King Arthur - Chocolate Macadamia Cookies with Hawaiian Nibs and Sea Salt - Nov. 20, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

King Arthur Baking Company, Inc.
Gluten Free Ultimate Fudge Chocolate Brownie Mix
(Chocolate Macadamia Cookies with Hawaiian Nibs and Sea Salt)
Good + - Good ++ (See below)
Weight: 1. oz. (45 g.) mix used / 17 oz. (1 Lb., 1 Oz.) total box of mix
Calories: 165 calories for dry mix only)/ 400 calories (estimate) for 2 cookies
Cost: N/A - multiple ingredients
Purchased from: N/A - multiple ingredients, locations

Welcome to Day #14 of Chocolate and Hawaii. 

Today's tiny (two cookie) batch of Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies with Guava Smoked Hawaiian Sea Salt were made using (a) Gluten Free Ultimate Fudge Chocolate Brownie Mix from King Arthur Baking Company, Inc. (Norwich, VT).

I added the following ingredients to this mix:

1.) Olive Oil + (Coconut) MCT Oil
2.) Hawaiian Macadamia Nuts (chopped)
3.) Cacao Nibs from Manoa Chocolate (Kailua, Oahu, HI)
4.) 1 tiny banana (mashed)
5.) Cold Brew Coffee and Cream Liqueur
6.) Hawaiian guava smoked sea salt

I liked the combination of flavors. But the texture (when microwaved -- not recommended) was a little off. Following a standard cookie recipe and using a conventional oven (later) yielded better results.

The cocoa used in this mix was made more alkaline (less acidic and bitter) so it was sweet and agreeable. (Think Swiss Miss Cocoa in the U.S.) Happily, the Hawaiian cacao nibs helped restore some fine cacao flavor.

Notes: I used a gluten free brownie mix to make cookies. This King Arthur mix was optimized for brownies; and, if you're vegan (or not), the package specifically discouraged trying to make these brownies without using egg. (I'm not good at following recipes.) The end result: the last half of this micro-batch was folded into a great vanilla ice cream. That worked!

Brownie Mix Ingredients: Cane Sugar, Cocoa (Processed with Alkali), Tapioca Starch, Rice Flour, Baking Powder (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Baking Soda, Corn Starch, Monocalcium Phosphate), Salt, Natural Vanilla Flavor. 

Allergen-related information: This mix was certified gluten-free by GFCO (GFCO.org) and was "Non-Dairy." "For information on allergens and cross-contact program, visit: KingArthurBaking.com/Allergen-Program"

Lydgate Farms - 70% Dark Hawaiian Sea Salt + 70% Dark (bars) - Nov. 17, 2024

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Lydgate Farms Kaui Chocolate 

1.) 70% Dark Hawaiian Sea Salt (bar) (2024 release)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (56.6 g.) in total bar
Calories: 157 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $18.00 + shipping for 1 bar
Purchased from: Lydgate Farms, online order

2.) 70% Dark (bar) (2024 release)
Good +++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (56.6 g.) in total bar
Calories: 157 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $18.00 + shipping for 1 bar
Purchased from: Lydgate Farms, online order

3.) Dulcey Coins 35% White
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .18 oz. (5 g.) / 3 oz. (84.9 g.) in total package 
Calories: 28 calories (estimate) in 1 piece/coin
Cost: $8.00 + shipping for 1 package
Purchased from: Lydgate Farms, online order

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and Hawaii Theme Week, featuring three chocolates from Lydgate Farms Kauai Chocolate (Kapa'a, HI). 

The cacao grown on the family estate in Kauai has a history that stretches back to the 1860s, when cacao arrived from the Americas (as a gift to the Royal Family of Kamehameha) and was planted in Hawaii.

Today's three chocolates include: 1.) 70% Dark Hawaiian Sea Salt (bar) (2024 release), 2.) 70% Dark (bar) (2024 release), and 3.) Dulcey Coins 35% White Chocolate. The two bars were manufactured for Lydgate by Manoa Chocolate (Kailua, HI); and the white chocolate coins were a product of France. 

70% Dark Hawaiian Sea Salt (bar)

Aroma and notes for this Hawaiian sea salt bar included: dark chocolate; light, sweet green (molasses, green fig, sweet green walnuts in syrup); faint coffee/latte; and faint (very fleeting) warm spice and botanical seasoning (sweet celery salt).

Texture: smooth with a creamy/buttery mouthfeel.

I enjoyed the rich, dark chocolate with multi-layered sweet green notes. It made me feel like I was I a green, tropical jungle/paradise. I would have liked to have tasted a little more salt in this sea salt bar; but others who don't care for salty chocolate may think the amount is just right.

Ingredients: Hawaiian grown cacao beans, organic sugar, organic cocoa butter, Hawaiian sea salt 

Allergen-related information: (None listed/found on label.) 

70% Dark (bar)

Aroma and flavor notes for this Hawaiian chocolate included: dark chocolate; sweet green (banana, molasses, green fig, sweet green walnuts in syrup, maple syrup); and very faint citrus (fresh lemon, honey) and spice (vanilla, tobacco) and wood (cedar).

Texture: smooth, relatively creamy mouthfeel, luxe, lingering melt.

I loved the hearty, balanced, botanical complexity of the rich, dark chocolate with multi-layered sweet green notes. It was similar to the sea salt version but with more banana, some very faint wood/cedar; and I found it to be more vibrant. Both bars were recently created (2024 releases). 

Both bars tasted similar to releases I'd tried a few years ago. (I remember the lovely sweet green notes.) But, since I no longer have the previous versions, I can't say how they differed. This was one of those rare times when I did "re-taste" a bar; however, if I'm sure it's a different/new harvest/release I will sometimes make an exception. (It's like drinking a wine that may differ slightly with the year/harvest.) 

Ingredients: Hawaiian grown cacao beans, organic sugar, organic cocoa butter 

Allergen-related information: (None listed/found on label.) 

Dulcey Coins 35% White Chocolate (Dulcey Les Feves) 

Aroma and notes for these white chocolate confections included: strong, sweet and rich caramel; white chocolate; and vanilla.

Texture: smooth with a creamy mouthfeel.

I enjoyed the rich caramel tones in the aroma and taste. These were a bit sweet for me; but you're a white chocolate fan, these are worth trying.

Ingredients: White chocolate (35% cocoa minimum, pure cocoa butter), cocoa butter, sugar, whole milk powder, dried skimmed milk, whey, butter, emulsifier (sunflower lecithin), natural vanilla extract, milk.  

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk. May contain nuts, soya. Product of France. (Note: Lydgate Farms repackages some offerings (that could result in) traces of peanuts, tree nuts, eggs & milk protein, gluten and soy."

Lydgate Farms - 55% Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts - Nov. 15, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Lydgate Farms Chocolate 
55% Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts  
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 2 oz. (56.6 g.) / 4 oz. (113 g.) in total package 
Calories: 310 calories (estimate) in 1/2 container
Cost: $20.00 + shipping for 1 package
Purchased from: Lydgate Farms, online order

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

Today's 55% Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts from Lydgate Farms (Kapa'a, HI) were manufactured for Lydgate by Feve Chocolates (San Francisco, CA).

Aroma notes included: chocolate (dark ganache) and sweet nut (cashew shortbread cookie).

The texture was a blend of softly crunchy macadamia nuts covered with a smooth, creamy dark chocolate.

The chocolate covering was just thick enough to add flavor, depth and chocolate richness, but not so thick that it prevented the subtler sugar, light caramel, vanilla, salt and macadamia nut flavor notes to shine.

I really enjoyed these well-executed, well-balanced, flavorful and slightly addictive Hawaiian cacao and macadamia nut confections. Definitely a cut above what you'll usually find in stores.

Ingredients: Hawaiian macadamia nuts, dark chocolate (Hawaiian cacao beans, cane sugar, cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin, vanilla beans), sugar, salt, cocoa butter, cocoa powder 

Allergen-related information:  Contains tree nuts (macadamia). 

Valley Isle Chocolate - Ecuador 70% Dark Chocolate with Macadamia Nuts & Sea Salt (bar) - Nov. 10, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Valley Isle Chocolate 
Ecuador 70% Dark Chocolate with Macadamia Nuts and Sea Salt (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .7 oz. (20 g.) / 1.41 oz. (40 g.) in total bar
Calories: 109 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $11.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Covered, San Francisco, CA

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

Today's Ecuador 70% Dark Chocolate with Macadamia Nuts and Sea Salt was from Valley Isle Chocolate (Kahului, Maui, HI). The cacao was sources from Costa Esmeraldas--a family-owned cacao farm in the Esmeraldas Province of NW Ecuador.

Aroma notes for this bar included: dark chocolate and very nut, faint vanilla, floral, sweet green and tobacco. 

Texture(s) varied from smooth dark chocolate to softly crunchy nut pieces and salt crystals to cocoa buttery melt/mouthfeel.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate, sweet green (floral honey, faint green coconut, vanilla).

I enjoyed the subtly complex "green" (botanical) flavors in this single origin, small-batch chocolate bar.

Ingredients: "Cacao, Organic Cane Sugar*, Organic Cocoa Butter*, Macadamia Nuts, Hawaiian Sea Salt" 

Allergen-related information: "Contains Tree Nuts (Macadamia). Manufactured in a facility that also processes: Milk, Peanuts, Tree Nuts"

Hawaiian Wildflower Honey Dessert #3 - Papaya, Banana, Mac Nuts, Blood Orange Dark Chocolate - Jan. 16, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Hawaiian Wildflower Honey Dessert #3
Papaya, Banana, Salted Mac Nuts + Ghirardelli Blood Orange Chocolate dessert
Good ++
Weight: 2 oz. (56.6 g.) in total dessert 
Calories: 250 calories (estimate)
Cost: $ N/A - many sources
Purchased from: N/A - many sources

Aloha and welcome to Day #16 of Chocolate and Hawaii Theme Week(s). 

This is the third in a series of small chocolate desserts using Hawaiian wildflower honey and other Hawaii-themed ingredients. The goal of this series: construct and enjoy a series* of tiny blend of beautiful, layered island/tropical flavors in January.

Today's small dessert contained Hawaii papaya, banana, salted macadamia nuts--and 1 square of Blood Orange Dark Chocolate from Ghirardelli Chocolate Company (San Leandro, CA). 

This fruit and chocolate tropical treat was topped with salted macadamia nuts and drizzled with delicious Hawaiian Wildflower Honey from Chico Honey (Chico, CA).** 

The pure tropical fruit, wildflower honey and nut flavors were unadulterated, authentic and refreshing. The sea salted macadamia nut pieces added some additional texture and the salt helped balance the sweetness.

In what was certainly an unfair comparison, the Blood Orange Dark Chocolate was fairly uniform, dense (dark roast, Forastero-like variety cacao), almost flat in flavor, when tasted with fresh and flavorful whole fruit and honey, and nuts. 

There was little bright fruit/flavor, and no green or other complex aroma or flavor notes--beyond what one would expect from a reasonably priced, bulk dark chocolate bar with natural flavors and a bit of vanilla. Not bad, and interesting to try. But, it suffered when compared to the single origin Hawaii chocolates tasted so far this month.

Ingredients: Blood Orange Dark Chocolate: Cane sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, milk fat, rice syrup, blood orange bits, orange peel, natural flavor, coconut oil, soy lecithin, citric acid, vanilla extract, annatto (color), beet juice (color).

Allergen-related information: Contains soy. May contain milk and tree nuts.

* This week's 6-day Hawaiian Honey series was designed to perk up cold and gray winter days, and falls in the middle of a Chocolate and Hawaii Theme Week(s) -- a "week" that grew until it devoured the month of January. Chocolate virtual travel has a way of doing that, especially if that v-travel is to Hawaii.

**The company sources honey from their own hives in California, Hawaii and Montana. 

Hawaiian Wildflower Honey Dessert #2 - Macadamia, Sea Salt, Ginger Dark Chocolate - Jan. 15, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Hawaiian Wildflower Honey Dessert #2
Macadamia, Sea Salt, Ginger, Dark Chocolate dessert
Good +++
Weight: 2 oz. (56.6 g.) in total dessert 
Calories: 240 calories (estimate)
Cost: $ N/A - many sources
Purchased from: N/A - many sources

Aloha and welcome to Day #15 of Chocolate and Hawaii Theme Week(s). This is the second in a series of 2 oz. chocolate desserts using at least one ingredient from Hawaii.

Today's Macadamia, Sea Salt, Ginger Dark Chocolate small dessert was made with Kona and Ginger chocolates, Hawaiian Macadamia Nuts with sea salt, and Hawaiian Wildflower Honey from Chico Honey* (Chico, CA). 

Pieces of Kona-grown cacao dark chocolate and Ginger dark chocolate were covered with chopped whole, sea salted macadamia nuts) -- and drizzled with amber-colored Hawaiian Wildflower Honey. 

These four ingredients were full of complementary flavors. Two ounces of pure chocolate decadence--the goal of this small dessert series.

The Big Island chocolate had sweet green and rich dark chocolate notes; the ginger spice chocolate had dark chocolate spicy gingerbread notes, the mac nuts provided salty, softly crunchy, buttery nut texture, and the honey was rich and satisfying with far more flavor depth than most sweet toppings/sauces.

*The company sources honey from their own hives in California, Hawaii and Montana.

 

Onomea Chocolate - Salted Macadamia Nut (bar) - Jan. 1, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Onomea Chocolate
Salted Macadamia Nut (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .93 oz. (26.5 g.) / 1.86 oz. (53 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $ N/A - gift  
Purchased from: N/A - gift (Thank you Susan!)

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

Today's Onomea Chocolate Salted Macadamia Nut (bar) was made by Lonohana Estate Chocolate (Honolulu, HI). 

Aroma notes included: chocolate with very light fruit fermentation notes (at least when the sealed package was initially opened) and faint salted nuts (macadamia).

Flavor notes included: smooth yet flavorful, relatively sweet dark chocolate (low in bitterness) with very faint/subtle and well-balanced fermented fruit (cacao pulp, tropical fruit (light citrus, pineapple, mango)) notes. These faint, authentic fruit notes paired well with the sea salted macadamia nut pieces. 

It was great to kick-off the New Year (2024)--and a Hawaiian Chocolate Theme Week--with a chocolate that has a great Island origin story. The cacao, sea salt and mac nuts: all grown in Hawaii. 

Thank you to Lonohana founder, chocolate maker and farmer, Seneca Klassen, for continuing to create and share great Hawaiian cacao with chocolate lovers everywhere. Onomea is a relatively new(er) chocolate brand/partnership. (Loved the fun island flavors and graphic designs on these bars.)

Ingredients: "Organic cane sugar, Hawaiian cacao, organic cocoa butter, organic Hawaiian macadamia nuts, Hawaiian sea salt"

Allergen-related information: Contains nuts (macadamia). "Produced in a peanut-free environment on equipment that also processes milk and tree nuts."

The Yes Bar Co. - Macadamia Chocolate with Cherries and Apricots (bar) - July 28, 2023

Chocolate of The Day

The Yes Bar Co.
Macadamia Chocolate with Cherries and Apricots (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 210 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $2.95 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Westpoint Harbor (shop), Redwood City, CA

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

Today's Macadamia Chocolate with Cherries and Apricots "snack bar for foodies" was from The Yes Bar Co. (Oakland, CA).

Aroma notes included: coconut, dried fruits (apricot, stone fruit, cherry, red berry) and very faint chocolate and warm spices (cinnamon, vanilla).

This chewy, fresh-tasting fruit and nut bar with chocolate chips had an appealing texture and flavor. 

Flavor notes included: coconut, nuts, tart sweet dried fruits (apricots, stone fruit, red fruit (cherry, berry), faint, fleeting warm spice (cinnamon), and soft bursts of chocolate flavor (chocolate chips). Macadamias have a very mild buttery flavor and are sometimes more difficult to detect in a blend like this; but I was aware of eating bits of nuts.

This vegan, gluten-free bar was full of appealing, authentic flavors and textures. The "chew" was just right--not too stiff, not too crumbly, and loaded with good things. And, best of all, it wasn't too sweet. (Thank you!)

Ingredients: Macadamia Nuts, Maple Syrup*, Cashews*, Almonds, Dark Chocolate* (Cocoa Liquor*,  Coconut Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*), Sunflower Seeds*, Pumpkin Seeds*, Coconut Butter*, Pecans, Coconut Nectar*, Dried Tart Cherries (Cherries, Sunflower Oil), Dried Apricots, Dried Cranberries (Cranberries, Apple Juice Concentrate, Sunflower Oil), Sesame Seed Butter, Ground Flax Seeds*, Cinnamon*, Sea Salt, Vanilla Extract* (Alcohol*, Vanilla Extractives*, Water). *Denotes Organic Ingredients

Allergen-related information: "Contains: Tree Nuts (Almond, Cashew, Pecan, Macadamia, Coconut), Sesame." "Made in a gluten-free facility that handles eggs, milk, peanuts, soy, sesame, and tree nuts."

Sigona's Farmers Market - Pineapple Macadamia Milk Chocolate (bar) - Mar. 3, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Sigona's Farmers Market
Pineapple Macadamia Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42 g.) / 3 oz. (84 g.) in total bar
Calories: 225 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $6.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Sigona's Farmers Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Seeds Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Fruits Theme Week.

Today's Pineapple Macadamia Milk Chocolate (bar) was a collaboration between Sigona's Farmers Market (Stanford Shopping Center, in Palo Alto, CA) and local chocolatier, Javier Confectionery (Burlingame, CA).

Aroma notes for this bar included: fresh, sweet, fruity chocolate with tropical fruit (sweet pineapple) notes.

My favorite aspect of this bar was the chewy, authentic (dried) pineapple pieces (from Sigona's) that were swimming in smooth, thick, creamy milk chocolate--that had light, sweet, caramel overtones. 

This pineapple (that Sigona's market sourced from a family farm in Costa Rica), even though it was dried, somehow still tasted very fresh. It was not overly sweet and it maintained its natural tropical, pineapple fruit flavor, texture and mouthfeel. 

Crunchy, roasted macadamia nuts* rounded out this trio and helped to balance the sweetness. A hint of vanilla added a trace of warm baked goods aroma.

Overall, this was a well executed collaboration, and a great use of ripe, flavorful dried fruit. 

Cacao seeds* (what most people call cacao beans) used to make chocolate offer very rich and versatile flavor (sometimes a little bitter and seedy). The inner core of cacao seeds also picks up flavor from a surrounding layer of cacao fruit pulp.** 

The cacao fruit pulp sugars fuel the fermentation and cacao flavor development process. This ivory-colored cacao fruit pulp dissolves and drains away during the fermentation process, leaving the cacao seeds (aka cacao "beans") behind. 

In today's case, the added pineapple evoked some of that native tropical fruit flavor I associate with making chocolate from the whole cacao fruit, close to the Equator. And the mac nuts and vanilla also reminded me of tropical vacations visiting cacao farms. These warm memories were appreciated, in the middle of a cold winter, looking outside at snow in the hills.

Ingredients: Milk chocolate (cane sugar, cocoa butter, full cream milk, cocoa beans, vanilla beans), dried pineapple, macadamia nuts.

Allergen-related information: (Contains dairy/milk.) "Made in a facility that also makes products containing milk, soy, egg, peanuts, tree nuts and wheat."

* Yes, cacao beans are really seeds. And macadamia nuts can be considered seeds as well.

** Cacao fruit pulp has a flavor that can be difficult to pin down. Generally it is sweet and a little tart. Depending on the cacao variety (there are many), the fruit tastes like citrus, melon, and/or even a little like mixed tropical fruits, including pineapple or mango.

Lula's Chocolates - Dark Macadamia Turtles - Feb. 26, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Lula Lund's Chocolates, LLC
Dark Macadamia Turtles 
Good ++
Weight: 3 oz. (85 g.) in total package
Calories: 445 calories (estimate) in 1 turtle
Cost: $7.95 (estimate) for 1 package/turtle
Purchased from: Lula's, The Crossroads (shopping center), Carmel, CA

Today's Dark Macadamia Turtle was from Lula Lund's Chocolates, LLC (Monterey, CA).

Aroma notes for his luxurious take on a milk chocolate, caramel and pecan classic confection included: buttery caramel, sea salt, roasted nuts (macadamia), and dark chocolate.

This turtle offered a thick textural feast and satisfying flavor with softly crunchy jumbo mac nuts; soft, thick and chewy caramel; and smooth dark chocolate. Occasional sparkles of sea salt.

Warning: the sweet-salt and creamy caramel, nuts and chocolate combination can be addictive.

Ingredients: Dark chocolate (cocoa mass (chocolate liquor processed with alkali, cocoa butter), sugar, milk fat, soy lecithin, natural flavors); macadamia; caramel (non-GMO corn syrup, pure cane sugar, heavy cream, butter, soy lecithin, salt, vanilla); sea salt. 

Allergen-related information: Made in a facility that processes peanuts and other nuts. Contains milk, soy and tree nuts. "Always gluten free."

Gold Emblem - Kona Coffee Flavored Macadamia Nuts - Dark Chocolate - Aug. 30, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Gold Emblem

Kona Coffee Flavored Macadamia Nuts - Dark Chocolate

Good + - Good ++ 

Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 4.5 oz. (127 g.) total package

Calories: 150 calories in 1 oz. (28.3 g.) serving

Cost: $2.99 for 1 package

Purchased from: Missing information

Aloha, and welcome to the last day (Day #11) of Chocolate and Hawaii Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Nut Theme Week.

Today's Gold Emblem Dark Chocolate Kona Coffee Flavored Macadamia Nuts were distributed by CVS Pharmacy, Inc. (Woonsocket, RI).

The aroma for these glossy chocolate covered confections included: aromatically nutty, sweet dark chocolate, and sweetened coffee notes.

These generously-sized rounded pieces offered three layers of texture: 1.) a thin shiny outer coating; 2.) a thick, creamy and substantial chocolate "mantle;" and 3.) a crunchy macadamia nut center at the core.

The chocolate (fudge brownie-like) and authentic macadamia nut flavors harmonized well together. The macadamia pieces were large enough to enjoy the mild, subtle creamy/buttery flavor (with a very faint, fleeting earthy note). The nuts also helped balance the overall sweetness level. 

There were also faint, slightly buttery coffee and vanilla flavor notes. (There was some butter and milk in the dark chocolate, but no added vanilla.) The coffee flavor was relatively smooth and not too acidic.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, butter fat, cocoa [processed with alkali], soy lecithin [emulsifier], salt, natural flavor), macadamia nuts, natural Kona coffee flavor.

Allergen-related information: "Contains macadamia nuts, milk, soy. Made on equipment that is also used for other tree nuts (almonds, Brazil nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, walnuts), wheat, milk and eggs."

Manoa Chocolate - Chocolate Macadamia Spread - Aug. 29, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Manoa Chocolate
Chocolate Macadamia Spread
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 9 oz. (255 g.) in total bar
Calories: 185 calories (estimate) for 1 oz. serving
Cost: $15.00 for 1 jar
Purchased from: Manoa Chocolate, online order

Aloha, and welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Hawaii Theme Week.

Today's jar of Chocolate Macadamia Spread was from Manoa Chocolate (Kailua, O'ahu, HI).

Aroma and flavor notes for this thick and smooth, fudgey dark chocolate spread included: mild nutty coconut graham cracker cookie, thick, rich dark chocolate ganache, very faint sweet green (freshly picked green sugar cane stalks, sweet green seed butter, green floral-vanilla), and very faint, fleeting buttered Boston brown bread (a steamed, moist bread containing molasses, cornmeal and raisins).

This was a skillfully executed blend of ground macadamia nuts (1st ingredient listed)--that gave this spread a very subtle, nuanced nutty background flavor--and ground cocoa nibs (the 2nd ingredient listed) that contributed rich, nuanced dark chocolate ganache-forward flavor. 

The sweetener: organic cane cane sugar yielded more flavor depth than processed sugar. Add coconut oil and a judicious dose of sea salt, and you have a flavorful, high-end chocolate spread that captures the spirit of Hawaii. As the label suggested: "Spread the Aloha."

Enjoy this spread on a croissant, toast, between cake (or dessert parfait) layers. Fold it into a smoothie or ice cream sundae. Make your own chocolate-filled sandwich cookie. Or eat it plain while you're dreaming of your next trip to Hawaii. There are no wrong answers here.

Note: Manoa also offers chocolate covered mac nuts and rum chocolate covered mac nuts.

Ingredients: Hawaiian macadamia nuts, cacao nibs, organic cane sugar, coconut oil, cocoa powder, sea salt

Allergen-related information: Contains nuts (macadamia nuts). 

Check Manoa website or contact them for allergen-related details. This week's (2022) KoHana Rum 75% Dark Chocolate bar had this label: "Manufactured by Manoa Chocolate Hawaii...(in) Kailua, HI...This facility also processes milk, wheat, peanut, walnut, cashew, pecan, coconut, macadamia (and) hazelnut."

Donkey Balls - Tiny Balls - chocolate covered Macnuts - May 12, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Donkey Balls

Tiny Balls - Chocolate Covered Macnuts

Good + 

Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 8 oz. (226.8 g.) in total package

Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1 oz. (28.3 g.) serving

Cost: $6.99 (estimate) paid for 1 package

Purchased from: (retail shop in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii)

Aloha and welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate, Nuts and Nibs Theme Week.

Today's Tiny Balls Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts (Macnuts) were packaged by KRM Distributors, LLC (Kailua-Kona, HI). 

The "Keoki's Donkey" retail store on the Big Island of Hawaii offered a variety of packaged coffees, chocolate-covered nuts with risque names, and other items (honey, teas) with local ties. The chocolates featured an image of a cartoon donkey named Keoki wearing a Hawiian shirt.

The aroma for these round balls included chocolate-y, nutty and malty notes. A subtle hint of vanilla in the milk chocolate added a faint, warm hot cocoa note.

At the core of each ball lay a whole, softly crunchy, macadamia nut. The nut center was generously enrobed in a smooth, relatively firm--and what, happily, tasted like a slightly higher percent cacao--milk chocolate coating. 

These were labeled "tiny balls" but were still generously sized. The bigger balls (other Donkey Ball flavors) almost required one to take a bite first, unless you wanted to feel you were taking on a "jawbreaker" (very large, round and hard candy).

This was a fun novelty chocolate from Hawaii, made with a relatively short list of ingredients (without preservatives or artificial ingredients).

Ingredients: Milk chocolate (sugar, milk, cocoa butter, unsweetened chocolate, soy lecithin-an emulsifier, vanilla), Macnuts.

Allergen-related information: Contained milk, nuts (macadamia nuts) and soy (lecithin). (No further information on package.)

Note: These chocolate-covered nuts were expired; but had been stored in a cool, dark place.

Jasper + Myrtle - Macadamia and Lemon Myrtle Milk Chocolate (bar) - Jan. 1, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Jasper + Myrtle
Macadamia and Lemon Myrtle Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.2 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: "441 kj" in 1/2 bar (per label)
Cost: $9.75 + summer shipping for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

G'day. Happy New Year. And welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate and Lemon/Citrus Theme Week. 

Today's Macadamia and Lemon Myrtle Milk Chocolate (bar) was created by Jasper + Myrtle (Fyshwick, Canberra, Australia). 

The two co-owners (Li Peng and Peter) of this family business source their cacao beans from Bougainville, Papua New Guinea (PNG). Bars with added flavors (inclusions like today's) feature items that are grown/found in Australia.

The aroma notes for this bar included: lemon herb (a combination of lemon, lemongrass and lemon-lime), and sweet, nutty milk chocolate.

Flavor notes in this smooth, dark, milk chocolate included, most notably, the lemon myrtle, which was similar to lemon-forward herbs/plants* such as lemon balm (a member of the mint family), and lemongrass. This mild, aromatic lemon flavor was pleasantly present, but without being too overwhelming. 

The macadamia was very subtle, and well integrated, adding a mild, nutty quality to the milk chocolate. (Two tiny nut pieces confirmed the presence of these nuts. I'm assuming the nuts were finely ground, possibly into a nut butter, or were mechanically incorporated into warm, pre-tempered chocolate--further reducing particle size and melding the two flavors.)

While all these very complementary flavors were well balanced and blended, it was difficult to pick out the nuances of the PNG cacao. (Happily, Jasper + Myrtle also offer PNG single origin chocolates/bars without flavor inclusions. I look forward to trying those too in the future.)

Maker's tasting notes: "An indulgent combination of classic Australian flavours; subtle, silky and fragrant"

Ingredients: "Cocoa beans, cocoa butter, milk powder, lemon myrtle leaves, macadamia, sugar"

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of sesame. Allergen advice: contains milk and macadamia nuts."

*Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is a shrub/tree found in coastal, subtropical rainforests in Australia (Queensland, NSW). Indigenous people first used lemon myrtle as a food and a medicinal plant. The leaves have lemon, lemongrass, lemon-lime notes, and are used to flavor savory dishes as well as sweet desserts.

What made the lemon myrtle seem immediately familiar was: Citral, a naturally-occurring compound in lemon myrtle, lemongrass, lemon balm, as well as lemon and orange peels. Citral gives these plants a similar lemony-citrus (almost floral) green herb flavor.

Al Nassma Chocolate - Macadamia-Orange Camel Milk Chocolate (bar) - Nov. 3, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Al Nassma Chocolate
Macadamia-Orange Camel Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.46 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 198.8 calories in 1/2 bar 
Cost: $8.50 (+ summer shipping) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Macadamia Nut and Orange Zest Camel Milk Chocolate (bar) was produced by Al Nassma Chocolate (Dubai, United Arab Emirates). 

This is the third milk chocolate and orange bar this week. All three have been quite sweet. (Think richer versions of store-bought chocolate orange cupcakes or filled chocolate orange truffles). And some have had aromas and flavors possibly "enhanced" or altered slightly by addition of "natural flavors" or preservatives. 

Those with a sweet tooth will likely enjoy the sweetness. However, if you've cut back on sugar over time, and/or would like to taste more of the cacao and other flavor nuances, too much sugar can be a little overpowering.

Thanks to the unique addition of camel's milk, the texture was smooth and relatively creamy. Tiny bits of mild (macadamia) nuts added some soft crunchy texture, as did the slightly (naturally) chewy flecks of orange zest (outer, flavorful orange peel(s)).

Overall, flavor notes included sustained, uniform sweet chocolate and sweet orange flavor all the way through into the finish.

Ingredients: Sugar, cocoa butter, camel milk powder (19%), cocoa mass, macadamia nuts (5%), orange zest (5%), honey, natural flavorings, bourbon vanilla. Cocoa 36% minimum in the chocolate mass.

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of other nuts and soy lecithin."

Macadamia Nuts Covered in Fine Dark Chocolate - Aug. 22, 2021

Chocolate of the Day  

Chocola
Macadamia Cubierta de Chocolate Oscuro Fino
(Macadamia Nuts Covered in Fine Dark Chocolate)
Good +
Weight: 2.03 oz. (57.5 g.) / 4.06 oz. (115 g.) in total package
Calories: 298 calories in 2 servings (1/2 package)
Cost: $9.49 for 1 package
Purchased from: Piazza's, Palo Alto, CA 

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

Today's Macadamia Cubierta de Chocolate Oscuro Fino (Macadamia (Nuts) Covered in Fine Dark Chocolate) were from Chocola (Guatemala City, Guatemala, S.A.). The finished product was imported into the U.S. by Global Support, LLC.

This offering was made using Rainforest Alliance Certified cacao grown in Guatemala, and macadamia nuts that were also from Guatemala.

The aroma notes included: fruit and green herb (light persimmon, lemon sorrel, sour grass (oxalis)) and dark chocolate.

The rich, dark 50% chocolate formed a smooth shiny coating around the macadamia nuts--that had authentic (alternating characteristic rich, sweet and bland) mac nut notes. It was nice to be able to taste these mild nuts, that can be easily overwhelmed by other stronger flavors.

Also in the flavor mix: fleeting earth/soil, nut/dark chocolate, fruit (very faint overripe blueberry), and very faint, almost smokey, floral vanilla notes. These 50% cacao Chocola nuts offered a more interesting tasting experience than similar chocolate covered nut offerings found on U.S. supermarket shelves. More flavor(s). More fun.

Ingredients: "Dark chocolate 50% (sugar, cocoa butter, cocoa liquor, soy lecithin (emulsifier), natural vanilla), macadamia, acacia (glazing agent)."

Allergen-related information: "Contains tree nuts, soy products and may contain traces of peanuts."

 

Christopher Elbow Chocolates - Macadamia Hawaiian Sea Salt Dark bar - Nov. 26, 2020

Chocolate of the Day 

Christopher Elbow Chocolates
Macadamia Hawaiian Sea Salt Dark Chocolate bar
Good +
Weight: 2.65 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 410 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $7.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Christopher Elbow Chocolates, online order

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

Today's Macadamia Hawaiian Sea Salt Dark 63% Dark chocolate bar was from Christopher Elbow Chocolates (Kansas City, MO).

This gluten free and vegan chocolate bar was speckled with toasted macadamia nut bits and infused with Hawaiian red/pink sea salt. 

The aroma reminded me of butter cookies with cashew nuts from childhood.

The flavors were a melding of smooth, sweet, rich dark chocolate, salty sparkles from the sea salt crystals and tiny, soft nutty bits. (There was also a fleeting, very faint mineral and even fainter menthol notes.*)

Ingredients: Dark chocolate (cacao mass, cocoa butter, sugar, soy lecithin, vanilla), macadamia nuts, Hawaiian Red sea salt 

*I wondered whether the fleeting mineral note might have been from the Hawaiian Red sea salt. The red color in this salt is due to red colored clay, earth. Some think this salt has a faint nutty flavor. Impurities, including small quantities of minerals can impart color and taste in sea salt. And the larger the salt grains or crystals, the more detectable flavor it might have.

The menthol note could have been from an accidental flavor inclusion or might even date back to post-harvest cacao fermentation. 

Fossa Chocolate - Macadamia and Shitake (bar) - Sept. 21, 2020

Chocolate of the Day

Fossa Chocolate
Macadamia and Shitake (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 294 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $15.00 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: missing information

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate Surprise Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate, Nuts and More Theme Week.

Today's Macadamia and Shitake (bar) was from Fossa Chocolate (Singapore) and was made using Bolivia Wild Beniano cacao. 

I loved the aroma of this intriguing chocolate, handmade in small batches, with its mix of floral, nutty, umame (baked mushroom) and roasted coffee notes. 

The chocolate had a smooth, relatively creamy texture, accompanied by a circus of tiny, crunchy caramelized nut bits. Macadamia nuts are quite mild and it was difficult to tell what type of nut was there, but they were present. The chocolate notes were complementary and pleasant, but muted somewhat by all the other fun going on.

This was a great, well-balanced implementation of a unique blend of flavors. Extra points for making this sweet and umami melange shine.

Ingredients: Cacao, cane sugar, macadamia, cocoa butter, shitake mushrooms, sea salt.

Royal Hawaiian - Macadamia Nut - Dark Chocolate Pomegranate Mango - Dec. 12, 2018

Chocolate of the Day:

Royal Hawaiian - Macadamia Nut, Inc.

Dark Chocolate Pomegranate Mango 

Good

Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) in total package

Calories: 200 calories in 1 package

Cost: $0.50 for 1 package (2 for $1.00 sale)

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

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

At the heart of today's Dark Chocolate Pomegranate Mango pieces were roasted, Hawaiian-grown macadamia nuts from Royal Hawaiian Macadamia Nut, Inc.

These "mac" nuts were covered in dark chocolate and infused with pomegranate and mango flavor.

Royal Hawaiian - Macadamia Nut - Dark Chocolate Blackberry Goji - Dec. 11, 2018

Chocolate of the Day:

Royal Hawaiian - Macadamia Nut, Inc.

Dark Chocolate Blackberry Goji 

Good

Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) in total package

Calories: 200 calories in 1 package

Cost: $0.50 for 1 package (2 for $1.00 sale)

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

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

Today's Dark Chocolate Blackberry Goji pieces were made possible by the Royal Hawaiian Macadamia Nut, Inc.

Roasted, Hawaiian-grown macadamia nuts were covered in dark chocolate and infused with tart blackberry and tropical goji.

A fruity, berry aroma wafted up to greet the taster, after this snack-size package was opened. The macadamia nut centers were mild and had a soft crunch.