Intrigue Chocolate - Honey & Salt; Pomegranate Bay Leaf; Fresh Mint; Coffee & Balsamic Fig Truffles - Jan. 7, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate Co.

• 1.) Honey & Sea Salt Truffle - Good ++ - Good +++
• 2.) Pomegranate Bay Leaf Truffle - Good ++ - Good +++
• 3.) Fresh Mint Truffle - Good ++ - Good +++
• 4.) Coffee Truffle - Good ++ - Good +++
• 5.) Balsamic Fig Truffle - Good ++

Weight: 1.57 oz. (44.5 g.) in 5 truffles / 4.09 oz. (116 g.) (estimate) in total box of 12 (13) truffles
Calories: 245 calories (estimate) for 5 truffles
Cost: $44.00 for 1 box of 12 (13) truffles
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate, Tea, Herb and Spice Week--featuring a range of bars, truffles, and hot chocolates infused with herbs and/or spices and/or teas.

Today's five truffles were made and distributed by Intrigue Chocolate Co. (Seattle, WA). These individually-wrapped truffles were part of a 13-piece truffle assortment box. 

Pairing these truffles with a few (non-competing) side dishes and some teas, resulted in an instant, well-crafted cacao feast.

Honey & Sea Salt Truffle aroma and flavor notes included: rich, creamy fudge brownie, honey, very faint honey cookie, and sea salt. Sounds simple, but the flavors were perfectly balanced in this truffle. Another favorite.

Pomegranate & Bay Leaf Truffle notes included: rich chocolate with flavorful red fruit and sophisticated herb (bay leaf). Well-executed, and wonderfully balanced. The result was something akin to a classy, vertical, floral arrangement with subdued, elegant reds and greens. (Ode to a truffle?)

Fresh Mint Truffle notes included: fresh and authentic mint infused into rich, creamy chocolate.But the mint wasn't the strong, overpowering, sweet peppermint found in most mint-flavored chocolates. Instead, the maker chose to use a mint closer to spearmint (and perhaps a touch of another mint). A very nicely balanced chocolate with pleasing, subtly complex mint flavor.

Coffee Truffle notes included: beautiful coffee, cream latte, and coffee cheesecake/cream cheese (there was no cream cheese). I really enjoyed that I could taste the nuanced flavors in the coffee, which was wonderful.

Balsamic & Fig Truffle notes included: rich fruit (dried fig), red wine (there was no wine) and chocolate notes. The Balsamic added some flavor depth and a sweet, rich, slightly tangy taste.

I enjoyed the buttery smooth truffle texture, the authentic and balanced flavors, and the choice of herbs and spices in the assortment box (of 13 truffles). 

Ingredients: Chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, vanilla, soy lecithin), Cream (milk), flavors (as described in the truffle name).

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk.  

Aloha - Chocolate Mint Organic Protein Bar - Nov. 7, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Aloha  
Chocolate Mint Organic Protein Bar
Good +
Weight: 1.96 oz. (56 g.) in 1 bar 
Calories: 220 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $3.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Sigona's, Palo Alto, CA 

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate and Mint Theme Week; and Day #1 of Chocolate and Hawaii Theme Week.

Today's Chocolate Mint Organic Protein Bar was manufactured for Aloha (Littleton, CO). Aloha is a plant-based protein company (B Corp) that was founded in 2013 by three Hawaii-based partners.

Today's offering contained 14 grams of plant protein; but it had enough dark chocolate that it qualified as being a chocolate bar.

Aroma and flavor notes for this bar included: dark chocolate, mint (peppermint), and very faint nut and seed cookie.

The texture was relatively firm but pliable; and it had some crushed seed/nut heft and a faint crunchiness to it. The dark chocolate helped tie the ingredients together; added some pleasant mouth feel and rich flavor; and helped prevent the feeling of dryness that some protein bars can have.

I liked that this monk fruit-sweetened bar wasn't too sweet; that it was organic and gluten free; and the flavors seemed authentic and well-balanced for a more functionally-oriented chocolate protein bar. The 14 grams of protein (rice, pumpkin seed, cashew) helped make it feel satisfying.

Ingredients: Protein Blend* (Brown Rice Protein*, Pumpkin Seed Protein*), Tapioca Fiber*, Dark Chocolate* (Chocolate*, Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*), Cashew Butter* (Roasted Cashews*, Sunflower Oil*), Tapioca Syrup*, Vegetable Glycerin*, Cocoa Powder*, Sunflower Seed Butter* (Roasted Sunflower Seeds*, Sunflower Oil*), Sunflower Oil*, Sunflower Lecithin*, Peppermint*, Monk Fruit*

Allergen-related information: "Contains Tree Nuts (Cashews). Manufactured in a Facility That Also Processes Fish, Milk, Peanuts, Sesame, Soy, and Wheat." 

Equal Exchange - 67% Cacao Mint Crunch Organic Dark Chocolate (bar) - Nov. 6, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Equal Exchange
67% Cacao Mint Crunch Organic Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 2.8 oz. (80 g.) in total bar
Calories: 226.6 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $5.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Farm Fresh, online order

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Mint Theme Week.

Today's 67% Cacao Mint Crunch Organic Dark Chocolate (bar) was produced in Switzerland and distributed by Equal Exchange (San Francisco, CA).

Aroma notes for this 67% Peruvian cacao-based bar included: dark chocolate and peppermint. 

The texture was smooth, with a relatively creamy base chocolate and some sparkles of mint.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate and peppermint. I liked that the peppermint wasn't totally overwhelming. And the chocolate was relatively bold, but well executed. Overall, it tasted a little better than I expected. (It wasn't a mint bomb.)

Happily, the sweetness level and the mint flavoring were both just about right.

Ingredients: "*Organic Chocolate Liquor, *Organic Raw Cane Sugar, *Organic Cocoa Butter, Peppermint Crisps 10% (*Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Peppermint Oil), *Organic Unrefined Whole Cane Sugar, *Organic Ground Vanilla Beans." (* = Fairly Traded Ingredient) 

Allergen-related information: "May Contain Milk, Peanuts, Hazelnuts, Almonds & Coconut"

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

Chocolate of the Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sweet Loren's - Chocolate Mint Cookies - Nov. 4, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Sweet Loren's 
Chocolate Mint Cookies
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.6 oz. (46 g.) / 9.6 oz. (272 g.) in total package
Calories: 180 calories in 2 cookies
Cost: $7.99 for 1 package of 12 cookies
Purchased from: Farm Fresh, online order

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and the Mint Family Theme Week.

Today's gluten-free, dairy-free Chocolate Mint Cookie dough was manufactured for Sweet Loren's, Inc. (Los Angeles, CA). 

Aroma notes included: peppermint and chocolate (cookie). And as with any "freshly baked" cookies, these small, pre-formed cookies (that came from a package of refrigerated dough) smelled good right out of the oven.

The baked Chocolate Mint cookies had a relatively soft texture, with slightly more crispy edges. And yes, as the name Sweet Loren's suggests, the number one ingredient was sugar.

For those wanting something sweet, but needing strictly allergen-free, companies like Sweet Loren's offer some convenient and attractive options. The cocoa powder, molasses and chocolate chunks added flavor depth that I appreciated.

Ingredients: "Sugar, Flour Blend (oat, tapioca, potato starch), Palm Oil**, White Confectionary Chips (sugar, palm kernel** and palm oil**, natural flavors, sunflower lecithin, salt), Filtered Water, Cocoa Powder, Molasses, Chocolate Chunks (sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, vanilla, salt), Sea Salt, Baking Soda, Peppermint Oil."

Allergen-related information: "Made in a dedicated room free of gluten, wheat, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame. Manufactured on shared equipment with products containing egg and soy. Strict allergen cleaning controls and testing are in place to ensure allergen control standards are met."

 

Intrigue Chocolate - Lavender 60% Cacao (bar) - Nov. 2, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate
Lavender 60% Cacao (bar) 
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28) in total bar
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $6.00 for 1 bar + shipping
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and the Mint Family Theme Week--featuring several days of chocolates flavored with different members of the very large mint family: peppermint, yerba buena, basil, rosemary, lavender and more.

Today's Lavender 60% Cacao (bar) was from Intrigue Chocolate Co. (Seattle, WA). 

Origin story: The cacao ("mostly Trinitario and Amelonado") used to make this chocolate was from Uganda, Rwenzururu, Semuliki Forest. And the lavender was from B&B Family Lavender Farm (Sequim, WA).

Aroma notes included: chocolate and woodsy, distinctive floral (lavender) with light menthol (mint).

Texture: smooth, well-tempered dark chocolate  

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (chocolate-y, dark ganache), authentic lavender. 

I liked the slightly smaller tasting size package, and that it was sweet without being overly so--allowing one to taste the underlying chocolate and authentic lavender flavors. Lavender did dominate a bit, but if you like lavender, that is not a bad thing.

Makers tasting notes: "Made with hand-harvested Angustifolia (English) lavender flowers, this bar has complex floral aromatics, deep chocolatiness, a surprise blueberry note, and hints of Scotch whisky."

Ingredients: Roasted cacao nibs, raw cane sugar, cocoa butter, lavender flowers. 

Allergen-related information: Vegan, no dairy, no soy, no gluten. 

   

Intrigue Chocolate - Rosemary, Blackberry Honey, Alderwood Smoked Sea Salt (bar) - Oct. 31, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate
Rosemary, Blackberry Honey, Alderwood Smoked Sea Salt (bar) 
Good ++
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35.5 g.) / 2.5 oz. (71 g.) in total bar
Calories: 194 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar
Cost: $13.00 for 1 bar + shipping
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and the Mint Family Theme Week. Most chocolates with mint contain peppermint oil/flavoring. This week also features bars and confections with mint family members such as  yerba buena, basil, lavender, and rosemary.

Happy Halloween to all those who celebrate this (pumpkin- and chocolate-fueled )holiday. 

Today's Rosemary, Blackberry Honey, Alderwood Smoked Sea Salt (bar) was from Intrigue Chocolate Co. (Seattle, WA). 

Aroma and flavor notes included: dark chocolate (dark ganache, honey); faint berry (ripe blackberry); and faint rosemary. The salt was very subtle.

Texture: smooth dark chocolate

I enjoyed trying this flavor combination. The rosemary was present without being too strong; it contributed a light, refreshing, pine-y, mint flavor that meshed well with a little salt. Throw in some faint blackberry and honey, and you've captured many flavor memories I have of the Pacific Northwest/Seattle area.

Maker's description: "Rosemary, Blackberry Honey, and Alderwood Smoked Sea Salt is a campfire get-together by the ocean."

Ingredients: "Chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin [emulsifier], natural vanilla flavoring), honey, rosemary, smoked salt" 

Allergen-related information: "Processed in a facility with milk, soy and nuts."   

Verse Chocolate - 90% Mint Dark Chocolate Mint Medallion - Oct. 30, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Verse Chocolate  
90% Mint Dark Chocolate Medallion
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: .705 oz. (20 g.) / 4.23 oz. (120 g.) in total package of 12
Calories: 120 calories in 2 pieces
Cost: $11.69 for 1 package of 12 chocolates
Purchased from: The Market at Edgewood, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and The Mint Family Theme Week.

Today's 90% Mint Dark Chocolate Mediallion(s) were distributed by Verse Chocolate LLC (Nixa, MO). The company also offers 12-serving boxes of individually-wrapped medallions in other flavors (e.g., plain, salted almond, coffee).

Aroma notes for these medallion-shaped mint dark chocolates included: strong mint (peppermint) that almost eclipsed the dark chocolate.

Texture and shape: relatively dark chocolate with tiny crunchy bits. The size (less than 5 cm across), was just right for a few bites; and slim medallion's slightly-curved shape enabled easy access to textures and flavors in one's mouth.

Flavor notes included: ultra-dark chocolate tempered with upticks of strong peppermint. There was a  slight astringency toward the finish.

This blend of two very strong flavors--90% dark chocolate and peppermint oil--may be a bit overwhelming for some; but I appreciated that these 90% dark medallions were not overly sweet, and the acidity and bitterness in the chocolate was not excessive (for me at least).

Any more sugar might have bumped up the mint into the mint toothpaste zone for me. Disclaimer: you'll rarely hear me complain about lack of sugar as I enjoy darker chocolates and I don't want sugar to mask the underlying cacao flavors. For this reason (and if you want to reduce sugar/carbohydrate consumption) it's nice to have ultra-dark chocolate options like this.

Maker's notes: "With better cacao, we can use less sugar, giving you more of the inherent benefits within dark chocolate"

Ingredients: Cocoa beans*, cane sugar*, cocoa processed with Alkali*, cocoa butter*, peppermint oil*. 
(* = Organic ingredient)

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of tree nuts and sesame seeds." Certified Organic; U; gluten free.

To'ak Chocolate - Chocolate Alchemy Andean Mints (bar) - Oct. 29, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

To'ak Chocolate
Chocolate Alchemy - Andean Mints 65% Cacao (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 2 oz. (56 g.) in total package 
Calories: 360 calories in 1 package (4 smaller bars)
Cost: $16.00 for 1 package of 4 smaller bars
Purchased from: To'ak Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and the Mint Family Theme Week.

Today's Chocolate Alchemy - Andean Mints 65% cacao bar(s) were created by To'ak (Tierra & Arbol S.A.S.) / To'ak International Inc. (Quito, Ecuador).

The heirloom cacao used to make this chocolate (from tree-to-bar) was sourced from Piedra del Plata, Manabi, Ecuador. And the four different mint flavors used grow in the Andes region.

Inside the attractively illustrated package were four, smaller, gold foil-wrapped, square bars. And, pleasant surprise, rather than a mint melange, each bar featured a different mint: Sunfo, Ecuadorian Tipo, Peru Muna and Yerbabuena.

Sunfo
Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate and bold but balanced mint (spearmint + sage).

Equadorian Tipo 
Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate, mellow mint (mild peppermint + sage + marshmallow and very faint lemon balm), and very faint nut (peanut).

Peruvian Muna
Aroma and flavor notes included: dark chocolate and subtle smoky/savory (lemon) mint + gentle sage. Light astringency. Lovely nuanced mint notes in this one.

Yerbabuena 
Aroma and flavor notes included: dark chocolate and vibrant mint with floral (light geranium, malva), light citrus (lemon) and very faint pepper and tomato notes. Incredible symphony of flavors.

The dark chocolate was good; but the four amazing mints stole the show. I liked the sweetness level; i.e. there was enough sweetness to add brightness, but the sugar didn't eclipse the four unique and authentic Andean mint flavors.

I appreciated the care taken to make this a true, single origin Ecuador dark chocolate, with both heirloom cacao and different mints that grow in the region.

Ingredients: "Dark chocolate (65% heirloom cacao, 35% cane sugar), sunfo/yerba buena/ecuadorian tipo/peruvian muna (each mini bar contains one type of Andean mint), cacao butter" 

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of milk, soy, or nuts."

 

Intrigue Chocolate - Basil Truffle Bar - Oct. 28, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate Co.
Basil Truffle Bar  
Good ++
Weight: 2.5 oz. (70.7 g.) in 1 bar
Calories: 388 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $14.00 for 1 truffle bar + shipping
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate and Mint Family Theme Week. The extensive mint family* includes not only peppermint and spearmint, but also rosemary, basil, sage, oregano, thyme, lavender, lemon balm and others. 

Today's Basil Truffle Bar was from Intrigue Chocolate Co. (Seattle, WA). The company offers a variety of chocolates (bars and confections) with interesting flavor inclusions.

Aroma and flavor notes for today's basil-infused chocolate included: dark chocolate (chocolate torte, ganache), subtle and savory basil, and very faint vanilla cookie.

This truffle bar had a smooth, creamy, buttery, truffle-like texture.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (rich, creamy dark chocolate truffle ganache) and subtle basil (a plant my brain associates more with savory dishes (pasta dishes and pizzas), and that lacks the (sometimes overly) sweet toothpaste-like sparkle that mint confections/candy can have). 

This cocoa-hued truffle bar was about the size of a small stick of butter; it was dusted in cocoa powder and had authentic soft/creamy truffle texture and flavor. 

The price ($14 USD) may seem high, but this small but mighty bar was the equivalent of 4-5 large, high-quality truffles; and if you eat the whole bar you may feel quite full.

This bar can easily be sliced into (thin or thick) chocolate truffle slices (with a knife or a butter or cheese slicer) and shared with others as a dessert by itself, or as part of a chocolate tasting, flight or pairing (with wine, spirits or cheese). It contains real cream and refrigeration and timely consumption is encouraged.

Note: I enjoy trying chocolates that are on the savory side, and Intrigue Chocolate also makes a Parmesan (cheese) truffle that would make for an interesting pairing with this basil Truffle bar. (A tomato truffle if you can find or make one might make an interesting trio.) 

I appreciated the authentic basil flavor in today's chocolate, and it wasn't overly sweet (thank you!).

Ingredients: Chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, vanilla, soy lecithin), Cream (milk), flavors (basil) 

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, soy. 

*The mint family (Lamiaceae) contains approximately 7,000 species across more than 230 genera.

Bonus entry: Matcha white chocolate bars from 3 chocolate makers - July 9, 2024

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Rozsavolgyi Csokolade
Green herbs and Matcha tea in White Chocolate with Lemon oil (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 164 calories in 1 oz. (28.3 g.) serving
Cost: $15.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Deux Cranes
Sakura + Matcha Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .5 oz. (14.1 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 177.5 calories (estimate) in .5 oz. of  bar
Cost: $16.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Sweet Shop, Los Altos, CA 

Fjak Chocolate
Limited Edition - Sea Buckthorn & Matcha White Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2.11 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 161 calories (estimate) in 1 oz. of bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Japan Theme Week. My Chocolate of the Day was a Hojicha Hot Chocolate from Dandelion Chocolate (San Francisco, CA). 

This bonus post includes three white chocolates (made with cocoa butter, but no cocoa solids*) that all contain Matcha green tea. These Japan-inspired flavor fusions of east and west were fun to try.

Green Herbs, Matcha, Lemon (bar)

This pretty bar was created in Budapest (Hungary), using Matcha green tea from Japan. But, that was just the starting point.

This creamy, jade-hued bar was a blend of bright lemon citrus, mint, green tea and green herb (tarragon). This beautifully patterned green bar was a refreshingly sweet summer white chocolate; and it offered perhaps the freshest spring-summer botanical bouquet of the three.

Sakura + Matcha (bar)

Deux Cranes (Los Gatos, CA) uses flavors from Japan and French (Valrhona) chocolate to make their bars and creations. 

Aroma and flavor notes for this jade green and pink bar included: sweet green tea and very faint floral cheesecake, vanilla and cherry. (It contained both Sakura (cherry blossom) leaf powder and flower petals.) (Extra points for authentic Japanese ingredients.)

The slightly astringent, authentic green tea lingered into the finish. And the faint cherry blossom note gave this bar some extra floral polish.

Sea Buckthorn & Matcha (bar)

Fjak Chocolate is based in Eidfjord, Norway; and many of their most memorable bean-to-bar offerings include local Norwegian flavors (like apple cider; berries; reindeer moss; brown cheese). 

This Limited Edition bar was part of Fjak's "World Flavours" collection. Matcha was paired with a local orange "sea berry" (that grows on tall bushes in Northern Europe, Mongoloia, Russia--and Canada).

This elegant bar was beautifully constructed using two (fused) layers: a sea green matcha green tea layer on the bottom was topped with a golden colored (sea buckthorn) layer. The tea and fruit additions were wholly incorporated into the smooth two-toned chocolate.

The green layer was initially fairly green tea forward. Then the top layer kicked in. It was infused with tart-sweet fruit flavor (sea buckthorn, cape gooseberry, very faint tamarind). The two layers harmonized nicely and gave me a chance to better enjoy each of these two complementary flavors even as they melted into one.

The tart-sweet Sea Buckthorn fruit livened the tea up a bit -- like squeezing sweet, fresh lemon to a cup of black tea.

Summary

I loved that all three gently complex and balanced bars were not overly sweet (thank you!); and all were visually appealing, thoughtfully designed and well-executed white chocolates--blended with authentic-tasting green (Matcha) tea and fresh fruit/floral/herbal flavor inclusions.

*I don't "count" white chocolates as a formal Chocolate of the Day; but they can be fun extra entries in theme weeks.

Summerbird Chokolade - Amber Organic Chocolate Miniature (Assortment) - Sept. 8, 2023

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Summerbird Chokolade
Amber Organic Chocolate Miniature (Assortment)
1.) Mint Noir - Amber Noir Chocolate, Mint, Caramel - Good - Good +
2.) Liquorice - Amber Classic Chocolate + Liquorice - Good +
3.) Fleur D' Orange Praline - Amber Classic Chocolate - Good +
4.) Vanilla - Amber Blond Chocolate, Vanilla, Caramel - Good +
Weight: 1.41 oz. (45 g.) box of 8 small filled chocolates (4 flavors x 2)
Calories: 246 calories for 1 box of 8 pieces
Cost: $ N/A - free gift with hotel stay

Today's Summerbird Chokolade (Denmark) Organic mixed chocolates were from Denmark. Note: This petite assortment was the second chocolate item of two featured today. (See the previous post for the first item: a Smooth 72% Cocoa Dark Chocolate (bar) from Endangered Species Chocolate, LLC (Indianapolis, IN).

Aroma notes varied according to the flavor, and included sweet chocolate with faint caramel notes, and notes that corresponded to each of the flavor additions: mint, liquorice, orange and vanilla/caramel, respectively.

The outer couverature chocolate layers were smooth in texture, and the inner ganache (fillings) had sweet soft caramel and/or ganache layers inside.

Flavor notes included: sweet light chocolate (slightly caramelized white chocolate) and darker sweet chocolate, plus four different flavor additions: 1.) mint extract or natural flavor, 2.) sweet liquorice, 3.) pleasant, sweet and slightly floral orange, and 4.) sweet caramel and vanilla. 

These pretty little "amber"* chocolate confections tasted like caramel-infused, milky white chocolates. Sugar was the number one ingredient (and they also contained other processed sugars/syrups). They were low in cocoa solids; but real cocoa butter was a plus. (There were no added vegetable oils.)

These confections were too sweet for me; but they may appeal to those with a sweet tooth. Given the relatively high sugar levels, the small pieces were just the right size for tasting.

Ingredients: "*sugar, *cocoa butter (23%), *invert sugar syrup, *milk powder (14%), *cocoa mass (8%), *hazelnuts, *glucose syrup, *butter, water, emulsifier (*soy lecithin), *liquorice powder, *vanilla, *lemon juice, Maldon Seasalt, *blood orange oil, Laeso Salt, *orange blossom water, *peppermint oil"

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, hazelnut, soy. (Glucose source not identified.)

*Amber chocolate is a light caramel-hued, Nordic chocolate with a milky texture and sweet, faint fruit flavor that is "not dark, milk or white chocolate."

Trader Joe's - Mint Hot Cocoa Ornament + Maxine's Heavenly Chocolate Peppermint Cookies - Dec. 24, 2022

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Trader Joe's

Mint Flavored Hot Cocoa Ornaments

Good ++ - Good +++

Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 2.12 oz. (60 g.) (estim.) for total ornament

Calories: 150 calories (estimate) for 1/2 ornament + milk

Cost: $N/A - holiday gift (Thank you Trudi!)

Purchased from: N/A - holiday gift (Trader Joe's)

Maxine's Heavenly

Super Soft Chocolate Peppermint Cane Cane Cookies

Good + - Good ++

Weight: 2.44 oz. (69 g.) / 7.2 oz. (284 g.) in total box/package

Calories: 300 calories in 3 cookies

Cost: $6.99 for 1 box/package

Purchased from: Farm Fresh to You CSA delivery box, added item

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

Today (Christmas Eve) was chocolate-filled this year. This is the second post (of two) for today features two chocolate items left out for Santa. 

The first item featured was a 70% Belize Bourbon Barrel Aged dark chocolate from Dick-Taylor Craft Chocolate (Eureka, CA)--enjoyed by adults before Santa's arrival. 

Trader Joe's Mint Hot Cocoa Ornament

This pretty, shiny rose-hued ornament was submerged in pot of hot milk on the stove. After melting, the inside contents were revealed: tiny marshmallows inside the hollow center. 

The taste (when incorporated into the hot (whole) milk) was chocolate-y, creamy and satisfying with a subtle (just the right) touch of mint.

Extra points for attractive packaging and fun presentation/preparation steps--and the "magical" transformation from holiday ornament to hot chocolate treat.

(This was likely part of a larger packaged set. No packaging to refer to for ingredients.)

Maxine's Heavenly Chocolate Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies

Maxine's Heavenly Cookies were gluten free, soft and slightly chewy. (A gluten-free oat blend (whole grain oats, oat flour) was the number one ingredient.)

Embedded chunks of dark chocolate and bits of candy cane gave these soft baked cookies layers of holiday flavor and well-integrated, satisfying texture(s).

These were left out on a plate for Santa, along with Maxine's Heavenly Super Soft Gingerbread Cookies (also gluten-free, but with no chocolate). 

Ingredients: Gluten Free Oat Blend (oats, oat flour, oat fiber); palm fruit oil (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Certified; Chocolate Chunks (organic cane sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter); white rice flour; organic coconut sugar; organic coconut nectar; dates; candy cane pieces (cane sugar, organic rice syrup, peppermint oil, colored with red cabbage, purple carrots); water; cocoa powder; organic gum acacia; flaxseed; sunflower lecithin; peppermint extract; sea salt; baking soda.

Allergen-related information: Contains: Tree Nuts (coconut).

Kuli Kuli - Mint Chip Super Bark Dark Chocolate Superfood Snack - Oct. 21, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Kuli Kuli
Mint Chip Super Bark Dark Chocolate Superfood Snack
Good +
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 4.2 oz. (119 g.) in total package
Calories: 170 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $4.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Mint Chip Super Bark Dark Chocolate Superfood Snack was distributed by Kuli Kuli, Inc. (Oakland, CA).

Aroma notes for these two-bite sized, roughly rectangular, dark chocolate pieces included relatively aromatic mint, chocolate and other faint botanical and light seed notes.

Dark chocolate was interspersed with tiny bits of coconut, chia seeds (as well as puffed quinoa and breadfruit flour), yielding very faint green/botanical (moringa powder*), very slightly malty dark chocolate and mint flavors, with a hint of sea salt. Not too sweet (thank you).

Ingredients: Chocolate liquor, Kuli Kuli Proprietary Blend (organic cacao nibs, organic moringa powder, organic moringa coated coconut [flaked coconut, organic moringa powder], organic black chia seeds, puffed quinoa, breadfruit flour), erythritol, inulin (extract of chicory root), cocoa butter, sea salt, soy lecithin, vanilla, Reb A (extract of stevia), peppermint oil 

Allergen-related information: Contains soy, coconut. "Processed in a facility that also processes dairy, eggs, peanuts, wheat and tree nuts."

*Kuli Kuli offers several moringa-containing products. Moringa oleifera is a nutrient-dense green plant native to southern Asia (India, Pakistan) and Africa. The plant is also known as the drumstick tree and/or the miracle tree.

Mikawaya - Mochi Ice Cream, Chocolate Mint - Aug. 17, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Mikawaya Mochi Ice Cream

Chocolate Mint

Good ++ - Good +++

Weight: 3 oz. (86 g.) / 9.1 oz. (258 g.) in total package of 6 pieces

Calories: 220 calories in 2 pieces

Cost: $3.99 (estimate) for 1 package/box of 6 pieces

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

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

Today's (frozen) Chocolate Mint Chip Mochi was from Mikawaya Mochi Ice Cream (Vernon, CA), and was part of a plate of three different mochi-inspired sweets. 

Chocolate Mint Mochi Ice Cream

The best of the three ball-shaped confections on today's plate was this Mikawaya ice cream wrapped in a sweet rice dough. A beautifully springy rice dough enveloped a refreshing mint chocolate chip ice cream center.

Mango Mochi

The second mochi plate confections were miniature-sized Mango mochi from Royal Food Co. that nicely captured an authentic tart, sweet mango fruit flavor. They were relatively sweet, and had a slightly firmer springy/chewy texture. They were sealed in packets (sets of 4) and were not refrigerated. 

Homemade Chocolate Horchata flavored mochi

Last, was my homemade rice ball (soaked and stovetop cooked Jasmine rice dough), that I used to make a mochi-inspired chocolate horchata ball. The cinnamon and cocoa flavors were nice but the texture was not as light and springy. (Pureed, soaked and cooked jasmine long grain rice + finely ground almond flour and a generous dose of cinnamon and cocoa that were slow-cooked and stirred together; but could not be magically transformed into the loftier, sweet, sticky mochi rice dough of today's featured chocolate.

Mikawaya Mochi Ice Cream Ingredients: 

Ice Cream Ingredients: Milk, cream, cane sugar, chocolate flavored chips (cane sugar, coconut oil, cocoa processed with alkali, cocoa, corn starch, salt), whey, nonfat dry milk, natural flavors, stabilizer (guar gum, locust bean gum). Mochi dough ingredients: Cane sugar, water, sweet rice flour, egg whites, rice flour, enzyme. 

Allergen-related information: Contains: milk, egg. "May contain peanuts and tree nuts." (No gluten or soy ingredients.)

Perfect Bar - Dark Chocolate Mint Refrigerated Peanut Butter Cups - Aug. 28, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Perfect Bar LLC

Dark Chocolate Mint Refrigerated Peanut Butter Cups

Good +

Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) in total package of 2 cups

Calories: 210 calories in 2 cups

Cost: $2.00 (sale) for 1 package of 2 cups

Purchased from: Sprouts Farmers Market, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Day #6 of Cold Chocolate Theme Week.

Today's "Perfect Snacks" Dark Chocolate Mint Refrigerated Peanut Butter Cups were from Perfect Bar LLC (San Diego, CA).

These cool, filled chocolates had a pleasing peppermint-infused chocolate aroma.

Smooth dark chocolate surrounded a thick, coarsely ground, authentic-tasting nutty center with myriad tiny peanut bits and other ingredients (see below). 

The refreshing dark chocolate mint flavor was made moreso because the cups were refrigerated. These cool chocolates were perfect for eating during a heat wave. (And we are having one this week; so cold chocolates have been extra enjoyable.)

The chocolate, mint and peanut flavors were nicely balanced, and harmonized well. These cups were not too sweet or salty, and that allowed for greater enjoyment of the underlying flavors (thank you).

The decision to incorporate 7 grams of protein (in 2 cups), primarily from peanuts, milk and rice protein--as well as the inclusion of various "superfood" powders and oils (from fruits, vegetables, seeds)--made these cups a substantial and satisfying (more filling) snack as well. 

Ingredients: Organic peanut butter, organic and fair trade dark chocolate (organic cacao beans, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin), organic honey, organic non-fat dry milk, organic cocoa, organic rice protein, organic dried whole egg powder, organic vanilla extract, dried whole food powders (organic kale, organic flax seed, organic rose hip, organic orange, organic lemon, organic papaya, organic tomato, organic apple, organic alfalfa, organic celery, organic kelp, organic dulse*, organic carrot, organic spinach), organic sunflower lecithin, peppermint oil, organic flax seed oil, organic sunflower oil, organic sesame seed oil.organic olive oil, organic pumpkin seed oil. 

Allergen-related information: "Contains peanuts, milk, and eggs." (Also some sesame.) "Produced on equipment also handling tree nuts. May contain occasional nut shells."

*Dulse is a dark red, edible seaweed that contains minerals (iodine, potassium) and omega-3 fatty acids.

The Cookie Department - Mint Condition Double Chocolate Chip + Mint - Sept. 19, 2020

Chocolate of the Day

The Cookie Department
Mint Condition Double Chocolate Chip + Mint
Good 
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (57 g.) in total package/cookie
Calories: 210 calories in 1 package/cookie
Cost: $3.49 for 1 package/cookie
Purchased from: missing information 

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate Surprise Theme Week.

The surprise in this case was finding this in my chocolate vault.

Today's soft chocolate chocolate chip cookie was from The Cookie Department (Portland, OR) and had an aroma with chocolate cake, light sweet (sugar alcohol) and menthol notes. 

An almond flour base created a slightly stiffer version of what looked and tasted like chocolate cake. Cocoa powder and chocolate chips as well as a hint of grass-fed butter and egg contributed a nice rich chocolate flavor and binding/cohesive texture.

The faint menthol or mint note (achieved via "natural flavoring") in combination with the sweeteners had a strange alcohol sweetness and coolness to it; but it was not too overwhelming. 

Rather than sugar, this keto-friendly and gluten free cookie was sweetened with monk fruit sweetener (erythritol and monk fruit extract) and stevia. (My only quibble: I'm open to, and grateful for, processed sugar (and gluten free) alternatives; however, I might have dialed the alternative sweeteners back a bit. The cookie was almost too "sweet." 

Total Carbohydrates: 21 grams (dietary fiber 6 grams, total sugars 1 gram and sugar alcohol 11 grams), with 4 net carbs. The cookie contained 5 grams of protein and 18 grams of total fats. 

Ingredients: "Almond Flour, Monk Fruit Sweetener (Erythritol, Monk Fruit Extract), Grass-Fed Salted Butter, Whole Eggs, Prebiotic Fiber (Tapioca Syrup), Dark Chocolate Chips (Unsweetened Chocolate, Erythritol, Cocoa Butter, Stevia Extract, Sunflower Lecithin), Cocoa Powder (Processed with Alkali), Contains Less Than 2% of Rosemary Extract, Baking Soda, Xanthan Gum, Natural Flavoring, Salt."

Nestle - Winter Dark Chocolate and Mint Morsels - Jan. 7, 2020

Chocolate of the Day: 

Nestle
Toll House - Winter Dark Chocolate and Mint Morsels
Good
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 10 oz. (283 g.) in total pkg.
Calories: 161.7 calories in 1 oz. of morsels
Cost: $1.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #6 of Hit the Trail with Chocolate Theme Week.

Today's Nestle Toll House Winter Dark Chocolate and Mint Morsels were distributed by Nestle Baking, a division of Nestle USA, Inc. (Solon, OH).

How might these morsels best be transformed into a portable outdoor snack? What other ingredients would they be compatible with? This was this morning's self-inflicted challenge.

The morsels had a pronounced mint and sweet dark chocolate aroma and flavor, but, surprisingly made for a good snack mix that also contained:

• Chocolate Chex (rice) cereal 
• green pistachios and pumpkin seeds
• homemade bits of almond sesame crackers w/ sea salt 

The mint gave this treat an extra refreshing kick during a winter waterside hike today.

Cowgirl Chocolates - Spicy Milk Chocolate Mint 33% Bar - July 30, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

Cowgirl Chocolates
Spicy Milk Chocolate Mint 33% Cocoa Chocolate Bar
Good
Weight: .625 oz. (17.5 g.) / 1.25 oz. (35 g.) in total bar
Calories: 93.5 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $5.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Covered, San Francisco, CA

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

Today's Spicy Milk Chocolate Mint 33% Cocoa Bar was from Cowgirl Chocolates (Moscow, ID).

This bar was sweet and creamy with natural mint (mint oil) flavor and a hint of spicy cayenne pepper.

Today's bar was sampled near a horse pasture in New Mexico (with a tiny herd of micro cattle on the table in the foreground, for effect). We also enjoyed meeting a real cowgirl, Ellie, who helps care for and train these wild horses in Abiquiu, NM, near the Abiquiu Inn and Georgia O'Keeffe's home. (She also leads trail rides.) Real hat and boots, and the real deal too.

I also realized today that my mother, a real horsewoman and cowgirl in her day, was likely the inspiration for this theme week, and would have loved this view if she were here. Thanks mom!

Falize - Mint Dark Chocolate bar - Nov. 21, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Falize (DIPA Carole Martin)

Mint Dark Chocolate bar

Good +

Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 3.52 oz. (100 g.) in total bar

Calories: 165 calories in 3 squares of bar

Cost: $1.99 for 1 bar

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

Welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Mint Theme Week.

Today's Falize Mint Dark Chocolate bar was made in France (DIPA Carole Martin, Cedex, France) and was similar to other, smooth dark chocolate mint bars featured this week.

This chocolate broke with a well-tempered* snap and had a pleasing aroma. The bar had the richness of dark chocolate (cacao percent was not listed) suffused with sweetness (sugar was the number one ingredient) and refreshing "natural mint flavor." It did contain some milk fat as well.**

*Well tempered refers to the process of heating and cooling chocolate in such a manner that in its final state it (the cocoa butter) possesses a stable crystalline structure (generally form V crystals) which produces chocolate with a longer shelf life as well as other desirable qualities. One of the characteristics of a well-tempered chocolate bar is that it breaks with a hard snap.

**Ingredients: sugar, unsweetened chocolate, anhydrous milk fat, cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin (emulsifier), natural mint flavor 0.4%, natural vanilla flavor.