Friday, December 29, 2023

Lake Champlain Chocolates - Cinnamon Plant-based oat milk truffle bar - Dec. 29, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Lake Champlain Chocolates
Cinnamon - Plant-based oat milk truffle bar
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.2 oz. (34 g.) in total package of 2 bars
Calories: 170 calories in 1 package of 2 bars
Cost: $3.00 for 1 package of 2 bars
Purchased from: Lake Champlain, online order

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate Truffle Bars Week.

Today's Cinnamon Plant-based oat milk truffle bar was from Lake Champlain Chocolates (Burlington, VT). This plant-based chocolate was made with oat milk and 43% cocoa.

Aroma notes included: chocolate, oats (oat milk, oat straw) and cinnamon.

Texture: the softer, truffle ganache-style filling was surrounded by a firmer chocolate shell. 

Flavor notes included: sweet milk-like chocolate, grain/grass (oat, very faint rice), spices (mostly cinnamon) and very faint vanilla.

This sweet chocolate evoked an image of a childhood breakfast of sweet hot chocolate with sweetened, cinnamon oatmeal. It was a bit too sweet for me, but it might be great for those with a sweet tooth. 

Ingredients: "Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Dried Gluten-Free Oat Powder, Chocolate Liquor, Dried Rice Powder, Sunflower Lecithin, and Vanilla Extract), *Coconut Cream (*Coconut and Water), *Rice Syrup, *Cinnamon, *Vanilla Extract, Sea Salt, *Nutmeg, and *Natural Flavor."

Allergen-related information: Contains Tree Nuts (Coconut). May Contain Traces of Milk, Other Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Soybean, and Wheat. (No palm oil.)

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Bonus Entry - Homemade Bean to Confection Chocolate - Dec. 2023

Chocolate of the Month

Tropical Fruit Box
The Chocolatier's Apprentice Box
Ecuador Homemade Bean to Bar Chocolate
Good ++
Weight: .7 oz. (19.8 g.) (estimate) for 2 chocolates
Calories: 108.5 calories (estimate) in 2 chocolates
Cost: N/A - Christmas gift from family - 1 complete kit/box with 6 large cacao pods
Purchased from: Tropical Fruit Box, online order (Thank you Megan!)

Welcome to a chocolate bonus entry that spanned most of December 2023. How is that possible?

Today's weeks-long chocolate experience was made possible by the Chocolatier's Apprentice Box available from Tropical Fruit Box (Miami, FL). There were opportunities to sample cacao fruit, cacao beans and nibs, and finished chocolate over a period of almost three weeks.

The boxed kit included: six, generously sized cocoa pods (grown in Ecuador); great directions for the step-by-step chocolate making process; and a small silicon mold for chocolates. (Note: some pods may arrive slightly riper than others.)

The first part of this edible experience came after the unboxing, and cutting open real cacao pods (from Ecuador). Few people in the U.S. have seen cacao trees or fruit, outside of Hawaii or perhaps South Florida.*

I loved tasting the cream-colored cacao fruit pulp inside these pods that covered the core of cacao seeds (beans) used to make chocolate. The ripe fruit had luscious peach and melon flavors. 

The next steps: fermenting, roasting (which filled the kitchen with a delightful chocolate aroma) and cracking/winnowing. 

The next tasting opportunity involved sampling the roasted nibs. And, finally, days later, cocoa butter was blended with ground seeds (beans), and pouring chocolate into molds to firm up into the final chocolates. These confections were enjoyed over this past (Christmas) week. 

This Apprentice Box provided a great learning experience. Experiencing how much work goes into making chocolate from bean-to-bar may increase your appreciation for chocolate makers (who make chocolate from scratch) as well as the chocolates.

Ingredients: Cocoa Pods + other ingredients along the way.

*Hawaii is the U.S. State with the largest commercial cacao plantations/farms. South Florida, slightly north of the ideal equatorial cacao growing belt (20 degrees (Latitude) north and/or south of the Equator) occasionally experiences cold snaps, as well as tropical storms, perhaps limiting reliable production. The Hawaiian Islands range from 19 - 22 degrees from the Equator. (Miami is located at approximately 25.6 degrees North of the Equator.)

Gnosis Chocolate - Everything Will Be Ok! raw, vegan botanical truffle bar - Dec. 28, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Gnosis Chocolate 
Everything Will Be Ok! raw vegan infused botanical truffle bar
Good ++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42 g.) /3 oz. (84 g.) in total bar
Calories: 232.5 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $17.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Gnosis Chocolate, online order 

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate Truffle Bars Week.

Today's "Everything Will Be Ok!" raw vegan infused botanical truffle bar was created by Vanessa Berg (aka Chocolate Girl) at Gnosis Chocolate (NYC, NY). Vanessa is a passionate certified health practitioner.

Aroma notes included: smooth dark chocolate; very faint, diffuse fruits and light herbs; very faint coconut; and, oddly, a breath of fresh air in a pine forest. 

Texture: a solid, raw* dark chocolate shell gave way to a soft, fudge-y, truffle-style filling.

Flavor notes included: very smooth dark chocolate, faint, fleeting dried fruit (fig, date), sweet herb, nut (walnut), and diffuse, very subtle fresh fruit (red apple, berry), sweet root, and light earth. The flavors were smooth, well-balanced and harmonized with a slightly undulating complexity.

I really enjoyed the gentle, yet rich and transporting, flavors in this truffle-style filled bar.

Ingredients: "raw cacao beans, raw blue agave nectar, virgin coconut oil, coconut sugar, Lung Blend (elecampane, grindelia, horehound, lobelia, mullein, osha, pine bark, pleurisy, yerba santa), Immunity Blend (burdock, cat's claw, echinacea purpea (sic), echinacea angustifolia, elderberry, ginger, pau d'arco, shilajit), Medicinal Mushroom Blend (chaga, cordyceps, reishi), Adaptogenic Herbs (ashwagandha, rhodiola, schizandra) Calming Herbs (passionflower, tulsi, valerian), Vitamin C Blend (camu camu berry, rose hips), chlorella, spirulina, Love."

Allergen-related information: (None listed on packaging.) "Free of Dairy, Soy, Gluten, GMO, Refined Sugar"

*The cacao used to make this chocolate was not heated above 118 degrees (F) to "maintain integrity of flavor and nutrition." Well-executed raw chocolate tends to be a little smoother than cacao processed at higher temperatures. I've found high-quality raw chocolates to be less bitter, with fewer "roasted" notes. (Think: very light roast coffee vs. intense espresso roast.)

Trader Joe's Organic Milk Chocolate Truffle Bar - Dec. 27, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Trader Joe's 
Organic Milk Chocolate Truffle Bar 
Good +
Weight: 1.17 oz. (33.3 g.) / 3.51 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $1.99 total bar
Purchased from: Trader Joe's, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate Truffle Bars Week.

Today's Chocolate Truffle Bar from Trader Joe's (Monrovia, CA).

Aroma notes included: sweet fudge, milk chocolate

The texture was rich (solid and ganache-like), and smooth.

Milk and sweet dark Chocolate-y flavor notes included: smooth, sweet milk chocolate-y (sweet, rich hot chocolate with milk, chocolate fudge candy, milk chocolate ganache).

Ingredients: Organic Milk Chocolate (Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Milk Powder, Organic Cocoa Mass), Organic Dark Chocolate (Organic Cocoa Mass, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter), Organic Vegetable Oil (Organic Hi-Oleic Sunflower Oil and/or Organic Canola, and/or Organic Safflower Oil).

Allergen-related information: May Contain Milk, Soy, Wheat, Peanut, Almond, Cashew, Coconut, Hazelnut, Pecan.



Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Lake Champlain Chocolates - Peppermint - 70% Cocoa Plant-Based Truffle Bar - Dec. 26, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Lake Champlain Chocolates
Peppermint - 70% Cocoa Plant-based truffle bar
Good ++
Weight: 1.2 oz. (34 g.) in total package of 2 bars
Calories: 180 calories in 1 package of 2 bars
Cost: $3.00 for 1 package of 2 bars
Purchased from: Lake Champlain, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate Truffle Bars Week.

Today's Peppermint 70% Cocoa Plant-Based Truffle Bar was from Lake Champlain Chocolates (Burlington, VT). 

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate (dark chocolate fudge) and peppermint.

The texture for this filled dark chocolate bar was smooth with a slightly creamier interior (dark truffle ganache-like filling).

Flavor notes included: smooth, fudge-y, dark chocolate and authentic peppermint. 

Ingredients: "*Dark Chocolate (*Chocolate Liquor, *Sugar, *Cocoa Butter, *Cocoa Powder, and *Vanilla Extract), *Rice Syrup, *Coconut Cream (*Coconut and Water), and *Peppermint Oil. (* = Organic)

Allergen-related information: Contains Tree Nuts (Coconut). May Contain Traces of Milk, Other Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Soybean, and Wheat. 

Trader Joe's - Organic Dark Chocolate Truffle Bar - Dec. 25, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Trader Joe's 
Organic Dark Chocolate Truffle Bar 
Good ++
Weight: 1.17 oz. (33.3 g.) / 3.51 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $1.99 total bar
Purchased from: Trader Joe's, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate Truffle Bars Week. And Merry Christmas to those who celebrate. 

Two chocolates were enjoyed today: 1.) homemade bean-to-confection chocolate (made from cacao pods from Ecuador) (see separate entry for that)...and 2.) this Organic Dark Chocolate Truffle Bar from Trader Joe's (Monrovia, CA).

Aroma notes included: smooth dark chocolate (appealing malted dark chocolate milk, very faint diffuse fruit). 

The texture was pleasant, rich melt and creamy texture.

Flavor notes were similar to the aroma notes above, but even more chocolate-y (drinking chocolate, chocolate torte, dark chocolate ganache), with faint fleeting (balanced) earth notes.

Ingredients: Organic Cocoa Mass, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Oil Blend (Organic Hi-Oleic Sunflower Oil, Organic Canola Oil, and/or Organic Safflower Oil).

Allergen-related information: May Contain Milk, Soy, Wheat, Peanut, Almond, Cashew, Coconut, Hazelnut, Pecan.



Monday, December 25, 2023

Seattle Chocolate - Spicy Hot Chocolate dark chocolate truffle bar - Dec. 24, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Seattle Chocolate Company
Spicy Hot Chocolate dark chocolate truffle bar
Good ++
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $N/A - holiday gift from family member
Purchased from: N/A - gift from Megan (thank you!)

Happy Holidays and welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate Truffle Bar Week. The year (2023) is ending on a soft, sweet and occasionally spicy note. 

Today's Spicy Hot Chocolate dark chocolate truffle bar was from Seattle Chocolate Company (Seattle, WA). The company has been offering a variety of chocolate truffle bars for many years. This one was part of a holiday-themed series. Today's wrapper was adorned with two monkeys in a lush green jungle canopy wearing Santa hats, harvesting hot peppers. One is also enjoying a white ceramic cup of spicy hot chocolate.

Aroma notes for this Spicy Hot Chocolate bar included: rich hot dark (drinking) chocolate with cinnamon and faint salt/savory and barely detectable vegetable/pepper notes; and faint vanilla.

The flavor notes for this smooth textured and flavored bar delivered on the promise of the aroma notes (above)--with a deeper dive into sweet and spicy dark chocolate. Cinnamon and vanilla added warmth, and cayenne pepper added a little kick--enough to add flavor, not enough to set off any fire alarms. Just right for me...a warm chocolate experience on a winter-y Christmas Eve.

Ingredients: "dark chocolate (cocoa mass*, cane sugar, cocoa butter*, organic soy lecithin, natural vanilla), non-hydrogenated coconut oil, sea salt, organic vanilla, cayenne pepper, cinnamon."

Allergen-related information: "Contains soy and coconut. This product is manufactured in a plant that processes milk, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, and wheat products."


Sunday, December 24, 2023

Seattle Chocolate - Candy Cane Dark Chocolate Truffle Bar - Dec. 23, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Seattle Chocolate
Candy Cane Dark Chocolate Truffle Bar
Good ++
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $N/A - gift from family member
Purchased from: N/A - gift from Megan (thank you!)

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate Truffle Bars Week.

Today's Candy Cane Dark Chocolate Truffle Bar was from Seattle Chocolate Company (Seattle, WA).

What is a chocolate truffle bar? Some of this week's truffle bars have a softer filling (ganache). Others, like those offered from Seattle Chocolate Co. bars offer a more uniform bar-like texture, but have sweet, filled chocolate truffle-like flavor(s). 

Aroma and flavor notes for today's Candy Cane dark truffle bar included: aromatic peppermint candy and smooth dark chocolate with very faint sweet lemony herb (wood sorrel, oxalis) and very faint and well-balanced earth--enough to give it a little bold flavor (and contrast with the sweet peppermint), but not enough to be that noticeable.

I enjoyed the crunchy peppermint candy (candy cane) bits embedded in the smooth, creamy dark chocolate. 

This peppermint + dark chocolate (aroma, texture and flavor) blend evoked memories of Christmas candy canes and winter holiday peppermint bark.

It was sweet, and there was a slightly addictive more-ish quality to it. So be forewarned if you have a sweet tooth and you plan on having "just one" bite.

Ingredients: "Dark chocolate (cocoa mass*, cane sugar, cocoa butter*, organic soy lecithin, natural vanilla), candy cane (cane sugar, rice syrup, colors (red cabbage and purple carrots), pure peppermint oil), non-hydrogenated coconut oil, pure peppermint oil." (* = Rainforest Alliance Certified)

Allergen-related information: "Contains soy and coconut. This product is manufactured in a plant that processes milk, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, and wheat products."





 

Hogarth Chocolate Makers - 100% Hacienda Victoria, Ecuador (bar) - Dec. 22, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Hogarth Chocolate Makers
100% Hacienda Victoria - Ecuador (bar)
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.)/ 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 211 calories in 1/2 bar 
Cost: $11.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's 100% Hacienda Victoria, Ecuador (bar) was made by Hogarth Chocolate Makers (Nelson, New Zealand), and enjoyed in a wonderful coffee house.

Hacienda Victoria (named for the founder's wife, Victoria) is located in the central coastal area of Ecuador. This single estate farm is located inland from the Rio Guayas (Guayas River) in an ideal location for growing cacao.*

The texture for this bar was fairly thick and creamy, and there was a faint, well-managed astringency. 

Aroma and flavor notes for this 100% cacao bar included: appealing deep ultra-dark chocolate; faint roasted coffee and wood; complex but well-balanced lush forest and earth notes; faint and fleeting freshly baked bread; and dried, slightly tart/sweet-sour fruit (faint pomegranate, blackberry and dried plum when first unwrapped and cacao fruit pulp with tart citrus later). 

There were some bold but balanced bitter and sour (think beer) notes in this single ingredient bar. This 100%, unsweetened chocolate may not be for the faint of heart. But, I enjoyed it. (I recommend trying the Hogarth 85% Hacienda Victoria Ecuador bar if you love exploring dark cacao flavors, but need a little sugar.) 

Maker's comments: "...We have used our Hacienda Victoria Arriba Cacao from Ecuador so you can expect a smooth but strong cocoa hit, with a hint of citrus."

Ingredients: "Directly Traded Ecuador Cocoa Beans (100%)."

Allergen-related information: "May Contain Traces of Milk and Nuts."

*Cacao trees are native to South America, and grow up to 20 degrees North and 20 degrees South of the Equator.

The Equator runs east-west through Northern Ecuador. ("Ecuador" translates to Equator in English.) And the country's privileged geographical position has made its long history as a cacao-growing country possible. 

Hacienda Victoria owners are dedicated to growing and preserving Arriba Nacional cacao, part of a lineage of prized heritage cacao varieties in South America.

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Hogarth - Ecuador Hacienda Victoria Single Estate 85% Cacao (bar) - Dec. 21, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Hogarth Chocolate Makers
Ecuador Hacienda Victoria Single Estate 85% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++ 
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.)/ 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar 
Calories: 205.8 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Ecuador Single Estate 85% (bar) was made by Hogarth Chocolate Makers (Nelson, New Zealand). This was one of two Hogarth Ecuador bars enjoyed this week. (See tomorrow's entry for the Hogarth 100% bar).

The Arriba Nacional (variety of cacao) beans used to make this chocolate were from Hacienda Victoria, a single estate farm established in 2011 in (Cerecita, Guayas) Ecuador, not far from the coast (Pacific Ocean).*

Aroma notes for this "intense dark chocolate" made with Arriba (Nacional) cacao included: slightly bitter dark chocolate (think dark porter/stout if you're a beer drinker); very faint green; molasses; coffee; wood (very faint cedar); barely there green/dried banana; faint, fleeting balanced earth (peat); and very faint sourdough bread...And that was just the aroma.

This well-tempered bar broke with a hard snap in a cool room. It was relatively smooth and creamy, and I was waiting for some astringency, but it never really happened. 

This 85%er had all the flavor, but none of the flinch (at least for ultra-dark fans like me).

Flavor notes included: deep rich, well integrated, ultra-dark chocolate flavor(s), with much less sour and bitter aspects than expected. There was a bit of fruit (citrus, tropical, cacao fruit pulp) sweet-tartness, but it was balanced and subtle. For those who love bold, balanced taste, this was a great ultra-dark bar.

Maker's comments: "...you can expect a smooth but strong cocoa with a hint of citrus."

Ingredients: "Cocoa Solids 85% (Cocoa Beans, Cocoa Butter*^), Sugar* 15% (* = Organic; ^ = Fair Trade)

Allergen-related information: "May Contain Traces of Milk and Nuts."

*Cacao trees are native to South America and grow up to 20 degrees North and 20 degrees South of the Equator in South (and Central) America. 

The name "Ecuador" means Equator in Spanish. The Equator runs east-west through Northern Ecuador. The country's privileged geographical position has made its long history as a cacao-growing country possible. 

No surprise that chocolate makers seek out prized heritage/ancient varieties of cacao found in Ecuador (and neighboring countries adjacent to/part of the Amazon Basin). Arriba Nacional (and other criollo ("native") cacao varieties) are found in Ecuador. And Hacienda Victoria owners are dedicated to growing and preserving Arriba Nacional cacao.

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Amano Artisan Chocolate - Guayas River Basin, Ecuador (bar) - Dec. 20, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Amano Artisan Chocolate
Guayas River Basin, Ecuador (bar)
Good ++ - +++
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 202 calories in 1 (40 g.) serving
Cost: $9.25 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Guayas River Basin, Ecuador (bar) was made by Amano Chocolate Company (Orem, UT). 

Aroma notes for this 70% single origin dark bar included: dark chocolate with green (faint green banana), maple, wood, faint black pepper, and dark berry (ripe blackberry and pomegranate).

Smooth melt and texture with a very faint, fleeting, fruit astringency.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate with sweet green, lightly smoked maple syrup, wood (cedar) shavings, and fruit (green dried banana, dark ripe berry). 

I loved the balanced complexity of the aromas and flavors in this 70% dark chocolate. It was a masterful rendition, capturing the best of this unique Guayas, Ecuador (Nacional variety) cacao.

Amano Maker's Tasting Notes: "This chocolate has a rich chocolate flavor with notes of green bananas, smoke, and blackberries."

Ingredients: "Cocoa Beans, Pure Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Whole Vanilla Beans"

Allergen-related information: "May Contain Traces of Peanuts, Tree Nuts and Milk Products"

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

A. Morin - Pure Origine Noir 100% Equateur Esmeralda (bar) - Dec. 19, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

A. Morin  
Pure Origine Noir 100% Equateur Esmeralda (bar) 
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .586 oz. (16.6 g.) / 3.52 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 106 calories in 1/6 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order 

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

Today's A. Morin Pure Origine 100% Ecuador Esmeraldas (bar) was from SAS Chocolaterie A. Morin (Donzere, France). The company has been passed from father to son for generations (dating back to 1884).

Esmeraldas is a coastal province in northwestern Ecuador, where the Esmeraldas River joins the Pacific Ocean. Home to Ecuador's main seaport, Esmeraldas is also known for its white sand beaches and tropical climate.

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate ice cream, drinking chocolate, earthy fudge brownie.

Texture: This chocolate had a smooth, even melt and thick creamy mouthfeel.

Flavor notes included: Smooth but hearty bouquet of pure chocolate flavors followed by balanced bitter, and relatively subtle sour (for 100% cacao) notes. The finish was long and satisfying with a return to smooth dark chocolate ice cream, creamy dark chocolate mousse, and faint dark chocolate malted milk notes. (Note: there were no dairy or malt ingredients.)

The lack of sugar in any 100% cacao bar (with no added sugar) might be too much for those with a sweet tooth. I found this 85% bar flavorful, delicious and satisfying. After slowly savoring 4 squares (1/6 of this bar) I was in chocolate heaven. This French chocolate definitely belongs in a 100% tasting flight.

Ingredients: Cocoa beans from Ecuador* (Organic)

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

Monday, December 18, 2023

Pinwheel Chocolate - 56% Classic Milk Chocolate Camino Verde, Ecuador (bar) - Dec. 18, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Pinwheel Chocolate 
56% Classic Milk Chocolate Camino Verde, Ecuador (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 165 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Pinwheel Chocolate, online order 

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

Today's 56% Classic Milk Chocolate Camino Verde, Ecuador (bar) was handcrafted from bean to bar by Pinwheel Chocolate LLC (Eagle Mountain, UT).

Aroma notes included: rich, yummy dark milk chocolate and caramel. The cacao used to make this chocolate was from Camino Verde, a privately owned cacao fermentary in Duran (near Guayaquil) in southwestern Ecuador.*

Texture: creamy texture, melt and mouthfeel.

Flavor notes included: pure, smooth dark milk chocolate (chocolate-y, hot chocolate/drinking chocolate with cream), melded with chocolate cream caramel.

Dark milk chocolate lovers will really enjoy this bar. It's also a great winter, comfort food and treat.

Maker's tasting notes: "We've blended rich, brownie-flavored cacao with pure organic whole milk for a taste that reminds you of your favorite childhood chocolate, but with no weird ingredients...What we taste: hot chocolate, whipped cream, childhood :)"

Ingredients: "Cacao beans*, cane sugar*, cocoa butter*, whole milk* (* organic ingredients)"

Allergen-related information: "Made on shared equipment that processes nuts and dairy"

*Camino Verde (literal translation: the "green road") cacao is known for fudge, almond and floral notes.



J. Street Chocolate - Camino Verde, Ecuador 72% (bar) - Dec. 17, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

J. Street Chocolate
Camino Verde, Ecuador 72% (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 136 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: J. Street Chocolate, online order

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

Today's single origin, bean-to-bar Camino Verde, Ecuador 72% chocolate was made by J. Street Chocolate (San Francisco, CA).

Aroma notes included: subtle dark sweet chocolate with faint earthy notes.

Texture: well-tempered, this bar broke with a hard snap in a cool room; and it had a uniform texture and melt.

Flavor notes included: relatively bold, earthy chocolate (loam, buttermilk), with light, balanced sour and bitter earth notes. 

Maker's tasting notes: "Notes of rich cocoa, brioche bread, and elderflower"

Ingredients: "cacao nibs from Camino Verde in Ecuador*, cane sugar*, less than 1% cocoa butter*" (* = Organic)

Allergen-related information: organic ingredients; no other notes listed. (Made in a home kitchen.)

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Monsoon Chocolate - Esmeraldas Ecuador 75% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Dec. 16, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Moonsoon Chocolate
Esmeraldas Ecuador 75% Dark Chocolate (bar) 
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.465 oz. (41.5 g.) / 2.93 oz. (83 g.) in total bar 
Calories: 227 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Esmeraldas Ecuador 75% Cocoa Dark Chocolate (Batch No. 17) (bar) was distributed by Monsoon Chocolate, LLC (Tucson, AZ).

Aroma notes for this bar included: dark chocolate, faint fruit (green fig, green apple), and spice (light saffron, floral).

Texture: This bar broke with a hard snap in a cool room, and had a smooth, uniform texture.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (brownie), faint, diffuse dried fruit, and very faint brown sugar. In the finish: chocolate with very faint, fleeting rice, light wood (oak), (cereal grass) stalks, light citrus (orange + floral/vanilla). 

This chocolate was relatively low in bitterness and acidity, and had a gentle complexity. I recommend eating this bar slowly to catch some of the faint, almost ghost-like flavors (all friendly, nothing scary) that may turn up.

Naturally sweet. Great choice to go with a slightly higher cacao percentage (75% vs. 70%). It seems 70% might have been a bit too sweet.

Ingredients: Cocoa Beans, Unrefined Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter* (* Certified Organic)

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that handles tree nuts, wheat, milk, eggs and peanuts. May not be suitable for people with allergens to these foods." 

Friday, December 15, 2023

Stone Grindz Chocolate - Ancient Ecuador 85% (bar) - Dec 15, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Stone Grindz Chocolate
Ancient Ecuador 85% (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Stone Grindz, online order

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

Today's Ancient Ecuador 85% (bar) was made from bean to bar by Stone Grindz Chocolate (Scottsdale, AZ).

This award-winning chocolate was crafted using cacao from Hacienda Victoria (Cerecita, Ecuador). The cacao beans are "ancient heirloom varietal dating back thousands of years, making this bean very rare."

Aroma notes for this ultra-dark chocolate included: deep, dark chocolate and very subtle, smooth earth (very faint loam) and mineral (very faint chalk).

This well-tempered bar broke with a hard snap in a cool room. The texture was uniform and smooth with a very faint astringency. Stone Grindz chocolate makers selected a "light roast and a heavy conche to give it clarity of flavor unmatched at this percentage." (More gentle roasting can preserve more volatile flavor elements present in complex, heritage cacaos; and longer conche time can create a pleasant creamy texture.)

Flavor notes included: dark fudge brownie; earth (light loam); very faint (barely there) dried fruit (black fig, pomegranate) and cinnamon toast; and roasted nut/seed/malt. Not too sweet, tart or bitter, this 85% ultra-dark bar will interest dark chocolate enthusiasts. 

Eat slowly to enjoy some of the more fleeting flavor notes and to enjoy the unexpected creaminess (dark chocolate buttermilk ice cream) toward the finish, that became more obvious after the first (i.e. subsequent) bite.

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Chocolate Ice Cream, Roasted Peanut"

Ingredients: (Ecuadorian) Cacao*, Cacao Butter*, Cane Sugar* (* = Organically Farmed)

Allergen-related information:  "Soy Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan"


Pump Street Chocolate - Maple Pecan 55% Milk Chocolate (bar) - Dec. 14, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Pump Street Chocolate
Maple Pecan 55% Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 199.5 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa (online order)

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

Today's Maple Pecan (bar) was made from bean-to-bar by Pump Street Limited (Suffolk, England). The company also produces baked goods. And, today's bar contained flakes of their pie crust.*

The cacao used to make this chocolate was from Hacienda Victoria, a single-estate farm in Guayas, near the Pacific Coast of Ecuador.

Aroma notes included: chocolate, fruit (cherry pie), pie crust, nuts (pecans), maple syrup and very faint fig.

Flavor notes were similar to the aroma notes above, with a bit more emphasis on the smooth dark milk chocolate. The cacao's subtle, natural stone fruit notes (cherry, peach) in combination with Pump Street's authentic buttery pie crust taste made me think of fruit pie. 

This 55% bar was relatively sweet. The flavors were interesting and well balanced and seemed perfect for a cool December day, with hints of pie and maple nut.

Ingredients: Cocoa beans, cane sugar, caramelised maple pecans (17.4%) (pecans (nuts), pure maple sugar, demerara sugar), cocoa butter, skimmed milk powder, pastry (7.4%) (wheat flour with added calcium, iron, niacin and thiamine, unsalted butter (milk), eggs, icing sugar, salt). Milk chocolate contains minimum cocoa solids (55%). 

Allergen-related information: Contains tree nut(s) (pecans), milk, wheat, eggs. May contain nuts and sesame seeds.

*The crust tasted great, but contained wheat; i.e. it was not gluten free. So I was unable to taste more than one bite. 

Dr. Bronner's - Magic Creamy Mocha Latte Oat Milk Chocolate - Dec. 13, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Dr. Bronner's
Magic Creamy Mocha Latte Oat Milk Chocolate 45% Cocoa (bar) 
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.465 oz. (41.5 g.) / 2.93 oz. (83 g.) in total bar
Calories: 234.4 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $N/A - free sample ($5.99 for 1 bar); available online
Purchased from: N/A - Sample received from Dr. Bronner's

Today's Magic Creamy Mocha Latte Oat Milk Chocolate 45% Cocoa (bar) was distributed by Dr. Bronner's (Vista, CA). This was the third of three new oat milk bars featured on Chocolate Banquet this week.

The company's first line of Magic dark chocolate bars were created in 2021. Today's mocha latte oat milk chocolate was the third of three new oat milk chocolate 45% bars from Dr. Bronner's featured this week on Chocolate Banquet.

This Organic, Fair for Life Fair Trade, Vegan Certified, and gluten free Creamy Mocha Latte Oat Milk Chocolate carried the company's message (from company founder Dr. Emanuel Bronner), "We Are All-One." A timeless reminder for us all.

The growing selection of alternative "milk" chocolate bars have become available in the past five years. It's a challenge to produce a chocolate that has the attributes of dairy milk/cream. However, Dr. Bronner's three new bars show that tasty non-dairy (and vegan) chocolates have finally arrived.

Aroma notes for this bar included: freshly roasted coffee, chocolate, and creamy mocha beverages with a trace of vanilla and nut (almond, hazelnut).

The texture and flavors were hearty but very smooth.

Flavor notes included: rich dark, smooth chocolate, coffee and mocha nut latte (made with hazelnut and almond "milks") with a hint of warm vanilla.

This 45% cacao coconut sugar sweetened chocolate was sweet. (Sugar is the #1 ingredient, and this may give you that "moreish" urge to eat more than an ultra-dark chocolate.) Fortunately, the coconut sugar seemed to slow down the sugar buzz.*

What I loved about all three Dr. Bronner's new oat milk bars: 1.) seductive aromas and authentic flavor(s); 2.) organic, fair trade and thoughtfully cultivated (regenerative) ingredients; 3.) the choice of coconut sugar vs. cane sugar; 4.) well-executed texture and flavor layering; and 5.) no obvious oat milk taste. (They could pass for dark (dairy) milk chocolate.) 

These bars come close to the chocolate "holy grail"-- offerings that both milk and dark chocolate lovers might enjoy. These 45% cacao chocolates tasted more like dark chocolate than most lower cacao percentage bars. And the flavors didn't get lost in the sugar. (Thank you!)

Ingredients: Fair Trade Organic Coconut Sugar,* Fair Trade Organic Cocoa Butter,* Fair Trade Organic Cocoa Beans,* Organic Whole Oat Flour,  Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Hazelnuts, Fair Trade Organic Coffee, Organic Sunflower Lecithin, Organic Almonds, Fair Trade Organic Bourbon Vanilla Bean (* = Regenerative Organic Certified)

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

* Coconut sugar is a bit lower on the glycemic scale than more processed/white sugar(s), i.e. is less likely to spike blood sugar as much.


 

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Dr. Bronner's - Magic Crunchy Hazelnut Butter Oat Milk Chocolate (bar) - Dec. 12, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Dr. Bronner's
Magic Crunchy Hazelnut Butter Oat Milk Chocolate 45% Cocoa (bar) 
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.465 oz. (41.5 g.) / 2.93 oz. (83 g.) in total bar
Calories: 249 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $N/A - free sample ($5.99 per bar); available online
Purchased from: N/A - Sample received from Dr. Bronner's

Today's Magic Crunchy Hazelnut Butter Oat Milk Chocolate 45% Cocoa (bar) was distributed by Dr. Bronner's (Vista, CA). 

The company, well-known for their soaps,* was founded in 1948. Their first line of Magic dark chocolate bars were created in 2021. Today's hazelnut oat milk chocolate was the second of three new Dr. Bronner's oat milk chocolate bars featured this week on Chocolate Banquet.

Organic, Fair for Life Fair Trade, Vegan Certified, and gluten free, today's new Crunchy Hazelnut Butter Oat Milk Chocolate offers food for thoughtful consumers. 

The growing selection of alternative "milk" chocolate bars in recent years has produced mixed results. However, this week's oat milk bars exemplify increasingly tasty variations that have become available in recent years.

Aroma notes for this aromatic bar included: roasted nuts (hazelnuts); sweet dark chocolate (that I usually associate with dark milk chocolate); and faint, freshly baked chocolate fudge brownie + shortbread hazelnut cookies with a trace of vanilla (wafting across the hall from someone's kitchen).

The texture was layered--with a slightly softer, flavorful (crunchy nut butter + chocolate blend) layer inside, surrounded by uniform, well-tempered outer chocolate coating.

Flavor notes included: Roasted nut butters (hazelnuts, almonds), and sweet, rich dark (oat) "milk" chocolate. I'm happy to admit I don't know if I could tell this was an oat milk chocolate vs. milk chocolate in a blind taste test. 

This 45% cacao coconut sugar sweetened chocolate was fairly sweet; and it may create a "moreish" desire to eat more--i.e., more than an ultra-dark chocolate would. Fortunately, the coconut sugar seemed to slow down the sugar buzz.** 

I'm a dark chocolate (and bold, natural flavors) fan. Even though this chocolate was only 45% cacao (more sugar, less cacao), it tasted like sweet, dark chocolate. The quality of the ingredients and nuts (hazelnuts and almonds), and perhaps the oat flour, helped balance out the sweetness. And I really appreciated the depth and richness of these authentic flavor(s).

Ingredients: Fair Trade Organic Coconut Sugar,* Fair Trade Organic Cocoa Butter,* Organic Hazelnuts, Fair Trade Organic Cocoa Beans,* Organic Whole Oat Flour,  Organic Sunflower Lecithin, Organic Almonds, Fair Trade Organic Bourbon Vanilla Bean (* = Regenerative Organic Certified)

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

*Full disclosure, I was already a long-time fan of Dr. Bronner's liquid soaps before trying their chocolate. Now a B Corporation, Dr. Bronner's (now run by the descendants of the original founder (Dr. Bronner))  continues to be committed to quality ingredients and social good. That extends to working with farmers in Ghana and creating a Regenerative Organic Certified Serendipalm Project in Ghana.

** Coconut sugar is a bit lower on the glycemic scale than more processed/white sugar(s), i.e. is less likely to spike blood sugar as much.


Monday, December 11, 2023

Dr. Bronner's - Magic Golden Milk Chai Oat Milk Chocolate 45% Cocoa (bar) - Dec. 19, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Dr. Bronner's
Magic Golden Milk Chai Oat Milk Chocolate 45% Cocoa (bar) 
Good +++
Weight: 1.465 oz. (41.5 g.) / 2.93 oz. (83 g.) in total bar
Calories: 234.4 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $N/A - free sample ($5.99 for 1 bar; order online)
Purchased from: N/A - Sample received from Dr. Bronner's

Today's Magic Golden Milk Chai Oat Milk Chocolate 45% Cocoa (bar) was distributed by Dr. Bronner's (Vista, CA). 

The family-run company was founded in 1948 by Emanuel Bronner, a third-generation soapmaker. Later, as they worked with farmers in Ghana to produce regenerative, organic oil for their soap line, the company saw an opportunity to expand into cacao and chocolate as well. The first line of Magic dark chocolate bars were created in 2021. This week I'm sampling three new oat milk bars.

Organic, Fair for Life Fair Trade, Vegan Certified, and gluten free, today's new Magic Golden Milk Chai Oat Milk Chocolate ticks many boxes for thoughtful consumers. It's also one of a growing selection of alternative "milk" chocolate bars in recent years.

Some early oat milk bars I've tried have been overly sweet, bland and mealy. So, I wondered, what would this one taste like? 

Any questions I had vanished with the first look and smell. This Golden Milk bar had the appearance not of a golden-ivory (white) chocolate, but a fine dark chocolate; and it was divinely fragrant.

Aroma notes for this aromatic bar included: coconut cookie, chocolate gingerbread, chai tea, and sweet coconut rice pudding with saffron, spices and turmeric.

The well-tempered chocolate bar broke with a hard snap (in a cool room). And the texture was layered--with a slightly softer, flavorful layer on/inside a more solid, outer chocolate layer(s). There were a few bites with very fine ground oat texture toward the finish, but it was not off-putting. (More like the oat bits you might find in a moist, baked cookie.)

Flavor notes included: chocolate, golden milk chai tea with turmeric, gingerbread oatmeal cookie, and spiced coconut milk flan. (Could I taste the oats? Not really.) I loved all the authentic spices and flavors together in one chocolate.

The sweetness level (supplied by coconut sugar) was in the baked goods and desserts range, and seemed just right for this spiced chocolate. The only reminder I was eating a sweeter (45% cacao) chocolate was I was starting to eat more than I would normally. Fortunately, the coconut sugar seemed to slow down the sugar buzz.*

The chocolate (cacao) tasted quite smooth. The bit of coconut milk helped convey authentic golden milk (chai)** flavor. The cacao and spice levels were well-balanced, satisfying and had some oomph to them. This was far from instant oatmeal-bland. 

These artfully layered flavors made me feel I was enjoying the best of multiple desserts. Harmoniously integrated yet experienced individually as well. Magic indeed. 

Ingredients: Fair Trade Organic Coconut Sugar,* Fair Trade Organic Cocoa Butter,* Fair Trade Organic Coconut, Fair Trade Organic Cocoa Beans,* Organic Whole Oat Flour, Fair Trade Organic Coconut Milk Powder, Organic Turmeric, Organic Cinnamon, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Sunflower Lecithin, Organic Cardamom, Organic Ginger, Organic Black Pepper, Fair Trade Organic Bourbon Vanilla Bean (* = Regenerative Organic Certified)

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

* Coconut sugar is a bit lower on the glycemic scale than more processed/white sugar(s), i.e. is less likely to spike blood sugar as much.

** Golden milk is a traditional Ayurvedic warm beverage made with milk (often coconut milk in California) and spices, including turmeric--which gives this drink a golden color.

Marana - Chocotejas - Pecan 70% Dark Chocolate - Dec. 10, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Marana Craft Chocolate
Chocotejas - Pecan 70% Dark Chocolate
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .99 oz. (28 g.) / 17.82 oz. (504 g.) in total box of 18 pcs
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) for 1 piece
Cost: $52.00 for a box of 18 pieces (6 flavors)
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order 

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

Today's Chocotejas* - Pecan 70% Dark chocolate confections from Marana Craft Chocolate were manufactured by Cacao Valley S.A.C. (Lima, Peru).

Aroma notes these traditional Peruvian, filled chocolate confections included: well-toasted bread, caramelized nut, and faint dark chocolate.

A smooth dark chocolate shell covered the large, (oval loaf-shaped) chocolate covered confection. Flavor notes included: nutty, earthy, chocolate-y with balanced burnt caramel/dulce de leche flavored milk fondant filling with pecan pieces.

Ingredients: Manjar/milk caramel (whole milk, sugar, agar, disodium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate), 70% dark chocolate (cacao mass, sugar, and cacao butter), and pecans.

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, nuts.

Peruvian Chocotejas often contain a thick fondant (manjar blanco) similar to dulce de leche, nuts (pecans) and/or dried fruits. 

Pure Chocolate Ltd. - Toffee Pecan Milk Chocolate Truffles - Dec. 9, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Pure Chocolate Ltd.
Toffee Pecan Milk Chocolate Truffles
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.59 oz. (45 g.) / 5.40 oz. (153 g.) in box of 16 pieces
Calories: 240 calories in 5 pieces
Cost: $2.99 for 1 box of 16 pieces
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA  

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

Today's Toffee Pecan Milk Chocolate Truffles were from Pure Chocolate Ltd. (Tukums Municipality, Latvia). I was happy to find this chocolate from Latvia, a country that hasn't been represented yet on Chocolate Banquet. 

Aroma notes included: caramel candy, milk chocolate and nuts.

A crunchy exterior coating (tiny bits of toffee and pecan nut) surrounded a round creamy, sweet milk chocolate interior. These sweet confections tasted exactly as advertised, with notes of creamy milk chocolate, toffee (caramelized sugars) and nut (sugared pecan).

Ingredients: "Sugar, Caramelized Pecan Pieces, Dry Whole Milk, Cocoa Butter Vegetable Oils (Palm, Shea), Chocolate Liquor, Condensed Milk, Dry Skim Milk, Glucose Syrup, Caramelized Sugar Syrup, Soy Lecithin, Ethyl Alcohol, Natural Flavorings, See (Sea) Salt. Milk Chocolate - Minimum Cocoa Solids 34%."

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk, Soy, and Tree Nuts (Pecans). "Made in a facility that also processes peanuts."


Friday, December 8, 2023

Gnosis Chocolate - Raw Trail Mix "Immunity" - Dec. 8, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Gnosis Chocolate 
"Immunity" Raw Trail Mix
Good ++
Weight: 2 oz.  (56.6 g.) / 8 oz. (227 g.) in total package
Calories: 300 calories (estimate) in 2 oz. serving
Cost: $15.00 for 1 package
Purchased from: Gnosis Chocolate (online order)

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

Today's Immunity Raw Trail Mix was made by Gnosis Chocolate (Astoria, NY).

Aroma notes for this gluten free, vegan and raw offering included: aromatic dried fruits (persimmon, currant, golden berry/golden raisin), and subtle nut, seed and dark chocolate.

This trail mix was made with generous squares of raw, dark chocolate that had a smooth chocolate-y flavor and a very faint (fruit) astringency. 

The dried fruits offered a range of chewy, tart-sweet flavors. (I enjoyed the seasonal persimmon, cranberries, and the South American golden berries.) The pecans, pumpkin seeds and nibs rounded out the blend and added some softly crunchy texture.

This grain-free trail mix was balanced, flavorful and not too sweet (thank you!).

Ingredients: pecans*, raw chocolate* (raw cacao beans*, coconut sugar*), cranberries*, pumpkin seeds*, black currants*, persimmons*, goldenberries*, raw cacao nibs.* (* = organic)

Allergen-related information: Contains tree nut(s) (pecans), coconut (sugar)

  

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Nuts.com - Dark Chocolate Covered Pecans - Dec. 7, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Nuts.com
Dark Chocolate Covered Pecans 
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (29 g.) / 16 oz. (1 lb.) (454 g.) in total package
Calories: 160 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $17.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Nuts.com (online order)

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

Today's Dark Chocolate Covered Pecans were distributed by Nuts.com (Cranford, NJ).

Aroma notes for these jumbo-sized nut confections included: rich, dark chocolate (rich cocoa, fresh cacao nibs, mild nut/wood) with very faint vanilla.

A generous coat of satisfying dark chocolate surrounded large and authentic-tasting, crunchy pecan halves. The dark chocolate coating was flavorful, well-balanced and sweet, but not overly so. 

Some of the cocoa was alkalized--a process used to reduce bitterness/acidity in cacao; but happily some was not (something dark chocolate fans will likely appreciate). The balance seemed just right; some dark flavor complexity, but not too strong. The complementary, fine pecan nut flavors (smooth, slightly slight sweet, mellow and wood(s)y) were allowed to shine through.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (Sugar, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate Liquor processed with Alkali, Butterfat, Soy Lecithin (an emulsifier), Natural Vanilla Flavor, Salt), Pecans (Pecans, Soybean Oil), Water, Gum Arabic, Confectioner's Glaze, Modified Food Starch (Tapioca), Coconut Oil, Canola Oil.

Allergen-related information: "Contains Tree Nut (pecans). Soy, and Milk."

  

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Nuts.com - Chocolate Cinnamon Bun Pecans - Dec. 6, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Nuts.com
Chocolate Cinnamon Bun Pecans 
Good ++
Weight: 1.1 oz. (30 g.) /16 oz. (1 lb.) (453 g.) in total package
Calories: 160 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $16.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Nuts.com (online order)

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

Today's Chocolate Cinnamon Bun Pecans were distributed by Nuts.com (Cranford, NJ).

Aroma notes for these substantial chocolate-covered confections included: subtle cinnamon roll and vanilla, and faint chocolate. 

Textures and flavors were layered. With each bite, there were three layers: 1.) the dry outer, cinnamon sugar dusting (that really did conjure up the taste of cinnamon bun dough*); 2.) milk chocolate (couverture) with a rich chocolate-y melt; and 3.) a softly crunchy pecan nut at the center. 

*A little vanilla contributed to the baked goods flavor and sweetness. And speaking of sweetness, these were just about right, i.e. sweet, but not overly sweet--especially given they were successfully conjuring up a cinnamon bun. 

Ingredients: Pure Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Milk, Cocoa Mass, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla), Dry Roasted Pecans, Cane Sugar, Ground Cinnamon, Cocoa Powder, Confectioner's Sugar, Gum Arabic, Natural and Artificial Flavors. 

Allergen-related information: Contains tree nut(s) (pecans). soy, and milk. 

 

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Fjak - Wild Mushroom Funnel Chanterelle Milk Chocolate (bar) - Dec. 5, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Fjak
Wild Mushroom Funnel Chanterelle Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good +++ 
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / ~2.11 oz. (~60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 175.2 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's award-winning, Funnel Chanterelle Milk Chocolate (bar) was from Fjak Chocolate AS (Eidfjord, Norway). 

This Limited Edition chocolate was part of the company's "Nordic Specials" series, featuring seasonal, local Norwegian flavors (apples/cider, berries, moss, brown cheese--and in this case wild mushrooms) found in the Hardangerfjord area of western Norway.

Subtle but complex aroma notes for this bar included subtle dark milk chocolate (very faint, diffuse fruit and lemon-green herb (oxalis)), faint mushroom (soup), and a pleasant, natural sweetness (similar to woodsy honey).

This well-tempered bar had a pleasing, creamy melt and texture. 

Flavor notes included: dark milk chocolate (creamy cacao, milky drinking chocolate); very faint, honey and warm spiced fruit (peaches and pears), and almost undetectable mushroom with a dab of cream and a barely there aromatic (floral peppercorn) spice. At the very end (tail end of the finish) there was a very faint, fleeting, smoky/savory mushroom note.

I really enjoyed this well-executed, wild mushroom chocolate with subtle flavors simmering just below the sweet, milky surface. It wasn't salty or savory, but there was some trace, satisfying umami to it.

I paired this creamy milk chocolate with pecan nuts that were woodsy, nutty and slightly sweet.

Ingredients: Cocoa Beans*, Cane Sugar*, Milk Powder*, Cocoa Butter*, Funnel Chanterelle* (Min. 50% Cocoa). (* = Organic)

Allergen-related information: Contains milk. "Processed in a facility that handles nuts, dairy (and) gluten."




 

Back Roads - Dark Chocolate Pecan granola - Dec. 4, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Back Roads Food Company
Organic Dark Chocolate Pecan plant based granola
Good ++
Weight: 1/4 cup (27 g.) / 10 oz. (284 g.) in total package
Calories: 140 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $8.49 for 1 package
Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA 

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

Today's Dark Chocolate Pecan plant based granola was from Back Roads Food Company (Brattleboro, VT). 

Aroma notes for this gluten free and vegan granola included: sweet oats, nuts (pecans, cashews) and seeds and very faint dark chocolate and dried fruit (raisin).

This fresh, crispy-crunchy granola cereal was full of balanced oat, fruit (raisin), nut, coconut and dark chocolate flavors. It wasn't too sweet; it had an attractive natural sweetness. The Vermont maple syrup added a little more flavor depth than other sugars.

Ingredients: Certified gluten free rolled oats, Vermont maple syrup, dark chocolate (coconut sugar and cocoa butter), coconut chips, pecans, sweetened cranberries (apple juice and sunflower oil), cashews, high oleic sunflower oil, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut and sesame seeds. 

Allergen-related information: Contains nuts (pecans, cashews), coconut. "Processed in a peanut free facility that processes other nuts. May contain nut shell pieces or seed hulls."

Monday, December 4, 2023

Pralus - Indonesia Criollo 75% (bar) - Dec. 3, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Pralus 
Indonesia Criollo 75% (bar)
Good +++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 292.5 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Indonesia Criollo 75% (bar) was made in France by Patisserie Chocolaterie Pralus s.a.s. (Roanne, France).

The Java Criollo cacao variety used to make this chocolate was grown on the Island of Java, in Indonesia. This hybrid cacao is known for nuanced, subtle heritage Criollo flavor(s), blended with the bolder dark chocolate flavors of a Forastero* cacao variety.

Aroma notes included: bold dark chocolate, gentle fruit (sweet, green grapes; faint peach), very faint sweet cracker, malt, and honey; and barely there lemon-green herb (oxalis, wood sorrel, sour grass).

This well-tempered bar broke with a hard snap, and had a smooth texture and melt. As this relatively thick bar melted, there was a subtle unfolding and undulation of flavors that I associated with chocolates made with Criollo cacao(s).

Flavor notes included: rich dark chocolate, honey, subtle fruits, and fudge brownie.

Ingredients: Indonesian cocoa (min. 75%), sugar, cocoa butter, emulsifier: sunflower lecithin.

Allergen-related information: May contain traces of nuts or milk.

*Some would call this blend somewhat counter-intuitive hybrid a "best of both worlds" that combines the subtle prized flavors of a Criollo cacao (originally transported from the Americas to the Philippines and Indonesia--via Spanish ships many years ago), with the bold flavors of a Forastero cacao. Forastero pods are larger (contain cacao beans) and are more disease resistant as well.



 

Saturday, December 2, 2023

Guido Gobino - Indonesia 80% disks - Dec. 2, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Guido Gobino 
Indonesia 80% pieces/disks 
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 4.41 oz. (125 g.) total package of 25 pieces
Calories: 136 calories (estimate) in 5 pieces
Cost: $18.50 for 1 package of 25 pieces
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Indonesia (single origin) 80% individually-wrapped chocolates were from Guido Gobino (Turin, Italy). 

Happily, this family-owned, bean-to-bar maker offers smaller, high-percentage cacao, single origin, chocolates from different countries--including today's small (5 g.) disks made with Indonesian cacao. (Not all small chocolates are sugary, rather bland confections.)

Aroma notes for these individually-wrapped small disks included: aromatic dark chocolate; fruit (dark cherry); and woodsy earth (very faint, balanced peat/loam).

Texture: well-tempered (broke with a snap); smooth melt and mouthfeel--with a bit of faintly crunchy, ground cacao nib/bean fibers; and an almost invisible astringency in one or two bites (that may show up when you combine this chocolate with other foods).

Flavor notes included: rich, extra dark chocolate; very faint, dark/dried fruit (cherry); very faint, fleeting butter; very faint woodsy earth (peat, loam); and very faint, fleeting lemony-green herb (oxalis).

These chocolates were enjoyably complex, well-executed, robust and dark, and were not too sweet. (Thank you!)

Bar and Cocoa tasting notes: "...fragrant and intense, with notes of dried fruit and cocoa"

Ingredients: cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter; Cocoa 80% minimum

Allergen-related information: May contain traces of milk, hazelnuts, soy

 

Friday, December 1, 2023

Bonnat Chocolatier - Indonesia Java Milk 65% (bar) - Dec. 1, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Bonnat Chocolatier
Indonesia Java Milk 65% (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.17 oz. (33.3 g.) / 3.52 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 209 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $13.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Indonesia Java Milk 65% (bar) was from Bonnat Chocolatier (aka Chocolat Bonnat), based in Voiron, Isere, France. The company has been making chocolate for almost 140 years.

The cacao used to make this bar was from Java (a large island in the Indonesian archipelago), located west of Bali and south of Borneo.

Aroma notes for this bar included: bold dark chocolate and cream of rice cereal with milk, sugar and butter.

This well-tempered bar broke with a hard snap, and had a satisfying, creamy, buttery texture.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate, faint grain/cereal, and very faint brown bread. The choice of a bit more cocoa butter, sugar and milk (65% cacao vs. 70% cacao dark chocolate) seemed like a good choice. The cacao was fairly bold, and seemed well managed in this bar.

Ingredients: Cocoa (Indonesie), cocoa butter, sugar, milk powder; 65% cocoa minimum.

Allergen-related information: Contains milk. 

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Firetree Chocolate - Indonesia Seram Island 72% Cocoa (bar) - Nov. 30, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Firetree Chocolate Limited
Indonesia Seram Island 72% Cocoa (bar) 
Good ++
Weight: 1.145 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.29 oz. (65 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180.5 calories in 1/2 bar 
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Indonesia Seram* Island 72% Cocoa (bar) was from Firetree Chocolate Limited (Peterborough, United Kingdom). 

Firetree produces "Rich Volcanic Chocolate"--sourcing cacao from remote islands, including Indonesia and South Pacific Island nations. The company's name is inspired by the flame-colored hues (yellow, orange, red and even pink and purplish) found in cocoa pods, as well as the volcanic lava(s) that created rich volcanic soils for cacao.

Aroma notes for today's Indonesia bar included: subtle dark chocolate; faint brown sugar toffee; and very faint, fleeting, raisin bread toast.

This chocolate had a smooth texture and creamy mouthfeel.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (cocoa, drinking chocolate); diffuse, bright dried fruit and faint honey; and very faint light brown sugar, warm spice (star anise), and nut. 

This was a smooth, almost subtle 72% dark chocolate with natural sweetness and moderate complexity. It was relatively low in bitterness and had low-to-moderate acidity. 

Maker's tasting notes: "Crafted from Indonesian island beans, this chocolate has a pleasing blend of cocoa, toasted walnuts, treacle and floral notes."

Ingredients: Cocoa mass, unrefined sugar, cocoa butter, emulsifier: sunflower lecithin. 

Allergen-related information: "This product is made in a no nut factory." "Dairy free. Halal. Suitable for Vegans."

*Seram is part of the Maluku Island group (Maluku Province of Indonesia), located west of Papua and East of Sulawesi and Bali.




Metiisto - Bali 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Nov. 29, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Metiisto Artisan Chocolate
Bali 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.32 oz. (37.5 g.) / 2.65 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 217.6 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Indonesia Theme Week, including a few chocolates from Bali.

Today's Bali 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) was made by Metiisto Artisan Chocolate "from scratch in Toowoomba (Australia)."

This single origin bar had smooth, almost creamy texture; and aroma and flavor notes that included: bold dark chocolate with subtle, balanced earth (peat, loam); very faint dark molasses; and occasional flickers of brighter, sweet fruit. 

This bar was a bit edgier and less sweet than many 70% chocolates. But it was flavorful and well-executed.

Ingredients: Cocoa beans, Sugar, Cocoa butter.

Allergen-related information: May contain traces milk. Produced in Australia from local and imported ingredients.


Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Standout Chocolate - Single Origin Bali Indonesia 70% (bar) - Nov. 28, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Standout Chocolate
Single Origin Bali Indonesia 70% (bar)
Good +++
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 146 calories in 1/2 bar 
Cost: $10.25 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Om Suwastiastu (Greetings) and welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Indonesia Theme Week.

Today's Single Origin Bali Indonesia 70% (bar) was handcrafted in Sweden, by bean-to-bar maker Fredrik Martinsson, at Standout Chocolate (Kallered, Sweden).

The label contained interesting details about the cacao origin. The cacao used to make this chocolate was from Jembrana (West Bali), and produced by KSS cooperative. This cacao was "intercropped with jackfruit, mangosteen, (and) snakefruit...and after being harvested, it was fermented in 2-tier wooden boxes covered with banana leaves.

Aroma and flavor notes for this unique and pleasing 70% cacao bar included: smooth dark chocolate, warm spiced fruit compote, faint sugar molasses cookie, raisin toast, and fleeting, faint, soft cherry and herbal tea (star anise and clove rooibois tea) notes in what was a longer finish than expected. 

I really enjoyed this well-executed chocolate. The texture was smooth and uniform; and there were no off notes. Lots of well developed (and preserved) flavors from just two ingredients. While there was considerable natural sweetness (spice, fruit notes) present, happily, this chocolate was not overly sweet either. (Thank you!)

Maker's tasting notes: "Cloves, Nutmeg, Toasted Bread' and "Herbal"

Ingredients: Cacao beans*, Cane sugar*. 

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

Monday, November 27, 2023

Puchero - 75% Indonesia Java Criollo Single Origin (bar) - Nov. 27, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Puchero 
75% Indonesia Java Criollo Single Origin (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.4 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 207.5 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $ N/A - gift from a friend
Purchased from: N/A - gift from a friend - Thank you Toni! 

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

Today's Puchero 75% Indonesia Java Criollo Single Origin (bar) was produced by Tostarix S.L. (Vallodolid, Spain). The company offers a variety of small batch, bean-to-bar chocolates.

Aroma notes included: smooth dark chocolate, tropical fruit (ripe, sweet mango), and caramel.

This chocolate had a smooth, almost creamy/milky texture, mouthfeel and flavor.

Flavor notes included: bittersweet chocolate, and sweet fruit (apple, berry, date, mango), faint caramel and very faint gingerbread. What is so special about Criollo cacao varieties? Subtle, sophisticated, complex flavors that also tend to be (depending on the origin and roast) low in acidity and bitterness.*

Puchero maker's notes: "Fermented white cacao from hybrid varieties known as Java Criollo. Complex, creamy and milky. Notes of caramel and tropical fruit."

Ingredients: "cacao beans, organic beet sugar, organic cacao butter."

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

*Single origin chocolates made with heritage/Criollo cacaos are rare. They represent less than 5% of the fine chocolate market. 

Criollo and/or heritage varieties of cacao beans tend to come from smaller cacao pods, and the trees are often more delicate/prone to diseases, which helps explain why they are found/selected less often for planting in large plantations, where the highest yields and lowest risk of diseases are selected over subtler flavor characteristics. 

Similar trade-offs are made with other heritage/heirloom variety crops, ranging from roses to tomatoes. 

Sunday, November 26, 2023

Heinde and Verre - Dutch Vegan Mylk 52% Chocolate (Indonesia, DR, Peru) - Nov. 26, 2023

Chocolate of the Day 

Heinde and Verre
Dutch Vegan Mylk 52% Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in package of 2 bars
Calories: 199 calories in 1 bar (1/2 of a 2-bar package) 
Cost: $9.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate and Indonesia Theme Week, featuring chocolates made with cacao grown across the Republic of Indonesia--that includes 17,000+ islands--and origins such as Java and Bali.

Today's Dutch Vegan Mylk Chocolate (bar) was from Heinde and Verre B.V. (Rotterdam, The Netherlands). Like the company's name (rough translation: near and far), high-quality ingredients were selected from at least three different continents.

The cacao used to make this 52% cacao bar was from Indonesia, the Dominican Republic, and Peru.

Aroma notes for this vegan bar included: complex dark chocolate, dried fruit (banana), sweet green and subtle rice/oat cereal. 

The texture was thick and creamy, with no unpleasant graininess (from oats, rice). All the flavor inclusions were fully incorporated into the mylk chocolate. 

The sealed packaging helped keep this bar smooth, in-temper,* and fresh-tasting. (And it also made it easy to share a bar with someone else.)

Flavor notes included chocolate, fruit - (fully incorporated), authentic banana, and pleasant, very subtle oat and rice "milk" and very faint coconut.

This was one of the most well-crafted and tasty vegan "milk" bars I've tasted. Alternative milk bars often taste/feel a bit starchy; or the oats or rice can muddle the taste of the cacao with duller flavors.

Today's bar was very nicely balanced, not too sweet, with a pleasing complexity. 

Ingredients: "Cacao beans and cacao butter (52%), sugar, oat, cocos, banana, rice, calcium, sunflower lecithin, salt." 

Allergen-related information: (None listed. See ingredients list above.)

*Chocolate is tempered (using precise cycles of heating and cooling). The perfect temper results in chocolate bars that break with a hard snap at room temperature, and well-tempered chocolates have a longer shelf life as well. If chocolate sits in the sun, or is subjected to other extremes, it can lose its firm texture and desirable appearance and become out of temper.


Marana - Chocotejas Guindon (Dry Plum), Lucuma y Nuez (Lucuma & Walnut); Sugar Plums - Nov. 25, 2023

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Marana Craft Chocolate

1.) Chocotejas - Guindon (Dry Plum)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 17.82 oz. (504 g.) in total box of 18
Calories: 145 calories in 1 piece 
Cost: $52.00 for 1 box of 18 pieces (6 flavors)
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

2.) Chocotejas - Lucuma y Nuez (Lucuma and Walnut)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 17.82 oz. (504 g.) in total box of 18
Calories: 145 calories in 1 piece
Cost: $52.00 for 1 box of 18 pieces (6 flavors)
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order?

3.) Andy's Orchard 
Sugar Plums
Good ++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.45 g.) (estimate) /9 oz. (estimate) for box of 6
Calories: (No information listed)
Cost: $24.00 for 1 box 
Purchased from: Andy's Orchard, Morgan Hill, CA

4.) Brandy cherries with cinnamon, cocoa
(Small batch - homemade)

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Cherries Theme Week. Today's four items featured holiday fruit (including cherries) and nut blends with chocolate(s).

Today's bountiful chocolate plate was heaped with two special Peruvian chocotejas confections: (1.) Dry Plum and 2.) Lucuma and Walnut) from Marana Craft Chocolate (Lima, Peru); 3.) "Sugar Plums" (with cherries and walnuts) from Andy's Orchard (Morgan Hill, CA); and 4.) homemade brandied cherries with cinnamon and cocoa.

Marana - Guindon (Dry Plum)
Aroma notes for this large, individually-wrapped, Peruvian bon bon included: dark chocolate and a complex, savory-sweet plum sauce (sweet and lightly salted plum, tomato cream sauce).

This substantial, filled confection's flavor notes included: rich, naturally sweet dark chocolate; and a diffuse blend of very faint salt brown sugar caramel and dried fruit (very lightly salted plum, then a deep dive into moist, delicious prune) that blended with the pieces of melting dark chocolate outer coating.

The moist prunes (dry plums) rocketed me back to childhood memories of Bee Ritchie's chocolate-covered prunes--from the formerly agricultural fruit basket region in the San Francisco Bay Area (South Bay).*  Dark chocolate with dry/dried stone fruit: a robust flavor blend.

Marana - Lucuma y Nuez (Lucuma and Walnut)

Aroma notes for this generously sized confection included: dark chocolate, botanical and rich nut (sweet green walnut, maple-like syrup), and very faint tart green-lemony herb (oxalis, wood sorrel, sour grass).

A creamy, rich, dark chocolate shell surrounded a soft fudge like center with large pieces of soft walnut. Flavor notes included: dark chocolate; brown sugar; faint dried fruit (fig); diffuse, sweet botanical; light caramel; and subtle, authentic walnut.

Andy's Orchard - Sugar Plums

Andy Mariani knows fruit; and his fruit orchard is one of the last of its kind in Santa Clara County. Perhaps best known for their Blenheim Apricots, the company's small orchard-adjacent store also stocks seasonal favorites, like today's wooden box of gold foil-wrapped "Sugar Plums" dried fruit and nut holiday confections.

Moist, tart sweet apricot layered over a plum, was topped with a layer of chopped walnuts and almonds and candied cherry. Sorry cherry, the apricot stole the show.

These Sugar Plums did not contain chocolate but were paired with chocolate(s). 

Homemade Brandied Cherries

Not much to say other than these cherries, soaked in brandy with a pinch of cinnamon and cocoa powder, can be a nice, rich addition to a holiday table or dessert. The alcohol in the brandy evaporates over time and some residual flavor remains.

*In the 1900s, Silicon Valley was known as the Valley of Heart's Delight. Gone are 90%+ of all those apricot, cherry, plum, walnut and almond orchards--replaced by office/technology buildings and homes. Happily Andy's Orchard is one of the few places one can still find chocolate-covered, locally-grown fruits in the South Bay/Santa Clara County.


 

Saturday, November 25, 2023

Zotter - Cherry Brandy With Marzipan (bar) - Nov. 24, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Zotter
Cherry Brandy with Marzipan 
Good ++
Weight: 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 380 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $9.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Cherry Brandy with Marzipan (bar) was made in Austria and distributed by Zotter Chocolates US LLC (Fort Myers, FL).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate, marzipan, cherry and spirits.

A thin crispy,* dark chocolate shell sheltered a soft, creamy, high-quality marzipan center infused with cherry brandy.

Marzipan can be quite sweet. However, this was a well-balanced and well-executed, flavorful blend. The 70% dark chocolate and authentic cherry flavors balanced out the sweet almond-forward confection layer. And the slightly boozy flavor added flavor depth and richness to this bar that landed squarely in the Goldilocks zone.**

Ingredients: Marzipan+ (25% Almonds+, Sugar+, Invert Sugar Syrup+), Cocoa Mass+*, Cane Sugar+*, Cocoa Butter+*, Glucose Syrup+, Butter (Cream), Cherry Brandy+ (5%), Dry Whole Milk, Sour Cherry Powder+ (2%: Sour Cherry Juice Concentrate+, Corn Starch+), Dry Skim Milk, Skim, Salt, Lecithin (Soy+), Vanilla Bean Powder+*. (+ = Organic; 91% Organic) (* = Fair Traded, Fair Trade Content in Total: 53%)

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

*Crispy shell in a cool room (64 degrees F./17.7 degrees C.) 

** Something that is not too much, or not too little; it's just right. The likely origin of this reference: an English fairy tale from the 1800s about a girl named Goldilocks (or old woman, depending on the version of the story) who sampled bowls of porridge (and tried out different chairs and beds) in the home of Three Bears. One bowl of porridge was too hot, one was too cold, and the last was just right.


Friday, November 24, 2023

Domori - Chocolate Coated Amarena Cherries - Nov. 23, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Domori 
Chocolate Coated Amarena Cherries
Good ++
Weight: 3.52 oz. (100 g.) / 5.29 oz. (150 g.) in total container
Calories: 363 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $35.00 for 1 tin 
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

And Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate this holiday in the U.S. I am grateful for many things, including spending time with friends and family today and enjoying chocolates every day.

Today's Chocolate Coated Amarena Cherries were from Domori S.p.A. (None, Italy). These flavorful rounds were packaged in an attractive, round pink gift tin.

Aroma notes for these Italian "Amarena Ricoperta" (covered black cherries) included: dark chocolate and tart-sweet, fresh cherry/cherry juice.

The thin, almost crispy-crunchy dark chocolate shell melted into smooth dark chocolate that encased a plump, dark cherry.

Flavor notes included: slightly earthy dark chocolate, and sweetened, tart-sweet, dark cherry.

Ingredients: Candied cherries 70% (cherries, glucose-fructose syrup, sugar), dark chocolate couverture 18% (cocoa min. 62%, Cocoa mass, Cane sugar, cocoa butter, Emulsifier: soy lecithin), dextrose, cocoa powder.

Allergen-related information: (Contains soy.)

 

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Ranger Chocolate Co. - Dark Chocolate Cherries 70% - Nov. 22, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Ranger Chocolate Co.  
Dark Chocolate Cherries 70% 
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .95 oz. (27 g.) / 6 oz. (170 g.) in total package
Calories: 170 calories in 1 serving (4 cherries)
Cost: $10.00 for 1 package
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Dark Chocolate Cherries were from Ranger Chocolate Co. (Portland, OR).

The whole Bing cherries at the center of these confections were from Hood River, Oregon, played a starring role.

Aroma notes included: rich, flavorful dark chocolate (with very faint fermentation and fruity notes); very faint molasses/brown sugar; and dried fruit (cherry, plum).

The texture was very pleasing to bite into. Creamy dark chocolate gently collapsed into a soft, chewy (whole) cherry center.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (fudge brownie), very faint, fleeting stone fruit (cherry) and fermentation notes (after the package was first opened); and cherries with sweet, authentic fruit flavor that had its own gentle, undulating arc.

The high-quality ingredients were complementary and delicious. The cherries were not too chewy or hard. Quite the opposite. The 70% dark chocolate helped modulate the sugar in the (sweetened) cherries.

Ingredients: Dried fruit (cherry, sugar, citric acid, sunflower oil), chocolate (organic cacao, cacao butter, organic sugar), cacao powder

Allergen-related ingredients: "Manufactured in a facility that uses gluten, egg, milk, tree nuts" 

 

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Moka Origins - Cherry, Dark Chocolate Tanzania 72% Cacao (bar) - Nov. 21, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Moka Origins
Cherry - Dark Chocolate Tanzania 72% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.2 oz. (34 g.) / 2.4 oz. (68 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Cherry - Dark Chocolate Tanzania 72% Cacao (bar) was from Moka Origins (Honesdale, PA).

Moka Origins began its operations (Moka Farm) in Cameroon (the 4th largest cacao producer, in West Africa) in 2015. The founders gained experience working with cacao farmers, setting up a training center to encourage sustainable farming practices, and planting thousands of cacao trees.  

The "Trinitario, Neo-Nacional" cacao used to make the chocolate was grown in Tanzania, produced by Kokoa Kamili*, and obtained from sourcing partner Meridian Cacao.

Aroma notes included: subtle, bittersweet dark chocolate; dried tart-sweet red fruit (dark, sweet cherries, fleeting fig,); and faint spice and tart-green (oxalis, wood sorrel, citrus).

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with plump, chewy dried cherries.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate with a balanced bitterness; faint woodsy-earth; very faint brown sugar; and authentic dark, sweet, concentrated, complex, and authentic cherry flavors that lasted into the finish. 

The blend of bold 72% dark chocolate and dried cherries made for a flavorful match.

Maker's tasting notes: cherry, raspberry, citrus

Ingredients: Organic cocoa beans, organic dried cherries (organic cherries, organic cane sugar, organic sunflower oil), organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that handles milk, eggs, wheat, soy, almonds, and other tree nuts."

*Kokoa Kamili is located in the Mbingu Village in the Kilombero Valley (Morogoro Region) in Tanzania. This centrally located fermentation facility buys wet (freshly harvested) cacao beans at a premium price (the "highest price paid in Tanzania") from "more than 4,000 smallholder farmers in this region." Kokoa Kamili also offers training on how to "increase quality and yield rates" and distributes cacao seedlings to farmers. 


 

Monday, November 20, 2023

Natural Delights - Truffles Chocolate Cherry Flavored with Medjool dates - Nov. 20, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Natural Delights
Truffles - Chocolate Cherry Flavored with Medjool date centers
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 5 oz. (142 g.) in total package
Calories: 140 calories in 1 serving (10 pieces) 
Cost: $N/A - gift from family member
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Los Banos, CA

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

Today's Natural Delights Truffles Chocolate Cherry Flavored rounds (with Medjool date centers), were distributed by Bard Valley Date Growers (Yuma, AZ). 

Aroma notes included: cherry (cherry soda, cherry juice), milk chocolate, and very faint vanilla.

Texture: creamy outer shell (cherry and milk chocolate colored outer layers), with a natural, slightly chewy, date texture (fiber) at the center.

Flavor notes included: sweet cherry, milk chocolate, and subtle dried fruit (date)--yielding little bursts of sweet, authentic date flavor and texture. There were no whole or dried cherries in these confections, but the natural and added cherry flavor was convincing and appealing.

Ingredients: Milk Chocolate (Cane Sugar, Whole Milk, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Mass, Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla Extract, Milk), Medjool Dates, Color Added (Fruit and Vegetable Extracts), Coconut Flour, Natural Flavors, Citric Acid.

Allergen-related information: "Contains coconut and milk. May contain wheat, peanuts and other tree nuts."

Sunday, November 19, 2023

Fjak Chocolate - Black Forest Cherry Cake Milk Chocolate (bar) - Nov. 19, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Fjak Chocolate AS
Black Forest Cherry Cake Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: ~1.055 oz. (30 g.) / ~2.11 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 176 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Limited Edition Black Forest Cherry Cake Milk Chocolate (bar) was from Fjak Chocolate AS (Eidfjord, Norway). The woman-owned, small-batch, bean-to-bar maker offers a variety of single origin bars and confections. Many include local, Hardangerfjord-inspired fruit and flavor inclusions.*

This Limited Edition 50% cacao, gluten free, Black Forest Cake-inspired bar (part of Fjak's "The Cake Series") harnessed the power of locally grown sour cherries to spark memories of this German cake. 

Aroma notes included: dark milk chocolate, tart lemon-green herb (oxalis), and tart fruit (sour cherry).

Texture: smooth, relatively creamy dark milk chocolate. (The cherries were fully incorporated into the chocolate.)

Flavor notes included: dark milk chocolate; authentic, tart-sweet sour cherry; and very faint, tart lemon-green herb (sour grass, oxalis). The vibrant sour cherry animated this sweet, and flavorful chocolate, creating a slight, pleasing, undulation in the taste.

Ingredients: Cocoa Beans*, Cocoa Butter*, Cane Sugar*, Milk Powder*, Sour Cherry*, Vanilla* (Min. 50% cocoa) * = Organic

Allergen-related information: (Contains: milk.) "Certified Organic; Gluten free"

*Hardangerfjord is a large, scenic fjord in southwestern Norway. In the warmer months, apples, cherries and other crops grow here in/on strips of green land between mountains and water. Waterfalls drip off the mountains.

Saturday, November 18, 2023

Ranger Chocolate - Thai Chocolate Bar - Nov. 18, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Ranger Chocolate
Thai Chocolate Bar
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.125 oz. (32 g.) / 2.25 oz. (64 g.) in total bar
Calories: 175 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $10.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Thai Chocolate Bar (Batch 13) was from Ranger Chocolate Co. (Portland, OR). This Thai-inspired blend of sweet and savory flavor inclusions was part of the company's Adventure Series chocolate bar series. 

Aroma notes for this exotic bar included: chocolate, coconut milk, and very faint rice, diffuse fruit and warm spice.

The texture was creamy (coconut milk, cocoa butter) and crunchy (tiny bits of rice). The crispy-crunchy texture of the crushed rice was just right--not too firm and chewy, not too soft.

Flavor notes included: sweet coconut milk chocolate, rice (identified more by its texture than mild (almost salted buttery) flavor), and very faint warm spice (very mild galangal (aka Thai ginger)). The coconut milk muted stronger flavors (cacao, spices) that might have been present in this creamy homage to sweet and savory Thai cuisine. The flavors were well executed; and there weren't too many elements competing for attention, which made this chocolate taste more like Thai comfort food than a spicy, sizzling entree.

Maker's notes: "Our Adventure Series explores our desire to always try something new. This bar is influenced by our love for Thai cuisine--blending savory and sweet..."

Ingredients: "Organic cacao, coconut milk, organic sugar, cacao butter, rice, sea salt, galangal, white pepper"

Allergen-related information: "Contains: tree nuts (coconut)" "Manufactured in a facility that uses gluten, milk, egg...tree nuts ingredients" 


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