Valrhona - Araguani Pur Venezuela 100% Cacao (bar) - June 30, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Valrhona
Araguani Pur Venezuela 100% Cacao (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.46 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 211.7 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Araguani Pur Venezuela 100% Cacao (bar) was from Valrhona (Tain l'Hermitage, France).

Aroma notes for this ultra-dark bar included: an aromatic, attractive dark chocolate with a small bouquet of subtle fruits (including sweet berries), nut (almond butter) and barely detectable spice (aromatic, floral ground pepper, warm spices), sweet green, and very faint, freshly sawed wood.

The texture was thick and buttery smooth.

The strong 100% cacao chocolate had a balanced bitterness (porter, ale) throughout. It also had mellow faint wood and almond butter notes; faint acidic dried fruit notes, followed by a very faint refreshing, clean mineral water taste in the finish.

If you're not put off by bitter, deep flavors (or the 100% absence of added sugar), then this pure Venezuelan cacao would be a good ultra-dark bar to try, by itself or as part of a 100%er flight. The aroma was rich and pleasing, the texture was buttery smooth, and while it did stray into unsweetened baking chocolate territory*, the taste of this un-sugared chocolate wasn't too far off the rails. 

Note: what you eat (before or during this tasting) may also make a difference in what you're tasting with this bar more than others. Eating lightly toasted fresh bread with grated melted cheese; roasted savory almonds; baked, stuffed potatoes; or a cheese plate may create interesting pairings. (Think of foods you might pair with a bitter ale.)

Maker's Tasting Notes: "Chocolatey (chocolatee) woody (boisees), full-bodied (corsees)

Ingredients: Cocoa beans from Venezuela. "Milk (Made in a facility that uses milk)."

Allergen-related information: Made in a facility that uses milk. This product may contain: gluten, nuts, soya.

*For chocolate lovers who, as children, opened a bar of baking chocolate found in a kitchen cupboard, and expected a sweet treat--and were shocked to find otherwise--you'll know what I mean here.

Shekoh Confections - Saffron - Oct. 15, 2022

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Shekoh Confections

Saffron

Weight: .49 oz. (11.32 g.) (estimate) in 1 piece

Calories: 75 calories (estimate) in 1 piece

Cost: $4.45 for 1 piece ($22.25 for 5-piece box)

Purchased from: Shekoh Confections, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate and Botanicals Theme Week, that will feature cacao blended with flowers, leaves (herbs), spices, trees, and other plant-based inclusions.

Today's Saffron filled chocolate was from Shekoh Confections (Palo Alto, CA). Shekoh Moossavi, the company's chief chef and chocolate-maker, produces a variety of high-end chocolate confections. All her (Valrhona dark and white chocolate based) confections so far that I've tasted have been well-executed and wonderful.

Saffron

I love saffron, in savory and sweet dishes. This spice is made up of tiny aromatic botanical threads (the vivid red-orange stamens harvested from purple crocus flowers) that contribute a unique flavor and sunny yellow color.

Aroma notes for this Saffron chocolate included: chocolate (dark chocolate with faint lemon herb (oxalis) and very faint earth), and soft, layered, floral spice (saffron).

An impossibly thin white chocolate (pale sky blue) shell covered a soft, creamy golden saffron infused white chocolate interior. The dark chocolate base layer formed the base of this angelic domed confection, providing just the right amount of chocolate grounding with true dark chocolate and very faint earth notes (without taking away from the lighter elements).

This chocolate had an architectural beauty to it with light blue sky above, the dark earth below, and a golden heaven of saffron sunshine in the middle.

No ingredients formally listed (or allergen information) on assortment "to go" box.

Shekoh Confections - Coconut filled chocolate - Oct. 6, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Shekoh Confections 
Coconut filled chocolate
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .4 oz. (11,32 g.) (estimate) in 1 piece 
Calories: 62 calories (estimate) in 1 piece
Cost: $4.45 (estimate) for 1 piece (one piece in a 5-piece box) + tax
Purchased from: Shekoh Confections, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Coconut filled chocolate was created by Shekoh Confections (Palo Alto, CA).

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate (fudge brownie), very faint tart lemon green herb (oxalis, sorrel), and coconut (very slightly fruity coconut, coconut water).

Texture(s) in this small, filled chocolate dome were very smooth. A velvety, ultra-thin dark chocolate shell covered a very creamy, Valrhona white chocolate, coconut infused interior. 

The toasted coconut flavored ganache (filling) was accented with a subtle hint of coconut liqueur. Bold (but smooth), slightly earth dark chocolate prevented this confection from being too sweet. The result: flavor depth and rich, complementary flavor complexity. 

Maker's description: Coconut infusion, toasted shredded coconut, Valrhona white chocolate, coconut liqueur.

Ingredients: (No label with exact ingredients)

Allergen-related information: Contains coconut

Shekoh Confections - Irish Cream - July 4, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Shekoh Confections
Irish Cream
Weight: .4 oz. (11.3 g.) in 1 piece
Calories: 62 calories (estimate) in 1 piece 
Cost: $4.40 ($22 for a 5-piece box)
Purchased from: Shekoh Confections, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Irish Cream chocolate was created by Chef Shekoh Moossavi at Shekoh Confections (Palo Alto, CA). 

Aroma notes for this Irish Cream chocolate included: smooth, dark cocoa, and a very faint lemon-green herb (oxalis, wood sorrel, lemon balm).

This filled chocolate had layered textures and flavors. Under the yellow-green surface, was a perfectly executed thin, velvety, domed dark chocolate cover/couverature, and inside that was a softer, creamy ganache (filling).

The filling was infused with a soft touch of Bailey's Irish Cream liqueur, conjuring up the taste of a creamy, after-dinner adult coffee. It was just the right amount to add pleasing complementary flavor to the dark chocolate, and not enough to taste any alcohol or overwhelm the other chocolate flavor nuances.

Chef's description: "Bailey's Irish Cream infused with Valrhona dark chocolate."

Ingredients: (Not listed on small box)

Allergen-related information: (Not listed on small box)

 

Shekoh Confections - Espresso - July 3, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Shekoh Confections
Espresso
Good++
Weight: .48 oz. (13.6 g.) in 1 piece
Calories: 74 calories (estimate) in 1 piece 
Cost: $4.45 ($22.25 for a 5-piece box)
Purchased from: Shekoh Confections, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Espresso filled chocolate was created by Chef Shekoh Moossavi at Shekoh Confections (Palo Alto, CA).

Aroma and flavor notes for this thimble-shaped, domed confection included coffee latte, light caramel and smooth dark chocolate notes. The dark chocolate had very faint tart green notes (oxalis, wood sorrel) and true chocolate/mocha notes.

Today's filled chocolate had well-executed, relatively subtle, well-balanced, layered flavors. This creamy, sweet dark espresso chocolate will likely appeal to dark and milk chocolate lovers.

Maker's description: Espresso beans infused with Valrhona dark chocolate ganache.

Ingredients: (Not listed on small box)

Allergen-related information: (Not listed on small box)

 

Shekoh Confections - Bergamot - June 17, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Shekoh Confections
Bergamot
Weight: .4 oz. (11.3 g.) in 1 piece
Calories: 62 calories (estimate) in 1 piece 
Cost: $4.40 ($22 for a 5-piece box)
Purchased from: Shekoh Confections, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Bergamot chocolate was created by Chef Shekoh Moossavi at Shekoh Confections (Palo Alto, CA).

Subtle aroma notes for this chocolate included tart green herb (oxalis) and light citrus perfume. A perfectly thin* dark chocolate shell encased a sweet bergamot infused chocolate ganache (filling) that had a lovely, slow, creamy melt. 

Bergamot is the aromatic citrus fruit (rind) that flavors Earl Grey and Lady Grey (black) teas.

The base (Valrhona) chocolate was rich in layered flavor with true chocolate (dark chocolate mousse, very faint earth and even fainter nut) and subtle caramel notes that extended into the finish.

The sweetness level, and layered flavors and textures were all well balanced and complex--while still harmonizing very nicely as a whole.

Maker's description: Bergamot oil, black loose tea infusion, Valrhona dark chocolate.

Ingredients: (Not listed on small box)

Allergen-related information: (Not listed on small box)

*Shekoh's fresh-made filled chocolate confections that I've tasted have all been very well executed. The bottom of her domed chocolate confections is thick enough to provide weight and stability. The chocolate sides (of dome) are just thin enough to provide a slight cracking sensation when you take a bite, but just strong enough to prevent any punctures/cracks. I really appreciate her skill that extends from layered and well balanced flavors to the structure and taste of the chocolate.

Shekoh Confections - Blackcurrant - June 7, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Shekoh Confections
Blackcurrant
Good +++ 
Weight: .4 oz. (11.3 g.) (estimate) in 1 piece
Calories: 62 calories (estimate) in 1 piece
Cost: $4.40 (estimate) 
Purchased from: Shekoh Confections, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #14 of Chocolate and Fruit Theme Week.

Today's Yuzu chocolate was created by Chef Shekoh Moossavi at Shekoh Confections (Palo Alto, CA). Her high-end filled chocolates were/are made with no preservatives, and "fresh to order" for customers.

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate (faint dark brownie with nut butter); faint diffuse tart sweet fruit (dark berry + light mango jam); and tart green lemon herb (oxalis). 

Biting into this small, domed confection yielded an excellent blend of jammy dark berry (black currant, blueberry preserves) fruit and chocolate--a very satisfying, flavorful layering of a dark chocolate shell and ganache with true dark chocolate (dark chocolate torte, faint nut and very faint tart lemony herb (oxalis)) notes. The rich flavors lingered lightly into the finish.

This was another very well balanced and executed confection, with a restrained sweetness--just enough for enjoyment while still allowing full access to cacao and authentic, sweet-tart blackcurrant fruit flavors.

Shekoh description: "Puree of blackcurrant (and) Valrhona 64% Tainori dark chocolate."

Ingredients: Not listed on small assortment box

Allergen-related information: Not listed on small assortment box

 

Shekoh Confections - Yuzu - June 5, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Shekoh Confections
Yuzu
Good +++ 
Weight: .4 oz. (11.3 g.) (estimate) in 1 piece
Calories: 62 calories (estimate) in 1 piece
Cost: $4.40 (estimate) 
Purchased from: Shekoh Confections, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate and Fruit Theme Week.

Today's Yuzu chocolate was created by Chef Shekoh Moossavi at Shekoh Confections (Palo Alto, CA). Her line of high-end chocolate confections is made with no preservatives, and "fresh to order".

Subdued aroma notes included: faint dark very slightly earthy (and faintly nutty) dark chocolate; faint diffuse tart sweet citrus fruit; and faint tart green lemon herb (oxalis). 

On biting into this small, domed confection I was met with a hearty uptick of flavor--a very satisfying, flavorful blend of a dark chocolate shell (bold yet smooth, with very slight earthy and green/oxalis notes) and yuzu fruit (juice) infused into this creamy interior. The rich, dark chocolate flavor lingered in the finish.

This was a very well balanced and executed confection, with a restrained sweetness--just enough for enjoyment while still allowing full access to cacao and authentic, tart-sweet fruit flavors.

Shekoh description: "Valrhona milk chocolate and yuzu juice."

Ingredients: Not listed on small assortment box

Allergen-related information: Not listed on small assortment box

Shekoh Confections - Lemon Almond - June 4, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Shekoh Confections
Lemon Almond 
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .4 oz. (11.3 g.) (estimate) in 1 piece
Calories: 62 calories (estimate) in 1 piece
Cost: $4.40 (estimate) 
Purchased from: Shekoh Confections, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and Fruit Theme Week.

Today's Lemon Almond chocolate was created by Shekoh Confections (Palo Alto, CA). Chef Shekoh Moossavi creates a variety of high-end chocolate confections. If you live in the area, consider visiting her shop.

Lemon Almond chocolate

Today's Lemon Almond chocolate had beautiful overall taste and texture(s): natural lemon, crispy almond praline and light (almost mousse-like), creamy milk chocolate ganache, surrounded by a darker chocolate shell. 

This chocolate evoked memories of thin, buttery lemon wafer cookies with crushed almonds, half-dipped in chocolate.* 

Another balanced, layered fresh flavor experience in a small package from Shekoh Confections.

It's become more convenient to order chocolates on-line; but nothing beats being able to buy chocolates in person, and thank a highly trained and skilled chocolate creator face-to-face. In case I didn't get that point across during our meeting wearing a (Covid) mask, thank you Chef Shekoh!

Description: "Valrhona milk chocolate, almond praline, lemon oil."

Ingredients: Not listed on small assortment box

Allergen-related information: Not listed on small assortment box

*Pirouettes, aka barquillos

 

Valrhona - Oriado 60% Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar)

 Chocolate of the Day

Valrhona 
Oriado 60% Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.46 oz. (70 g.) total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.25 (US) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocosphere.com, online order

Bonjour and welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and European Chocolate Vacation Theme Week, including (virtual) visits in France.

Today's Oriado 60% Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Valrhona (Tain L'Hermitage, France). Valrhona, founded by a pastry chef in the early 1920s, has continued to produce chocolate in the Rhone Valley in southeastern France since then. (In 1989 they opened a pastry and chocolate school.) 

As part of a virtual visit to the historic village of Tain, I (virtually) enjoyed a nice soup and lunch, a glass of Chauteuneuf-du-Pape,* and a chocolate dessert after a nice long walk past old stone buildings and up a hill with vineyard and river views. 

And how did today's featured Valrhona Oriado bar taste?

The cacao used to make this Valrhona Oriado bar was a blend of cacaos "sourced directly" from Peru and the Dominican Republic. (Fairly traded content: 99.6%.)

Aroma notes for this bar included: balanced tart citrus herbal green (oxalis,** sorrel, sour grass), chocolate cake and cocoa with vanilla marshmallow. (The citrus green note tended to recede a bit following each initial exposure, allowing the cocoa and vanilla notes to become more prominent.) 

This well-tempered chocolate broke with a firm snap. And the melt and texture were even and uniform.

The flavor notes were consistent with the aroma notes (above), with more pronounced rich, sweet chocolate (dark fudge cake) taste--and a pleasant red berry/blackberry note that blossomed about mid-way through. 

Flavors were well balanced, and relatively complex. Vanilla added a bit of mellow warmth (with very faint, fleeting vanilla tobacco smoke, earthy and leather notes) and implied (chocolate baked goods) sweetness. The flavors lingered a bit into a relatively clean finish. 

Overall this was an easy-to-like dark chocolate that was complex enough to be interesting, but well managed--making it well-suited to eating, as well as baking, chocolate confections, dark chocolate frosting/icing, or pastry making in general.

Maker's tasting notes: "Balanced, vanilla, sweet"

Ingredients: "Dark Chocolate (85% cocoa minimum, pure cocoa butter). Cocoa beans, sugar, cocoa butter, emulsifier: sunflower lecithin, natural vanilla extract. Milk (Made in a facility that uses milk). 

Allergen-related information: "Milk (Made in a facility that uses milk). May contain: gluten, nuts, soya." "May contain wheat, soy, almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, pecans, walnuts, chestnuts, coconut and/or all their derivatives."

*Wine grapes associated with the Rhone Valley in France (not far from Valrhona HQ) include Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Viognier and Roussanne. 

Chateauneuf-du-Pape (translated: "Pope's new castle") is a blended wine unique to a very specific region (Chateauneuf commune area) in southeastern France--about 1.5 hours drive south of Tain L'Hermitage. 

This wine is typically a "blend" of three grape types/colors: black grapes (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and perhaps Cinsault, Counoise, Muscadin, Vaccarese, Terret Noir, Picardin Noir, Picpoul Noir), yellow grapes (Claret, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Buorboulenc, Picpoul and Picardin), and pink grapes (Picardin Gris, Clairette Rose, Grenache Gris and Picpoul Rose). 

**Note: oxalic acid is a natural component of cacao and can contribute to "citrus" notes being attributed to some chocolates.) 

Valrhona - Abinao 85% Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar) - Jan. 11, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Valrhona 
Abinao 85% Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.46 oz. (70 g.) total bar
Calories: 220 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.50 (US) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocosphere.com, online order

Bonjour and welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and European Chocolate Vacation Theme Week. Today's bar brings us (virtually) to France.

Today's Abinao 85% Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Valrhona (Tain L'Hermitage, France). Valrhona was founded by a pastry chef in the early 1920s. The company has continued to produce chocolate in the Rhone Valley near Lyon, in southeastern France since then. (In 1989 they opened a pastry and chocolate school.) 

As part of a virtual visit to the historic village of Tain, I'm enjoying a virtual drive through the wine country, admiring the rolling vine-covered green hills and views of the Rhone River. Also on the menu: an imaginary lunch at a brasserie and a local trail hike, after a stop at Valrhona.

And now on to tasting today's featured Valrhona bar...

Source-related text on the Valrhona Abinao bar packaging read: "100% of our cocoa is traceable from the producer." (While the country of origin was not specified for this Abinao bar, online research turned up the following: a blend of Forastero cacao(s), from Africa.) 

Aroma notes for this bar included: green, earthy, nutty, faint maple/brown sugar, and very faint floral, clean mineral and wood forest notes.

This well-tempered, attractively designed chocolate bar broke with a clean snap. It had an even melt and texture, with a slight tannic astringency beginning about 3/4 way through.

The flavor notes were consistent with the aroma notes above, with more pronounced rich chocolate-y (dark fudge brownie) taste. Flavors were well balanced, well managed and relatively complex and interesting. A moderate amount of smooth bitterness made it interesting and not too sweet (thank you). Vanilla added a bit of floral spice warmth and implied (chocolate baked goods) sweetness. The flavors lingered a bit into a relatively clean finish. 

If I were a pastry chef or chocolatier, and I wanted to rely on a sophisticated ultra-dark chocolate without deep dark surprises, I would likely enjoy working with this Abinao 85% chocolate. It also was pleasant to eat and relatively easy to pair with other foods and beverages.

Maker's tasting notes: "Bittersweet, woody, raw cocoa" "...Powerful and tannic dark chocolate." "Abinao 85% emphasizes a specific bitterness and exceptional long-lasting flavors."  

Ingredients: "Dark Chocolate (85% cocoa minimum, pure cocoa butter). Cocoa beans, sugar, cocoa butter, emulsifier: sunflower lecithin, natural vanilla extract. Milk (Made in a facility that uses milk). 

Allergen-related information: "Milk (Made in a facility that uses milk). May contain: gluten, nuts, soya." "May contain wheat, soy, almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, pecans, walnuts, chestnuts, coconut and/or all their derivatives."

Valrhona - Tulakalum (Belize) 75% dark chocolate (bar) - Oct. 16, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Valrhona

Tulakalum (Belize) 75% dark chocolate (bar)

Good ++

Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.46 oz. (70 g.) in total bar

Calories: 210 calories in 1/2 bar

Cost: $7.50 (plus shipping) for 1 bar

Purchased from: Chocosphere.com, online order 

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate and Central America Theme Week.

Today's Tulakalum (Belize) 75% cacao dark chocolate (bar) was from Valrhona Chocolate (Tain L'Hermitage, France).*

Aroma notes (in order of appearance) included: earthy, dried fruit (fig, prune, banana), sweet cocoa and nut butter.

Texture: Thick, creamy melt and smooth mouthfeel.

Flavor notes included: chocolate-y (fudge brownie with a hint of vanilla) with bright, tart fruit (raspberry, sweet cherry, and strawberries dipped in brown sugar) that extended into the finish. 

Valrhona description/tasting notes: "Tulakalum's...fruity, tangy...nutty intensity and powerful cocoa nibs dreamily encapsulate the gorgeous biodiversity of Belize, an endlessly colorful country with multiple culture and history."

Ingredients: "Cocoa beans from Belize, brown sugar, cocoa butter, vanilla..."

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that uses milk." "This product may contain: gluten, nuts, soya." "May contain wheat, soy, almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, pecans, walnuts, chestnuts, coconut and/or all their derivatives."

*Valrhona has historically (since 1922) partnered with pastry chefs and artisan chocolatiers around the world, supplying them with quality French chocolate. In recent decades they have enhanced their efforts to source sustainable cacao (traceable and sourced directly from producers). They are also a Certified B Corporation (that stipulates adherence to standards associated with social and environmental impact).

Valrhona - Noir Orange Flavored Chocolate 56% Cacao - Mar. 22, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Valrhona Chocolate

Noir (Dark) Orange-Flavoured Chocolate 56% Cacao (block) 

Good +

Weight: 1.41 oz. (40 g.) / 7.06 oz. (200 g.) in total bar/block

Calories: 230 calories in 1 segment of bar

Cost: $ missing information

Purchased from: missing information

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate and NOPQ Theme Week, where chocolates with flavor inclusions and origins starting with the letters N, O, P and/or Q.

Today's Noir Orange Gastronomie (Baking) Chocolate 56% Cacao (block) was from Valrhona Chocolate. Varhona has been producing premium chocolate in the small village of Tain-l'Heritage, France, in a wine-growing region near Lyon, since 1922.*

This smooth, dark chocolate was perfumed with a balanced, natural orange aroma. A hint of vanilla added warmth, for eating and baking. And, happily, it was not too sweet for a 56% cacao chocolate (thank you!). 

When I started my Chocolate Banquet journey in 2006, I noticed I was gravitating more toward baking, i.e. less sweet, chocolate. There were fewer dark chocolate options back then. French chocolate had a certain cachet; and Valrhona chocolate was one of the first dark chocolates I remember really liking.

Today's orange-flavored French chocolate offered both a pleasing, high-end eating and baking/dessert experience. This would be great choice for chocolate mousse (regular or non-dairy versions), brownies (regular or gluten-free versions), melted over ice cream or in a smoothie, drizzled over a croissant or crepe, made into chocolate fondue, etc. 

The chocolate had a uniform undercurrent of rich, velvety, sophisticated, true chocolate (dark chocolate fudge brownie) from start to finish. The orange evolved during the tasting experience, from neroli (orange blossom)-like scent, to a slightly tart-sweet, true orange citrus flavor finish.

Ingredients: "sugar, cocoa beans, cocoa butter, emulsifier (soy lecithin), orange flavor, natural vanilla extract."

Allergen information: "This product might contain traces of nuts, milk and egg proteins, gluten and peanut."

*I remember as a child growing up in the U.S. in the 1900s, Valrhona chocolates, and French chocolates in general, were spoken about with great reverence.

My young siblings and I were chocolate monkeys back then. I can remember climbing up on the counter to investigate baking chocolate in the cupboards above. Most of the American baking chocolates were too bitter. But, Swiss-processed (alkalized) varieties were more approachable. A few pieces of the dark stuff would fuel tree-climbing, bicycling and swimming adventures for hours in the summers. 

And, for outdoor sun protection and trips to the beach, squares of ivory-colored cocoa butter were rubbed on and applied. The smell was heavenly, even if these 100% cacao fat squares weren't particularly edible. 

Alexander's Patisserie - Caramels - Jan. 4, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Alexander's Patisserie

Caramels (chocolate)

Good +++-Very Good

Weight: .9 oz. (25.47 g.) (estimate) in 2 pieces

Calories: 132 calories (estimate) in 2 pieces

Cost: $5.00 for 2 pieces

Purchased from: Alexander's Patisserie, Mountain View, CA

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

Today's Caramels were from Alexander's Patisserie (Mountain View, CA).

These velvety chocolate caramels were covered in Valrhona chocolate with a hint of salt. Very satisfying.

Alexander's Patisserie - Chocolate Pillow dessert - Jan. 1, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Alexander's Patisserie
Chocolate Pillow dessert
Good +++ - Very Good
Weight: unknown
Calories: unknown
Cost: $10.00 (per website) for 1 dessert
Purchased from: Alexander's Patisserie, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to 2018! and Day #13 of Chocolate, Holiday Spices and Maple Theme Week.

This fancy, Chocolate Pillow dessert was purchased on a sunny winter day at Alexander's Patisserie (Mountain View, CA).

Filled with light, airy chocolate mousse, this Valrhona*-based chocolate dessert was luxurious and delicious.

The dark chocolate mousse-filled "pillow" was resting on what appeared to be a caramelized chocolate rice cake bed, and was topped with a small, thin chocolate square.


Aside from a light touch of nutty/hazelnut flavor in a few bites and crispy texture of the base, this was all decadent, velvety chocolate.

Meanwhile, up North people are getting ready for the February-March maple season. I raised my glass to these winter harvesters, as I poured a small drizzle of maple syrup into a hot spiced chai tea.

*Alexander's Patisserie uses Valrhona (French) chocolate for almost all their chocolates and chocolate-based desserts.

Valrhona - El Pedregal Venezuela bar - Oct. 2, 2016

Chocolate of the Day: 

Valrhona
El Pedregal Venezuela Noir 64% bar
Good +++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.46 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 201 calories (per label) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Cacao at the Heathman, Portland, OR

Welcome to Day #9 of French Chocolate Week, and Day #2 of Venezuela Theme Week.

Single origin chocolate can refer to cacao that was grown in a specific region. Or the term single origin can be even more specific, referring to on a single estate, farm or plantation. Today's Chocolat de Domaine (Single Estate Chocolate) bar from Valrhona (Tain l'Hermitage, France) was the latter.

The El Pedregal Venezuela Noir 64% bar resulted from Valrhona's decade-long effort to restore and grow Porcelana, a relatively rare Criollo cacao, at El Pedregal estate in Venezuela.

Porcelana* Criollo flavor notes are known for being subtle and wonderful, well balanced, less acidic and bitter. This same flavor profile makes it more easily overshadowed by sugar and/or inclusions than, say, chocolate made from bolder strains of Forestero cacao.

The bar had a very pleasing, subtle aroma, and an even melt and smooth consistency.

Sadly, at "only" 64% cacao, there was too much sugar for me to detect the advertised flavor notes of honey and ripe fruit (think peach rather than red or black berries). I liked the idea of adding (less processed) brown sugar which imparts its own warm, mellow flavor, and would not want to second guess the chocolate makers on this choice. However, I couldn't help but wonder what a 70% cacao bar might have tasted like. (Ingredients: cocoa beans, brown sugar, cocoa butter, soya lecithin and vanilla)

The El Pedregal bar had a clean and subtle finish with no off notes.

*Porcelana comes from the cacao seed's (or bean's) appearance. When the raw bean is cut open the inside has a white or ivory color, lighter than other cacao beans.

Valrhona - Noir Guanaja Nibs bar - Sept. 24, 2016

Chocolate of the Day: 

Valrhona
Noir Guanaja Eclats de Cacao (Cocoa Nibs) bar
Good ++ - Very Good
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 2.99 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 168 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $8.95 for one bar
Purchased from: Fog City News, San Francisco, CA

Bonjour, and welcome to the last day of Nibs Theme Week, and Day #1 of French Chocolate Theme Week.

Today's Noir Guanaja* Eclats de Cacao (Dark Cocoa Nibs) bar was from Valrhona (Tain l'Hermitage, France). This 70 percent cacao bar was smooth in taste and texture, and had a faint, intriguing aroma with subtle hints of chocolate, smoke, fruit, earth. The melt and mouthfeel were luscious and delightful, and the nibs added contrasting texture.

Today I also had a great time celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Chocolate Banquet with a group of friends by having a "bring your own item to dip in solar chocolate fondue" party. Very fun! Thank you all for bringing such a perfect selection of items. Sliced plums and fruit fresh from a farmers market, homemade peanut butter cookies, bacon slices, gluten-free pretzels, banana slices, raspberries and strawberries, corn chips...all good.

Tomorrow I'll try some toasted squares of pumpkin bread with the leftover fondue; or I could just eat French-inspired truffles.

*Guanaja is an island off the (Caribbean) coast of Honduras.

Valrhona - Ampamakia, Madagascar bar - Feb. 17, 2016

Chocolate of the Day: 

Valrhona
Millesime* 2013
Ampamakia, Madagascar bar
(Chocolat Noir de Domaine/Estate Grown Dark Chocolate)
Good++ - Very Good
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.46 oz. (69.6 g.) in total bar
Calories: 209 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.60 for 1 bar (sale price)
Purchased from: Chocosphere.com, online order

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

Many of the bars featured this week were made with cacao from a single region in northwest Madagascar (Ambanja District, Sambirano River Valley)—often from one of a few farms, including today's bar.

Today's Ampamakia, Madagascar 64% (cocoa solids) bar from Valrhona (Tain l'Hermitage, France) was made with beans from the Ampamakia farm in the Sambirano River Valley.

The Valrhona packaging for this Ampamakia bar describes the region of origin this way:

"On the island of Madagascar, at the heart of the fertile Sambirano river valley, lies one of the island's celebrated plantations, the Ampamakia farm. Amidst these lush surroundings where delicate fragrances mingle with the colors of the vanilla and ylang-ylang** fields, Trinitario and Criollo cocoa beans have been cultivated for more than 100 years. Their acid yellow fruit freshness and roasted notes will transport your senses."

This bar had a rich, pleasant aroma; a gradual melt; and a well-rounded, uniform taste with mild, acidic fruit flavor.

The bar's five ingredients: cocoa beans from Madagascar, sugar, cocoa butter, emulsifier (soya lecithin), vanilla.

*Millesime refers to a vintage year, or harvest year for a given crop—often used to describe a vintage wine grape year—and, in this case, it refers to cacao.

**Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) refers to sweet-smelling yellow flowers that grow on the Cananga tree in tropical climates. The essential oil from the flowers is used in perfumes, fragrances and aromatherapy.

The content and images in this post belong to ChocolateBanquet.com.

Valrhona - Lait Bahibe DR bar - May 2, 2014

Chocolate of the Day: 

Valrhona
Lait Bahibe bar
Good + - Very Good
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.46 oz. (70 g.) total bar
Calories: 185 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $7.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #5 of Chocolate and Dominican Republic Theme Week.

This Lait Bahibe Milk Chocolate (46% cacao) bar from well-established, bean-to-bar* chocolate-maker Valrhona (France) had a buttery melt and mouth feel while preserving a quality cocoa flavor. Better than your average milk chocolate bar, and made with single origin cacao beans from the Dominican Republic, this smooth DR bar also had a light touch of vanilla.

*For those interested in the bean-to-bar chocolate-making story, the Valrhona website also offered a detailed explanation of bean-to-bar chocolate-making.

I ate half of this Lait Bahibe bar and melted the other half into a lavender cake with whipped cream. No good chocolate goes to waste.

ChocolateBet: April 22, 2011

Chocolate of the Day:
3 small eggs2 Almond Praline Milk Chocolate Eggs
1 Almond Praline Dark Chocolate Egg
Very Good
Weight: .84 oz. (23.7 g.) for 3 small eggs/ 4.5 oz. (127 g.) total egg
Calories:
Cost: $10 for total egg
Purchased from: Valrhona booth at International Chocolate Salon, in San Francisco, CA

Today was the last day for the Valrhona chocolate eggs this week. This variety of colorful foil-wrapped chocolate eggs had been enclosed in a clear, plastic egg "shell" container. I had previously sampled a Hazelnut Praline and Pure Dark (70%) chocolate eggs, and this morning I enjoyed an Almond Praline Milk Chocolate and Almond Praline Dark Chocolate eggs.

Today was Day #24 of Chocolate Egg Appreciation Month.