Chocolate of the Day
Definite Chocolate
Arroz Con Leche with Puffed Rice and Spices (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.75 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 260 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $8.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order
Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate & Rice Theme Week.
Today's Arroz Con Leche with Puffed Rice and Spices - Carnival Edition* (bar) from Definite Chocolate, S.R.L. was made in the Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic).
Variations on rice pudding exist worldwide. A version of rice pudding from North Africa made its way to Spain in the 700s (AD). And, centuries later, the Spanish brought arroz con leche to the New World (Latin America and Caribbean nations). In the Dominican Republic it's a popular dish enjoyed during Christmas, Carnival* (February) and Lenten holidays.
In its most basic form, arroz con leche is a blend of rice, milk, sugar and cinnamon. International variations may include: additional spices (cloves, allspice, ginger); vanilla; coconut; raisins; caramel; rum; and fruits (lime, orange, cherry).
Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth, dark milk chocolate, subtle spices and faint citrus (lime, orange). The puffed rice mellowed the chocolate without masking the notes I really enjoyed.
I loved the authentic and subtle flavor complexity (warm spices and light lime) in this smooth but dark milk chocolate. I also appreciated the short list of ingredients, and the maker's choice to use single origin (DR) cacao. This chocolate hit squarely in the Goldilocks zone. (Not too this. Not too that...It was just right.)
Ingredients: "Cane sugar, cacao, cacao butter, milk powder, puffed rice, spices, sea salt, lime peel."
Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. Made in a facility that handles nuts & milk.
*The packaging for today's bar was adorned with images of the colorful masked Lechones de Santiago characters one sees during Carnaval.
