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

Chocolate of the Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fine & Raw Chocolate - 4-piece Truffle Giftset + Matcha bar - Apr. 23, 2026

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Fine & Raw Chocolate
4-piece Truffle Giftset
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2 oz. (56.6 g.) in total box of 4
Calories: 155 calories (estimate) in 2 pieces
Cost: $N/A - gift from family (Thank you Megan!)
Purchased from: N/A - gift from family

Nanao Artisan Bars
Vegan Matcha Chocolate Bar
Good +
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 240 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $10.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Xocolatl Garden, Carmel, CA

Welcome to Day #15 of Chocolate & Flowers Theme Week; and Day #1 of Chocolate & Tea Theme Week, featuring two items. (Both truffles and bar were sweetened without white/cane sugar.)

Fine & Raw - Truffle Giftset

Today's 4-piece Truffle Giftset was made by Fine & Raw LLC (Brooklyn, NY).

I paired two of these chocolate truffles with a beautiful green matcha bar topped with rose petals. And after tasting this duo, I enjoyed  a cup of blue floral tea (damiana, butterfly pea flower, rose, lavender) from Numi Tea.

Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth, dark chocolate ganache; coconut (meat, oil, sugar); and faint earth.

Texture: smooth, soft and relatively creamy.

I enjoyed the cowgirl logo and the note printed on an inside sheet: "...suitable for truffle aficionados, dabblers, experts, adventurers, dreamers, the intrepid, dancers, vegans and unicorns. enjoy!"

And I appreciated the authentic cacao bean (and coconut) flavors and ingredients, and the lack of a sugar buzz (thank you). 

Ingredients: Cacao bean*, cacao powder*, cacao butter,* coconut oil*, coconut sugar,* agave* (* = Organic)

Allergen-related information: Made in a factory that processes tree nuts.

Nanao - Vegan Matcha Chocolate Bar

This visually stunning, rose (petals and hips) and almond adorned deep sea green chocolate bar was from Nanao Artisan Bars ("Processed in GoDark Chocolate, Miami, FL"). 

Aroma and flavor notes in this vegan and "sugar free" bar included: matcha green tea, very faint coconut and vanilla, and a strange sweetness.

I liked the rich, creamy and authentic matcha tea flavor. And that this bar wasn't too sweet. (Rather than cane sugar, the makers chose to use allulose and monk fruit to sweeten this bar.)

However, despite this bar's amazingly appealing appearance, there was something a little "off" in the finish for me (likely the sweetener blend but it could also have been due to another ingredient(s)). 

Even though this bar contained cocoa butter (and no cocoa solids), I was happy to pair this piece highly edible art bar with some chocolate truffles and a floral tea flight.

Ingredients: "white chocolate (cacao butter, allulose, organic dry coconut milk, vanilla, salt, monk fruit), almonds, rose hips, wild (northern plains Indiana), matcha green tea." 

Allergen-related information: Contains coconut milk. Manufactured in a facility that uses nuts and milk.

Sama Delights Truffles - Lavender and Cardamom truffles - Apr. 16, 2026

Chocolate of the Day

Sama Delights Truffles
Lavender truffles
Good++
Weight: .918 oz. (26 g.) for two truffles

Calories: 145 calories (estimate) for 2 truffles
Cost: $3.69 each x 2 = $7.38 total for two truffles

Purchased from: The Xocolatl Garden, Carmel, CA

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

Today's Lavender truffles were created by Sama Delights Truffles (Pacific Grove, CA). 

I found these at the Xocolatl Garden in Carmel, California -- a shop one enters via an arched pathway facing onto a secret garden--in a beautiful seaside community blocks away from a white sand beach on the Pacific Ocean, not far from where these truffles were created.

Aroma and flavor notes included: authentic lavender and chocolate and very faint coconut butter. 

Texture: outside was a humble truffle that you might find in the woods (slightly oblong with a dusting of cocoa); and the inside was very luxurious and perfectly creamy chocolate ganache, with a dreamy melt.

This was a true truffle. I loved the authentic and balanced lavender and the creamy texture.

Ingredients: No ingredients list or allergen list was included. These were sold by the piece in a small display case.

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

Chocolate of the Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.  

Intrigue Chocolate - Basil; Orange & Fennel; Ginger & Molasses Truffles - Jan. 6, 2025

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate Co.
1.) Basil Truffle - Good ++ 
2.) Orange & Fennel Truffle - Good ++
3.) Ginger & Molasses Truffle - Good ++ - Good +++

Weight: .944 oz. (26.7 g.) in 3 truffles / 4.09 oz. (116 g.) (estimate) in total box of 12 (13) truffles
Calories: 147 calories (estimate) for 3 truffles
Cost: $44.00 for 1 box of 12 (13) truffles
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #12 of Chocolate, Tea, Herb and Spice Week, featuring a range of bars, truffles, teas and flavored hot chocolates.

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

(I also enjoyed these with my own citrus, herb and spice tea that complemented these flavors.)

Aroma and flavor notes for the Basil Truffle included: chocolate (creamy, almost silken ganache) and faint green herb (basil).

Aroma and flavor notes for the Orange & Fennel Truffle included: chocolate (rich, creamy smooth ganache), fleeting savory (appealing mushroom jerky -- in aroma only); toasted fennel seed; and authentic citrus (orange). Light fennel lingered longest in the finish.

Aroma and flavor notes for the Ginger & Molasses Truffle included: creamy chocolate ganache, ground ginger spice, followed by appealing, authentic molasses that lightly lingered into the finish. 

I enjoyed the buttery smooth 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. 

 

Intrigue Chocolate - Gingerbread 60% Cacao (bar) + Brandy Cherry and Anise Seed Truffles - Jan. 5, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate Co.

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

Truffle assortment box 

• Brandy Cherry Truffle - Good ++ - Good +++
• Anise Seed Truffle - Good ++

Welcome to Day #11 of Chocolate, Tea, Herbs and Spices Theme Week(s).

Today's Gingerbread 60% Cacao (bar) made and distributed by Intrigue Chocolate Co. (Seattle, WA) was part of the company's bean-to-bar Origins line. The bar was made using cacao beans from Ghana (Asante Akim region). Community: Three Mountains, Kome blend; Type: "Criollo, Forastero, Trinitario, and more pending identification." Crop Year: 2023.

Aroma notes for this bar included: authentic gingerbread and gingerbread spices, and dark chocolate.

I appreciated the short list of quality ingredients in this well-balanced, judicious and warm seasonal bar. I often find 60% cacao chocolates a little too sweet; but this was not the case today. I could taste both the rich dark chocolate and the spices: the ginger, cinnamon, cloves and a bit of black pepper in this blend. 

(Disclosure I love ginger molasses cookies and gingerbread; and as an adult I also love gingerbread teas and lattes with similar spices.) 

I enjoyed today's Gingerbread bar with two different Intrigue truffles from an assortment box of 13 different, and individually-wrapped, flavors. 

Intrigue's Brandy and Cherry Truffle was a classic. Rich, creamy, dusted in cocoa powder. Very Good. 

A warm cup of Tazo Ginger Jasmine tea + Intrigue's Anise Seed Truffle (also authentic and tasty), provided the "tea" and "herb" components of this week's theme (Chocolate Tea, Herbs and Spices Week). 

Maker's Tasting Notes for Gingerbread bar: "...smells like home and grandma's baking."

Ingredients: Roasted cacao nibs, raw cane sugar, cocoa butter, ginger, cassia cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, black pepper, sea salt."

Allergy-related information: "No actual bread was harmed in the making of this treat..." (minimizes gluten worries).

Loon Chocolate - Lion's Mane Dark Chocolate (bar) & CacaoTeca - Rum Truffles - Dec. 25, 2024

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Loon Chocolate
Lion's Mane 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 2.25 oz (64 g) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1 oz. (28.3 g.) of bar
Cost: $9.00 for 1 bar + shipping 
Purchased from: Loon Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Mushroom Week + a bonus holiday chocolate with rum. And Merry Christmas to all who celebrate this festive, winter holiday.

Lion's Mane 70% Dark bar

Today's Loon Chocolate Lion's Mane 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) (Batch #924-74) was manufactured in small batches by White Birch Living LLC (Manchester, New Hampshire).* 

Lion's Mane mushroom powder was from Dunk Mushroom Products and Foraging LLC (Brentwood, NH)--a farm, processing facility, retail store and education center.

Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth dark chocolate; ripe berry; faint graham cracker; and barely detectable, pleasant woodsy umami.

Ingredients: Organic Cacao, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter, Lion's Mane Mushroom Powder

Allergen-related information: "Produced in a Facility That Uses Almonds and Milk. Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Vegan" 

*Lion's Mane mushroom powder was from Dunk Mushroom Products and Foraging LLC (Brentwood, NH)--a farm, processing facility, retail store and education center.

Cacaoteca Rum Chocolates

Cacaoteca
Chocolate Rum Truffles
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .58 oz. (16.6 g.) / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) in total box of 12
Calories: 88 calories (estimate) in 2 truffles
Cost: $21.00 for 1 box of 12
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Today's box of Cacaoteca chocolate rum truffles were made with cacao and rum from the Dominican Republic.

Aroma and flavor notes included: sweet (milk-y, chocolate-y, fudge-y) filled chocolate with faint, warm spirits (rum) flavor that wasn't too boozy.

Texture: smooth "rum paste" in the center (4% alcohol) surrounded by relatively sweet, creamy smooth chocolate.

Ingredients: Cacao Mass, Powdered Milk, Cane Sugar, Cacao Butter, Rum 

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk.

Ritual - Gin Juniper Lavender Chocolate 70% Cacao (bar) + Intrigue - Fernet Branca Truffle - Dec. 11 , 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Ritual Chocolate
Gin Juniper Lavender Chocolate 70% Cacao (bar)
Good + - Good ++ 
Weight: .706 oz. (20 g.) / 2.12 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $11.25 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Intrigue Chocolate
Fernet Branca Truffle
Good ++
Weight: .314 oz. (8.9 g.) in 1 truffle / for 1 box of 12 (13) truffles
Calories: 49 calories for 1 truffle
Cost: $44.00 for 1 box of 12 (13) truffles
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #17 of Chocolate and Spirits Theme Week, featuring two chocolates -- a gin-infused bar, and an Italian liqueur-inspired truffle.

Ritual Chocolate

Today's Gin Juniper Lavender Chocolate 70% Cacao (bar) was made by Ritual Chocolate (Heber City, UT), using Barrel Aged Alpine Distilling Gin from Alpine Distilling (Park City, UT). 

Aroma and flavor notes included: authentic, fragrant and floral (lavender) botanical gin (with juniper) and dark chocolate.

The juniper and lavender both contributed fairly strong flavors--as did the sweet-tart acidity (citrus) taste and astringency in this dark chocolate It was interesting to try this very flavorful blend. However, for those who don't care for gin/juniper and/or lavender, you may find the intersection of all these bold flavors a little overwhelming. 

Maker's tasting notes: Juniper, Lavender, Cardamom, Orange Peel

Ingredients: Cacao, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter, Juniper Berries, Lavender, Alpine Distilling Gin 

Allergen-related information: "Manufactured in a facility that also processes Wheat, Tree nuts"

Intrigue Chocolate - Fernet Branca* Truffle

Today's Fernet Branca* flavored chocolate truffle was created by Intrigue Chocolate (Seattle, WA). It was part of a larger assortment of different truffles.

This individually-wrapped, square dark chocolate truffle had pleasing, authentic mint and herbal (light liqueur) notes, including a slightly mellow richness--likely due to the practice of aging this liqueur in oak barrels. The creamy soft truffle (with a rich, buttery melt) was dusted with a generous amount of cocoa powder. 

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

Allergen-related information: Contains Dairy, Soy. 

*Fernet Branca is an Italian amaro liqueur made with "27 herbs from 4 continents" that's often served as an after-dinner digestif or before-meal appertif. 

Some ingredients said to be part of this recipe include: aloe, angelica, camomile, cardomom, cinchona, gentian, iris, myrrh, peppermint and rhubarb. (Some sources also say it may contain chocolate.) The base is distilled grape spirits.

Intrigue Chocolate - Bourbon & Vanilla Bean Truffle - Nov. 30, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate Co.
Bourbon & Vanilla Bean Truffle
Good ++
Weight: .314 oz. (8.9 g.) / 4.09 oz. (116 g.) (estimate) in total box of 12 (13) truffles
Calories: 49 calories (estimate) in 1 truffle
Cost: $44.00 for 1 box of 12 (13) truffles
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Spirits Theme Week. 

Today's Bourbon & Vanilla Bean Truffle was from Intrigue Chocolate Co. (Seattle, WA). It was part of a baker's dozen of different flavors. Each truffle was labeled with its flavor name and individually-wrapped.

Aroma and flavor notes included: smooth but rich dark chocolate, spirits (Bourbon) and vanilla, with a pleasing, light lingering (very slightly boozy) finish.

Texture: soft, creamy/buttery, very slightly fudgey, with a generous coating of cocoa powder.

I enjoyed this well-balanced, thoughtfully created adult truffle confection. This small truffle was full of flavor, not too sweet (thank you!), and very satisfying. 

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

Allergen-related information: Contains Dairy, Soy. 

Intrigue Chocolate - Scotch Whiskey Truffle - Nov. 29, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Intrigue Chocolate Co.
Scotch Whiskey Truffle
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .314 oz. (8.9 g.) / 4.09 oz. (116 g.) (estimate) in total box of 12 (13) truffles
Calories: 49 calories (estimate) in 1 truffle
Cost: $44.00 for 1 box of 12 (13) different truffles
Purchased from: Intrigue Chocolate, online order

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

Today's Scotch Whiskey Truffle was from Intrigue Chocolate Co. (Seattle, WA).

Intrigue Chocolate's Chef Aaron has created an estimated 400 different chocolate flavors in the past few decades. (A person after my own chocolate-marinated heart.) I found 13 of those flavors (including some with spirits) in this baker's dozen truffle assortment box--as well as several flavors in bar form (ordered online) that I'm looking forward to trying soon.

Aroma and flavor notes for today's, precision-cut, very slightly boozy square truffle included: rich, true dark chocolate and spirits (Scotch whiskey).

Texture: buttery, soft, creamy (yet firm enough not to melt in your hand immediately) with a generous dusting of cocoa powder.

This satisfying, small chocolate was one to savor. It landed squarely in the Goldilocks zone for me: not too sweet or acidic, subtle and authentic flavors. If you like dark chocolate and you like whiskey, especially Scotch Whiskey, try this one.

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

Allergen-related information: Contains Dairy, Soy.

Harbor Sweets - Harbor Lights Cranberry and Raspberry Truffle(s) in Dark Chocolate - Aug. 29, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Harbor Sweets
Harbor Lights Cranberry and Raspberry Truffle in Dark Chocolate
Good ++
Weight: 1.43 oz. (40.5 g.) / 2 7/8 oz. (81 g.) in total package of 8 pieces
Calories: 222 calories (estimate) in 4 pieces
Cost: $12.95 (+ shipping) for 1 package of 8 pieces
Purchased from: Harbor Sweets, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and The Sea Theme Week, including craft chocolate bars as well as some novelty sea-themed chocolates.

As we approach Labor Day (and the end of summer), here in northern California, strolling down a beach and being awed by the ocean seemed appealing. It also made me think of the importance of lighthouses and navigational buoys on the often rough Pacific coast. (Some historic shipwrecks in the San Francisco Bay Area are still viewable at low tide.)

On a related, sweeter note, today's Harbor Lights Cranberry and Raspberry Truffle(s) in Rich Dark Chocolate from Harbor Sweets (Salem, MA) were topped with the embossed image of a lighthouse. The company offers a variety of sea-themed chocolate confections.

Aroma and flavor notes for these individually-wrapped (in gold foil) two-tone truffles included: sweet dark chocolate (outer covering and creamy dark ganache filling), tart-sweet fruit (berry, cherry), faint vanilla, and barely detectable oxalis (tart green herb, sour grass).

The foundation (bottom layer) of this truffle was creamy, solid, white chocolate with a warm, welcoming vanilla flavor. And both the dark and white layers of chocolate complemented the sweet, tart cranberry and raspberry flavors (and touch of buttermilk) very nicely.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (Sugar, Chocolate Liquor processed with Alkali, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Butterfat (Milk), Soy Lecithin, Vanilla), White Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Whole Milk, Non-Fat Dry Milk, Milk fat, Soy Lecithin, Natural Vanilla Flavor), Heavy Cream (Cream, Carrageenan, Mono and Diglycerides, Polysorbate 80), Blended Red Raspberry and Cranberry Juice Concentrate, Butter (Cream (Milk), Salt), Buttermilk (Cultured Pasteurized Fat Free Milk, Salt, Sodium Citrate), Salt. 

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk and Soy. This product is prepared in a facility that handles soy, milk, peanuts, wheat, tree nuts and sesame.

 

Copper Kettle Co. - Dark Chocolate Truffles with Sea Salt - Feb. 19, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Copper Kettle Co.
Dark Chocolate Truffles with Sea Salt 
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 16 oz. (448 g.) in total package
Calories: 150 calories in 1 serving (2 pieces) 
Cost: $N/A gift from friends
Purchased from: N/A - gift from friends

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Salt Theme Week.

Today's Copper Kettle Co. Dark Chocolate Truffles with Sea Salt were manufactured by CandyCo (Lindon, UT).

Aroma notes for these individually-wrapped chocolates included: subtle dark chocolate and very faint (barely detectable) tart sweet green (wood sorrel, oxalis); and almost undetectable, very diffuse fruit (dried fruit and very faint coconut.

A smooth dark chocolate coating surrounded an even smoother, dark chocolate ganache ("melt-away centers").

Flavor notes included: satisfying chocolate-y, smooth (tasting and textured) dark chocolate with small upticks of sea salt and very faint warm, dark chocolate fudge with vanilla.

What I enjoyed: this dark chocolate confection 1.) wasn't too sweet; 2.) had a smooth, textural dark chocolate gradient (from outer shell to generous center); and 3.) had a relatively short list of ingredients.*

Ingredients: "Dark Chocolate (Chocolate Liquor*, Sugar, Cocoa Butter*, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla Flavor), Coconut Oil, Sea Salt. (*Rainforest Alliance Certified. Find out more at ra.org)"

Allergen-related information: Contains: "Coconut, Soy. May Contain Traces of Milk, Eggs, Almonds, Cashews, Hazelnuts, Macadamia Nuts, Pecans, Pistachios, Wheat."

*Some chocolatiers have never put artificial preservatives, colorings, emulsifiers, gums or "Natural Flavors" in their chocolates. Happily, more chocolatiers now offer bars and confections with a shorter, simpler or less processed list of ingredients, as more customers are avoiding extra ingredients in their food, and chocolates.

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

Chocolate of the Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lake Champlain Chocolates - Peppermint - 70% Cocoa Plant-Based Truffle Bar - Dec. 26, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Lake Champlain Chocolates
Peppermint - 70% Cocoa Plant-based truffle bar
Good ++
Weight: 1.2 oz. (34 g.) in total package of 2 bars
Calories: 180 calories in 1 package of 2 bars
Cost: $3.00 for 1 package of 2 bars
Purchased from: Lake Champlain, online order

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate Truffle Bars Week.

Today's Peppermint 70% Cocoa Plant-Based Truffle Bar was from Lake Champlain Chocolates (Burlington, VT). 

Aroma notes included: dark chocolate (dark chocolate fudge) and peppermint.

The texture for this filled dark chocolate bar was smooth with a slightly creamier interior (dark truffle ganache-like filling).

Flavor notes included: smooth, fudge-y, dark chocolate and authentic peppermint. 

Ingredients: "*Dark Chocolate (*Chocolate Liquor, *Sugar, *Cocoa Butter, *Cocoa Powder, and *Vanilla Extract), *Rice Syrup, *Coconut Cream (*Coconut and Water), and *Peppermint Oil. (* = Organic)

Allergen-related information: Contains Tree Nuts (Coconut). May Contain Traces of Milk, Other Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Soybean, and Wheat. 

Trader Joe's - Organic Dark Chocolate Truffle Bar - Dec. 25, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Trader Joe's 
Organic Dark Chocolate Truffle Bar 
Good ++
Weight: 1.17 oz. (33.3 g.) / 3.51 oz. (100 g.) in total bar
Calories: 190 calories in 1/3 bar
Cost: $1.99 total bar
Purchased from: Trader Joe's, Mountain View, CA

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate Truffle Bars Week. And Merry Christmas to those who celebrate. 

Two chocolates were enjoyed today: 1.) homemade bean-to-confection chocolate (made from cacao pods from Ecuador) (see separate entry for that)...and 2.) this Organic Dark Chocolate Truffle Bar from Trader Joe's (Monrovia, CA).

Aroma notes included: smooth dark chocolate (appealing malted dark chocolate milk, very faint diffuse fruit). 

The texture was pleasant, rich melt and creamy texture.

Flavor notes were similar to the aroma notes above, but even more chocolate-y (drinking chocolate, chocolate torte, dark chocolate ganache), with faint fleeting (balanced) earth notes.

Ingredients: Organic Cocoa Mass, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Oil Blend (Organic Hi-Oleic Sunflower Oil, Organic Canola Oil, and/or Organic Safflower Oil).

Allergen-related information: May Contain Milk, Soy, Wheat, Peanut, Almond, Cashew, Coconut, Hazelnut, Pecan.

Pure Chocolate Ltd. - Toffee Pecan Milk Chocolate Truffles - Dec. 9, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Pure Chocolate Ltd.
Toffee Pecan Milk Chocolate Truffles
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.59 oz. (45 g.) / 5.40 oz. (153 g.) in box of 16 pieces
Calories: 240 calories in 5 pieces
Cost: $2.99 for 1 box of 16 pieces
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA  

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Pecans Theme Week.

Today's Toffee Pecan Milk Chocolate Truffles were from Pure Chocolate Ltd. (Tukums Municipality, Latvia). I was happy to find this chocolate from Latvia, a country that hasn't been represented yet on Chocolate Banquet. 

Aroma notes included: caramel candy, milk chocolate and nuts.

A crunchy exterior coating (tiny bits of toffee and pecan nut) surrounded a round creamy, sweet milk chocolate interior. These sweet confections tasted exactly as advertised, with notes of creamy milk chocolate, toffee (caramelized sugars) and nut (sugared pecan).

Ingredients: "Sugar, Caramelized Pecan Pieces, Dry Whole Milk, Cocoa Butter Vegetable Oils (Palm, Shea), Chocolate Liquor, Condensed Milk, Dry Skim Milk, Glucose Syrup, Caramelized Sugar Syrup, Soy Lecithin, Ethyl Alcohol, Natural Flavorings, See (Sea) Salt. Milk Chocolate - Minimum Cocoa Solids 34%."

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk, Soy, and Tree Nuts (Pecans). "Made in a facility that also processes peanuts."

Natural Delights - Truffles Chocolate Cherry Flavored with Medjool dates - Nov. 20, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Natural Delights
Truffles - Chocolate Cherry Flavored with Medjool date centers
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.06 oz. (30 g.) / 5 oz. (142 g.) in total package
Calories: 140 calories in 1 serving (10 pieces) 
Cost: $N/A - gift from family member
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Los Banos, CA

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

Today's Natural Delights Truffles Chocolate Cherry Flavored rounds (with Medjool date centers), were distributed by Bard Valley Date Growers (Yuma, AZ). 

Aroma notes included: cherry (cherry soda, cherry juice), milk chocolate, and very faint vanilla.

Texture: creamy outer shell (cherry and milk chocolate colored outer layers), with a natural, slightly chewy, date texture (fiber) at the center.

Flavor notes included: sweet cherry, milk chocolate, and subtle dried fruit (date)--yielding little bursts of sweet, authentic date flavor and texture. There were no whole or dried cherries in these confections, but the natural and added cherry flavor was convincing and appealing.

Ingredients: Milk Chocolate (Cane Sugar, Whole Milk, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Mass, Sunflower Lecithin, Vanilla Extract, Milk), Medjool Dates, Color Added (Fruit and Vegetable Extracts), Coconut Flour, Natural Flavors, Citric Acid.

Allergen-related information: "Contains coconut and milk. May contain wheat, peanuts and other tree nuts."

Eva's Delights - Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Truffles - Oct. 25, 2023

Chocolate of the Day 

Eva's Delights
Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Truffles
Good +
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in a box of 4 pieces
Calories: 232.5 calories (estimate) in 2 pieces
Cost: $13.99 for 1 box of 4 pieces 
Purchased from: Santa Venetia Market, San Rafael, CA

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate, Pumpkin and Warm Fall Spices Week.*

Today's Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Truffles were from Eva's Delights (San Rafael, CA). "Made with love in our home kitchen."

Aroma notes for these seasonal chocolate truffles included: subtle dark chocolate, and very faint pumpkin pie.

The outer, smooth dark chocolate shell gave way to a softer, substantial, pale pumpkin colored white chocolate center. 

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (couverture) and white chocolate ganache (filling)--flavored with very faint pumpkin spice syrup, pumpkin butter, and a very subtle splash of warming brandy. A sprinkle of salt across the top of each truffle helped to balance the overall sweetness.

Ingredients: French chocolate; Pumpkin Spice syrup; Pumpkin butter; cinnamon, cloves, and other warm spices; splash of Brandy; white chocolate and salt sprinkles.

Allergen-related information: (None listed on 4-piece box label.) Contact Eva's Delights if you have questions.

*We believe in over-stuffed chocolate weeks on Chocolate Banquet. One week can easily stretch into two, or more.

Butlers Chocolates - Drumshanbo with Sardinian Citrus Gunpowder Irish Gin flavoured Truffles - Sept. 21, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Butlers Chocolates
Drumshanbo with Sardinian Citrus
Gunpowder Irish Gin flavoured Chocolate Truffles
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1.76 oz. (50 g.) / 3.52 oz. (100 g.) in total box of 8 pieces
Calories: 249 calories in 4 pieces (498 kcals in 100 g.)
Cost: 9.00 Euros or $9.00 (estimated USD) for 1 box
Purchased from: The Loop Dublin Airport (shop), Collinstown (Dublin), Ireland

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Ireland Series.

Today's Dumshanbo with Sardinian Citrus Gunpowder Irish Gin flavoured Chocolate Truffles was from Butlers Chocolates UC (Dublin, Ireland). 

Butlers was founded in 1932 by Marion Bailey-Butler. It subsequently was acquired; and in the 1980s the company name became Butlers Irish Chocolates.

. It subsequently was acquired; and in the 1980s the company name became Butlers Irish Chocolates.

The Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin with Sardinian Citrus used to animate these chocolates was "slow distilled at The Shed Distillery--located in the village of Drumshanbo, County Leitrim. Founded in 2014 by PJ Rigney, this producer of gin (including Gunpowder Irish Gin), whiskey and vodka was the first distillery in this area in over 100 years. 

Aroma notes for these filled confections included: sweet milk chocolate and faint citrus (lemon, various other citrus) and spirits (gin, botanicals).

The thick, Butlers Chocolates 32% milk chocolate* outer shell was thick, creamy and sweet. But, things got a lot more flavorful inside, after the first bite.

Botanical inclusions in the gin (that flavored the centers) included the traditional juniper, angelica root, orris root, caraway seed, coriander seed, meadowsweet, cardamom and star anise. But the flavor notes were even more multi-layered and complex, and included citrus (lemon, lemon peel, sweet grapefruit), botanicals (herbal, floral (meadowsweet), gunpowder tea, and balanced juniper in the finish)...and very faint cedar.

The citrus, tea and herbal notes really helped to counter the inherent sweetness of these milk chocolates. 

Ingredients: Sugar, whole milk powder, cocoa butter, cocoa mass, Drumshanbo Irish Gin with Sardinian Citrus(R) (6.9%), sweetened condensed milk (milk, sugar), invert sugar syrup, glucose syrup, lemon compound (lemon 47%), sugar, nature flavouring, acidity regulator: sodium citrate, anti-oxidant: ascorbic acid), emulsifier: soya lecithin, glycerol, citric acid, natural flavouring. (Milk chocolate contains: 32% cocoa solids minimum, 20% milk solids minimum. White chocolate contains: 26% cocoa solids minimum, 20% milk solids minimum). Alcohol by volume: 3.15%

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, soy. "This product may contain nut traces."

*The cacao origin listed: "West Africa."