XOX Truffles - Honey Vodka, Amaretto truffles - Sept. 25, 2016

Chocolate(s) of the Day: 

XOX Truffles
1.) Honey Vodka truffle - Very Good
2.) Amaretto truffle - Very Good
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) (estimate) for 4 truffles
Calories: 150 calories (estimate) in 4 truffles

Cost: $1.00 per truffle (20-piece quantity price)
Purchased from: XOX Truffles, San Francisco, CA

Welcome to Day #2 of French Chocolate Theme Week.

Today's two chocolates from XOX Truffles (San Francisco, CA) were not from France, but they were "created with a French attitude" and were French inspired.

Chef Jean-Marc Gorce (formerly of Fringale restaurant (San Francisco, CA) and partner Casimira N. Tobilla founded XOX Truffles. Their tiny shop in North Beach, contains a display case full of different truffles, some flavored with alcohol (champagne and cognac truffles are popular choices).

True truffles may appear a little rough hewn and humble on the outside (like their namesakes that grow in the ground); but these had great chocolate flavor and a fabulous creamy, buttery melt.

The Honey Vodka truffle had a sweet, boozy lilt, and the Amaretto truffle's nutty flavor unfolded into an almond-flavored liqueur trip. Bon voyage.

Valrhona - Noir Guanaja Nibs bar - Sept. 24, 2016

Chocolate of the Day: 

Valrhona
Noir Guanaja Eclats de Cacao (Cocoa Nibs) bar
Good ++ - Very Good
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 2.99 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 168 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $8.95 for one bar
Purchased from: Fog City News, San Francisco, CA

Bonjour, and welcome to the last day of Nibs Theme Week, and Day #1 of French Chocolate Theme Week.

Today's Noir Guanaja* Eclats de Cacao (Dark Cocoa Nibs) bar was from Valrhona (Tain l'Hermitage, France). This 70 percent cacao bar was smooth in taste and texture, and had a faint, intriguing aroma with subtle hints of chocolate, smoke, fruit, earth. The melt and mouthfeel were luscious and delightful, and the nibs added contrasting texture.

Today I also had a great time celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Chocolate Banquet with a group of friends by having a "bring your own item to dip in solar chocolate fondue" party. Very fun! Thank you all for bringing such a perfect selection of items. Sliced plums and fruit fresh from a farmers market, homemade peanut butter cookies, bacon slices, gluten-free pretzels, banana slices, raspberries and strawberries, corn chips...all good.

Tomorrow I'll try some toasted squares of pumpkin bread with the leftover fondue; or I could just eat French-inspired truffles.

*Guanaja is an island off the (Caribbean) coast of Honduras.