chocolate review
Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Bourbon Caramel
July 31, 2017
Ghirardelli recently introduced a new variety of chocolate square; Dark Chocolate Bourbon Caramel. Sounds good, right? Unfortunately, I think this is another example of “sounds better than it is”.
CocoLove Raspberry Bouche Bar
July 24, 2017
Vacationing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming was amazing! The Tetons, the hiking, the biking, the chocolate! The chocolate?
Every vacation destination I make a point to hunt out a local chocolates shop and this was no different. We stayed with family living in Jackson, and they knew where to take me - CocoLove Dessert Boutique. It was full of beautiful creations by pastry chef Oscar Ortega.
MilkBoy Swiss Alpine Milk Chocolate with Crunchy Caramel and Sea Salt
July 17, 2017
Milkboy is made in Switzerland and according to their website, www.milkboy.com, cows that graze the alpine meadows “produce some of the best-quality milk available, milk for which Switzerland is rightly famed.”
In addition to “best-quality milk,” the milk solids content is 24%. This is much higher than minimal levels required for milk chocolate in the U.S. (which is 12%). No wonder it’s uber-milky and creamy! Read more
Wild Ophelia Barbeque Potato Chip Chocolate Bar
July 10, 2017
I must say, there are some interesting flavored chocolate bars out there (I’m referring to what’s added to the chocolate, not the natural occurring terroir). And by “Interesting” I mean, raise an eyebrow and ask yourself, “who would think of such a thing?”
Today’s bar for example, honey and hickory barbeque potato chips with smoked paprika in 70% chocolate. Hmmm?
Pascha 85% Chocolate Chips
July 3, 2017
Once upon a time, when I was working at a large chocolate manufacturer, I created chocolate chip formulas. Formulas are based on adding ingredients together until they total 100%. A semi-sweet chocolate chip has to contain a minimum of 35% chocolate liquor or cacao mass (by law) so a typical chocolate chip formula might look like this:
Endangered Species Dark Chocolate with Cherries
June 26, 2017
Chocolate and cherry have a long history together. Case in point, chocolate-covered cherry cordials. At least one brand, Cella’s, started making chocolate cherries in 1864 (although large scale production didn’t start until around 1929).
The bar I’m reviewing today is made by Endangered Species brand and is NOT a cherry cordial. It does, however, have that same great taste combination. This is a 72% dark chocolate with bits of dried cherries.
Maca Dark Chocolate by Simple Truth Organic
June 19, 2017
This chocolate bar is a 71% dark chocolate with maca added. The brand is Simple Truth Organic, and it’s found in Kroger stores and manufactured in Switzerland.
After tasting a number of milk chocolates for the Milk Chocolate Lover’s series, I’m happy to be back to the dark chocolate reviews. This chocolate welcomes me back wonderfully.
Perugina Milk Chocolate with Almonds
June 5, 2017
Milk Chocolate Lovers Series, part 7: Perugina Milk Chocolate with Caramelized Almonds
Welcome to the last review in the Milk Chocolate Lovers series. There are so many milk chocolates out there it's impossible to cover them all. My goal was to review milk chocolates that are commonly found and easy to purchase.
Ritter Sport Fine Milk Chocolate
May 29, 2017
Milk Chocolate Lovers Series, part 6: Ritter Sport Fine Milk Chocolate
Ritter Sport is a pretty familiar chocolate brand world-wide. That’s not surprising since they’ve been around for more than 100 years! Founded in 1912, the Ritter family has owned and operated the chocolate company, and today, selling chocolates in 100 countries around the globe.
As part of the current Milk Chocolate Lover’s blog series, I’m tasting Fine Milk Chocolate from their Classic line. This bar has a cacao percentage of 35 and is sourced from Ecuador.
Green & Black’s Organic Milk Chocolate
May 15, 2017
Milk Chocolate Lovers Series, part 5: Green & Black’s Organic Milk Chocolate
Green & Black’s has long been one of my favorite chocolate brands. They make a superb 85% dark chocolate! Of course, in keeping with my current Milk Chocolate Lovers theme, I’m reviewing their 34% organic milk chocolate. No added nuts or toffee pieces. No distractions. Just pure milk chocolate.