John and Kira's - Chocolate Figs - Oct. 30, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

John and Kira's
Chocolate Figs
Very Good +
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) total box of 6 figs
Calories: 135 calories (estimate) for 2 figs
Cost: $ N/A - part of larger "tower" (combination of boxes)
Purchased from: John and Kira's (online order)

Today was Day #5 of Chocolate, Date and/or Fig Theme Week.

Any dessert item that blends figs + chocolate + cream + whiskey (or sherry, or port) is one I'd hasten to try. (Add a pinch or either vanilla or cinnamon, and I might float away into the heavens momentarily.) So, no surprise, I loved these Chocolate Figs from John and Kira's (Philadelphia, PA).

The company started with imported, organic dried Calabacita (little pumpkin) figs from a small family farm in Spain, and filled them with a smooth chocolate, whiskey-infused dark chocolate (Valrhona) ganache (filling). The final step: figs were dipped up to their necks in 62% dark chocolate. Just two of these were surprisingly rich and satisfying and would make a great end-of-meal dessert.

JohnAndKiras.com

These pumpkin shaped chocolate figs also reminded me of all the pumpkins and carved jack-o-lanterns I've been seeing in my neighborhood this week. Tomorrow is Halloween, one of the biggest chocolate holidays of the year in the U.S. Happy Halloween Eve to all.

Note: John and Kira's was also selling a box of seasonal chocolate pumpkin caramels this month -- one option was to order a box of these in a coach (reminiscent of Cinderella's enchanted coach that turned into a pumpkin at midnight). Image at left, from John and Kira's website.

Kimmie - DateMe's chocolates - Oct. 29, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Kimmie Candy Company
DateMe's
OK+ - Good
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2.7 oz. (76.5 g.) total container
Calories: 150 calories (estimate) in 1 oz. (28.3 g.) serving
Cost: $2.50 for 1 container
Purchased from: Visitors Center, Incline Village, NV

Today was Day #4 of Chocolate, Date and/or Fig Theme Week.

These DateMe's -- chocolatey covered, candy-coated, date pieces -- from Kimmie Candy Company (Reno, NV) were "Made in Nevada" proud. I bought these at a visitor's center in Lake Tahoe recently.

Gluten-free, these DateMe's were crunchy and crisp in a way that most wheat-free/wafer-free chocolate candy items usually aren't, which was nice. The dates provided a bit of extra fruity sweetness, making this candy a bit too sweet overall for me; however, this will be fine for some.

The glossy, beige rounds were attractively speckled with brown (like little round eggs), and might look attractive in a small serving dish, or an edible nest.

Portola Valley Girl Scouts - chocolate barks - Oct. 28, 2013

Chocolate(s) of the Day: 

Portola Valley Girl Scouts
Dark Chocolate bark with hazelnuts, figs, cranberries
Good
Weight: .33 oz. (9.43 g.) / 6 oz. (169.8 g.) for 2 bags
Calories: 50 calories (estimate) for .33 oz. serving (2 bites)
Cost: $6.00 for 2 bags (one dark chocolate, one white chocolate)
Purchased from: Portola Valley Girl Scouts, Portola Valley, CA

Today was Day #3 of Chocolate, Date and/or Fig Theme Week.

Recently, I attended a Bird Discovery Day in Portola Valley, CA. In addition to information and exhibits by the Audubon Society; live birds (a bald eagle from the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo + chickens); bird coloring sheets; stuffed birds; and other interesting bird-related activities, the local Girl Scouts chapter were there selling treats.

The troop was selling marshmallow treats in the shape of tiny birds nests and bird eggs, cupcakes, cookies, and chocolate bark with nuts and dried fruits.

This evening I had a bit of the Scouts' homemade dark chocolate bark with hazelnuts, dried figs and cranberries, as well as a bite of their white chocolate bark with pistachios, dried apricots and cranberries. Both were colorful and fun.

Thank you Girl Scouts! I remember selling cookies many years ago when I was a young Scout. I hope you still receive merit badges for activities. I would have loved getting a badge for chocolate making. (I loved those merit badges.)

Moon Over Nigeria mix - Oct. 27, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Wild Mountain Raw Foods
Pocket Snacks - Moon Over Nigeria
Good
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total package
Calories: 140 calories in 1/2 package
Cost: $3.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #2 of Chocolate, Date and/or Fig Theme Week.

What is "Moon Over Nigeria" and what does it have to do with chocolate, dates or figs? A product moniker like this conjures up exotic imagery of moonlit evenings in foreign lands.

However, most of the ingredients in today's Pocket Snack blend from Wild Mountain Raw Foods (Gunnison, CO) originated closer to home. Organic sprouted sunflower seeds; organic figs; local raw honey; wild stinging nettles. Organic, raw bali cocoa powder and nibs, and cinnamon, added some rich flavor, warmth and international cachet to this mix.

The result: a crunchy, crumbly, mixture of natural ingredients that was a healthy, not-too-sweet snack to munch on during the day.

Also, for those restricting their wheat intake, suffering from a peanut allergy, or choosing a vegan diet, this snack was "processed in a gluten-free, peanut free, animal free facility."

NudeFood Chai bar - Oct. 26, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Crystal River Organics
NudeFood - Spicy Chocolate Chai bar
Good
Weight: 2.5 oz. (72 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 330 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $2.65 for 1 bar ($30 for 12-bar box)
Purchased from: Abe's Market (online order)

Today was Day #1 of Chocolate and Date/Fig Theme Week.

A generous dose of date syrup, organic chocolate chips, dates, tapioca syrup, and organic candied ginger made this NudeFood Spicy Chocolate Chai bar from Crystal River Organics (Boulder, CO)  moist, chewy and very sweet.

A "Hanuman" chai spice blend included ginger, cardamom, turmeric, saffron and other spices. Cinnamon, vanilla, sea salt, and other spices helped round out the blend.

Madre Chocolate - Cinnamon Mac nut spread - Oct. 25, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Madre Chocolate
Cinnamon Daddy Mactella spread
Good + - Very Good
Weight: .5 oz. (14.1 g.) / 3.9 oz. (109 g.) total jar
Calories: 75 calories (estimate)
Cost: $11.99 for 1 (4 oz.) jar
Purchased from: Madre Chocolate (online order)

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

This flavorful Cinnamon Daddy Mactella spread, created by Madre Chocolate (Oahu, HI), came straight from Hawaii -- and was made from Hawaiian Hamakua cacao; Kona organic cinnamon; Kona macadamia nuts; and Hawaiian vanilla and sea salt. A bit of hazelnut oil enhanced the mild nutty taste from the ground mac nuts.

The chocolate base flavor was strong and pure and wasn't drowned out by too much sugar -- a big plus when you have quality chocolate with complex, bold fruit/acid notes that kick in after the first bite begins to melt in your mouth.

This spread would be delicious in a flaky pastry, as a ganache/filling, or on a piece of toast. However, I can envision many other uses*. Just eating a spoonful, a la carte, now and then would be pleasant as well. Aloha.

Other suggestions on Madre Chocolate site: warm slightly and use on vanilla pannacotta or ice cream; use as a cake filling. 

John and Kira's - Eagle Ranch Pistachio - Oct. 24, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

John and Kira's
Eagle Ranch Pistachio chocolate
Good + - Very Good
Weight: .383 oz. (10.86 g.) / 5.75 oz. (163 g.) in total 15-piece box
Calories: 58 calories (estimate) for 1 piece
Cost: $ N/A part of larger, 15-piece collection box
Purchased from: John and Kira's, online order

Today was Day #6 of Chocolate and Cinnamon Theme Week. Cinnamon makes a great front man, but also a dynamite supporting player. A background hint of cinnamon warms up any flavor profile considerably. Today, we move from chilies and cinnamon to other flavors with a cinnamon spark.

This Eagle Ranch Pistachio chocolate, part of a 15-piece Every Flavor Collection box from John and Kira's (Philadelphia, PA), was covered with dark chocolate. Inside was a smooth, creamy white filling with ground pistachio nuts from the Schweer family's pistachio grove (Eagle Ranch, New Mexico) -- spiced with a well-balanced dash of cinnamon.

Christopher Elbow - Dark Spice bar - Oct. 23, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolate
No. 2 - Dark Spice bar
Good +
Weight: 1.5 oz. (40 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.)
Calories: 240 calories (estimate)
Cost: $7.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Cocoa Bella, San Francisco, CA

Today was Day #5 of Chocolate and Cinnamon Theme Week, and today's bar was another successful blending of cinnamon with chilies. While cinnamon came from Asia, it partners so naturally with chocolate that it's easy to forget that the original spice used with cacao beverages in Latin America was likely a type of allspice. Cinnamon was introduced many years later.

This No. 2 Dark Spice bar (part of a numbered series of bars) from Christopher Elbow (Kansas City, MO) possessed a captivating blend of ancho and chipotle chilis. These flavorful ground chilis didn't burn, but rather the infusion lingered and complemented the 61% dark chocolate base. Cinnamon and spices heightened the well-balanced warmth. 

Patric Chocolate Holy Mole! bar - Oct. 22, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Patric Chocolate
Holy Mole! bar
Very Good
Weight: .76 oz. (21.45 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 114 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $8.99 (plus shipping for online orders)
Purchased from: Patric Chocolate (online order)

The thing about great chocolate is that I enjoy it so much more, and I'm satisfied with so much less. An apparent contradiction, but not necessarily so when it comes to well-crafted chocolates. I stopped after eating "only" 1/3 of today's bar, and enjoyed lingering notes of chocolate, chilies and cinnamon.

Alan "Patric" McClure, of Patric Chocolate (Columbia, MO), and his crew, know their way around well-crafted chocolate -- largely because they've been meticulous about quality, with each step in the chocolate-making process -- from sourcing the right cacao beans to finishing with fine flavor additions.

Today's Patric Chocolate's Holy Mole! smooth, dark chocolate bar contained a flavorful blend of fairly traded cacao from Papua New Guinea and Ghana; Spanish smoked pimenton from La Vera, chilies de arbol; cinnamon; and a hint of vanilla salt. This perfectly balanced melange of flavors played off each other beautifully.

The Holy Mole! bar was a collaboration with Zingerman's (a well-known deli and group of family-owned, food-related businesses in Ann Arbor, MI). 

Trader Joe's - Chili Cinnamon bar - Oct. 21, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Trader Joe's
Dark Chocolate - Chili Cinnamon bar
Good
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) in 1/2 bar / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: (part of a larger tasting flight pack)
Purchased from: Trader Joe's, Palo Alto, CA

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

The first chocolate beverages and edible offerings were created in Central and South America -- the birthplace of cacao. And, some of the first flavor additions included spicy items, including chilies and spices similar to allspice and cinnamon, and sweet ingredients, such as honey.

Today's Dark Chocolate Chili Cinnamon 70% cacao bar, part of a multi-bar tasting flight from Trader Joe's (Monrovia, CA), evoked these early Mayan blends, with a touch of warmth and spice. (I also tried pairing shards of this dark bar with some peanut butter ice cream with cinnamon. It worked.) 

Katz Gluten Free Chocolate Rugelech - Oct. 20, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Gluten Free Bake Shoppe Inc.
Katz Gluten Free Chocolate Rugelech
Good +
Weight: 3.5 oz. (99 g.) / 7 oz. (198 g.) total container
Calories: 385 calories in 3.5 pieces
Cost: $5.99 for 1 container
Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA

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

As someone who can't have most baked goods made with traditional (wheat) flour, I appreciated today's gluten-free bake shop treat.

This evening, I enjoyed a few pieces of Katz Chocolate Rugelech from Gluten Free Bake Shoppe (Monroe, NY). Each piece of rugelech (also available in Cinnamon flavor) had a moist layer of chocolate goodness with a hint of cinnamon oozing out of a baked gluten-free dough. These were very tasty, and had broad appeal. That is, I did not find myself saying: "Hey, not bad for gluten free." I thought they were good, period.

The ruggelech and Katz line of gluten-free baked goods that I looked at (including cinnamon strips, doughnuts, and other items) were kosher and labels stated they were manufactured in a certified dairy free and nut free facility.

Pelican Bay - Hot Chocolate for Two - Oct. 19, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Pelican Bay Ltd
Hot Chocolate for Two
Good
Weight: 2.75 oz. (77.5 g.) / 5.5 oz. (155 g.) total package
Calories: 130 calories in 1/2 package (+ liquid added)
Cost: $4.99 for total package for 2 people
Purchased from: HomeGoods, San Carlos, CA

Today was Day #7 of Chocolate and Hemp Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Cinnamon Theme Week.

The chocolate that brought these two converging theme weeks together was a cone-shaped package of "Hot Chocolate for Two" from Pelican Bay Ltd (Dunedin, FL). This hot cocoa was a perfect choice for one of the first cold evenings of the fall.

Complete with miniature marshmallows and red cinnamon-flavored candies, all this cocoa mix (powder with dark chocolate chunks) needed was some hot liquid. "How about trying a milk alternative?" I thought. Maybe some hemp milk? I remember hemp milk being one of the better tasting fake milks ("filks")* after trying some a several months ago.

*Note: Warm these filks with caution (or mix with half cow's milk initially), as heating up these alternative milks can shift flavors. Brands and formulations vary.

Vigilant Eats Maca Double Chocolate cereal - Oct. 18, 2013

Chocolate of the Day:

Vigilant Eats
Maca Double Chocolate Superfood Oat-based cereal
Good +
Weight: 3 oz. (85 oz.) in 1 container
Calories: 310 calories in 1 container
Cost: $4.19 for 1 container
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

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

This morning I enjoyed another organic, vegan chocolate breakfast cereal (Maca Double Chocolate Superfood) from Vigilant Eats (Bloomington, IN), made with gluten-free oats and hemp powder.

I added a few walnuts, some toasted hemp seeds, and a little hemp milk, and I had a satisfying, filling breakfast guaranteed to power my activities until lunch.

Similar to the company's Goji Cacao flavor of oat-based cereal I ate earlier this week, this single-serving container was conveniently packaged with a foldable black plastic spoon. All I needed to do was to pour in some liquid (cold or warm water, milk, or alternative milk), and stir.

Criollo e Cannabis bar - Oct. 17, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Antica Pasticceria Muzzi
Criollo e Cannabis bar
Good - Good +
Weight: 2.11 oz. (60 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 330 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $7.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Sigona's, Palo Alto, CA

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

Despite the inclusion of the word "Cannabis" in the name of this Criollo e Cannabis bar from Italian chocolatier Antica Pasticceria Muzzi (Roma, Italy) -- and the leafy green logo -- this 55% Criollo dark chocolate bar with toasted cannabis seeds contained no mind-altering chemicals (THC). This bar had a touch of mellow, malted grain flavor, and slight crunchiness from the tiny riot of seeds.

In the U.S., toasted hemp seeds are adding texture and flavor to an increasing variety of snacks, cereals and dishes these days.

Foodstuffs are often included under discussions about "industrial hemp" -- to differentiate some hemp products from marijuana with the active ingredient THC -- a substance subject to a ban enforced by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Hemp seeds and hemp fiber are the main "legal" items that have emerged in the market*. And hemp seeds have been showing up in chocolates in recent years.

*For centuries, hemp was grown in the U.S. for many purposes (including fibers for rope, clothing and paper, oil, resin, pulp, fuel). 

Vigilant Eats Goji Cacao cereal - Oct. 16, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Vigilant Eats
Goji Cacao Superfood oat-based cereal
Good +
Weight: 3 oz. (85 g.) in 1 container/serving
Calories: 300 calories in 1 container/serving
Cost: $4.19 for 1 container
Purchased from: Abe's Market (online order)

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

I remember enjoying muesli, the Swiss/German uncooked oat-based cold cereal that pre-dated* most granolas. Today's Goji Cacao Superfood oat cereal from Vigilant Eats (Bloomington, IN), reminded me of a hipper, gluten-free, organic version of muesli with a few more exotic ingredients thrown in for good measure: crunchy cacao nibs; chewy, slightly fruity, dried goji berries; and hemp flour -- as well as gluten-free oats and cinnamon.

All I needed to do was to add some cold water to savor the satisfying mix of flavors and textures in a conveniently packaged breakfast (single serving container with a foldable spoon). And this hearty cold cereal kept me going all morning. And, at the same time, I could, the Vigilant Eats website promised, participate in the "delicious justice"(superfood) that was helping to power the latest food revolution. It's good to see this kind of passion, as it takes a lot of energy to keep a small business going and growing. So, hats off to the gang at Vigilant Eats for making a tasty, healthy, gluten-free cereal alternative.

*Most credit a Swiss physician for developing and popularizing muesli, around 1899-1900. 

Chocolate Kalenola - Oct. 15, 2013

Chocolate of the Day:

Just Pure Foods
KALEnola - Chocolate
Good
Weight: 3 oz. (85 g.) in 1 package
Calories: 270 calories in 1 package
Cost: $7.00 (on sale) for 1 package
Purchased from: Whole Foods, Palo Alto, CA

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

There are several different chocolate breakfast cereals available in the U.S. However, very few of them are made of leafy greens -- in this case, kale.

I enjoyed my bowl of vegan and gluten-free "Just Pure Foods" Chocolate Kalenola with cashew milk. This nutritious "green granola" was full of crunchy texture, from hemp, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, as well as sprouted buckwheat and shredded coconut.

Suitable for either a cereal or a snack, the Kalenola was lightly sweetened with coconut palm sugar. Not too sweet, it was just about right for my taste.

Askinosie - Happy Hemp Seeds bar - Oct. 14, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Askinosie Chocolate
Toasted Happy Hemp Seeds and Roasted Cocoa Beans bar
Good +
Weight: .75 oz. (21.25 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 120 calories in 1/4 bar
Cost: $9.00 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Garage, Palo Alto, CA

Today was the second day of Chocolate and Hemp Theme Week.

The full name of today's CollaBARation bar from Askinosie Chocolate (Springfield, MO), was the "Toasted Happy Hemp Seeds and Roasted Cocoa Beans Become Best Buds in a Chill Chocolate Bar." A long name. But it did accurately describe the texture and flavor of this bar.

The toasted hemp seeds (from Happy Hemp in Austin, TX) added a substantial crunch; and the roasted cacao beans infused the dark chocolate base with a smoky, well-done taste. Lots of flavor for a four-ingredient bar (cocoa beans, organic cane sugar, toasted hemp seeds, cocoa butter). I thought there might be just a faint hint of sea salt, but there was no salt listed in the ingredients.

Thunderbird Energetica - Cacao Hemp Mint bar - Oct. 13, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Thunderbird Energetica
Cacao Hemp Walnut bar with mint
Good - Good +
Weight: 1.7 oz. (48 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 195 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $ 2.39 in 1 bar
Purchased from: Whole Foods, Los Altos, CA

Today was Day #7 of Chocolate and Mint Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Hemp Theme Week.

Did you say Hemp?

Yes, but let me be clear. When I said hemp, I'm referring to hemp seeds, hemp milk and/or hemp fiber used to make clothing, twine and other goods.

I won't be featuring a recipe for Alice Toklas brownies, or psychoactive chocolate bars riddled with THC this week. Some of you will be disappointed by this clarification, others relieved. Chocolate has enough interesting chemical properties related to pleasure receptors that I believe it can stand on its own in this regard.

Industrial hemp (the "it's-not-marijuana" description currently in vogue) has been in the news lately. Last month (September 2013), the U.S. Department of Justice appeared to be relaxing its stance on states growing industrial hemp. It may become legal again to practice non-drug cannabis cultivation in the U.S. in the future. (According to one article I read, the U.S. currently imports $300 million worth of industrial hemp. So, why not grow it in ex-tobacco states like Kentucky and create jobs here, the logic goes.)

This may be good news, as toasted hemp seeds can be tasty; and hemp milk (made from hemp seeds) is one of the better tasting "filks" (fake milks) on the market. So, could we see hemp seeds in more chocolate bars in the future? Maybe.

Back to Thunderbird Energetica

Today's Cacao Hemp Walnut with Mint bar, from Thunderbird Energetica (Austin, TX), was loaded with complex flavors: the moist texture, and slightly fruity flavor of dates, the rich flavors of cacao and coconut, the satisfying small chunks of walnut, and an occasional sparkle of fresh mint. The hemp seeds may have lent a mild nutty taste to this bar. It was difficult to pick them out specifically.

The Thunderbird Energetica line of energy bars is the creation of Taylor and Katie Thunder, and they've been offering a range of vegan, dairy free, soy-free and gluten-free bars -- with mostly organic ingredients. The text on the (compostable) wrapper on my bar also indicated that this batch contained no added sugars, was all natural and non-GMO,...and was shaman-blessed and agave-free.

That's a lot of "non's" on one wrapper -- and a good example of how new health foods become established in the early stages. "We're against, or not like, the established products!" they seem to shout. I'm grateful for healthy, good-tasting food. I'm also waiting for the "with" language, and healthier products for all, to become the new norm.

Hail Merry Miracle Tart - Chocolate Mint - Oct. 12, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Hail Merry LLC
Miracle Tart - Chocolate Mint
Good + - Very Good
Weight: 3 oz. (85 g.) for 1 tart
Calories: 380 calories for 1 tart
Cost: $3.99 for 1 tart
Purchased from: Whole Foods, Los Altos, CA

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

Thankfully, gluten-free tart, tort and pie options have multiplied in the past decade. More important, there are better tasting and healthier alternatives now available.

Being able to buy today's gluten-free Chocolate Mint Miracle Tart from Hail Merry LLC (Dallas, TX) with a great-tasting, crunchy dark crust and a satiny chocolate mint filling was, well, almost miraculous.

All hail things chocolate and gluten free. All hail Hail Merry.

Goodbody - Mint Chocolate Chip - Oct. 11, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Goodbody Baked Goods
Mint Chocolate Chip cookie bites
Good +
Weight: 1.35 oz. (38.3 g.) / 5 oz. (140 g.) total package
Calories: 167 calories (estimate) in 5 pieces
Cost: $5.99 (estimate) for 1 package
Purchased from: Abe's Market, online order

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

These gluten-free, Mint Chocolate Chip cookie bites from Goodbody Baked Goods (Boulder, CO), were soft with just the right degree of softness and slight chewiness.

The small, square-shaped bites were sweet, without being too sweet. They were, in fact, labeled as low-glycemic treats. (The ingredients listed included almond flour, coconut flour, chocolate chips, coconut nectar, eggs, and peppermint flavoring.)

Seth Ellis - Dark Chocolate Mint Cups - Oct. 10, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Seth Ellis Chocolatier
Dark Chocolate Mint Cups
Good
Weight: .375 oz. (10.6 g.) / 1.5 oz. (42 g.) total package of 2 cups
Calories: 50 calories in 1/2 cup
Cost: $1.69 for 1 package of 2 cups
Purchased from: Whole Foods, Palo Alto, CA

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

How do you start your day? This morning I started mine with a light breakfast, and part of a Sun Cups Dark Chocolate Mint Cup from Seth Ellis Chocolatier (Boulder, CO).

These dark cups contained a peppermint-flavored white chocolate filling; and the organic, nut free and gluten free cups may provide a chocolate candy alternative for those who can't eat nuts.

John and Kira's Mint square - Oct. 9, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

John and Kira's
Drew Elementary Garden Mint chocolate
Very Good
Weight: .383 oz. (10.86 g.) in 1 piece / 5.75 oz. (163 g.) in total box
Calories: 57 calories (estimate) in 1 piece
Cost: $ part of larger assortment (Figs + Every Flavor) box set
Purchased from: John and Kira's, online order

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

John and Kira's (Philadelphia, PA) 15-piece "Every Flavor Collection" box was a grand sampler (10 different flavors). Made with Valrhona chocolate, these pieces showcased ingredients from
small producers/farmers and local gardens.

Today's Drew Elementary Garden Mint square, filled with a creamy mint ganache (filling), was named after mint grown at a local school garden. Students learn about the growing process, and funds from mint sales to John and Kira's help fund the continued operation of school gardens.

Flavors were fresh and natural tasting, and the ganache was smooth and flavorful. The Valrhona chocolate shell was thinner (than the company's ladybugs, bees, mushrooms, and other molded shapes) -- a plus. A thinner shell meant I could taste more of the ganache.

John and Kira's Mint Ladybugs - Oct. 8, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

John and Kira's
Garden Mint Ladybugs
Good + - Very Good
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) for box of 9 pieces
Calories: 150 calories (estimate) for 3 pieces/ladybugs
Cost: $29.00 for a 1 box of 9 pieces (3 different flavors)
Purchased from: John and Kira's (online order)

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

I continued to sample another flavor (Garden Mint) in the 9-piece Chocolate Ladybug Medley box from John and Kira's (Philadelphia, PA) that I'd ordered recently. Last week I tried the yellow, honey lavender ladybugs and really enjoyed this flavor combination. (I'll finish up the raspberry red ladybugs in the near future.)

Kids of all ages will like the bug facts printed on the cardboard underneath each chocolate... Ladybugs may fly 100 miles for food, and hibernate under leaves during the winter. Ladybugs also come in different colors. 

Each of today's green ladybug shells (made with 62% Valrhona dark chocolate) were filled with a creamy, natural mint infused flavorful ganache, with tiny sparkle notes of coffee (in the chocolate) and cucumber (in the mint filling). All very pleasing.

As part of their mission statement, the folks at John and Kira's source ingredients* from small family growers/farmers/producers and urban gardens.

*Note: to those avoiding gluten and artificial ingredients, these ladybugs do contain some glucose syrup, and some artificial FDA #'d colors.

Bees And Beans Mint Bar - Oct. 7, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Bees and Beans
Mint Bar
Good + - Very Good
Weight: .3 oz. (8.6 g.) / 1.8 oz. (52 g.) in total bar
Calories: 45 calories (estimate) in 1/6 bar
Cost: $5.00 (estimate) in 1 bar
Purchased from: Bi-Rite Market, San Francisco, CA

Today was Day #7 of Chocolate and Honey Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Mint Theme Week.

Mint and dark chocolate is a classic combination. Done right, this pairing is wonderful, refreshing and sophisticated. This (seasonal) Mint Bar from Bees and Beans (Portland, OR) was done right. It contained a great blend of fresh flavors -- a 70% dark chocolate shell enveloped a creamy, honey-kissed, natural tasting mint fondant center.

Bees and Beans founder Faith Dionne has made a line of small-batch artisan candy bars that incorporate fresh, local ingredients from Oregon (honey, mint, filberts, raspberries, etc.). I also look forward to trying Dionne's dark chocolate covered "Honey Bar" with honey caramel, salted filbert and "honey nougat and a sprinkling of sea salt" in the future.

Lappert's Rocky Road + Honey - Oct. 6, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

Lappert's Ice Cream
Rocky Road ice cream
Good +
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 1 Pint container
Calories: 71 calories (estimate) for 1 oz. ice cream
Cost: $7.99 (estimate) for 1 pint container
Purchased from: Lappert's Ice Cream, Sausalito, CA

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

I loved taking a chocolate field trip to Hawaii earlier this year. I found some delicious items at local farmers markets there, thanks to friends who farm Kona coffee and fruit there.

One sweet discovery: Big Island Bees (Kealakekua, HI) and their three single source (single flower origin) honeys.

I've been making smaller portioned desserts in shotglasses this year. This afternoon I found a bee-themed sake cup that was just the right size for a micro-ice cream, Hawaiian-themed sundae.

I started with a 1 oz. (28 g.) scoop of Rocky Road ice cream from Lappert's Ice Cream (from the mainland, Sausalito, CA, store). I added a dab of Ohi'a Lehua Blossom (a spiky, reddish flower) organic, raw honey from Big Island Bees; and topped this tiny sundae with Hawaiian cocoa nibs.

Aloha.