Chuao Chocolatier - Salted Caramels Almond - March 2, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Chuao Chocolatier

joy-filled caramels

Good +

Weight: 2.25 oz. (64 g.) in package of 4 caramels

Calories: 320 calories in 4 pieces

Cost: N/A - gift

Purchased from: N/A - gift - Thank you Anne!

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate Gifts Theme Week.

These "ooh aah almond" sea salt caramels were part of a Chuao Chocolatier (Carlsbad, CA) family of "joy-filled caramels."

Whole crunchy almonds were surrounded by rich salted caramel and covered in dark chocolate. Great combination. It definitely worked. These disappeared in a hurry.

New flavors continue to appear each year from Chuao Chocolatier's chocolate chef (who is originally from Venezuela) and team.

Thank you Anne for your generous chocolate gifts!

Cuban handmade chocolate, drinking chocolate - Mar. 1, 2019

Chocolate of the Day:

(unidentified Cuban chocolate maker)
Chocolate ball
Good - Good +
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) (estimate) in 1 serving
Calories: 145 calories (estimate) in 1 serving
Cost: $N/A - gift
Purchased from: N/A - gift (bought in Cuba)

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate Gifts Theme Week.

Today's ball-shaped chocolate was special. It came all the way from (Baracoa) Cuba. Thank you to Sue who gifted me with this authentic chocolate.

I shaved some of this unsweetened chocolate (from this intriguing, rustic, chocolate ball) into simmering hot water and stirred into the mixture a dash of cinnamon, a few tiny bits of roasted chile, and a few drops of honey.

I stirred this drinking chocolate in a pot over the stove almost continuously for several minutes, until a few bubbles formed on the surface and the chocolate particles seemed fully dissolved.

Notes: A piece of jicama, a very small amount of corn meal and some almonds in the pot reduced acidity a bit and gave this drinking chocolate a very slightly savory and roasted flavor. These inclusions were left behind when the hot chocolate was poured off into a cup.

I enjoyed this hot beverage without any added sugar. Some may want to add a little of their sweetener of choice (honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, etc.).

The next batch will include a few drops of Mexican vanilla extract.

Photo at top right of young Cuban woman holding chocolate ball (with cacao pods/fruits on table): Courtesy of Susan Neville, taken in Cuba. Thanks again Sue!