Palato Chocolate - Almendras Cubiertos de Chocolate Oscuro - Mar. 19, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Palato Chocolate

Almendras Cubiertos de Chocolate Oscuro

(Almonds Covered in Dark Chocolate) 
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 2 oz. (57 g.) / 6 oz. (170 g.) in total bar
Calories: 310 calories (estimate) in 2 oz. (57 g.) serving
Cost: $15.00 (estimate) for 1 bar
Purchased from: Missing information

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

Today's Palato Hand Crafted Chocolate, Almonds Covered in Dark Chocolate were manufactured and distributed by Palato S. de R.L. (Tegucigalpa, M.DC., Honduras).

Aroma notes for these dark chocolate covered almonds included: subtle fudge brownie batter. (Most glazed chocolate confections have very little aroma that comes through before you bite into them.)

The dark chocolate and almond flavors were rich and satisfying. Authentic tasting cacao flavor included dark chocolate with fruit (soft, tart sweet cherry) and very faint balanced earth notes. The inside was bursting with fresh-tasting, crunchy roasted whole almond flavor.

These dark chocolate covered almonds were much better than most you'll find. They had nuanced and very complementary chocolate and nut flavors. (The almonds almost stole the show.) These were just plain good, and not too sweet. (Thank you!)

Ingredients: Almonds, dark chocolate, sugar and gum arabic (agente de glaseado). Producto 100% artesanal elaborado en Honduras.

Allergen-related information: Contains nuts and could contain traces of milk.

 

 

Blue Diamond Almonds - Oven Roasted Almonds Dark Chocolate - Feb. 13, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Blue Diamond Almonds 
Oven Roasted Almonds - Dark Chocolate

Good + - Good ++ 

Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 30 oz. (1 lb., 14 oz.) (851 g.) in total package

Calories: 160 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $11.99 for 1 package

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

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

Today's Dark Chocolate Oven Roasted Almonds were distributed by Blue Diamond Growers (Sacramento, CA). 

Aroma notes for these chocolate coated almonds included: sweet nuts, roasted almonds and sweet dark cocoa/chocolate.

The aroma and flavor focus was on the whole, roasted, California almonds, as it should have been. Blue Diamond Growers (a cooperative formed in 1910) is one of the largest almond processors and marketers of almonds in the world.

The chocolate covering with quite thin (as chocolate coatings go) and added sweetness and mild dark cocoa/chocolate flavor. (Sweetness was supplied by sugar and stevia.)

The roasted aroma and flavor of these thinly coated, whole almonds was seductive. The combined sweet, nutty and barely detectable savory (sea salt) taste gave them a slightly addictive quality.

Ingredients: Almonds, sugar, cocoa powder (processed with alkali), corn maltodextrin, natural flavor (dark chocolate), sea salt and rebiana (stevia extract).

Allergen-related information: "Contains tree nuts (almonds)."

Touched by Nature - Almond Dips - Dark Chocolate Raspberry - Feb. 10, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Touched by Nature
Almond Dips - Dark Chocolate Raspberry 
Good ++
Weight: 1/4 cup (30 g.) / 4 oz. (113 g.) in total package
Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 package
Cost: $3.99 for (1) total package (Thank you Megan!)
Purchased from: Ross Dress for Less (store), Mountain View, CA

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

Today's Touched by Nature Dark Chocolate Raspberry Almond Dips were distributed by Thrive Brands LLC (Chicago, IL).

Aroma notes included: authentic, subtle red berry (red raspberry tea); gentle, authentic dark chocolate (chocolate wafer cookie); and mellow nut (almond).

Crunchy, whole roasted almonds were clothed in a thin coat of dark chocolate, and (then rolled in) an even thinner outer layer of raspberry powder, giving them a textured, raspberry red-pink hue.

I love authentic dark chocolate, fruit flavors and nut flavors. However, chocolate covered fruit and nut confections are often loaded with sugar, and/or suffocated by sugar-sweet, glossy chocolate exteriors. 

I felt so grateful today to enjoy the more subtle, natural roasted almond flavor and crunchy almond texture at the heart of these dark chocolate covered nuts. There were no thick, glossy finishes; and the dark chocolate used was smooth and not too sweet. (Thank you!)

For those wanting a more natural chocolate snack, without the sugar buzz, I recommend trying this (or other members of the Touched by Nature line of snacks) for a refreshing change of pace. These raspberry almonds would also make an attractive garnish on a dessert plate.

Ingredients: "Roasted almonds, dark chocolate [cocoa liquor, sugar, cocoa butter, lecithin (from soy), vanilla extract], freeze dried raspberry powder.

Allergen-related information: "Contains: almonds, soy." ("vegan, gluten free")
 

Alter Eco - Organic Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Bombs - Nov. 23, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Alter Eco

Organic Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Bombs

Good ++

Weight: 1.27 oz. (36 g.) / 3.8 oz. (108 g.) in total package

Calories: 240 calories in 3 pieces

Cost: $2.99 for 1 package 

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

Welcome to Day #6 of International Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week.

Today's Organic Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Bombs were made in Switzerland and distributed by Alter Eco Foods (San Francisco, CA). 

Aroma notes for these certified gluten free, individually-wrapped bombs included: smooth dark chocolate, very faint lemony green herb (oxalis, wood sorrel, sour grass), and nuts.

The outer chocolate shell was deep, dark and very lightly sweetened--allowing the relatively bold (for couverature) but nicely balanced dark flavor shine through. And the hazelnut butter filling was naturally nutty (not overly salty or sweet) and mild (a bit overshadowed by the dark chocolate).

These chocolates were as noteworthy for what they omitted as what they contained.

I loved the fact that these Hazelnut Butter "bombs" were not too sweet. (Thank you!) They contained a small amount of organic, raw cane sugar (6th ingredient listed). They did not contain sugar alcohols, low-calorie sweeteners or artificial sweeteners. 

At 2 net carbs per bomb/piece, these were labeled as Keto Friendly. A judicious amount of butter (organic butterfat) contributed to a feeling of fat-satisfaction (feeling full and satisfied), unlike many sweet and salty snacks that often trigger a desire for more.

Ingredients: *Organic cacao beans, *organic cacao butter, organic hazelnut butter, organic agave fiber, organic coconut oil, *organic raw cane sugar, organic butterfat, natural flavor, *organic vanilla beans.

*Fair for Life Fair Trade certified. Contains 61% Fair Trade ingredients."

Allergen-related information: "Contains hazelnuts, coconut, and milk. May contain almonds and soy. Individuals who are allergic to these should not consumer this product."

Jonesbar - Dark Chocolate Almond (bar) - May 6, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Jonesbar
Dark Chocolate Almond (bar)
Good + 
Weight: 1.7 oz. (47 g.) in total bar
Calories: 210 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $1.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate, Nuts and Nibs Theme Week.

Today's 5-ingredient Dark Chocolate Almond (bar) was from Jonesbar (Manasquan, NJ). The company offers several date sweetened, compressed fruit and nut bars--some with chocolate.

The aroma: a rich melange of chocolate, nut, dried fruit (date, fig), oat/malt, and seed notes. (Note: there was no oat, malt or fig. These were just aromatic impressions.)

The texture was moist and date-y with a soft chew. 

The flavor was a naturally sweet and complex blend of dates, almonds, dark chocolate and seeds (chia) with a barely there, fleeting earthiness (nothing unpleasant). A scintilla of salt contributed the fifth element.

This sealed, single-serving organic bar fueled a hike today. It was a far cry from yesteryear's industrial energy bars with scads of ingredients (including additives, preservatives, fillers, colors, sugars). Those early bars had capitalized on (and almost replaced, for a while) the home-made fruit, nut and chocolate trail mixes (stored in leaky plastic bags in the bottom of a day pack) that many backpackers, climbers and hikers assembled themselves. Evolution is a good thing.

Ingredients: Organic dates, organic almonds, organic 100% cacao chips, organic chia seeds, Himalayan pink sea salt.

Allergen-related information: Contains almonds. "Handcrafted in a top secret facility that processes peanuts and other nuts. Real foods may contain pit or nutshell pieces."

TCHO - Aww Nuts! - Almond Butter & Sea Salt Filled Dark Chocolate - May 5, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

TCHO Ventures Inc.
Aww Nuts! - Almond Butter and Sea Salt Filled Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .833 oz. (23.3 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in package of 3 bars
Calories: 120 calories in 1/3 of package (1 small bar)
Cost: $ N/A - gift from a friend - Thank you Toni!
Purchased from: N/A - gift from a friend 

Welcome to Day #1 of Chocolate, Nuts and Nibs Theme Week. 

Today's Aww Nuts! bar was part of a new line of Organic, 100% plant-based, filled bars (made with fair trade certified cacao) from TCHO Ventures Inc. (Berkeley, CA). 

What's New at TCHO

Today I had the good fortune to visit the TCHO factory. Thank you to Alana for the tour, and to Chief Chocolate Maker, Brad Kintzer. (My last TCHO tour had been a decade ago in their original San Francisco location.) The company has continued to update their chocolate offerings and their company structure.*

TCHO's new packaging looked like the traditional TCHO square-shaped bar from the outside. However, rather than a single bar inside, the package contained three individually-wrapped smaller bars--making it easier to transport a single serving, and/or to share your chocolate with others.

Aww Nuts! filled bar

Aroma notes for today's Aww Nuts! filled bar included: faint green, faint molasses and maple, true chocolate (nut brownie), and shortbread nut cookies. A great start. (Added vanilla beans helped conjure up these seductive baked good notes.)

The outer shell consisted of flavorful, 75% cacao dark chocolate. This Organic filled chocolate was a satisfying blend of smooth, creamy dark chocolate and authentic-tasting almond butter. The chocolate (cacao) taste was similar to the aroma--only the fudge nut brownie flavors were more prominent than the fainter green or other aroma notes mentioned above.

Thanks to the makers, who tapped the brakes on the sugar and salt, the cacao flavors were able to shine. The almonds (almond butter and almond bits) provided an excellent and complementary pairing with the dark chocolate**--that already had some naturally occurring nutty notes. 

Maisy Jane's in Northern California, a family-founded company that specializes in California-grown/supplied almonds, nut butters and other offerings was a collaboration partner on this almond butter filled bar.

Ingredients: Organic fair trade cacao beans; organic cane sugar; organic fair trade cocoa butter; organic almond butter; organic almond protein; organic diced almonds; sea salt; organic sunflower lecithin; organic vanilla beans

Allergen-related information: Contains nuts (almond butter). "May contain soy, milk, and other tree nuts."

*Originally founded in 2008, TCHO became a B Corporation in 2021. They've shifted to a new line of organic, fair trade cacao chocolate bars. Also of note, San Francisco Bay Area-born TCHO was acquired by Osaka, Japan-based sweets company, Ezaky Glico (maker of Pocky chocolate-dipped cookie sticks), in 2018.

**Note: TCHO has not generally stressed cacao information such as country of origin, variety or even percentage for their bars. Rather they've created chocolates that exemplify/emphasize certain naturally occurring flavors in cacao grown in different countries. They describe flavor profiles that have included nutty, fudge-y and fruity/citrus-y, and work with cacao farmers (in Ghana, Peru, Ecuador and elsewhere) to develop these profiles.

Venchi - Nougatine Bonbons - July 20, 2020

Chocolate of the Day:

Venchi
Nougatine Bonbons 
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: .388 oz. (11 g.) for 2 pieces (1.94 oz. (5.5 g. each))
Calories: 58 calories (estimate) in 2 pieces -- 539 cals. in 100 g.
Cost: $1.90 for 2 pieces
Purchased from: Chocosphere.com, part of online order

Welcome to Day #3 of Italian Chocolate Theme Week.

Today's Nougatine Bonbons were from Venchi (Torino (Turin), Italy).

Nougatine is an historic specialty for Venchi. The recipe for today's confection is said to date back to 1878. First, sugar is caramelized in a copper cooking pot and then bits of special, local (IGP) hazelnuts are incorporated. Then the nougat center is covered with chocolate.

The 56% dark chocolate coating around these capsule-shaped bonbons covered a hard, crunchy center of toffee-like caramelized bits of Italian IGP hazelnuts. These special hazelnuts from the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy had a special sweet, creamy roasted nutty flavor that lingered into the finish. 

Because of the capsule shape of these shiny, individually-wrapped chocolates, I was tempted to write a prescription to myself: take two of these each morning; to be taken daily, for the rest of 2020.

Ingredients: Hazelnut Piedmont i.G.P. caramelized (sugar, Piedmont hazelnut 48%) 66.2% cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa powder, cocoa butter, coating agent: gum Arabic, emulsifier: soy lecithin, natural vanilla flavor. (Venchi chocolates are "naturally gluten free;" however, (this nougatine) may contain traces of other nuts, milk, fruits.)

Maisie Jane's - Dark Chocolate Almonds - Feb. 27, 2016

Chocolate of the Day: 

Maisie Jane's California Sunshine Products, Inc.
Dark Chocolate Almonds
Good++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.45 g.) / 3 oz. (84.9 g.) in total package
Calories: 225 calories (estimate) in 1/2 package
Cost: $N/A - gift from a beekeeper friend
Purchased from: N/A - part of a gift basket from a friend

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

Maisie Jane Hurtado is a real person. She is a founder and driving force behind Maisie Jane's California Sunshine Products, Inc. (Chico, CA).

Maisie Jane founded the company while still in high school, and is a fourth generation almond farmer. She and her husband farm almonds in the Chico area.

Natural almonds, flavored almonds, chocolate covered almonds, and nut butters are all Maisie Jane specialties.

Today I sampled the company's Dark Chocolate Almonds. At the heart of these glossy pieces were crunchy, lightly roasted California almonds. The nuts were covered in dark chocolate that had a nice fudge brownie aroma and smooth dark chocolate flavor.

These Dark Chocolate Almonds were gluten free, and Kosher certified.

The abundant supply of almonds, walnuts and honey from the Chico/Butte County area are available to us, in part, because of the hard work of many farmers, bees, and beekeepers. Thank you all!

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

NibMor - 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate with Almonds bar - Feb. 24, 2016

Chocolate of the Day: 

NibMor Inc.
72% Cacao Dark Chocolate with Almonds bar
Good+
Weight: 1.1 oz. (31 g.) / 2.2 oz. (62 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $2.59 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Loop store, at Shell gas station, Pocket Road, Sacramento, CA

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

Today's 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate with Almonds bar was manufactured for NibMor Inc. (Great Neck, NY).

This bar had a malty, smooth dark chocolate taste, and a soft crunchy nut texture (from bits of almond).

Self-described "do-gooders," NibMor contributes to causes, such as disease prevention and fighting childhood obesity. The packaging for this "organic and ethically traded" bar was printed with the following certification-related symbols:

• USDA Organic
• Non-GMO Project Certified
• Rainforest Alliance Certified Cocoa
• Certified-Gluten Free
• Kosher (U)D
• Certified Vegan

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

Charles Chocolates - Salty-Sweet Pecan Cherry Bar - Jan. 3, 2015

Chocolate of the Day: 

Charles Chocolates
Salty-Sweet Pecan Cherry Bar
Good
Weight:  1.025 oz. (29.5 g.) / 4.1 oz. (118 g.) in total bar
Calories: 153 calories (estimate) in 1/4 bar
Cost: $7.95 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Calafia Cafe and Market A Go-Go, Palo Alto, CA

New Year's greetings and welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate, Cherry and Nut Theme Week.

This Salty-Sweet Pecan Bar from Charles Chocolates (San Francisco, CA) was part of a collection of premium bars that included three salty-sweet bars with rich, layered flavors. (My favorite so far is the Salty-Sweet Hazelnut bar; and I hope to try the Salty-Sweet Cashew bar later this year.)

Today's 65% bittersweet chocolate bar was studded with attractive pecan halves, with an occasional burst of tart sweet flavor from dried Michigan cherries.

TCHO - Cashews - Sept. 20, 2013

Chocolate of the Day: 

TCHO
Cashews Drenched in Dark Chocolate
Good+
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in 1 package
Calories: 200 calories (estimate) in 1/2 package
Cost: $4.99 in 1 package
Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #2 of Chocolate and Cashews Theme Week.

I enjoyed these Cashews Drenched in Dark Chocolate from TCHO (San Francisco, CA).
The flavor of the cashew nut is delicious, sweet and subtle -- and it is to TCHO's credit that these honey roasted, whole cashew nuts were not drowned out by the dark chocolate covering.

I always feel the temptation to add a little extra salt (applewood smoked salt worked nicely) to savory-sweet treats like this that err on the sweet side. But, I believe most people will like these mild, crunchy "TCHO2GO" nuts with flavorful dark chocolate as is.

Trader Joe's - Dark Chocolate Almonds bar - December 30, 2012

Chocolate of the Day:

Trader Joe's
73% Cacao Super Dark Chocolate with Almonds
Good - Good +
Weight: .875 oz. (25 g.) serving / 3.5 oz. (100 g.) total bar
Calories: 150 calories in 1/4 bar
Cost: $1.99 total bar
Purchased from: Trader Joe's, Menlo Park, CA

Today's 73% Cacao Super Dark Chocolate with Almonds bar from Trader Joe's (Monrovia, CA) was, dark and rich, with a mild earthy, acidic fruit tang, and full of embedded almond bits on the inside that added some balance and texture to the "super dark" chocolate. The bar was relatively thick, but scored into twelve, nicely sized rectangular pieces, making it convenient for sharing with others, or rationing for snacks.

Trader Joe's has traditionally sold a large selection of chocolates at very reasonable prices, sourcing from several suppliers. I've bought many of their bars, and had leftovers. As part of my end of year (2012) Chocolate Vault clean-up, I decided to experiment with these bits of bars -- bittersweet mini bars and a Papua New Guinea dark bar from 2010 to make black currant (cassis) truffles. (Yes, dark chocolate bars can last that long if carefully stored in a cool, dark place.)

I first made some homemade creme de cassis (a liqueur popular in France that is usually made from black currants, sugar, and brandy). This liqueur was very nice with mineral water; sparkling or regular white wine (kir); or white grape juice over ice with a citrus slice or two. I should add, I also infused this liqueur with a cinnamon stick and a whole clove. (I kept these spices in overnight and took them out the following day.)

My homebrew creme de cassis liqueur mixed with the dark chocolate leftovers resulted in good truffles, but with a somewhat bitter fruit note. Admittedly, there were a lot of different tastes interacting in this truffle batch, as I'd experimented with adding some coconut oil along with the butter, and a bit of vanilla hemp milk in addition to the cream. Once again: mad scientistry yielded uneven results.

Next time I'll try a more conventional batch of truffles with just a hint of cinnamon and brandy, and enjoy a kir royale on the side -- perhaps for New Year's Eve tomorrow evening.

Today was Day #8 of Chocolate and Almonds Theme Week, and Day #3 of Chocolate and Currants Theme Week.

ChocolateBet: December 14, 2010

Chocolate(s) of the Day: 


1.) Michael Mischer Chocolates
Spiced Almonds - Single Origin - Criollo; 65% Dark Chocolate
1/8 bar
Good + - Very Good
Weight: .75 oz. (21.25 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) total bar
Calories: 108 calories (estimate) in 1/8 bar
Cost: $ (varies by bar)
Purchased from: Michael Mischer Chocolates, Oakland, CA

2.) Michael Mischer Chocolates
Mixed Nuts - Single Origin - Criollo; 65% Dark Chocolate
1/8 bar
Good + - Very Good
Weight: .75 oz. (21.25 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) total bar
Calories: 108 calories in 1/8 bar (estimate)
Cost: $ (varies by bar)
Purchased from: Michael Mischer Chocolates, Oakland, CA

It was difficult to pick just one Michael Mischer dark chocolate and nut bar. So, I chose two bars to conclude (Day #7 of) Dark Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week. The Spiced Almonds had a kick to them; and the mixed nuts bar included a generous sprinkling of toasted almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios. Both 65% bars were made from single origin Criollo beans.

ChocolateBet: December 13, 2010

Chocolate of the Day:

1 Bar
See's Candies
Walnut Square Bar
Good +
Weight: 1.5 oz. (43 g.)
Calories: 240 calories
Cost: $4.00
Purchased from: See's Candies/Benicia Main Street store, in old depot; Benicia, CA

Yesterday I went walking on the other side of San Francisco Bay, to the little town of Benicia -- a city with several historic buildings, built close to the water. Located in a restored railroad depot building (shown at right) by the Bay (along the Bay Trail), was a small See's Candies shop, run by the Benicia Main Street organization. Since this week is Dark Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week, I felt obligated to duck inside and pick up a See's Walnut Square Bar (caramel and walnuts coated in dark chocolate).

I have memories of growing up in California in a house with three walnut trees in the yard; and I attended Almond Elementary School. So I wanted to honor my nutty California heritage and include both walnuts and almonds in this week's theme week. California is still a large nut producer, but those of us who have seen orchards disappear and transform into Silicon Valley, we now have to drive further to see actual nut trees.

ChocolateBet: December 12, 2010

Chocolate of the Day:
6 pieces
FreeHeart Farm
Dark Chocolate Almonds
Good +
Weight: .93 oz. (26.4 g.) / 8 oz. (226 g.) total package/bag
Calories: 132 calories (estimate) for 6 pieces
Cost: $11.00 total package
Purchased from: Califia Market A Go Go, Town and Country Village, Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #5 of Dark Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week. I live in California, a large nut-producing state (and by nuts, I mean the food crop, not the people). Today's selection: dark chocolate covered almonds from FreeHeart Farm, gives me the opportunity to give some recognition to all the nut producers in the valley(s) east of where I live. FreeHeart Farm is located in the small, agriculturally-focused town of Esparto, California -- and is part of the Capay Valley Region of Central California.

ChocolateBet: December 11, 2010

Chocolate of the Day:

1/2 bar
Patric Chocolate
PBJ OMG - dark chocolate with peanut butter bar
Good + - Very Good
Weight: 1.15 oz. (32.5 g.) / 2.3 oz. (65 g.) total bar
Calories: 169 calories (estimate)
Cost: $8.00 (member price)
Purchased from: The Chocolate Garage, in Palo Alto, CA

Today was Day #4 of Dark Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week.

Peanut butter and jelly, also known as PB and J or PBJ, generally refers to a type of sandwich in the U.S. However, some of the most original chocolate flavor combinations borrow from food favorites like this. This Patric Chocolate PBJ OMG -- a rendition of an American lunchbox sandwich staple in bar form -- blended dark roasted peanut butter and cane sugar with cacao that had "naturally occurring jam-like bursts of berry flavor."

And, in fact, I did taste peanut butter and jelly notes in this dark chocolate bar. The talented maker(s) at Patric Chocolate (Columbia, MO) handcraft their bars with great skill.

ChocolateBet: December 10, 2010

Chocolate of the Day:
1 package - 3 cups
SunSpire
Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups
Good +
Weight: 1.2 oz. (34 g.) total package of 3 cups
Calories: 190 calories
Cost: $0.99 (sale)
Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, in Palo Alto, CA

The peanut butter cup resides in the pantheon of chocolate. Today's SunSpire chocolate is a version of this popular staple -- made with MaraNatha almond butter instead of peanut butter. (Note for people with peanut allergies, these may contain traces of peanuts.) Having tried these cups, I'm thinking it might be interesting to compare different legume and nut butter chocolate cups side-by-side. Another future chocolate lab experiment to be scheduled.

Today was Day #3 of Dark Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week.

ChocolateBet: December 9, 2010

Chocolate of the Day:
1/4 bar
Michael Mischer Chocolates
65% Cacao with toasted Almonds (bar)
Good + - Very Good
Weight: .75 oz. (21.25) / 3 oz. (85 g.) total bar
Calories: 105 calories (estimate) in 1/4 bar
Cost: $
Purchased from: Michael Mischer Chocolates, Oakland, CA

Today was Day #2 of Dark Chocolate and Nuts Theme Week. Michael Mischer does nuts well -- perfectly toasted, and sprinkled across a rich, dark chocolate (65% cacao) bar base, made from single origin Criollo beans from Venezuela.