ChocolateBet: August 31, 2011

Chocolate of the Day:

1/4 bar
Kim's Chocolates
Cachet - Orange and Almonds (bar)
Good + - Very Good
Weight: .875 oz. (25 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) total bar
Calories: 126 calories
Cost: $2.99 total bar
Purchased from: Crossroads Market, in Palo Alto, CA

What do you eat when you're too tired to cook dinner?  This evening's meal included part of a dark chocolate (57% cocoa solids) "Cachet" bar (made in Belgium by Kim's Chocolates) with orange and almonds.

The dark, smooth chocolate base was flecked with bits of almonds and candied orange zest -- although I'm not sure I would have recognized the latter bits as "orange" unless I'd read this on the label. I did detect a bit of a malt/grain flavor -- which is common with candied orange peel in chocolate.

I've experimented in the past with making/baking items with chocolate and citrus fruits, and I was surprised to find that citrus flavors dissipate more rapidly than I expected. I found including multiple sources of citrus flavor worked best to maintain some flavor: juice, rind, lemon or orange curd, liqueur, etc. In this case, the flavor dissipation culprit could also have been age. However, this bar was a bargain at $2.99, and was in excellent shape for being a few months old (and having been carted around in a bag for a few days).

Today was Day #8 of Chocolate and Orange Theme Week, and Day #2 of Chocolate and Almonds Theme Week.

ChocolateBet: August 30, 2011

Chocolate of the Day:


1 cup
Laughing Giraffe Organics
Cranberry Orange Granola
Good +
Weight: 1 cup (100 g.)/ 6 oz. (169 g.) total package
Calories: 520 calories (yikes)
Cost: $11.59 total package
Purchased from: Country Sun, in Palo Alto, CA

What does a giraffe know about cacao? Quite a bit it turns out.

Today's dose of chocolate came from a small bowl of Cranberry Orange Granola with Cacao, Cinnamon and Raisins from Laughing Giraffe (Benicia, CA).

I added a little almond "milk" and I was ready to enjoy some chocolate breakfast cereal -- although this was a far cry from most sugary crisps and flakes.

Grain free, raw, vegan and gluten free, this Organic* granola was lightly sweetened with agave (and dried cranberries and a barely detectable hint of orange); and it was studded with pumpkin seeds, walnuts, pecans and almonds. This was a hefty, satisfying cereal; and at 520 calories per cup, it was dense indeed. (*All ingredients in this USDA Certified granola were Organic, except possibly the Himalayan Pink Salt.)

Packaging for the company's granolas and "snakaroons" were adorned with a slender silhouette of a dark-chocolate-colored giraffe.  And if this giraffe could talk, it might recite the company's tagline: Eat Well. Be Well. Live Better.

Today was Day #7 of Chocolate and Orange Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Almonds Theme Week.

ChocolateBet: August 29, 2011

Chocolate of the Day:

2 small pieces
Mink Chocolates Inc.
Peelers
Good +
Weight: .5 oz. (14.1 g.) 4.5 oz. (128 g.) total package
Calories: 65 calories
Cost: $13.25
Purchased from: Mink Chocolates, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Today was Day #6 of Chocolate and Orange Theme Week. Technically these dark chocolate coated, lovely long citrus peels were from oranges, lemons and grapefruits, but that was fine by me.  Dark chocolate combined with lemon can be heavenly if bitter flavors are balanced properly. (Think lemon curd in a small dark chocolate "cup", or espresso with a lemon peel.)

However, in this case, the the peels seemed a bit too bitter, at least for a breakfast chocolate this morning. These are labor-intensive chocolates, and chocolate is expensive. So, be prepared to spend some money for this type of chocolate and dried fruit treat as well. Ounce for ounce, they are about the same price as a very large high-end chocolate bar ($13.25). These might make an elegant garnish for an elaborate cake or dessert.

ChocolateBet: August 28, 2011

Chocolate of the Day:

1/4 bar
Xocolatl de David
Orangette - 74% Cacao (Dominican Republic)
Weight: .55 oz. (15.5 g.) / 2.2 oz. (62 g.) total bar
Calories: 79 calories (estimate)
Cost: $8.95
Purchased from: Fog City News, in San Francisco, CA

The best chocolate is shared. Today's dark chocolate (74% cacao - Dominican Republic) Orangette bar from Xocolatl de David (based in Portland, OR)

was riddled with visible strips and bits of candied orange peel, and a hint of fleur de sel (salt).

I was delighted to share this bar with a group of friends during a field trip and tour today at St. George Spirits, a local craft distillery in Alameda, CA.

OK, here is where I try to tie together this field trip with (Day #5 of) Chocolate and Orange Theme Week -- showing, in the process, just how universal chocolate is..., or how far I'll go to make a connection between chocolate and just about anything else.

St. George Spirits makes/sells a single malt whisky (with chocolate and floral "notes"); mandarin (orange) blossom infused vodka; cacao perfume; and orange Qi liqueur, among other items. I will have to return to sample their TCHO chocolate and single malt whisky frozen gelato pops.

Thank you to Sueling for being a great hand model.

ChocolateBet: August 27, 2011

Chocolate of the Day:

1/12 bar
Theo Chocolate
Orange (bar)
Good +
Weight: .25 oz. (7 g.) / 3 oz. (84 g.) total bar
Calories: 33 calories
Cost: $4.00 (sale)
Purchased from: The Chocolate Garage, in Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #4 of Chocolate and Orange Theme Week.

Theo Chocolate (Seattle, WA) produces a variety of flavored bars, confections and caramels. Today's Organic, Fair Trade, Orange dark chocolate (70% cacao) bar had an attractive sheen and a hard snap. The orange in this Orange bar was hard to detect; I would have liked a bit more of this fruit flavor and texture to balance the dark bitterness of the chocolate.

ChocolateBet: August 26, 2011

Chocolate of the Day:

1/5 bar
Mink Chocolates
Navel Gazing (bar)
Very Good
Weight: .35 oz. (10 g.)/ 1.76 oz. (50 g.) total bar
Calories: 50 calories in 1/5 bar
Cost: $7.00 (approx. w/ tax)
Purchased from: Mink Chocolates, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Today was Day #3 of Chocolate and Orange Theme Week. I wish I had time for a little navel gazing today. But, today's sizzling work schedule did not allow for any such thing.

So, I enjoyed taking a break in name only with an organic, dark chocolate (70% cacao) bar from Mink Chocolates. While this bar suffered a bit from some heat in the car, Mink's "Navel Gazing" barre de chocolat was still very good -- with tasty bits of candied orange zest (with just the right amount of sweetness and texture, and a pleasant, almost malty taste) embedded (by hand if I'm not mistaken) in each of its raised compartments (squares).

ChocolateBet: August 25, 2011

Chocolate of the Day:

1 piece
L.A. Burdick Chocolate
"Jaffa"
Good + - Very Good
Weight: .3 oz. (8.49 g.) (estimate)
Calories: 50 calories
Cost: $ part of larger assortment box/previous order
Purchased from: L.A. Burdick, Walpole, New Hampshire

What is a Jaffa? This attractive, diamond-shaped chocolate, according to the L.A. Burdick description, contains "a dark chocolate ganache whipped with freshly squeezed orange juice." The orange flavor in this light ganache was fairly subtle.

Today was Day #2 of Chocolate and Orange Theme Week.

ChocolateBet: August 24, 2011

Chocolate(s) of the Day:

fleurir
1.) Lemon Honey - 1/2 piece
Good - Good +
Weight: .2 oz. (7.05 g.) for 1/2 piece (estimate) / 9 oz., 18-pc. assortment box
Cost: $34.00 box of 18 pieces 
Calories: 30 calories for 1/2 piece
Purchased from: fleurir hand grown chocolates via foodzie

2.) Grand Marnier, Orange Blossom - 1 piece
Good + - Very Good
Weight: .4 oz. (14.1 g.) (estimate) / 9 oz., 18-pc. assortment box
Cost: $34.00 box of 18 pieces 
Calories: 60 calories for 1 piece
Purchased from: fleurir hand grown chocolates via foodzie

Today was Day #7 of Chocolate and Honey Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Orange Theme Week. The first of two chocolates from fleurir (Washington, D.C.), a Lemon Honey Truffle, was an all-white chocolate truffle flavored with lemon juice and buckwheat honey from Virginia. The lemon flavor helped balance out the sweetness.

The second piece from the same fleurir 18-piece assortment box (decorated with a tree pattern across the top) was a truffle flavored with Grand Marnier and orange blossom water, leaving a slightly floral aftertaste. Both orange flavorings paired well with the chocolate.

ChocolateBet: August 23, 2011

Chocolate of the Day:

1 bar
Honey Stinger
Rocket Chocolate Energy Bar
Good +
Weight: 1.75 oz. (50 g.)
Calories: 190 calories
Cost: $0.99
Purchased from: REI, in Mountain View, CA

Nothing like a good rocket with your chocolate -- and by that I mean a Rocket Chocolate Energy Bar from Honey Stinger (Steamboat Springs, CO).

This bar would be a good snack for hiking or other sports, or for those busy days when you might have missed breakfast or lunch. These bars had an almost cereal-bar like top, with a "chocolatey soy coated bottom" layer (not visible in picture to the right). The first ingredient listed was a "Honey Stinger" blend of honey, sea salt and water, followed by soy nuggets, almonds and semi-sweet chocolate chips, rolled oats and soy protein, and topped off with vitamins and minerals.

Note for those who are gluten-sensitive, there is a small quantity of malt in this bar.

Today was Day #6 of Chocolate and Honey Theme Week.

ChocolateBet: August 22, 2011

Chocolate of the Day:

1 packet
Honey Stinger
Chocolate Energy Gel
Good +
Weight: 1.3 oz. (37 g.) total packet
Calories:
Cost:
Purchased from: REI, in Mountain View, CA

Today was Day #5 of Chocolate and Honey Theme Week. This evening's chocolate came in the form of a packet of chocolate honey energy gel from Honey Stinger (Steamboat Springs, CO). Perfect choice for this week, and for restoring energy after an summer evening walk by San Francisco Bay. And the best part, other than some added vitamins and a touch of salt, this gel was made up of just honey and cocoa. I loved that short ingredient list.

ChocolateBet: August 21, 2011

Chocolate of the Day:

1/4 truffle
beekind
Milk Chocolate Honey Truffle
Good - Good +
Weight: .15 oz. (4.8 g.) (estimate)
Calories: 23 calories (estimate)
Cost: $3.00 for 1 truffle
Purchased from: beekind, Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA

beekind (Petaluma, CA) sells jars and bottles of local, raw and varietal honey. Other "gifts from the hive" offer dark and milk chocolate honey truffles. beekind's oversized truffles are wrapped and then placed into chocolate colored paper cups -- very handy if you have to transport these and they get jostled against something else in a bag.

Yesterday I sampled beekind's dark chocolate honey truffle; and today I tried their sweet, milk chocolate honey truffle, filled with a very creamy, rich smooth ganache. These generously sized chocolates can easily be sliced down the middle and shared.

My only quibble: With this style truffle, I couldn't taste the wildflower honey.

Today was Day #4 of Chocolate and Honey Theme Week. 

ChocolateBet: August 20, 2011

Chocolate of the Day:

1/2 truffle
beekind
Dark Chocolate Honey Truffle
Good +
Weight: .3 oz. (9.43 g.) (estimate for 1/2 truffle)
Calories: 45 calories
Cost: $3.00 for 1 truffle
Purchased from: beekind, Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA

This big, fat dark chocolate honey bumblebee of a truffle from beekind (Sebastopol, CA) was all about the rich, creamy dark ganache -- akin to a rich, chocolate creme brulee. I did not, however, taste any distinct honey taste. Tomorrow

I'll try the milk chocolate version of this same truffle to see if I can taste a bit o' the bee.

Hats off to the Saffron and Acacia Honey (see yesterday's post) that I bought at beekind, along with these dark and milk chocolate honey truffles. The combination of the saffron and the honey yesterday was amazing, especially with some lavender buds over vanilla ice cream.

Today was Day #3 of Chocolate and Honey Theme Week.

ChocolateBet: August 19, 2011

Chocolate of the Day:

1/4 bar
Rococo Chocolates
Lavender (bar)
Good + - Very Good
Weight: .62 oz. (17.5 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) total bar
Calories: 89 calories (estimate)
Cost: $12.00 total bar
Purchased from: Miette Bakery, Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA

Another dispatch from the land of milk and honey. Today's report: saffron honey and vanilla ice cream star in a chocolate sundae topped with dried lavender buds, and lavender dark chocolate sauce (made from a few small squares from a Rococo Chocolates Lavender dark chocolate bar, melted in the microwave oven).

Saffron honey* is one of the most decadent substances I've tasted in a long while (since rose petal preserves). Saffron blends fairly well with chocolate. And the bright orange saffron color of this liquid honey contrasted nicely with the slightly crunchy, dried purple lavender buds. My only complaint about this chocolate bar was that the chocolate was a little too rich, and too dark, at least for this sundae that was filled with beautiful, subtle flavors that were worth savoring on their own.

*Note: Saffron and Acacia Honey was purchased from beekind (Sebastopol, CA) at their Ferry Building, San Francisco location.

ChocolateBet: August 18, 2011

Chocolate of the Day:

1 piece
Moonstruck Chocolatier
Dark Chocolate Daisies
Good +
Weight: 4.45 oz. (126.1 g.) total package
Calories: 50 calories (estimate)
Cost: $10.95 total package (Moonstruck website)
Purchased from: Farm Fresh store, Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA

Greetings from the land of milk and honey -- a place that always sounds bountiful and pleasant in story books. Well, if I can't live in such an imaginary place, I can create a reasonable facsimile, or should I say chocolate facsimile (chocsimile), of such a place.

Welcome to the last, extended day (Day # 9) of Chocolate and Flower Theme Week, and the first day of Chocolate and Honey Theme Week. Today's combination of Fage Lowfat (2%) Yogurt with Honey -- poured over the top -- was garnished with a realistic-looking, molded, solid dark chocolate daisy from (Portland, OR based) Moonstruck Chocolatier.

ChocolateBet: August 17, 2011

Chocolate of the Day:

1 piece
Rose Caramel
Recchiuti Confections
Very Good
Weight: .3 oz. (8.5 g.)
Calories: 45 calories (estimate)

Cost: $1.80
Purchased from: Recchiuti Confections (store), Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA

Today was Day #8 of Chocolate and Flower Theme Week -- one of many theme weeks I am happy to extend by a few days to fit in more excellent chocolates in this category.

This unique-looking, elongated, triangular piece from Recchiuti Confections (based in San Francisco, CA) was a classy mix of 3 looks: white chocolate on the top, darker chocolate on the base, and rich caramel-colored -- well, soft, flowing caramel -- in the middle.

There was just enough rose flavor in the caramel to make it intriguing -- intriguingly frustrating that is. Recchiuti does make fine chocolate confections; however, their flavors are a bit more muted than I'd like sometimes. The chocolate is taking center stage and not the flavors -- in their truffles and filled chocolate case at least. Just roll me in the most fragrant rose petals available and I'd be a happy gal.

ChocolateBet: August 16, 2011

Chocolate of the Day:

1/4 bar
Rococo Chocolates
Rose Otto bar
Very Good - Very Good +
Weight: .62 oz. (17.5 g.)/ 2.47 oz. (70 g.) total bar
Calories: 93 calories (estimate)
Cost: $12.00 total bar
Purchased from: Miette Bakery, Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA

This Rose Otto bar, from Rococo Chocolates (London) -- made with smooth, Organic milk chocolate -- was redolent with natural rose flavor. While it might be too floral for some, I really appreciated being able to actually smell and taste the roses today, and would happily buy this bar again in the future.

Today was Day #7 of Chocolate and Flower Theme Week; however, I'll be extending this theme week for a few days, as I really enjoy floral flavors. And, thankfully, there are many different chocolates available in this category to try.

ChocolateBet: August 15, 2011

Chocolate of the Day:

1 piece
fleurir chocolates
Lavender Shiraz
Good +
Weight: .4 oz. (11.2 g.) (estimate) / 9 oz., 18-piece assortment box
Calories: 60 calories (estimate)
Cost: $ part of a larger, 18-piece, $34.00 assortment box
Purchased from: fleurir chocolates, via foodzie.com

Today was #6 of Chocolate and Flower Theme Week. As often happens, I wonder, after eating almost 1,800 different chocolates already, how I'll manage to find 7 different, new chocolates for a theme week like this. But, many of us are lucky to live in such an abundant chocolate universe that such a thing is possible.

Lavender and Rose tend to be the most popular floral flavors co-mingled with chocolate. Today's chocolate from fleurir  (Washington, D.C.) adds a hint of Australian Shiraz (red wine) to Maryland lavender for something a little different. Both of these flavors in the ganache were fairly subtle. It's difficult to tell whether this low-key flavor burst was chosen as the optimal blend, was the preference of the chocolate chef, or whether the two flavors might have neutralized each other a bit. I'm curious to try sipping a red wine or two with a lavender chocolate. More research is called for. Fortunately, I have friends who will help compare notes.

ChocolateBet: August 14, 2011

Chocolate of the Day:

1 bar
Maison Bouche
Rose - Lait
Very Good +
Weight: .25 oz. (7 g.) (estimate)/ 3 oz. (84.9 g.) (guess) for total package of 12 tiny bars
Calories: 37 calories (estimate)
Cost: $18.00 for package of 12 pieces
Purchased from: Miette Bakery, Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA

Today was a lazy summer Sunday, one of the few I've had in recent days. So, it was great to stop and smell the roses, literally. Today was Day #5 of Chocolate and Flower Theme Week. This very small milk (lait) chocolate Rose bar from Maison Bouche (Oakland, CA) was imbued with a wonderful, natural rose floral taste.

ChocolateBet: August 13, 2011

Chocolate of the Day: 

1 bar
Maison Bouche
Lavende Hautes-Alpes et Fleur de Sel
Very Good +
Weight: .25 oz. (7 g.) (estimate)
Calories: 37 calories (estimate)
Cost: $18.00 for total package of 12 pieces/tiny bars
Purchased from: Miette Bakery, Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA


Today was Day #4 of Chocolate and Flower Theme Week. This tiny little Maison Bouche (Oakland, CA) Lavender and sea salt milk chocolate bar, scored into 15 even tinier squares, was a little piece of heaven. I savored each tiny bite. I loved that I could actually taste the lavender.

ChocolateBet: August 12, 2011

Chocolate(s) of the Day:


Mink Chocolates


1.) Mermaid's Choice bar - 1/4 bar
Very Good - Very Good +
Weight: .45 oz. (12.5 g.) in 1/4 bar/ 1.79 oz. (50 g.) total bar
Calories: 50 calories
Cost: $7.00 ($6.25 + .75 HST in Canada)
Purchased from: Mink Chocolates, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

2.) ...By Any Other Name bar - 1/4 bar
Good +
Weight: .45 oz. (12.5 g.) in 1/4 bar/ 1.79 oz. (50 g.) total bar
Calories: 70 calories
Cost: $7.00 ($6.25 + .75 HST in Canada)
Purchased from: Mink Chocolates, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Today was Day #9 of Chocolate and Salt Caramel Theme Week, and Day #3 of Chocolate and Flower Theme Week.

Salt caramel and chocolate together make for a robust flavor combination, and any flower flavors, e.g. lavender or rose, need to be amped up, if they are to be noticed. I was wanting to add extra flower flavorings to salt caramel + flower bars earlier this week. (Flower catsup?).

Today, I decided to go back to two different bars, both from Mink Chocolates (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) -- one salt caramel bar with rosemary, and a separate (white) chocolate bar with rose. Mink offers numerous bars with different fillings and flavor combinations.

What's with the mermaid you ask? The rosemary in the first "Mermaid's Choice" bar was lovely, and strong enough to stand up to the burnt caramel filling, fleur de sel, and the dark (70% cacao) chocolate bar base/coating. These flavors were all very well balanced.

The second Mink Chocolates bar that I tried was a white chocolate bar called "...By Any Other Name"and was embedded with pretty, organic rose petals. I don't normally eat white chocolate, and could taste the higher fat content in this bar. Unfortunately, I couldn't taste the rose, which, had it been stronger, would have balanced this "fat" taste out. This bar is of high enough quality that it could certainly be repurposed. I will try to make a hot beverage or mousse from this bar later. And, I will likely add rosewater. I do like my flavors/additions.

ChocolateBet: August 11, 2011

Chocolate of the Day:

.5 oz. piece
schokolade artisan chocolates
Caramel and Lavender Sea Salt Dark Bar
Good +
Weight: .5 oz. (14.1 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) total bar
Calories: 74 calories (estimate) in .5 oz. piece
Cost: $4.49 (+ HST tax in Canada)
Purchased from: Urban Fare #7618 (Alberni), Vancouver, B.C., Canada

Today was Day #8 of Chocolate and Salt Caramel Theme Week; and also Day #2 Chocolate and Flower Theme Week.

This attractive, single origin, dark (70%) chocolate bar, from schokolade artisan chocolates (based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada), was decorated with white chocolate, and was filled with an appealing layer of caramel filling.

The flower in question today was lavender -- in the form of lavender sea salt. I could not taste any lavender, which was disappointing. However, if just the salt was infused with this floral flavor, then the dark chocolate and caramel filling in this bar could have overwhelmed this subtle flavor.

Note: posts and pictures were delayed this week due to travel.

ChocolateBet: August 10, 2011

Chocolate of the Day: 

1/3 bar
Vosges Haut Chocolat
Blood Orange Caramel bar
Very Good - Very Good +
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) total bar
Calories: 127 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $7.50 (approximately) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Vosges shop, Caesar's Palace; in Las Vegas, NV

Today was Day #7 of Chocolate and Salt Caramel Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Flower Theme Week.

This unique dark (70% cacao) bar from Vosges (based in Chicago), was flavored with blood orange, hibiscus flowers and Campari; and I enjoyed this flavor combination. However, unlike some plain chocolate bars, brownies or cookies, the more subtle flavors in this bar tended to dissipate once the silver wrapper had been opened, so don't delay in finishing this up or sharing it with others.

Note: posts and pictures were delayed this week due to travel.

ChocolateBet: August 9, 2011

Chocolate of the Day:

1/3 bar
Vosges Haut Chocolat
Black Salt Caramel Bar
Good+
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) total bar
Calories: 134 calories
Cost: $7.50 (estimate)
Purchased from: Vosges shop, Caesar's Palace; in Las Vegas, NV

Today was Day #6 of Chocolate and Salt Caramel Theme Week. Many wonderful combinations of salt, caramel and chocolate are available. Today's Vosges bar was made with "black Hawaiian sea salt; burnt sugar caramel; and dark chocolate (70% cacao).

Note: Pictures and posts were delayed due to travel this week.

ChocolateBet: August 8, 2011

 Chocolate of the Day:

2 pieces
Thomas Haas

Salted Caramel Truffles

Very Good +

Weight: .62 oz. (17.5 g.) (estim.) for 2 pieces

Calories: 92 calories (estimate)

Cost: $6.66 + HST

Purchased from: Urban Fare, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

Today was Day #5 of Chocolate and Salt Caramel Theme Week.

Thomas Haas's Salted Caramel Truffle had a dark chocolate shell, was filled with 1/2 dark ganache and 1/2 soft caramel, and topped with a few grains of sea salt. It was one of the nicer salt caramels I've had this week, and the mixture of two fillings yielded an interesing and delicious tasting experience.

The only unfortunate part: truffles were packed in a plastic bag vs. a box, to there was some caramel leakage by time I got back to the hotel where I was staying.

Note: pictures will be delayed due to travel this week.