Saturday, June 20, 2009

ChocolateBet: June 20, 2009




Chocolate(s) of the Day:
~ 3 oz. total from 3 different bags
Peak Concepts (Denver International Airport)
1.) Colorado Bear Poop - Good
2.) Colorado Moose Droppings - Good +
3.) Colorado Buffalo Chips - Good
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 grams) from each bag = 3 oz. (~84.9 grams) total
Calories: ~ 450 calories in 3 ounces (84.9 grams) (estimate)
Cost: $4.99 x 3 different bags = $14.97 total
Purchased from: Peak Concepts/Store in Denver International Airport (B gates)

These three (animal scat themed) chocolates, sitting next to each other on the shelf, seemed to cry out for some kind of comparison taste test. So, far be it for me to shrink from this opportunity. I have no pride. I will try just about any product with chocolate, once.

Results: The Moose droppings (chocolate panned peanuts) win by a nose. Although the Bear (see illustration on bag) looks the most content with his lot, his bliss did not seem to translate into a better product. And, the buffalo must be confused, because his "chips" looked exactly like the Bear Poop (both bear and buffalo products were chocolate covered pralined peanuts coated in white powdered sugar).

ChocolateBet: June 19, 2009


Chocolate of the Day:

1 bar
Saratoga Chocolates
Le Jardin de Chocolat (dark)
Very Good
Weight: 3 oz. (~84.9 grams)
Calories: ~ 450 calories (estimate)
Cost: $7.25 for 1 bar
Purchased from: (Draegers?), in CA

I am always excited to hear about a local chocolate I haven't tried yet. This dark chocolate version of the Le Jardin de Chocolat bar contains dried apricot, ginger, orange peel, almonds, and pistachio nuts. I like the combination of ingredients that all have a connection to this area of California.

For all those who roll your eyes at nostalgic food memories, you can stop reading here. But, I lived the list of local Bay Area/California ingredients in this bar.
  • Apricots: I grew up on a street with remnants of apricot orchards. Apricot fights anyone?
  • Almonds: I attended Almond Elementary School, located on (where else) Almond Avenue.
  • Pistachios: Pistachio nuts purchased at the local supermarket back then still had shells that were dyed red, but I remember prying open these nuts and ending up with red fingers.
  • Oranges: Yes, we had a big fat orange tree in our back yard. This was California after all.
  • Ginger: My exposure to candied ginger came later, mostly through Asian-American friends and shops, and eating delicious Chinese food in downtown Mountain View (which was much more rustic back then).
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