Weiser Classic Candy Grizzly Bear Paw & Sjaak's California State Bear Dark (bar) - June 12, 2026

Chocolate(s) of The Day

Weiser Classic Candy
Grizzly Paw Soft Caramel 
Good ++
Weight: 2.5 oz. (70.75 g.) / 5 oz. (141.5 g.) in total package/box
Calories: 387 calories (estimate) in 1/2 serving
Cost: $6.99 for 1 package/large bear paw (+ other bonus items)
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

Sjaak's Organic Chocolates
California State Bear Dark Chocolate Almonds (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 2 oz. (56 g.) in total bar
Calories: 140 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: Missing information
Purchased from: Missing information

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate & Bears Theme Week, featuring two bear-themed chocolates.

Grizzly Paw Soft Caramel with Cashew "Claws"

This chocolate coated Grizzly (bear) paw was from Weiser Classic Candy (Weiser, ID).

Weiser Classic Candy is a family-run store (and deli) serving: fudge, caramel (and chocolate) confections, and ice cream. The small-batch chocolatier also produces chocolate confections that are carried in several other small businesses. (They use local ingredients including sugar from local sugar beets and dairy from local cows.)

This bear paw caramel-filled confection was big enough to share with two other people. It was filled with a soft, gentle sea of caramel. The sweetness of the caramel was vast, but balanced by the impressive claws (whole, salted cashews).

I enjoyed the salty claws (whole, salted, jumbo cashews) on this generously-sized grizzly claw. I also was tickled to find two bonus items...

...Under the chocolate caramel claw were a smattering of chocolate-covered raisins (chocolate bear scat) and a small bell (a reference to bear bells often used to let bears know you may be in their area and/or that you're headed their way).

A short printed bear story included information about bears being reintroduced in Idaho (and suggestions about possible human-bear interactions).

Ingredients: Unsweetened Chocolate, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Milk, Soya Lecithin, Vanillin (an artificial flavor), natural & artificial flavorings, butter corn syrup, evaporated milk, tenox, sucovert, paramount crystals, cashews

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk, Soy, Nuts (Cashews). "These products are produced in a facility that uses major allergens: peanuts, soy beans, milk, eggs, fish, tree nuts, and wheat"

California State Bear Dark Chocolate (bar)

Today's California State Bear Dark Chocolate Almonds bar was from Sjaak's Organic Chocolates.

This bear bar was a marvel. It was six years old, and looked and tasted brand new. The well-tempered dark chocolate (no cacao % listed on the label) was smooth-textured and smooth-flavored with a balanced chocolate-y taste. Tiny almond bits added a bit of texture and authentic nut (almond) flavor.

Sadly, the chocolate maker is no longer in business. (Sjaak's Organic Chocolates was based in Petaluma, in Northern California and closed up shop in November 2023 after an almost 20-year run.)

Ingredients: Organic Dark Chocolate (organic cocoa paste), organic sugar, organic cocoa butter, organic vanilla), organic almonds. 

Allergen-related information: Contains Almonds. "Sjaak's Organic Chocolates is a vegan facility. Equipment shared with peanuts/tree nuts. Ingredients suppliers may share equipment that could result in trace amounts of dairy protein."

DAR Chocolate - ART Bar - Caramel Coffee milk chocolate (bar) - May 20, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

DAR Chocolate 
ART BAR Limited Edition - Caramel Coffee milk chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.75 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 240 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $9.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Xocolatl Garden, Carmel, CA

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate & Coffee Theme Week.

Today's Limited Edition - Caramel Coffee milk chocolate Art Bar was manufactured by DAR Chocolate LLC (Thornton, CO).

Aroma and flavor notes for this very attractively-clad bar included: aromatic dark (fudge-y) milk chocolate with coffee (sweet mocha caramel latte); subtle caramel and very faint vanilla (pipe tobacco).

Texture: relatively smooth and creamy with a barely detectable astringency.

I enjoyed the 60% dark milk chocolate and coffee blend, and the subtle touch of Murray River Salt that helped balance the sweetness. (The salt also made this milk chocolate more addictive.)

Ingredients: cacao beans*, cane sugar*, dried whole milk, coffee beans*, cacao butter*, salt, natural flavors. (* organic)

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. "Made in a facility that processes peanuts and tree nuts." 

Kakoa - 60% Cacao - Comalcalco, Tabasco, Mexico; Dark Milk and Peppermint Caramels (bar)

Chocolate of the Day

Kakoa
60% Cacao Comalcalco, Tabasco Dark Milk Chocolate with Peppermint Caramels (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 2.11 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 327 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $13.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #14 of Chocolate & Mexico Theme Week(s).

Today's 60% Cacao Comalcalco, Tabasco Dark Milk Chocolate with Peppermint Caramels (bar) was made by Kakoa (Rio Chico, Mexico City, Mexico). 

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark milk chocolate; subtle caramel and mint; and barely detectable lime (sweet key lime pie) and red dragon fruit. 

Texture: smooth, relatively creamy dark chocolate, with tiny crunchy flecks/bits.

I really enjoyed the beautifully balanced blend of the three flavors: dark milk chocolate, caramel and light peppermint flavors in this limited edition bar. For me, the peppermint level was just right (authentic, and not too overpowering).

And I appreciated the short list of quality ingredients, including single origin Mexican cacao from Comalcalco, Tabasco.

Ingredients: Cocoa Beans, Sugar, Milk, Cocoa Butter and Peppermint Caramels

Allergen-related information: (Contains: Milk.) May contain milk and tree nuts. (Manufactured in a facility that also processes milk and tree nuts.)

Markham & Fitz Chocolate Makers - Southern Pecan - 52% Dark Milk Chocolate with Caramelized Pecans & Black Salt (bar) - Aug. 25, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Markham & Fitz Chocolate Makers
Southern Pecan - 52% Dark Milk Chocolate with Caramelized Pecans & Black Salt (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 2 oz. (57 g.) in total bar
Calories: 260 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $11.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Caputo's, online order 

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate, Beer & Hops Series--featuring chocolates with beer, beer yeast, hops as well as chocolates (like today's bar*) that pair with beer(s).

Today's Southern Pecan - 52% Dark Milk Chocolate with Caramelized Pecans & Black Salt (Batch #468) (bar) was from Markham & Fitz Chocolate Makers (Bentonville, Arkansas). It was made using cacao from Nicaragua.

Aroma notes included: sweet milk chocolate, sweet cream caramel and nut.

Texture: Soft, creamy whole milk chocolate with small, softly crunchy pecan pieces.

Flavor notes included: Sweet milk chocolate, with caramel (with faint brown sugar and maple) overtones, accented with salt. (I liked the salt.)

This flavorful milk chocolate was quite sweet, but it was a great mid-afternoon blood sugar booster; and the milk, nutty (pecan) caramel notes and black salt balanced the sugar. 

I enjoyed the blend of creamy, nutty (and very faintly fruity) caramel flavor notes in this satisfying milk chocolate. While I did not have a "biscuity beer"* to pair with this bar, I could imagine that it working nicely.

Maker's tasting notes: "Brightly aromatic cacao blends with cream and a salted subtle crunch of our Louisiana lady's heritage, the pecan."

*"Pairs well with a biscuity beer, your next Netflix binge, or storytelling with family around the campfire." 

Ingredients: "Cacao, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter, Whole Milk Powder, Caramelized Pecans (Pecans, Brown Sugar, Butter), Black Salt."

Allergen-related information: "Contains dairy & nuts."

Deux Cranes - Dark Chocolate with Black Sesame + Ginger (bar) - July 6, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Deux Cranes
Dark Chocolate with Black Sesame + Ginger (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 191 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar

Cost: $16.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Deux Cranes, online order

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

Today's Dark Chocolate with Black Sesame + Ginger (bar) was created by Deux Cranes LLC (Los Gatos, CA). The company's handcrafted chocolates are "rooted in Japan and inspired by France." (I previously featured their Miso Almonds chocolate bar.)

Aroma notes included: slightly earthy and fudge-y dark chocolate; faint Umami (sesame); warm spices (maple, caramel, vanilla, ginger); and very faint fresh bread.

Texture: smooth chocolate with crunchy caramelized sesame seeds and candied/crystallized ginger bits.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (ultra-dark fudge brownie); faint sesame and caramel/brown sugar; and warm hints of ginger.

Maker's tasting/flavor notes: "Earthy, Sweet Spices, Balanced Bitterness"

I enjoyed the nicely balanced and complex flavors in this well-executed bar. There was a lot going on; but it worked. Sweet dark chocolate and spices and a little salty and umami. (Disclaimer: I like less sweet and Umami chocolates.)

Ingredients: Caramelized Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa butter, Caramel (skimmed milk, whey (milk), sugar, butter (milk), flavoring), Whole milk powder, Cocoa beans) sunflower lecithin (Emulsifier), Hojicha Ground Tea, Sea Salt.

Allergen-related information: Contains: Sesame, Soy. May contain traces of nuts, milk, and gluten. Packaged and processed in the same facility as peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, and milk products.

Whittaker's - Sea Salt And Caramel Brittle in 33% Milk Chocolate - March 24, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Whittaker's 
Marlborough Sea Salt and Caramel Brittle In Milk Chocolate 
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .37 oz. (10.5 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 57.5 calories (estimate) in 1 square
Cost: $ N/A - gift
Purchased from: N/A - gift (Thank you Penny!)

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and New Zealand Series.

Today's Marlborough Sea Salt and Caramel Brittle in 33% Milk Chocolate square was from Whittaker and Sons LTD (Porirua, New Zealand).

This chocolate was part of the NZ Artisan Collection that highlighted flavor inclusions from different parts of New Zealand. Marlborough (on the northern end of the South Island, and one of 16 different regions/districts in New Zealand) produces wine grapes, sea salt, dairy, honey, and other products.

Aroma flavor notes included: sweet chocolate, vanilla and caramel.

Texture: smooth, creamy milk chocolate with crunchy micro bits of brittle.

Flavor notes included: rich, sweet 33% milk chocolate with vanilla; tiny bursts of crispy, toffee-like, brittle; and a subtle hint of sea salt.

Ingredients: Milk Chocolate [Sugar, Cocoa Solids 33%* (Pure Cocoa Butter & Cocoa Mass), NZ Milk Powder 30%*, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Vanilla Flavour], Salted Caramel Pieces 10% [Sugar, Glucose, Salt, Clarified Butter (From Milk), Water, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Natural Flavour, Natural Color (150A)]. *Minimum Percentage.

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, soy. May Be Present: Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Gluten.

Whittaker's - Sea Salt and Caramel Brittle with Saffron in Dark Chocolate - March 23, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Whittaker's
Marlborough Sea Salt and Caramel Brittle with Saffron in Dark Chocolate
Good ++
Weight: .37 oz. (10.5 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 57.5 calories (estimate) in 1 square
Cost: $N/A - gift
Purchased from: N/A - gift (Thank you Penny!)

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and New Zealand Series.

Today's Marlborough 62% Dark Chocolate bar was from Whittaker and Sons LTD (Porirua, New Zealand).

Aroma flavor notes included: chocolate (ganache), caramel/toffee, and faint floral spice (vanilla, very faint saffron/botanical/marigold), and barely detectable earth.

Flavor notes included: creamy, sweet dark chocolate filled with tiny, crunchy, sugar-sparkly bits of caramel/toffee. There was also a faint chorus of floral (vanilla), backed up by a few barely detectable upticks of: sweet citrus (orange), sea salt, balanced earth and buttery floral spice (which I'm assuming was saffron) in the finish. 

I enjoyed the well-executed complexity of aromas and flavors that harmonized well together.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate [Cocoa Solids 62%* (Cocoa Mass & Pure Cocoa Butter), Sugar, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Vanilla Flavour]; Saffron Salted Caramel Pieces 12% [Sugar, Glucose, Saffron Infused Salt, Clarified Butter (From Milk), Water, Natural Colour (160A), Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Flavour]. (*Minimum Percentage.)

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, soy. "May Be Present: Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Gluten." 

Chuao Chocolatier - Golden Goodness Caramelized sugar, cacao nibs (bar) - Oct. 18, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Chuao Chocolatier 
Golden Goodness Caramelized sugar, cacao nibs (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 220 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $5.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Farm Fresh, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate, Pumpkins, and Warm Fall Spices.

Today's Golden Goodness Caramelized sugar and 100% cacao nibs in sweet white chocolate (bar) was from Chuao Chocolatier (Carlsbad, CA). 

Aroma notes for this white chocolate and nibs bar included: faint cacao, cookie dough, and faint caramel and vanilla.

Texture: Sweet white chocolate blended with caramelized sugar held an abundant field of crunchy cacao nibs.

Flavor notes included: cocoa nibs, caramel, white chocolate and vanilla. Caramelized sugar added warm flavor depth. And this caramelization, and vanilla, added a feeling of warmth to me. 

Yes, 31% cacao white chocolate is sweet. But the other elements added textural and flavor contrast created appealing complexity. The nibs and a perfect amount of salt helped balance flavors and sweetness level.

I paired this white chocolate bar with a cup of warm spiced tea with cinnamon and vanilla.

Ingredients: "Premium 31% white chocolate (cacao butter, sugar, whole milk powder, lactose, whey powder, nonfat dry milk, caramelized sugar, soy lecithin, natural vanilla flavor, salt), cocoa nibs, pink himalayan salt."

Allergen-related information: Contains: Milk, Soy. No Gluten Ingredients Used.

Shekoh - Le Noir and Burnt Caramel filled chocolates - Mar. 31, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Shekoh Confections
Le Noir filled chocolate - Good ++ - Good +++
Burnt Caramel filled chocolate - Good ++ - Good +++ 
Weight: .8 oz. (22.64 g.) (estimate) for two pieces
Calories: 124 calories (estimate) for two pieces
Cost: $8.90 (estimate) for 2 pieces (part of a 5-piece box)
Purchased from: Shekoh Confections, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate Snacks Theme Week.

Today's Le Noir and Burnt Caramel filled chocolate confections were created by accomplished Chef Shekoh Moossavi, who recently opened Shekoh Confections (Palo Alto, CA).

To call these high-end chocolates a "snack" sells them short. At over $4.00 (USD) each, these skillfully-made and attractive filled chocolate confections were a luxury item, fit for any special occasion. (OK, yes, a very special, satisfying snack.) 

Le Noir

This piece smelled like sweet, smooth dark chocolate; and then started to dazzle after the first bite, over-delivering on texture and taste. 

A thin dark shell covered a very smooth, dark and velvety ganache (filling). This chocolate was loaded with authentic cacao flavor notes that included: true chocolate (fresh-baked brownie) and rich caramel--and a very slight earthy forest note toward the finish.

Burnt Caramel

Today's Burnt Caramel domed, filled chocolate confection was "painted" with the same sunny yellow as the classy signature color and decor featured in Shekoh Confections (retail shop).

Aroma notes for this Burnt Caramel piece: subtle, almost fruity, chocolate, and nutty caramel notes.

The textures were just right. The freshly made, soft flowing caramel interior had a faint buttery taste (vs. a corn syrup flavor and/or overly stiff or overly liquid texture in less expensive chocolate covered caramels). 

The sweet caramel interior was complemented by the earthy dark chocolate, an earthiness (loamy, forest) that lingered a bit into the finish. It was a pleasure to experience authentic cacao flavors like this in a confection. Sadly, the dark chocolate in bulk confections can be bland and over-processed. Not the case here. 

Shekoh does not use preservatives, so enjoy while fresh and store these chocolates in a cool, dark place.

Ingredients: (None listed on small box)

Allergen-related information: (None listed on small box)

Bees and Beans - Honey Bar Jr. - June 21, 2020

Chocolate of the Day: 

Bees and Beans

Honey Bar Jr.

Good

Weight: .7 oz. (20 g.) in 1 small bar

Calories: 100 calories in 1 small bar

Cost: $1.95 for 1 small bar

Purchased from: Chocosphere.com, online order

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate, Bees and Trees Theme Week.

Today's Honey Bar Jr. was from Bees and Beans (Portland, OR). Several years ago, this small outfit set out to re-invent the traditional candy bar, using local ingredients from Oregon. Great idea, given the access to honey, hazelnuts and possible craft chocolate partners in the Portland area. I think they've succeeded.

The Honey Bar Jr. had a core of sweet honey caramel and hazelnut nougat (real egg whites, flecks of real hazelnut) was dipped in dark chocolate, creating a flavorful high-end candy bar. No preservatives or anything artificial; it was a honey of a sugar bomb though.

This bar's small, "junior" size was just right. Any bigger and you might have a hard time dividing this with a friend or family member on a hot day, when the gooey-sticky factor increases. While this bar is securely sealed in the wrapper (thank you), be careful not to store this treat in a pocket or the bottom of a lunch bag as you may need a napkin when opening and consuming. 

Sea salt, butter and hazelnuts helped to balance the high level of sugar* in this caramel and nougat confection. 

*Ingredients: Sugar, honey, chocolate (cacao beans, sugar, cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin, vanilla beans), cream, hazelnuts, butter, egg whites, salt, vanilla extract (water, alcohol, sugar, vanilla bean).

Dagoba - Milk bar + Chocolove Toffee Almonds bar + Dolfin Caramel bar - May 19, 2020

Chocolate(s) of the Day:

Dagoba
"Milk" - Milk chocolate bar
Good 
Weight: 1.41 oz. (40 g.) / 2.83 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 220? (guess) calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $ missing information
Purchased from: missing information

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate, Caramel and Toffee Theme Week.

Today we have three bars: a Milk Chocolate bar from Dagoba (Hershey) and a re-taste of a Toffee and Almonds small bar from Chocolove (Boulder, CO), and an even smaller Chocolat Au Lait Caramel bar made in Belgium by Dolfin S.A.

Often, milk chocolate bars will have a slight caramel taste to them, a result of the interaction between the added milk (powder) and sugar. This Dagoba bar did not. Although it did taste smooth and milky.

Caramel and toffee are both forms of cooked sugar(s) where the sugar molecules change state. Caramel, typically made with white sugar, is brought to 340 degrees F. (170 degrees C.). In the U.S. toffee can be made with brown or white sugar; and toffee is typically more well done (harder) than al dente (caramel) in the U.S. Both forms can complement chocolate nicely in the right proportions.

Unless one is armed with a candy thermometer, one can go from soft, flowing golden caramel to hard toffee-like, crunchy bits and pendants in minutes. (The degree of "caramel" flavor may vary depending on technique as well.) Almost any cooked sugar is a potentially interesting plaything, but you'll want to plan ahead if you're expecting company. Not everyone is a rabidly curious scientist--a pity really. And friends don't always appreciate being used as guinea pigs.

Whether you accidentally made caramel when you meant to create toffee or vice versa, a small bite of either homemade golden brown sweet treat can be delicious. Although, your teeth (after being sugar-jacketed) will may remind you a little goes a long way.

Every chocolate maker has their own way of incorporating cooked sugars into chocolate (covering, substrate, companion, getting wholly lost in each other, etc.)

Chocolove
Toffee and Almonds in Milk Chocolate small bar
Good +
Weight: 1.3 oz. (37 g.) in total bar
Calories: 200 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $ missing information
Purchased from: missing information

I re-tasted this small Toffee and Almonds in Milk Chocolate bar from Chocolove (Boulder, CO). This was probably my favorite of the three bars. For a 33% cocoa chocolate, this one seemed more flavorful than other comparable milk chocolates with caramel. Identifiable pieces of toffee and almonds make it a more interesting bar to taste by adding layered flavors and textures. Nuts tend to balance out sweetness.

Dolfin 

Chocolat au Lait Caramel (bar)

Good 

Weight: .35 oz. (10 g.) in 1 small bar

Calories: 53 calories (estimate) in 1 small bar

Cost: $N/A part of a bigger sale 

Purchased from: missing information

Last but not least was this thin milk chocolate caramel cutie from Dolfin (Belgium). It was the perfect size for a snack, or to accompany tea or coffee for dessert.

The company has done a nice job with flavors in bars over the years. Most flavor inclusions in their bars are balanced and subtle and fully incorporated into the chocolate creating a uniform smoothness. It was the same with this mini bar. The milk and caramel flavors were merged completely with the chocolat, giving it a smooth texture and flavor ride.

I would have loved to have tried a 40% - 50% cacao version of this one, with a little less sugar and milk, to see if I could taste un petit more of the chocolate flavor; but for this, there are other styles of chocolates ranging from small disks of chocolates adorned with fruit and nuts (mendiants*) to their chocolate descendants: artisan dark chocolate bars artfully sprinkled (or fully loaded) with a wide variety of ingredients on the back side.

*Mendiants (literally means beggars in English) are chocolate confections from France. Flat chocolate discs were adorned with nuts and pieces/slices of dried fruits (raisins, figs, etc.) that were said to represent the colors of monastic robes (from four mendicant or monastic orders) that were shades of brown and beige, grayish brown and a purplish (grape) color. Monks who took a vow of poverty may have depended on the charity of others, thus the name.

Since then chocolatiers in the U.S. and elsewhere have taken this mendiant format and added some brighter fruit colors, kiwi green, oranges, yellows, purples, reds, you name it, to brighten things up a bit, making this concept our own.

Trader Joe's - Milk and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Popcorn - Oct. 9, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Trader Joe's
Milk and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Popcorn
Good - Good +
Weight: 3 oz. (85 g.) / 6 oz. (170 g.) in total package
Calories: 420 calories in 1/2 package
Cost: $2.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Trader Joe's, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate, Salt and Savory Theme Week.

Today's Milk and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Popcorn was from Trader Joe's (based in Monrovia, CA).

This sweet and salty snack had a light, soft loft and crunch, and the combination of milk and dark chocolate coating was well balanced with the salted caramel popcorn at the core of every piece.

Copyright 2019. Unauthorized use of the text and/or images from this site, www.ChocolateBanquet.com, is a copyright violation.

Ocho - Dark Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt 60% Dark mini bars - Oct. 4, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Ocho (Five Star Organics)

Dark Chocolate Caramel 60% Dark Sea Salt Caramel (Mini)

Good - Good +

Weight: 1.34 oz. (38 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total package

Calories: 180 calories in 3 small mini bars/pieces

Cost: $2.99 for 1 package

Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #2 of Salt and Savory Chocolate Theme Week.

Today's Ocho Dark Chocolate Caramel 60% Dark With Sea Salt individually-wrapped Minis were from Five Star Organics LLC (Oakland, CA), an early producer of organic candy bars.

These organic, two-bite-sized caramel mini bars with sea salt were covered in 60 percent cocoa dark chocolate.

As with most caramel chocolates, these were fairly sweet, but these Non GMO and Gluten Free treats were made with organic butter and organic cane sugar and with no artificial ingredients with a balanced touch of sea salt. Thank you Five Star Organics.

Ingredients: Organic dark chocolate (organic cacao beans, organic evaporated cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin), organic tapioca, organic cane sugar, organic sweetened condensed milk (organic milk, organic sugar, organic milk butter (organic cream, salt), water, salt and organic vanilla extract.

Mayana Chocolate - Monkey Bar Mini - Banana Rum Caramel, Vanilla Bean 66% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Sept. 25, 2019

Chocolate of the Day:

Mayana Chocolate
Monkey Bar Mini - Banana Rum Caramel, Vanilla Bean 66% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.45 g.) in total bar
Calories: 250 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $3.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Spanish Table, Mill Valley, CA

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

Today's Monkey Bar Mini was handcrafted by those at Mayana Chocolate in Spooner, Wisconsin.

The bar-shaped confection was a total sugar bomb (with at least three types of sugar), but it was a very nicely flavored one.

At the heart of this sweet thing was a foundation layer of authentic banana caramel with a faint hint of butter rum flavor.* This layer was topped by a layer of light as a feather vanilla marshmallow. And this sweet stack was covered in 66% dark chocolate, and festively sprinkled with what might have been...more sugar.

*This flavor was conjured with banana-rum liqueur according to the ingredients list.

Donnelly Chocolates - Almond Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwich, Dark Chocolate Coffee Caramel - May 17, 2019

Chocolate(s) of the Day: 

Donnelly Chocolates

Dark Chocolate Coffee Caramel (bar)
Good - Good +
Weight: 1.6 oz. (45 g.) in 1 large piece
Calories: unknown
Cost: $6.00 for 1 large caramel

Dark Chocolate with Vanilla Ice Cream Almonds (ice cream bar)
Good - Good +
Weight: unknown
Calories: unknown
Cost: $6.00 for 1 ice cream bar
Purchased from: Donnelly Chocolates, Santa Cruz, CA

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate, Coffee and Vanilla Theme Week. The hunt for these three flavors led to Santa Cruz, CA.

Today's mini-bar sized Dark Chocolate Coffee Caramel and Dark Chocolate Vanilla Ice Cream and Almonds ice cream bar were created by Donnelly Chocolates (Santa Cruz, CA).

Thank you to Nick for counter assistance at Donnelly's and help in finding and selecting these two deluxe-sized chocolate, coffee and vanilla offerings, also known as dinner.

The Dark Chocolate Caramel bar was filled with everything you'd expect to find. The coffee flavor harmonized well with the dark chocolate, and the soft, caramel filling. The coffee helped balance the sweetness.

Now, on to the next course in this chocolate dinner. The vanilla ice cream in this Dark Chocolate Vanilla Almonds ice cream bar was from Marianne's Ice Cream (another local Santa Cruz, CA, sweets favorite). This tasty bar was a satisfying, cut above your standard store-bought ice cream bar for sure.

Chocolat Moderne - Pumpkin Pie Spice bar - April 12, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Chocolat Moderne
Holiday Avant-Garde Bar - Milk Chocolate Caramel with Organic Pumpkin Puree and Pie Spices
Good - Good +
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 187 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $5.00 (sale) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Covered, San Francisco, CA

Welcome to Day #15 of Chocolate and Spice Theme Week.

Today's Holiday Avant-Garde Bar - Milk Chocolate Caramel with Organic Pumpkin Puree and Pie Spices was created by Chocolat Moderne (New York, NY).

The thickness of this bar might be off-putting if it were solid chocolate. However, the milk chocolate was easy to break and bite into, while not being too fragile at the same time. (Nothing messier than caramel filling oozing out.)

This Avant-Garde holiday-inspired filled bar had a light spice and nutty chocolate aroma. The dark chocolate was smooth and even in flavor.

Hats off to the chocolatier for the caramel filling with authentic pumpkin flavor with light pie spice, and for the this bar not being too sweet (thank you).

Gelato Fiasco - Deep Maine Woods - Chocolate Gelato Smoky Caramel Swirl Honeycomb Candy - Oct. 17, 2018

Chocolate of the Day:

Gelato Fiasco
Deep Maine Woods - Chocolate Gelato Smoky Caramel Swirl Honeycomb Candy
Good+
Weight: 1/2 cup (100 g.) / 1 Pint (400 g.) total container
Calories: 210 calories in 1/2 cup (100 g.) serving
Cost: $2.99 for 1 container
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

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

This morning's Deep Maine Woods Chocolate Gelato Smoky Caramel Honeycomb Candy from Gelato Fiasco (Brunswick, ME) was sweet, chocolatey and rich, but, oddly, wasn't as objectionably sweet as it might have been. Higher-quality ingredients (deeper chocolate, bits of dark chocolate, smoky caramel, other flavors) helped balance the sweetness.

Is there any honey in your honeycomb candy? If not, you can always add some, drizzled over the top...And, speaking of over the top...I'd say this gelato might be for breakfast. But, what the heck, that's the way we live sometimes.

This was enjoyed in the early morning deep woods of my backyard. I could almost smell the wood smoke coming from a stone fireplace. I say "almost," because, sadly, fireplaces are discouraged (for air quality reasons) in our urban neighborhood. But, one can imagine.

Have a honey of a day.

Jade Chocolates - 7-piece Assortment - Sept. 14, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Jade Chocolates
Assortment box
1.) Masala Chai - Good ++
2.) Bittersweet with Ajwain (think caraway) Seeds - Good
3.) Coconut Honey Meltaway (dairy free) - Good
4.) Olive Oil Cardamom - Good
5.) Lychee Rose Green Tea - Good
6.) Curry Caramel - Good + - Good ++
7.) Ginger Tumeric (sic) Meltaway - Good ++

Weight: 2.7 oz. (76 g.) (estimate) in 7 pieces
Calories: 405 calories (estimate) in 7 pieces
Cost: $21.95 for 1 package of 7 pieces
Purchased from: Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, CA

Welcome to Day #4 of Celebrating 12 Years of Chocolate Series.

I wanted to enjoy a variety of chocolates this week to celebrate eating a different chocolate every day for 12+ years (4,414 days). And this beautiful 7-piece assortment from Jade Chocolates (San Francisco, CA) with creamy centers and exotic flavors was just the ticket.

Jade Chocolates is a small batch chocolatier specializing in chocolates (blended with
teas, spices and tropical fruits) with Asian and Pacific Islands origin stories.

Ben and Jerry's - Urban Bourbon Ice Cream - July 14, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream
Urban Bourbon Ice Cream
Good - Good+
Weight: 1/2 cup (109 g.) / 1 Pint (473 mL) in total container
Calories: 300 calories in 1/2 cup serving
Cost: $2.50 (sale) for 1 container
Purchased from: Safeway, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate, Bourbon and Whiskey Theme Week.

There was a lot going in today's Ben and Jerry's Urban Bourbon Ice Cream. Imagine alternating flashes of toasted caramel, coconut, almonds, chocolate (fudge flakes) and bourbon—all packed into a cold, rich ice cream breakfast.

This ice cream contained enough sugar and spirits to fuel a trip into the urban San Francisco and—at 300 calories for a single (1/2 cup) serving—keep hunger at bay until lunchtime.

Note to gluten free eaters, this Urban Bourbon ice cream is probably not gluten free. In between the cocoa powder and the guar gum in the ingredients list was dry malt extract (barley).

Lake Champlain - Filled Bourbon Caramel bar - July 10, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Lake Champlain

Filled Bourbon Caramel bar

Good - Good +

Weight: 3.25 oz. (92 g.) in total bar

Calories: 425 calories in 1 bar

Cost: $3.69 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate, Bourbon and Whiskey Theme Week.

Today's Filled Bourbon Caramel Dark Milk bar was from Lake Champlain Chocolates (Burlington, VT). 

Made with dark milk 43% cocoa dark milk chocolate, this bar was a bit sweet, but over the course of one day and evening, I still managed to eat the whole bar.

Vermont-crafted Mad River Distiller's bourbon added a tasty accent flavor to the soft caramel filling and helped balance the sweetness.