Monday, November 30, 2015

flying noir - Applause Apple Brandy chocolate - Nov. 30, 2015

Chocolate of the Day: 

flying noir
"Applause" Apple Brandy chocolate
Good++
Weight: .4 oz. (11.32 g.) (estimate) in 1 piece
Calories: 60 calories (estimate) in 1 piece
Cost: $12.00 - part of a larger 6-piece "spirited" assortment box
Purchased from: flying noir, Fall Chocolate Salon, San Francisco, CA

Welcome to the last day of Holiday Spirits Theme Week, and the first day of ABC Theme Week.

I'll be working my way through the chocolate alphabet, starting with items that begin with A, B, and C. This week ABC stands for the following three fruits: Apple, Baobab and Cranberry.

Today's "Applause" Apple Brandy chocolate was created by flying noir (Oakland, CA). Covered with Kallari dark chocolate, this piece had a nice flavorful center with layered, adult caramelized apple flavor. The Applause filled chocolate was part of flying noir's "spirited" collection.






Sunday, November 29, 2015

Hot Buttered Rum bar; Glow Almonds bar - Nov. 29, 2015

Chocolate(s) of the Day:

Seattle Chocolates
Hot Buttered Rum Milk Chocolate Truffle bar with Toffee Bits
Good
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 188 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $3.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Sur La Table, San Francisco, CA

Today was Day #6 of Chocolate and Holiday Spirits Theme Week.

For those huddling around a fire in the Northern Hemisphere, the Hot Buttered Rum Milk Chocolate Truffle bar with Toffee Bits from Seattle Chocolates (Seattle, WA) may help keep you warm*.

This Non-GMO, gluten free bar was similar in formula to the company's individual Hot Buttered Rum truffles. (There wasn't a detectable alcohol taste in either of these rum chocolates as I recall.) Seattle Chocolates also makes an eggnog chocolate bar, but I couldn't locate one in time for a holiday spirits double feature today.

So, in part because this truffle bar was so close to truffles I've already tried, I'm featuring a second milk chocolate with some "warmth."

Hershey's
Milk Chocolate with Almonds bar
Good
Weight: .291 oz. (8.25 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 45 calories in 2 squares
Cost: $N/A
Purchased from: N/A

The Hershey's "Glow" Milk Chocolate with Almonds bar contained bits of chopped almonds.

To increase the warmth and glow factor (for adults only), I paired this bar with a tiny 2 oz. cup of spiced hot chocolate flavored with spiced rum, Amaretto, and Frangelico. That was enough for me. Now I'm going outdoors to warm up the old fashioned way—a walk with a good friend.

*White interior fireplace background was from a California Mantel and Fireplace, Inc., advertisement.




Saturday, November 28, 2015

SOMA Chocolatemaker - The Dude White Russian - Nov. 28, 2015

Chocolate of the Day: 

SOMA Chocolatemaker
The Dude White Russian
Very Good
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) (estimate) for 1 container
Calories: 150 calories (estimate) for 1 oz. (28.3 g.) serving
Cost: $19.00 for 1 container
Purchased from: The Chocolate Garage, Palo Alto, CA

Happily the day after Black Friday (the big shopping day following Thanksgiving) is small business Saturday. On this day, I headed to The Chocolate Garage (Palo Alto, CA) with family members to enjoy chocolate at its best.

At this small but very well-stocked, chocolate speak-easy, we found "The Dude White Russian - chocolate twig with Kahlua, Vodka and Cream" from SOMA Chocolatemaker (Toronto, Canada).

Packed inside a cardboard tube, The Dude White Russian was a very tasty chocolate implementation of a White Russian (cocktail*)— favored by protagonist Jeffrey Lebowski, aka "The Dude" (played by Jeff Bridges), in the movie The Big Lebowski. I suggest seeing this cult favorite to fully appreciate the reference.

However, movie or not, I really enjoyed eating and sharing this delicious, slightly boozy chocolate confection.

Today was Day #2 of Chocolate and Holiday Spirits Theme Week.

*A White Russian is made with vodka and Kahlua (coffee liqueur) over a few ice cubes, and topped with generous splash of cream.

Friday, November 27, 2015

flying noir - honey honey - Nov. 27, 2015

Chocolate of the Day: 

flying noir
honey honey
Good ++
Weight: .35 oz. (9.9 g.) (estimate) for 1 piece
Calories: 55 calories (estimate) for 1 piece
Cost: $N/A - part of a 6-piece "spirited" assortment box
Purchased from: flying noir table at Fall Chocolate Salon, San Francisco, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Holiday Spirits Theme Week.

The red and gold "honey honey" filled chocolate from flying noir (Oakland, CA) was a carefully crafted, arrow point-shaped jewel. Small, but with concentrated bittersweet dark (and slightly bitter) honey gin flavor, this piece was very lightly sweetened with orange blossom honey. It was the perfect apertif after yesterday's Thanksgiving feasting.

I'm very thankful for chocolates like this that aren't too sweet, and that are more on the bitter end of the spectrum. Just one bite was very satisfying.

Hope your holidays will be up and to the right.




Thursday, November 26, 2015

Lake Champlain - Milk Chocolate Turkey - Nov. 26, 2015

Chocolate of the Day:

Lake Champlain Chocolates
Placesetting Milk Chocolate Turkey
Good
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) in 1 turkey
Calories: 150 calories (estimate) in 1 turkey
Cost: $3.99 for 1 turkey
Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Thankful Week, and Day #3 of Chocolate and Holiday Spirits Theme Week. It's wonderful to have a day dedicated to feeling grateful (and full). Happy Thanksgiving to all.

I'm enjoying two turkey, cranberry and pumpkin soup/dessert meals with family and friends today.

I started this morning with a miniature Chocolate Banquet Thanksgiving breakfast that included a chocsimile* of a milk chocolate "placesetting" turkey from Lake Champlain Chocolates (Burlington, VT); cranberry chocolates; and a small handful of tasty White Chocolate Pumpkin Pie Almonds from California Sungold (Oakhurst, CA).

The convincing-looking milk chocolate turkey tom was individually wrapped in a small plastic bag secured with a twist tie and seasonal pumpkin-colored ribbon enabling me to admire his composure in the past few days leading up to...the inevitable. There was no need to stuff this hollow turkey—each milk chocolate faux feather was fine as it was.

For adults, you might pair your chocolate Thanksgiving meal with a doll-sized portion of Wild Turkey, or your favorite American whiskey (or whisky, as you prefer).

*A chocsimile is a three-dimensional chocolate facsimile of a real person, place or thing.


Wednesday, November 25, 2015

flying noir - "the few" truffle - Nov. 25, 2015

Chocolate of the Day:

flying noir
"the few" truffle
Good++ - Very Good
Weight: .4 oz. (11.32 g.) (estimate) in 1 piece
Calories: 60 calories (estimate) in 1 piece
Cost: $12.00 (estimate) for 1 6-piece "spirited" assortment box
Purchased from: flying noir table at Fall Chocolate Salon, San Francisco, CA

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Thankful Theme Week, and Day #2 of Holiday Spirits Theme Week.

Today I enjoyed "the few"— another piece in the flying noir (Oakland, CA) 6-piece "spirited" collection assortment box. This round truffle was flavored with Few bourbon—"a three grain recipe from a small batch distillery in Illinois." A roll in sugar gave the truffle a holiday sparkle.

Feeling thankful about life, and that there are so many interesting chocolates and creative chocolatiers and chocolatemakers in the world. Happy Thanksgiving Eve to all.




Tuesday, November 24, 2015

flying noir - NY black rye; cynara - Nov. 24, 2015

Chocolate of the Day: 

flying noir
1.) NY black rye - Good ++
2.) cynara - Good ++ - Very Good

Weight: .4 oz. (11.32 g.) (estimate) for 1 piece
Calories: 120 calories (estimate) for 2 pieces
Cost: $12.00 (estimate) for 1 box of 6 pieces
Purchased from: flying noir, at Fall Chocolate Salon, San Francisco, CA

Today was Day #6 of Chocolate and Thankful Theme Week; and Day #1 of Chocolate and Holiday Spirits Theme Week.

The Thanksgiving-to-Christmas holiday period is festooned with sweets. Sometimes I'm very thankful for smaller, high-quality chocolates that are layered with interesting, less sweet flavors.

Today's pair of filled chocolates, from flying noir (Oakland, CA) were part of the company's "spirited" collection: one part eye-catching miniature art pieces, and two parts artful flavor layering.

NY black rye
The NY black rye chocolate from flying noir was an artful gem, painted in shades of burgandy-red, orange, yellow and blue. A piece of dried Bing cherry at the center was surrounded by a bittersweet ganache (filling) that was flavored with Michter's single barrel US*1 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, and a hint of Kauai guava smoked sea salt.

Cynara
I also sampled flying noir's "cynara." This chocolate-covered oval (painted in faint blue-green opal colors) was filled with a sweet, creamy caramel white chocolate ganache, and tempered with Cynar* bitters. A true study in bittersweet.

*Cynar is an Italian bitter liqueur/apertif made from 13 herbs and plants, with artichoke being one of the dominant flavors.



Monday, November 23, 2015

Hammond's - Milk Chocolate Piggy Back Pecan and Caramel - Nov. 23, 2015

Chocolate of the Day:

Hammond's Candies
Milk Chocolate Piggy Back Pecan and Caramel
Good
Weight: 1.1 oz. (31 g.) / 2.2 oz. (62 g.) in 1 package
Calories: 360 calories in 1 package
Cost: $3.49 for 1 package
Purchased from: Orchard Supply Hardware, Mountain View, CA

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

Pecans continue to dominate this week's chocolate menu.

Hammond's Candies (Denver, CO) has been in the candy business since 1920. Today's Hammond's Milk Chocolate Piggy Back Pecan and Caramel was a jumbo-sized, individually-wrapped confection that contained caramel, pecan pieces and was covered in milk chocolate.

Other pecan and Thanksgiving foolishness

Thanksgiving day is three days away. My kitchen has transformed into a mad scientist food lab; and pumpkin and cranberry items abound this week.

I found myself tinkering with pumpkin soup; pumpkin and cranberry muffins with pumpkin cream cheese; and a Thanksgiving trail mix with pecans, pumpkin chips, cranberries, golden raisins, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, chocolate chips and cocoa nibs.

This blend was followed up with a second "entree" trail mix with gravy and stuffing flavored potato chips (yes there really is such a thing), salted green bean chips, pieces of turkey jerky, and orange cranberry bits, to create a portable, dried version of an iconic turkey day meal—that I'll take on a long hike this fall/winter.





Sunday, November 22, 2015

Saba Saba River Pecans - Chocolate Pecan Pie In-a-Jar - Nov. 22, 2015

Chocolate of the Day: 

The Great Saba Saba River Pecan Company
Chocolate Pecan Pie In-a-Jar
Good - Good +
Weight: 3.6 oz. (102 g.) / 1.8 lbs. (816 g.) in total jar
Calories: 400 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $12.99 for 1 jar
Purchased from: Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Rocklin, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Thankful Theme Week.

Today's Chocolate Pecan Pie In-A-Jar, from The Great Saba Saba River Pecan Company Inc. (Saba Saba, TX), is the kind of ingredient that begs to be experimented with.

This caramel-y and chocolate-y pecan pie filling was chocked full of pecans—the first thing I saw when I opened the large, screw-top glass jar.

I used this pecan pie filling two ways today, to create: 1.) a single serving of gluten-free chocolate pecan dessert, and 2.) a small chocolate pecan pie parfait with vanilla ice cream. Both hot and cold dessert results were good. And if you like nuts, topping these with a few more pecans may even be in order.

I also enjoyed learning more about the Saba Saba River, Texas, and pecans today. (The Great Saba Saba River Pecan Co. offers pecans, pecan preserves, toppings, candies, and other items from their 10,000 orchard of pecan trees that grow near the river in the Hill Country of Central Texas.)

This is why I love writing about a new chocolate every day on ChocolateBanquet.com. I am thankful that I get to learn something new every day.



Saturday, November 21, 2015

jcoco Vanuatu Coconut Pecan bar - Nov. 21, 2015

Chocolate of the Day:

Seattle Chocolates
jcoco Vanuatu Coconut Pecan bar
Good++ - Very Good
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) in 1 small bar
Calories: 150 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $N/A - gift (thank you Toni!)
Purchased from: N/A - gift from friend

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

Vanuatu is an island nation in the South Pacific where cacao is grown. After being being colonized by various European countries, the Republic of Vanuatu gained its independence in 1980.

Pecans are part of many U.S. Thanksgiving celebrations (pecan pie, pecans in stuffing, chopped pecans crumbled over sweet potatoes and yams, etc.).

The jcoco Vanuatu Coconut Pecan bar was a blend of international flavors and textures, including smooth and flavorful single origin milk chocolate from Vanuatu, and crunchy bits of raw pecans. Dried coconut shavings and a bit of sea salt rounded out the mix.

I'm thankful for the 1,000s of chocolatiers around the world and their chocolate creations that incorporate ingredients from around the world.

The jcoco brand is part of Seattle Chocolates (Seattle, WA).




Friday, November 20, 2015

Neo Cocoa - Pumpkin Spice Milk Chocolate Truffles - Nov. 20, 2015

Chocolate of the Day: 

Neo Cocoa
Pumpkin Spice Milk Chocolate Truffles
Very Good
Weight: 1.2 oz. (34.5 g.) / 2.4 oz. (69 g.) in box of 6 truffles
Calories: 180 calories (estimate) in 3 truffles (1/2 box)
Cost: $12.00 (estimate) for 1 box of 6
Purchased from: Neo Cocoa, at Fall Chocolate Salon, San Francisco, CA

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

This week will be laced with pecan, Thanksgiving and pumpkin related chocolate items. It's that time of year.

Today's reason for being thankful lay in these almost velvety smooth Pumpkin Spice Milk Chocolate Truffles from Neo Cocoa (San Francisco/El Granada, CA).

The Neo Cocoa tagline, "Hearts of Chocolate Truffles," refers to head chocolatier, Christine P. Doerr's technique of creating "ganache-based" truffles. The result is a rich, creamy filling without an outer, "harder" covering or shell of chocolate.

These seasonal pumpkin spice truffles captured the holiday spirit perfectly.




Thursday, November 19, 2015

Neo Cocoa - Toffee Nib Brittle - Nov. 19, 2015

Chocolate of the Day: 

Neo Cocoa
Toffee Nib Brittle
Very Good ++ - Yum
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) /3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 225 calories (estimate) in 1/2 package
Cost: $12.00 (estimate) for 1 package
Purchased from: Neo Cocoa table at The Fall Chocolate Salon, San Francisco, CA

Greetings, and welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate and Thankful Theme Week.

In less than a week, we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving in the U.S. And, there are lots of people, places and chocolates to be thankful for this year.

For example, I felt grateful to be able to taste and pick up some great holiday chocolates at the Fall Chocolate Salon last Sunday in San Francisco, including today's Toffee Nib Brittle from Neo Cocoa (San Francisco/El Granada, CA).

This brittle was composed of impossibly thin layers of chocolate and toffee, with a sprinkle of crunchy, toasted cacao nibs, and a hint of Alderwood smoked sea salt. It doesn't get any better than this.




Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Chocolate Banquet Rating System Explained - Nov. 18, 2015

Chocolate Banquet "Rating" System
How I evaluate chocolates
Nov. 17, 2015

People often ask me "What is your favorite chocolate?" The short answer is: see my favorite chocolates page on this site.

Occasionally, I'm asked how I evaluate chocolates. One kind reader puzzled over my "barely comprehensible rating system."

The answer to this question is a longer, more complicated one. Below I've included aspects of tasting and what might influence a rating.

Time of Day
I usually try to eat my "Chocolate of the Day" in the morning, but may re-taste later in the day. Re-tasting before or after a meal may result in a different experience with certain single origin bars.

Criteria
I consider aroma, taste, texture, flavor, finish—i.e. the standard criteria for most chocolate bars—when I rate each chocolate of the day.

Categories
However, many items I include on ChocolateBanquet.com aren't 100% chocolate bars. Chocolate is part of thousands of bars, truffles, confections and desserts. And it can be found in some savory items (BBQ rubs, mole sauces, chocolate-covered bacon, etc.).

All these items might be carefully crafted by companies, but their individual qualities, aesthetics and expectations generally differ. For example, a piece of flourless chocolate cake and a chocolate protein bar will have different textures and flavors than a pure chocolate artisan bar, and each of these may be designed with a different customer in mind.

Rating "levels"
Most of my "ratings" cluster between Good and Very Good ++. I rarely run across an "ugh" (similar to an "F" letter grade), or even an "OK" (similar to "C-" or "D" letter grades). On the other hand, only a few chocolate items receive a Very Good ++ rating; and almost all of those end up on the favorites page. (An exception might be a truly great white chocolate, which I don't count.) I used to have a "Yum" rating that was higher than a Very Good ++; but I don't use that as much anymore.

Time
My tastes have also evolved; and time affects ratings, after learning more and sampling thousands of chocolates over the years.

Appearance
Appearance can make a difference. I try not to judge too harshly if I think that a marred or "bloomed" look was not the maker's fault. Chocolates that suffer unexpected heat or cold in transit can take on a white filmy look due to fat or sugar bloom. This can affect taste and texture as well. On the other hand, outstanding packaging and design can be very pleasing.

Health and social welfare
Health considerations and product freshness can influence my rankings—for better or worse, as can social conditions. If cacao farmers are treated well (or poorly treated or paid) by a chocolatemaker or company, that can create a bit of an internal conflict.

Other sources of bias: affinity, nostalgia
Liking who made the chocolate or who grew the cacao can sway one's opinion. This is why an occasional blind tasting test is a very good thing to do. Also, fond memories of eating chocolates in very positive circumstances, e.g. while on a great vacation or in a great restaurant, can make a difference. I try to be objective about "nostalgia" chocolates, but memories are memories.

For those who want a matrix, it would probably not fit on this page. That said, I try to include descriptive information that readers might find helpful. I hope this explanation was helpful.

Smart Balance Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Spread - Nov. 18, 2015

Chocolate of the Day: 

Smart Balance
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Spread
Good
Weight: 1.13 oz. (32 g.) / 16 oz. (1 lb.) (453 g.) in 1 jar
Calories: 180 calories in 2 Tablespoon serving
Cost: $1.99 for 1 jar
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #14 of Chocolate and Peanuts Theme Week(s).

Ingredients that are included, or excluded, often have special appeal to consumers. I look for gluten free chocolate items; and I prefer fewer additives and ingredients on labels in general.

This Smart Balance Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Spread was lactose-free, vegan and non-GMO—and certified gluten free. On the "fat" front, this spread was made with palm fruit, flaxseed and peanut oils—without trans fats (hydrogenated oils), and contained 320 mg. of ALA Omega-3 per (2 TB) serving.

How did it taste? This smooth and creamy spread was sweet without being overly so, and had a light, almost whipped, texture. (Pure nut butters are generally heavier.)

I used this spread as a dip for fresh fruit (apple sections). It might also work as a spread on crepes or baked goods (between cake layers or cookies perhaps); or it could be stirred into vanilla or chocolate ice cream.






Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Goldenberg's - Original Peanut Chews - Nov. 17, 2015

Chocolate of the Day: 

Goldenberg's
Original Peanut Chews
(distributed by Just Born, Inc.)
Good
Weight: 3.3 oz. (93 g.) in total package of 8 pieces
Calories: 460 calories in 1 package
Cost: $1.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Rocklin, CA

Today was Day #13 of Chocolate and Peanuts Theme Week(s).

Goldenberg's Original Peanut Chews were created by the Goldenberg family back in 1917, and these chocolate candies were used as a WWI ration bar in the U.S.

Goldenberg's Original Peanut Chews are distributed by Just Born, Inc. (Bethlehem, PA).








Monday, November 16, 2015

Oatmega - Chocolate Peanut Crisp bar - Nov. 16, 2015

Chocolate of the Day: 

Boundless Nutrition LLC
Oatmega - Chocolate Peanut Crisp bar
Good
Weight: 1.8 oz. (50 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $2.19 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #12 of Chocolate and Peanuts Theme Week(s).

This Oatmega Chocolate Peanut Crisp bar from Boundless Nutrition LLC (Austin, TX) was pleasantly chewy and had less of the uniform, extruded look of many protein bars.*

This bar was made with gluten-free oats (thank you), and was also made with non-GMO ingredients. It contained only 5 grams of sugar and 14 grams of protein (grass-fed whey protein). The Oatmega bar also contained EPA and DHA Omega-3 fatty acids ("derived from sustainable marine resources").

*Note: I don't expect a protein bar to look like an art bar. Both types of bars are usually carefully crafted by their makers, but with different audiences in mind. One bar may need to look "healthy" and not melt on a hike or during a work-out; and another bar may need to look "pretty" and have volatile flavor elements and texture that need preserving in a cool, dark place. 

The wonderful thing is that chocolate is so versatile there is room for it to exist in many forms. More on this tomorrow, when I talk about how I evaluate chocolates across many different categories.



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