tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63800301236004684742024-03-18T09:26:51.257-07:00Chocolate BanquetIn 2006, my daughter bet I couldn't eat a different chocolate each day for a year. I enjoyed that year so much that, after 17+ years, I'm still eating a different chocolate every day. Happily, even after 6,200+ chocolates, there are still many more to try. Thank you to all who continue to be part of this global adventure.Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.comBlogger6452125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380030123600468474.post-5407693211841562142024-03-18T09:25:00.000-07:002024-03-18T09:25:57.219-07:00Dude, Sweet Chocolate - Praline Chocolate Bar crunchy hazelnut caramel - March 18, 2027<p><b>Chocolate of the Day</b> </p><p>Dude, Sweet Chocolate<br />Praline Chocolate Bar crunchy hazelnut caramel<br />Good ++<br />Weight: .78 oz. (22 g.) / 1.55 oz. (44 g.) in total bar<br />Calories: 121 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar<br />Cost: $7.00 for 1 bar<br />Purchased from: Dude, Sweet Chocolate, online order</p><p>Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Hazelnuts Theme Week.</p><p>Today's Praline Chocolate Bar crunchy hazelnut caramel was created by <a href="https://dudesweetchocolate.com/">Dude, Sweet Chocolate</a> (Dallas, TX).</p><p>Prominent aroma notes included: bold, dark, roasted (not quite smoky, almost coffee) cacao and toasted nuts.</p><p>Texture: This relatively thick dark bar had layered textures: smooth, bold dark chocolate and an embedded riot of crunchy toffee-like sugar and hazelnut bits.</p><p>Flavor notes included: bold, roasty dark chocolate (tasted more like 70%-72% than 62% cacao) with a uniform field of sugared hazelnut sparkly bits.</p><p>I loved the bolder dark chocolate flavors and the well-executed layered textures. Not too sweet (thank you!) and not too bitter either (at least for my taste). Not too moreish.* (One ounce (28 g.) was hearty and very satisfying.) This praline dark bar scored well into the Goldilocks zone for this dark fan.</p><p><i>Ingredients: Republica 62% chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, cocoa liquor from Peru, natural vanilla extract).</i></p><p><i>Allergen-related information: Tree Nuts, (Hazelnut); dairy. (According to chief chocolatier Katherine: the milk powder in the ingredients list (above) is a small amount used in the caramelization process. I could not taste the milk myself.)</i></p><p><i>*Moreish is an informal adjective used to describe foods (typically with a certain balance of sugar, fat and salt) that may trigger the desire to to eat more and more of something; even if it's not the best thing you ever have tasted. (I'm looking at you potato chips, certain ice creams, and some salted milk chocolates.) </i></p>Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380030123600468474.post-31372522739220761762024-03-17T22:13:00.000-07:002024-03-17T22:13:18.214-07:00Beekman 1802 - Roasted Hazelnut chocolates - Mar. 17, 2024<p><b>Chocolate of the Day</b></p><p>Beekman 1802<br />"Goat Poop" Roasted Hazelnuts chocolate<br />Good +<br />Weight: 1.6 oz. (45 g.) / 16 oz. (454 g.) in total container<br />Calories: 230 calories in 1 serving <br />Cost: $28.00 for 1 container with assorted flavors<br />Purchased from: Beekman 1802 site, online order</p><p>Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Hazelnuts.</p><p>Today's Belgian chocolate covered Roasted Hazelnuts chocolates (part of a Goat Poop assortment of chocolate covered rounds/ovals) were from <a href="https://beekman1802.com/">Beekman 1802 (tm) </a>(Sharon Springs, NY).</p><p>Where did the goat poop name come from? (Short answer: There are goats on Beekman 1802 Farm. The company also sells a variety of goat milk skin care products.)</p><p>Aroma notes included: sweet milk chocolate, faint caramel and nut. (Note: these hazelnut pieces were packed in with other dark and milk chocolate covered rounds, so all the sweet smells were co-mingling.</p><p>Flavor notes included: smooth creamy, sweet milk chocolate and crunchy whole hazelnuts.</p><p><i>Ingredients: Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Belgian Unsweetened Chocolate, Whole Milk Powder, Skim Milk Powder, Butterfat, Soya Lecithin, Vanilla Extract), Roasted Hazelnuts.</i></p><p><i>Allergen-related information: Contains: Milk, Soy, Wheat, Tree Nuts (Almonds, Hazelnuts), Tartrazine. May Contain: Sulphites, Eggs, Peanuts.</i></p><p> </p>Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380030123600468474.post-27679226984599633232024-03-16T10:41:00.000-07:002024-03-16T10:41:58.689-07:00Zotter - Hazelnut Kiss (bar) - Mar. 16, 2024<p><b>Chocolate of the Day</b></p><p>Zotter<br />Zotter Classic - Hazelnut Kiss (bar)<br />Good ++<br />Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar<br />Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar<br />Cost: $8.99 for 1 bar <br />Purchased from: zotterusa, online order</p><p>Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Hazelnuts Theme Week.</p><p>Today's Zotter Classic Hazelnut Kiss bar was made by Zotter in Austria and distributed by <a href="https://www.zotterusa.com/">Zotter Chocolates US, LLC</a> (Fort Myers, FL).</p><p>Aroma notes included: rich roasted nut butter and subtle dark or dark milk chocolate.</p><p>This bar had a very appealing smooth, creamy melt and texture. The hazelnuts were completely incorporated into the dark milk chocolate (no nut bits).</p><p>Flavor notes included: sweet dark milk chocolate and faint chocolate nut (hazelnut) spread.</p><p>I enjoyed the rich, roasted hazelnut nut butter aroma; and the ground hazelnuts also balanced the relatively sweet chocolate.</p><p><i>Ingredients: Cane Sugar**, Cocoa Butter**, Cocoa Mass**, Hazelnuts**(13%), Dry Whole Milk, Dry Skim Milk, Dark Brown Cane Sugar**, Lecithin (Soy)*, Vanilla Bean Powder*, Salt, Cinnamon**, (*Organic - 87% Organic) (** = Organic, and Fair Trade/Fair Traded)</i></p><p><i>Allergen-related information:</i> Contains hazelnuts, milk, soy. Manufactured on equipment that processes other tree nuts, peanuts and sesame.</p>Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380030123600468474.post-78793750500900815052024-03-16T10:20:00.000-07:002024-03-16T10:20:15.039-07:00Holm Made Toffee Co. - Oregon Hazelnut Toffee - Cardamom & Vanilla - Mar. 15, 2024<p> <b>Chocolate of the Day</b></p><p>Holm Made Toffee Co.<br />Oregon Hazelnut Toffee - Cardamom + Vanilla<br />Good ++ - Good +++<br />Weight: 4 oz. (114 g.) in total package<br />Calories: 620 calories (estimate) in 1 package<br />Cost: $10.99 for 1 package<br />Purchased from: FarmFresh, online order </p><p>Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Hazelnuts Theme Week.</p><p>Today's Hazelnut Toffee was from <a href="http://holmmadetoffee.com">Holm Made Toffee Co. LLC</a> (Bend, OR).</p><p>Aroma notes included: buttery toffee, nuts, and faint chocolate and warm spices (vanilla).</p><p>The texture for the toffee was perfect, i.e. in the Goldilocks* zone. It was crunchy toffee that wasn't too hard or too soft. It was just right.</p><p>Flavor notes included: rich buttery toffee, smooth dark chocolate, wonderful cardamom and warm vanilla.</p><p>I really enjoyed this flavorful confection. The green cardamom, hazelnut and brown sugar toffee flavors were especially good. (I love fresh cardamom.) I felt I was enjoying the best possible blend of authentic warm chai tea with smooth dark chocolate (a touch of rich cocoa) and high-quality hazelnuts. </p><p>Warning: addictive. Don't eat when you're very hungry.</p><p><i>Ingredients: "Butter [cream (milk) & salt], pure cane sugar, Oregon hazelnuts, dark chocolate [unsweetened chocolate, sugar, sunflower lecithin and vanilla], green cardamom, pure vanilla extract"</i></p><p><i>Allergy-related information: Contains hazelnuts, dairy (cream/milk)</i></p><p><i>*Goldilocks zone refers to a character in a European fairy tale. In the modern version I grew up with (Goldilocks and the Three Bears) a girl named Goldilocks enters a bear family home and, finding them out, samples their three bowls of porridge, chairs and beds. She finds the porridge(s), in sequence, too hot, then too cold, and finally--just right! (Same sequence with the chairs and beds.) Today the term "Goldilocks zone" pops up in several contexts (including food, ecology and various sciences).</i></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380030123600468474.post-75561780552406603052024-03-16T10:17:00.000-07:002024-03-16T10:17:57.213-07:00Zotter - Praline Variation - Dark Milk Chocolate 60% filled (almond, hazelnut praline) bar - Mar. 14, 2024<p><b>Chocolate of the Day</b></p><p>Zotter<br />Praline Variation - Dark Milk Chocolate 60% filled with almond, hazelnut praline (bar)<br />Good ++<br />Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar<br />Calories: 400 calories in 1/2 bar<br />Cost: $4.49 for 1 bar<br />Purchased from: zotterusa.com, online order</p><p>Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Hazelnuts Theme Week.</p><p>Today's "Praline Variation" (bar)--Dark Milk Chocolate 60% filled with almond and hazelnut praline-- was made in Austria, and distributed by <a href="https://www.zotterusa.com/">Zotter Chocolates US LLC</a> (Fort Myers, FL).</p><p>Aroma notes included: sweet chocolate and nut butter (almonds, hazelnuts).</p><p>I liked the slim, flavorful layers in this "hand-scooped," filled bar. Melt-away, creamy dark milk chocolate encased a sweet almond and hazelnut praline center with occasional crunchy sweet crystals.</p><p>Flavor notes included: smooth dark milk chocolate and authentic nut praline (almond and hazelnut), with very faint warm spice, green, floral and citrus notes. </p><p>The subtle notes were very thoughtfully cultivated by the maker. Very small quantities of vanilla, cinnamon, rose petal and lemon were added, and enhanced/mirrored naturally occurring cacao notes. Dark brown sugar (vs. refined cane sugar) also added some subtle flavor depth. </p><p>Warning this bar might be slightly addictive. </p><p><i>Ingredients: Cane Sugar**, Cocoa Mass**, Cocoa Butter**, Almonds (13%), Hazelnuts (12%), Dry Whole Milk, Butter (Cream), Dry Sweet Whey, Dry Skim Milk, Dark Brown Cane Sugar**, Lecithin (Soy)*, Salt, Vanilla Bean Powder**, Cinnamon**, Rose Petals*, Lemon Powder* (Lemon Juice Concentrate*, Corn Starch*, Sugar*) (* = Organic; 90% Organic) (**Organic, Fair Trade)</i></p><p><i>Allergen-related information: Contains: A</i><i>lmonds, Hazelnuts, Milk, Soy. Manufactured on Equipment That Processes Other Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Eggs, Sesame and Gluten.</i></p>Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380030123600468474.post-49965120644518941382024-03-14T01:02:00.000-07:002024-03-14T01:03:58.683-07:00TCHO - "Hazel Nuts!"- Oat Milk Chocolate - Mar. 13, 2024<p><b>Chocolate of the Day</b></p><p>TCHO<br />"Hazel Nuts!" Oat Milk Chocolate (bars)<br />Good ++ - Good +++<br />Weight: .83 oz. (23 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total package of 3 bars<br />Calories: 130 calories in 1 bar (1/3 package)<br />Cost: $5.99+ (estimate) for 1 bar <br />Purchased from: Piazza's, Palo Alto, CA</p><p>Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Hazelnuts Theme Week.</p><p>Today's "Hazel Nuts!" Oat Milk Chocolate bar was from <a href="https://tcho.com/">TCHO</a> (Berkeley, CA).</p><p>Aroma notes included: relatively sweet, milk chocolate and hazelnuts.</p><p>Texture: skillfully executed creamy oat milk, studded with crunchy nut bits. </p><p>Flavor notes included: complex/flavorful "milk" chocolate, and authentic, nuanced and fresh hazelnut.</p><p>Both taste and textures were well balanced; and the sweetness was offset by high-quality hazelnuts and chocolate and a bit of sea salt. This chocolate had more pleasing complexity than other comparable oat and other alternative milk bars; and it was slightly addictive.</p><p>What I loved about this bar: 1.) expert blend of creamy and crunchy; 2.) high-quality hazelnut bits and flavor; 3.) sweet, but not overwhelmingly so--balanced by just the right amount of sea salt; 4.) a fairly tasty oat milk chocolate; and 5.) individually-wrapped small bars, making sharing easier.</p><p><i>Ingredients: Cane Sugar*, Cacao Beans**, Cacao Butter**, Gluten Free Oat Flour* (Oat Flour, Natural Vitamin E, Hazelnut Butter*, Dried Hazelnuts*, Sea Salt, Sunflower Lecithin*, Vanilla Beans* (*Organic, **Fair Trade Certified by Fair Trade USA)</i></p><p><i>Allergen-related information:</i> Contains hazelnuts. May contain other tree nuts. Certified Kosher DE by Earth Kosher.</p>Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380030123600468474.post-77089595744947105442024-03-12T10:00:00.000-07:002024-03-12T10:00:45.183-07:00LOVO - Hazelnut Milk Chocolate (bar) - Mar. 12, 2024<p><b>Chocolate of the Day</b></p><p>LOVO<br />Hazelnut Milk Chocolate (bar)<br />Good - Good +<br />Weight: 1.41 oz. (40 g.) / 2.82 oz. (80 g.) in total bar<br />Calories: 220 calories in 1/2 bar<br />Cost: $5.79 for 1 bar<br />Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA</p><p>Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Hazelnuts Theme Week.</p><p>Today's <a href="https://lovochocolate.com/">LOVO</a> Hazelnut Milk Chocolate bar was manufactured (in Switzerland) for Radically Good Food Co. (Toronto, ON, Canada).</p><p>Aroma notes included: very subtle chocolate (cocoa), and almost undetectable nut/oat sweet cereal.</p><p>This oat milk chocolate was relatively smooth and creamy. (Zero oat particles/grit detected.) I liked the almost silken mouthfeel--not always easy to achieve with plant milks. (The Swiss know a thing or two about how to achieve smooth chocolates.) </p><p>Flavor notes included: uniform, very sweet plant-milk chocolate, faint vanilla frosting, and very faint nut and oat. </p><p>There were no "off" (or bold) flavors that stood out. However, the almost overwhelming sweetness of this chocolate also eclipsed subtle flavors. There was too much sugar for me; but candy fans and those looking for a non-dairy (alternative milk) chocolate confection with a nice smooth texture might like this.</p><p><i>Ingredients: Sugar, cocoa mass*, hazelnuts, cocoa butter*, sunflower lecithin, organic vanilla extract. (*Rainforest Alliance Certified. "Find out more at ra.org.") </i></p><p><i>Allergen-related information: Contains hazelnuts. "Produced on equipment that also processes products containing milk, almonds, coconut and peanuts."</i></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380030123600468474.post-61837298253435214082024-03-12T02:08:00.000-07:002024-03-12T02:08:57.377-07:00Monsoon Chocolate - Hazelnuts Covered in Dark Chocolate - Mar. 11, 2024<p><b>Chocolate of the Day</b></p><p>Monsoon Chocolate<br />Hazelnuts Covered in Dark Chocolate<br />Good + - Good ++<br />Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 6 oz. (170 g.) in total package<br />Calories: 233 calories (estimate) in 1/4 package<br />Cost: $12.50 for 1 package<br />Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order</p><p>Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Hazelnuts Theme Week.</p><p>Today's Hazelnuts Covered in Dark Chocolate were hand-crafted by <a href="https://monsoonchocolate.com/">Monsoon Chocolate, LLC</a> (Tucson, AZ), using hazelnuts from Oregon--the state that produces up to 99% of hazelnuts in the U.S.</p><p>Aroma notes included: sweet dark chocolate and authentic hazelnuts.</p><p>Texture: a generous coating of ebony-hued dark chocolate encased roasted hazelnuts--at the heart of each round piece.</p><p>Flavor notes included: sweet dark chocolate (chocolate-y, faint green (oxalis) and nut), and hazelnuts.</p><p>What I enjoyed about these dark chocolate and hazelnut confections: 1.) a generous coating of rich dark chocolate; 2.) the hazelnuts (flavor and texture); 3.) a relatively short list of ingredients and the lack of confectioners glaze(s).</p><p><i>Ingredients: Roasted Oregon Hazelnuts*, Gianduja (Dark Chocolate [Cocoa Beans, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*), Hazelnuts*, Cane Sugar*], Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Beans, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*), Maldon Salt, Maltodextrin, Acacia Gum. (* = Organic)</i></p><p><i>Allergen-related information: Contains tree nuts (hazelnuts).</i></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380030123600468474.post-57972196623355366302024-03-12T01:16:00.000-07:002024-03-12T01:16:41.177-07:00Amedei - Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts (chocolate block) - Mar. 10, 2024<p><b>Chocolate of the Day</b></p><p>Amedei <br />Prendime - Cioccolato Al Latte Con Nocciole<br />(Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts)<br />Good ++<br />Weight: 2.65 oz. (75 g.) / 5.3 oz. (150 g.) in total chocolate block (bar)<br />Calories: 435 calories in 1/2 bar<br />Cost: $16.50 for 1 bar<br />Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order</p><p>Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Hazelnut Theme Week.</p><p>Today's Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts bar was from <a href="http://amedei.it">Amedei* S.R.L.</a> (Pontedera, Pisa, Italy). </p><p>Aroma notes for this Tuscan chocolate included: roasted nuts (hazelnuts, peanuts) and subtle milk chocolate. (Note: this bar did <i>not</i> contain peanuts.)</p><p>The large bar was packed with whole, crunchy, toasted Piedmont (IGP**) hazelnuts. There was just enough sweet, buttery milk chocolate to bind these round nuts together. </p><p>Flavor notes included: authentic, high-quality hazelnuts with complex nutty notes; and sweet, smooth milk chocolate.</p><p><i>Ingredients: Cane Sugar, Piedmont Hazelnut (30%), Cocoa Butter, Whole Milk Powder, Cocoa Mass. (Cocoa min. 32%.)</i></p><p><i>Allergen-related information: Contains hazelnuts, milk. "May contain traces of almond, pistachio, walnut."</i></p><p><i>*The Amedei Tuscany "Italian chocolate brand was founded by Cecilia Tessieri," the "first female master chocolatier" in Europe.</i></p><p><i>***Indicazione Geografica Protetta (IGP) or "Indication of Geographic Protection" for Piedmont hazelnuts (nocciola Piemonte). A variety of foods (cheeses, meats, hazelnuts), wines, and other agricultural products from Italy carry this IGP designation.</i></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380030123600468474.post-57384152574454455102024-03-10T01:10:00.000-08:002024-03-10T01:10:52.140-08:00Chocolove - "Bites" - Hazelnut Truffle in 33% Milk Chocolate - Mar. 9, 2024<p><b>Chocolate of the Day</b></p><p>Chocolove <br />Bites - Hazelnut Truffle in 33% Milk Chocolate <br />Good + - Good ++<br />Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 7.05 oz. (200 g.) in total package of 20 <br />Calories: 170 calories in 3 pieces <br />Cost: $9.99 for 1 package<br />Purchased from: FarmFresh, online order </p><p>Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate and Outdoors Theme Week; and Day #1 of Chocolate and Hazelnut Theme Week.</p><p>Today's Bites - Hazelnut Truffle(s) in 33% Milk Chocolate were from <a href="https://www.chocolove.com/">Chocolove</a> (Boulder, CO).</p><p>Aroma notes for these individually-wrapped, tree-shaped, filled bites included: rich milk chocolate, (warm cocoa with faint vanilla), and subtle nut butter (hazelnut).</p><p>A thick, creamy milk chocolate "tree" shell surrounded a ground hazelnut (nut butter) center, creating a layered gianduja confection-like tasting experience.</p><p>These will appeal to those with a sweet tooth who like milk chocolate and nut butter treats. (Think peanut butter cup offerings -- only with hazelnut butter.)</p><p>What I liked: 1.) the blend of chocolate and hazelnuts; 2.) these were made without gluten-containing ingredients and no artificial preservatives; 3.) individually wrapped chocolates that were easy to share with others and enjoy on a hike or other cool weather outdoor activity this month.</p><p><i>Ingredients: Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter**, Milk, Cocoa Liquor**, Soy Lecithin and/or Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla), Hazelnut Butter, Cocoa Butter**, Organic Butter Oil, Sea Salt, Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherols, Sunflower Oil). (** = Rainforest Alliance Certified. Find out more at ra.org.)</i></p><p><i>Allergen-related information: Contains: Hazelnuts, Milk, Soy. Made in a Facility That Also Processes Eggs, Peanuts, and Other Tree Nuts.</i></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380030123600468474.post-36132315206373862932024-03-08T10:18:00.000-08:002024-03-08T10:18:03.686-08:00Chocolove - Bites - Peppermint Creme in 55% Dark Chocolate - Mar. 8, 2024<p><b>Chocolate of the Day</b></p><p>Chocolove <br />Bites - Peppermint Creme in 55% Dark Chocolate<br />Good ++<br />Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 7.05 oz. (200 g.) total package of 21 bites<br />Calories: 130 calories in 1 serving (3 pieces)<br />Cost: $9.99 for 1 package<br />Purchased from: FarmFresh, online order </p><p>Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Outdoors Theme Week--featuring granolas, trail mixes, tree-shaped chocolates and other outdoor-related chocolate items.</p><p>Today's individually-wrapped, tree-shaped Peppermint Cremes in 55% (Belgian) Dark Chocolate were from <a href="http://www.chocolove.com">Chocolove</a> (Boulder, CO).</p><p>Aroma notes for these chocolates "tree" bites included: hearty, smooth dark chocolate and aromatic creme-de-menthe peppermint.</p><p>The thick dark chocolate (pine-tree shaped) outer shell was firm, almost crunchy in a cool room (64 degrees F.), and provided good protection for the soft, white, fondant center.</p><p>Flavor notes included: hearty, smooth dark chocolate (that tasted like it could've been 65% or even 70% dark chocolate) and zingy soft peppermint. </p><p>This was a well-executed and tasty blend of authentic dark chocolate and peppermint -- two bold flavors that can stand up to, and complement, each other very nicely in the right proportions. I felt like I was up in the snow-covered Sierra mountains on a crisp, sunny day.</p><p><i>Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (Cocoa Liquor**, Sugar, Cocoa Butter**, Soy Lecithin and/or Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla), Fondant (Cane Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Water), Tapioca Syrup, Cocoa Butter**, Peppermint Oil (**Rainforest Alliance Certified. Find out more at ra.org.)</i></p><p><i>Allergen-related information: "Contains Soy. Made In A Facility That Also Processes Milk, Eggs, Peanuts, and Tree Nuts."</i></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380030123600468474.post-2730172972322443452024-03-08T09:28:00.000-08:002024-03-08T09:29:18.066-08:00Ticket Chocolate - Easter Egg Hot Chocolate Bomb - Mar. 7, 2024<b>Chocolate of the Day</b><div><br /></div><div>Ticket Chocolate<br />Easter Egg Hot Chocolate Bombs</div><div>Good ++<br />Weight: 1.4 oz. (39.5 g.) / 2.8 oz. (79 g.) in total package of 2<br />Calories: 200 calories (estimate) in 1 serving (1 egg)<br />Cost: $12.99 for 1 package of 2 eggs<br />Purchased from: FarmFresh, online order</div><div><br /></div><div>Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Outdoors Theme Week, featuring granolas, trail mixes, tree-shaped chocolates and other outdoor-loving treats. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today's Easter Egg Hot Chocolate Bombs were from <a href="https://ticketchocolate.com/">Ticket Chocolate</a> (Loomis, CA). This egg came nestled in some shiny green "grass"--a great tie-in with the greener-than-green (pre-Easter/Spring) grassy hills right now in northern California.</div><div><br /></div><div>These were pretty (Belgian) chocolate eggs, decorated with very thin stripes of white chocolate and colored dot sprinkles. </div><div><br /></div><div>Aroma notes included: rich hot chocolate (cocoa), marshmallow and vanilla.</div><div><br /></div><div>When put into a cup of hot water (and gently stirred), this egg "bomb" magically transformed into a cup of hot chocolate--with (voila!) a marshmallow floating on top--in seconds. (The marshmallow was inside the egg. And, when the outer chocolate egg shell melted, the generously-sized marshmallow bobbed up to the top.) </div><div><br /></div><div>The texture was smooth and creamy, and the marshmallow was fresh, soft, sweet and light.</div><div><br /></div><div>Flavor notes included: pleasing, rich, smooth and creamy hot chocolate with marshmallow, and subtle warm vanilla.</div><div><br /></div><div>I loved the Easter egg/spring holiday themed transformational (egg to hot chocolate) aspect. It was a well-executed, clever concept; and an attractive, sweet, creamy, cocoa winter warmer. (If you want to skip the artificial colors, you can scrape off the festive round candy confetti, before blending the chocolate egg with hot water.)</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Ingredients: Milk & white couverture chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, cocoa mass, soy lecithin, natural vanilla flavor), Vanilla marshmallow (cane sugar, invert sugar, water, brown rice syrup, gelatin, powdered sugar, rice starch and/or tapioca starch, natural vanilla flavor, vanilla extract, marshmallow flavor, salt, vanilla beans), Confetti sprinkles (sugar, rice flour, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, corn starch, cellulose gum, carrageenan, soy lecithin, titanium dioxide, yellow 5, red 3, yellow 6, artificial flavor, blue 1), cocoa mix powder (sugar, whey, nonfat dry milk, cocoa powder [Dutch process], creamer [coconut oil, corn syrup solids, sodium caseinate, dipotassium phosphate], natural flavors, guar gum, salt). </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Allergen-related information: </i><i>Contains milk, coconut (and soy). "Crafted in facilities that also process wheat, peanuts, tree nuts and sesame."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><br /></div>Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380030123600468474.post-39120298400404558772024-03-06T13:57:00.000-08:002024-03-06T13:57:30.804-08:00Thousand Oaks Acorn Co. - The Acorn Bar (Coffee, Chocolate, Cinnamon) - Mar. 6, 2024<p><b>Chocolate of the Day</b></p><p>Thousand Oaks Acorn Co.<br />The Acorn Bar - Gluten Free - Coffee, Chocolate, Cinnamon<br />Good + - Good ++<br />Weight: 1.75 oz. (49.6 g.) in total bar<br />Calories: 210 calories in 1 bar<br />Cost: $5.00 for 1 bar (part of a $30 pack of 6 bars)<br />Purchased from: Thousand Oaks Acorn Co., online order</p><p>Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Outdoors Theme Week.</p><p>Today's Gluten Free Coffee, Chocolate and Cinnamon Acorn Bar was from <a href="http://acornbar.com">Thousand Oaks Acorn Co.</a> (Thousand Oaks, CA).</p><p>Where I live (California), we're surrounded by several varieties of oak trees; however, we rarely get the opportunity to try an edible acorn product, much less one with chocolate.</p><p>Aroma notes included: coffee cookie, chocolate/mocha, oat cookie/cereal, and very faint coconut, spice and dried fruit.</p><p>Texture: All the ingredients were fully incorporated/blended; and the bar had a hearty, chewy texture, with a very slightly stone-ground meal/seed mouthfeel (pea protein, flaxseed meal, acorn flour). It hung together well and was not crumbly. </p><p>Flavor notes included: an attractive, aromatic blend of mocha (coffee + chocolate brownie bar), along with several "back seat" flavors: brown sugar and oats; warm spice (ginger); coconut; and faint dried fruit (apricot).</p><p>I enjoyed: 1.) the rich aroma and flavors; 2.) trying a bar with acorn meal (thank you!); 3.) the fact that this was brown sugar sweetened, but wasn't overly sweet or gooey; 4.) that it was substantial and filling--making it great as a fuel for outdoor treks. I will be taking these on future hikes.</p><p><i>Ingredients: Oats, Brown Sugar, Vegan Butter Oil Blend (Palm Fruit, Canola, Flax and Olive), Water, < 2% Salt, Natural Flavor, Pea Protein, Sunflower Lecithin, Lactic Acid (To Protect Freshness), Annatto Extract (Color), Water, Flaxseed Meal, Acorn Flour, Organic Ginger Chips, Coconut Flakes, Apricots.</i></p><p><i>Allergen-related information: "Contains: Acorn." "Made in a Facility on Shared Equipment That Also Processes Soy, Peanuts, and Other Tree Nuts, and Fish (Marine Collagens).</i></p><p><i>*</i></p><p> </p>Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380030123600468474.post-2164477319234226202024-03-06T10:28:00.000-08:002024-03-06T14:02:12.767-08:00Maya Chocolates - S'mores 65% Dark Chocolate Marshmallow and GF Graham Cracker (bar) - Mar. 5, 2024<p><b>Chocolate of the Day</b></p><p>Maya Chocolates<br />S'mores - 65% Dark Chocolate Marshmallow and GF Graham Cracker (bar)<br />Good ++<br />Weight: 2.2 oz. (62.4 g.) in total bar<br />Calories: 341 calories (estimate) in 1 bar<br />Cost: $4.79 for 1 bar<br />Purchased from: Country Sun Natural Foods, Palo Alto, CA</p><p>Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Outdoors Theme. It's still too cold for a campfire to make old fashioned (original version) of s'mores; fortunately, this chocolate bar rendition of this childhood/camping favorite was on hand.</p><p>Today's S'mores Chocolate (bar) was from <a href="https://mayaachocolates.com/">Maya Chocolates</a> (Pinole, CA).</p><p>Aroma notes included: sweet dark chocolate, faint vanilla icing, and very faint nut/seed cookie.</p><p>Texture: smooth dark chocolate that broke with a snap, topped with soft, fluffy marshmallows, crunchy roasted almonds and light crumbly-crunchy graham cracker pieces.</p><p>Flavor notes included: authentic, rich and sweet dark chocolate--accented with vanilla, marshmallow and graham cracker flavors and textures.</p><p>This was a fun and slightly addicting bar. I appreciated the dark chocolate; and I found myself eating more to get to the marshmallows and larger sections of (gluten free) graham cracker--chasing childhood memories all the way. The sprinkling of roasted almond pieces were a nice addition, and complemented/balanced (the sweetness of) the classic s'mores flavor trio. </p><p><i>Ingredients: Cane Sugar, Cocoa, Butter (Milk), Soy Lecithin, Marshmallow, Ghram (sic) Cracker, Roasted Almonds</i></p><p><i>Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of milk and other tree nuts."</i></p>Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380030123600468474.post-40883593360836643822024-03-04T23:08:00.000-08:002024-03-04T23:08:24.342-08:00Bearclaw Kitchen - Mt. Rosemary Trail Mix - Mar. 4, 2024<p><b>Chocolate of the Day</b></p><p>Bearclaw Kitchen <br />Mt. Rosemary Trail Mix <br />Good ++ <br />Weight: 2 oz. (57 g.) in total package<br />Calories: 310 calories in 1 package <br />Cost: $3.99 for 1 package<br />Purchased from: FarmFresh, online order<br /><br />Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Outdoors Theme Week.</p><p>Today's Mt. Rosemary Trail Mix was from <a href="https://bearclawkitchen.com/">Bearclaw Kitchen</a> (Los Angeles, CA). </p><p>The company was founded by a "pastry chef with a big appetite" who urges us to "Please Devour and Claw On."</p><p>Aroma notes for this trail mix included: herb (rosemary); spice (ginger); seeds and nuts; diffuse (dried) fruit; and very faint chocolate.</p><p>This rich textural blend included crunchy, softly crunchy, chewy (coconut, dried fruit) and smooth (chocolate chips) elements.</p><p>Flavor notes were similar to the aroma notes (rosemary, ginger, seeds, nuts), but with more pronounced coconut, nut and dark chocolate.</p><p>I liked the aromatic and flavorful rosemary glazed cashews, and ginger. These flavors harmonized well and elevated this trail mix.</p><p><i>Ingredients: Pumpkin Seeds, Rosemary-Candied Cashews (Cashews, Sugar, Rosemary), Salted Almonds (Almonds, Salt), Dried Cranberries (Cranberries, Sugar, Sunflower Oil), Chocolate Chips (Cacao Beans, Sugar, Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla), Crystallized Ginger (Ginger, Sugar), Coconut Flakes, Grapeseed Oil. </i></p><p><i>Allergen-related information: "Contains Tree Nuts (Almonds, Cashews, Coconut). Baked In A Facility That Handles Milk, Eggs, Soy, Wheat & Peanuts."</i></p>Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380030123600468474.post-20043234568966520882024-03-03T20:48:00.000-08:002024-03-03T20:48:08.493-08:00Grandy Organics - Dark Chocolate Coconola Grain-Free Granola - Mar. 3, 2024<p><b>Chocolate of the Day</b></p><p>Grandy Organics<br />Dark Chocolate Coconola Grain-Free Granola<br />Good ++ <br />Weight: 1/4 cup (30 g.) / 9 oz. (255 g.) in total package<br />Calories: 160 calories in 1/4 cup (1 serving)<br />Cost: $10.99 for 1 package<br />Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA</p><p>Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Outdoors Theme Week, featuring granolas, trail mixes, tree-shaped chocolates, and other treats enjoyed outside. </p><p>Today's Organic Dark Chocolate Coconola Grain-Free Granola was made by <a href="https://www.grandyorganics.com/">Grandy Organics</a> (Hiram, ME) and was part of a day full of alternating rain and sun </p><p>Aroma notes for this granola included: coconut, sweet green, subtle seeds and nuts, and chocolate.</p><p>This granola had a pleasing, satisfying crunchy, baked texture. Crunchy coconut clusters were balanced by the seeds (pumpkin, sunflower and sesame) and nuts (pecans, cashews); enriched by smooth dark chocolate chips/pieces; and seasoned with maple syrup. </p><p>I liked the texture (crunchy, without being too hard); the addition of the sesame seeds to the seed and nut blend; the fact that it was Organic and grain-free; the dark chocolate; and that it was sweetened with sugars that were relatively lower on the glycemic* index (and more flavorful).</p><p><i>Ingredients: Organic Unsweetened Coconut*, Organic Coconut Nectar, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Organic Dark Chocolate* (Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Liquor, Organic Cocoa Butter), Organic Sesame Seeds, Organic Pecans, Organic Cashews*, and Organic Maple Syrup. (* = Fair Trade Certified (tm) by Fair Trade USA (R); 33.9% Fair Trade Ingredients.)</i></p><p><i>Allergen-related information: "Contains: Coconut, sesame, pecans, and cashews." "Allergen Advisory: Created in a bakery that uses peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, and sesame."</i></p><p><i>*The Glycemic Index Scale (0 to 100) measures how much a food raises blood sugar. (Pure glucose is at the top of this scale with a score of 100. Sucrose (sugar) is scored at approximately 68.) Pure honey: 58. Coconut sugar: 50 - 54. Maple syrup: 54.</i></p>Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380030123600468474.post-126269842083560122024-03-03T17:55:00.000-08:002024-03-03T17:55:28.077-08:00Nu-Trail - Cacao Nut Granola - Mar. 2, 2024<p><b>Chocolate of the Day</b></p><p>Nu-Trail <br />Cacao Nut Granola<br />Good + - Good ++ <br />Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 8 oz. (227 g.) in total package<br />Calories: 160 calories in 1 serving<br />Cost: $10.99 for 1 package<br />Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA</p><p>Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Outdoors Theme Week -- including granolas, trail mixes, tree-shaped chocolates, and an outdoor spring egg hot cocoa experience.</p><p>Today's (gluten-free and keto certified) <a href="https://nutrail.com/">Nu-Trail</a> Cacao Nut Granola was manufactured for Snacks Generation Inc. (Miami, FL).</p><p>Aroma notes for this "no sugar added" granola included: sweet coconut, cacao and very faint (barely detectable) sweet green, botanical extracts, nuts and seeds.</p><p>Flavor notes for this crunchy granola included: coconut, nut, cacao/chocolate, seed, and nut.</p><p><i>Ingredients: Sunflower Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Coconut, Erythritol, Pecans, Almonds, Butter (Pasteurized Cream, Natural Flavor), Unsweetened Chocolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Salt, Natural Flavors, Monkfruit Extract</i></p><p><i>Allergen-related information: "Contains: Milk, Tree Nuts (Almond, Coconut, Pecan)." "Processed in a Facility That Also Processes Dairy, Wheat, Tree Nuts, Sesame, and Soy."</i></p><p><br /></p>Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380030123600468474.post-84711748673192971932024-03-01T20:44:00.000-08:002024-03-01T20:44:46.107-08:00The Granola Guru - Cacao Almond Butter - Mar. 1, 2024<p><b>Chocolate of the Day</b></p><p>The Granola Guru<br />Cacao Almond Butter <br />Good ++<br />Weight: 1/4 cup (28 g.) / 10 oz. (283 g.) in total package<br />Calories: 130 calories in 1 serving<br />Cost: $9.99 for 1 package<br />Purchased from: Piazza's, Palo Alto, CA</p><p>Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Outdoors Week--a week that includes granolas, trail mixes, tree-shaped chocolates, and an outdoor mug of spring egg hot chocolate. </p><p>Growing up and spending a lot of time outdoors, we often made their own granolas--inspired by Muesli-style oat cereals from Europe--and trail mixes.</p><p>Today's Cacao Almond Butter granola from <a href="http://www.thegranolagurusnacks.com">The Granola Guru</a> (Oakland, CA) was made with gluten-free oats. Company founder, Ayana K., has created a "dairy free, vegan-friendly...nourishing superfood snack...with no refined sugars."</p><p>Rich aroma notes for this outdoor-friendly granola included: authentic cacao; maple and brown/unrefined sugars; grains, oats, and faint malt; and nuts (almonds).</p><p>The ebony-hued granola was full of rich, authentic cacao and nut (almond) flavors. And the use of quality ingredients, oils and sweeteners created a better tasting experience. This was a dark chocolate lovers granola!</p><p><i>Ingredients: "Gluten Free Oats, Almonds, Maple Syrup, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Olive Oil, Almond Butter, Organic Cacao Powder, Organic Coconut Sugar, Organic Coconut, Organic Cacao Nibs, Water, Organic Flaxseed Meal, Pink Himalayan Sea Salt, Vanilla Bean"</i></p><p><i>Allergen-related information: "Contains: Almond, Coconut. Manufactured in a facility that also processes: tree nuts, wheat, soybeans, peanuts, and dairy."</i></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380030123600468474.post-77477974903415862732024-03-01T09:30:00.000-08:002024-03-01T09:30:42.217-08:00Premium Orchard - Chocolate Almond & Cherry Blend - Feb. 28, 2024<p><b>Chocolate of the Day</b></p><p>Premium Orchard <br />Chocolate Almond and Cherry Blend <br />Good ++<br />Weight: 1/4 cup (34 g.) / 12 oz. (340 g.) in total package<br />Calories: 160 calories in 1/4 cup serving<br />Cost: $5.99 for 1 package<br />Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA </p><p>Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Almonds Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate Outdoors Theme Week.</p><p>Today's <a href="http://www.PremiumOrchard.com">Premium Orchard</a> Deluxe Chocolate Almond and Cherry Blend was manufactured by Mixed Nuts, Inc. (Pico Rivera, CA).</p><p>Aroma notes for this mix included: a subtle, appealing and rich blend of fruits, nut and chocolate.</p><p>Textures and flavors included: generously sized, plump, dried, chewy red fruits (cherries and cranberries); large lightly salted cashews; and smooth, shiny and dark chocolate covered almonds with crunchy nut interiors.</p><p>What I liked about this blend: 1.) balanced flavors; not too sweet and not too salty; 2.) hearty, enjoyable and portable snack that could be enjoyed outside, at home or on the go.</p><p><i>Ingredients: Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds (Semi-Sweet Chocolate [Sugar, Unsweetened Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Milk Fat, Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavor], Roasted Almonds and Confectioner's Glaze), Dried Cranberries (Cranberries, Sugar, and Sunflower Oil), Roasted Cashews (Cashews, Non-GMO Canola Oil and Sea Salt), and Dried Sour Cherries (Cherries, Sugar, and Sunflower Oil).</i></p><p><i>Allergen-related information: "Contains: Almonds, Cashews, Milk and Soy. Manufactured on Equipment That Also Processes Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Soy, Wheat and Dairy Products. Contains a bioengineered food ingredient."</i></p><p><br /></p>Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380030123600468474.post-86677604951202153452024-03-01T09:28:00.000-08:002024-03-01T09:28:34.950-08:00Nature's Garden - Oat Milk Chocolate Covered Matcha Almonds - Feb. 27, 2024<p><b>Chocolate of the Day</b></p><p>Nature's Garden<br />Oat Milk Chocolate Covered Matcha Almonds<br />Good + - Good ++<br />Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 5 oz. (142 g.) in total package<br />Calories: 160 calories in 1 serving<br />Cost: $3.99 for 1 package<br />Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA</p><p>Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Almonds Theme Week.</p><p>Today's Nature's Garden Oak Milk Chocolate Covered Matcha Almonds were from Cibo Vita Inc. (Totowa, NJ).</p><p>Aroma and layered flavor notes included: subtle chocolate; faint oat/cereal; sweet green, almost fruity/floral, refreshing tea (green tea); and nut (almond). </p><p>There were pleasant, light, lingering almond butter and fruit (jelly/jam) + oatmeal/oat bread sandwich notes in the finish. </p><p>Overall I enjoyed the flavors in these almonds. The chocolate element was subtle, and added some complementary flavor depth to the lighter green/floral and nut notes.</p><p>These coated almonds were made in the USA -- using ingredients sourced from Canada, Colombia and the United States.</p><p><i>Ingredients: Oat Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Dried Gluten Free Oat Powder, Cocoa Mass, Dried Rice Powder, Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla Extract, Natural Flavor), Roasted Almonds (Almonds, Peanut Oil), Matcha Seasoning (Sugar, Natural Flavor, Salt, Sunflower Oil, Maltodextrin [Corn], Silicon Dioxide, Gum Arabic, Soybean Oil, Citric Acid), Natural Flavor Green Tea Type Oil, Sugar, Maltodextrin, Dextrin, Color (Spirulina Extract), Color (Turmeric). </i></p><p><i>Allergen-related information: Contains Tree Nuts (Almonds) (and peanut oil). "Made in a facility that processes peanuts, tree nuts, milk, soy, wheat, egg & sesame. May contain pits, shell pieces or other naturally occurring objects."</i></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380030123600468474.post-40208311729918546852024-02-29T10:23:00.000-08:002024-03-01T09:30:26.810-08:00Beekman 1802 - Goat Poop (Dark Toasted Almonds) - Feb. 28, 2024<p><b>Chocolate of the Day</b></p><p>Beekman 1802<br />Goat Poop - (Dark) Toasted Almonds<br />Good + - Good ++<br />Weight: 1.6 oz. (45 g.) / 16 oz. (454 g.) in total container<br />Calories: 230 calories in 1 serving <br />Cost: $28.00 <br />Purchased from: Beekman 1802, online order</p><p>Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Almond Theme Week.</p><p>Today's Deep Dark Toasted Almonds were part of a six-flavor assortment* of "Goat Poop" chocolate covered confections--from <a href="https://beekman1802.com/">Beekman 1802</a> (Sharon Springs, NY). These chocolates were housed in a sunny yellow, cylindrical tin decorated with images of the dark and milk chocolate coated rounds/ovals within.</p><p>Aroma notes included: subtle chocolate, faint caramel, and very faint nut.</p><p>Each Toasted Almond piece had a generous coating of Belgian chocolate that surrounded a crunchy whole toasted almond. Flavor notes included sweet dark chocolate; faint caramel, butterscotch and malt; and authentic almond (nut). Some of the more subtle (caramel/butterscotch-like) notes may have come from other flavors in the tin.</p><p><i>Ingredients: Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Belgium Unsweetened Chocolate, Whole Milk Powder, Skim Milk Powder, Butteroil, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla Extract), Dry Roasted Almonds.</i></p><p><i>Allergen-related information: Contains Milk, Soy, Tree Nuts (Almonds). Other pieces/flavors (all packed together in assortment tin) also contain hazelnuts and wheat. "May contain Sulphites, Eggs, Peanuts"...and Tartrazine, aka FD&C Yellow (color).</i></p><p><i>* Other flavors included: Roasted Hazelnuts, Maple Malted Milk Balls, While Chocolate Sugar Cookies, Sea Salt Caramels, and Butterscotch Pretzel Poppers.</i></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380030123600468474.post-16733151009824534342024-02-27T10:44:00.000-08:002024-02-27T10:44:36.310-08:00Fuel4Ever - Chocolate Almond Collagen Protein Bar - Feb. 26. 2024<p><b>Chocolate of the Day</b></p><p>Fuel4Ever<br />Chocolate Almond Collagen Protein Bar<br />Good+ - Good ++<br />Weight: 1.9 oz. (54 g.) 1 bar<br />Calories: 210 calories in 1 bar<br />Cost: $3.49 for 1 bar<br />Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA</p><p>Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Almond Theme Week.</p><p>Today's Chocolate Almond Collagen Protein Bar was manufactured for <a href="http://fuelforever.com">Fuel4Ever</a> (San Jose, CA).</p><p>This dark chocolate-hued protein bar was dense, chewy, and chocolate-y, and flecked with small almond bits. </p><p>Flavor notes included: sweetened cocoa; mild, diffuse and very faint fruit (date)); and subtle, mellow, nut (almond) butter (number one ingredient).</p><p>I liked that this Chocolate Almond bar contained 14 grams of protein*--great for someone wanting/needing to boost their protein intake. (Most protein bars contain closer to 9-12 gram of protein.)</p><p>The sweetness level was relatively high; although the bar contained only 5 Net Carbs. It was sweetened with Allulose**. I would've preferred a bar with 1/3 of this level of sweetness (and less allulose; but I prefer less sugar(s) in chocolate and dessert items, so others may feel differently.</p><p><i>Ingredients: "Almond Butter, Protein Blend (Bovine Collagen Peptides, Almond Protein Powder), Chicory Root Fiber, Allulose, Cocoa Powder, Almonds, Cocoa Butter, Sunflower Lecithin, Natural Flavors, Sea Salt, MCT Oil (From Coconut), Kale, Spinach, Monk Fruit Extract, Stevia Leaf Extract."</i></p><p><i>Allergen-related information: Contains Tree Nuts (Almonds, Coconuts). May contain traces of: Peanuts, Eggs, Soy, Milk, Wheat, Sesame, and other Tree Nuts.</i></p><p><i>*Protein sources: Bovine collagen protein and almond protein</i></p><p><i>**Allulose is a naturally occurring (lower calorie) sugar that occurs in very small amounts in plants (figs, raisins, wheat, molasses, maple syrup). It can be commercially produced from corn or sucrose.</i></p>Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380030123600468474.post-81780115397851701432024-02-25T08:38:00.000-08:002024-02-25T08:38:51.488-08:00LOVO Almond Milk Chocolate (bar) - Feb. 25, 2024<p><b>Chocolate of the Day </b></p><p>LOVO Almond Milk Chocolate (bar)<br />Good +<br />Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.82 oz. (80 g.) in total bar<br />Calories: 160 calories in 1 serving (9 pieces)<br />Cost: $5.49 for 1 bar<br />Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA</p><p>Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Almonds Theme Week. </p><p>Today's LOVO Almond Milk Chocolate (bar) was manufactured in Switzerland for Radically Good Food Co. (Toronto, ON, Canada).</p><p>Very faint aroma notes for this 100% plant-based bar included: sweet dark chocolate, malt and nuts. </p><p>Texture: thick, creamy melt (soft, almost sticky caramel); and creamy, uniform texture.</p><p>Flavor notes included: very sweet, creamy, somewhat diluted chocolate (hot cocoa with an alternative milk, very faint almond milk); and very faint (barely detectable) warm spice (gingerbread) in the long, sweet finish. At the very end, I tasted a very tiny, fleeting hint of almond (milk); but otherwise it was difficult to detect any almond or nut-milk flavor.</p><p>This was a smooth, creamy, dairy-free (plant-based) chocolate confection made with just five ingredients. It was a bit too sweet for me (sugar was the number one ingredient); but this bar will appeal to those with a sweet tooth, and milk chocolate fans who wish to avoid dairy (milk, cream).</p><p><i>Ingredients: Sugar, cocoa mass*, cocoa butter*, organic almonds, sunflower lecithin, organic vanilla extract. (*Rainforest Alliance Certified. "Find out more at ra.org.")</i></p><p><i>Allergen-related information: Contains Almonds. Produced on equipment that also processes products containing milk, coconut, hazelnuts and peanuts.</i></p>Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380030123600468474.post-80911826019461221622024-02-24T22:48:00.000-08:002024-02-24T22:48:22.320-08:00Trader Joe's - Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups + Hot Cocoa - Feb. 24, 2024<b>Chocolate(s) of the Day</b><div><br /></div><div>Trader Joe's</div><div>Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups<br />Good + - Good ++</div><div>Weight: 1.16 oz. (33 g.) / 3.51 oz. (100 g.) in total bar<br />Calories: 190 calories in 1/3 bar</div><div>Cost: $1.99 for 1 bar<br />Purchased from: Trader Joe's, Mountain View, CA</div><div><br /></div><div>Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Almonds Theme Week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today's Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups offering was distributed and sold by <a href="https://www.traderjoes.com/home">Trader Joe's</a> (Monrovia, CA).* </div><div><br /></div><div>Aroma notes for these dark chocolate filled cups included: dark chocolate with very faint lemon-green (oxalis, wood sorrel); mellow nut butter (almond); and very faint nut cookie.</div><div><br /></div><div>Flavor notes included: relatively flavorful, balanced, and sweet dark chocolate (chocolate-y, dark ganache/tort); and subtle, natural almond butter filling. The two layered flavors complemented each other. The roasted almonds and milk helped mellow the chocolate and balance the sweetness.; and the vanilla flavor added a bit of sweet baked cookie warmth. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (Sugar, Unsweetened Chocolate Processed with Alkali, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin [Emulsifier], Natural Vanilla Flavor), Roasted Almonds, White Confectionery Coating (Sugar, Palm Kernel Oil, Nonfat Milk Powder, Whole Milk Powder, Whey Powder, Palm Oil, Soy Lecithin [Emulsifier], Natural Vanilla Flavor), Salt.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Allergen-related information: Contains Milk, Soy, Almond. May Contain Traces of Egg, Sesame, Wheat, Peanut, Brazil Nut, Cashew, Coconut, Hazelnut, Macadamia Nut, Pecan, Pine Nut, Pistachio, Walnut. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>*The packaging and some of the ingredients were slightly different, but I tasted a variation on this same product almost five years ago. So I also enjoyed a homemade hot, spiced cocoa with almond and oat milk today.</i></div><div><br /></div><p> </p>Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380030123600468474.post-74880433362418638682024-02-24T10:59:00.000-08:002024-02-24T10:59:37.679-08:00Trader Joe's - Dark Chocolate Bar with Almonds 73% Cacao - Feb. 23, 2024<b>Chocolate of the Day</b><div><br /></div><div>Trader Joe's</div><div>Dark Chocolate Bar with Almonds 73% Cacao<br />Good ++</div><div>Weight: 1.16 oz. (33 g.) / 3.51 oz. (100 g.) in total bar<br />Calories: 190 calories in 1/3 bar</div><div>Cost: $1.99 for 1 bar<br />Purchased from: Trader Joe's, Mountain View, CA</div><div><br /></div><div>Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Almonds Theme Week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today's Dark Chocolate Bar with Almonds 73% Cacao was distributed and sold by <a href="https://www.traderjoes.com/home">Trader Joe's</a> (Monrovia, CA).</div><div><br /></div><div>Aroma notes for this bar included: dark chocolate; earth (light peat); faint fruit (citrus); and very faint nut (almond). </div><div><br /></div><div>Flavor notes for this creamy and crunchy bar included: bold, dark chocolate (chocolate-y, ultra-dark brownie, ganache); subtle earth; and chunks of almond. The almonds helped mellow the acidity and bitterness and made it taste less sweet (which I liked).</div><div><br /></div><div>The organic, bold 73% dark chocolate tasted more like an ultra-dark (75%-80%+ cacao) chocolate. I enjoyed this aspect; and I'm guessing other dark fans will too. If your preference is for a milder chocolate, maybe not so much.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Ingredients: Organic Dark Chocolate (Organic Cocoa Mass, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter), Organic Almonds.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Allergen-related information: Contains Almond. May Contain Milk, Soy, Wheat, Peanut, Cashew, Coconut, Hazelnut, Pecan.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Corinne DeBrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12645804567583549229noreply@blogger.com0