Cacao de El Salvador – Part 1
September 30, 2019
I have so much good news to share about what’s going on in El Salvador! I spent a little over a week traveling in the eastern part of the country learning first hand from farmers and processors about the benefits and challenges of growing cacao in their region.
My head is bursting with all that I heard, saw and yes, tasted. As a result, I’m going to publish a series of blog posts about it all. My hope is to take everything currently trapped in my brain and write it down. And share some interesting stories and photos with you all.
CocoVaa – Again and Again!
September 21, 2019
Earlier this year I posted a blog about chocolatier extraordinaire, Syovata Edari, and her award-winning fine chocolates. I had received a large gift box at Christmas, and my tasting experience left quite an impression on me. The “Ohhhh yeah, this is incredible!” kind of impression. I knew there was going to be a visit to CocoVaa in my future.
Chocolate Gift Basket and Tasting
August 26, 2019
On occasion I get asked to donate my time and expertise to lead a local “Chocolate Tasting” class/event (or a Chocolate and Wine pairing event!) for a fundraiser, silent auction, or raffle. I always donate and, oddly enough, even when someone buys it or receives it, very few winners take me up on it.
My most recent idea was to create a gift basket – or “chocolate kit” if you will - containing all the chocolates that would be needed for a tasting event. I also included a brief but detailed explanation of how I would conduct the tasting using the materials provided.
And it worked!
Culinary Tours Belgian Extra Dark Chocolate – 85% Cacao
July 27, 2019
I know. Another 85% extra dark chocolate review. You might wonder if I ever get sick of eating and reviewing 85% dark chocolates. The answer would be NO. And this won’t be the last time you see an 85% dark chocolate review from me! Hey, I like what I like and want to share it with the world. Plus, there are sooo many high percentage chocolates to choose from these days.
Larabar Coconut Truffles
July 19, 2019
I like Larabars. I especially like them on long bike rides. They taste good, and they give me lots of energy to be active and full of life. As you know, I also like chocolate (okay, LOVE chocolate) so when I gave the Larabar Truffles a try, I got very confused.
Simple Truth Organic Dark Chocolate Bars
July 1, 2019
Organic chocolate continues to improve and trend. Over the last couple years I’ve seen improvements in chocolate flavor development, unique and/or exotic flavor offerings, price (much more affordable!), availability, and brands. Simple Truth chocolate bars are part of the Kroger Co. store brand line of organic chocolate.
The two Simple Truth bars I’m sharing with you today are: Cocount Dark Chocolate and Marcona Almond Dark Chocolate
Private Selection – Cranberry, Orange, and Honey
June 21, 2019
Private Selection is a Kroger store-brand that spans across many item categories, including chocolate bars. The price point for the Private Selection chocolate is certainly appealing. I paid $1.79 for the Cranberry Orange Honey Swiss Bar.
Tabal’s Great Lakes Tart Cherry
June 14, 2019
Shop local and make a difference globally. Chocolate lovers are a caring, devoted group, and many live this pledge everyday. When you are fortunate to have a small bean-to-bar chocolate shop in your area, supporting that business is not only critical to the business, but to cacao sustainability and fair compensation for farmers in the countries of origin.
I’m lucky enough to have such a local small chocolate business near me - Tabal Chocolate.
K + M Extravirgin Dark Chocolate Bars
June 7, 2019
K + M Extravirgin dark chocolate, made in Napa, CA, has a secret. They hand craft their bean-to-bar chocolates with extravirgin olive oil in order to boost the antioxidant properties as well as enhance the cocoa bean’s flavor and the bar’s smoothness.
According to their website, www.kellermannichocolate.com, by adding a small amount of MANNI organic extra-virgin olive oil through their proprietary chocolate-making process, the chocolate retains three times the amount of antioxidants compared to the traditional method. They say it’s, “Good for your body, good for your soul”!
Equal Exchange 80% Dark from Panama
May 29, 2019
I eat chocolate bars from Equal Exchange all the time, and I assumed that I reviewed them as I consumed them. I was wrong! It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed one of their bars, so I aim to correct that. Today’s review is a single origin, 80% dark chocolate, made from the cacao beans grown in Panama.