Siamaya Chocolate - Tom Yum Classic Thai Recipe 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Sept. 2, 2026

Chocolate of The Day

Siamaya Chocolate
Tom Yum Classic Thai Recipe 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good++ - Good+++
Weight: 1.3 oz. (37.5 g.) / 2.6 oz. (75 g.) in total bar
Calories: 170 calories in 1/2 bar 
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Touring Chocolatier, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Savory Chocolates Theme Week.

Today's Tom Yum Classic Thai Recipe 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Siamaya Craft Co. Ltd. (with a chocolate factory and shop in Chiang Mai, Thailand.)

This 70% bar was made in Thailand--using single origin cacao from Thailand.

Aroma and flavor notes included: sweet dark chocolate; aromatic tart-sweet citrus (orange, lime, lemongrass); balanced and flavorful umami (chili, tomato and soup) and a small zing of refreshing galangal.*

Texture: The base dark chocolate was well-tempered (broke with a snap) with a smooth and appealing rich melt and satisfying mouthfeel. And the chocolate was accented with softly chewy, orange-ish bits of what I assumed were fresh-tasting candied citrus (or maybe even citrus-infused tomato).

I loved this sweet, spicy and slightly savory chocolate packed with authentic citrus flavors and Thai (Tom Yum soup) spices. It was invigorating and delicious, with a mild chili kick. I needed a mid-day picker upper, and this transporting chocolate lifted my spirits and took me on a virtual trip to Thailand.

Ingredients: "Cacao nibs, organic cane sugar, dried tomatoes, cacao butter, Tom Yum powder, lemongrass oil, makrut lime oil, galangal oil" 

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

*Galangal is part of the ginger family and is used in Southeastern Asia cooking.

Monsoon Chocolate - Chiltepin 75% Dark Chocolate - Supporting the Northern Jaguar Project (bar) - July 7, 2025

Chocolate of the Day

Monsoon Chocolate 
Chiltepin 75% Dark Chocolate, Supporting the Northern Jaguar Project (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 1.76 oz. (50 g.) in total bar
Calories: 135 calories (estimate) for 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Caputo's, online order 

Welcome to Day #13 of Chocolate and Mexico Theme Week.

Today's 75% Dark Chocolate "Chiltepin--Supporting the Northern Jaguar Project*"--(bar) was hand-crafted in Arizona by Monsoon Chocolate, LLC (Tucson, AZ). This bar was part of the company's Desert Series. 

My hat is off to those who make chocolate in very hot places. Having visited Arizona, I'm also impressed by the wildlife that survive in desert corridors--like the jaguars that range from Mexico to Arizona. The chili and cacao blend in this bar linked these two areas of appreciation for me. The chiltepin peppers grow where the jaguars still roam. Chocolate with a story.

Aroma notes for this 75% cacao bar included: dark chocolate and very faint, diffuse fruit/botanical and roasted (coffee).

Texture: smooth dark chocolate

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate and pepper heat that varied slightly from bite to bite. 

While the heat made it hard to detect subtler notes, it subsided into the finish with most bites with a polite and polished efficiency. However, there was one bite that included a few throat-grabbing flames; so you may want to enjoy this bar with a glass of water nearby, just in case.

I enjoyed this in smaller bites; and I was happy to support this maker and the Northern Jaguar Project.

Ingredients: Cocoa Beans, Unrefined Cane Sugar*, Cocoa Butter*, Chiltepin (*Certified Organic)

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that handles tree nuts, wheat, milk, eggs and peanuts. May not be suitable for people with allergies to these foods."

*"The Northern Jaguar Project (NJP) leads efforts to protect North America's northernmost jaguars in the Sierra Madre Occidental, where the chiltepin pepper also thrives. Known as the "mother of all chilies" and the only wild chili native to the US, the chiltepin is honored in the Slow Food Ark of Taste for its cultural and environmental significance. Sourcing chiltepin from NJP-protected areas allows us to support their crucial work." 

Morro Bay House of Jerky - Dark Chocolate Chipotle Bacon Bar - Sept. 28, 2019

Chocolate of the Day:

Morro Bay House of Jerky
Dark Chocolate Chipotle Bacon Bar
Good ++
Weight: 1.6 oz. (45 g.) in one bar
Calories: 240 calories (estimate) in 1 bar
Cost: $3.99 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Morro Bay House of Jerky, Morro Bay, CA

Welcome to Day #3 of Chocolate and Cowboy Country Theme Week.

Today's Dark Chocolate Chipotle Bacon Bar was made for the Morro Bay House of Jerky (Morro Bay, CA).

The Bar was made by Mama Ganache (San Luis Obispo, CA), using high-quality, smooth dark chocolate with a velvety melt and texture, similar to yesterday's Dark Chocolate Bacon Bar (without chipotle).

As with yesterday's bar, pieces of real bacon added a pleasing savory flavor and bits of soft chewy texture. Together, the trio of dark chocolate, bacon and chipotle (pepper) spice were well balanced and complemented each other very nicely.

Trip notes: A quick search of local businesses near San Luis Obispo also revealed: "Cowboy Cookie and Ice Cream." Unfortunately, we did not have time for another stop to look for chocolate items there. Maybe next year. We did visit Grandma's Frozen Yogurt and Waffle Shop in Morro Bay though. Hats off to the owner(s) for creating a welcoming community space and some healthy sweet choices. 

The Chocolate Cartel - Red Chile + Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds - Aug. 8, 2019

Chocolate of the Day: 

The Chocolate Cartel
Red Chile + Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds
Good - Good +
Weight: .75 oz. (21.25 g.) / 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) in total package
Calories: 112.5 calories (per label) in .75 oz. (21.25 g.) serving
Cost: $4.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Airport Shop (ABQ), Albuquerque, NM

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and New Mexico Theme Week.

Today's Red Chile + Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds were from The Chocolate Cartel (Albuquerque, New Mexico).

The Chocolate Cartel partners with local businesses for their chocolates with flavor inclusions. For example, the chiles today could have some from "The Chile Guy." And the lavender in tomorrow's bar comes from Los Poblanos, the site of a historic inn and organic lavender farm.

This red chile laced offering incorporated a blend of Western flavors. These spicy almonds had a slightly malty, nutty aroma and a light touch of dark chocolate with a hot, red chili sizzle in the middle. The almonds helped to balance the heat.

Ingredients included: Cocoa liquor, sugar, cocoa butter, vanilla, lecithin, caramelized almonds, vanilla extract, dried red chile, spices, sugar, cornstarch.