Ritual Chocolate - Gingerbread Hot Cocoa Drops - Apr. 22, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Ritual Chocolate
Limited Edition - Gingerbread Hot Cocoa Drops
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28 g.) / 8 oz. (227 g.) in total package
Calories: 140 calories in 1 (4 TB) serving
Cost: $ Part of a 3-item order for $44.00
Purchased from: Ritual Chocolate, online order 

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate, Cardamom & Ginger Theme Week.

Today's Limited Edition Gingerbread Hot Cocoa Drops were from Ritual Chocolate (Heber City, UT).

Aroma and Flavor notes included: rich, sweet cocoa, and faint spices, and vanilla (marshmallow).

Texture: The oat milk chocolate covered drops/pieces were light with fluffy (marshmallow) in the middle.* Once made into hot cocoa (with added milk of your choice) there was a light, marshmallow layer that floated to the top.

I liked the light, cocoa with marshmallow and spice flavors. (I also added some extra cinnamon, ginger and cardamom as I prefer a bit more spice.) 

*Note: these hot cocoa "drops" can also be eaten as a sweet snack without adding anything.

Ingredients: Cocoa, Organic Cane Sugar, Vegan Marshmallows (Tapioca Syrup, Cane Sugar, Filtered Water, Tapioca Starch, Carrageenan, Soy Protein, Natural Vanilla Flavor), Organic Cocoa Butter, Oat Flour, Allspice, Cloves, Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Nutmeg, Cayenne Pepper, Sunflower Oil, Organic Unsulphered Molasses, Organic Coconut Oil, Sea Salt, Baking Soda, Distilled Vinegar 

Allergen-related information: Contains: Soy. "Manufactured in a facility that processes wheat and tree nuts." 

Pinwheel Craft Chocolate - 70% Dark Mexican Hot Chocolate (bar) - Mar. 9, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Pinwheel Craft Chocolate
70% Dark Mexican Hot Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++ 
Weight: 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 326 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Pinwheel Chocolate, online order

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

Today's 70% Dark Mexican Hot Chocolate (bar) was made by Pinwheel Craft Chocolate (Eagle Mountain, UT), using beans sourced from Comalcalco, Tabasco, Mexico.

Aroma and notes for this bar included: bright, clean subtle but rich dark chocolate; cinnamon spice cookie/crispy toffee (with a touch of butter and salt); faint ginger and vanilla; and a bit of spicy cayenne pepper heat. 

Texture: smooth and creamy with small pieces of crunchy, crispy cinnamon-spice buttery toffee.

I appreciated that everything in this bar seemed thoughtfully arranged, relatively subtle, balanced and expertly-executed; and that this chocolate was yet another/different take on Mexican hot chocolate (cinnamon, vanilla and pepper(s) with chocolate). 

Two different kinds of cinnamon (Saigon, Ceylon) and two different peppers (ancho and cayenne) helped broaden the spice flavor profile--all without dominating the single estate (in Tabasco) cacao-based chocolate too much. 

The cacao used in all three of the Pinwheel bars this past week was very special, and difficult to describe. It had the subtlety of a Criollo cacao, and unique, clean/pure notes. 

Maker's tasting notes: "We crafted this delicious bar to capture all the cozy richness of a favorite beverage, Mexican Hot Chocolate..."

Ingredients: Spiced Chocolate (Cacao beans, cane sugar*, cocoa butter*, Saigon cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon, ancho chili, ginger, cayenne pepper) Toffee (cane sugar*, Kerry Gold grass-fed butter, Mexican vanilla extract, baking soda, salt (* = organic ingredients)

Allergen-related information: (While not listed on label, the following was printed on other bars from this maker from the same order: "Made on shared equipment that processes nuts and dairy") 

Kasama Chocolate Winter's Eve (bar) + Big Train Chocolate Chai mix - Dec. 16, 2024

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Kasama Chocolate
Winter's Eve (bar)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: .97 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.94 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160.5 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $13.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Kasama, online order

Big Train
Chai Latte (mix)
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 1/3 cup (51 g.) / 3.5 lbs (159 kg.) in total package
Calories: 220 calories in 1 serving
Cost: $29.51 for 1 large package
Purchased from: Amazon.com, online order

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

Kasama - Winter's Eve bar

Today's Winter's Eve bar (Batch #28) was a Seasonal Release made by Kasama Chocolate (Vancouver, B.C., Canada). The dark chocolate base was made using single estate cacao beans from Costa Esmeraldas in northern Ecuador.

Aroma notes for this bar included: chocolate (hearty, roasted cacao), black licorice, and subtle chai-masala-like spices.

Maker's notes/description: "The oaky and roasty note of this cacao provide a rich-chocolaty canvas, through which each of the spices weaves its flavour threads, creating a tapestry of tastes..."

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Unrefined Cane Sugar*, Cacao Butter*, Cinnamon*, Cardamom*, Ginger*, Cloves*, Turmeric*, Black Pepper* (* = Organic)

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that contains nuts."

Big Train - Chocolate Chai Latte mix

Today's Big Train Chocolate Chai mix was distributed by Kerry Inc. (Beloit, WI).

This drink mix (designed to be suitable for cold and hot beverages) had a light, sweet hot cocoa aroma and sweet marshmallow hot chocolate with vanilla and very faint spices flavor. This is the kind of light, pleasant hot cocoa (using alkalized cocoa powder) that I remember sipping when I was young. 

Ingredients: Sugar, Nonfat Dry Milk, Coconut Oil, Corn Syrup Solids, Cocoa Processed with Alkali), Instant Black Tea, Honey Granules (Sugar, Honey), Spice Blend (Cinnamon, Clove, Cardamom, Anise, Ginger), Sodium Caseinate (A Milk Derivative), Salt, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Mono- and Diglycerides, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Silicoaluminate (Anti-Caking Agent), Silicon Dioxide (Anti-Caking Agent), Carrageenan, Guar Gum, Cellulose Gum, Bourbon Vanilla Extract from Madagascar.

Allergen-related information: Contains Milk.

 

Cacao & Cardamom - Spicy Mayan Hot Chocolate Stick - July 15, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Cacao & Cardamom 
Spicy Mayan Hot Chocolate Stick 
Good ++
Weight: 1.73 oz. (49 g.) in total package
Calories: 268 calories (estimate) in 1 package/serving
Cost: $5.99 for 1 stick
Purchased from: Cacao and Cardamom, online order

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

Today's Spicy Mayan Hot Chocolate Stick (bar) was from Cacao & Cardamom (Houston, TX). This single serving hot beverage (and other bars I ordered) were each elegantly packaged in a black mesh, drawstring bag with gold lettering.

Aroma and flavor notes for this smooth textured and tasting hot chocolate (cube on a wooden spoon that served on a stir stick) included: pleasing dark chocolate, and subtle warm spices (cinnamon, hot pepper/cayenne, vanilla)). A sprinkle of tiny marshmallows that floated to the top.

Ingredients: (No listing on the packaging.)

Allergen-related information: (No listing on the packaging.)

Dandelion Chocolate - Hojicha Hot Chocolate Mix - July 9, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Dandelion Chocolate
Hojicha Hot Chocolate Mix 
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 5.6 oz. (160 g.) in total glass container
Calories: 217 calories (estimate) in 1 serving (1/4 container)  

Cost: $18.00 for 1 container
Purchased from: Dandelion Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Japan Theme Week, with a few chocolates featuring Japanese green teas. Hojicha is a roasted green tea from Japan.

Today's Hojicha Hot Chocolate Mix* was from San Francisco-based Dandelion Chocolate. (The company also has a location in Tokyo, Japan).

Dandelion is most well-known for their bean-to-bar chocolate (bars). This Japanese-inspired, hot beverage blend was made with single origin 70% Camino Verde, Ecuador cacao/chocolate and was attractively packaged in a smoke-colored glass container with a cork stopper. Was this 4-serving container expensive? At $4.50 per serving, yes. But, I felt I was paying for the whole experience (being in Japan without the plane flight--or having to find parking in the Mission District of San Francisco). And I'll definitely use the glass container for other things.**

Aroma notes (after removing the stopper) included: dark chocolate (oxalis, tannic botanicals, very faint diffuse fruit (persimmon and brown sugar)), roasted and slightly acidic tea. After taking out a few spoonfuls, there were more fragrant, almost floral green tea notes below the surface.

As I prepared this into hot chocolate, the tiny granules of chocolate-y, single origin dark chocolate dissolved into a fragrant, crisp green tea background. (Tip: Try to heat this blend and whisk just enough to melt the chocolate, but not so much that you lose the more delicate (volatile) green tea notes.)

The green tea flavor was very refreshing, especially when I drank this beverage cold. (We're having a heat wave in California.) I enjoyed the opportunity to try this blend of bold and delicate, nuanced flavors; and the fact that it was very lightly sweetened (thank you!). Other tasting notes included: faint roasted, balanced earth and very slight astringency (likely from the tea).

Maker's notes: "Japanese green tea + 70% fudge-y Ecuador chocolate...that whisks up rich and creamy, drinks with subtle smoky notes and a smooth finish..." 

Ingredients: 70% Camino Verde, Ecuador chocolate (cocoa beans, organic cane sugar), light brown sugar, roasted green tea

Allergen-related information: "Packed in a facility that also processes peanuts, milk, tree nuts (almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, and coconuts), sesame, wheat, and soy."

*Other hot chocolate mixes currently offered by the company: a classic House Hot Chocolate, a spicy Mission Hot Chocolate, and a House Mocha blend.

**2023-2024 will go down as a period when chocolate prices rose significantly. And, due to inflation and climate changes (e.g. hotter weather, stronger storms, failed crops), prices will likely stay high.  

Ticket Chocolate - Easter Egg Hot Chocolate Bomb - Mar. 7, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Ticket Chocolate
Easter Egg Hot Chocolate Bombs

Good ++
Weight: 1.4 oz. (39.5 g.) / 2.8 oz. (79 g.) in total package of 2
Calories: 200 calories (estimate) in 1 serving (1 egg)
Cost: $12.99 for 1 package of 2 eggs
Purchased from: FarmFresh, online order

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Outdoors Theme Week, featuring granolas, trail mixes, tree-shaped chocolates and other outdoor-loving treats. 

Today's Easter Egg Hot Chocolate Bombs were from Ticket Chocolate (Loomis, CA). This egg came nestled in some shiny green "grass"--a great tie-in with the greener-than-green (pre-Easter/Spring) grassy hills right now in northern California.

These were pretty (Belgian) chocolate eggs, decorated with very thin stripes of white chocolate and colored dot sprinkles. 

Aroma notes included: rich hot chocolate (cocoa), marshmallow and vanilla.

When put into a cup of hot water (and gently stirred), this egg "bomb" magically transformed into a cup of hot chocolate--with (voila!) a marshmallow floating on top--in seconds. (The marshmallow was inside the egg. And, when the outer chocolate egg shell melted, the generously-sized marshmallow bobbed up to the top.) 

The texture was smooth and creamy, and the marshmallow was fresh, soft, sweet and light.

Flavor notes included: pleasing, rich, smooth and creamy hot chocolate with marshmallow, and subtle warm vanilla.

I loved the Easter egg/spring holiday themed transformational (egg to hot chocolate) aspect. It was a well-executed, clever concept; and an attractive, sweet, creamy, cocoa winter warmer. (If you want to skip the artificial colors, you can scrape off the festive round candy confetti, before blending the chocolate egg with hot water.)

Ingredients: Milk & white couverture chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, cocoa mass, soy lecithin, natural vanilla flavor), Vanilla marshmallow (cane sugar, invert sugar, water, brown rice syrup, gelatin, powdered sugar, rice starch and/or tapioca starch, natural vanilla flavor, vanilla extract, marshmallow flavor, salt, vanilla beans), Confetti sprinkles (sugar, rice flour, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, corn starch, cellulose gum, carrageenan, soy lecithin, titanium dioxide, yellow 5, red 3, yellow 6, artificial flavor, blue 1), cocoa mix powder (sugar, whey, nonfat dry milk, cocoa powder [Dutch process], creamer [coconut oil, corn syrup solids, sodium caseinate, dipotassium phosphate], natural flavors, guar gum, salt). 

Allergen-related information: Contains milk, coconut (and soy). "Crafted in facilities that also process wheat, peanuts, tree nuts and sesame."

The Fumbally - Hot Chocolate and Gluten Free Chocolate Cake - Sept. 19, 2023

Chocolate(s) of the Day

The Fumbally

Hot Chocolate
Good ++
1 Cup
Calories: Unknown
Cost: 4.10 Euros ($4.10 (estim.) USD) for 1 cup
Purchased from: The Fumbally, Dublin, Ireland

Gluten Free Chocolate Cake
Good ++ 
1 Slice
Calories: Unknown
Cost: 4.90 Euros ($4.90 (estim.) USD) for 1 slice
Purchased from: The Fumbally, Dublin, Ireland

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Ireland Theme Week. Sometimes the best way to explore chocolate is to sit in a cafe.

Today's two chocolate items were from The Fumbally, located in The Liberties area of Dublin, Ireland.

This community cafe was a wonderful place to have breakfast, and watch the world go by. As the weather shifted from light showers to dry pavement and back again, I enjoyed eating fresh eggs and sipping a cup of hot chocolate. I also tried the Fumbally gluten-free chocolate cake. 

The cocoa was warm, sweet, chocolate-y and inviting, with a decorative dash of cocoa powder across the top.

The gluten free chocolate cake was silky smooth, authentic and chocolate-y with a very thin flaky layer on top (like you'd find on a brownie or tort).

Both items were a bit on the sweet side; but portions were enjoyable (not too big/heavy, or too small), and were very satisfying as a dual dose of chocolate on a rainy day. 

I don't have a list of ingredients or potential allergens for these two gluten-free chocolate offerings, but The Fumbally's food tasted healthy and made from scratch to me.

Shekoh Confections - Hot Chocolate with Honey Marshmallows - Feb. 4, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Shekoh Confections
Hot Chocolate with Honey Marshmallows
Good +++
Weight: unknown
Calories: unknown
Cost: $8.50 for 1 cup
Purchased from: Shekoh Confections, Palo Alto, CA

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

Today's Hot Chocolate with Honey Marshmallows from Shekoh Confections (Palo Alto, CA) was not your usual hot chocolate.

Ooh la la, this hot chocolate beverage was luxuriously thick, creamy and velvety. I found myself eating/drinking this with a spoon.

It tasted like there might be a healthy dose of real cream in this drinking chocolate. I experienced the same pleasure as eating chocolate ice cream. (Hot ice cream?) I also enjoyed the rich chocolate flavor.

Was it sweet with the honey marshmallow? Yes, it was. If given the choice, I'd probably have opted for a little less sugar; but this very special hot chocolate delivered a great tasting (and memorable textural) experience.

No information on ingredients or allergen-related information for this "to go" item purchased in the Shekoh Confections retail shop. I am assuming this hot chocolate contained dairy (milk/cream).

Ghirardelli - Hot Cocoa "Double Chocolate" + eggnog - Dec. 27, 2022

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Ghirardelli

Hot Cocoa Mix "Double Chocolate" (dry mix, mug set for 2 people)

Good ++

Weight: .85 oz. (24 g.) in one single-serving packet (dry mix only)

Calories: 90 calories in 1 serving (plus added milk)

Cost: $13.99 for 1 set (included 2 packets + 2 holiday mugs)

Purchased from: Safeway, Palo Alto, CA

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

It may be after Christmas, but holiday spirits are still going strong this week. After viewing holiday lights, a winter warmer sounded good. Today's red and white holiday mugs full of Hot Cocoa were made using a dry mix (plus 2 mug set) from Ghirardelli Chocolate Company (San Leandro, CA).

My additions to the Ghirardelli mix included: whole milk, very small amounts of cinnamon and nutmeg, and a small amount of Bourbon Vanilla flavored whipping cream.

I used 8 fl. oz. of hot whole milk (vs. the 6 fl. oz. of milk called for), per mug. The result: very satisfying, creamy cups of hot cocoa. (Thank you to Megan for tasting help.)

This hot chocolate was enjoyed with a square of dark chocolate peppermint bark (topped with white chocolate and crushed bits of candy canes), and a small glass of eggnog (with a small dash of brandy).

Ingredients (dry mix): Sugar, cocoa processed with alkali, unsweetened chocolate, soy lecithin, vanilla extract.

Allergen-related information: (Contained milk as prepared.) "May contain milk, egg, tree nuts, and wheat." 

Homemade Barely Spiked Hot Chocolate flavored w/ vanilla, Amaretto, whiskey-soaked nibs

Chocolate of the Day

Homemade Barely Spiked Hot Chocolate

(flavored with vanilla, Amaretto, whiskey-soaked nibs)

Good +

Weight: Approx. 8 fl. oz. (30 mL) glass

Calories: 175 calories (estimate) for 1 glass

Cost: N/A - various ingredients already on hand

Purchased from: N/A - various stories

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Holiday Spirits. After over-doing it a bit this past week (multiple chocolate entries per day), I am relaxing with a homemade, very lightly spiked hot chocolate.

Today's homemade hot chocolate was a blend of hot milk, dark chocolate (2 squares of dark chocolate + 1/2 teaspoon dark cocoa powder), and a very small amount of melted butter, flavored with vanilla, 1 Tablespoon of whiskey-soaked cacao nibs (strained out after heating), and 1/4 teaspoon of Amaretto (almond flavored liqueur). The alcohol in the whiskey was no longer detectable but the flavor remained in the cocoa nibs.*

No sugar or added sweeteners. And very little alcohol. So, I was able to taste all the other wonderful ingredients. 

I've felt very grateful for being able to spend time with friends and family this holiday week. This morning, however, I enjoyed a chocolate that was less buzzy, and more relaxing. This was closer to a hot milk than a sweetened hot chocolate. The wonderful thing about cacao is that it doesn't have to be candy to be enjoyed.

Happy Holidays all.

*Spirits-infused cacao nibs (pieces of cacao beans) are very easy to make and can be used in baking and to infuse flavor into desserts and beverages. (Adding cacao nibs to brownies or cookies is worth trying.)

To make your own, put about 1/4 of a cup of cacao nibs into a small glass jar with a metal screw lid. Pour whiskey, rum (or your spirit of choice) over the nibs, enough to barely cover them. Then put the lid on and put them in a cool, dark place (dark cabinet, refrigerator door). Over time the alcohol dissipates; but the flavor remains, and the nibs are left with a more hydrated, softer crunch.

If you like the results, I recommend experimenting with different cacao bean varieties and origins (e.g. cacao nibs from a specific country if available). Different cacao origins will have a slightly different aroma and flavor. Some may be fruitier; some may have a slightly nuttier flavor. And others will smell more like "true" chocolate (brownies).

Mokka Kaffi - Hot Chocolate - Dec. 13, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Mokka Kaffi

Hot Chocolate

Good ++ - Good +++

Weight: 1 cup (approximately 10 fl. oz.)

Calories: unknown

Cost: $6.03 USD 

Purchased from: Mokka Kaffi, Reykjavik, Iceland

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Iceland Theme Week. This entry is the third (of three) chocolate items featured today from Iceland.

Today's Hot Chocolate was from Mokka Kaffi (Reykjavik, Iceland). 

Mokka Kaffi was opened in 1958 and is one of the oldest coffee houses in Iceland.

There is something about magical about a steaming hot, authentic hot chocolate with real whipped cream, that is extremely satisfying on a very cold day.

This hot chocolate had rich, sweet cocoa flavor with a very faint butter/cream, nut and savory/salt notes. Is was sweet, but not too much so. The whipped cream was very lightly sweetened, if at all, and dissolved at exactly the right speed. 

Mokka Kaffi was a cozy, popular cafe, where patrons at nearby tables were enjoying coffees, waffles and hot chocolate. It was a memorable evening stop in Reykjavik.

Ingredients: (unknown)

Allergen-related information: (Contained milk/cream.) Ingredients unknown.

This post was delayed due to international travel in Iceland and other places.

Artisan du Chocolat - Buffalo Milk Chocolate bar; Morsey's - Buffalo Milk Hot Chocolate - Sept. 30, 2019

Chocolate(s) of the Day: 

Artisan du Chocolat
Milk Chocolate 35% Buffalo Milk bar
Good +
Weight: 1.59  oz. (45 g.) in total bar
Calories: 265.5 calories in 1 bar
Cost: $7.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Chocolate Covered, San Francisco, CA

Morsey's Farmhouse Kitchen 
Hot Chocolate made with buffalo milk
Good - Good +
Weight: approx. 8 oz. cup (small size)
Cost: $3.50
Purchased from: Morsey's Farmhouse Kitchen, Palo Alto, CA

Morsey's Creamery
Buffalo Milk (and small gelato samples)
Good +++
Weight: 1 oz. (sample cup)
Calories: unknown
Cost: free sample / $12.00 for 1 bottle
Purchased from: Morsey's Creamery, Palo Alto, CA

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

Artisan du Chocolat - Buffalo Milk Chocolate Bar
People have been raising different breeds of cattle and cow for centuries. This includes buffalo cows and steers, long before dairy farmers and ranchers set up shop in the U.S.*

Today's Buffalo Milk Chocolate 35% Bar was from Artisan du Chocolat (London). The company specializes in luxury chocolates (produced in Kent). The buffalo milk used in this bar came from buffalo cows raised on Laverstoke Farm in Hampstead.

Today's milk chocolate bar was very creamy and sweet. It became slightly bendy when it got a bit warm in the car. But it held its shape nicely. (Avoid transporting chocolate in a warm car. Bars will go directly from a solid form to fondue in as little as a minute or two if exposed to direct sun through a window.)

This buffalo milk bar had flavor notes of chocolate, fresh dairy milk, faint herb/earth and light caramel.

Morsey's Farmhouse Kitchen and Creamery
Since I couldn't visit Laverstoke Farm in the U.K. mentioned above, I did the next best thing. I tried domesticated (water) buffalo milk.

Morsey's Farmhouse Kitchen (restaurant in Los Altos, CA) specializes in buffalo-based offerings, and they've just opened a new business, Morsey's Creamery, in Palo Alto, CA.

The first stop was to the family restaurant, which resulted in the purchase of a small hot chocolate, to go, made with buffalo milk. (Thank you to Morsey staff for taking time during the lunch rush to say hello and offering a sample spoon from a tiny cache of dark chocolate gelato that remained. Very tasty.)

The underlying milk in the hot chocolate was quite good. (No gamey flavor in case you're wondering.) The added cocoa was quite light (likely alkalinized, to reduce acidity). There was a light layer of foam on top.

Morsey's Farmhouse Kitchen to go area offered buffalo milk gelatos (chocolate flavors were sold out) and chocolate desserts without buffalo milk, including two gluten free chocolate cakes. There will be return trips to try these in the future.

I drove north to Morsey's Creamery hoping to find some chocolate gelato there. Sadly, Morsey's Creamery was sold out of chocolate flavors (gianduja and others) of gelato di bufala as well. Again, we'll be back.

Morsey's (grass-fed) buffalo milk sampled at their Creamery came from buffalo cows pastured near Sacramento, CA. The milk was surprisingly good. It tasted very satisfying, and had a clean mouth feel and finish. It also was, we were told, higher in calcium and protein than traditional cow's milk.**

*In the U.S. we have bison (often referred to as buffalo), that used to roam the country in large herds  before European settlers arrived. However, while you may see bison meat in stores or in restaurants, it's unlikely you'll see bison dairy products or milk chocolate. (Undomesticated bison cows would not take kindly to your trying to milk them.)

**We were told that the A2 (beta casein) protein in this milk would be less likely to trigger milk protein allergies (than the mix of A1 and A2 proteins found in most cow's milk today). 

A2 proteins tend to be higher in cows from Southern Europe. A1 protein levels tend to be higher in cows from Northern Europe. Beyond that, I suggest doing your own research. Lactose (milk sugar) would still be present in all cow milk(s) as far as I know. So, for those who rely on lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose that we humans produce less of over time), don't throw away your lactase pills quite yet.

Four Sigmatic - Mushroom Hot Cacao Mix - Aug. 24, 2018

Chocolate of the Day: 

Four Sigmatic

Mushroom Hot Cacao Mix

Good

Weight: .2 oz. (6 g.) / 2.16 oz. (60 g.) in total box of 10

Calories: 25 calories in 1 packet

Cost: $20.00 for 1 box of 10 packets

Purchased from: (online)

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate Surprise Theme Week.

Mushrooms in your hot chocolate? The folks at Four Sigmatic (Finland) believe in the benefits of drinking mushrooms and superfoods; and they offer a range of tea, coffee and cacao mixes with different mushroom inclusions.

Today's Mushroom Hot Cacao Mix contained cacao powder, coconut palm sugar, reishi mushroom extract, cinnamon, cardamom and stevia. Reishi mushrooms are thought to help support "sleep and occasional stress."

The organic, vegan, paleo, decaf mix was made with "pure Peruvian cacao" and contained 500 grams of organic, linden log-grown red reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) per serving. 

One serving single-serving packet of dry mix was only 25 calories (more if you neutralize the health benefits and add cream of course). 

Backyard Brew - Nutella Hot Chocolate; Barlovento Bars; Nuts, Nibs, Nice - Feb. 26, 2017

Chocolate(s) of the Day: 

Backyard Brew
Nutella Hot Chocolate
Good++
Weight: 10+ oz. (estimate) for 1 serving
Calories: 168 calories (estimate) in 1 serving
Cost: $4.00 for 1 serving
Purchased from: Backyard Brew, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #3 of LMNOPQR Theme Week. As we frolic through the alphabet, we arrive today at the letter "N."

Nuts, Nibs...Hmmm. How about Nutella Hot Chocolate? It just so happened I found such a thing at a new small business called Backyard Brew in Palo Alto, CA.

The duo working there I spoke to were thoughtful, bright, creative young men with a passion for creating community and a relaxing shared public space.

A place to relax and enjoy a coffee or tea, or a Nutella Mocha or Hot Chocolate. And, one could stay and do some creative doodling —on tables, chairs or walls too.

Backyard Brew's Nutella Hot Chocolate was full of pleasing cocoa and hazelnut flavor and had a light, whipped texture.

Accessible via alley from California Avenue—a street known for it's small businesses, restaurants and a thriving Sunday Farmers Market—Backyard Brew should do well.

Barlovento Chocolates
And, speaking of the Farmers Market, today was Sunday. So I bought two bars from the Barlovento Chocolates booth (not far from Backyard Brew) at the Market:

1.) 80 percent Venezuelan Dark Chocolate Cacao Nibs bar
2.) 73 percent Venezuelan Dark Chocolate Fruits and Nuts (Pistachios, Dried Blueberries, Dried Cranberries) bar

Wrapped in gold foil, both bars were made from dark, slightly earthy but smooth, Venezuelan chocolate by founder Peter Brydon and team at Barlovento Chocolates (Oakland, CA).

It was a very Nice morning indeed.

Clif Bar - Hot Chocolate bar - Jan. 31, 2017

Chocolate of the Day:

Clif Bar

Hot Chocolate bar
OK++ - Good
Weight: 1.2 oz. (34 g.) / 2.4 oz. (68 g.) in total bar
Calories: 125 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $1.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Iced Gingerbread bar
Good
Weight: 1.2 oz. (34 g.) / 2.4 oz. (68 g.) in total bar
Calories: 125 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $1.49 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Piazza's Fine Foods, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to Day #5 of DEFGHIJK Week.

Today's winter-themed Hot Chocolate and Iced Gingerbread bars from Clif Bar (Emeryville, CA) were released in time for the holidays last month.

Of these two bars, I enjoyed the gingerbread bar a bit more, largely due to the addition of molasses and gingerbread spices. Pictured, but not featured above, was the company's Spiced Pumpkin bars, which I also liked. It was relatively moist and, like the gingerbread bar, I liked the spices. (Neither the pumpkin nor the gingerbread bar contained chocolate.)

The first ingredient listed for all three bars was organic brown rice syrup, followed by organic rolled oats. These bars were a bit too sweet for me, but they provided a hearty, chewy snack. They also contained soy protein isolate (the third ingredient in Hot Chocolate bar).

I was not eating these while climbing snowy mountains. Fortunately, I was able to take a break from winter weather this week. Instead, I sampled these substantial bars before a walk in the Arizona desert sunshine.

Valenza Chocolatier - Christmas Eve chocolates - Dec. 24, 2016

Chocolate(s) of the Day: 


Valenza Chocolatier

Barolo bonbon
(part of 6-piece Holiday Italian Cioccolato Sleeve assortment box)
Good+++-Very Good
Weight: .4 oz. (11.32 g.) (estimate) in 1 piece
Calories: 60 calories (estimate) in 1 piece
Cost: $15.00 - This piece was part of a 6-piece assortment box
Purchased from: Valenza Chocolatier, Costa Mesa, CA

Nocciole bar
(part of a 3-bar holiday bar set)
Good +++-Very Good
Weight: .775 oz. (22.5 g.) / 3.1 oz. (90 g.) in total bar
Calories: 116 calories (estimate) in 1/4 bar
Cost: $N/A - sample
Purchased from:

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Italian Holiday Theme Week, where we're celebrating the holidays with a holiday red wine-infused confection and a milk chocolate Nocciole (hazelnut) chocolate bar—from Valenza Chocolatier (Costa Mesa, CA).

Valenza Barolo Bonbon
Today's Barolo chocolate was from Valenza's Holiday Italian Cioccolato* Sleeve 6-piece assortment box. This Italian inspired collection was filled with rich holiday flavors.

Barolo is an Italian red wine made from the Nebbiolo grape in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy (not far from where excellent Piedmont hazelnuts are grown I must add).

Today's Valenza Chocolatier's Barolo holiday chocolate was constructed of a pate de fruit layer atop a 61% dark chocolate ganache, and covered with dark chocolate. The concentrated, layered flavors and textures were well-executed and delicious. This Barolo bonbon was a 2017 Good Food Awards finalist.

Valenza Holiday Bars - Nocciole
Today I also sampled one of a trio of Valenza chocolate bars (hazelnut, nibs and sesame) that were packaged together for the holidays.

The bar I tried was a 41% milk chocolate Nocciole (hazelnut) Bar loaded with roasted hazelnuts from the Piedmont region of Northern Italy and seasoned with a light sprinkle of Sicilian sea salt. These Piedmont PGI or IGP** hazelnuts are known for their fine quality.

Red Wine and Hot Chocolate
Today's Barolo chocolate reminded me of a hot item featured on numerous food blogs and in the New York Times. Mixing a good red wine (like a Barolo) with hot (drinking) chocolate (dark chocolate, milk, nutmeg, allspice, clove, mandarin peel and other spices. I had my doubts, but it was better than expected. And I drank the whole cup.

*Cioccolato is the Italian word for chocolate; and unfortunately this holiday assortment is already sold out for this year's holiday season.

**Piemonte IGP is a protected geographic designation and the term refers only to hazelnuts grown in a specific region of Piedmont Italy. 

McSteven's Inc. - Redneck Cafe Bacon Hot Chocolate - Oct. 20, 2015

Chocolate of the Day: 

McSteven's Inc.
Redneck Cafe - Bacon Hot Chocolate
Good
Weight: .62 oz. (21.9 g.) / 1.25 oz. (35 g.) in total packet
Calories: 65 calories in 1/2 packet
Cost: $1.49 for 1 packet
Purchased from: Bass Pro Shops - Outdoor World, Rocklin, CA


Today was Day #5 of Chocolate and The Great Outdoors Theme Week.

I like chocolate; and I like bacon. Both were part of my favorite outdoor camp breakfasts. So heck yeah, I'll try this Bacon-flavored Hot Chocolate. As it turns out, that sentiment was nearly identical to the tagline printed on the package of today's hot chocolate, which read: "Heck Ya...I'll Try That." I do like to try new things.

Created and distributed by McSteven's Inc. (Vancouver, WA), this single-serving packet of hot chocolate mix was convenient to "heat and eat" outdoors. Just add hot water, and stir.

McSteven's sells a variety of hot chocolate and beverage mixes (some creatively packaged for Halloween this week). And scenes of people fishing in beautiful outdoor places adorn some of their coffee packaging.

How did this "redneck" hot chocolate taste? Better than I thought it would. The bacon flavor was subtle, and a bit like the soy bacon bits I remember eating on buttered sourdough toast as a child that had a slight smokey and salty flavor. And the texture was smooth. When you're out in the great outdoors, in the cool, clean, crisp autumn air, everything seems to taste a little better.

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

World Market - S'Mores Cocoa Mix - June 6, 2015

Chocolate of the Day:

World Market/Cost Plus, Inc.
S'Mores Cocoa Mix
Good
Weight: 1.25 oz. (35 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70 g.) in total packet
Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 packet
Cost: $ unknown - lost info
Purchased from: World Market/Cost Plus, Inc. store

Today was Day #12 of Chocolate Tea and Beverage Theme Weeks.

What are S'Mores?
S'mores are a popular campfire dessert treat, often tinged with childhood memories that date back to the late 1920s (possibly earlier). I recall assembling S'mores on picnic tables or atop an unsteady plate on my lap in lantern-lit darkness. A graham cracker was topped with a piece of chocolate bar, a gooey hot, freshly campfire-roasted marshmallow (carefully pried off a stick), then topped with another graham cracker, to be eaten sandwich style.

These were so good, it was explained to me, that you'll doubtless want "some more," thus the name s'more.

I tried a gluten-free version of a s'more with fancy dark milk chocolate a few years ago, and it was too sweet for me. But, roasting marshmallows and putting these little desserts together with friends around a campfire was great fun.

S'Mores Inspired Cocoa 
Long ago, I purchased today's cheery red packet of S'Mores Cocoa Mix from a World Market/Cost Plus store, intending to use it for a theme week around s'mores or hot cocoa. But, that week never arrived, and this packet sat in my chocolate vault. Until now.

It tasted like packaged hot cocoa, with some subtle flavor additions. I think adding marshmallows on top, and serving with a side of graham crackers might create a more authentic flavor match, but good for them for trying to include all this in a mix.

S'Mores Inspired Tea
In the spirit of Chocolate Tea and Beverage Week, I concocted a "tea" version of this hot cocoa mix that contained cocoa/chocolate, vanilla, mallow flowers, and coconut palm sugar. I must admit I feel more comfortable with beverages with fresh, natural flavors (although the word "natural" seems to have drifted away from its original meaning when it comes to food additives over the years). When I added a tiny splash of milk and took a sip...I was a little surprised that the tea tasted not too different than the cocoa mix. The mallow plant/flower gave this hot tea a bit of marshmallow texture which was fun too. Add a drop of smoky campfire, and I'm there.

Ticket Chocolate - French Truffle - Mar. 15, 2015

Chocolate of the Day: 

Ticket Chocolate
French Truffle
Good - Good +
Weight: 3 oz. (85 g.) / 6 oz. (170 g.) total package
Calories: 450 calories (estimate) in 2 servings
Cost: N/A - sample
Purchased from: N/A - sample

Today was Day #1 of Chocolate Surprise Week.

Each year I look forward to having a week like this, a time when I can feature items might be unique, whimsical, new, or involve something unexpected.

I first spotted today's Hot Chocolate on a Stick offerings from Ticket Chocolate (San Francisco, CA) at the Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco, earlier this year. The company produces single-serving "blocks of fine couverture chocolate" on a stick (or vintage silverplate spoons), that can be stirred into hot water or milk of your choice.

Thank you to Ticket Chocolate for allowing me to try their 6 oz. (170 g.) sized bag of 4 individual servings of their French Truffle flavor. It did not disappoint.

It has been a cold winter on the East Coast, with plenty of snow. And, thinking of them, I made hot chocolate from one serving, stirring the chocolate on a stick into hot water; it dissolved completely after a minute or two.

However, California has skipped winter altoghter it seems. It was a warm day today and I didn't necessarily need any more hot chocolate, but still wanted more chocolate. So, I also ate a second serving, right off the stick, lollipop style and liked that very much too.

A chocolate (or any food) tasting is enhanced by presentation and what I'll call the experiential component. Ticket Chocolate scores high marks on both.

Other Ticket Chocolate flavors include Belgian Milk, Salted Caramel, Peppermint, Three Chili, Chai, Peanut Butter Cup and Vanilla Mint.

Land O'Lakes - Raspberry cocoa - Feb. 6, 2015

Chocolate of the Day: 

Land O'Lakes
Chocolate and Raspberry Hot Cocoa Mix
Good
Weight: .625 oz. (17.6 g.) / 1.25 oz. (35.3 g.) in total packet
Calories: 80 calories in 1/2 packet
Cost: $ N/A - purchases as part of a large carton
Purchased from: N/A - purchased as part of a large carton

There's something very satisfying about sipping hot chocolate on a cold, rainy morning.

Today, the cocoa in question was a Chocolate and Raspberry, Artificially Flavored, Hot Chocolate Mix from Land O'Lakes (Arden Hills, MN).

The raspberry artificial flavor wasn't bad as I thought it might be, but I kept wondering what this cocoa would have tasted like with a creamy pat of butter (what Land O'Lakes is probably most well known for).