Maeve - Kettle Chips Dark & Milk Chocolate Truffle Bar - Sept. 9, 2026

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Maeve 
Kettle Chips Dark & Milk Chocolate Truffle Bar
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $6.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: FarmFresh, online order 

Welcome to Day #12 of Savory Chocolates Theme Week and Day #2 of Chocolate Banquet Birthday Celebration Week, featuring two chocolates each day.

Today's Maeve Kettle Chips Dark & Milk Chocolate Truffle Bar was from Seattle Chocolate Co. (Seattle, CA).

Aroma and flavor notes included smooth, creamy dark chocolate and even creamier milk chocolate, as well as some glimmers of salt and potato chip(s).

Texture - a thin dark chocolate coating surrounded by a soft and creamy, milk chocolate truffle filling and a tiny bit of crunchy potato chip bit texture. 

I enjoyed this (second of two potato chip chocolate bars featured today. I enjoyed the layering of dark and milk chocolate in this one, and the (for me) just right touch of salt that helped balance the sweetness.

Ingredients: milk chocolate (cane sugar, whole milk powder, cocoa butter*, cocoa mass*, organic soy lecithin, natural vanilla), organic dark chocolate (cocoa mass, cane sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla), kettle chips (potatoes, safflower oil and/or sunflower oil, sea salt), coconut oil, sea salt.

Allergen-related information: Contains milk and soy.

Seattle Chocolate Co. - Maeve Hungry Blackberry Dark & White Chocolate Truffle Bar - June 15, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Seattle Chocolate Co. 
Maeve Hungry Blackberry Dark & White Chocolate Truffle Bar
Good +
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Copperfield Books, Petaluma, CA

Welcome to the final day (Day #11) of Chocolate & Bears Theme Week--filled with many fun items. Some items, while not chonicled here on Chocolate Banquet, deserve an honorable mention for their bear themes.

Today's Maeve** Hungry Bear Blackberry truffle bar was from Seattle Chocolate Co. (Seattle, WA). The original company (founded in 1991) offers a line of chocolate bars (including filled chocolate truffle bars) and confections.

Aroma and flavor notes for this sweet, slim, filled bar included: sweet dark milk chocolate, subtle berry (blackberry) with a soft, sweet (candy-level sweet) light vanilla and berry white chocolate filling.

The blend of dark and white chocolate added layered flavors. The blackberry flavor was relatively pleasing and authentic (all the berry, none of the seeds). However, the overall sweetness level was way too high for me. 

Texture: soft, thin layer of mild dark chocolate and soft vanilla and berry filling

Ingredients: white chocolate (cane sugar, cocoa butter*, milk, soy lecithin, natural vanilla), dark chocolate (cocoa mass, organic cane sugar, cocoa butter, organic soy lecithin, organic vanilla), coconut oil, blackberry powder, natural flavor, sea salt, citric acid. (*Rainforest Alliance Certified.)

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

*Honorable mentions included: Hot Chocolate with whipped cream at the Black Bear Diner (a place loaded with carved wooden bears and bear-a-phernalia, and Cacao & Cashew Butter Crunch Granola from Bear Naked Granola with a lovely black bear logo.

**Maeve Chocolate and the Maeve Logo are Trademarks of Seattle Chocolate Co. (The company re-branded their name to Maeve Chocolate in 2025.)

Maeve Chocolate - Pumpkin Spiece Chai Milk Chocolate Truffle Bar - Sept. 15, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Maeve Chocolate
(Seattle Chocolate Co.)
Pumpkin Spice Chai Milk Chocolate Truffle Bar
Good ++ 
Weight: 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 380 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $6.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Farm Fresh to You, online order

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

Today's Maeve Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Chai Milk Chocolate Truffle Bar was produced by Seattle Chocolate Co. (Seattle, WA).*

Aroma and flavor notes for this sweet confection of a bar included: very sweet milk chocolate infused with authentic-tasting pumpkin spices (cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, allspice) and vanilla. (The black tea was very subtle.)

Texture: soft, seductively thick and creamy (truffle-like) texture. (This bar will not break with a snap. It had a very creamy milk chocolate fudge texture that I could slice with a butter knife.)

I think most milk chocolates are too sweet. (I do prefer dark chocolates.) But then, as if to show the addictive power of sugar, I find myself devouring a whole milk chocolate bar (especially the ones with salt and/or ones with chai/pumpkin spices and aromatic tea blends). Reminder to self: don't eat bars like this if you're hungry.

I appreciated the use of real spices and black tea in this truffle bar, additives and emulsifiers were kept to a minimum (soy lecithin), and that this bar was gluten-free.

Ingredients: milk chocolate (cane sugar, whole milk powder, cocoa butter*, cocoa mass*, organic soy lecithin, natural vanilla), coconut oil, sea salt, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, organic black tea, allspice.

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

*Maeve Chocolate is a trademark of Seattle Chocolate Co.

Seattle Chocolate Co. - Maeve - Maple Bourbon with Maple Sugar and Crunchy Toffee (bar) - Sept. 13, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Seattle Chocolate Co.

Maeve Chocolate - Maple Bourbon Dark Chocolate Truffle Bar with Maple Sugar and Crunchy Toffee
Good ++
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $6.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Farm Fresh to You, online order

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

Today's Maeve Chocolate - Maple Bourbon Dark Chocolate Truffle Bar with Maple Sugar and Crunchy Toffee (bar) was a trademark of Seattle Chocolate Co. (Seattle, WA).

Aroma and flavor notes included: sweet dark chocolate (roasted cacao), brown/maple sugar, vanilla and very faint spirits.

Texture: soft, creamy texture with just the right amount (a light smattering) of crunchy toffee bits.

While this dark chocolate truffle bar was relatively sweet, I enjoyed the rich complexity of the sweet flavor inclusions and ingredients. Roast-y cacao, toasted brown sugar toast, sweet brown sugar, caramel, maple, vanilla and faint woodsy/oak, bourbon-like notes. A touch of salt helped balance the sweetness and  the whole bar was somewhat addicting.

Ingredients: dark chocolate (cocoa mass, organic cane sugar, cocoa butter, organic soy lecithin, natural vanilla), toffee (beet sugar, glucose syrup, cream, butter, skim milk powder, salt), coconut oil, maple sugar, organic natural flavor, organic natural flavor, sea salt.

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk and Soy. "This product is manufactured in a plant that processes milk, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, and wheat products." "sorry, this bar does not contain alcohol"; Kosher Dairy.

*Maeve Chocolate is a trademark of Seattle Chocolate Co.

Seattle Chocolate - Peanut Buddy Crisp milk chocolate truffle bar - Feb. 21, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Seattle Chocolate
Peanut Buddy Crisp milk chocolate truffle bar 
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $5.29 for 1 bar
Purchased from: FarmFresh, online order

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

Today's Peanut Buddy Crisp milk chocolate truffle bar was from Seattle Chocolate Company (Seattle, WA). 

Aroma notes included: smooth, rich milk chocolate, faint peanut butter, and very faint vanilla.

Texture: smooth, creamy and hearty milk chocolate base. Muted crisped rice bits added textural interest.

Flavor notes included: rich milk chocolate and subtle (fully incorporated) peanut butter. 

This was a rich and filling milk chocolate truffle bar. It provided great fuel for a winter weather walk.

Ingredients: "milk chocolate (cane sugar, milk, cocoa butter, cocoa mass, organic soy lecithin, natural vanilla), peanut butter (peanuts, salt), crisp rice (brown rice flour, cane sugar, sea salt, molasses), sea salt."

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

Seattle Chocolate - Neapolitan layered truffle bar - Feb. 3, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Seattle Chocolate
Neapolitan (bar)
Good + - Good  ++
Weight: 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 400 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $4.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: FarmFresh, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Unique Chocolates Week, including a few chocolates with a creative take on confectionery classics.

Today's Neapolitan white, pink and dark chocolate layered truffle bar was from Seattle Chocolate Company (Seattle, WA). 

Aroma and flavor notes for this three-layer chocolate bar included: ice cream sundae: white chocolate (vanilla); white chocolate infused with sweet berry (red raspberry, strawberry); and smooth dark chocolate--a blend that reminded me of neapolitan ice creams* in the U.S. constructed with layers of vanilla, strawberry and chocolate and ice creams in one container.

This truffle parfait had a rich, creamy texture and melt, and it was very sweet...like ice cream -- or a smooth, sugary confection. Great for those with a sweet tooth.

This layered chocolate was also a reminder of the different types of "chocolate" being sold today: dark chocolate, dark milk chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate--and (more recently) "ruby" (pink) chocolate that has a red berry flavor.

Ingredients: white chocolate (cane sugar, cocoa butter*, milk, soy lecithin, natural vanilla), dark chocolate (cocoa mass, cane sugar, cocoa butter, organic soy lecithin, natural vanilla), coconut oil, raspberry powder, beet extract (color), natural flavor, sea salt.

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk, Soy, Coconut (Oil). "This product is manufactured in a plant that processes milk, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, and wheat products." "Kosher (Dairy), Gluten Free."

*Likely inspired by either Harlequin ice cream with strawberry, chocolate and vanilla flavors from Prussia....and/or by Spumoni ice cream with pistachio, cherry and chocolate flavors from Italy. Thus the reference to Neapolitan-style ice cream. (A Neapolitan is someone from Napoli, Italy.)

Seattle Chocolate - Sip Sip Hooray (bar) - Dec. 8, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Seattle Chocolate
Sip Sip Hooray (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $5.95 for 1 bar 
Purchased from: Pebble Beach Market Market, Pebble Beach, CA

Welcome to Day # of Chocolate and Spirits* Theme Week

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark chocolate, tart-sweet raspberry candy, and faint lemon.

Texture: smooth truffle bar texture: creaminess, punctuated by the crunch and fizz of raspberry popping candy.

What did I like? I enjoyed the creamy + crunchy layered flavors and textures (almost velvety dark chocolate coating and white chocolate interior) and the subtle raspberry popping candy. 

This bar had a festive (touch of bubbly and pink champagne bottle like illustrations on label) feel to it. The label was splashed with celebratory golden yellow and pink. Yes this bar was a little bit sweet, but it was also fun. And fun is underrated.

Ingredients: white chocolate (cane sugar, cocoa butter*, milk, soy lecithin, natural vanilla), dark chocolate (cocoa mass, cane sugar, cocoa butter, organic soy lecithin, natural vanilla), popping candy (cane sugar, lactose, corn syrup, carbon dioxide), coconut oil, raspberry powder, citric acid, beet extract (color), organic natural flavor. (* = Rainforest Alliance Certified)

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

*Vedrenne Creme de Cacao Blanc

To make this day technically compliant with the "Chocolate and Spirits" Theme this week, I paired this bar with a very small glass of Vedrenne Creme de Cacao Blanc liqueur (made with the cacao fruit that surrounds cacao beans/seeds). 

This Creme de Cacao was head and shoulders above most liqueur-style spirits in terms of quality and flavor had a refreshing, lovely, tart-sweet, tropical fruit taste--consistent with cacao fruit pulp I've tried in the past--with subtle, authentic notes of mango, tangerine, very faint pineapple and melon. It also had 1-2 other very faint (barely there) botanical notes I associate with chocolate that I couldn't quite identify.

Seattle Chocolate - Mint Chip truffle (bar) - Nov. 5, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Seattle Chocolate
Mint Chip - green mint chip chocolate truffle bar
Good ++
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.)/ 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $4.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Farm Fresh, online order 

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and the Mint Family Week. 

Today's Mint Chip - green mint chip chocolate truffle bar was from Seattle Chocolate Company (Seattle, WA).

This relatively soft-textured (almost velvety) truffle bar was filled with a creamy green mint center.

The mint aroma and flavor was refreshing without being too overpowering; and this bar was, surprisingly, not overly sweet either. 

I also liked that this bar was gluten free; and (in reading the label) was reminded about Equal Exchange's transparency*--and work they've done with many small cacao farmer co-ops (across the cacao-growing world) over the years. (There was a picture of one of the Peruvian farmers on the packaging.)

Ingredients: white chocolate (cane sugar, cocoa butter*, milk, soy lecithin, natural vanilla), dark chocolate (cocoa mass, cane sugar, cocoa butter, organic soy lecithin, natural vanilla), chocolate chips (cocoa mass*, cane sugar, cocoa butter*, natural vanilla), coconut oil, alfalfa extract (color), pure peppermint oil.

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

*Equal Exchange has remained committed to building partnerships that "are economically just and environmentally sound" in cacao-growing countries. They are a large co-op organization--one of the largest "Alternative Trade Organizations" in the world, that has long been involved with Fair Trade. 

The cacao used to make this bar was from farmer co-operatives the Dominican Republic and Peru. The sugar came from Paraguay; and the vanilla hailed from Madagascar.

Seattle Chocolate - Peanut Butter Crisp milk chocolate truffle bar - Aug. 2, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Seattle Chocolate Company
Peanut Butter Crisp milk chocolate truffle bar
Good +
Weight: 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 380 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $4.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Seattle Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Peanut Butter Crisp milk chocolate truffle bar was from Seattle Chocolate Company (Seattle, WA).

Aroma notes for this gluten free truffle bar included: ground peanuts; milk chocolate; and very, fleeting faint menthol.

Flavor and texture notes included: sweet, very creamy milk chocolate with embedded crispy brown rice bits and subtle (fully incorporated) peanut butter. The textural contrast was nice.

This bar was a somewhat addictive, rich, nutty milk chocolate confection. Sugar was the number one ingredient--a fact that will please some with a sweet tooth, and be less attractive to dark chocolate fans. The flavors complemented each other, but the sugar and milk muffled more nuanced cacao and peanut notes.

Ingredients: "milk chocolate (cane sugar, milk, cocoa butter*, cocoa mass*, organic soy lecithin, natural vanilla), peanut butter (peanuts, salt), crisp rice (brown rice flour, cane sugar, sea salt, molasses), sea salt."

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

jcoco - 61% Cacao Boharat Spice Peruvian dark chocolate (bar) - July 16, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

jcoco 
61% Cacao Boharat Spice Peruvian dark chocolate bar
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) in 1 small bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 small bar
Cost: $3.49 (also was part of a larger assortment pack of bars)
Purchased from: jcoco/Seattle Chocolate, online order

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

Today's 61% Cacao Boharat Spice Peruvian dark chocolate (bar) was from jcoco* (Seattle, WA). It was part of an assortment of bars.

The Boharat spice blend originated in Syria; and its history may entwine with Arabic spice traders. (Boharat means "spices" in Arabic; so blends may vary. E.g., some may contain mint, some not.)

Aroma notes for this bar included: warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, pepper, paprika) and sweet dark chocolate.

Texture: smooth and creamy texture with barely detectable ground spice particles.

Flavor notes include: dark, sweet chocolate with a lovely, warming middle eastern spice blend that included some that can swing either sweet or savory (cumin, coriander, black peppercorn and paprika). I could say the same for cacao. I love trying "savory" chocolates. 

The 61% dark Peruvian cacao chocolate base was tasty. The sugar level was a bit higher than many dark chocolates; but it seemed like a good level for this bar. There was a very faint, fleeting, yogurt/loamy earth type note toward the end. It was not clear if this was coming from the cacao, the spices or a combination of both. But, mostly, it was the spices that lingered in a subtle, warm finish.

This complex Boharat spice blend was rich in flavor(s) and lacked a spicy burn. I appreciated that. The chocolate bar was well-balanced; and well-executed, and the smaller bar (in an assortment pack) gave me a chance to try a new spice blend. (More virtual travel and education via chocolate. Could this bar be used to make a Middle Eastern mole sauce I wondered?)

Ingredients: 61% cacao dark chocolate (cracked cacao beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin), boharat spice (cardamom, nutmeg, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, black peppercorn, paprika). 

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

*jcoco is part of (a brand that belongs to) Seattle Chocolate Company. 

 

Jcoco - 61% Orange Blossom Espresso in Peruvian dark chocolate - Mar. 28, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Jcoco
61% Orange Blossom Espresso in Peruvian dark chocolate 
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 small bar
Cost: $3.49 (estimate) for 1 small bar
Purchased from: jcoco/Seattle Chocolate, online order 

Welcome to Day #3 of a Chocolate and Floral Series, including bars and confections with floral/flower-related ingredients.

Today's jcoco 61% Orange Blossom Espresso in Peruvian dark chocolate (bar) was made in Seattle, WA. (The jcoco brand is part of Seattle Chocolate Company, Seattle, WA.)

Aroma notes included: chocolate, orange blossom and ground coffee.

Texture: smooth chocolate with a very slight coffee grit.

Flavor notes included: relatively sweet, smooth dark chocolate (ganache); floral (orange blossom), warm spice, and coffee. 

This small bar was colorfully wrapped and is also available in a 3-bar pack.

Ingredients: 61% cacao dark chocolate (cracked cacao beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin), coconut oil, decaffeinated espresso, orange oil, black tea powder, cloves, sea salt."

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

Seattle Chocolate - jcoco - 85% Single Varietal Contamana Cacao Peruvian dark (bar) - Feb. 3, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Seattle Chocolate Company
jcoco - 85% Single Varietal Contamana Cacao Peruvian dark (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total package of 3 bars
Calories: 155 (estimate) calories in 1 small bar
Cost: $9.99 for 1 package of 3 smaller bars
Purchased from: Seattle Chocolate, online order 

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

Today's jcoco 85% Single Varietal Contamana Cacao Peruvian dark (bar) was from Seattle Chocolate Company, Inc. (Seattle, WA) and was one of three identical, individually-wrapped bars contained in an attractively blue-purple hued, larger package. 

The Contamana* variety cacao used to make this bar was from the central-southern area of Peru (Cuzco region) in Quillabamba, in a valley (not that far from Machu Picchu), known for "its unique fine aroma cacao trees."

Aroma notes for this chocolate included: dark chocolate (rich cocoa); faint (muffled) fruit (ripe blackberry); subtle, balanced and fleeting rich, loamy + peat/tannic earth; and very faint botanical.

Texture: This well-tempered bar broke with a snap. The texture was pleasing and creamy smooth with the exception of a few very tiny crunchy (nib) particles in one bite. There was also a very faint, fleeting and very well-balanced tannic astringency.

Flavor notes included: flavorful dark chocolate (dark cocoa) with subtle, complex fruit (dark/red berry, citrus (faint lime), tropical fruit: cacao pulp); very faint botanicals (light spice); and balanced earth/light tannins. The finish was light, lingering and clean, especially for an 85%er.

What I liked about this bar: 1.) opportunity to try a single region, single varietal (Contamana) Peru chocolate; 2.) relatively smooth and approachable 85% ultra-dark chocolate with complex, interesting and balanced aroma and flavor notes; 3.) the maker's choice of a low roast**; and 4.) attractive packaging + three smaller, individually-wrapped bars that made it easy to share with/gift to others.

Ingredients: cracked cacao beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin).

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

*Contamana is a rare variety of cacao; and one of many varieties of cacao from South America (the birthplace of cacao). Just as there are many varieties of grapes used to make wine, there are many varieties of cacao that can be used to make chocolate.

**Maker's notes: "fermentation: 6 days; drying 5 days; roast: low"

 

jcoco - 72% Peruvian Dark with Cacao Nibs (bar) - Jan. 30, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Seattle Chocolate Company
jcoco - 72% Peruvian Dark with Cacao Nibs 
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total package of 3 bars
Calories: 155 (estimate) calories in 1 small bar
Cost: $9.99 for 1 package of 3 smaller bars
Purchased from: Seattle Chocolate, online order 

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Cacao Nibs, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Peru Theme Week.

Today's jcoco 72% Peruvian Dark with Cacao Nibs (bar) was from Seattle Chocolate Company, Inc. (Seattle, WA) and was one of three identical, individually-wrapped bars contained in a larger package. The packaging was attractively pink, and having these smaller bars made it easier to share this chocolate with others.

The Rupa-Rupa cacao used to make this bar was from a tropical, high mountains/"high jungle" area in Peru. (The Rupa-Rupa district is located in the (Upper) Amazon River basin, east of the Andes mountains.)

Aroma notes for this chocolate included: sweet dark chocolate, and very faint fruit (sweet lime), very fleeting hot cereal (cream of rice), and roasted nut notes.

Texture: This well-tempered bar broke with a hard snap. The texture was creamy smooth (base chocolate) and very crunchy (roasted cacao nibs including some very hard, well-roasted pieces).

Flavor notes included: almost earthy (not quite charcoal-roasted) sweet dark chocolate with heavily roasted, very crunchy cacao nibs; fleeting, very faint sweet tropical fruit (lime, pineapple); faint roasted nut; and a very faint aromatic, almost perfume-y, floral note in the nibs before the roasted nut" flavor kicked in. The roast for the cacao used to make this chocolate was listed as "medium"; however the nibs had such a hard crunch that it tasted like they were roasted for a longer time. 

This was an interesting chocolate, made with ingredients from a remote, mountainous area of tropical Peru. It was flavorful and smooth (and very crunchy) all at the same time. I enjoyed experiencing the complexity in this chocolate.

The finish was light, lingering and clean. 

Ingredients: 72% cacao dark chocolate (cracked cacao beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin), roasted cacao nibs.

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

*Maker's notes: "fermentation: 6 days; drying 6 days; roast: medium"

Seattle Chocolate - Creme Brulee Crackle white and dark chocolate truffle bar - Dec. 31, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Seattle Chocolate
Creme Brulee Crackle white and dark chocolate truffle bar
Good ++
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $N/A - gift from family member
Purchased from: N/A - gift from Megan (thank you!)

Happy New Year's Eve, and welcome to Day # 9 of Chocolate Truffle Bars Week.

Today's Creme Brulee Crackle white and dark chocolate truffle bar was from Seattle Chocolate Company (Seattle, WA). The company offers a wide variety of chocolates, including many truffle bars. One of the Seattle-based company's taglines: "May chocolate be your umbrella." 

Aroma notes included: smooth dark chocolate and very faint caramel.

This was a pretty winter warmer, with a smooth dark chocolate outer layer, and a white chocolate filling studded with crunchy little flecks of toffee. Had this been a milk chocolate bar, I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much. (It would've been too sweet for me.) But the dark chocolate balanced the sweeter white chocolate and toffee (creme brulee-like) interior layer quite nicely.

Flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate, creamy white chocolate and tiny accents of buttery toffee.

Ingredients: white chocolate (cane sugar, cocoa butter*, milk, soy lecithin, natural vanilla), dark chocolate (cocoa mass*, cane sugar, cocoa butter*, organic soy lecithin, natural vanilla), non-hydrogenated coconut oil, chocolate chips (cocoa mass, cane sugar, cocoa butter, natural vanilla), toffee (cane sugar, butter, rice syrup, cocoa mass, cocoa butter, salt, soy lecithin, natural flavor), sea salt, vanilla bean powder. (*Rainforest Alliance Certified. Find out more at ra.org)

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

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."

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."

 

Seattle Chocolate Company - Tukwila Hazelnut Chocolate Truffle Bar - Sept. 25, 2020

Chocolate of the Day

Seattle Chocolate Company LLC
Tukwila Hazelnut Milk Chocolate Truffle Bar with hazelnut butter, rice crisps 
Good +
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $1.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate, Nuts and More Theme Week.

Today's Tukwila Hazelnut Chocolate Truffle Bar was from Seattle Chocolate Company LLC (Seattle, WA)--a woman-owned and run chocolatier with roots in the Pacific Northwest that manufactures and markets a variety of chocolate products (truffles, chocolate dessert shells, truffle bars, etc.). 

The company has a presence in Tukwila, south of downtown Seattle. The word Tukwila comes from a native tribe's word for nut or hazelnut, and refers to hazelnut trees that have grown in the region historically.

This aroma of this milk chocolate bar evoked visions of chocolate hazelnut spreads (like Nutella). 

The texture was a blend of creamy milk and hazelnut chocolate and crunchy, crispy rice bits, and the flavors reflected a sweet blend of these same ingredients with a light touch of vanilla.

Ingredients: Milk chocolate (cane sugar, milk, cocoa powder, chocolate liquor, soya lecithin, natural vanilla, hazelnut butter (hazelnuts), organic crisp rice (brown rice flour, cane sugar, sea salt, molasses), sea salt. 

Celebrating 12 Yrs. of Chocolate Series - Chocolate Banquet - Sept. 19, 2018

Chocolate(s) of the Day: 

Seattle Chocolate Company
San Juan Sea Salt Milk Chocolate Truffle Bar
Good+
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: N/A - gift
Purchased from: N/A - gift

Wild Sweets Chocolate Factory
Black Onyx Truffles
European Black Cream Truffles
Good
Weight: unknown
Calories: 130 calories (estimate) in 2 pieces
Cost: $N/A - gift
Purchased from: N/A - gift

Greetings and Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Celebrating 12 Years of Chocolate Series. Seattle, WA and Portland, OR, are both high chocolate IQ cities.

Today was a true Chocolate Banquet day, with a spread of different birthday chocolates from these two Pacific Northwest hot spots (thank you all). Chocolate is always sweeter when shared with others.

The first course was a San Juan Sea Salt Milk Chocolate Truffle Bar with crunchy coffee from Seattle Chocolate Company (Seattle, WA). (Thank you Michelle and Hali!)

The second course involved two dark chocolate creams from Wild Sweets Chocolate Factory (Portland, OR): a Dark Chocolate truffle and a Black Onyx Dark Chocolate bittersweet truffle. Both filled chocolates had smooth, creamy dark chocolate ganache fillings and dark chocolate shells. (Thank you Kaitlin!)

Other chocolates included a 72% Bacon Caramel bar (made with cacao grown in Ecuador) from Xocolatl de David (Portland, OR), and a Salt dark chocolate bar from Woodblock Chocolate (Portland, OR)—made with cacao from Peru and Ecuador.

Celebrating 12 Yrs. of Chocolate - Seattle Chocolate Company - Champagne Dark Chocolate Truffle bars - Sept. 18, 2018

Chocolate of the Day:

Seattle Chocolate Company
"Here's Looking at You" Sparkling Mimosa Dark Chocolate Truffle Bar
Good
Weight: .25 oz. (7 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 38 calories (estimate) in 1 bite
Cost: $3.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Pebble Beach Market, Pebble Beach, CA

Seattle Chocolate Company
Here's to You Dark Chocolate Truffle Bar with Popping Champagne
Good
Weight: .25 oz. (7 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 36 calories (estimate) in 1 bite
Cost: $3.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Pebble Beach Market, Pebble Beach, CA

Welcome to Day #8 of Celebrating 12 Years of Chocolate Series.

Nothing like a little champagne if you're celebrating an important occasion. Even if the bubbly comes in the form of chocolate embedded with popping candy.

Today's similarly wrapped and designed fizzy, celebratory dark chocolate truffle bars were from Seattle Chocolate Company (Seattle, WA). Cheers.

The "Here's Looking at You" Sparkling Mimosa Dark Chocolate bar had a natural orange aroma and a sweet chocolate flavor, interspersed with tiny bursts of very slight candy fizz.

Seattle Chocolates - Whidbey Wildberry Dark Truffle Bar - Mar. 11, 2017

Chocolate of the Day: 

Seattle Chocolate Company
Whidbey Wildberry
Dark Chocolate Truffle Bar with Cherries and Strawberries
Good
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $3.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Pebble Beach Market,  Pebble Beach, CA

Welcome to Chocolate and STUVWXYZ Theme Week. Over the next several days, we'll finish up the alphabet, beginning with a chocolate related to the letter "s."

Let's start with a day, a destination and a fruit. Happy Saturday to you all! How about we take a virtual trip to Seattle and sample a bar with some Strawberries?

Today's Whidbey Wildberry Dark Chocolate Truffle Bar was from Seattle Chocolate Company (Seattle, WA).  This bar contained cherries (dried cherries, cane sugar, sunflower oil) and strawberries (strawberry jellies with apple juice and strawberry puree*)—two fruits that shine in late spring and summer.

The gluten-free and vegan Whidbey Wildberry truffle bar was made with smooth and sweet chocolate, punctuated by bits and tiny bursts of strawberry and cherry fruit texture and flavor.

Seattle Chocolate Company makes a variety of thick truffle bars that are almost velvety, and today's bar was no exception.

Other Seattle Chocolates/truffle bars w/ "s" in titles include:
- A Super Dark Chocolate Truffle Bar (powered by coffee and cocoa nibs)
- San Juan Sea Salt Truffle Bar (w/ milk chocolate)
- Dark San Juan Sea Salt Truffle Bar

On a sunny day, Seattle sparkles. However, this Northwestern U.S. city is better known for long gray season, and the company offers bars with titles that play off the weather:

- Overcast Sea Salt Truffle Bar
- Rainy Day Espresso Truffle Bar
- Sunny Salted Almond Truffle Bar

I'll take the Sunny Salted Almond bar.

**Some "W" back-story
Washington state produces large quantities of fruits and berries, including apples, cherries, blueberries, pears and strawberries. Whidbey Island, close to Seattle, is a popular source of fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and other seasonal foods, including berries. Today's Whidbey Wildberry truffle bar is, in part, a tribute to the wonderful abundance of this area.