Author Archive: Bryn Kirk
Vande Walle’s Candies – Part Two
July 19, 2018
A “Chocolaterie” is usually a business that makes chocolates and sells them at the same place. It’s also usually a small family-owned business and typically only at one location.
The term “Chocolaterie” is of French origin and isn’t used very often in the United States. Instead, we use terms like Chocolate Shop, Candy Store, or Chocolate Company. You may see the occasional “Chocolatier” or “Chocolat” used to imply that the business makes the chocolate it sells.
Vande Walle’s Candies – Part One
July 12, 2018
A visit to Vande Walle’s Candies shop in Appleton, Wisconsin is a treat. I recently had the pleasure of fitting in a trip to Vande Walle’s while out shopping with my mother in-law. I loved my first step into the chocolate shop. The air conditioning felt so luxurious on that hot afternoon, and I took in the smells of chocolate, caramel, and mint hitting my senses in a delightful way.
Ah, the aromas of a chocolate shop. They’re almost identical wherever I go...
Divine’s Seriously Smooth Milk Chocolate
July 5, 2018
You’ve heard me talk about Divine Chocolate before. It’s one of my favorite chocolate companies. I hold it in high esteem for two major reasons; excellent chocolate and an excellent story.
NibMor Organic Daily Dose – Mint Dark Chocolate
June 28, 2018
NibMor (short for Nibble More) chocolate snack company makes small, 0.35 ounce squares of chocolate perfect for nibbling. They call it “Our Daily Dose” and it’s intended to be just the right amount for a delicious and healthy snack or end-of-meal treat.
My daily dose is a 72% dark chocolate with cacao nibs and mint.
Unreal Dark Chocolate Almond Butter
June 20, 2018
As a kid I loved Reeses’ Peanut Butter Cups. The day after Trick or Treating for Halloween, my siblings and I would trade candy, each of us looking for more of our favorites. However, none of us would give up our peanut butter cups. We all coveted them and would be envious of the person that got more of them in their candy bag.
My favorite way to eat them was cold. I’d put one in the refrigerator after school and by homework time, I’d treat myself to an ice cold, milk chocolate covered, sugary peanut butter filled confection.
Road Crew Clusters Dark Chocolate Detour
June 14, 2018
Road Crew Clusters’ Dark Chocolate Detour is a sweet and salty snack of semi-sweet chocolate coated peanuts, rice puffs, and pretzels.
Ah, snacks. Sweet. Salty. Sweet and salty. Why do sweet and salty things taste so good together? Scientists think they know why. It all comes down to the cells that make up our taste buds. Certain cells are activated by sugar and we taste “sweet”. And some “sweet” cells are only activated when accompanied by salt.
Moonstruck Dark Chocolate Espresso Bean
June 6, 2018
Moonstruck Chocolate Company is crafted in Portland, Oregon. According to their website, http://www.moonstruckchocolate.com, they pair “…decadent chocolate with fresh flavors found in the Pacific Northwest and beyond…”
Today’s review comes from Moonstruck’s 68% dark chocolate with crushed espresso beans from Sumatra. I found this at a local grocery store among a long aisle of chocolates and candies. Perhaps it was the fun packaging with moon and stars that caught my eye. But more likely, it was my inner “chocolate homing device” that instantly targeted and locked on to the dark chocolate and coffee combination!
Barnana Organic Chocolate Banana Brittle
May 31, 2018
Barnana’s Chocolate Banana Brittle are crunchy, bite-sized squares that look like thin cookies. They have a rich brown color and they are sprinkled with chocolate chips and toasted coconut flakes on top.
Hands Off My Chocolate – Double Dark
May 22, 2018
Hands Off My Chocolate Double Dark is a 70% bar made in Belgium. It’s tasty and fun. I say fun because it’s molded into a geometric shape of attached circles with the majority of circles boasting the word “Mine” on them. There is only one stamped with “Yours," and it's crossed out!
Trader Joe’s Cold Brew Coffee Chocolate Bar
May 15, 2018
Trader Joe’s Cold Brew Coffee chocolate is a 70% dark, caramel filled bar. Strong coffee aromas emanate from the package as soon as you rip open the foil wrapper. I love the smell of coffee!