Birch Benders - Chocolate Chip Waffles - Oct. 27, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Birch Benders 
Chocolate Chip Keto Toaster Waffles
Good +
Weight: 2.96 oz. (84 g.) / 5.92 oz. (168 g.) in total package of 6 waffles
Calories: 270 calories in 3 waffles
Cost: $4.99 for 1 package of 6 waffles
Purchased from: Sprouts Farmers Market, Mountain View, CA

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

Today's Chocolate Chip Keto Toaster Waffles were manufactured in Belgium for Birch Benders (Denver, CO). The self-described "micro-pancakery" offers pancake and waffle mixes and frozen waffles. 

These gluten-free chocolate chip waffles--sweetened with erythritol and stevia--were substantial and filling (primarily due to relatively high levels of protein and fiber). And, happily, these were not too sweet.

A light scattering of small chocolate chips added a chocolate-y rich accent flavor. (Optional: Top with some 100% dark chocolate chips/shavings (with maple extract perhaps) instead of sugary syrup for amped up chocolate flavor.)

Depending on how these frozen waffles are defrosted and heated, the texture can be soft, with a light chew, or a bit crispier. 

Ingredients: Eggs, high oleic sunflower oil, dark chocolate chips (unsweetened chocolate, erythritol, cocoa butter, stevia extract, sunflower lecithin), organic coconut flour, cassava starch, tigernut flour, buttermilk powder, leavening (monocalcium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate), skim milk yogurt powder (skim milk, cultures), psyllium husk powder, spice.

Allergen-related information: "Contains: egg, milk, coconut."

 

Raaka Chocolate - Waffle Cone 61% Cacao Unroasted Dark Chocolate (bar) - Oct. 26, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Raaka Chocolate

Waffle Cone 61% Unroasted Dark Chocolate (bar)

Good + - Good ++

Weight: .9 oz. (25.4 g.) / 1.8 oz. (50.9 g.) in total bar

Calories: 121 calories (per label) in 1/2 bar

Cost: $8.00 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #9 of Chocolate and Uganda Week, and Day #2 of Chocolate and Waffle Week.

Today's Waffle Cone 61% Cacao Dark Unroasted Dark Chocolate (bar) was made by Raaka Chocolate (Brooklyn, NY).

The cacao used to make this bar was grown in the Semuliki Forest region of Uganda.

Layered flavors

Instead of bits of waffle (ice cream cone) embedded in the chocolate, there was a broad strip of (gluten free) waffle cone adhered to the back of this bar, offering a sweet (but not too sweet) thin layer of contrasting flavor. 

Separating the dark chocolate and waffle cone elements allowed for layered flavors in the tasting process and made it easier to pick out flavors in the the underlying 61% dark chocolate. (It was also possible to break off a piece of chocolate from the non-waffle cone covered edge to taste that separately.)

Aroma and flavor notes included dark chocolate; diffuse fruit; warm spice (cinnamon, hot fruit compote spices); faintly soap-like plant and sweet green nut cookie; and authentic, faintly earthy and floral vanilla bean. 

The dark chocolate had an even melt and smooth, balanced dark flavor. And the thin waffle cone layer added a light wafer-like texture with a very subtle crunchy chew. The thoughtful stacking (vs. homogenizing) of authentic flavors made this novelty bar blend a success.

Ingredients: Organic cacao beans, organic cane sugar, gluten free waffle cone (organic cane sugar, organic coconut oil, organic apple puree, organic rice flour, organic brown rice flour, organic tapioca flour, organic millet flour, organic flax seed meal, organic arrowroot powder, organic baking powder, organic inulin, xanthan gum), organic cacao butter organic vanilla bean

Allergen-related information: Certified Organic; vegan, gluten free, soy free

(I also recommend trying Raaka Chocolate's Maple Dark 75% (Uganda) cacao baking chocolate pieces, featured on October 21, 2021; and yesterday's slightly richer, Raaka Double Chocolate Waffle Cone 61% (bar)--that was similar to today's bar, but the waffle piece/layer contained cacao as well.

 

Raaka Chocolate - Double Chocolate Waffle Cone 61% (bar) - Oct. 25, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Raaka Chocolate

Double Chocolate Waffle Cone 61% Unroasted Dark Chocolate (bar)

Good ++

Weight: .9 oz. (25.4 g.) / 1.8 oz. (50.9 g.) in total bar

Calories: 140 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar

Cost: $8.00 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Uganda Week, and Day #1 of Chocolate and Waffle Week.

Today's Double Chocolate Waffle Cone 61% Cacao Dark Unroasted Dark Chocolate (bar) was made by Raaka Chocolate (Brooklyn, NY).

It's unusual to find a "fun" single origin dark chocolate bar. If an artisan chocolate maker is laser focused on developing and featuring flavor nuances present in a small batch of single origin (and/or single variety or harvest) cacao beans, this maker likely, understandably, will hesitate to muffle these flavor nuances with additional ingredients. 

Today's offering not only evokes scenes of summer chocolate ice cream cones at the beach, but also amps up these conjured memories with a high-quality, flavorful deep, dark chocolate made from African cacao grown in the Semuliki Forest region of Uganda.*

An aesthetically-pleasing, broad strip of chocolate (gluten free) waffle cone was adhered to the back of this bar, offering a sweet (but not too sweet) flavor inclusion. Separating the two elements allowed for layered flavors in the tasting, and made it easier to enjoy the underlying 61% dark chocolate. (It was possible to break off a piece of chocolate from the non-waffle cone covered edge to taste that separately.)

Aroma and flavor notes included dark chocolate, diffuse fruit (spiced peach and berry compote/jam), warm spice (cinnamon) and authentic, faintly earthy and floral vanilla bean. 

The dark chocolate had an even melt and smooth, balanced deep dark flavor quality (richer than most 61% cacao chocolates). And the thin waffle cone layer added a light wafer-like texture with a very subtle chew. The thoughtful stacking (vs. homogenizing) of flavors made this blend a success.

Ingredients: Organic cacao, organic cane sugar, organic cacao butter, gluten free waffle cone (organic rice flour, organic brown rice flour, organic tapioca flour, organic millet flour, organic cacao powder, organic coconut oil, organic cane sugar, organic apple puree, organic flax seed meal, organic arrowroot powder, organic inulin, xanthan gum), organic vanilla

Allergen-related information: Vegan, gluten free, soy free

*Uganda is the becoming more well-known for single origin cacao, thanks in part to work being done in-country to reward (better pay, support) farmers to obtain premium cacao. In 2019, Uganda was the sixth largest cacao-exporting African nation (behind Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon and Sierra Leone).

The chocolates featured as part of an Uganda-themed week (Oct. 18-26, 2021), on this Chocolate Banquet site, have all been quite good--with deep, dark chocolate-y flavor; subtle hints of faintly tart-sweet fruit and occasional warm spice; and very faint, balanced earth. 

(I would also recommend trying Raaka Chocolate's Maple Dark 75% cacao (Uganda) baking chocolate pieces, featured on October 21, 2021.)

Latitude Craft Chocolate - Rwenzori 80% Uganda (bar) - Oct. 24, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Latitude Trade Company Ltd.

(Latitude Craft Chocolate)

Rwenzori 80% Uganda (bar)

Good ++ - Good +++

Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar

Calories: 220 calories in 1/2 bar

Cost: $8.00 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order (and Latitude via Chocolopolis.com)

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

Today's Rwenzori 80% (Uganda) (bar) was from Latitude Craft Chocolate / Latitude Trade Company Ltd. (Kampala, Uganda).

The cocoa used to make Latitude chocolate is sourced from several hundred certified organic farmers in Uganda. Latitude purchases cocoa "face-to-face at the farms," often at village collection points in rural areas.

Aroma and flavor were similar and included attractive, true deep, dark chocolate, light/diffuse red fruit (berry) and faint light earth, followed by an isolated, faint, sparkle or two of faint, tropical fruit.*

The melt and texture were fairly thick and creamy. (I was surprised to learn that there was no added cocoa butter--a testament to the fact that some cocoa beans have a naturally-occurring, higher cocoa fat/butter content. Beans with more fat are sometimes found when cacao is grown at higher, cooler altitudes and/or further away from the Equator) 

The (drum) roasting and refining/conching choices seemed thoughtful. Nothing too wild left in the results; but the smooth flavor(s) that were developed (or that remained) added a bit of complexity. 

The overall flavor was quite smooth, sophisticated, almost subdued, for an ultra-dark bar. There were no sharp off-notes. This 80% chocolate contained deep cocoa (brownie) notes in the background; and the finish was fairly clean and subtle. Some of the best flavor qualities of Forastero and Trinitario are evoked here. 

The cacao had a balanced, almost restrained, bitterness and a fair amount of natural sweetness. However, this ultra-dark bar was not too sweet. (Thank you to Latitude for offering this 80% cacao version.)

Maker's notes: "A dark daredevil with a fruity twist...This bolder, older sibling to our (70%) Semuliki bar. This is a darker chocolate with notes of bright fresh fruits."

Ingredients: Organic cocoa beans, cane sugar

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that handles tree nuts, wheat, dairy, eggs, peanuts and soy."

*This tropical fruit note was only tasted in a later, re-tasting today, a few hours after I'd enjoyed some pawpaw fruit, so this could have been a prior fruit-influenced sparkle. I'd earlier (yesterday as part of a Chocolopolis.com Latitude remote bar tasting) also picked up a very faint green, molasses note, which did not show up in today's re-samplings. 

Latitude Craft Chocolate - Bukonzo Coffee Uganda (bar) - Oct. 23, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Latitude Trade Company Ltd.
Bukonzo Coffee Uganda (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.235 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 160 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order 

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

Today's Bukonzo Coffee Uganda (bar) was from Latitude Craft Chocolate (Latitude Trade Company Ltd.) (Kampala, Uganda).*

Uganda is in the geographic sweet spot for growing coffee and cacao, and is perhaps more well-known for the former. The country is the second largest producer of coffee (behind Ethiopia) in Africa; and exports include Arabica as well as Robusta varieties.

Both coffee and cacao can be found growing in the Rwenzori Mountains area of southwestern Uganda (close to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo).

The aroma of today's coffee infused bar was a blend of sweet, dark chocolate and subtle roasted coffee notes. And the melt and texture were creamy and smooth.

This chocolate tasted sweet and bright with balanced acidity; and had a faint, pleasing almost floral (vanilla-hazelnut) upbeat note in the finish. The coffee was present without being overwhelming.

Tasting notes: "A breakfast alternative...Single-origin Ugandan arabica coffee from the Rwenzori Mountains delivers the punch in this pleasantly bitter, bright and nutty bar."

Ingredients: Organic cocoa beans, cocoa butter, cane sugar, roasted coffee

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that handles tree nuts, wheat, dairy, eggs, peanuts and soy."

*Latitude is a Certified B Corporation actively involved in direct trade in Africa. The company sources the cocoa in their chocolate bars "from over 1,000 certified organic farmers in Uganda, purchasing face-to-face at the farms." Their supplier program offers "training, a premium price, insurance, and microfinance to support farm households..."

Latitude Craft Chocolate - Dark Milk (Uganda) (bar) - Oct. 22, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Latitude Trade Company Ltd.
Dark Milk Uganda (bar)
Good
Weight: 1.235 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 220 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $8.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order 

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

Today's Dark Milk Uganda (bar) was from Latitude Craft Chocolate (Latitude Trade Company Ltd.) (Kampala, Uganda).

Aroma notes for this made-at-the-source, organic Dark Milk bar included slightly bittersweet chocolate with very faint, diffuse fruit and nut notes. The melt and texture were smooth and uniform.

The taste was very uniform and fairly sweet. (Admittedly, too sweet for me. But fans of sweet milk chocolate may enjoy its relative mildness.) As with many milk chocolates, it had a muted flavor profile due to the sugar and milk. (Organic cane sugar was the number one ingredient.) There were no "off" flavors in this bar. However, it was lower in flavor depth and complexity.* 

The bean-to-bar makers may have been playing it safe and homogenizing flavors across a wide spread of cacao sources to ensure consistency. Which they have every right to do; and arriving at a consistent flavor profile is not as easy as it sounds, especially if one is making chocolate in-country, or in an area that may still be developing a uniformly sophisticated utility, temperature-controlled manufacturing and transportation infrastructure.**

 This small-batch milk chocolate is still more fragrant, and will be more interesting to try, than most commercial, high-volume chocolates sold around the globe. 

And it has a good story behind it. (See inside of wrapper for details.) The company signs long-term contracts with cacao farmers to grow organic cacao; and in turn pays them a "premium price." Over 50 percent of their contracted farmers are women. (Farmers typically have 1-3 acre farms.) Latitude's supplier program also offers access to training, "insurance and microfinance to support farm households."

Maker's notes: "A warm brownie paired with a cold glass of milk."

Ingredients: Cane sugar, organic cocoa beans, cocoa butter, whole milk

Allergen-related information: "Made in a facility that handles tree nuts, wheat, dairy, eggs, peanuts and soy.  

* I could not find a cacao percentage for this chocolate on the label. I'm guessing it may have been in the 40-50% cacao solids range.

**Note: Kampala, the headquarters for Latitude Trade Company, is Uganda's capital, and largest city, with over 1 million residents, and a modern skyline. Outside the larger cities, many people in rural areas are feeding themselves and making a living by being subsistence farmers.

Raaka - Maple Dark Unroasted Dark Chocolate (75% Cacao Baking Chocolate) - Oct. 21, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Raaka Chocolate

Maple Dark Unroasted Dark Chocolate 75% Cacao Baking Chocolate (pieces)

Good ++ - Good +++

Weight: 1/8 cup (15 g.) / 8 oz. (226.4 g.) in total package

Calories: 71 calories in 1/8 cup serving

Cost: $15.00 for 1 package 

Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

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

Today's Maple Dark, Unroasted Dark Chocolate, 75% Cacao Baking Chocolate (pieces) were made by Raaka Chocolate in Brooklyn, New York.

These dark chocolate baking pieces were made with cacao sourced from Uganda (Semuliki Forest). Raaka practices "transparent trade," and pays farmers (farmer-owned co-ops and grower-centered organizations in cacao growing countries) "transparent, stable premiums above Fair Trade prices."

The rich dark chocolate aroma and flavor were similar and included: dark, almost tart/tangy sweet molasses/brown or maple sugar; dried fruits (prunes and a few dark, dried cherries with a tiny splash of apple brandy and light cider vinegar with warm spice); clean and clear green, and balanced, diffuse forest/earth notes.

There was a very slight astringency in the taste (a slight throat tickle), but overall the melt and mouthfeel were smooth and even. 

The relatively thin (wafer thickness) of these ebony-colored, flat, heptagonal (seven-sided) polygons yielded quick access to rich dark chocolate flavors, and made these pieces well-suited (easy to melt and stir evenly) for baking, cooking or fondue-ing. 

These balanced, bold and bittersweet pieces will add extra depth to tortes, brownies, couverture, homemade snack mix, or any other item you create. And they'd make a flavorful addition to a fruit. dessert or chocolate tasting plate. 

Maker's notes: Raaka's description of this chocolate read as follows: "Our maple sugar sweetened, single origin take on the classic bittersweet baking chocolate is fruity, bright, and rich, with just the right amount of complexity to give your baked goods that extra oomph." 

(Postscript: I found myself repeatedly returning to snack on this flavorful 75% chocolate later in the week, and upped my rating (from a "Good ++" to a "Good ++ - Good +++") based on this desire for more.)

Ingredients: Organic cacao beans, organic maple sugar, organic cacao butter

Allergen-related information: "Certified Organic and Kosher by NFC" "Vegan, Gluten Free, Nut Free"