Saturday, June 30, 2012

ChocolateBet: June 30, 2012


Chocolate of the Day:

Oaxacan Foods
Chicken Mole Negro Plate
Good +
Weight: N/A 1 plate
Calories: 450 calories (estimate for portion I ate)
Cost: $12.00 for 1 plate
Purchased from: Oaxacan Foods, booth at Palo Alto Farmers Market, Palo Alto, CA

Nothing says summer like a Oaxacan Foods hot lunch plate and a fresh watermelon drink, at the Palo Alto Farmers Market, and enjoying this meal at a picnic table in the yard across the street. What could be better? The yard belonged to The Chocolate Garage, which meant my Chicken Mole Negro plate with vegetables, rice, black beans and handmade corn tortillas, could be followed up with chocolate tasting at The Chocolate Garage.


Rich, savory mole sauce usually contains a mix of roasted and ground peppers and seasonings, as well as cacao/ cocoa powder. This dark, Oaxacan version of "barbeque" sauce was great with everything on the plate.

Today was Day #3 of Chocolate and Backyard Barbeque and Bacon Theme Week.

Friday, June 29, 2012

ChocolateBet: June 29, 2012

Chocolate of the Day: 

Wild Ophelia
Smokehouse BBQ Potato Chips
Good
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 150 calories
Cost: $5.25 in 1 bar
Purchased from: Draeger's Market, in San Mateo, CA

Today was Day #2 of Chocolate and Backyard Barbeque Theme Week.

I loved the concept of putting BBQ potato chips and chocolate together. Sadly, not everything tastes wonderful drenched in chocolate. I could barely taste any BBQ flavor or discern any chip texture in this 70% cacao bar from Wild Ophelia (Chicago, IL). To be fair, it's almost impossible to balance these flavors to please all palettes.

The dark chocolate overwhelmed the few pieces of Russet Burbank potato chips from The Billy Goat Chip Company (St. Louis Missouri) embedded in the bar. Being a potato and potato chip lover, I'd be curious to try these chips with a very light dusting of cocoa and spices.

Note: Photos delayed this week due to camera being replaced.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

ChocolateBet: June 28, 2012

Chocolate of the Day: 

Wild Ophelia
Beef Jerky Milk Chocolate Bar
Good +
Weight: 2 oz. (57 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 300 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $5.25 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Draeger's Market, in San Mateo, CA

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate and Backyard Barbeque Theme Week.

As we approach the 4th of July holiday in the U.S., I recall many delightful summers growing up in California. I remember working, playing, biking and swimming until it was time to refuel. And there was lots of food on or near smokey metal barbeques: grilled steaks, charcoal-flecked hamburgers with cheese and bacon strips, hot dogs, potato chips, corn on the cob, green salad, homemade peach and black raspberry ice creams, lemonade, fruit pies, and sliced watermelon, and more. We ate outdoors on red-checkered tablecloths; roasted marshmallows and ate s'mores over beach bonfires; and filled little bags of summer snacks to take on trail hikes.

Whew, that was a long list of food items.  My backyard grill of choice today is more likely to be a solar cooker, or set of set kebob skewers and a broiler, often because I'm out of charcoal briquettes.

Times have changed, but my love of good food outdoors has remained.

This week I plan to incorporate chocolate into as many of the examples cited above as possible. I thought this Wild Ophelia* Beef Jerky Milk Chocolate Bar fit right into this summer outdoors in the West theme and Independence Day timeframe. As the packaging states, "This is not your momma's chocolate bar."

This bar was flavored with bits of beef jerky and smoked paprika, adding a slight smokey and salty flavor to a smooth, 44% cacao, milk chocolate base.

*The Wild Ophelia collection of bars was created by Katrina Markoff of Vosges Haut Chocolat (Chicago, IL).


Wednesday, June 27, 2012

ChocolateBet: June 27, 2012

Chocolate of the Day:

Premier Organics - Artisana Foods
Organic, Raw Cacao Bliss - Raw Chocolate Coconut Butter
Good - Good +
Weight: 2 Tbsp. (32 g.) / 8 oz. (227 g.) total jar
Calories: 177 calories in 2 Tablespoon serving
Cost: $11.59 total jar
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #10 of Chocolate and Coconut Theme Week.

I enjoyed a coconut ice cream sundae, topped with today's chocolate -- a raw, organic cacao and coconut butter from Premier Organics (Oakland, CA). The texture of this spread was more like traditional butter or a nut butter than chocolate sauce, but was quite good; and it would likely smooth out and melt if heated or spread on a warm croissant or piece of toast.

ChocolateBet: June 26, 2012

Chocolate of the Day: 

Turtle Mountain, LLC
"So Delicious" Chocolate (non-dairy) frozen dessert
Good +
Weight: 1/4 cup (42.5 g.) / 1 Pint (473 mL) total container
Calories: 75 calories in 1/4 cup
Cost: $6.99 (estimate)
Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, in Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #9 of Chocolate and Coconut Theme Week.

This organic, non-dairy, soy and gluten free, frozen dessert from Turtle Mountain (Eugene, OR) was made from coconut milk. This variant on chocolate ice cream did have an authentic taste and something of the smooth texture of fresh coconut.

Note: My apologies for a delay in posting pictures this week, due to a camera replacement taking place.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

ChocolateBet: June 25, 2012

Chocolate of the Day: 

Zing Bars
Chocolate Coconut bar
Good - Good +
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) bar
Calories: 210 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $2.29 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Safeway, in Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #8 of Chocolate and Coconut Theme Week.

This gluten, soy, corn and dairy free, Chocolate Coconut treat from Zing Bars (Seattle, WA) supplied energy to power a hike I took. Actually it helped get me to the hike departure point. I ate this bar for breakfast to help fight the morning commute traffic. I arrived just in time to catch the group van out to the Pacific Ocean. Thank you Nancy. It was a beautiful, sunny, clear day -- great for a walk.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

ChocolateBet: June 24, 2012


Chocolate of the Day: 

Pamela's Products, Inc.
Oat Chocolate Chip Coconut bars
Good +
Weight: 1.41 oz. (40 g.) / 7.05 oz. (200 g.) total box of 5
Calories: 180 calories in 1 bar cookie
Cost: $4.99 total box of 5 bars
Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA

These gluten-free, non-dairy, chocolate chip coconut bar cookies from Pamela's Products (Ukiah, CA) came in a box of five bars.

These individually-wrapped "Whenever Bars" were slightly soft and chewy. Chia seeds provided some additional texture. I took two bars and made an ice cream sandwich, with coconut ice cream in the middle. For those eating wheat-free, I'd recommend these as a variation on traditional ice cream sandwich theme.


ChocolateBet: June 23, 2012


Chocolate of the Day:

SunSpire
Coconut Almond Milk Chocolate Bar
Good - Good +
Weight: 1.75 oz. (50 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 260 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $2.59
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

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

The sweet, slightly chewy coconut center was the dominant flavor in this bar from SunSpire (a division of inSpired Natural Foods, San Leandro, CA).

I couldn't really taste the almond bits.

Friday, June 22, 2012

ChocolateBet: June 22, 2012


Chocolate of the Day: 


Turtle Mountain
"So Delicious" Minis - Coconut Almond (frozen bars)
Good+
Weight: 2.3 fl. oz. (68 mL) / 9.2 fl. oz. (272 mL) total package of 4 bars
Calories: 170 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $4.99 total package of 4 bars
Purchased from: Whole Foods, in Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #5 of Chocolate and Coconut Theme Week.

These agave sweetened, non-dairy Coconut Almond Minis from Turtle Mountain (Eugene, OR) were non-dairy, frozen dessert bars made with organic coconut milk, then coated in chocolate, and pieces of almond and toasted coconut. Perfect summer dessert item.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

ChocolateBet: June 21, 2012

Chocolate of the Day: 

Grindstone Bakery
Coconut Chocolate Chips cookie
Good +
Weight: 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in 1 cookie
Calories: 498 calories in 1 cookie
Cost: $2.51 for 1 cookie
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #4 of Chocolate and Coconut Theme Week. It was not difficult to find items for this week's theme, as coconut items, in general, have been enjoying a resurgence in popularity this year.

Grindstone Bakery (Rohnert Park, CA) makes wonderfully good gluten free, and wheat free breads and cookies. I've enjoyed all of the company's baked goods that I've tried thus far. This cookie used soaked whole grain barley and barley flakes, and was made with organic ingredients in a wheat-free facility.

While not gluten free, this Coconut Chocolate Chips cookie was filling and satisfying due to the whole grain and higher fiber content than what I've found in most gluten free items (that often incorporate rice, potato, tapioca and other "white" flours). Made with "extra virgin coconut oil," and non-dairy chocolate chips, in Sonoma, CA, this was a great (and substantial) breakfast cookie.





Wednesday, June 20, 2012

ChocolateBet: June 20, 2012

Chocolate of the Day: 

Leslie's Organics
Mint Coconut Bar
Good +
Weight: 1.75 oz. (50 g.) total bar
Calories: 280 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $3.59 total bar
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #3 of Chocolate and Coconut Theme Week. This past week was Chocolate and Mint Ice Cream Week. Today's entry, a "Coconut Secret" Mint Coconut Bar with Cacao Nibs from Leslie's Organics (Mill Valley, CA) helped me bid adieu to the refreshing flavor of mint, and to embrace the rich flavors of coconut. The cacao nibs provided a crunchy filling. This bar was gluten and dairy free.

Today, June 20th, was the first official day of summer. Hot weather summoned up images of coconut palm trees gently swaying in an ocean breeze, and the sound of surf. Unfortunately, that was just the sound of my dishwasher. But, it was nice to imagine eating this bar in a hammock on some enchanted isle.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

ChocolateBet: June 19, 2012

 
Chocolate of the Day:

Turtle Mountain LLC
Mint Chip - Coconut Milk, non-dairy frozen dessert
Good +
Weight: 1/2 cup (85 g.) / 1 Pint (473 mL) total container
Calories: 170 calories in 1/2 cup
Cost: $6.99 for 1 pint
Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day # 7 of Chocolate and Mint Ice Cream Theme Week, and Day #2 of Chocolate and Coconut Theme Week. This "So Delicious" brand from Turtle Mountain (Eugene, OR), was tied to a line of soy
free, dairy free, non-dairy frozen desserts made from coconut milk. The Mint Chip was one flavor in this line.

This Mint Chip had a bit of the taste and texture of fresh, frozen coconuts, or at least what I imagined they'd be like in this state. Lower in fat (and calories) than regular ice cream, this coconut milk-based dessert was a cross between a high-end sorbet and a traditional ice cream with butterfat.

Monday, June 18, 2012

ChocolateBet: June 18, 2012

Chocolate of the Day:


Laloo's Goat's Milk Ice Cream Company
Rumplemint Ice Cream
Good +
Weight: 1/2 cup (92 g.)/ 1 Pint (473 mL) total container
Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 cup serving
Cost: $4.49 for 1 Pint
Purchased from: Whole Foods, in Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #6 of Chocolate and Mint Ice Cream Theme Week.

I didn't specify what kind of milk or cream. So how about some Rumplemint ice cream, with chocolate chips, made with goat's milk?

Laloo's Goat's Milk Ice Cream Company is based in Petaluma, CA, in Sonoma County.

Today, Sonoma County is known more for grapevines than goats. But, if you drive around Petaluma in the winter or spring you'll see lots of green pastureland for cows, chickens, and goats too. (The rest of the year the grass is more golden brown.)

If I hadn't known this was made from goat's milk, I might not have guessed. It had a very, very slight taste difference, but nothing objectionable. This ice cream tasted rich and creamy like traditional ice cream, but was lower in fat (and calories).

The bits of dark chocolate in the ice cream were somewhat frozen and hard to taste (as was the case with most chocolate chips in frozen desserts, and most ice creams sampled this week); but, what I could taste seemed fine.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

ChocolateBet: June 17, 2012

Chocolate of the Day:

Rick's Rather Rich Ice Cream
Mint Chip ice cream
Good+
Weight:
Calories: 250 calories (guesstimate) in 1/2 cup serving
Cost: $7.50 for 1 Pint
Purchased from: Rick's Rather Rich Ice Cream, Palo Alto, CA

Rick's Rather Rich Ice Cream is a popular ice cream shop within walking distance of my house. However, I never seem to go there on foot. I tend to stop by there in the car, on the way back from errands, so that I can dash home with some ice cream quickly, before it melts. Today I picked up a quart of mint chip, and a quart of lavender honey ice cream. Both great summer flavors.

As promised, this Rick's ice cream tasted rich and creamy, and the mint flavoring tasted authentic. The chocolate chips were a little on the hard/frozen side (a common occurrence with some chocolate chips); but I could still taste a nice dark chocolate flavor. A little fresh mint for a garnish, and life was good. I managed to eat this just before it melted into a bowl of sweet mint soup.

Today was Day #5 of Chocolate and Mint Ice Cream Theme Week. 

Saturday, June 16, 2012

ChocolateBet: June 16, 2012

Chocolate of the Day: 

Fiorello's
Mint Chip Artisan Gelato
Very Good
Weight: 1/2 cup / 1 Pint (473 mL - estimate) container
Calories: 190 calories (estimate)
Cost: $7.99 for 1 Pint
Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #4 of Chocolate and Mint Ice Cream Theme Week. Warm weather once again called for some kind of frozen treat. I breakfasted upon a small bowl of delicious Mint Chip Artisan Gelato from Fiorello's (San Rafael, CA).

The Mint Chip gelato was flavorful, dense, creamy and satisfying without being too sweet or heavy. While price does not always correlate with better taste, this was a case where I paid more for a quality product, and I was happier with the result. I was also happy to see a natural, cream-colored gelato base. While I love colors, I can live without brightly or artificially colored (green) mint desserts.

As for the chocolate, instead of hard, frozen chips, this gelato was filled with small, grated pieces and flecks of chocolate, which tasted much better.

Last, but not least, below was a quote from Christine C.'s review of Fiorello's on yelp. Although this review was for the company's chocolate hazelnut gelato, I loved the idea that two flavors could high five each other. It made me smile.

"...Neither the chocolate nor the hazelnut overpowers each other. Instead, they high five each other and let each other shine."

Ditto for today's mint and chocolate flavors.


ChocolateBet: June 15, 2012

Chocolate of the Day: 


Mitchell's Ice Cream
Thin Mint Ice Cream
Good + - Very Good
Weight: 1/2 cup (91 g.) (estimate)
Calories: 250 calories (estimate)
Cost: $3.50 for 1 cup
Purchased from: San Francisco Norman's Ice Cream and Freezes, San Francisco, CA

Today was Day #3 of Chocolate and Mint Ice Cream Theme Week. Given the warm, sunny weather we've been having, frozen desserts that combine chocolate and mint this week seemed like a good choice.

I had a great walk in the sunshine this afternoon through Maritime Aquatic Park, along the water, in San Francisco. On my way back to the car, I stopped at Norman's Ice Cream and Freezes shop in the Cannery. Norman and Priscilla, the very pleasant and helpful duo managing the shop, were serving Mitchell's Ice Cream (San Francisco).

And, when I arrived, Norman was chopping up a large block of Callebaut chocolate, to use for hot fudge topping for ice cream sundaes. I was offered a taste in the form of a chip off this block. A great chocolate melted down for a topping sounded much better than most prepared chocolate sauces. I skipped the hot fudge sundae today, but I'll be back to try this in the near future.

Thank you to Priscilla who scooped up some Mitchell's Thin Mint Ice cream in a cup for me.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Skinny Cow - White Mint Truffle bars: June 14, 2012

Chocolate of the Day: 

Skinny Cow (Nestle brand)
White Mint Truffle (frozen bars)
Good+
Weight: 2.65 fl. oz. (63 g.)/ 15.9 fl. oz. (470 mL) total package of 6 bars
Calories: 100 calories for 1 bar
Cost: $5.99 for total box/package of 6 bars
Purchased from: Molly Stone's Markets, Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #8 of Chocolate Cow Theme Week, and Day #2 of Chocolate and Mint Ice Cream Theme Week. The two themes converged here with a Skinny Cow White Mint Truffle frozen bar from Nestle.

This creamy, white, low fat, mint-flavored ice cream bar was drizzled with "chocolatey ribbons" and contained both natural and artificial flavors. I was impressed with the smooth texture. I did not read the ingredients list too closely to see how this was accomplished. Weighing in at a mere 100 calories per bar, this Skinny Cow bar was a more satisfying dessert treat than I'd expected.








ChocolateBet: June 13, 2012

Chocolate of the Day: 

Straus Family Creamery
Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream
Good + - Very Good
Weight: 1/2 cup (91 g.) / 1 Pint (473 mL)
Calories: 250 calories in 1/2 cup serving
Cost: $3.50 total container (sale price)
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, in Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #7 of Chocolate Cow Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Mint Ice Cream Theme Week.

This organic, gluten free Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream from Straus Family Creamery (Petaluma, CA) was just fine for a late breakfast. Made with milk and cream from Holstein and Jersey cows, organic chocolate chips, and flavored with organic peppermint extract, it was refreshing to taste good ice cream, and to see ice cream that didn't look like it had been doused with green food coloring by a heavy-handed leprachaun. 

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

ChocolateBet: June 12, 2012

Chocolate of the Day: 

got milk? Magic Milk Straws
Chocolate
Good
Weight: .32 oz. (9 g.) for 2 straws / Net wt. .95 oz. (27 g.) total package of 6 straws
Calories: 32 calories for 2 straws
Cost: $ close-out sale price
Purchased from: Lucky Supermarket, Union City, CA

Today was Day #6 of Chocolate Cow Theme Week.

I inserted two of today's "got milk?" Chocolate Magic Milk Straws (marketed and distributed by FMMI in Minnesota) into a glass of milk. And when I sipped milk through the straw, it became lightly flavored with chocolate. These straws were partially open at both ends and were filled with little round, chocolate "beads" that dissolved slowly as they interacted with liquid, turning the milk a very light chocolate color.  A very clever idea.

I liked that the milk was less sweet than chocolate milk usually available in stores. According to the label, these straws contained no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, and were gluten free. Even better.

Monday, June 11, 2012

ChocolateBet: June 11, 2012

Chocolate of the Day: 

Silly Cow Farms
Hot Chocolate - Chocolate Truffle
Good +
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.4 g.) / 16.9 oz. (479.54 g.) total bottle of mix
Calories: 200 calories
Cost: $6.00 (estimate)
Purchased from: Piazzas Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #5 of Chocolate Cow Theme Week.

The location where I sample a chocolate can often be as an enjoyable as the chocolate itself. For example, this morning I was sipping this Silly Cow Farms hot chocolate mix (that came packaged in a glass milk bottle) at a Hiker's Hut in the coastal mountains of Northern California, with a gorgeous view.

This Silly Cow Farms hot chocolate mix was made by Bread and Chocolate, Inc. (Wells River, VT), also known as Burnham and Mills (after two outlaws from the past). The couple who founded this company live in a home that apparently housed a jail in the late 1700s; and Burnham and Mills may have stayed there. It's nice to have a colorful story to go along with you morning cup of chocolate.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Straus - Brown Sugar Banana ice cream with chocolate chips - June 10, 2012

Chocolate of the Day: 

Straus Family Creamery
Brown Sugar Banana ice cream with chocolate chips
Good +
Weight: 1/2 cup (91 g.) / 1 pint (473 mL) total container
Calories: 220 calories in 1/2 cup serving
Cost: $4.99 for 1 pint
Purchased from: Molly Stone's Markets, Palo Alto, CA

Another warm, sunny day. Another cool treat with chocolate in it.
What could be better than organic, gluten free, authentic tasting, rich, creamy, Brown Sugar Banana ice cream from Straus Family Creamery? Why some chocolate of course. In this case, chocolate chips.

The chocolate chips added some crunch, but as with all chocolate chips in frozen ice cream, the chocolate flavor itself was not as accessible in semi-frozen state. Possible toppings to help accentuate a chocolate flavor: a teaspoon of Kahlua (rum and coffee liqueur), or rum chocolate sauce as a light, accent flavor. Too much chocolate sauce would overpower the subtle banana and caramelized brown sugar flavors. A slice or two of fresh banana would be delicious too.

Today was Day #4 of Chocolate Cow Theme Week.

I bought this ice cream at Molly Stone's, a local supermarket. My favorite part -- a visit to the produce section, where there was an animatronic farmer and barnyard full of animals -- including a friendly cow. This group came to life and performed periodically. I'm sure these characters were singing about fruits and vegetables. And, no, it wasn't a chocolate cow; but I'd love to see a singing piece of chocolate (cacao fruit?) in that line up too.


Saturday, June 9, 2012

Chocolate of the Day:

Straus Family Creamery
Coffee ice cream
Weight: 1/2 cup (91 g.) / 1 Pint (473 mL) total container
Calories: 240 calories in 1/2 cup serving
Cost: $3.50 for 1 Pint
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Some people like fresh coffee on their breakfast tray*. On a sunny day like today, a cup of Coffee ice cream (with a hint of cocoa powder included) hit the spot. Pot of coffee, pint of ice cream...whatever floats your breakfast boat. A little of both is good.

And life is good with organic, gluten free ice creams from Straus Family Creamery. At 240 calories per rich and creamy serving, no one will confuse this Coffee ice cream with non-fat frozen yogurt, but sometimes a little healthy butterfat is very satisfying. Thank you to the cow on the label and to all the cows who made the milk and cream for this ice cream.

Today was Day #3 of Chocolate Cow Theme Week.

*OK, I admit it, I use a breakfast tray a few times a year -- less frequently than I eat over the sink. But, the term breakfast tray does conjure up a nice leisurely lifestyle, doesn't it?

Friday, June 8, 2012

ChocolateBet: June 8, 2012

Chocolate of the Day: 

Horizon Organic (WhiteWave Foods)
Chocolate organic lowfat milk
Good +
Weight: 8 fl. oz. (236 mL)
Calories: 150 calories
Cost: $1.25 total container
Purchased from: Safeway, in Menlo Park, CA

This handy, lunchbox-sized container of organic, chocolate lowfat milk was made with organic cocoa and evaporated cane juice. The tiny carton came with its own tiny, telescoped straw, and was emblazoned with two cartoon mascot versions of black and white Holsteins -- a popular breed of dairy cow. Organic cows, the label explained, "give an average of 5 1/2 gallons of milk per day. That's about 90 glasses of milk!"

After a mention of Vitamins A and D, the acronym UHT also appeared on the container -- an ultra-high temperature processing and packaging method that allowed the Horizon milk to be stored unrefrigerated, and extended shelf life to 6-9 months (for an unopened container). I'd prefer as little processing of any food as possible, but UHT is handy if you need to pack some milk in a lunchbox or snack bag for eating on the go.

Today was Day #2 of Chocolate Cow Theme Week.


ChocolateBet: June 7, 2012

Chocolate of the Day: 

Unican (Nexus)
Milkita Chocolate Milk Candy
Good
Weight: .1066 oz. (3 g.) / 3.2 oz. (90 g.) total bag of 30 pieces
Calories: 12 calories in 1 piece
Cost: $1.50 for total bag of 30 individually-wrapped pieces
Purchased from: Daiso, in Mountain View, CA

Today was Day #1 of Chocolate Cow Theme Week. It's only fair that cows get their due.  They do supply milk for milk chocolate, and chocolate milk. And images of cows grace countless ads and marketing materials.

Today's Milkita Chocolate Milk Candy wrappers were decorated with cows in several different positions -- the cow on the outer packaging appeared in baseball uniform (#07) with a bat. Some cows were lounging, others appeared to be celebrating a happy occasion. Another set appeared to be playing with a red water balloon (?).  Very cute, even if I didn't understand all the different cow poses.

Inside these wrappers: smooth, oval-shaped, candy lozenges (different shape than the squares in the outer wrapper illustration). These candies were chewable, as long as I bit down and up with care, so as not to pull a filling out in my tooth. 

Thursday, June 7, 2012

ChocolateBet: June 6, 2012

Chocolate of the Day:

Grindstone Bakery
Chocolate Crispy Almonds cookie
Good - Good +
Weight: 1.75 oz. (50 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) total cookie
Calories: 229 calories in 1/2 cookie
Cost: $2.51 total cookie
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #7 of Chocolate and Toffee Theme Week.

If I had to make my favorite chocolate and toffee ice cream sundae, I might start with organic ingredients from all Northern California companies.

I might (and did) line a glass cup with crumbled pieces of this brownie-like, wheat-free, Chocolate Crispy Almonds cookie from Grindstone Bakery (Rohnert Park, CA). I then added Caramel Toffee Crunch ice cream from Straus Family Creamery (Petaluma, CA); and topped this with more cookie crumbs, and a square of Dark Coconut Toffee bar from Alter Eco (San Francisco). After mixing in a few organic almonds, I had my chocolate and toffee sundae.

This generously sized, vegan, wheat-free* chocolate cookie, made with extra virgin olive oil (no olive taste was detectable), and was relatively moist and crumbly. The cookie had a rich chocolate smell and taste.

*Note: While the Grindstone chocolate cookie was wheat free, it did contain some stoneground barley, meaning that it wasn't gluten free. (Grindstone makes both wheat free and gluten free baked goods.)



Tuesday, June 5, 2012

ChocolateBet: June 5, 2012

Chocolate of the Day: 

Safeway Select
Chocolate Toffee Mocha ice cream
Weight: 1/4 cup (52 g.) / 1 pint (473 mL) total container
Calories: 140 calories in 1/4 cup serving
Cost: $3.00 (sale) for 1 pint
Purchased from: Safeway, in Menlo Park, CA

Today was Day #6 of Chocolate and Toffee Theme Week. Many of this week's toffee items, including this mid-morning pick, have been rich, cold and creamy -- in other words, ice creams.

Today's Chocolate Toffee Mocha offering from Safeway combined the satisfying taste of coffee ice cream with "chocolatey-covered toffee bits and a brandy espresso swirl."

The pictures on the outside of this carton of Safeway Select Super Premium ice cream made me think of items like toffee and chocolate colored satin fabric and jewelry, and rose petals. A fun excuse for odd breakfast table decorations.

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