White Label Chocolate - Madagascar Sambirano Valley 68% bar - Feb. 28, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

White Label Chocolate 

Madagascar Sambirano Valley 68% bar

Good + - Good ++

Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) /2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar

Calories: 172 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar

Purchased from: Mutari Chocolate, Santa Cruz, CA 

Welcome to Day #14 of Chocolate, Enchanted Islands and Pirates Theme Week. Once again, a seven-day week has turned into a two weeker. 

But this theme week(s) wouldn't be complete without a chocolate made with cacao from Madagascar—an enchanted isle full of baobob trees, lemurs, vanilla, cacao, black pepper and pirates.

Yes, this enchanted island also has had problems with maritime skullduggery in the past. But, while that is interesting, let's focus on today's Madagascar Sambirano Valley 68% bar from White Label Chocolate (Santa Cruz, CA)—made from Trinitario and Criollo cacao beans grown in Madagascar (2015 Harvest).

Unwrap this bar and hold it up to the light at different angles and you'll see the red hue that's associated with Madagascan cacao. Try this bar and you'll taste citrus tart fruit, red berry and acidity, flavors common with Madagascar bars. There was also a very slight black pepper note with this bar.

Tasting notes for this bar read as follows: Roasted nuts, ripe red fruit, raspberry.

I was fortunate to visit the factory and store (Mutari Chocolate in Santa Cruz, CA), where the company's bean-to-bar single origin bars are made. The makers at White Label offer a tour and tasting options (flights of drinking chocolates) to customers. Bars can also be ordered online.

Thank you to the staff and founders/owners for taking a moment away from important roasting and retail activities to say hello. Look forward to coming back for a tasting.

Askanya - Paradis 47% Cacao Milk Chocolate Haiti bar - Feb. 27, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Los Chocolateries Askanya

(Haiti) Paradis 47% Cacao bar

Good +++ - Very Good

Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar

Calories: 145.5 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar

Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Garage, Palo Alto, CA 

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate, Enchanted Islands and Pirates Theme Week.

This Haiti Paradis 47% cacao bar was the last in the series of four bars from Los Chocolateries Askanya (Ouanaminthe, Nord-Est, Haiti). The bar was made in Haiti, using Haitian-grown cacao. The previous three bars from this maker featured this week were dark chocolate bars.

Today's Paradis 47% cacao bar was a delightful milk chocolate bar made with Haitian Cacao, Sugar, Milk and Cocoa Butter. It was smooth, almost creamy, and sweet with an appealing light fruitiness to it.

This was one of those milk chocolate bars that even a dark chocolate fan could appreciate.

Askanya - Wanga Neges 50% Cacao bar - Feb. 26, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Les Chocolateries Askanya

(Haiti) Wanga Neges 50% Cacao bar

Good ++ - Good +++

Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar

Calories: 145.5 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar

Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar

Purchased from: The Chocolate Garage, Palo Alto, CA 

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate, Enchanted Islands and Pirates Theme Week.

Today's Wanga Neges 50% cacao bar was made by Les Chocolateries Askanya (Ouanaminthe, Nord-Est, Haiti) using only Haitian-grown cacao and rapadura (rapadou).

Rapadura is made from sugar cane juice; however, the resulting sugar is not as heavily processed as white sugar, and it still includes a molasses component—giving it a slightly richer flavor and nutritional profile. It's metabolized a bit more slowly, and is similar to piloncillo and panela in terms of flavor.

And speaking of flavor, this bar had a lovely, satisfying caramelized brown sugar flavor throughout.

* Wanga Neges is a Creole term that translates to "hummingbird" or "woman charm."

Askanya - Minuit Dark Chocolate 60% Cacao Haiti bar - Feb. 25, 2018

Chocolate of the Day:

Les Chocolateries Askanya
Haiti Chocolat Noir Minuit 60% Cacao bar
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 145.5 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Garage, Palo Alto, CA


Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate, Enchanted Islands and Pirates Theme Week.

Today we continue with another bar from Haiti: the Minuit* 60% Cacao bar from Les Chocolateries Askanya (Ouanaminthe, Nord-Est, Haiti).

This bean-to-bar chocolate contained three ingredients: Haitian cacao, sugar and vanilla bean.

For a 60% cacao dark bar, it was remarkably sweet, to the point where the sweet eclipsed any subtle floral or other flavor notes that might have been in the cacao. Thankfully the richer chocolate flavor and dried fruit and fleeting citrus notes remained.

It is wonderful, and rare, to find and be able to enjoy chocolate made in same country where the cacao beans were grown. Making bean to bar chocolate "in country," in a tropical island nation like Haiti can be difficult. Chocolate is best made and stored in a cooler, drier place away from island sunshine.

A moment of hot sun on a loading dock can be disastrous for chocolate bars on their way to customers, in any country. Cacao growing countries with a lack of end-to-end climate and humidity controlled/air conditioned processing, storage and delivery infrastructure, with longer shipping routes to customers, face major challenges.

All the more impressive then that these Askanya bars this week were largely free of white blotches or "bloom" (usually areas where heat caused cocoa butter and cocoa solids to separate) and/or scuffs.

*Minuit means "midnight" in French. Minuit is also the last name of a Dutch colonist, Peter Minuit, who bought the island of Manhattan (present day New York City) from the Native Americans for traded goods with an estimated value of about $24.00 USD) in 1626. Pirate or shrewd businessman? You be the judge.

Minuit has also come to mean a colonist, or person who moves to a new country.

Askanya - Chocolat Noir Perle Rare 90% Cacao Haiti bar - Feb. 24, 2018

Chocolate of the Day:

Les Chocolateries Askanya
90% Cacao Haiti Chocolat Noir Perle Rare bar
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 145.5 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Chocolate Garage, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate, Enchanted Islands and Pirates Theme Week.

Today's Haiti Perle Rare 90% Cacao bar from Les Chocolateries Askanya (Ouanaminthe, Nord-Est, Haiti) was made in Haiti, with cacao grown in Northern Haiti.*

This bar had a slightly floral, slightly green (green tea, green shoots) dark chocolate aroma, and a rich, smooth chocolate flavor, with just a touch of sweetness.

Overall this 90% cacao, 2-ingredient bar was well tempered and had a nice, smooth buttery texture. The only rub: a very slight chalky finish/texture in some bites.

The two ingredients were: "Haitian Cacao and Rapadura (artisanal cane sugar)."

*Askanya sources their cacao from farmers who are members of Federation des Cooperatives Cacaoyeres du Nord (FECCANO). "These 3,000+ farmers grow their cacao on farms throughout the North of Haiti. They are currently organized in 9 cooperatives having each their fermentation and drying centers." 

Parliament Chocolate - Dominican Republic Oko Caribe 70% Cacao bar - Feb. 23, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Parliament Chocolate

Dominican Republic Oko Caribe 75% Cacao bar

Very Good 

Weight: .85 oz. (24.05 g.) / 1.7 oz. (48.1 g.) in total bar

Calories: 127 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar

Cost: $4.50 (estimate) for 1 bar

Purchased from: Miette, Oakland, CA

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate, Enchanted Islands and Pirates Theme Week.

Today's enjoyable Dominican Republic Oko Caribe 75% Cacao bar was from Parliament Chocolate (Redlands, CA). 

This smooth, medium-bodied (but intriguingly flavorful) dark bar had lilting hints of dried pears, dried golden plums and dried grapes.

Tasting notes on the packaging read: Red grapes, prune, honey, hibiscus and pomegranate

Zokoko - Guadalcanel Solomon Islands bar - Feb. 22, 2018

Chocolate of the Day:

Zokoko Artisan Chocolate

Guadalcanal - Solomon Islands bar

Good ++

Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar

Calories: 223.8 calories in 1/2 bar

Cost: $16.99 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Village Market, Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate, Enchanted Islands and Pirates Theme Week.

Today we're on a virtual journey, paying a visit to the South Seas to sample a Guadalcanal - Solomon Islands* 78 percent cacao dark bar from Zokoko Artisan Chocolate (Emu Heights, Australia).

This luxuriously packaged bar was made of four ingredients: cocoa beans, sugar, cocoa butter and sunflower lecithin.

The chocolate had a rich fragrance and dark chocolate flavor, with roasted coffee and cream notes.

*The Solomon Islands, located east of Papua New Guinea and northwest of Vanuatu, consist of six major islands, including Guadalcanal—and hundreds of smaller islands.

L'Amourette Chocolatier - Criollo Grenada Fine Estate 75% bar - Feb. 21, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

L'Amourette Chocolat LLC
Criollo Single Origin Grenada Fine Estate 75% bar
Good++ - Good+++
Weight: 1.16 oz. (33.3 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 172 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $7.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Draeger's, Los Altos, CA

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate, Enchanted Islands and Pirates Theme Week.

Today's Gold Limited Edition Criollo Single Origin Grenada Fine Estate 75% bar was made by Andre V and team at L'Amourette Chocolat LLC (San Francisco, CA).

Criollo cacao beans handled properly offer wonderful delicate, complex flavor notes. This 75% cacao Criollo bar had a lighter, more delicate fruit profile than most 75% chocolate bars. Think peach vs. dark berry fruit notes, with a touch of sweet, creamy coffee au lait.

Today's single origin bar contained just two ingredients: Criollo Grenada cocoa beans and organic sugar. And this chocolate was soy free, gluten free and vegan.

Grenada is a small island nation in the Caribbean Sea, about 100 miles north of Venezuela. Centuries ago, this was part of "Pirates of the Caribbean" territory. Pirates often absconded with alcohol and food when raiding other ships.

The Grenada Chocolate Co. - 100% Cacao bar - Feb. 20, 2018

Chocolate of the Day:

The Grenada Chocolate Company

100% Cacao bar

Good - Good +

Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar

Calories: 143 calories in 1/3 bar

Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar

Purchased from: The Chocolate Garage, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate, Enchanted Islands and Pirates Theme Week.

Today's 100% Cacao bar  from The Grenada Chocolate Company (Grenada) was made in the same country ("in-country" or "on island" in this case) where the cacao was grown. This pioneering tree-to-bar company was found in 1999.

The thick chocolate bar had a slightly graduated melt and texture (thick and creamy, then almost gummy, with a very slightly granular finish).

The dairy free, gluten free, nut free and organic bar had a subtle dark chocolate aroma, and (as one would expect from a 100% cacao bar with no sugar) some bold, dark taste with acidic/tart/sour and bitter notes, and no real "off" notes.

Chocolat Bonnat - Ceylan 75% Chocolat Noir bar - Feb. 19, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Chocolat Bonnat

Ceylan 75% Chocolat Noir (Dark Chocolate) bar

Good +++ - Very Good

Weight: .7 oz. (20 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total bar

Calories: 121.2 calories in 1/5 bar

Cost: $13.00 (estimate) for 1 bar

Purchased from: The Chocolate Garage, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate, Enchanted Islands and Pirates Theme Week.

Today's Ceylan 75% Cacao Chocolat Noir (Dark Chocolate) bar was made by Chocolat Bonnat (Voiron, France) and distributed by Custom Source LLC (Worcester, MA).

Every Bonnat dark chocolate bar I recall tasting has had a luscious buttery, creamy texture. This gluten free bar made with cacao beans grown in Ceylan* was no exception. It had a faint sweet leather aroma note, a rich, full chocolatey flavor, a faint sour cherry note and a slightly bittersweet finish. 

Tasting notes described this Ceylan bar has having Asian flavors. Not sure what that meant exactly. I didn't pick up any spice or other notes I associated with SE Asia chocolate or cuisine.

*The name Ceylan (Ceylon) is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, south of India. 

The people of this island have felt the presence of European nations: first, the Portuguese in the early 1500s and then the Dutch (Dutch India Company), before falling under British rule from 1815 to 1948. 

The British brought a variety of plantation crops to grow on the island, including tea, rubber, coffee and presumably cacao. Ceylon became known for its lush tea plantations under British rule. Were it not for labor practices there, more of the people might have experienced its enchanted isle status. 

Concerns over foreign powers, and pirates in the Indian Ocean, have been a part of the region for some time. In the early 1940s Japan was said to have designs on Ceylon. And occasional incidents of piracy (e.g., raids on commercial/trading ships) in the surrounding seas continue to the present decade.

The country eventually re-gained its independence; and in 1972, it became the Republic of Sri Lanka. Ceylon has continued to be influenced by India, China and other larger trading partners as they participate in the global economy, with exports like tea, textiles, rice and other agricultural products, like cacao.

Chocolat Bonnat - Dark Chocolate Haiti 75% Cacao bar - Feb. 18, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Chocolat Bonnat 

Dark Chocolate Haiti 75% Cacao bar

Very Good

Weight: 1.16 oz. (33.3 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total bar

Calories: 175 calories in 1/3 bar

Cost: $16.00 for 1 bar

Purchased from: The Chocolate Garage, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate, Enchanted Islands and Pirates Theme Week.

Today's Haiti 75% Cacao Dark Chocolate bar from Chocolat Bonnat (Voiron, France). This product of France was distributed by Custom Source LLC (Worcester, MA).


This chocolate had dried fruit and light spice notes. Like other Chocolat Bonnat bars, this three-ingredient (cocoa beans, cocoa butter, sugar) bar had buttery, creamy texture, and a pleasing finish.

Tasting notes on the packaging included this semi-awkwardly translated description: "...this rich and fragrant cocoa offers very chocolate flavors sliding toward a tangy citrus edge."

Perhaps the Republic of Haiti was once an enchanted isle in the distant past. It's easy to forget slavery and the violent side of piracy. Privateer Henry Morgan and other pirates once plied the waters and Morgan worked with the French. Ultimately, one positive historic development that grew out of that era was that the French brought cacao to Haiti in the early 1700s.

And, a few hundred year later, we are enjoying chocolate made from cacao raised and harvested by Haitian cacao farmers. Hurricane Matthew (2016) notwithstanding, the cacao production has been growing in recent years. Today's bar is a positive sign of what might be.

*Haiti is the western half of larger island that is Hispaniola. The eastern half is the Dominican Republic. Haitian cacao represents a fraction of the total cacao production from the total island that is Haiti and the Dominican Republic; but this may grow in the future with organizations like PISA (See yesterday's entry for more on PISA.)

The Smooth Chocolator - 70% Cacao Haiti bar - Feb. 17, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

The Smooth Chocolator

70% Cacao Haiti bar 

Good ++ - Good +++

Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar

Calories: 159 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar

Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar

Purchased from: The Chocolate Garage, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate, Enchanted Islands and Pirates Theme Week.

Pirates of many ilk have sailed the seas around many island nations, including Australia and Haiti (formerly Tortuga). These two islands (OK one is an island continent) are also linked to today's chocolate.

Cocoa was planted in Haiti about 300 years ago, and may or may not have been part of pirate plunder; but it is a valuable crop in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. While not a lot of cacao grows in Australia, there are a handful of great chocolate makers there.

Today's dark, single origin 70% Cacao Haiti bar was made by The Smooth Chocolator, a small batch craft chocolate company in Geelong, Australia—using cocoa beans from PISA* in North Haiti.

This dark bar had dried fruit, chocolate, light spice/licorice and citrus notes. Tasting notes on the package read: "Grapefruit, Tobacco, Licorice."

The chocolate had a smooth even melt, and a very slightly granular texture. The finish was light and relatively fresh and attenuated fairly quickly.

*Produits Des Iles SA (PISA) is a relatively new cacao processor and exporter in North Haiti. The organization works with hundreds of cacao farmers, and has pledged to improve post harvest handling practices, which will produce higher quality cacao and, one hopes, a better market for farmers as well.

Pirate Brands - Chocolate Granola Fruit Coins - Feb. 16, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Pirate Brands, LLC

Chocolate Granola Fruit Coins

Good 

Weight: .8 oz. (23 g.) / 4 oz. (115 g.) in total box of 5 bags

Calories: 80 calories in 1 bag 

Cost: $1.99 for 1 box of 5 bags

Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA 

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate, Enchanted Islands and Pirates Theme Week.

These pirate-themed Chocolate Granola Fruit Coins—made in Canada and distributed by Pirate Brands, LLC (Parsippany, NJ)—were small compressed disks made of dates, raisins, oats, chocolate chips, dried coconut and quinoa. Each coin had a denomination (number) stamped on it. (Date doubloons?)

"Thar be chewy!" the pirate on the label advised. Aye, indeed they were, in a good way. The oats and quinoa helped give these snack pieces shape, and balanced out the sweetness from the dates and raisins. And the chocolate chips lent a rich flavor that tied together fruit and grain ingredients.

These fruit granola snack pieces contained "no artificial colors, preservatives or flavorings."

Go Max Go - Thumbs Up Candy Bar - Feb. 15, 2018

Chocolate(s) of the Day: 

Go Max Go Foods LLC

Thumbs Up candy bar

Good

Weight: 1.3 oz. (37 g.) in 1 bar

Calories: 160 calories in 1 bar

Cost: $2.39 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Buccaneer candy bar

Good

Weight: 2.0 oz. (57 g.) in total bar

Calories: 230 calories in 1 bar

Cost: $2.39 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to the first day of Chocolate, Enchanted Islands and Pirates Theme Week.

Today's "Thumbs Up" and "Buccaneer" candy bars were distributed by Go Max Go Foods LLC (Santa Fe, NM).

First, a quick digression. A big Thumbs Up to all the athletes competing in this week's Winter Olympics in Korea this week.

The gluten free, vegan Thumbs Up candy bar was reminiscent of a Nestle Butterfinger bar, with a crunchy, "peanut buttery" center. Though similar, this bar had a slightly simpler ingredient list, and claimed to be made with "nothing artificial."

The second, Buccaneer, candy bar was featured on ChocolateBanquet.com (this site) a few years ago, but it was too pirate-like not to include again this week alongside its candy bar sibling. It had a creamy, almost fluffy, gooey-sweet nougat filling. (Think Mars Milky Way or 3 Musketeers bar.)

Both Go Max Go bars had a "chocolatey" coating which did contain cocoa powder, if you're wondering. The Buccaneer was bit too sweet for me, but pirates with a sweet tooth may enjoy this bar.

Lula's Chocolates - Marshmallow Treat Dark Chocolate Valentine heart

Chocolate of the Day: 

Lula's Chocolates

Marshmallow Treat Dark Chocolate (Valentine Heart )

Good +

Weight: unknown

Calories: unknown 

Cost: $6.50 for 1 package/heart

Purchased from: Lula's Chocolates, Crossroads Shopping Center, Carmel, CA

Happy Valentines Day to all who celebrate!

Today's heart-shaped, marshmallow-filled dark chocolate beauty, from Lula's Chocolates (Monterey, CA), was a perfect way to celebrate.

A fluffy, fresh-tasting marshmallow filling was encased in a generously-sized, dark chocolate heart decorated with pink decorative sugar icing. All this was wrapped in a clear wrapper with a red ribbon bow. 

The GFB - Gluten Free Bar - Chocolate Peanut Butter - Feb. 13, 2018

Chocolate of the Day:

The GFB - Gluten Free Bar
Chocolate Peanut Butter bar
Good
Weight: 2.05 oz. (58 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 240 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $ missing information for 1 bar
Purchased from: missing information

Kirkland
Signature Nut bar with cocoa drizzle, sea salt
Good
Weight: 1.41 oz. (40 g.) in total bar
Calories: 211 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $ N/A (may only be available in box of 30 bars)
Purchased from: N/A - from work

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week.

Peanuts are legumes and not true nuts; but they're part of this theme week anyway, because of their nutty flavor.

Today's first of two items, the Chocolate Peanut Butter snack bar from the folks at The GFB - Gluten Free Bar (Grand Rapids, Michigan) had a nutty flavor and heft.*

The first ingredient listed was: "virginia peanuts," followed by organic brown rice syrup and organic dates. The "heft" in this dense, chewy (and a little crunchy) bar could be measured: 12 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber.

Some of the best gluten free chocolate items, have come from founders who have food challenges themselves. The GFB - Gluten Free Bar was founded by two brothers who steer clear of gluten. This bar was gluten free, vegan Non-GMO Project Certified and soy free.

The "gluten free" part of this company brand matters. It's comforting to have a few go-to brands that someone with wheat issues can rely on without fear of having some kind of reaction. I felt so comforted I forgot I'd already tasted/featured this bar three years ago. Thus, the second item featured below.

Kirkland Signature Nut Bar

Today's second item was a Kirkland* Signature Nut Bar with almonds, cashews and walnuts with a cocoa drizzle and sea salt.

This bar was crunchy and satisfying. The nuts helped balance out the sweet. And the touch of sea salt made this a very appealing mid-afternoon snack.

*Kirkland is a brand that can be found at Costco stores. Product picture at right is from Costco website.

Second Nature Snacks - Dark Chocolate Medley with nuts - Feb. 12, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Second Nature Snacks Company
Dark Chocolate Medley
Good - Good +
Weight: 2 oz. (57 g.) / 12 oz. (340 g.) in total package
Calories: 320 calories in 2 servings
Cost: $ missing information
Purchased from: missing information

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week. Chocolate "weeks" frequently extend beyond seven days as new chocolate items are discovered.

For example, today's Dark Chocolate Medley "nut lover's blend" from Second Nature Snacks Company (Madison Heights, MI) suddenly popped up on the shelves of a local store, and seemed perfect for this Chocolate and Nuts Week.

This Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten free mix was a nicely balanced blend of dark chocolate squares (large enough so that you could taste the chocolate) and crunchy nuts: almonds, cashews and pecans.

While not suitable for those with nut allergies, this snack mix was made by a company that seemed mindful of ingredients and supply chains. And, it was relatively low in sodium (35 mg. in a single 1 oz. serving).

Good and Delish - Dark Chocolate Almonds - Feb. 11, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Good and Delish

Dark Chocolate Almonds

Good

Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total package

Calories: 150 calories in 1/2 package

Cost: $1.99 (estimate) for 1 package

Purchased from: Walgreens

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week.

Good and Delish Chocolate Almonds were not picked from a tree. Rather the package they were in was plucked off a shelf at Walgreens; but it is nice to think that both almonds and cacao came from a tree originally.*

Glossy, thick dark chocolate shells contained roasted almonds; and the chocolates had a slightly bittersweet, roasted flavor.

*Besides almonds and cacao seeds/beans, other plant-related ingredients in this product included vanilla, corn, soy. 

The remaining ingredient was confectioners glaze: the substance that creates a shiny protective coating on many candy items. Some of this ingredient (commonly used for candy and to coat pills, and classified as"generally recognized as safe") comes from a resin that certain beetles leave on trees. 

Larabar - Chocolate Coconut Chew bar - Feb.10, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Small Planet Foods, Inc.
Larabar - Chocolate Coconut Chew bar
Good
Weight: 1.6 oz. (45 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 210 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $0.79 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week.

Today's Larabar Chocolate Coconut Chew bar was distributed by Small Planet Foods, Inc. (Minneapolis, MN). The bar was part of a line of Larabar fruit and nut bars.

This 5-ingredient, compressed bar was quite sweet. The first ingredient listed was "dates;" and dates do have a certain concentrated fruity intensity to them. But, those that like dates, or prefer fruit and fiber over sugar,  may applaud this choice.

The remaining four ingredients were: almonds, walnuts, unsweetened cocoa powder, and unsweetened coconut.

Nature's Path Foods - Dark Chocolate Cinnamon Pecan Hot Oatmeal - Feb. 9, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Nature's Path Foods Inc.
Dark Chocolate Cinnamon Pecan Hot Oatmeal
Good
Weight: 1.94 oz. (58 g.) in 1 container (dry)
Calories: 220 calories in 1 container
Cost: $0.79 (estimate) for 1 container
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week.

Today's Dark Cinnamon Pecan Hot Oatmeal was from Nature's Path Foods Inc. (Blaine, WA).

Hot oatmeal is a good, hearty cereal for breakfast.* Pecan pieces gave this hot cereal an even more robust and slightly chewy, soft crunchy texture.

The fair trade dark chocolate chunks melted with the addition of hot water, and contributed background cocoa flavor and color. A small handful of pecans we happened to have on hand amped up the nut flavor and texture.

*Most items on Chocolate Banquet are sampled in the morning, and sometimes re-sampled later in the day.