Dick Taylor - Orange Bourbon Pecan 65% Dark (bar) - Nov. 26, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Dick Taylor
Orange Bourbon Pecan (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Sweet Shop, Los Altos, CA

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Holiday Spices Series.

Today's Orange Bourbon Pecan 65% Dark (bar) was handcrafted by Dick-Taylor Craft Chocolate (Eureka, CA).

Aroma notes for this bar included: chocolate, pecan cookie, orange and slightly sweet spirits (Bourbon/whiskey).

Smooth, flavorful 65% (Belize cacao) dark chocolate enveloped crunchy pecan bits that were full of complex flavor upticks: nut, Bourbon, orange (and faint maple) flavors. 

I sprinkled one piece of this bar with a tiny shake of freshly ground cinnamon. It tasted like a holiday pie dessert plate in one bite.

And speaking of holiday pies, a family recipe for a Bourbon-soaked pecan (and orange) flavored pie was the inspiration for this Dick Taylor chocolate bar. Worked for me! I loved the layered sparkles of complementary flavor(s).

Ingredients: Chocolate (organic cacao, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter) organic pecans, organic maple syrup, bourbon, orange essential oil 

Allergen-related information: Produced in a facility that also uses milk, tree nuts, wheat and peanuts.

Dick Taylor - Ginger Snap 55% Milk Chocolate Seasonal Release (bar) - Nov. 25, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Dick Taylor
Ginger Snap 55% Milk Chocolate Seasonal Release (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Sweet Shop, Los Altos, CA

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Holiday Spices Series.

Today's Ginger Snap 55% Milk Chocolate Seasonal Release (bar) was handcrafted by Dick-Taylor Craft Chocolate (Eureka, CA).

Aroma notes for this bar included: flavorful milk chocolate, sugar cookie and warm spices.

Texture: creamy milk chocolate (made with organic A2/A2 whole milk powder) was blended with ginger snap cookies.

Flavor notes were similar to the aroma notes mentioned above only with a deeper luxurious dive into the creamy, flavorful dark milk chocolate that surrounded the ginger snap cookie bits.

Ingredients: Chocolate (organic cacao, organic cane sugar, organic A2/A2 whole milk powder, organic cocoa butter, organic vanilla bean) Ginger Snap Cookies (unbleached enriched all-purpose flour, butter (pasteurized sweet cream butter), molasses, brown sugar, sugar, eggs, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, allspice, white pepper, cayenne). (Cacao solids 55% minimum)

Allergen-related information: (Note: this bar was not gluten free.) Contains milk and wheat. "Made in a facility that also processes tree nuts and peanuts."

Nature's Heart - Churro Cacao Pecan Crunch - Nov. 24, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Nature's Heart

Churro Cacao Pecan Crunch

Good +

Weight: 1 oz. (28.28 g.) / 4 oz. (113 g.) in total package

Calories: 200 calories in 1 serving

Cost: $2.99 for 1 package

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

Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate in the U.S. And, welcome to Day #7 of International Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week, and Day #1 of a short Holiday Spice Series.

Today's Nature's Heart Churro Cacao Pecan Crunch was distributed by Terrafertil US, LLC (Torrance, CA). Nature's Heart was started by two brothers in Ecuador, and the company's offerings are inspired by South American flavors.

Aroma and flavor notes for this spiced pecan snack included: fruit (apple), warm spices (cinnamon), faint cacao/cocoa, and nut (pecan), and very light/faint (possibly implied) coconut milk vanilla spiced latte. 

The pumpkin seeds (pepitas), cacao nibs and toasted coconut adhered to the pecans added some soft crunch and textural interest to the blend.

These pecans were pleasant and complex, and not too sweet. Lighter on the chocolate side, they provided a great holiday spiced snack for Thanksgiving--a welcome treat and dessert plate item that was also less sweet and filling than pecan pie, pumpkin pie, and holiday spiced eggnog (rompope) and churro flavored items.

Ingredients: Pecans, Erythritol (natural sweetener), pepitas (pumpkin seeds), toasted coconut chips, roasted cacao nibs, inulin prebiotic fiber, ground flaxseeds, MCT oil, ground cinnamon, cassava powder, sea salt, rosemary extract, stevia extract (rebaudioside A), ground allspice.

Allergen-related information: Contains tree nuts (coconut, pecans). Manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, egg and milk products.

Alter Eco - Organic Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Bombs - Nov. 23, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Alter Eco

Organic Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Bombs

Good ++

Weight: 1.27 oz. (36 g.) / 3.8 oz. (108 g.) in total package

Calories: 240 calories in 3 pieces

Cost: $2.99 for 1 package 

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

Welcome to Day #6 of International Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week.

Today's Organic Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Bombs were made in Switzerland and distributed by Alter Eco Foods (San Francisco, CA). 

Aroma notes for these certified gluten free, individually-wrapped bombs included: smooth dark chocolate, very faint lemony green herb (oxalis, wood sorrel, sour grass), and nuts.

The outer chocolate shell was deep, dark and very lightly sweetened--allowing the relatively bold (for couverature) but nicely balanced dark flavor shine through. And the hazelnut butter filling was naturally nutty (not overly salty or sweet) and mild (a bit overshadowed by the dark chocolate).

These chocolates were as noteworthy for what they omitted as what they contained.

I loved the fact that these Hazelnut Butter "bombs" were not too sweet. (Thank you!) They contained a small amount of organic, raw cane sugar (6th ingredient listed). They did not contain sugar alcohols, low-calorie sweeteners or artificial sweeteners. 

At 2 net carbs per bomb/piece, these were labeled as Keto Friendly. A judicious amount of butter (organic butterfat) contributed to a feeling of fat-satisfaction (feeling full and satisfied), unlike many sweet and salty snacks that often trigger a desire for more.

Ingredients: *Organic cacao beans, *organic cacao butter, organic hazelnut butter, organic agave fiber, organic coconut oil, *organic raw cane sugar, organic butterfat, natural flavor, *organic vanilla beans.

*Fair for Life Fair Trade certified. Contains 61% Fair Trade ingredients."

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

Canonica - Dark Chocolate with Nuts - Nov. 22, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Canonica Chocolate

Dark Chocolate with Nuts 

Good ++

Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2.8 oz. (79.2 g.) in total package

Calories: 165 calories (estimate) in 1 oz. (28.3 g.) of slab/bar

Cost: $ (see receipt) or price unavailable

Purchased from: The Chocolate Market, Terminal 2, SFO (Airport), San Francisco, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of International Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week. As so often is the case, interesting (international) chocolates are often found at large airports. Today's Swiss dark chocolate was found at a chocolate shop in the San Francisco's International Airport (SFO).

Today's Dark Chocolate slab with Nuts was made by Canonica SA (Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland). The company was founded in 1948 by Andre Canonica.

Aroma notes for this thick slab included: pleasing roasted nuts and smooth but flavorful dark chocolate with very faint, fleeting, tart (lemon) herb (oxalis, wood sorrel, sour grass).

The texture was hearty and pleasing with a generous helping of crunchy hazelnuts and pistachios.

The dark chocolate was high-quality and well balanced with the nut flavors, allowing the nuances of both to be identified and enjoyed (separately and, quite harmoniously, together).

Ingredients: (No ingredients label. Sold by the pound, individually wrapped, rectangular bar-shaped pieces.)

Allergen-related information: Contains nuts (hazelnuts, pistachios and possibly other nuts).

Ion S.A. - Milk Chocolate with Whole Almonds (bar) - Nov. 21, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Ion S.A.
Milk Chocolate with Whole Almonds (bar)
Good +
Weight: 9 squares / 3.52 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 9 squares of bar
Cost: $1.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Real Produce International Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of International Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week.

Today's Milk Chocolate with Whole Almonds (bar) was made by Ion S.A. (Piraeus, Greece). 

Aroma notes for this milk chocolate bar included: sweet milk chocolate, nut, and very faint mineral (light clay).

Texture: smooth milk chocolate and crunchy pieces of almond. Flavor notes included: very sweet milk chocolate, and subtle flickers of nut.

This 31% milk chocolate bar was too sweet for me, but others with a sweet tooth may enjoy this chocolate. It was great to try two Ion chocolate bars from Greece this week.

Ingredients: Sugar, milk powder, almonds (17%), cocoa butter, cocoa mass, whey powder, lactose, emulsifier: soya lecithin, flavour: vanillin. Cocoa solids: 31% min. 

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of other nuts and wheat proteins."

Ion S.A. - Milk Chocolate with Whole Hazelnuts - Nov. 20, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Ion S.A.
Milk Chocolate with Whole Hazelnuts (bar)
Good +
Weight: 9 squares / 3.53 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 9 small squares of bar
Cost: $1.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Real Produce International Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #3 of International Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week.

Today's Milk Chocolate with Whole Hazelnuts (bar) was made by Ion S.A. (Piraeus, Greece).

Aroma notes for this milk chocolate bar included: sweet milk chocolate, nut, faint mineral (light clay), and very faint mint/menthol.

Texture: smooth milk chocolate with an extended (white chocolate) melt and crunchy large pieces of hazelnut.

Flavor notes included: sweet milk chocolate, very faint mineral (light clay), and hazelnut. 

The healthy dose of authentic hazelnuts were a highlight for me.

The milk chocolate was quite sweet (sugar was the number 1 ingredient); but it wasn't as sweet as I thought it would be. In part because the number two and three ingredients (milk, cocoa butter)-- as well as the nuts--helped balance the sugar. 

Ingredients: Sugar, milk powder, cocoa butter, hazelnuts (17%), cocoa mass, whey powder, lactose, emulsifier: soya lecithin, flavour: vanillin. Cocoa solids: 29.5% min. 

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of other nuts and wheat proteins."

Reel Chocolate - Handmade Fantasy Chocolate 70% with nuts, fruits (bar) - Nov. 19, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Reel Chocolate
Handmade Fantasy Chocolate
70% Belgian Dark Chocolate, Nuts, Freeze Dried Fruits (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 4.06 oz. (115 g.) in total bar
Calories: 151.6 calories in 1/4 bar
Cost: $N/A - gift from a friend 
Purchased from: N/A - gift from a friend (Thank you Toni!)

Welcome to Day #2 of International Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week, featuring bars and blends of chocolate and nuts from around the world--including countries such as Greece, Slovenia and Serbia. Thank you to to traveling friend Toni, and local international markets.

Today's "Handmade Fantasy Chocolate" Wild Cabernet 70% dark chocolate with nuts and freeze-dried fruits (bar) from Reel Chocolate was made in Serbia.

This well-tempered bar broke with a hard snap (at 65 degrees F. (18.3 C) room temperature); and the aroma notes included: smooth dark chocolate (dark fudge), and subtle, authentic nut and fruit(s). 

Flavors: smooth, rich dark chocolate, fruit (red/dark berries (blueberry), currants, faint dark dried cherry), and faint vanilla spice and nut. Very thin threads intermingled with fruits topping this bar added a very faint chili flavor.

Note: While I could smell nuts in the aroma, and the chocolate had a fruit + nut flavor, I couldn't detect what nuts might be present when I tasted the chocolate. I paired this with a handful of organic, California almonds. 

Suggested beverage (red wine) pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon

Ingredients: liofilizovana nisnja; borovnica (blueberry), chili u vlaknima (chili in fibers/thin strands); cacao mass; sugar; cocoa powder (S.A. red, contains fat); emulsifier (soy lecithin); vanilla aroma. Contains at least 72% suvih kako-delova; at least 33% suvih namasnih kakao-delova. (Note: This is my attempted English translation of the ingredients list in Serbian. I apologize for any errors and omissions. The original ingredients list item names remain where translations were not available.)

Allergen-related information: Contains soy (lecithin).

Blejski Otok - Milk Chocolate with Tarragon and Walnuts (bar) - Nov. 18, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Blejski Otok
Milk Chocolate with Tarragon and Walnut (bar) 
Good +
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) in total bar
Calories: 169.8 calories in 1 small bar
Cost: N/A - Gift from a friend 
Purchased from: N/A - gift from a friend (Thank you Toni!)

Welcome to Day #1 of International Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week. 

Today's Blejski Otok Milk Chocolate with Tarragon and Walnuts (bar) from Slovenia was manufactured by Cokoladni Atelje Dobnik (Gruze, Slovenija). 

Aroma notes for this small bar included: milk chocolate, savory caramel, butter cream, savory-sweet herb, nuts, and very faint, mellow wood.

Flavor notes included: sweet milk chocolate, herb (tarragon), faint vanilla caramel and finely ground walnut bits. These different elements were well balanced and created interesting and complementary flavor complexity. 

This milk chocolate was a bit too sweet for me, but otherwise it was quite enjoyable. And it was great to try a chocolate from Slovenia. Many thanks again to my traveling friend, Toni, who brought this back during her recent travels there.

Ingredients: Milk chocolate (sugar 45.5%, cocoa mass 26%, milk powder 21.5%, emulsifier (soy lecithin), natural vanilla aroma), walnuts, tarragon.

Allergen-related information: (Contains milk/lactose, nuts (walnut), and soy.) 

Luisa Abram - 81% Rio Cassipore (bar) - Nov. 17, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Luisa Abram
Rio Cassipore 81% (bar)
Good + - Good ++  
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 255 calories in 1 small bar (1/2 package)
Cost: $11.00 for 1 package of 2 small bars
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate and Brazil Theme Week. This week has included five bars made entirely in Brazil, with cacao grown in Brazil.

Today's Luisa Abram Rio Cassipore (Cassipore River) 81% chocolate was made by the Abram family (Familia Abram Banks Ltda., Sao Paolo, Brazil).

Like yesterday's 70% version of this Rio Cassipore wild cacao chocolate from the same maker, today's 81% sibling came packaged with two individually wrapped smaller bars, which I really liked. This choice allows chocolate lovers to better share chocolate with others and/or to save some for later while keeping aroma and flavor notes intact.

Both Luisa Abram Cassipore River 70% and 81% cacao offerings had a similar (just-opened) aroma of bold dark chocolate with tart peaty, subtle green, and dark chocolate (roasted cacao nibs) notes.

Interestingly the texture was slightly less creamy, but felt smoother and lacked the bit of astringency of yesterday's 70% version.

Both bars were low in bitterness. And, as with yesterday's 70% bar, after about 20 minutes, the aroma (and flavor) in this 81%er mellowed. The dark chocolate notes softened (more subtle nut and faint baked brownie was revealed). And the green and woodsy, acidic (peat) notes dissipated, making this a relatively friendly, approachable 80%+ dark chocolate. 

Ingredients: "Wild cocoa mass, organic cane sugar and Amazonian cocoa butter."

Allergen-related information: Gluten free. "Made in a facility that handles milk and nuts."  

Luisa Abram - Rio Cassipore 70% (bar) - Nov. 16, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Luisa Abram
Rio Cassipore 70% (bar)
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: 1.41 oz. (40 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 221 calories in 1 small bar (1/2 package)
Cost: $11.00 for 1 package of 2 small bars
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and Brazil Theme Week. Happily, this extended week includes bars made with cacao grown in Brazil, and at least three bars made entirely in Brazil.

Today's Luisa Abram Rio Cassipore (Cassipore River) 70% (bar) was made by the Abram family (Familia Abram Banks Ltda., Sao Paolo, Brazil).

The initial (just-opened) aroma of this wild cacao bar held the promise of a relatively bold dark chocolate with hearty (faintly peaty), subtle green and dark chocolate (freshly ground cacao nibs) notes. 

After about 20 minutes, the aroma mellowed so that the dark chocolate notes moved in the direction of baked brownies; and the green and woodsy peat notes quieted as well.

Texture: The melt seemed relatively rapid--transforming to a lush, creamy texture. And there was a faint astringency at the end.

The flavor, once it settled down, was tamer (a bit blander) than the initial (just-opened) aroma. The bitterness level was quite low. After about 20-30 seconds there was a brief, fun chocolate echo/uptick in the finish.

Ingredients: "Wild cocoa mass, organic cane sugar and Amazonian cocoa butter."

Allergen-related information: Gluten free. "Made in a facility that handles milk and nuts."

La Feverie - 100% Fazenda Camboa, Brazil (2020 Harvest) (bar) - Nov. 15, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

La Feverie
Fazenda Camboa 100% Brazil (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (56.6 g.) in total bar
Calories: 178 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $13.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's 100% Fazenda Camboa Brazil bar was from La Feverie (Bourdeaux, France)

Aroma: faint fermented cacao (this note dissipated after the chocolate had been opened for an hour), dark chocolate, fruit, and (later) tannic acid, woodsy notes.

Flavor notes included: bitter, green (tea), and true chocolate (roasted cacao nibs), faint fruit--and, later, woody nut/bark/peat (tannic acids). 

This somewhat acidic, bitter and astringent ultra-dark bar was bold, but also well balanced and interesting, with a sustained finish and a slight throat tickle at the end. 

Maker's tasting notes: "An intense chocolate, slightly tart, with notes of walnuts/hazelnuts followed by a sensation of mint freshness. Presence of fatty and fleshy tannins on a silky finish."

Ingredients: Organic cacao beans

Allergen-related information: (None listed on label that I could see.)

Baiani Chocolates - Dark Chocolate with Brazilian Coffee 70% (bar) - Nov. 14, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Baiani Chocolates
Dark Chocolate with Brazilian Coffee 70% (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.02 oz. (29 g.) / 2.04 oz. (58 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Baiani Dark Chocolate with Brazil Coffee 70% (bar) was produced by Kakawah Agro. Imp. Exp. e Comercio LTDA (Arataca, Bahia, Brazil). 

Made with single origin cacao and Gran Reserva organic specialty coffee (from Latitude 13 Degrees), this well-tempered bar broke with a smooth snap.

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark chocolate, diffuse sweet red berry, faint cherry, light warm spice and roasted coffee. The chocolate and coffee blended well together.

Ingredients: "Single origin cacao beans, organic cane sugar, cocoa butter and specialty coffee."

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of tree nuts and milk."

Akesson's - Brazil Fazenda Sempre Firme 100% Forastero Cocoa & Cocoa Nibs (bar) - Nov. 13, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Akesson's
Brazil Fazenda Sempre Firme 100% Forastero Cocoa and Cocoa Nibs (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 182.9 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Bem-vindo (welcome) to Day #8 of Chocolate and Brazil Theme Week.

Today's Akesson's Brazil Fazenda Sempre Firme 100% Forastero Cocoa and Cocoa Nibs (bar) was from AO Global (Uccle, Belgium).

Made in France, this 100% cacao chocolate was created from a "parasinho" Forastero variety cacao grown on the Fazenda Sempre Firme (plantation) in Bahia, Brazil. (The Fazenda has been called paradise, or paraiso, thus the cacao name parasinho (little paradise.)

Aroma notes for this unsweetened ultra-dark bar included: dark chocolate, sweet green, dried fruit, and sweet bread notes. 

The thick bar was a textural blend of relatively dark, dense smooth chocolate + crunchy nibs.

The bold, dense dark chocolate (Forastero) flavor was relatively acidic (citrus, acidic/tannic wood) flavor with sustained but balanced dark forest/earth notes. About 20 seconds after the finish receded there was another very faint, diffuse uptick of tobacco. 

This is what I'd refer to as a "monster" dark bar, comparable to very bold, acidic/tannic red yet still high-end wines. A small group of people will enjoy the sheer strength of these flavors, just as a select group might with a monster zin(fandel) wine that used to come out of California a few decades ago. (My dad, a tannic-phile) loved bringing these home from (at that time small) local wineries.)

I love flavor complexity and depth (and do enjoy many 100% cacao bars), but perhaps on a slightly more gentle scale. It's a bold choice using a feisty 100% Forastero for a 100% unsweetened bar. I will enjoy trying it different ways with other foods and beverages.

Maker's tasting notes: "...The chocolate we developed from these (Parasinho Forastero) beans is smooth, woody and earthy. It has also expressive notes that evoke autumn scents, tobacco and the local pitanga fruit."

Ingredients: 100% cocoa: cocoa beans, cocoa butter, cocoa nibs (7%)

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of nuts, almonds, milk and gluten."

Baiani - Dark Chocolate 100% Bahia Brazil (bar) - Nov. 12, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolates Baiani 
Dark Chocolate Bahia Vale Potumuju Brazil (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.02 oz. (29 g.) / 2.04 oz. (58 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order 

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

Today's Baiani Dark Chocolate 100% Bahia Vale Potumuju Brazil (bar) was produced by Kakawah Agro. Imp. Exp. e Comercio LTDA (Arataca, BA, Brazil).

The cacao used to make today's bar was grown/produced in Vale Potumuju, Bahia--a state in eastern Brazil--using an agroforestry system where cacao trees grow under/among native hardwood trees, and with other fruit trees.*

Aroma notes for this "tree to bar" chocolate included: subtle roasted cacao, mocha, very faint soft green. The texture was smooth, almost creamy.

Flavor notes included: a balanced earthiness and subtle roasted cacao. The taste was relatively tame at first (for a 100% cacao bar) with slight rise in bitter-acidity toward the finish. About 30 seconds after I thought the finish had ended, there were lingering, mellow green (matcha green tea) and faint floral notes. A pleasant ending.

This ultra-dark, unsweetened, single origin, 100% Brazil chocolate had nicely-balanced complexity. 

Ingredients: Single origin cacao beans. ("No sugar added")

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of tree nuts and milk."

*Cacao has grown wild in parts of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest for millennia. Europeans began cultivating cacao in Bahia in the 1700s. Baiani carries on a well established cacao growing tradition in Bahia (of the Pinheiro and Aquino families) that stretches back to the 1800s.

At one time Bahia was the largest cacao producer state in Brazil. And Brazil used to be a top cacao exporting country. Unfortunately, in the late 1900s, a disease ("witches broom" resulting primarily from a fungal pathogen/infection that affects cacao and other crops) resulted in massive reductions in cacao yields in Brazil. 

In the last few decades Brazil has been building back their cacao production. And, arguably, a "cabruca" agroforestry system such as what Baiani Chocolates is using (where attention is paid to diversity and soil health) is not only an ecologically sound choice but likely offers more protection from diseases.

 

Mission Chocolate - Dark Milk, Nibs and Pink Salt 58% (bar) - Nov. 11, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Mission Chocolate 

Dark Milk Nibs + and Sal Rosa 58% (bar)

Good ++ - Good +++

Weight: 1.05 oz. (30 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar

Calories: 168 calories in 1/2 bar

Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Dark Nibs Milk and Salt 58% (bar) was from Mission Chocolate (Sao Paulo,  Brazil). Talented chief chocolate maker, Arcelia Gallardo, honed small-batch chocolate making skills in the U.S. before moving to Brazil in 2015. 

The company offers a range of bean-to-bar premium chocolates, including many Brazil cacao single origin bars, and bars with Brazil flavor inclusions (as varied as cupuacu and goiabada (guava) fruits; baru nuts; and sweet corn white chocolate).

Aroma notes for today's Dark Milk, Nibs and Pink Salt 58% chocolate included: subtle dark chocolate, faint spice (star anise) and very faint herb (mint/sage family)

This well-tempered chocolate broke with a snap and had a smooth creamy melt evenly interspersed with a field of crunchy, sweet and salty cocoa nibs.

The well-executed blend of textures and flavors also included notes of caramel, smooth cacao nibs surrounded by flavorful but smooth milk chocolate, and perfectly balanced sparkles of sea salt. 

In the finish there was a faint, diffuse fruit brightness, a very soft, nicely balanced faint flicker of earth, and also a very faint mint/menthol note.

Ingredients: "Organic cacao, organic sugar, cocoa butter, milk powder, himalayan pink salt."

Allergen-related information: Contains milk. "May contain wheat, oats, milk, almonds, hazelnuts, cashew nut, brazil nut, nuts: macadamia, pecan, pistaches, pinoli (pine), and natural latex. May contain gluten."

Nibble Chocolate - 85% Cocoa Organic Extra Dark Chocolate Brazil Single Origin Trinitario (bar) - Nov. 10, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Nibble Chocolate
85% Cocoa Organic Extra Dark Chocolate Brazil Single Origin Trinitario (bar) 
Good ++ - Good +++ 
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar (32 tiny squares) (per label)
Cost: $5.39 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Organic 85% Extra Dark Chocolate Brazil Single Origin Trinitario (bar) was from Nibble Chocolate, LLC (San Diego, CA).

Aroma notes for this bar included: smooth dark chocolate, faint floral, dried fruit (banana), faint graham cracker and very faint sweet green.

Flavor notes included: rich, subtlely layered dark chocolate with a mellow, natural sweetness (maple, coconut sugar), and very faint dried fruit (dates, banana).

This was an attractive (I kept wanting to retaste it) and very approachable (85% cocoa) ultra-dark bar. It was low in bitterness, had no off notes, and had a gentle finish. I may buy this again in a chocolate tasting flight or to share this with friends.

This square Nibble bar was scored into smaller squares (64 tiny squares in all)--a design intended to encourage people to  slow down and savor smaller bites of chocolate. Good idea. This pleasing, single origin Trinitario (cacao variety) chocolate was worth enjoying slowly. Handcrafted with just two ingredients; and it had a lot to offer.

Ingredients: Organic cocoa beans, organic unrefined cane sugar 

Allergen-related information: USDA Organic, vegan, paleo, gluten free, soy free

 

Taza Chocolate - 70% Dark Chocolate Covered Brazil Nuts - Nov. 9, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Taza Chocolate 

70% Dark Chocolate Covered Brazil Nuts

Good + 

Weight: 1/4 cup (28 g.) / 16 oz. (453 g.) in total package 

Calories: 180 calories in 1 (1 oz.) serving

Cost: $9.99 for 1 package

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

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

Today's Organic, Keto Dark Chocolate Covered Brazil Nuts were from Taza Chocolate (Somerville, MA).

Aroma notes for this organic, gluten free snack included: cacao nibs, very faint cacao fermentation, very faint brown/maple sugar and very slightly savory (salt). (The faint cacao fermentation note receded after the package had been opened for a few hours.)

Relatively bold, but balanced, 70% dark chocolate surrounded softly crunchy Brazil nuts, yielding faint hints of earthy nut flavor. Not too sweet (thank you) or salty.

Ingredients: Organic Brazil nuts, organic cacao beans, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, organic sunflower lecithin, sea salt. 

Allergen-related information: Contains Brazil nuts. May contain traces of other tree nuts and sesame seeds. 

Essential Living Foods - Beyond Trail Mix (Brazil Nuts, Cashews, Dark Chocolate) - Nov. 8, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Essential Living Foods

Beyond Trail Mix - Brazil Nuts + Cashews + Dark Chocolate 

Good + 

Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 12 oz. (340 g.) in total package

Calories: 140 calories in 1 (28 g.) serving

Cost: $8.49 for 1 package

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

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Brazil Theme Week, featuring chocolate made with Brazilian-grown cacao as well as chocolates with Brazil-related flavor inclusions.

Today's Essential Living Foods Organic Beyond Trail Mix (Brazil Nuts + Cashews + Dark Chocolate) was distributed by Terrafertil US, LLC* (Torrance, CA).

Aroma and flavor notes for this trail mix included: authentic nut (brazil nut and cashew), sweet dark chocolate chip, and sweet raisin. 

Normally trail mixes are quite salty and sweet. The lack of salt, and judicious sweetening, let more of the true nut and dried fruit flavors shine through. A mix of crunchy and chewy textures added interest.

Ingredients: Organic Brazil nuts, organic cashews, organic dark chocolate chips (organic chocolate liquor, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, organic sunflower lecithin (an emulsifier), organic vanilla extract), organic Thompson raisins, organic Sultana raisins.

Allergen-related information: Contains tree nuts (cashews, Brazil nuts). May contain milk and soy. Manufactured in a facility that processes other tree nuts.

*Terrafertil US, LLC became a wholly owned subsidiary of Nestle USA in 2018. (The company was originally founded in Ecuador in 2005.)

Nature To Go - Dark Chocolate Brazil Nuts - Nov. 7, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Nature To Go

Dark Chocolate Brazil Nuts 

Good ++

Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 16 oz. (454 g.) in total package

Calories: 160 calories in 1 (1 oz.) serving

Cost: $8.99 for 1 package

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

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

Today's Nature To Go Dark Chocolate Brazil Nuts were distributed by Food Castle Inc. (Vernon, CA).

Aroma notes for this chocolate-covered nuts included: tasty, dark chocolate fudge sauce, very faint spirits (whiskey, dark rum), and faint (imagined) vanilla. (These did not contain spirits or vanilla.)

Each piece contained a crunchy, large, nutty (whole Brazil nut) center, with faint, fleeting earth notes, and was surrounded by satisfying, authentic-tasting, quality dark chocolate.

Brazil nuts grow on tall trees in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador--in some of the same regions as cacao. (They're also grown in similar climate zones in Africa and elsewhere.)

Ingredients: Dark chocolate (sugar, unsweetened chocolate, palm kernel oil, cocoa powder (processed with alkali), whole milk powder, butter fat, soy lecithin as an emulsifier, salt, and natural flavor), roasted Brazil nuts (Brazil nuts and salt).

Allergen-related information: "Contains: milk, soy, brazil nuts" "Manufactured in a facility that also processes: milk, peanuts, soy, tree nuts."

Crow and Moss - Passion Fruit Sesame Chocolate 68% (bar) - Nov. 6, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Crow and Moss
Passion Fruit Sesame Chocolate 68% (bar)
Good + Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.25 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Umami Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Brazil Theme Week.

Today's Passion Fruit Sesame Chocolate 68% (bar) was from Crow and Moss (Petoskey, MI). The company creates bean-to-bar, small batch chocolate in Michigan. 

The sesame seeds in this bar--and in (white and black) sesame crackers with blue and cream cheese--provided umami flavor. 

The passion fruit in the chocolate (and guava (feijoa) and acai fruits (and Brazil nuts)) paired with this unique chocolate kicked off Chocolate and Brazil Theme Week. 

Aroma notes for this dark bar included: authentic, smooth dark (Forastero variety) cacao (with very faint fermentation note) and subtle tropical fruit acidity.

Creamy, bold 68% dark chocolate with fleeting bursts of tart-sweet tropical fruit (passion fruit, citrus). Golden sesame seeds pressed into the back added some texture.

This tart-sweet dark bar was paired with black sesame crackers, blue and cream cheese, fruit and nuts (guava, acai and Brazil nuts).

Maker's description: "Whisk your tastebuds off on holiday with this lush combination of velvety chocolate, juicy passionfruit and the satisfying crunch of sesame. Tropical sunshine encased in chocolate."

Ingredients: Cacao blend, organic cane sugar, passion fruit, organic sesame seeds

Allergen-related information: "Processed in a facility that also handles nuts and dairy"

Angies - Boom Chicka Pop - Dark Chocolate Drizzled Kettle Corn - Nov. 5, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Angie's Artisan Treats, Inc.
Boom Chicka Pop - Dark Chocolate Flavored Drizzled Sea Salt Kettle Corn 
Good +
Weight: 1.09 oz. (31 g.) / 5.5 oz. (156 g.) in total package 
Calories: 170 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $5.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Farm Fresh, online order (add-in to larger order)

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Umami Theme Week, featuring chocolates with high umami flavor inclusions and chocolate pairings with umami foods.

Today's Dark Chocolate Flavored Drizzled Sea Salt Kettle Corn was distributed by Angie's Artisan Treats, LLC* (Osseo, MN). 

Aroma notes for this snack mix included: sweet/lightly candied popcorn and faint chocolate.

This kettle corn had a soft crunch and was, as advertised, drizzled with just the right amount of smooth (alkalized) dark chocolate (not too much, not too little). And the overall sweetness was not overwhelming (thank you!). You could still taste the lightly salted popcorn underneath.

Today's Kettle Corn was paired with two high umami snacks: 1.) homemade umami almonds (slow roasted with Worcestershire sauce) and 2.) homemade Parmesan cheese crackers. A satisfying sweet and salty (and umami) snack balance was achieved. 

Ingredients: Cane sugar, popcorn, sunflower oil, palm kernel and palm oil, cocoa powder (processed with alkali), whey powder, sea salt, soy lecithin, natural flavor.

Allergen-related information: "Contains milk, soy." "Manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts and tree nuts."

*Angie's Artisan Treats (maker of popcorn and kettle corn snack products) was acquired by Conagra Brands in 2017. (Conagra brands include: Marie Callender's, Reddi-wip, Hunt's, Healthy Choice, Slim Jim and Orville Redenbacher's.)

Qantu - Reves de Cachemire Goat Milk (bar) - Nov. 4, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Qantu

Reves de Cachemire (Goat Milk) 55% (bar)

Good ++

Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar

Calories: 143 calories in 1/2 bar

Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Reves de Cachemire (Goat Milk) 55% (bar) was from Qantu Cacao et Chocolat Inc. (Montreal, QC, Canada).

Aroma notes for this 55% goat milk chocolate bar included: dark milk chocolate, caramel,  very faint fruit (pear), and barely detectable goat.

The texture was dense and creamy with a very slight graininess--in a cool, 65 degree F. (18 degrees C.) room.

The flavor had a lightness to it. Notes included: subtle, dark milk chocolate; caramel; very faint and fleeting goat; and mild, diffuse fruit.

This gently complex chocolate was even and smooth, but not dull. The goat notes were very subtle. Some may not notice a very mild gaminess. Others will. The caramel sweetness level was just right--comforting, almost fruit-floral in spirit) but not cloying. The fats in the milk and cocoa butter helped buffer any sharpness or over-sweetness. 

Umami pairing

Qantu's goat milk bar contained a low amount of glutamate (umami indicator); but it inspired a robust, high umami lunch that included a salad with Humboldt Blue goat milk blue cheese (high on the umami scale) and spaghetti squash with tomato sauce, mushrooms and parmesan cheese (pushing the umami scale score even higher). This meal was enjoyed after I sampled today's lovely, dreamy goat milk chocolate. This umami lunch pairing was satisfying and delicious.

I'm glad I ate today's delicate cashmere dream goat milk chocolate first. By eating chocolate for breakfast...or before lunch, I'm better able to still taste cacao nuances. Heavier, spicy foods can overwhelm the taste buds temporarily.

Maker's tasting notes: "Eye: silky light brown; Nose: mild goat milk caramel; Mouth: slightly fruity, reminiscent of pear; Finish: floral as c(h)amomile."

Ingredients: Bagua cocoa beans, cane sugar, goat milk powder, cocoa butter.

Allergen-related information: Contains milk (goat milk). "May contain traces of nuts."

Zotter - Seaweed Caramel Pineapple (bar) - Nov. 3, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter

Seaweed Caramel Pineapple (bar)

Good + - Good ++

Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar

Calories: 190 calories in 1/2 bar

Cost: $4.99 (sale) for 1 bar

Purchased from: Zotter, online order

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

Today's Seaweed Caramel Pineapple (bar) was made in Austria and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Cape Coral, FL).

Edible seaweeds can be good examples umami flavors. Today was a rare opportunity to taste a chocolate that included seaweed as a flavor inclusion.

Aroma notes for this bar included: cocoa, slightly savory, graham cracker, fresh sweet green, and very faint fleeting sweet fruit (pineapple), and dark chocolate cake.

A thin crispy dark chocolate shell enclosed a soft, substantial, two-layered filling - one layer was ivory colored and one layer was more caramel in color.

Flavor notes were similar to the aroma notes (above) with fleeting sweet, chewy pineapple fruit bits. The flavors and the sweetness level were well balanced and complementary. The dulse* seaweed flakes offered a satisfying, very soft and subtle, umami flavor presence.

Ingredients: Organic cane sugar, organic cocoa mass, organic cocoa butter, organic almonds, organic pineapple concentrate, organic dried pineapples, organic rice syrup, milk, dry skim milk, caramelized dry milk (dry skim milk powder, sugar), butter (cream), organic dulse seaweed flakes, organic lemon juice concentrate, dry whole milk, organic soy lecithin, organic dark brown cane sugar, salt, dry sweet whey, organic lemon powder (organic lemon juice concentrate, organic corn starch, organic sugar), organic vanilla bean powder, organic rose petals, organic cinnamon.

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

*Dulse (Palmaria palmata) is an edible (red algae) seaweed (think red sea lettuce) that grows on the northern coasts of the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans. 

Chocolate Naive - BBQ Spice Stone Ground Dark Chocolate 65% (bar) - Nov. 2, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolate Naive
BBQ Spice Stone Ground Dark Chocolate 65% (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .66 oz. (19 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 104.69 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's BBQ Spice Stone Ground Dark Chocolate 65% (bar) was created by Domantas Uzpalis at Chocolate Naive and produced by Mulate UAB (Vilnius, Lithuania). 

Uzpalis has made several chocolate bars with umami flavor inclusions, including porcini (mushroom) and tahini bars.

Umami food flavors have been described as rich, meaty, brothy, smoky and earthy. They tend to be savory, and may (or may not) contain salt. (Yesterday's featured 70% Black Sauna dark chocolate bar used sauna-smoked cacao blended with botanicals (Siberia fir, activated birch charcoal, wormwood and sea salt) associated with black sauna traditions in northern and northeastern Europe.)

The well-executed, balanced (and layered) aroma and flavor notes for today's BBQ Spice chocolate included: tomato (there was no tomato listed in the ingredients), pepper, and subtle savory sauce notes. 

While there are some delicious Latin American mole sauces (typically served with meat or cheese entrees) that include similar pepper and spice blends with a hint of cacao, achieving the same tasty outcome in a chocolate bar with savory seasonings and spices taking a back seat role to the cacao may not always work. 

But, today's the BBQ Spice 65% chocolate was successful (especially within the first few hours of its being opened--before more volatile/delicate aromas escaped). The choice of 65% cacao was very effective. It helped capture the rich savory-sweet taste that a good BBQ sauce often possesses. And if you add some of this chocolate to a (meat or vegetarian) entree, I don't think anyone will mind.

Maker's suggested pairings: "Limiting chocolate to the sweets table is a short-sighted mistake many people make (I agree)...Use it in rubs on red meats like pork or lamb..." 

Ingredients: Specialty cacao*, cane sugar*, pure cacao butter*, black garlic* (3%), chipotle pepper (2%), yeast extract*, black pepper (1%), vanilla* (1%), sea salt*. (*"wild or natural farming")

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

Naive - Black Sauna Smoked Chocolate (bar) - Nov. 1, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Chocolate Naive
Black Sauna Smoked Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .66 oz. (19 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 113.6 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $15.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Black Sauna Smoked Chocolate (bar) was created by Domantas Uzpalis at Chocolate Naive and produced by Mulate UAB (Vilnius, Lithuania).

Umami foods have been described as smokey, meaty and/or earthy. They tend to be savory, and may (or may not) contain salt. Today's unique 70% dark chocolate bar explores smoked cacao blended with a few specific botanicals (fir, charcoal, wormwood), associated with black sauna traditions in northern and northeastern Europe.

I braced myself for some smoke-monster aroma; but this was not the case. Aroma notes for this bar included: subtle pine, light sweet mint/menthol, and subtle, buttery and smooth dark chocolate.

The texture was smooth with nice melt and very slight granularity.

Flavor notes included: slight aromatic smoke note, mild diffuse fruit (red berry), and sweet green herbs and botanicals (including faint sweet pine). This bar did contain a small amount of sea salt, but I couldn't detect it. The very subtle smoke note was much closer to sweet herb than American savory BBQ or smoked salmon smoke. (Tomorrow I will feature Chocolate Naive's BBQ Spice dark chocolate bar.)

I paired this chocolate was a cup of hot dried sage tea (a pairing suggestion by the maker) + green tea. (Green tea is also considered umami.)

Maker's description: "Flavor notes: initial punch of strong and smoky flavor followed by sweet and aromatic pine notes. Biting bitterness of the wormwood at the finish." "Pairing suggestions: "We recommend to pair this bar with herbal tisanes (also known as herbal tea infusions). Try pairing with fermented fireweed tea or something more traditional, like sage, mint or chamomile tea."

Ingredients: Wild smoked cacao, wild cane sugar, wild pure cacao butter, wild Siberian fir (2%), wild activated birch charcoal, wild wormwood (1%), wild sea salt.

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

Zotter - Peanut Crunch (bar) - Oct. 31, 2022

Chocolate(s) of the Day: 

Zotter
Peanut Crunch (bar) 

Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Happy Halloween to all who celebrate. And, welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Umami Theme Week.

Today's Zotter Peanut Crunch (bar)--made in Austria and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers, FL)--was a big step up from chocolate and peanut Halloween candy bars that I grew up with. 

This filled bar had an authentic peanut aroma--the nutty, slightly bittersweet smell of roasted whole peanuts in their shells.

A velvety layer of 70% dark chocolate covering surrounded a milky, nougat-like peanut filling with softly crunchy peanut pieces. This bar was sweet, but not candy bar sweet. A subtle dose of sea salt and dark chocolate helped to balance the sugar.

Moon over umami 

Yes, peanuts (like many nuts and legumes that contain glutamate*) are considered to be an umami food. But, why stop there? I enjoyed today's Austrian peanut and dark chocolate bar--along with three scary, umami mushroom jerky goblins dipped in a tiny black cauldron of dark, nutty chocolate. 

Clouds skated across the moon on this cool, spooky Halloween night. You want your mommy? No, I said "Oh, yum it's umami!"

Zotter's description: "Dark chocolate filled with peanut praline and whole peanuts."

Ingredients: Organic peanuts; organic, fair trade cane sugar; organic, fair trade cocoa mass; organic, fair trade cocoa butter; organic peanut oil; dry sweet whey; organic, fair trade dark brown cane sugar; dry whole milk; dry skim milk; organic soy lecithin; salt; organic vanilla powder; organic, fair trade cinnamon; organic chilli (sic) "bird's eye." 

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

*Glutamate (glutamic acid) is an amino acid found in many foods (e.g., meats, cheeses, seafood, vegetables and nuts). Umami foods generally have higher glutamate levels, and the glutatmate may be interacting with nucleotides such as inosinate and guanylate and forming combinations with sodium and/or potassium.