more on the walk, see www.walking-the-bay.com.)

Friday, August 28, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 28, 2009


Chocolate of the Day:

1 package (3 rings)
Joyva Corp.
Jell Ring Chocolate Covered
Good - Good +
Weight: 1.35 oz. (38.3 grams) in one package
Calories: 190 calories in 3 rings (1 package)
Cost: $1.08 (.99 + NYC tax)
Purchased from: Cibo Market, JFK Airport, New York

Raspberry jell filling made these Jell Ring chocolates from Joyva (Brooklyn, NY) look like miniature jelly-filled doughnuts. However, as far as I could see these rings were dough-free (good for me as I can't have gluten), and made for a fun, berry-flavored, chocolate-covered snack. 

Thursday, August 27, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 27, 2009


Chocolate of the Day:

1 bar
PeaceWorks Inc.
Sesame and Peanuts with Chocolate bar
Good + - Very Good
Weight: 1.6 oz. (45 grams) in one bar
Calories: 230 calories in one bar
Cost: $2.99 + ~8.8% NYC sales tax = $3.25 total
Purchased from: Cibo Market, JFK Airport, New York

This gluten-free and Non-GMO, KIND Sesame and Peanuts bar (topped with diagonal chocolate stripes) looks like it was made by a group with an international design and marketing perspective. (The bar itself was made in Australia, by a company based in New York City.) Peanuts, puffed rice and sesame seeds and gave this bar some nice crunchy texture.

As mentioned previously, airports are often good places to buy local chocolates. I bought four different bars with chocolate in them at JFK airport on the way back from a short vacation trip to Manhattan/New York City earlier this month -- along with a big apple that I ate on the plane.

Someone recently asked me: "Do you have a chocolate stash at home so you don't run out of chocolates to try?" The answer is: Yes, I generally have a week's worth of new chocolates in my stockpile. And, if you have suggestions for chocolates you think I have not tried, please let me know.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 26, 2009


Chocolate of the Day:

1 bar
Weil by Nature's Path (Organic)
Chocolada Walnut
Good +
Weight: 1.6 oz. (45 g.)
Calories: 190 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $3.58 ($3.29 + NYC tax)
Purchased from: Cibo Market, JFK Airport, New York

The Chocolada Walnut bar label stated that it was organic, vegan, and had no added sugars or artificial ingredients or GMOs. This bar from Nature's Path (Blaine, WA), co-branded/adorned with a photo of health guru Andrew Weil, certainly tasted healthy.

The faint, not unpleasant, fermented fruit flavor I tasted may have resulted from my traveling with this bar across country during hot weather, or it could have been the natural flavor of the dried fruit. I couldn't taste the walnuts; the almond and walnut bits were finely chopped and well mixed into this dark cocoa-colored bar.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 25, 2009


Chocolate of the Day:
1 bowl/serving
General Mills
Chocolate Chex Gluten Free cereal
Very Good
Weight: 3/4 cup (32 grams); 14.25 oz. (403 grams) in total box
Calories: 130 calories + 40 calories for milk = 170 calories total in 1 bowl/serving
Cost: $3.79 for 1 box (sale)
Purchased from: Safeway, in Sunnyvale, CA

I was very happy to find out that General Mills started making gluten-free Chex (Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Chocolate Chex, and Strawberry Chex). I liked that this cereal was not ultra-sweet, and that it included some whole grain rice. These healthy attributes may be canceled out, however, when I use these new Chex in an old Chex Party Mix recipe I have (basically sauteed Chex cereal with butter, Worcestershire sauce, peanuts, gluten-free pretzels,...that kind of thing).

Monday, August 24, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 24, 2009


Chocolate of the Day:

2/3 bar
Divvies LLC
BingGo Benjamint Crunch
Very Good
Weight: ~1.5 oz. (42 g.) in 2/3 bar / 2.25 oz. (63 g.) total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 2/3 bar
Cost: $3.39 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Whole Foods, in Los Altos, CA

This BingGo Benjamint Crunch bar from Divvies (South Salem, NY) was quite good. The bits of organic peppermint crunch candy added a nice mint sparkle to this chocolate bar.

The bar was also memorable for what it carefully left out. Because it was labeled "no nuts, no dairy" (made in a dedicated facility that is peanut-free, tree nut-free, milk-free and egg-free), I could split this with my daughter (who is allergic to most nuts).

To divvy up something is to divide or share an item. It is not always easy to share foods you really like; and to illustrate this point, Divvies divided this bar into two unequal parts (see image above). It may be hard to read, but the much larger part is labeled "Mine," and the much smaller part is labeled "Yours." Guess which part my daughter received? Ah well, she understands my commitment to chocolate.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 23, 2009

Chocolate of the Day:

1 bar
BonBonBar
Cherry Bar
Very Good
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 grams) in one bar
Calories: 210 calories (estimate) in one bar
Cost: $6.37 per bar (estimate including shipping, handling)
Purchased from: BonBonBar via foodzie.com

This high-end, dark chocolate, Cherry Bar candy bar from BonBonBar, with a vanilla almond nougat center, was topped with dried cherries.

Alas, this was another case where, in my eagerness to try this bar, I forgot to capture an image of the whole bar in the wrapper first. (So the image you see above is just the smaller label and not the whole bar.)

Saturday, August 22, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 22, 2009

Chocolate of the Day:



1 bar
BonBonBar
Peanut Butter Bar
Very Good - Very Good +
Weight: 1.6 oz. (45 grams) in one bar
Calories: 240 calories (estimate) in one bar
Cost: $6.37 per bar (estimate, including shipping, handling)
Purchased from: BonBonBar, via foodzie.com

This BonBonBar was inspired by a "favorite peanut butter sandwich," and combined peanut butter (made with organic peanuts), raw honey, organic strawberries, and caramel, in such a way that I tasted peanut butter and jelly/jam in some bites, and peanut butter and honey in other bites.

I really enjoyed this result, as it allowed me to toggle back and forth between childhood memories of two popular lunchtime sandwiches.

ChocolateBet: August 21, 2009

Chocolate of the Day:

1 bar
BonBonBar
Caramel Nut Bar
Very Good + - Yum
Weight: 1.75 oz. (49.6 grams) in one bar
Calories: 262 calories (estimate) in one bar
Cost: $6.37 per bar (estimate including shipping, handling)
Purchased from: BonBonBar, via foodzie.com

This BonBonBar Caramel Nut Bar contained a delicious mix of nuts, cacao nibs, and salted caramel --  and it was a winning candy bar in my book.

I liked it as much, or maybe a bit more, than BonBonBar's single malt scotch candy bar (my previous favorite).

Thursday, August 20, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 20, 2009


Chocolate of the Day:

1 bar (2 pieces)
BonBonBar - handmade candy bars
Orange BonBonBar
Very Good +
Weight: 1.8 oz. (51 grams)
Calories: 270 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $6.37 for 1 bar (estimate includes handling, shipping)
Purchased from: BonBonBar via foodzie.com

This coming week, I will be working my way through a box of different homemade candy bars from BonBonBar (Los Angeles, CA).

Today's dark chocolate covered "Orange" bar had an orange caramel (flavored with orange peel and orange blossom honey) and pecan nougat filling, and was drool-worthy.

A few months ago, I enjoyed the single malt scotch candy bar, and I'm looking forward to trying the rest of the flavors in this variety box. Thank you Nina.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 19, 2009


Chocolate(s) of the Day:

2 small sample squares
La Maison du Chocolat
1.) Dark chocolate square - Very Good +
2.) Milk chocolate square - 37% cacao - Very Good + - Yum
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 grams) (estimate) for two squares
Calories: 150 calories (estimate) for two squares
Cost: $0 (free samples)
Purchased from: n/a - La Maison du Chocolat, in New York City, New York

Thank you to La Maison du Chocolat (at 30 Rockefeller Center) for handing out these samples when we were visiting on a recent vacation trip. The dark chocolate square had some complex and interesting flavors running through it. And my favorite of the two, the milk chocolate square, had a very nice caramel-butterscotch taste.

And, for an interesting contrast...

Today I also celebrated summer by having an ice cream sundae at Baskin Robbins: banana nut and cherry ice cream(s) with hot fudge topping, nuts and a cherry on top. It was delicious. Thank you to Elise for joining me, and for helping me compensate for this sugary treat afterward by giving me fresh cherry tomatoes and green beans to taste from the garden. I really don't want summer to end.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 18, 2009


Chocolate of the Day:

1/3 Queen of Sheba cake (= 1.32 oz. chocolate)
SunSpire - Tropical Source
Raspberry Dark Chocolate bar (dairy- and gluten-free)
Very Good (chocolate and cake)
Weight: 1.32 oz. (37.35 g.) chocolate = in 1/3 cake
Calories: 660 calories (estimate) in 1/3 cake (198 calories for chocolate in 1/3 cake)
Cost: $0 (gift); thank you Alec
Purchased from: n/a, gift

In honor of the movie Julie and Julia, I used a Julia Child chocolate cake recipe, for Reine de Saba (Queen of Sheba) chocolate cake.

I made two changes. I substituted wheat-free flour mix for regular flour; and I used raspberry dark chocolate, instead of the suggested combination of sweetened and bittersweet baking chocolate. (If I make this cake again, I may substitute extra ground almonds for the flour.)

I enjoyed eating this rich-tasting almond-flavored chocolate cake un-frosted (which helped me justify having 2 pieces); although chocolate frosting would be a nice addition. Unfortunately, this cake was eaten before I managed to take a picture of it.

Monday, August 17, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 17, 2009


Chocolate of the Day:
1 piece
Jacques Torres Chocolate
Grand Cru
Very Good + - Yum
Weight: ~.35 oz. (9.9 grams)
Calories: Very Good + - Yum; ~ 52.5 cals.
Cost: ~$1.63 (including NYC Sales Tax)
Purchased from: Jacques Torres Chocolate, in New York City, New York

The Grand Cru chocolate that I ate this morning had a very nice distribution of red wine and dark chocolate flavors. Like wine, the same brand and flavor of chocolate can vary over time and under different circumstances. (This is why I don't do more formal ratings for different chocolates.) Today, I'm happy to have enjoyed this very nice chocolate. And while this Grand Cru won't appear on this blog again, I hope I can try another one of these in the future.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 16, 2009


Chocolate(s) of the Day:
2 pieces
Jacques Torres Chocolate
1.) Wicked Fun - Very Good +
2.) Bin 27 Port - Very Good - Very Good +
Weight: ~.7 oz. (20 grams) for 2 pieces
Calories: ~ 105 calories for 2 pieces
Cost: ~$3.26 ($3.00 + 8.8% NYC Sales Tax)
Purchased from: Jacques Torres Chocolate, in New York City, New York

Wicked Fun provided a spicy kick at the end, courtesy of ancho and chipotle chilies mixed into the ganache filling. The second chocolate of the day had a more plain exterior, but its dark chocolate ganache was infused with Taylor Fonseca Bin 27 Port. These would make nice after dinner chocolates; but, if you're like me, any time of day is right for chocolate.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 15, 2009


Chocolate(s) of the Day:
3 pieces
Jacques Torres Chocolate
1.) Fresh Squeezed Lemon (2 pieces) - Very Good +
2.) Golden Espresso (1 piece) - Very Good +
Weight: ~ 1 oz. (28.3 grams) for 3 pieces
Calories: ~150 calories (estimate)
Cost: ~$4.89 (estimate - including New York City sales tax)
Purchased from: Jacques Torres Chocolate, in New York City, New York

I like the combination of dark chocolate, lemon, and espresso - so eating these flavors all together in one sitting was pretty heavenly.

Friday, August 14, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 14, 2009



Chocolate(s) of the Day:
2 pieces
Jacques Torres Chocolate
1.) Alize Hearts of Passion - Very Good
2.) Ginger - Very Good +
Weight: ~ 1 oz. (28.3) grams
Calories: ~150 calories (estimate)
Cost: ~$3.26 (including New York City sales tax)
Purchased from: Jacques Torres Chocolate, (downtown location) New York City, New York

The Ginger chocolate was the winner here. The ginger flavor was authentic and strong enough to stand up to the dark chocolate ganache. Ole! The heart-shaped heart of passion (flavored with passion fruit) with Alize liqueur was nice as well.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 13, 2009



Chocolate(s) of the Day:

2 pieces
Jacques Torres Chocolate
1.) Menage a Trois (Dark) - Very Good +
2.) Almondine - Good + - Very Good
Weight: ~ 1 oz. (28.3 grams) (estimate) for 2 pieces
Calories: ~ 150 calories (estimate)
Cost: ~$3.26 (including NYC sales tax)
Purchased from: Jacques Torres Chocolate, in New York City, New York

I am dreaming of a box of chocolates from Jacques Torres (aka Mr. Chocolate). Is that why the image of this box looks so fuzzy? (No, actually the pretty orange ribbon prevented the box from laying flat in my scanner.) Oh well, I am not dreaming...and because there is no one around I have to set a good example for, I can eat these chocolates for breakfast. Hurray.

"Menage a Trois" in this case refers to a mix of three (undisclosed) flavors blended in one dark chocolate. Does mystery sell chocolate? I'll bet it does. (Patrons are advised "Don't Ask!"...as in we won't give the secret away.) I bought a few, to try to identify what the three mystery flavors were. Honey perhaps?

The Almondine was a little too sweet for my taste, but still good. I was interested in trying a chocolate filled with "crushed candied almonds." That sounds great. The Jacques Torres logo/signature is printed across the top.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 12, 2009


Chocolate(s) of the Day:
3 pieces
Kee's Chocolates
1.) Kaffir Lime (1 piece) - Very Good
2.) Pignoli (pine nut) (2 pcs.) - Very Good +
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 grams) for 3 pieces
Calories: ~210 calories (estimate) for 3 pieces
Cost: ~$6.75 (for 3 pieces)
Purchased from: Kee's Chocolates, in New York City, New York

The round-shaped Pignoli had a great dark chocolate ganache filling, and was coated in toasted pine nuts.

The second chocolate I tried today was the Kaffir Lime. I like this flavor. However, I noticed that the same Kaffir Lime chocolate tasted a little bit better a few days ago. I'm guessing warm summer weather may have degraded the taste of this flavoring slightly over a day or two. Fresh is usually best. I am sorry I couldn't carry home Champagne, Fennel, and many other flavors to try from Kee's. I will have to order some online, maybe when the weather cools down.

I like summer, and I don't much care for winter. I'm always looking for some things to like about the cold and gray season. Being able to ship chocolate back and forth with greater ease should definitely be on my Why I Don't Hate Winter list.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 11, 2009


Chocolate(s) of the Day:
2 pieces
Kee's Chocolates
1.) Black Sesame - Very Good +
2.) Thai Chili - Good + - Very Good
3.) Lemongrass Mint - Not good
Weight: ~1.4 oz. (40 grams) for 3 pieces (estimate)
Calories: ~210 calories (estimate) for 3 pieces
Cost: ~$6.75 for 3 pieces (inclu. NYC sales tax)
Purchased from: Kee's Chocolates in (SoHo area of) New York City, New York

I loved the small macaroons from Kee's Chocolates I ate yesterday, and was looking forward to trying these chocolates. The Black Sesame was very nice, with a dark ganache filling and a coating of toasted black and white sesame seeds. The Thai Chili chocolate was also good; the chili flavor was very subtle. Unfortunately, the Lemongrass Mint, leaf-shaped chocolate tasted off, with a slight ammonia-ish or cleaning fluid flavor. I'm looking forward to trying Kaffir Lime and Pignoli (pine nuts) chocolates tomorrow.

Monday, August 10, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 10, 2009




Chocolate(s) of the Day:
6 tiny macaroons
Kee's Chocolates LLC
Assortment bag of 6 tiny macaroons
1.) Rosewater Lychee - Very Good + - Yum
2.) Jasmine Green Tea (chocolate filling) - Good + - Very Good
3.) Raspberry (chocolate filling) - Very Good - Very Good +
4.) Kaffir Lime (chocolate filling) - Very Good + - Yum
5.) Cassis (chocolate filling) - Good +
6.) Passion Fruit (chocolate filling) - Very Good +
Weight: 1.3 oz. (37 grams) for one bag of (6) assorted flavors
Calories: ~ 175 calories for bag of 6 (estimate)
Cost: ~$6.00 for 1 bag
Purchased from: Kee's Chocolates, in SoHo area of New York City, New York

I love chocolatiers who experiment with new flavor combinations. And Kee's offers the most wonderful flavor selection of macaroons (macarons) that I've seen to date. My three favorites were: 1.) Kaffir Lime (with chocolate filling); 2.) Passion Fruit (also with chocolate filling); and 3.) Rosewater Lychee (no chocolate in the filling). The kaffir lime and passion fruit were not overly sweet, and I could really taste the authentic fruit flavors. The tiny size of the ones I bought in the assortment bag meant I was able to taste more of them, which was great. (Note: Images above belong to Kee's Chocolates, and are from Kee's website.)

Sunday, August 9, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 9, 2009


Chocolate of the Day:
3 pieces
La Maison Du Chocolat
1.) Champagne Cognac - Very Good + - Yum
2.) Jolika (pistachio infused almond paste) - Very Good; a bit sweet
3.) Rocher Noire - Very Good +
Weight: ~ .65 oz. (18.4 grams) for 3 pieces
Calories: ~ 95 calories for 3 pieces
Cost: ~$3.87 for 3 pieces (including NYC sales tax)
Purchased from: La Maison Du Chocolat, in Rockefeller Center, New York City, New York

Barring a trip to Paris, New York was the closest I could get to trying La Maison du Chocolat chocolates in person. (There are no other locations in the U.S.)I like champagne truffles; if this fact were ever in question, I think this champagne cognac truffle put this to rest. (Alas, I have no image for this truffle). I also really liked the Rocher Noire (pictured above).

We also had the opportunity to take a brief walk through 30 Rockefeller Center, where this shop was located, where "30 Rock" the television show takes place -- well at least the exterior shots. No Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) or other celebrity sightings to report.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 8, 2009





Chocolate of the Day:
2 pieces
Jacques Torres Chocolate
1.) Chocolate Peanut Brittle - Very Good - Very Good +
2.) Caramel Nut Noire (dark choc) - Very Good
Weight: ~.65 oz. (18.4 grams) in 2 pieces
Calories: ~98 calories in 2 pieces
Cost: $3.26 for 2 pieces (including NYC sales tax)
Purchased from: Jacques Torres Chocolate, in New York City, New York

We took the subway to visit Jacques Torres downtown location. We could peek through a window to see production going on, and it also had a sit-down area inside where customers can relax and enjoy beverages, chocolates, chocolate-covered breakfast cereals, ice cream, and other treats. The two individual chocolates (above) were both quite nice. I only had room to try one or two flavors of ice cream or sorbet. The white chocolate ice cream with raspberry and lime and the watermelon sorbet were both very good. My only regret was not being able to sample the chocolate-covered Cheerios (because I can't eat wheat).

Friday, August 7, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 7, 2009


Chocolate(s) of the Day:

2 macarons
Bouchon Bakery
1 Caramel macaron - Yum (fresh)
1 Chocolate macaron (small) - VG+ (pre-packaged as part of an assortment)
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 grams) (estimate)
Calories: 160 calories (guesstimate)
Cost: $4.75 (estimate) for both macarons
Purchased from: Bouchon Bakery, in New York City, New York

The Caramel macaron was excellent, and tasted light and fresh. The Chocolate macaron was also very nice; however, it was part of a pre-packaged assortment of different flavors (and perhaps a few hours older than the fresh Caramel batch). I shouldn't quibble; these really were great, especially after a long day and walk around New York City. I ate these macarons as an appetizer before dinner. Sorry I don't have a picture of them; all I have is the bag they came in (above).

After dinner, we walked down Broadway to Times Square. Adult-oriented businesses from a few decades ago have been replaced by lots of big, splashy video screens and some large candy stores. We visited M and M's World (Mars), which is across the street from the Hershey's store (appropriate given the rivalry between the two companies). And they seemed to inspire each other to new Las-Vegas-strip-style heights, with large product-related decorative pieces inside and out, and lively interiors. M and M's World was stocked with unique flavors and colors of M and M's in long vertical, clear plastic tubes that stretched up into the M and M ether in this three-story World. I bought and tried a few coconut peanut M and M's, making this my second chocolate for the day. See below for information.

5 pieces
M and M's (Mars)
Coconut M and M's
Good + - Very Good
Weight: .25 oz. (7.1 grams) (estimate)
Calories: 37.5 calories (estimate)
Cost: $5.88 total for .40 lb. (includes NYC sales tax)
Purchased from: M and M's World, Times Square, New York City, New York

Last, but not least, thank you to RK Chin, the creator of the New York City Chocolate Guide (Manhattan). This map was very helpful in planning chocolate-related stops for this weekend trip to New York. One or two chocolate stores may have closed since the last version of this guide/map was updated, but it provided a helpful look-at-a-glance for different places that make or sell chocolates.

Note: Because of certain limitations, I was unable to use the ampersand symbol on this site. So, I spelled out the Mar's candy name: M and M's.


Thursday, August 6, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 6, 2009


Chocolate of the Day:

1 bar
Earth's Chocolate
The Love Bar
Very Good
Weight: 1 oz. (28.35 grams)
Calories: 150 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $
Purchased from: Gnosis Chocolate in New York

The ingredients listed for this chocolate bar included organic cacao butter and cacao powder, organic (raw) agave nectar, organic yacon powder, organic tocotrienols, organic whole bean vanilla powder, and Himalayan pink sea salt. This organic bar sounded like a healthy chocolate choice; and it tasted pretty good too.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 5, 2009


Chocolate of the Day:
1 package
Senor Murphy
"Chamayo Red Chili Pistachio Bark"
Very Good
Weight: 3 oz. (84 grams) total package
Calories: 450 calories (estimate)
Cost: $5.25 ($1.75 per ounce)
Purchased from: Chocolate Covered, in San Francisco, CA

The roasted pistachios in this dark chocolate bark were nice and crunchy. This chocolate from New Mexico was also hot and spicy. If you try some, have some milk or ice water standing by.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 4, 2009


Chocolate of the Day:

1/2 bar
Vosges Haut-Chocolat
Organic Enchanted Mushroom bar
Good + - Very Good
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) in 1/2 bar / 3 oz. (85 g.) total bar
Calories: 225 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Covered, in San Francisco, CA

This gluten-free, organic, dark chocolate (66% cacao) bar from Vosges (Chicago, IL) contained powdered organic Reishi Mushrooms and Walnuts. I was intrigued by this flavor combination and was looking forward to trying an enchanted mushroom bar.

This unique bar was quite good, although difficult to taste the powdered mushrooms; and the walnut flavor was very subtle, due to the small pieces of walnut used.

Change of Subject...
-----------------------------
The quote, below, is not about enchanted mushrooms at all, but it is chocolate-related and I thought it was worth sharing...Last week (July 31, 2009), a chocolate-related news story (by David Herszenhorn) appeared in Hill blog "The Caucus" concerning U.S. House of Representatives Speaker, Nancy Pelosi.

The title of the story was "Pelosi’s Secret Weapon in Health Care Debate: Chocolate." A quote from this story appears below:

"In an unguarded moment, Ms. Pelosi, whose deft political maneuvers catapulted her through the ranks of the House Democratic leadership to make her the first woman speaker in the United States history, shared her secret.

“Chocolate,” she said.

And she was only half-kidding. Ms. Pelosi, who represents San Francisco, keeps stashes of Ghirardelli chocolate squares strategically placed throughout her suite of offices in the Capitol."

Monday, August 3, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 3, 2009


Chocolate of the Day:

1 package
Fling Chocolate
Dark Chocolate
Good + - Very Good
Weight: 1.11 oz. (31.5 grams)
Calories: 170 calories for 1 package, 2 pieces
Cost: $0.49 (sale price)
Purchased from: Walgreens, in Palo Alto, CA

Unfortunately, due to some meltage in warm weather I had to carefully extricate the two chocolate pieces inside. But, with a little effort and some finger licking: mission accomplished.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 2, 2009


Chocolate of the Day:

1 package
Mars, Incorporated - fling chocolate
Fling bar - Milk Chocolate
Good +
Weight: 1.11 oz. (31.5 grams)
Calories: 170 calories for 1 bar
Cost: $0.49 (sale price)
Purchased from: Walgreens, in Palo Alto, CA

Saturday, August 1, 2009

ChocolateBet: August 1, 2009


Chocolate of the Day:
1 bar
Cowgirl Chocolates
Mild Dark Chocolate Lavender bar - 55% cocoa
Very Good
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 grams) in 1 bar
Calories: ~187 calories
Cost: $4.00
Purchased from: Chocolate Covered, in San Francisco, CA

This bar was a bit sweet, but it had a nice lavender flavor. Fun label design. Cowgirl Chocolates is based in Moscow, Idaho.
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