Bhu Keto - Double Dark Chocolate Cookie Dough Keto Bites - Sept. 1, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Bhu Keto
Double Dark Chocolate Cookie Dough Keto Bites
Good - Good +
Weight: .88 oz. (25 g.) / 5.29 oz. (150 g.) in total package of 6 bites 
Calories: 140 calories in 1 bite/piece
Cost: $10.99 for 1 package of 6 bites
Purchased from: Oceana Market, Pacifica, CA

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

Today's Organic Double Dark Chocolate Cookie Dough Keto Bites were made by Bhu Foods (San Diego, CA).

True to its name, the aroma and flavor notes for these individually-wrapped squares were consistent with a chocolate (chip) cookie dough.

The texture was smooth, rich (buttery) and pillowy while having a very faint powdery mouthfeel--what you might experience with well-beaten butter and a little flour in some short cookie or pastry doughs. (In this case it may have been tapioca and pea protein powder rather than flour.)

The whipped chocolate chip cookie and very mild (cashew) nut butter flavors were relatively pleasant. Chocolate chips and cocoa powder added flavor depth. The fat content and added pea protein extinguished cravings. 

 And, refreshingly, these bites weren't overly sweet (thank you!)--unlike some cookie doughs or artificially sweetened "sugar free" confections can be. The very subtle sweetness came from organic cherries, monk fruit, the relatively "sweet" roasted cashew nuts, and vanilla extract.

Ingredients: Organic roasted cashews, Organic red palm oil (Certified Sustainable), Organic soluble tapioca fiber, Organic chocolate chips [Organic cacao, Organic prebiotic tapioca, Organic "cocao" butter, Organic soluble tapioca fiber, Organic cherries, sunflower lecithin], Organic pea protein, Organic cocoa powder, pure water, Organic baobab, Organic sunflower lecithin, sea salt, Organic monk fruit, Organic vanilla extract.

Allergen-related information: Contains cashews. "May contain an occasional shell fragment. Manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts, tree nuts, and eggs."

Mondelez International - Mirabell Mozartkugeln Chocolates - Aug. 31, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Mirabell (Mondelez International)

Mozartkugeln Chocolates

Good + - Good ++

Weight: 1.81 oz. (51.3 g.) / 9.6 oz. (273 g.) in total package of 16 pieces

Calories: 282 calories in 3 pieces

Cost: $N/A - shared gift

Purchased from: N/A - shared gift (Thank you Erin!)

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

Today's Mozartkugeln (Pistachio) Chocolates were from Mirabell (Salzburg, Austria).* 

These round, filled confections (named for Austrian composer Mozart) were first created in 1890 by confectioner Paul Furst in Salzburg (the city where Mozart was born). Mirabell is one of the companies carrying on the tradition of making one of Austria's favorite chocolates.

Aroma and flavor notes included: nutty, very faint floral (vanilla), and cookie (cashew or mild nut shortbread) and smooth creamy, sweet chocolate.

A cross-section of this round, filled confection ("Mozart ball") revealed a few different layers. Inside a creamy, milky dark(er) chocolate outer shell were two thick strata of light nutty (pistachio marzipan and nougat)--and a ring of darker beige-brown in between these two lighter layers.

Ingredients:

Chocolates with light (28%) and dark (17%) praline fillings and Marzipan (6.5%). Ingredients: Sugar, cocoa mass, vegetable fat (palm), hazelnuts (9.5%), cocoa butter, whey powder (from milk), almonds (2.5%), invert sugar syrup, milk fat, lactose (from milk), fat-reduced cocoa powder, humectant (sorbitols), emulsifier (soya lecithin), pistachios, flavourings, stabilizer (invertase), whole milk powder. Chocolate contains cocoa solids: 46% minimum.

Allergen-related information: Contains nuts (hazelnut, almond, pistachio) and dairy. "May contain other nuts, peanuts and wheat."

*Mirabell is part of Mondelez International/Mondelez Osterreich GmbH.

Gold Emblem - Kona Coffee Flavored Macadamia Nuts - Dark Chocolate - Aug. 30, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Gold Emblem

Kona Coffee Flavored Macadamia Nuts - Dark Chocolate

Good + - Good ++ 

Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 4.5 oz. (127 g.) total package

Calories: 150 calories in 1 oz. (28.3 g.) serving

Cost: $2.99 for 1 package

Purchased from: Missing information

Aloha, and welcome to the last day (Day #11) of Chocolate and Hawaii Theme Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Nut Theme Week.

Today's Gold Emblem Dark Chocolate Kona Coffee Flavored Macadamia Nuts were distributed by CVS Pharmacy, Inc. (Woonsocket, RI).

The aroma for these glossy chocolate covered confections included: aromatically nutty, sweet dark chocolate, and sweetened coffee notes.

These generously-sized rounded pieces offered three layers of texture: 1.) a thin shiny outer coating; 2.) a thick, creamy and substantial chocolate "mantle;" and 3.) a crunchy macadamia nut center at the core.

The chocolate (fudge brownie-like) and authentic macadamia nut flavors harmonized well together. The macadamia pieces were large enough to enjoy the mild, subtle creamy/buttery flavor (with a very faint, fleeting earthy note). The nuts also helped balance the overall sweetness level. 

There were also faint, slightly buttery coffee and vanilla flavor notes. (There was some butter and milk in the dark chocolate, but no added vanilla.) The coffee flavor was relatively smooth and not too acidic.

Ingredients: Dark Chocolate (sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, butter fat, cocoa [processed with alkali], soy lecithin [emulsifier], salt, natural flavor), macadamia nuts, natural Kona coffee flavor.

Allergen-related information: "Contains macadamia nuts, milk, soy. Made on equipment that is also used for other tree nuts (almonds, Brazil nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, walnuts), wheat, milk and eggs."

Manoa Chocolate - Chocolate Macadamia Spread - Aug. 29, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Manoa Chocolate
Chocolate Macadamia Spread
Good ++
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 9 oz. (255 g.) in total bar
Calories: 185 calories (estimate) for 1 oz. serving
Cost: $15.00 for 1 jar
Purchased from: Manoa Chocolate, online order

Aloha, and welcome to Day #10 of Chocolate and Hawaii Theme Week.

Today's jar of Chocolate Macadamia Spread was from Manoa Chocolate (Kailua, O'ahu, HI).

Aroma and flavor notes for this thick and smooth, fudgey dark chocolate spread included: mild nutty coconut graham cracker cookie, thick, rich dark chocolate ganache, very faint sweet green (freshly picked green sugar cane stalks, sweet green seed butter, green floral-vanilla), and very faint, fleeting buttered Boston brown bread (a steamed, moist bread containing molasses, cornmeal and raisins).

This was a skillfully executed blend of ground macadamia nuts (1st ingredient listed)--that gave this spread a very subtle, nuanced nutty background flavor--and ground cocoa nibs (the 2nd ingredient listed) that contributed rich, nuanced dark chocolate ganache-forward flavor. 

The sweetener: organic cane cane sugar yielded more flavor depth than processed sugar. Add coconut oil and a judicious dose of sea salt, and you have a flavorful, high-end chocolate spread that captures the spirit of Hawaii. As the label suggested: "Spread the Aloha."

Enjoy this spread on a croissant, toast, between cake (or dessert parfait) layers. Fold it into a smoothie or ice cream sundae. Make your own chocolate-filled sandwich cookie. Or eat it plain while you're dreaming of your next trip to Hawaii. There are no wrong answers here.

Note: Manoa also offers chocolate covered mac nuts and rum chocolate covered mac nuts.

Ingredients: Hawaiian macadamia nuts, cacao nibs, organic cane sugar, coconut oil, cocoa powder, sea salt

Allergen-related information: Contains nuts (macadamia nuts). 

Check Manoa website or contact them for allergen-related details. This week's (2022) KoHana Rum 75% Dark Chocolate bar had this label: "Manufactured by Manoa Chocolate Hawaii...(in) Kailua, HI...This facility also processes milk, wheat, peanut, walnut, cashew, pecan, coconut, macadamia (and) hazelnut."

Manoa Chocolate - Kohana Rum 75% Hawaii Chocolate (bar) - Aug. 28, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Manoa Chocolate
Kohana Rum 75% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ - Good +++
Weight: 1.05 oz. (30 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Manoa Chocolate, online order

Aloha, and welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Hawaii Theme Week.

Today's Kohana Rum 75% Hawaii Chocolate (bar), made with Hawaii grown cacao, was created by Manoa Chocolate (Kailua, O'ahu, HI) in collaboration with Hawaii rum distiller, Ko Hana, using Hawaii cacao.

Aroma notes for this dark chocolate (in order of appearance) included: aromatic sweet liquor (rum) and chocolate (dark chocolate, dark ganache). The texture was even, light and creamy. 

Chocolate flavor notes included spiked dark chocolate mousse, faint diffuse sweet fruit and brown sugar, very faint pleasing vanilla-like floral spice, and faint wood tones (similar to the oak casks used to age "sweet" bourbon whiskey).

This Manoa Chocolate Hawaiian chocolate had rich, nuanced liquor and smooth dark chocolate flavors. Going slightly darker with a 75% cacao (vs. 70% cacao) base worked very nicely with the inherently sweet (rum and cacao) flavors. This high-end rum and chocolate pairing in a single bar would also make a nice gift, or special bar to share with friends.

Manoa maker's description: "We collaborated with local rum distiller Ko Hana to create this bar. Ko Hana Agricole Rum is meticulously crafted from farm to bottle. They grow single varietal sugar canes that are hand harvested, pressed to juice and then distilled to perfection--resulting in one of the world's finest pure cane rums."

Ingredients: Rum soaked cacao, organic cane sugar, cocoa butter 

Allergen-related information: "Vegan chocolate" "Manufactured by Manoa Chocolate Hawaii...(in) Kailua, HI...This facility also processes milk, wheat, peanut, walnut, cashew, pecan, coconut, macadamia (and) hazelnut."

Manoa Chocolate - Hawai'i Island Kealakekua 70% (bar) - Aug. 27, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Manoa Chocolate
Hawai'i Island Kealakekua 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.05 oz. (30 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Manoa Chocolate, online order

Aloha, and welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Hawaii Theme Week.

Today's Hawai'i Island Kealakekua 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Manoa Chocolate (Kailua, O'ahu, HI). 

Kona lies on the west side of Hawai'i island, aka the Big Island, that is hotter and drier than the Hilo/east side of the island). The sloped spot has rich volcanic soil and there are several small farms growing coffee and cacao, with the help of irrigation, in this region.

Aroma notes for this Hawai'i dark chocolate (in order of appearance) included: fermentation (fruit vinegar, raisin)--a note that receded after the bar was opened for a few minutes, dark chocolate (ganache), nutty green, faint, sweet wood, and faint, fleeting, fertile ranch earth notes. 

The texture was even, light and creamy with a very, very faint fruit astringency at the end.

Chocolate flavor notes included dark chocolate mousse, honey, tart melon and citrus, light lemon and nut shortbread cookie, pleasing botanical green (sweet green seed, vanilla-like floral spice), and very faint (and balanced) light, garden green earth notes.

This was another Manoa Chocolate Hawaiian chocolate bar this week (the second featured with Hawai'i Island grown cacao), with rich chocolate flavor that had nuanced depth. 

This balanced, bold chocolate with subtle fruit, nut and green notes was well-crafted and approachable, with a friendly array of island plantation notes. Most of these Manoa bars this week ended with a very slight, balanced earth note toward the end--although each of these earth notes had a very slightly different earth "hue."

Manoa maker's description: "...Kealakekua is hot and dry. Normally, cacao trees would be unable to survive the harsh lava field conditions, but with irrigation they thrive." (Notes: fruity, nutty, fudgey, citrusy)

Manoa suggested beverage pairings: Wine: Gamay; Beer: Brown Ale; Liquor: Islay Scotch

Ingredients: Cacao, organic cane sugar, cocoa butter 

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that processes milk powder and nuts."

Manoa Chocolate - Hawai'i Island Kona 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) - Aug. 26, 2022

Chocolate of the Day

Manoa Chocolate
Hawai'i Island Kona 70% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.05 oz. (30 g.) / 2.1 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 180 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Manoa Chocolate, online order

Aloha, and welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Hawaii Theme Week.

Today's Hawai'i Island Kona 70% Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Manoa Chocolate (Kailua, O'ahu, HI). 

Kona lies on the west side of Hawai'i, aka the Big Island. The sloped spot has rich volcanic soil and is dotted with several small farms growing coffee, fruit and cacao.

Aroma notes for this Hawai'i dark chocolate included: clean, sweet green (nut, seed, stalks, floral, sugarcane,), faint green coconut, tart green citrus (lemongrass) and light almond.

The texture was lovely with an even, light, creamy (almost fluffy) mouthfeel. It was both rich and light at the same time, a little bit liked some whipped buttery mousses.

Chocolate flavor notes included dark chocolate mousse, honey, fruit (green melon), light citrus shortbread, and very faint (and balanced) light, loamy green earth notes.

Like the other Manoa Chocolate Hawaii-born chocolate bars this week, this one had rich chocolate flavor with nuanced depth. 

This slightly bolder chocolate with was well-crafted and approachable, with a friendly array of subtle green, island plantation notes. Like the other Manoa bars, it ended with a very slight earth note toward the end (as the others had despite slightly different cacao blends/origins). 

Manoa maker's notes: "The Likau Kula Farm in Kona is one of our oldest sources of Hawaiian cacao. In 2019 at the largest chocolate festival in the world, the Salon Du Chocolat in Paris, these Hawaiian grown beans from Kona won top 15 best flavored cacao in the world." (Notes: nutty, floral, fudgey)

Manoa suggested beverage pairings: Wine: Pinot Noir; Beer: Summer Ales; Liquor: Bourbon

Ingredients: Cacao, organic cane sugar, cocoa butter 

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that processes milk powder and nuts."