Friday, December 31, 2021

Raaka Chocolate - Mango Mojito Unroasted Dark Chocolate 68% (bar) - Dec. 31, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Raaka Chocolate
Mango Mojito 68% Cacao Unroasted Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .9 oz. (25 g.) / 1.8 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 140 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: RaakaChocolate.com, online order

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate and Holiday Spirits Theme Week.

Today's Mango Mojito Unroasted* Dark Chocolate 68% Cacao (bar)--created by Raaka Chocolate (Brooklyn, NY)--was a nod to the Cuban Mojito (rum, sugarcane, mint, lime). No alcohol was detectable in this chocolate, but the flavors honored the spirit of this cocktail. 

Aroma notes for today's limited edition ("first nibs"), spirited dark chocolate included: smooth, dark chocolate; tart sweet fruit (apricot, mango, pineapple, citrus); subtle green (mint, oxalis); and faint brown sugar.

Flavors for this well-tempered, 68% dark chocolate bar included dark, flavorful chocolate (with a hint of natural marshmallow sweetness and implied, fleeting floral vanilla). 

Infused into this chocolate was a relatively subtle and balanced bouquet of accent flavors including fruit (mango, citrus) and green herb (mint). Tiny clumps of brown sugar adorned the back of the bar, and provided warmth and depth to the overall taste.

The cacao used to make this bar was from Tanzania (Kokoa Kamili). The mint and lime ingredients were seamlessly infused into the added cocoa butter that was in turn blended completely with the cocoa solids.

The texture was smooth (no crunchy fruit or botanical bits) and uniform, as you might expect from a freshly-made, shaken, sieved cocktail. And the sugar levels were relatively restrained, allowing the chocolate and the added mango mojito tribute flavors to be savored and appreciated.

This chocolate offered a sophisticated, restrained vibrance that seemed designed to break through winter to wish everyone a very Happy New Year's Eve, and Feliz 2022!

Raaka's short description read: "sweet, fruity, minty"

Ingredients: Organic cacao, organic cane sugar, organic cacao butter, organic mango, organic mint, organic lime zest

Allergen-related information: "Vegan, gluten free, soy free, nut free"

*The makers at Raaka make their chocolates/bars from scratch, using unroasted cacao beans in order to...make "delicious chocolate that captures the brighter, bolder and fruitier side of cacao." 

Thursday, December 30, 2021

Wm. Chocolate - Classic Dark 70% Cacao Dominican Republic Single Origin Rum Barrel Aged - Dec. 30, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Wm. Chocolate
Classic Dark 70% Cacao Dominican Republic Single Origin Rum Barrel Aged (bar)
Good +++
Weight: .9 oz. (25 g.) / 1.8 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 147 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $6.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Wm. Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and Holiday Spirits Theme Week. 

Today's Classic Dark 70% Cacao Dominican Republic Single Origin Rum Barrel Aged (bar) was made by Wm. Chocolate (Madison, WI). 

William (Will) Marx, the force behind Wm. Chocolate is turning out great single origin chocolates. His bars I have sampled in the past few years have all offered masterfully subtle and complex bouquets of aroma (and flavor) notes. 

Great chocolate happens when a maker applies laser-like attention to and appreciation of the strengths of each batch of high-quality cacao beans from a given origin. Eat this chocolate slowly to fully appreciate the end results.

Aroma notes for this bar included a dark chocolate, faint maple, brown sugar, buttered rum, faint dried fruit (pear + date), faint green, faint graham cracker, and a very faint, fleeting clean mineral earth (clay) note.

Flavor notes were very similar to the aroma notes (above), but with more rich dark chocolate (smooth, ultra-dark brownie + very faint red berry) flavor, along with molasses and faint floral honey notes. This bar also had an alluring light, lingering finish.

The rum barrel aged cacao (Dominican Republic) was subtle and sophisticated with quiet layers of rich flavor. (I imagined a rack of wooden rum casks stowed in a cool stone cavern where time and flavor development was measured...slowly.) Well balanced, not too sweet, and with a generous helping of skillfully produced 3D aroma and flavor notes, this 70% cacao dark bar provided a pleasing sensory trip.

Note: While rum (barrels) added flavor, there was no detectable amount of alcohol that I could taste.

Maker's tasting notes: "Smooth dark chocolate sweetened with traditional whole cane sugar"

Ingredients: Certified organic cacao beans, organic unrefined cane sugar, organic cacao butter

Allergen-related information: "No soy, dairy, grain, nuts, refined sugar, or animal products."

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Bixby - Split Rock Bourbon Bar 70% Dark Chocolate - Dec. 29, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Bixby and Co.
Bourbon Bar 70% Dark Chocolate  
Good +
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.75 oz. (49.5 g.) (estimate) in total bar
Calories: 132 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.50 for 1 bar (including shipping, part of a larger order)
Purchased from: Good Food Awards (Marketplace), online order 

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Holiday Spirits Theme Week.

Today's Split Rock Bourbon Bar 70% Dark Chocolate was from Bixby and Co. (Rockland, ME). 

The maker's description: "Barrel aged, grain-to-glass Maine made bourbon blended into our single origin, Dominican Republic bean-to-bar chocolate."

Aroma and flavor notes for this ebony-hued bar included deep, dark chocolate, very slight citrus (orange) and fermented corn/grain, slightly malty sweetness (whiskey). While the 70% dark chocolate was almost boldly flavorful, it was also balanced, and not terribly bitter or acidic. The chocolate itself seemed to have a base level of relative natural sweetness.

The bar had a smooth melt and a uniform texture with a very slight astringency (light graininess).

Maker's tasting notes: "Notes of orange with a rich smooth taste."

Ingredients: Organic dark chocolate (organic cacao beans, organic cane sugar), organic bourbon whiskey

Allergen-related information: "Prepared in a facility that processes milk, tree nuts and peanuts."



Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Exquisito Chocolates - Champagne Papi - Moet Champagne Truffles - Dec. 28, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Exquisito Chocolates
Champagne Papi - Moet Champagne Truffles
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .98 oz. (27.7 g.) / 3.92 oz. (110.9 g.) (estimate) in total box of 8 
Calories: 147 calories (estimate) in 2 truffles
Cost: $24.00 for 1 box of 8 pieces/truffles

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Holiday Spirits Theme Week.

Today's "Champagne Papi" Moet Champagne Truffles were from Exquisito Chocolates (Little Havana, Miami, FL). 

Each truffle's single origin (Ecuador) 73% dark chocolate (hand-painted) shell encased a rich chocolate, champagne-infused ganache (filling). Ivory-colored, these attractive chocolates (with tiny bubble sized speckles) had the appearance of exotic bird eggs.

Aroma and flavor notes for this elegant confection included rich dark chocolate, light olive, sparkling white wine/champagne (with light fruit and floral notes). The champagne added pleasant flavor depth. (The very subtle alcohol (champagne) flavor was detectable toward the end.)

Ingredients: No ingredients label on box. Description online included: "Organically cultivated cacao, unrefined cane sugar, fair trade cacao butter, cream"

Allergen-related information: (No information listed on box.) 

Monday, December 27, 2021

Exquisito Chocolates - "Rumbelievable" Flor de Cana Rum Truffles - Dec. 27, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Exquisito Chocolates
"Rumbelievable" Flor de Cana Rum Truffles
Good +
Weight: .98 oz. (27.7 g.) / 3.92 oz. (110.9 g.) (estimate) in total box of 8 truffles 
Calories: 147 calories (estimate) in 2 truffles
Cost: $24.00 for 1 box of 8 truffles

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Holiday Spirits Theme Week.

Today's "Rumbelievable" Flor de Cana* Rum Truffles were from Exquisito Chocolates (Little Havana, Miami, FL). Located in South Florida, Exquisito sources cacao and other ingredients from the Caribbean and Central and South America.

These hand-painted, single origin dark chocolate (Ecuador) confections were colored a beautiful, swirling turquoise sea blue. Nestled inside was a creamy, chocolate ganache (filling) infused with Flor de Cana* premium rum from Nicaragua. 

These truffles had a rich, dark chocolate (almost brownie) flavor with a hint of rum--more satisfying, layered flavor than alcohol.

Ingredients: (No ingredients list with box). Ingredient description included: organically cultivated cacao, unrefined cane sugar, fair trade cocoa butter, cream.

Allergen-related information: (None printed on confection box.)

*"Flor de Cana" (Spanish for sugarcane flower) is a brand of premium rum manufactured and distributed by Compania Licorera de Nicaragua (Managua, Nicaragua)--a company with origins that stretch back to the late 1800s.

Sunday, December 26, 2021

Oodaalolly - Coconut Milk Chocolate with Kasama Rum 46% (bar) - Dec. 26, 2021

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Oodaalolly, LLC
Coconut Milk Chocolate with Kasama Rum 46% (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1.41 oz. (40 g.) / 2.82 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 219 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.00 for 1 bar ($24 for set of 3 bars)
Purchased from: Oodaalolly, LLC, online order

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

Today's Coconut Milk Chocolate (bar) infused with Kasama Rum* was from Oodaalolly, LLC (El Cerrito, CA). This was part of a three-bar Christmas Collection (that also included Kasama Cacao 70% dark chocolate, and White Chocolate with Pineapple Chunks (bars)--all with a very subtle hint of Kasama Rum.

Oodaalolly chocolate maker and company founder, Hernan Lauber, sources cacao from (a co-op) in the Davao region of the Philippines to make his chocolates. 

The aroma notes for this bar included: sweet, rich milk chocolate, coconut, caramel, and faint fruit (pineapple).

The 46% cacao chocolate had a smooth, relatively creamy texture and slow melt (at 65 F. degrees room temperature). The rich coconut milk chocolate flavor was sweet with some interesting complexity (richness from coconut milk, a mild fruitiness), and a relatively low acidity and minimal bitterness. 

The Kasama Rum infused cacao was very faint, but likely added to the subtle complexity. There was no detectable alcohol flavor. 

Ingredients: "Sugar, Kasama Cacao, coconut milk powder, cocoa butter."

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that uses milk, soy, peanuts and/or tree nuts for Oodaalolly LLC..."

*Kasama Rum is produced in small batches by Alexandra Dorda (who has Polish and Filipino roots). Ingredients (sugar cane, other) from the Philippines are sent to Poland for distillation, aging in oak barrels/finishing. Tasting notes: "Kasama has all the flavors of the tropics: pineapple, a hint of vanilla and just a pinch of sea salt." ("Kasama is a tagalog verb that means to be together.") 

Saturday, December 25, 2021

Oodaalolly - 70% Kasama Cacao dark chocolate (bar) - Dec. 24, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Oodaalolly, LLC
70% Kasama Cacao, dark chocolate infused with Kasama Rum (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1.41 oz. (40 g.) / 2.82 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 218 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.00 for 1 bar ($24.00 for 3 bar set)
Purchased from: Oodaalolly, LLC, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Holiday Spirits Theme Week.

Today's 70% Kasama Cacao dark chocolate (bar) infused with Kasama Rum* was from Oodaalolly, LLC (El Cerrito, CA). This was part of a three-bar Christmas Collection (that also included Coconut Milk Chocolate and White Chocolate with Pineapple Chunks bars)--all with a very subtle hint of Kasama Rum.

Oodaalolly chocolate maker and company founder, Hernan Lauber, sources cacao from (a co-op) in the Davao region of the Philippines to make his chocolates.

The aroma notes for this bar included: warm cocoa, spices, nut and tart lemon green herb (oxalis, sorrel). And the 70% cacao chocolate had smooth, balanced and naturally sweet dark chocolate flavor, with a very mild fruitiness, relatively low acidity and minimal bitterness.

Ingredients: "Cacao, coconut palm sugar, cocoa butter."

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that uses milk, soy, peanuts and/or tree nuts for Oodaalolly LLC..."

*Kasama Rum is produced in small batches by Alexandra Dorda (who has Polish and Filipino roots). Ingredients (sugar cane, other) from the Philippines are sent to Poland for distillation, aging in oak barrels/finishing. Tasting notes: "Kasama has all the flavors of the tropics: pineapple, a hint of vanilla and just a pinch of sea salt." ("Kasama is a tagalog verb that means to be together.")

Friday, December 24, 2021

Zotter - Oh Thou Joyful Day - Dark chocolate 70% with Marc de Champagne ganache (bar) - Dec. 23, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter
Oh Thou Joyful Day - Dark chocolate 70% with Marc de Champagne ganache (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $7.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zotterusa.com

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Holiday Spirits Theme Week.

Today's "Oh Thou Joyful Day" Dark chocolate 70% with Marc de Champagne ganache (bar) was made in Austria and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers, FL).

This bar had the aroma of a dark, sinful chocolate dessert (dark chocolate mousse or souffle with spirits).

The filled bar was covered in a relatively bold but smooth, bittersweet 70% cacao dark chocolate. Inside was a chocolate ganache (filling) infused with Marc de Champagne.*

Chocolate blended with an authentic Champagne flourish made for an elegant, spirited dessert for the holidays.

Ingredients: Organic, fair traded cocoa mass; organic, fair traded cane sugar; milk; organic, fair traded cocoa butter; organic Marc de Champagne; organic glucose syrup; butter (cream); dry whole milk; dry skim milk; salt; organic soy lecithin; organic vanilla bean powder.

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk, soy. Manufactured on equipment that processes tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, milk, and sesame." 

*Marc de Champagne refers to a grape-based, fermented and distilled beverage (French Eau de Vie)/brandy made using grape pomace, in the Champagne region/province of northeastern France. (This bar contained alcohol.)

Thursday, December 23, 2021

Mutari Chocolate - Venus Spirits Rye Whisky-Brown Butter (truffle) - Dec. 22, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Mutari Chocolate
Venus Spirits Rye Whisky-Brown Butter (truffle)
Good +++
Weight: .49 oz. (14 g.) (estimate) in one truffle
Calories: 73 calories (estimate) in 1 truffle
Cost: $3.00 (estimate) for 1 truffle

Welcome to Day #3 of  Chocolate and Holiday Theme Week.

Today's flavorful Venus Spirits Ry Whisky-Brown Butter craft chocolate truffle was created by Mutari Chocolate (Santa Cruz, CA).

During a recent visit, the company's factory + shop (retail) location was offering a dozen different single origin chocolate bars, both traditional (dairy) and vegan confections (craft chocolate truffles); baked goods; and drinking chocolates.

Today's truffle infused with whisky (from Santa Cruz neighbor Venus Spirits) had a subtle but rich and attractive aroma. 

A gold accented, dark chocolate shell was filled with a balanced, boozy, creamy soft chocolate ganache with a light touch of savory (brown butter and salt). Warning, these truffles are mildly addictive.

Ingredients: (Not available on truffle assortment box ID card). Elements identified by name: Venus Spirits Rye Whisky, brown butter

Allergen-related information: (no label; but identified as containing dairy)


Rebbl - Dark Chocolate Protein Plant-Powered Elixir (+ Hazelnut Nog) - Dec. 21, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Rebbl 
Dark Chocolate Protein Plant-Powered Elixir 
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 12 fl. oz. (355 mL) in 1 bottle
Calories: 240 calories in 1 bottle  
Cost: $ Missing information
Purchased from: Missing information

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and Hazelnuts Theme Week, and Day #2 of Chocolate and Holiday Spirits Theme Week.

Today's bottle of Dark Chocolate Protein Plant-Powered Elixir was distributed by Rebbl (Emeryville, CA).

This chilled beverage had an appealing chocolate-y aroma and flavor, with faint, but not objectionable plant protein notes. (Other plant extracts or ingredients included ashwagandha,  reishi mushroom, maca root and vanilla.)

The texture was creamy and smooth and it was a great mixer/complementary beverage with a batch of homemade Holiday Hazelnut "Egg-not" Nog.*

Ingredients: Organic coconut milk (water, organic coconut creme); organic, alkalized cocoa powder; organic pea protein; organic coconut sugar; organic inulin (prebiotic fiber); organic vanilla extract; pink salt; organic ashwagandha extract; organic maca extract; baker's yeast beta-glucan; organic stevia extract; organic reishi mushroom extract; gellan gum. 

Allergen-related information: "Contains coconut." "Not intended for small children or anyone sensitive to caffeine. If pregnant or breast-feeding, please consult your healthcare professional before consuming."

*Hazelnut Nog (Egg-not) - This homemade holiday beverage was made with a base of Pacific Foods Hazelnut beverage + freshly ground nutmeg, a dash of cinnamon, and a splash of spiced rum. It was enjoyed separately, and mixed with Rebbl Chocolate elixir.

Zotter - Plum and Nuts 100% Cacao filled with plum cream, hazelnut praline (bar) - Dec. 20, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter
Plum and Nuts 100% Cacao filled with plum cream and hazelnut praline (bar) 
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 340 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $7.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zotterusa.com

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and Hazelnuts Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Holiday Spirits Theme Week.

The aroma notes for this bar included spices (dates, vanilla, and sweet saffron), chocolate and nut (hazelnuts, roasted almond)

The filled bar was covered in an ultra-dark (100% cacao) shell. Bold, balanced, bittersweet (with a slight roasted note), this chocolate shell broke with a well-tempered snap, revealing a rich, flavorful center with plump pieces of dried plum, lightly spirited (rum) notes, and an occasional glimmer of hazelnut, date and vanilla.

A sophisticated, fruit-sweetened, spirited dark bar with grown-up flavors for the holidays. Not overly sweet. Sugar plum fairies, all grown up.

Ingredients: Organic, fair traded cocoa mass; organic dried plums; organic, fair traded hazelnuts; organic, fair traded date sugar; organic, fair traded cocoa butter; organic, fair traded rum; organic hazelnut oil; organic soy lecithin; organic, fair traded cinnamon; organic vanilla bean powder; salt

Allergen-related information: "Contains hazelnuts, soy. Manufactured on equipment that processes other tree nuts, peanuts, milk, eggs, and sesame."

Monday, December 20, 2021

Moonstruck - Spicy Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Chai 68% Cacao (bar) - Dec. 19, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Moonstruck
Spicy Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Chai 68% Cacao (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 215 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $3.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Andronico's Community Markets, Los Altos, CA 

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

Today's Spicy Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Chai 68% Cacao (bar) was from Moonstruck Chocolate Co. (Portland, OR).

There was a lot going on with this bar. (See ingredients list below.) The aroma notes for this chocolate included: sweet chocolate marshmallow candy with black pepper; German pfeffernusse ("pepper nut") or Icelandic/Nordic pepperkakor cookies; and spices (salt, pepper, ginger and vanilla).

Flavor notes included the aroma notes above, but dark chocolate, and to a lesser extent hazelnut, flavors were prominent. The 68% cacao dark chocolate was relatively sweet and uniform. Bits of hazelnut, and flecks of citrus rind, salt and pepper gave off temporary tiny bursts of these flavors.

This bar grew on me as I tasted it over the course of an hour. It started out feeling a bit cluttered with so many sweet and savory elements. However, as my palette adjusted to this festive spice party, it became more appealing.

Included at no extra cost to you: thoughts of enjoying European holiday treats, while warming up around a fire in the winter with some hot spiced cider or wine. Happy Holidays.

Ingredients: Dark chocolate (unsweetened chocolate, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin (emulsifier), natural vanilla flavor); roasted hazelnuts; chai spice blend (organic cardamom, organic clove, organic cinnamon, organic orange peel, organic fennel, organic ginger, organic black pepper); black tea powder; organic black pepper; organic cardamom; kosher salt.

Allergen-related information: (Contains hazelnuts, soy.) "Manufactured on shared equipment. May contain traces of milk, wheat, soy, peanuts and tree nuts."

Sunday, December 19, 2021

Zotter - Merry Christmas Milk Chocolate filled w/ spiced marzipan, cinnamon hazelnut praline (bar) - Dec. 18, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter 
"Merry Christmas" Milk Chocolate filled with spiced marzipan and cinnamon hazelnut praline (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 380 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $7.99 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zotterusa.com, online order

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Hazelnuts Week, including a few European holiday entries. It's that time of year, when virtual travel via a chocolate tasting experience is as fine as any other gift I can imagine.

Today's "Merry Christmas" Milk Chocolate bar was filled with layers of marzipan and cinnamon hazelnut praline. It was created by Zotter, made in Austria, and distributed by Zotter US LLC (Fort Myers, FL). 

This fragrant bar was filled with holiday scents including cocoa, marzipan and cinnamon. There was also a slight fruitiness (sweet currant and raspberry jam, with orange/lemon peel) nestled in with faint nut notes. 

Flavor followed fragrance with chocolate, marzipan, nuanced spices (cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, vanilla, cloves, pepper), nut and fruit (light, sweet citrus, berry) notes. The hazelnuts were present (part of the hazelnut brittle layer), but were overshadowed a bit by the spiced marzipan layer.

I enjoyed this lovely Christmas confection with a side dish of roasted hazelnuts and sliced, ripe fuyu persimmon with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a sip of Frangelico. Hazelnut holiday perfection.

Ingredients: Organic, fair traded cane sugar; organic marzipan (organic almonds, organic sugar, organic invert sugar syrup); organic, fair traded cocoa mass; organic, fair traded cocoa butter; organic, fair traded hazelnuts; dry whole milk; organic orange juice concentrate; organic glucose syrup; organic orange juice; dry skim milk; butter (cream); organic, fair traded cinnamon; organic ginger; organic, fair traded dark brown cane sugar; organic soy lecithin; salt; organic cardamom;  vanilla bean powder, cloves, pepper, lemon oil, organic orange oil"

Allergen-related information: "Contains almonds, hazelnuts, milk, soy. Manfactured on equipment that processes other tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, and sesame."


Saturday, December 18, 2021

Donnelly Chocolates - Dark Chocolate Caramel Pecan (bar) - Dec. 17, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Donnelly Chocolates
Dark Chocolate Caramel Pecan (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.6 oz. (45 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 218 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: N/A - gift from a friend (Thank you Julie!)
Purchased from: N/A - gift (purchased at Donnelly Chocolates)

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Hazelnuts Week (with pecans and caramel playing a starring role).

Today's Dark Chocolate Caramel Pecan (bar) was a treat from a friend who was likely driving through Santa Cruz, California, and made a stop at "World Famous Donnelly's Chocolates," where chief chocolatier Richard Donnelly practices the art of making chocolate bars, barks and confections.

I don't eat caramels that much anymore because many lack much, if any, flavor other than sugar. This thick, rich caramel bar was very sweet; but it was also full of flavors: homemade butter, brown sugar, pecans, and dark chocolate to be precise. 

The caramel filling was luscious and soft. I highly recommend eating this bar with a napkin or two at-the-ready.

This bar was accompanied by a glass of hazelnut "milk."

Ingredients: "dark chocolate (contains cocoa liquor, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin as emulsifier, sunflower lecithin, natural vanilla flavoring), caramel, pecans"

Allergen-related information: None listed on small label; contained pecans.

Zotter - Sweet Christmas Greetings - Dark Chocolate 70% filled with hazelnut praline, brittle (bar) - Dec. 16, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter
"Sweet Christmas Greetings" - Dark Chocolate 70% filled with hazelnut praline and hazelnut brittle (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 400 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $7.99 for 1 bar (free shipping, part of larger order)
Purchased from: Zotterusa.com, online order

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Hazelnut Theme Week.

Today's "Sweet Christmas Greetings" Dark Chocolate 70% filled with hazelnut praline and hazelnut brittle (bar) was made in Austria and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers, FL).

Aroma notes included: hazelnut biscuit (cookie) dipped in a thick sweet dark chocolate mocha beverage.

A smooth, creamy ultra-dark tasting (70%) chocolate covering allowed for more flavor depth and contrast with a sweet, nutty center.

Inside this Christmas holiday-themed, filled chocolate bar was a fragrant, praline slightly flaky, crunchy and authentically nutty praline-style layer melded with a hazelnut brittle layer. A winning combination of flavors that harmonized together without tasting overly sweet, despite sugar being the number one ingredient. 

Ingredients: Organic, fair traded cane sugar; organic, fair traded cocoa mass; organic, fair traded hazelnuts; organic, fair traded cocoa butter; organic hazelnut oil; organic soy lecithin; organic, fair traded dark brown cane sugar; salt; organic vanilla bean powder; organic, fair trade cinnamon.

Allergen-related information: "Contains almonds, milk, hazelnuts, soy. Manufactured on equipment that processes other tree nuts." (Certified Organic.)

Cacao Crudo - 65% Sweet Hazelnuts Cream (Crema Dolce Alle Nocciole) - Dec. 15, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Cacao Crudo 
65% Sweet Hazelnuts Cream
(Crema Dolce Alle Nocciole - Delice Noisettes 65%)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) / 7. oz. (200 g.) in total jar
Calories: 291 calories in 1/4 jar 
Cost: $ N/A - sample 
Purchased from: (N/A - sample from Cacao Crudo, Italy)

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Hazelnuts Theme Week.

I was impressed with today's spread from Cacao Crudo for multiple reasons. First the makers used high-quality Italian hazelnuts (65%) and single origin cacao (from Peru). Second, it contained a reasonably high percentage of cacao (cocoa powder) for a spread and was not loaded with sugar. (It was lightly sweetened with coconut flower sap). Third, the organic unroasted cacao and hazelnuts were both delicious in this three-ingredient confection.

Complex aroma notes included: a whiff of tropical fruit (passion fruit, musk strawberry) and coconut sugar, very light cocoa, and nutty vegetable.

The texture was velvety smooth. It would make a fine high-end, thick icing/frosting, spread for a croissant, or treat right out of the jar. And, again, it was not overly sweet (thank you!)--allowing for a range of authentic and delicate chocolate and nut notes to shimmer and shine.

The makers at Cacao Crudo craft quality, nuanced chocolates using very few, high-quality ingredients--achieving a fine balance, to the point of apparent contradiction. Delicate but 100% rich and decadent; suitable for confections without being too sweet; balanced complexity--all the while busting the myth that unroasted chocolate is somehow lacking in flavor.* The company's unroasted cacao offerings that I have tasted in the past year or two have all been exceptionally good.

Ingredients: Unroasted, Organic "Tonde Gentile Romana" hazelnuts paste; organic cocoa powder; organic, concentrated coconut flower sap.

Allergen-related information: "May contain almonds and walnuts." (Contains hazelnuts.)

*As coffee and craft chocolate lovers will tell you, roasting is an art unto itself. An important step in a long list of steps to make a flavorful end product. Roasting plays an important role in flavor development and can help get rid of unwanted qualities as well. However, if makers are working with fine-flavored beans with very subtle aroma and flavor profiles, roasting can lead to the loss of more delicate notes. And unroasted cacao may have an advantage here.

Giraudi Nocciole Trilobate - Latte 36% E Nocciole Tonde Gentili Trilobate Intere Tostate (bar) - Dec. 14, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Giraudi 
Nocciole Trilobate - Latte 36% E Nocciole Tonde Gentili Trilobate Intere Tostate (bar)
Milk Chocolate 36% with Gently Toasted Hazelnuts (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) / 3.52 oz. (100 g.) total bar
Calories: 292 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $0 - gift from family member (Thank you Dave!)
Purchased from: N/A - gift from family member

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Hazelnuts Theme Week. 

This Milk Chocolate 36% Cocoa with Gently Toasted Hazelnuts (bar) was from Giraudi S.r.l. (Castellazzo Bormida (AL), Italy)--and imported from Italy into the U.S. by Manicaretti (Oakland, CA).

The aroma of this classic hazelnut milk chocolate bar was one of sweet, rich hot drinking chocolate, redolent with vanilla and hazelnut(s).

Creamy milk chocolate provided a delicious base for (and complement to) a field of whole, crunchy hazelnuts (30% of content) on the back of the bar. 

The milk chocolate alone would have been too sweet, but the nuts cushioned the sugar. The 36% milk chocolate would likely have been too sweet by itself (for my taste), but the nuts cushioned the sugar and added high-quality nut flavor. (In addition to the aforementioned vanilla, there was a very faint, sweet, refreshing fruit/floral oolong tea note as well.) 

Giraudi, located in the Piedmont Region of northern Italy, has offered a variety of tasty chocolate and hazelnut creations over the years. 

The Piedmont Region is known for hazelnuts as well as chocolate hazelnut confections. Nougats, gianduja/gianduia, and spreads--fancy forerunners/relatives of Nutella) have been created here for centuries, following cacao's arrival in Europe. So a Chocolate and Hazelnut Theme Week without at least one chocolate from Italy would not be complete.

Ingredients: Milk chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, powdered whole milk, cocoa paste. Emulsifier: soy lecithine, natural vanilla flavour. Cocoa min. 36%), Piedmont Hazelnuts (30%).

Allergen-related information: "It may contain traces of other fruit with shell, sesame and peanuts." (Contains nuts - hazelnuts.) "gluten free"

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Dr. Bronner's - All-One Chocolate Crunchy Hazelnut Butter Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa (bar) - Dec. 13?, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Dr. Bronner's
All-One Chocolate Crunchy Hazelnut Butter Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.465 oz. (41.5 g.) / 2.93 oz. (83 g.) in total bar
Calories: 255 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $3.50 for 1 bar (2 for $7.00)
Purchased from: Piazza's, Palo Alto, CA 

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

Today's All-One Chocolate Crunchy Hazelnut Butter Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa (bar) was made in Switzerland and distributed by Dr. Bronner's All-One! Magic Foods (Vista, CA). 

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, nuts (hazelnuts), faint green citrus (sorrel, oxalis, sour grass) and very faint fruit-floral (vanilla).

Flavors included: a bold but smooth deep, dark chocolate shell with a slight, fleeting earth note; a hearty filling with authentic, ground hazelnuts and almonds; and a very faint trace of authentic vanilla bean (slightly earthy, floral-spice).

This satisfying chocolate bar had interesting layered flavors and was not too sweet (thank you).

Ingredients: Fair trade organic cocoa beans, fair trade organic coconut sugar, organic hazelnuts, fair trade organic cocoa butter, fair trade organic Bourbon vanilla bean, organic almonds.

Allergen-related information: "Made on equipment that also processes almonds, hazelnuts, milk, coconut and soy." (Contains nuts - hazelnuts.)



Monday, December 13, 2021

Dr. Bronner's - All-One Chocolate, Roasted Whole Hazelnuts Dark Chocolate 70% (bar) - Dec. 12, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Dr. Bronner's
All-One Chocolate Roasted Whole Hazelnuts Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 255 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $3.50 for 1 bar (2 for $7.00)
Purchased from: Piazza's, Palo Alto, CA 

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Hazelnuts Theme Week.

Today's All-One Chocolate Roasted Whole Hazelnuts Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa (bar) was made in Switzerland and distributed by Dr. Bronner's All-One! Magic Foods* (Vista, CA). 

The company, most well-known for soap-making for many decades, now offers a line of Organic and Fair Trade Certified All-One chocolate bars. (Although it's not as big a stretch as one would think. The company learned that "many of the 800 farmers in our Regenerative Organic Certified Serendipalm project in Ghana also grew cocoa.")*

Aroma notes for this dark chocolate bar included rich cocoa, spices, nuts and very faint fruit-floral notes. 

The segmented bar was thick enough to hold a generous serving of whole, softly crunchy, roasted hazelnuts amidst smooth, flavorful dark chocolate.

Flavor notes included: bold, balanced dark chocolate with hints of roasted nut, coffee and authentic vanilla bean (complex, slightly earthy, floral spice). Bites with whole hazelnuts yielded an honest hazelnut experience.

Because of the bold quality of the cacao (similar to Forastero cacao), and a judicious amount of coconut sugar, this 70% dark chocolate seemed darker (75%-78% cacao) and less sweet (thank you)--allowing more smooth, deep flavor to come through. The chocolate was relatively low in bitterness and acidity, making it fairly accessible to those who might shy away from ultra-dark bars.

Ingredients: Fair trade organic cocoa beans, fair trade organic coconut sugar, organic hazelnuts, fair trade organic cocoa butter, fair trade organic Bourbon vanilla bean

Allergen-related information: "Made on equipment that also processes almonds, hazelnuts, milk, coconut and soy." (Contains nuts - hazelnuts.)

*"Dr. Bronner's and its sister company Serendipalm opened the world's first certified organic and fair trade palm oil production facility in 2009."



Saturday, December 11, 2021

Magicdates, LLC - Hazelnut 100% Dark Chocolate Covered - Dec. 11, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Magicdates, LLC
Hazelnut - 100% Dark Chocolate Covered
Good - Good +
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total package
Calories: 130 calories in 2 pieces (1 serving)
Cost: $5.29 for 1 package of 6 pieces
Purchased from: Piazza's, Palo Alto, CA 

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Hazelnuts Theme Week.

Today's Hazelnut 100% Dark Chocolate Covered energy bites were from Magicdates, LLC (Los Angeles, CA). The company offers other flavors (including: salted walnut brownie, coconut cream cake, lush lemon, and chocolate coconut cookie).

The aroma for these, oval-shaped, date-sweetened bites included malty, nutty and very faint coconut and cereal notes. An ultra-dark chocolate shell contained a hearty, chewy center made of compressed dates, hazelnuts and walnuts, coconut, and cocoa nibs--with a very fleeting earth note. They had a satisfying taste and were not too sweet (thank you).

These Hazelnut bites were packaged in a sturdy, resealable pouch, well suited to travel in a purse or bag, or as a snack for an outdoor adventure.

Ingredients: Dates, unsweetened chocolate, walnuts, shredded coconut, hazelnut butter, coconut powder, cacao nibs, coconut cream, coconut oil, hazelnut extract, Himalayan pink salt.

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a facility that processes nuts, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, eggs, soybeans and milk." (Contains walnuts, hazelnuts, coconut); Non-GMO Verified, "vegan, gluten free"

 

Exquisito Chocolates - Dark Chocolate "Hazelnut Better" Cups - Dec. 10, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Exquisito Chocolates, LLC
Dark Chocolate "Hazelnut Better" Cups
Good +++
Weight: 1.7 oz. (51 g.) in package of 4 small cups
Calories: 260 calories (estimate) in 4 small cups (1 package)
Cost: $10.00 for 1 package of 4 cups ($39 for a multiple-item order)
Purchased from: Good Food Awards Marketplace via Exquisito (online order)

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate and Hazelnut Theme Week.

Today's Dark Chocolate "Hazelnut Better" Cups were from Exquisito Chocolates, LLC (Miami, FL). The company operates a shop and small chocolate factory; and they offer a range of dark chocolate truffles, bars and confections (including at least three Good Food Awards Finalists for 2022) that can also be purchased online.

These dark chocolate cups--three-ingredient confections--were handcrafted in Miami's Historic Little Havana neighborhood. Why is this significant? First, confections typically have more ingredients, sugar and often other additives and are not typically made with fine cacao from scratch. Second, Miami is one of the closest major U.S. cities to Central and South America and the Caribbean where there is great cacao that chocolate makers can source directly.

Today's diminutive, heavenly hazelnut cups had a rich, roasted hazelnut drinking chocolate aroma, and a melt and texture that was a perfect blend of creamy (chocolate and ganache) and crunchy (a generous smattering of tiny hazelnut bits across the top). 
 
Sweet, but not too sweet, these chocolate cups (created by owner and chief chocolate maker Carolina Quijano, and team) landed squarely in my happy zone. I quickly broke my promise to save two cups for a friend. Sorry friend. But I'll be ordering more in the future.

Maker's tasting notes/description: "A handcrafted version of the candy classic, but now made with real ingredients and sustainably sourced cacao. Picture if your favorite childhood treat went off and got its PhD."

Ingredients: "Cacao, organic hazelnuts, unrefined cane sugar"

Allergen-related information: Contains tree nuts (hazelnuts).

Friday, December 10, 2021

Zotter - In-Fusion - Passion Fruit + Orange Chocolate (bar) - Dec. 9, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter
In-Fusion - Passion Fruit + Orange in Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar 
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zotterusa.com, online order

Welcome to Day #18 of Chocolate and Fruit Theme Weeks.

Today's Zotter In-Fusion Passion Fruit + Orange in Cacao (bar) was made from bean-to-bar, in Austria, and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers, FL). 

This dark chocolate was part of a line of fruit "in-fusion" bars made with fine cacao(s) and flavored with a variety of freeze-dried fruits that mirror/enhance naturally occurring fruit notes found in cacao--a wonderful concept. 

Today's bar had a very subtle aroma (chocolate, butter/cream, diffuse fruit); a creamy, even texture; and a smooth chocolately flavor with notes of sweet citrus (faint, sweet orange), very faint tropical fruit (mango, passion fruit), and fleeting, very faint earth and light seed/nut notes. There is also a trace of light passion fruit that shows up in the finish.

While nicely executed and well balanced, milk powder added to this dark chocolate smoothed (but also muted) flavors a bit. Some will really like the sophisticated smoothness. However, leaving out milk would likely have resulted in stronger cocoa and brighter or clearer fruit (passion fruit and orange) notes for fine flavor complexity fans.

Maker's tasting notes: "Dark chocolate with a classic 70% cacao content enhanced with 2 types of couverture--passion fruit and orange. It combines a sublime chocolate indulgence with sweet and tangy citrus fruit. This goes very well with the cacao's natural aroma profile, which is full of citrus notes. It also gets its tender melt from pure cocoa butter. Created...using fine flavor cacao and freeze-dried orange juice and passion fruit. A dark chocolate with a refreshing orange and passion fruit flavor--an absolute zinger!"

Ingredients: Organic, fair trade cocoa mass; organic, fair trade cane sugar; organic, fair trade cocoa butter; dry skim milk yoghurt; organic dried passion fruit (2%); organic dried oranges (2%); organic soy lecithin; organic, fair trade dark brown cane sugar; organic lemon powder (organic lemon juice concentrate, organic corn starch, organic sugar); organic vanilla bean powder; salt.

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk, soy." "Manufactured on equipment that processes tree nuts, peanuts, and sesame."

Thursday, December 9, 2021

Alec's Ice Cream - Chocolate Organic Ice Cream (+ fruits) - Dec. 8, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Alec's Ice Cream
Chocolate Organic Ice Cream (+ fruits)
Good ++
Weight: 1/2 cup (92 g.) / 1 Pint (473 mL) in total container
Calories: 250 calories in 1/2 cup
Cost: $2.99 for 1 container (pint)
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #17 of Chocolate and Fruits Theme Weeks.

Today's Chocolate Organic Ice Cream was made by Alec's Ice Cream (Petaluma, CA).

This chocolate ice cream was quite tasty, with a creamy melt and texture, and rich chocolate, cream caramel, and fleeting fudge-y earth, faint salt, nut and dark chocolate cookie aroma and flavor notes. 

I tried this ice cream by itself--and with a banana split, with sliced banana and two other ice cream flavors (strawberry and passion fruit). It was good both ways; but I liked it best a la carte. A great, flavorful chocolate ice cream will not let you down.

Ingredients: *Cream, *skim milk, *cane sugar, *bittersweet chocolate (*cacao beans, *cane sugar, *cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin), *cocoa (processed with alkali), *egg yolks. Less than 2% of: *locust bean gum, *guar gum. (*Organic)

Allergen-related information: "Contains: dairy and eggs." "Manufactured on equipment that also processes tree nuts, peanuts and soy."

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Chocolate Naive - Soursop Fruit Chocolate 67% (bar) - Dec. 7, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolate Naive
Soursop Fruit Chocolate 67% (bar) 
Good ++
Weight: 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 316.96 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $10.00 (+ summer shipping) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #16 of Chocolate and Fruits Theme Weeks.

Today's Soursop Fruit Chocolate 67% (bar) was from Chocolate Naive (Vilnius, Lithuania).

Aroma notes for this bar included: rich, slightly earthy chocolate with diffuse fruit and very faint nut/buttery seed notes.

The chocolate had a smooth texture, with a slight fruit astringency (faint grainy, dryness).

The flavor had a lovely blooming quality upon the first bite. Notes included buttery chocolate and tart-sweet soursop fruit (complex, fluxing notes of plum; custard apple; ripe, sweet fuyu persimmon; very faint strawberry; very faint ripe, sweet pineapple; very faint, sweet kiwi)--and a fleeting faint, sweet parsnip/sweet potato note. 

What a fun, intricate and interesting fruit and chocolate ride--made possible by Chocolate Naive chocolate maker, Domantas Uzpalis, who skillfully showcased soursop*, and enabled us to experience this unique tasty fruit shape-shifter.

Ingredients: "Specialty cacao*, cane sugar*, pure cacao butter*, soursop* (7%). *Wild or all-natural farming"

Allergen-related information: May contain traces of treenuts, peanuts, wheat, milk.

*There are many varieties of soursop (also known as graviola (Brazilian Portuguese) and guanabana (Spanish)). Native to the tropical Americas, soursop (Annona muricata) is related to other "custard apple" fruits, and to fruits like the Brazilian pawpaw, the North American pawpaw, and the cherimoya. (Laxmanphal in India.) Sapote fruits are often included in this broader group. All of these are relatively rare in U.S. markets.

While I don't know exactly which variety of soursop was incorporated into this bar, I enjoyed reading the maker's description (below):

"Healthy doesn't have to mean boring, and this miracle fruit bar sure has its place for the picky chocolate aficionado who plans to live a long, unmiserable, and vigorous life. There are fruits, superfruits, and super mega fruits, but they all bite the dust compared to soursop. Behind the warty spines and thick leathery skin hides the succulent pulp, and oh boy is it delicious! Open your mouth and get ready to heal."

The illustration on this bar's packaging depicted a soursop fruit with a spiky green exterior, and a light-colored interior (fruit pulp) with relatively large, dark seeds.


Raven Rising - 76% Tanzanie Dark Chocolate and Red Plum (bar) - Dec. 6, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Raven Rising
76% Tanzanie Dark Chocolate and Red Plum (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) / 3.71 oz. (105 g.) (estimate) in total bar
Calories: 280 calories in 50 g. piece of bar (approx. 1/2 bar)
Cost: $13.75 (+ shipping) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Raven Rising, via invoice 

Welcome to Day #15 of Chocolate and Fruits Theme Weeks.

Today's 76% Tanzanie Dark Chocolate and Red Plum (bar) was from Raven Rising (Sudbury, Ontario, Canada). Chief chocolatier, Chef Tammy Maki, uses chocolate(s) from Barry Callebaut for her creations. 

This beautiful dark bar was adorned with colorful (deep purple shading into magenta), thick, luscious (freeze-dried) plum slices. Aroma notes for this thick chocolate bar included very subtle dark chocolate and fragrant, spiced plum notes. 

Flavor notes included: hearty, smooth, dark chocolate and delicious, tart-sweet, ripe plum. 

Ingredients: "Tanzania 75% (unsweetened chocolate, sugar, cocoa butter, natural vanilla flavor), Freeze-dried plum (black doris plums)."

Allergen-related information: "Contains: Soy."


Sunday, December 5, 2021

Raaka - French Apple Tart - unroasted dark chocolate (bar) - Dec. 5, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Raaka Chocolate
French Apple Tart unroasted dark chocolate 67% cacao (bar)
Good +
Weight: .9 oz. (25.4 g.) / 1.8 oz. (50.9 g.) in total bar
Calories: 140 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Raaka.com, online order

Welcome to Day #14 of Chocolate and Fruits Theme Weeks.

Today's French Apple Tart unroasted dark chocolate 67% cacao (bar) was from Raaka Chocolate (Brooklyn, NY). 

The company offers a wide variety of bars made with cacao that is not roasted--a choice made to capture "the brighter, bolder, and fruitier side of cacao."

Aroma notes included bittersweet dark chocolate and diffuse fruit. The (unroasted) cacao used to make this dark bar was from Kokoa Kamili (cacao producers in Tanzania) and was relatively smooth in aroma, texture and flavor.

Flavor notes included subtle, tart fruit (apple and stone fruit (cherry) tart/pie) with floral (vanilla) and very faint (possibly implied) spice--all melded with dark chocolate that lingered a bit in the finish. It was easy to imagine sitting outside a cafe in Paris on a sunny autumn day, enjoying a luscious bit of tart apple fruit pastry--with flaky crust edges rimmed in dark chocolate.

The 67% chocolate had rich dark flavor (smooth, and not too sweet); and overall bar had a balanced, but relatively high (fruit) acidity, and low-medium (and quite smooth) bitterness.

Maker's tasting notes: "Tarte aux pommes gets a chocolatey twist in this tart, apple and apricot infused Tanzanian dark chocolate. A dash of star anise and vanilla bean nod to apple brandy."

Ingredients: Organic cacao, organic cacao butter, organic cane sugar, organic green apple, organic apricot, organic star anise, organic vanilla 

Allergen-related information: "vegan, gluten free, soy free, nut free"

 

Oodaalolly - Lina's Langka Milk Chocolate (bar) - Dec. 4, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Oodaalolly, LLC
Lina's Langka Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good +
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) in total bar
Calories: 136 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $5.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Oadaalolly, online order 

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

Today's Lina's Langka* Milk Chocolate (bar) was from Oodaalolly, LLC (El Cerrito, CA). 

The focus for chocolate maker and founder Hernan Lauber (and new business partner/maker Jeremy Burnich) has been on producing bean to bar chocolates made with cacao (and flavor inclusions) from the Philippines.

Aroma notes for today's jackfruit milk chocolate bar included: sweet milk chocolate (caramel), and fruit (bright, sweet mango fruit and cacao fruit pulp).

Flavor notes for this bar included milk chocolate (cream caramel, light butterscotch, faint brown sugar); tropical fruit (light pineapple, faint mango, very light citrus); and a very faint fleeting mint/pine note.

This was a sweet chocolate, but not cloying. The raw cane sugar and jackfruit added natural sweetness and flavor depth. Thank you to the maker for the opportunity to enjoy a skillfully executed and rare blend of jackfruit and chocolate.

Maker's notes: "A well-balanced and unusual flavor profile of pineapple, banana, and peanuts with minimal sweetness." (At the request of chocolate maker (Jeremy's) "mother-in-law, Lina, who loves langka, we combined it with non-traditional low-sugar milk chocolate.")

Ingredients: Cacao, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, raw cane sugar, jackfruit.

Allergen-related information: Contains milk 

*"In the Philippines, jackfruit is known as langka in Tagalog and nangku in Cebuanu." Jackfruit has a relatively strong smell and taste, and is often likened to pineapple. 



 

Zotter - In-Fusion Blackcurrant in Cacao (bar) - Dec. 3, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter
In-Fusion - Blackcurrant in Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good + 
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar 
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zotterusa.com, online order

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate and Fruit Theme Weeks.

Today's Zotter In-Fusion Blackcurrant in Cacao (bar) was made in Austria and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers, FL). 

This dark chocolate was part of a line of fruit "in-fusion" bars made with fine cacao and flavored with freeze-dried fruits that in many cases mirror naturally occurring fruit notes in cacao--a wonderful concept.

The bar had a subtle aroma with chocolate, diffuse fruit (dark sweet berry), bread and butter, and clean mineral notes.

Flavors included fruity, robust yet smooth, dark chocolate, with authentic dark berry and blackcurrant (pastille, fruit juice), and very faint, fleeting earthy fruit and black raspberry yogurt notes. A balanced, tangy black currant tartness lingered at the end and contrasted with a subtle, slightly earthy dark chocolate in the finish.

While nicely executed and well balanced, the milk powder added to this 70% dark chocolate muted what might have been bolder aroma and flavors.

Adding milk to dark chocolate can even out flavors and give them a mellow, homogeneous continuity; however the sharper and stronger notes (for better or for worse) may be neutralized in the process.

Maker's tasting notes: "...Created, bean to bar, using fine flavor cacao and freeze-dried blackcurrants. A dark chocolate with a refreshing blackcurrant flavor--a sophisticated and very berry indulgence..."

Ingredients: Organic, fair trade cocoa mass; organic, fair trade cane sugar; organic, fair trade cocoa butter; organic dried blackcurrants (4%); dry skim milk; organic soy lecithin.

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk, soy." "Manufactured on equipment that processes tree nuts, peanuts and sesame."

Friday, December 3, 2021

Zotter - In-Fusion - Raspberry in Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar) - Dec. 2, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter
In-Fusion - Raspberry in Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar 
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zotterusa.com, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and Fruit Theme Weeks.

Today's Zotter In-Fusion Raspberry in Cacao (bar) was made in Austria and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers, FL). 

This dark chocolate was part of a line of fruit "in-fusion" bars made with fine cacao and flavored with ground, freeze-dried fruits that mirror/enhance naturally occurring fruit notes in cacao.

Aroma notes for this bar included: red raspberries and raspberry hot chocolate. 

Made with 40% "dark" milk chocolate, this bar had a creamy, even texture; and a smooth, sweet, chocolately hot cocoa flavor. 

Other flavor notes included red raspberry fruit and jam, faint vanilla and a very faint, fleeting earth note. 

The number one ingredient was sugar; and this bar was quite a bit sweeter than the other dark chocolate bars in this (Zotter) In-Fusion bar series tasted so far. All have contained some milk powder, but the other In-Fusion bars contained (or at least started with) 70% dark chocolate vs. today's milkier and sweeter 40% cacao bar. As a result cocoa notes were more muted.

Happily the authentic fruit aroma and flavor of the raspberries (fully incorporated and with no seed grit) were allowed to shine brightly and beautifully in this bar. A judicious amount of vanilla contributed some natural "happy" flavor (hot cocoa, baked goods), and a wee bit of salt helped balance the sweetness.

Maker's tasting notes: "Created bean-to-bar, using fine flavor cacao and freeze-dried raspberries by "Faire Beere".*

Ingredients: Organic, fair trade cane sugar; organic, fair trade cocoa butter; dry whole milk; organic, fair trade cocoa mass; dry skim milk; organic dried raspberries (2%); organic soy lecithin; organic vanilla bean powder; organic lemon powder (organic lemon juice concentrate, organic corn starch, organic sugar); salt

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk, soy." (double check all ingredients)

*Faire Beere d.o.o. is a producer of fruits and tree nuts, located in Bratunac, Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Zotter - In-Fusion - Sour Cherry in Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar) - Dec. 1, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter
In-Fusion - Sour Cherry in Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good + 
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar 
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zotterusa.com, online order

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Fruit Theme Weeks.

Today's Zotter In-Fusion Sour Cherry in Cacao (bar) was made in Austria and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers, FL). 

This dark chocolate was part of a line of fruit "in-fusion" bars made with fine cacao and flavored with freeze-dried fruits that in many cases mirror naturally occurring fruit notes in cacao--a wonderful concept.

The bar had a very subtle aroma (chocolate, diffuse fruit, french bread); a creamy, even texture; and a smooth chocolately flavor with notes of subtle cherry and fleeting, very faint, earthy fruit.

While nicely executed and well balanced, the added milk to this 70% dark bar may have muted aroma and flavors somewhat. I was expecting stronger cocoa and brighter tart cherry notes until I spotted "dry skim milk" in the ingredients list.

Adding milk to dark chocolate can even out flavors and give them a mellow, homogeneous continuity; however the sharper and stronger notes (for better or for worse) may be neutralized in the process.

Maker's tasting notes: "...intensely chocolatey with a sublime cocoa butter melt and charming sour cherry flavor."

Ingredients: Organic, fair trade cocoa mass; organic, fair trade cane sugar; organic, fair trade cocoa butter; organic dried sour cherries (4%); dry skim milk; organic soy lecithin; organic lemon powder (organic lemon juice concentrate, organic corn starch, organic sugar)

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk, soy."

Chocolate Naive - 61% Dark Milk Chocolate with Golden Berries and Banana (bar) - Nov. 30, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolate Naive 
61% Dark/Milk Chocolate with Golden Berries and Banana (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 158 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.00 (+ summer shipping) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Fruit Theme Weeks.

Today's 61% Dark Milk Chocolate with Golden Berries* and Banana (bar) was from Chocolate Naive (Vilnius, Lithuania).

Aroma notes for this bar included: chocolate, slightly earthy, aromatic fruit (sweet berry), dairy (yogurt, butter), and faint cake/cookie.

The texture was thick and relatively creamy.

This bar had milk-muted yet complex fruit notes (tart-sweet berry, banana) and rich, creamy dark milk chocolate flavor. Because the fruit inclusions were so well incorporated (organic golden berries were freeze dried and ground into the milk chocolate), it was difficult to pick out individual cacao notes. 

The fresh golden berries I've tasted have a flavor a bit like a very sweet yellow cherry tomato. So, the combination with chocolate--the pairing of the golden berries with a bit of sweet, creamy banana, with the tartness mellowed/diffused a bit with grass-fed milk powder, made sense to me; and the blend worked quite nicely.

This 61% bar was a well-balanced dark milk chocolate bar with creamy sweet-tart fruit and cocoa flavors.

Maker's tasting notes: "Initial sourness followed by a creamy aftertaste. Very pleasant combination with pronounced flavor and long-lasting taste." (Notes: "Dried banana-like, honey-like, citrusy, caramely.") Suggested beverage pairing(s): sparkling wines (demi-sec champagne...slightly sweet prosecco); and still wine(s) "such as a pinot noir, merlot or zinfandel." 

Ingredients: "Specialty cacao*, cane sugar*, pure cacao butter*, grass-fed milk powder*,  golden berries*  (5%), banana* (2%). *wild or all-natural farming"

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of treenuts, peanuts, wheat."

*Golden berries (Physalis peruviana) are covered in a very thin, green-beige, papery husk. They are part of the nightshade (Solonaceae) family (as are tomatoes, tomatillos, potatoes, eggplant and peppers). The bright yellow fruits, native to South America (Colombia, Ecuador and Peru), are also known as aguaymanto, uchuvas, uvillas ("little grapes"), Inca berries, Aztec berries, Peruvian groundcherries, Poha berries, husk cherries, Pichu berries, and Cape gooseberries. (They are not gooseberries.)

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Alter Eco - Raspberry Blackout 85% Cacao Organic Dark Chocolate (bar) - Nov. 29, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Alter Eco Foods
Raspberry Blackout 85% Cacao Organic Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.65 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1 serving (4 sections) of bar
Cost: $ missing information
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Fruit Theme Week.

Today's Raspberry Blackout 85% Cacao Organic Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Alter Eco Foods (San Francisco, CA).

Alter Eco packaging for this bar included images of cacao trees surrounded by a diverse mix of (taller) banana trees, hardwood timber and shade trees--with a brief explanation of the benefits of regenerative agriculture (vs. industrial agriculture), inter-cropping and shade-grown crops. "Farm like a forest," was the message "to mimic an abundant forest ecosystem." 

Farmers can benefit from planting more than one crop (less reliance on one single crop if something happens), in addition to gaining more shade for themselves and cacao trees. 

Why should chocolate lovers care? Because we want great chocolate to continue to be farmed and available in the face of climate change and other challenges, and "regenerative agriculture creates extraordinary cacao."  So, how did this chocolate taste?

Aroma
I would describe the aroma for this ultra-dark bar as very berry (raspberry jam) in a base of dark and dense, bittersweet earthy cocoa and dark chocolate cake. (Whenever I smell baked goods, I think there is likely some added vanilla. 

This bar contained a judicious amount of vanilla bean. Unlike vanilla extracts, whole vanilla beans can be a mix of aromatic floral, sweet marshmallow, earthy/woody, faint almost boozy sweet rum and maple extracts, cake/cookie, and other flavors. (Like cacao, vanilla beans contain many different flavor compounds.)

Texture 
Smooth, dense and creamy with occasional tiny, firm raspberry seeds.

Flavor 
Bittersweet, deep dark cocoa (often associated with Forastero variety cacao) with micro-bursts of authentic, tart-sweet raspberry pulp and seeds.

This bar will likely be a delight for high-percentage (80% - 100% cacao) chocolate lovers who also enjoy authentic fruit inclusions. There was plenty of rich flavor(s), without much sugar.

Ingredients: Organic cacao beans, organic cocoa butter, organic raw cane sugar, organic dried raspberries, organic vanilla beans. (

Allergen-related information: "May contain milk, hazelnuts, almonds, coconut, and soy. Individuals who are allergic to these should not consume this product."

Sunday, November 28, 2021

Andy's Orchard - Apricot Surprise - Nov. 28, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Andy's Orchard
Apricot Surprise
Good +
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) (estimate) in 1 large confection
Calories: 230 calories (estimate) in 1 piece
Cost: $3.50 for 1 package
Purchased from: Andy's Orchard, Morgan Hill, CA

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Fruit Theme Weeks. 

Today's Chocolate Surprise was from Andy's Orchard (Morgan Hill, CA).

This jumbo-sized, dark chocolate covered confection had an aroma with fudge brownie and chocolate cookie notes.

A smooth dark chocolate shell covered a large piece of sweet, white divinity fudge with walnuts, topped with dried Blenheim apricot.

The fudge tasted high-quality and homemade but was (as most fudges are for me) too sweet and rich. The other components (the dark chocolate, apricot and walnuts in the fudge) all had authentic, satisfying flavors. Andy's Orchard grows a variety of fruits, including apricots. Prior to the development associated with Silicon Valley, apricots, cherries and plums were local and road-side market staples in Santa Clara County.* 

Ingredients: Dried Blenheim Apricots, Divinity with Walnuts, and chocolate

Allergy-related information: (No information on small label; contained tree nuts (walnuts).)

*Apricots orchards were everywhere in the South Bay 1950s. The street I had grown up on was once part of an orchard, as near as I can tell. "...Until the 1960s, Santa Clara Valley was the largest fruit production and packing region in the world, with 39 canneries."

By the 1970s, the fruit industry was winding down and many fruit canneries had closed. The remaining fruit trees were still beautiful, especially in the early spring, when apricot and cherry trees were covered with white blossoms, and swathes of green grass and yellow mustard flowers and sour grass (oxalis) flowers grew between the trees. 

Children would wander into orchard remnants to gaze at caterpillars and butterflies, eat an apricot, and occasionally throw ripe apricots at each other. At least that's what we did, before the old orchard behind our back fence was bulldozed and homes were built.

Now, I need to drive south for an hour to find apricot trees at Andy's Orchard; and I was grateful there were still some Bleinheim apricots left.


Andy's Orchard - Chocolate Apricot - Nov. 27, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Andy's Orchard
Chocolate Apricot
Good ++
Weight: 1.2 oz. (33.96 g.) (estimate) in 1 package
Calories: 150 calories (estimate) in 1 package
Cost: $3.00 for 1 package
Purchased from: Andy's Orchard, Morgan Hill, CA

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Fruit Theme Weeks. 

Today's Chocolate Apricot was from Andy's Orchard (Morgan Hill, CA).

This dark chocolate covered Blenheim apricot had aroma notes that included: coffee, earthy dark chocolate and very faint honey sweet-tart fruit and biscuit/cookie.

The plump, moist and sweet Blenheim apricot contributed authentic apricot tart-sweet, stone fruit flavor with rich, faint honey-floral notes. The smooth, dark chocolate couverture complemented the sweetness.

This also evoked childhood memories of eating chocolate covered (California-grown) apricots and prunes. 

Ingredients: Dried Blenheim Apricot (prepared with sulfur dioxide), and dark chocolate 

Allergen-related information: (none listed on small label))

Saturday, November 27, 2021

Andy's Orchard - Apricot Amaretto Sandwich - Nov. 26, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Andy's Orchard
Apricot Amaretto Sandwich 
Good + - Good++
Weight: 1.6 oz. (45 g.) (estimate) 1 piece
Calories: 160 calories (estimate) in 1 piece
Cost: $3.50 for 1 package
Purchased from: Andy's Orchard, Morgan Hill, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Fruit Theme Weeks. 

Today's Apricot Amaretto Sandwich was from Andy's* Orchard (Morgan Hill, CA).

The aroma of this layered confection included notes of chocolate biscuit, almond biscotti, cooked rice, and sweet almond cookies.

Flavors included layers of dark chocolate, marzipan, and juicy, tart-sweet apricot with honey floral notes. The use of (now relatively rare) Blenheim apricots up-leveled the flavor. It made for a great California dessert.

Ingredients: Dried Blenheim Apricot (prepared with sulfur dioxide), glace apricot, marzipan, and chocolate

Allergen-related information: (none listed on small label/tag)

*Andy" of Andy's Orchard is Andrew Mariani -- part of a famous California fruit growing family.


Thursday, November 25, 2021

Zotter - Cranberry In-Fusion in Cacao (bar) - Nov. 25, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter
In-Fusion - Cranberry in Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.235 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Zotterusa.com, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Fruit Weeks, and Happy Thanksgiving Day in the U.S., where cranberries and cranberry orange sauce are on the menu.

Today's In-Fusion - Cranberry in Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar) was made from bean-to-bar in Austria and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers, FL).

The aroma of this organic bar included fresh butter, subtle sweet, fruit (tart red berry and very faint sweet lemon and pineapple); and very faint fall floral spice (saffron-infused honey and sweet marigold) notes.

This chocolate had a smooth texture with a velvety melt that accelerated over a period of seconds, and a creamy mouthfeel. 

The dark chocolate had quite a smooth with uniformly balanced taste, well integrated dark chocolate and tart red fruit (cranberry) flavors with a very faint buttery sweet lemon and saffron floral honey scone note. The dark chocolate was low in bitterness and had mellow, balanced fruit acidity.

The sweetness level was pleasant and not too overpowering. (Thank you.)

Ingredients: Organic, fair trade cocoa mass; organic, fair trade cane sugar; fair trade organic cocoa butter; organic dried cranberries (4%); organic coconut powder (organic coconut paste, organic coconut milk, organic coconut flour); organic rice drink powder (organic rice, organic sunflower oil, salt), organic, fair trade toasted coconut; organic soy lecithin, organic lemon powder (organic lemon juice concentrate, organic corn starch, organic sugar), organic vanilla bean powder, salt, emulsifier: organic sunflower lecithin

Allergen-related information: Manufactured on equipment that processes tree nuts, peanuts, milk, and sesame. 

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Raven Rising - Cranberry (filled chocolate) - Nov. 24, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Raven Rising 
Cranberry - (filled chocolate)
Good ++
Weight: .5 oz. (14 g.) / 6 oz. (168 g.) (estimate, per label) in total box of 12 pieces
Calories: 43.4 calories (estimate, per label) in 1 piece
Cost: $37.50 for 1 box of 12 chocolates (4 different flavors) (+ shipping)
Purchased from: Raven Rising, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Fruit Theme Weeks. 

Today's Cranberry dark chocolate was made using Cacao Barry's relatively new Evocao "WholeFruit" chocolate made with cacao fruit.* This chocolate was part of a 4-flavor assortment box from Raven Rising (Sudbury, Ontario, Canada).

Edible berries including cranberries** have a long history in the Americas; and a Cranberry chocolate seemed an appropriate to mark Thanksgiving Day tomorrow (Thursday) in the U.S., as well as Native American Heritage Day, a holiday since 2008, that falls on the Friday that follows Thanksgiving here.***

Raven Rising offers "Global Indigenous Chocolates" that include local/native ingredients (flavor inclusions) and ingredients sourced from Indigenous people and businesses where possible. Pastry Chef and Chief Chocolatier, Tammy Maki, produces a variety of well-executed and interesting bars and confections. She uses chocolate from Barry Callebaut Group** (Zurich, Switzerland) for her creations. Maki is a "proud Saulteaux Ojibwe Kwe from White Bear First Nation in Saskatchewan" (Canada).

Aroma
This dark chocolate confection and had a meaty, dark chocolate aroma with dark red fruit (cranberry) notes.

Flavor
I enjoyed this thoroughly dark (couverture and ganache filling) chocolate that had pemmican, tart authentic bittersweet red fruit (cranberry) and caramel notes with balanced bitter earth and citrus acidity. It's hard to find flavorful confections like this that aren't too sweet. (Thank you!)

Ingredients: (included: Cacao Berry WholeFruit Evocao dark chocolate, cranberries)

Allergen-related information: (None listed/found; possible of traces of soy, dairy)

*Barry Callebaut was created in 1996 after a merger between Belgian chocolate maker Callebaut and French chocolate producer Cacao Barry. Following the acquisition of the cocoa business from Petra Foods in 2013, Barry Callebaut became one of the largest producers of chocolate and cocoa products and suppliers to confectioners, chocolatiers and chefs worldwide.

In 2021, the company began shipping 72% dark chocolate Evocao(tm) WholeFruit (Chocolat Toutfruit) for chefs, bakers, chocolatiers and other food professionals--as the first offering in a WholeFruit chocolate line-up. This dark chocolate contains 31% cocoa mass, 41% cocoa butter, as well as "upcycled" cacao/fruit pulp/juice/sugars/"peel"--detectable by tart-sweet, citric acid-like flavor (although there was no palpable fruit pulp texture). It is also supposed to be lower in sugar (probably less cane sugar if natural fruit is being used).

**American cranberries are endemic to boggy/swampy areas in northeast North America. Growing areas extend as far south as Georgia and north into Canada. 

Tammy Maki at Raven Rising notes that the "...Tart, tangy cranberry has been a staple of Indigenous peoples and had been used as a food and medicine. Cranberries were an integral part of pemmican (somewhat similar to jerky, made from tallow, meat and cranberries/berries) and (cranberries) helped preserve the meat. The dye from cranberries was used for blankets and rugs."

***Indigenous Peoples days are celebrated in October in the U.S. and in June in Canada.

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Raven Rising - 76% Tanzanie Banana (bar); and Black Trumpet Mushroom Chocolate - Nov. 23, 2021

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Raven Rising
76% Tanzanie Dark Chocolate and Banana (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.75 oz. (50 g.) / 3.71 oz. (105 g.) (estimate) in total bar
Calories: 290 calories (per label) in 50 g. of bar
Cost: $13.75 for 1 bar (+ shipping)
Purchased from: Raven Rising, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

Raven Rising
Black Trumpet Mushroom (chocolate)
Good ++
Weight: .5 oz. (14 g.) / 6 oz. (168 g.) (estimate per label) in 1 box of 12 pieces
Calories: 43.4 calories (estimate, per label) in 1 piece
Cost: $37.50 for 1 box of 12 chocolates (4 different flavors) (+ shipping)
Purchased from: Raven Rising, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Fruit Theme Weeks.

Today's 76% Tanzanie (Tanzania) Dark Chocolate and Banana (bar) and Black Trumpet Mushroom filled chocolate were both handcrafted creations from Raven Rising (Sudbury, Ontario, Canada). 

The company is helmed by Chef Tammy Maki (a "proud Saulteaux Ojibwe Kwe from White Bear First Nation in Saskatchewan" (Canada)) and produces "Global Indigenous Chocolates" including high-quality bars and confections. Maki sources ingredients from Indigenous people and businesses whenever possible, and uses Barry Callebaut (Callebaut and Cacao Barry) chocolate(s) that are traceable back to their respective origins.

Tanzanie Dark Chocolate and Banana (bar)
 
Maki does a masterful job of selecting chocolate origins and blends to pair with her Indigenous flavor inclusions. The Tanzania dark chocolate used as a base for light and airy banana slices was delicious, with chocolate (deep dark chocolate brownie/torte), diffuse fruit (prune, fig cookie, berry, green banana), nut and green notes.

This relatively thick bar had a creamy, smooth texture with a substantial, satisfying mouthfeel.

The freeze-dried banana slices added a subtle, authentic and highly complementary, banana fruit flavor.

Ingredients: "Tanzanie 75% (unsweetened chocolate, sugar, cocoa butter, natural vanilla flavour), Freeze-dried banana (banana)."

Allergen-related information: "Contains: Soy."

Black Trumpet Mushroom chocolate
Mushrooms may be referred to as the "fruit(ing) body" of a fungi/fungus. But, they're not really fruits. However, mushrooms can make great flavor additions to chocolate(s). 

The second Raven Rising chocolate featured today was a filled chocolate flavored with black trumpet mushroom (also called the black chanterelle mushroom). The Black Trumpet was described as having a "nutty/smokey taste that pairs perfectly with the chocolate." (I couldn't agree more. Then again, I really enjoy savory/umami chocolate flavors; so perhaps I'm biased.)

This creamy, filled chocolate was made with "Cacao Barry 70% Fleur De Cao" (blend) couverature chocolate. It had well balanced, very subtle savory (mushroom), subtle tart-sweet red fruit/sweet red wine grape, faint floral (vanilla) and nut, and rich chocolate (faint brownie) aroma and flavor notes. The umami flavor of the mushroom helped balance out the sugar in these sophisticated confections.

Allergen-related information: Contains: dairy

Raven Rising - Paw Paw in Cacao Barry Ghana Milk Chocolate - Nov. 22, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Raven Rising 
Paw Paw in Cacao Barry Ghana Milk Chocolate
Good ++
Weight: .5 oz. (14 g.) / 6 oz. (168 g.) (estimate, per label) in total box of 12 pieces
Calories: 43.4 calories (estimate, per label) in 1 piece
Cost: $37.50 for 1 box of 12 chocolates (4 different flavors) (+ shipping)
Purchased from: Raven Rising, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate and Fruits Theme Weeks, beginning with a filled chocolate flavored with paw paw--a relatively rare. exotic-tasting fruit endemic to North America.*

Today's Paw Paw* filled chocolate was created using Ghana milk chocolate. This flavor was part of an intriguing, 4-flavor assortment box from Raven Rising (Sudbury, Ontario, Canada). 

The company offers "Global Indigenous Chocolates" that include local/native ingredients (flavor inclusions) and ingredients sourced from Indigenous people and businesses where possible. Pastry Chef, Owner and Chief Chocolatier, Tammy Maki, at Raven Rising produces a variety of well-executed and interesting bars and confections. She uses chocolate from Barry Callebaut Group** (Zurich, Switzerland) for her creations. Maki is a "proud Saulteaux Ojibwe Kwe from White Bear First Nation in Saskatchewan" (Canada).

Aroma
The milk chocolate shell (colored an attractive paw paw peel green) had a rich, nuanced chocolate aroma with true chocolate (faint brownie) as well as faint fruit, nut and earth notes. 

Flavor
The taste of the creamy ganache filling (combined with the chocolate outer shell) contained notes of mango + banana + sweet citrus + over-ripe, almost boozy, nutty earthy pear + custard apple. Although diluted a bit by the cream, sugar and milk chocolate, happily, traces of this unique paw paw fruit flavor shone through.

Ingredients: Ghana 40% milk chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, unsweetened Ghana chocolate, soy lecithin, vanilla bean seeds), paw paw (paw paw fruit, invert sugar)

Allergen-related information: Contains dairy (milk), soy (lecithin).

*The paw-paw fruit (approximately 4-5 inches long) resembles an elongated kidney-shaped green pear on the outside. (The skin darkens considerably to an avocado black-green as it ripens or if bruised.) The fruit inside is a yellow to yellow-orange flesh that evokes a blend of mango, banana, citrus and custard apple. The fleshy center contains several relatively large brown seeds (about the same size as cacao seeds (beans)).

While found primarily East of the Rocky Mountains in the U.S., this fruit is also cultivated on the West Coast (including small, specialty orchards in California).

Perhaps most notably, the paw paw is thought to be the largest fruit native to North America. (It's a bit larger/longer than the relatively small "American persimmon.") Both of these indigenous fruits (along with berries and smaller fruits) were cultivated and eaten by Indigenous Americans, primarily in the Eastern U.S. (and Canada) for centuries before Europeans and others subsequently brought in larger fruits from around the globe: Europe, South America, Asia, Africa and Mediterranean and middle eastern countries.

**Barry Callebaut was created in 1996 after a merger between Belgian chocolate maker Callebaut and French chocolate producer Cacao Barry. Following the acquisition of the cocoa business from Petra Foods in 2013, Barry Callebaut became one of the largest producers of chocolate and cocoa products and suppliers to confectioners, chocolatiers and chefs worldwide.

Sunday, November 21, 2021

Bixby and Co. - Organic 70% Dark Chocolate - Haitian Cacao (bar) - Nov. 21, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Bixby and Co.
Organic 70% Dark Chocolate - Haitian Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 2 oz. (56 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.50 for 1 bar ($46 for 4 bars)
Purchased from: Bixby and Co. via Good Food Awards Marketplace, online order

Welcome to the last day (Day #16) of Chocolate and Hispaniola Theme Weeks, featuring chocolates from the Dominican Republic and the Republic of Haiti. 

It's been great to see (and taste) many high-quality, small batch bars from both these two nations that sharing one island, including a number of organic chocolate bars.

Today's Organic 70% Dark Chocolate bar from small batch artisan chocolate maker Bixby and Co. (Rockland, ME) was crafted from Haitian cacao beans.

This bar had a naturally sweet dark chocolate aroma and flavor with diffuse fruit acidity (very faint ripe, dark berries, with a barely detectable whisper of citrus and green). 

The two-ingredient bar had a bright sweetness with medium acidity, and was low in bitterness.

Ingredients: Organic cacao beans, organic cane sugar.

Allergen-related information: "Prepared in a facility that also processes milk, tree nuts and peanut ingredients." Organic, vegan and gluten free.

Honeymoon Chocolates - 80% Haiti + Manuka Dark Chocolate (bar) - Nov. 20, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Honeymoon Chocolates
80% Haiti + Manuka (honey) Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.1 oz. (31 g.) / 2.2 oz. (62 g.) in total bar
Calories: 148 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocosphere.com, online order

Welcome to Day #15 of Chocolate and Hispaniola Theme Weeks, including chocolates made from cacao grown in the Dominican Republic and the Republic of Haiti.

Today's 80% Haiti Cacao + Manuka (honey) Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Honeymoon Chocolates (St. Louis, MO).

The aroma notes for this ultra-dark bar included: dark chocolate, light, bright fruit (peach jam, sweet green banana, and very faint ripe berry + spice).

The chocolate had a very smooth texture, with a soft, relatively rapid melt.

Flavor notes included smooth dark chocolate with buttery and floral honey notes--with a relatively mild/friendly flavor profile for an 80% cacao bar, with no harsh or bitter notes and balanced acidity.

Maker's tasting notes: "Apricot, vanilla, green banana, pine"

Ingredients: "Cacao, raw honey, cacao butter"

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that prepares products with peanuts and tree nuts." "Free of refined sugar, soy, dairy, and gluten."


 

Friday, November 19, 2021

Honeymoon Chocolates + Kaldi's Coffee - 75% Haiti + Coffee Dark Chocolate (bar) - Nov. 19, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Honeymoon Chocolates
(with Kaldi's Coffee Roasting Co.)
75% Haiti Cacao + Coffee Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.1 oz. (31 g.) / 2.2 oz. (62 g.) in total bar
Calories: 140 calories (per label) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocosphere.com, online order

Welcome to Day #14 of Chocolate and Hispaniola Theme Weeks, including chocolates made from cacao grown in the Dominican Republic and the Republic of Haiti.

Today's 75% Haiti + Coffee Dark Chocolate (bar) was created by Honeymoon Chocolates (Saint Louis, MO) in collaboration with Kaldi's Coffee Roasting Co. (Saint Louis, MO). 

Origin stories
This chocolate was a blend of single origin ingredients (each with their own story), including the Haiti Brew 4 Impact coffee (from Haiti) roasted by Kaldi's Coffee Roasting Co.; and the Haiti-grown cacao was from Produits des Iles S.A. (PISA)--an organization working directly with cacao farmers in Haiti. 

Last, but not least, this dark chocolate bar was sweetened with "Missouri Wildflower and Clover" raw honey. (Honeymoon Chocolates produces several honey-sweetened bars.*)

Aroma
As soon as I opened the sealed wrapper, I was greeted with the hearty, dark roasted aroma of coffee and chocolate. (This was a welcome wake-up breakfast bar this morning after a long hike yesterday.) 

Texture
The 75% cacao chocolate had smooth texture with a rapid, creamy melt.

Flavor
The flavors included rich coffee and dark chocolate flavor notes, as well as some flickers of light floral sweetness, nut butter and very faint, diffuse berry. This chocolate delivered abundant dark flavor(s), but with very balanced, and relatively low bitterness and acidity. The finish was relatively clean with light lingering mocha notes.

Ingredients: Cacao, raw honey, coffee, cacao butter

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that prepares products with peanuts and tree nuts." "Free of refined sugar, soy, dairy, and gluten." "This product contains raw honey and should not be given to infants under the age of one."

*A portion of the proceeds from this bar go to honeybee research. A unique bar number written on the packaging invites consumers to enter the number at a website to see how their donation is being used.


Triangle Roasters - "Haiti" - 70% Haiti PISA (bar) - Nov. 18, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Triangle Roasters
"Haiti" - 70% Haiti PISA (bar) 
Good ++
Weight: .85 oz. (24 g.) / 1.7 oz. (48 g.) in total bar
Calories: 132 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.25 (+ summer shipping) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate and Hispaniola Theme Weeks, featuring chocolates made with cacao grown in the Dominican Republic and the Republic of Haiti.

Today's Haiti 70% (bar) was made from Produits des Iles S.A. (PISA) cacao that was roasted and handcrafted into bars by Triangle Roasters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The aroma contained subtle, sweet dark chocolate--and diffuse, naturally sweet berry (blackberry, blueberry)--notes.

The bar's flavor had a naturally sweet dark chocolate taste (almost vanilla, but there was vanilla added). The perceived sweetness also arrived in the form of diffuse fruit (dried grape, ripe (sweet, faintly earthy) dark berries (blueberry, blackberry)) notes. The finish was fairly clean and subtle.

Maker's tasting notes: "Vanilla, blueberry, floral"

Ingredients: Organic cacao, organic cane sugar

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility with nuts and dairy"


Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Triangle Roasters - Coffee 68% Haiti PISA (bar) - Nov. 17, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Triangle Roasters
"Coffee" - 68% Haiti PISA + Ethiopian Coffee (bar) 
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .85 oz. (24 g.) / 1.7 oz. (48 g.) in total bar
Calories: 136 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.25 (+ summer shipping) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate and Hispaniola Theme Weeks, featuring chocolates made from cacao grown in the Dominican Republic and the Republic of Haiti.

Today's Coffee 68% Haiti (bar) was made using cacao from Produits des Iles S.A. (PISA) in Haiti (and coffee from Ethiopia) that was roasted and handcrafted into bars by Triangle Roasters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

The intriguingly complex yet subtle aroma of this chocolate bar included: balanced coffee, faint leather, very faint vanilla tobacco, chocolate and faint, diffuse fruit (berry) notes. 

The well-tempered bar broke with a hard snap and had a smooth, uniform texture.

Flavor notes included uniformly rich yet polite dark chocolate and, most notably, clear blueberry (and faint ripe blackberry) notes. 

Overall this bar was smooth and well-executed, with enjoyable aroma and flavor notes.

Ingredients: Cacao, cane sugar, cocoa butter, coffee

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility with nuts and dairy"


 

Tosier Chocolatemaker - PISA Haiti 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Nov. 16, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Tosier Chocolatemaker
PISA Haiti 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.05 oz. (30 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 164.7 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.00 (+ summer shipping) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and Hispaniola Theme Weeks. The focus: single origin chocolate bars made from cacao grown in the Dominican Republic (last week) and Haiti (this week)--the two nations that occupy the Caribbean island of Hispaniola.

Today's PISA Haiti 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Tosier Chocolatemaker (Gipping Valley, Suffolk, UK).

To create this bar, the makers used cacao from Produits des Iles S.A. (PISA), an organization that works directly with farmers in Haiti. The bar's packaging included information about how the cacao was grown,* and a beautifully illustrated explanation of steps involved on the journey that starts with sourced cocoa beans and culminates in finished chocolate bars.

Aroma
The aroma included: subtle herbal-berry flavored lozenge; diffuse fruit (dark, ripe berries: black raspberry, sweet elderberry, currant pastille); barely there, faint and fleeting tart green (lemon, oxalis, wood sorrel); and background chocolate (chocolate torte with red raspberry jam) notes.

Flavor
This well-tempered bar had a glossy sheen and broke with a satisfying snap. The texture and flavor were both uniform and pleasing with notes of dark chocolate cookie/cake. There were no harsh or off notes in this chocolate. 

The natural sweetness of this cacao (including bright red fruit/ripe berry notes) made this 70% bar taste slightly brighter and sweeter than the average 70% dark bar. The fruit complexity also seemed to have some nice potential depth to it. (I'm guessing a slightly darker, 75% cacao version of this bar (with more cacao and less sugar) would be good as well.)

There was a very faint trace of astringency (dryness that you might find in some red wines) in the finish after enjoying a few bites; but it was not off-putting.

Maker's tasting notes: "Complex, with hints of fig, sour cherry and red fruit."

Ingredients: Cocoa beans, organic unrefined cane sugar, ethically sourced cocoa butter

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of nuts." "Gluten free, dairy free, palm oil free...plant-based product"

*The cacao was intercropped with yam, avocado, citrus and plantains. After the cacao fruit was harvested the batch(es) of wet cacao (cacao seeds (aka beans) with fruit pulp) were "centrally fermented...in wooden boxes for around seven days..." before being "sun-dried and turned at regular intervals" (to ensure even moisture content (and flavor) and to prevent mold). The maker also notes: the cacao was "certified organic at origin." 

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Wm. Chocolate - Haiti KAFUPBO 80% Dark (bar) - Nov. 15, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Wm. Chocolate
Haiti KAFUPBO 80% Dark (bar)
Good +++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) in total bar
Calories: 150 calories (estimate) in 1 small bar
Cost: $3.75 (sale) for 1 small bar
Purchased from: Chocosphere.com, online order 

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Hispaniola Theme Weeks--featuring Dominican Republic cacao-based chocolates last week; and chocolates made from cacao grown in the Republic of Haiti this week.

Today's Haiti KAFUPBO 80% Dark (2019 Harvest) (bar) was made from bean to bar by William Marx at Wm. Chocolate LLC (Madison, WI).

KAFUPBO is "a farmer-owned co-op producing world-class organic cacao in northern Haiti." In 2019/2020, Haiti produced only about 5,000 metric tons of cocoa. (The Dominican Republic produced approximately 70,000 metric tons that year.) That's up from the 4,400 tons reported in 2016, but down from the over 20,000 tons from decades earlier--numbers that reflect challenges in this country.

Several organizations, including Produits des Iles S.A. (PISA) and Singing Rooster, have been working with farmers and helping to bring Haiti coffee and cacao to market. I felt grateful to find bars for a Haiti series this week.

Aroma and texture
Today's Wm. Chocolate 80% cacao chocolate had a subtle, complex aroma--a blend of chocolate cookie, with diffuse fruit (red berry, raspberry, very faint sweet lemon, and even fainter lemon herb (oxalis, sour grass, wood sorrel)) notes. The melt and texture were creamy and smooth.

Flavor and tasting ultra-dark bars
As is often the case with ultra-dark (80% and above) chocolates, the flavors are "darker" than the aroma.* Tasting this bar, the initial aroma evoked a sunlit summer tea party with cookies, raspberry jam and lemon slices. 

As I tasted the first piece, it felt like the imaginary tea party had suddenly decided to move into the shaded forest to pick and eat wild blackberries. And I was happy to follow, with an occasional imaginary glance over my shoulder for bears. (Thankfully, no bears or rough or off notes, or earthy spikes; just wonderful, perfectly ripe dark berries and one last cup of tea.)

This bar had a rich dark chocolate flavor that was smooth (well managed) yet complex (rich flavors were allowed to shine). Balanced occasional upticks of earthiness were effectively incorporated into authentic ripe, dark berries: soft undulations of blackberry tea, black currant/elderberry, and black raspberry ice cream notes.

Maker's tasting notes: "Rich and herbal with notes of raspberry, black tea, biscuit"

Ingredients: Certified Organic cacao beans, Certified Organic whole (unrefined) cane sugar, Certified Organic cacao butter

Allergen-related information: "No soy, dairy, grain, nuts, refined sugar, or animal products."

*This rather sudden shift to a darker, more unsweetened cacao taste (vs. a "sweeter" or fruitier initial aroma) found in bars with less than 20% sugar can be a shock--especially for those who are not used to pure cacao flavors or unsweetened chocolate. Our palettes and brains expect chocolates to taste sweet; that's what we're used to. 

However, the best chocolate makers work with farmers, post-harvest fermentation experts, and others to create ultra-dark chocolates with such care and skill that the unique and true flavors of great cacao sing without sugar sparkle; and occasionally (such as with today's maker), seem to add wings for an extra enjoyable ride, where it's possible to experience a form of imaginary culinary transportation.

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