tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29350811071768169252024-03-02T02:07:32.777-08:00Chocolate GrailLynn Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794075862036633312noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2935081107176816925.post-50332367871649287582015-02-27T14:13:00.002-08:002015-02-27T15:20:38.029-08:00michel cluizel<div id="photo" style="float: left; height: 340px; width: 308px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uN53trRfy384-IP-op-obG0FMP1s2o094bUccCBCxcKzgCy7llMwQiGYgthWL330Dn3Qmd-x69XNFcrIqLb326_mCM4Fo5CLQBF2E82cAsHmK_JSVyIgou4Ae6PkLuLEHg3n5oSChDQ/s1600/michel_cluizel_little_hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uN53trRfy384-IP-op-obG0FMP1s2o094bUccCBCxcKzgCy7llMwQiGYgthWL330Dn3Qmd-x69XNFcrIqLb326_mCM4Fo5CLQBF2E82cAsHmK_JSVyIgou4Ae6PkLuLEHg3n5oSChDQ/s320/michel_cluizel_little_hearts.jpg" /></a><br />
all photographs ©<br />
<a href="http://www.ronalddunlapphotography.com/#p=-1&a=0&at=0/">Ron Dunlap Photography</a></div>
Valentine's may be over, but hearts never to out of style. Michel Cluizel's Coeur d'Amour, which is fancy schmancy French for Hearts of Love are the year round perfect gift for anyone dear to you. That might include a good friend needing a pick me up, your partner to let them know you love them, your lover - (it's French isn't it?) and even for your cat, even though everyone knows it's not your cat that will be eating them. <br />
<br />
An unspecified time ago, after all I am une femme d'un certain age which means in French, "Don't ask me my age, it's really rude and I am not going to answer you anyway", I used to live in Canada. We had this candy called <a href="http://candyaddict.com/blog/2005/10/11/smarties-differences/" target="_blank">Smarties</a>.These are not the thin candy wafers in six incredible flavors but instead the Canadian version of M&M's. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZcHEtTMmTVUL_SNAV2NtCbPWEwdIrFB63LUfLske0L7Cxg4wbMXDwyXv_YINfWpNIYbYeHOMMwevC6jmYUOHvwPcIAMxlqSt3822ZC4dG-7zSZDg0yL4HbKQ0vGIKUM64BrGUtLPqmQ/s1600/MICHEL_CLUIZEL_closed_box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZcHEtTMmTVUL_SNAV2NtCbPWEwdIrFB63LUfLske0L7Cxg4wbMXDwyXv_YINfWpNIYbYeHOMMwevC6jmYUOHvwPcIAMxlqSt3822ZC4dG-7zSZDg0yL4HbKQ0vGIKUM64BrGUtLPqmQ/s1600/MICHEL_CLUIZEL_closed_box.jpg" /></a></div>Imagine Smarties, without the colors and instead of mass produced chocolate (nothing wrong with that), each little candy reveals a rich, dark chocolate center that is 72% cacao and delivers that rich chocolate taste that only a master chocolatier like Michel Cluizel can deliver. The combination of textures, the first satisfying crunch when you bite into these and then the 72% cacao center makes these little hearts irresistible. And to top it off, the chocolates comes in a darling giftable tin with a red grosgrain bow. It's really a perfect gift for the chocolate enthusiasts in your life. <br />
<br />
And if you happen to be a baker, I see these little hearts scattered jauntily over your baked goods. Cupcakes anyone?<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.chocolategrail.com/gourmet.htm#Michel Cluizel" style="border-color: rgb(152, 119, 46); border-style: solid; clear: left; color: #98772e; float: left; padding: 10px; text-decoration: none;"><b>michel cluizel information</b></a>Lynn Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794075862036633312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2935081107176816925.post-65277136024695519702015-01-30T22:35:00.000-08:002015-01-31T00:00:00.221-08:00valentine pick: seattle chocolate truffles<div id="photo" style="float: left; height: 340px; width: 308px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6tWwBvLsdRhY7-vpCRpX-_FzM_8ZejWatOfTdqEjA9pVd3jAJyLx13059XnsPc1b6yMox0_LA5zTOAxLuwjgK_bO5VNm-cMXYRVwY6Vj9v_S6kof814_oRuhlUBOgs7p9u_gv6cz690/s1600/SEATTLE_CHOCOLATES_out-of-bag_chocolate_grail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6tWwBvLsdRhY7-vpCRpX-_FzM_8ZejWatOfTdqEjA9pVd3jAJyLx13059XnsPc1b6yMox0_LA5zTOAxLuwjgK_bO5VNm-cMXYRVwY6Vj9v_S6kof814_oRuhlUBOgs7p9u_gv6cz690/s1600/SEATTLE_CHOCOLATES_out-of-bag_chocolate_grail.jpg" /></a>all photographs ©<br />
<a href="http://www.ronalddunlapphotography.com/#p=-1&a=0&at=0/">Ron Dunlap Photography</a></div>
Holidays are always the worst for singletons. Whether it's just being alone or having just gone through a poorly timed break up, there's nothing worse than seeing happy couples laughing and holding hands skipping down the sidewalk. It is almost as if they come out of the wood work just on holidays. So why not make yourself that special someone? This brightly colored bag of truffles from Seattle Chocolates is sure to bring a smile to your face. And all the delightful flavors will make even the pickiest connoisseur happy.
<br />
<br />
Each chocolate comes wrapped in a brightly metallic foil that makes a provocative crinkly sound when you open them to reveal a perfect, bite sized chocolate shaped like a little loaf. And despite the size, you'll find each truffle packs a big flavor punch. Plus, the truffles are just exactly the right size that it's impossible to feel guilty say, even if you inhale the whole bag accidentally.<br /><br />
<div id="photo" style="float: left; height: 310px; width: 308px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0a0-lcgemsH5hVMovKfE0p3OSwxA7q0hi2YmSVAX2x9vPLQTe4OgpDQdkk7QrubsoMLC9PW7JH6T4oh1VNtqaYneT_QtCmaIk5gf2p7g251MAkfWvJpgYW22KXJME4HVHQE1ZIw7ykrA/s1600/SEATTLE_CHOCOLATES_in_bag_chocolate_grail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0a0-lcgemsH5hVMovKfE0p3OSwxA7q0hi2YmSVAX2x9vPLQTe4OgpDQdkk7QrubsoMLC9PW7JH6T4oh1VNtqaYneT_QtCmaIk5gf2p7g251MAkfWvJpgYW22KXJME4HVHQE1ZIw7ykrA/s1600/SEATTLE_CHOCOLATES_in_bag_chocolate_grail.jpg" /></a></div>If you're looking for a little crunch may we suggest the Toffee, Salted Almond or Peanut Brittle. There is just enough of a crumbly crunch in each of these so you get the right amount of texture that you end up frantically searching the bag for just one more bite. Thankfully, the wrappings are all color coded and labelled for good measure.<br /><br />
For the chocoholics who enjoy the classic fillings, the Milk Chocolate Mint, Cool Mint or Peanut Butter will satisfy your cravings and, Seattle Chocolates has a whole bevy of brightly naturally flavored, fruity fillings all tinted just so that when you bit in, you see a slight blush from the fruit; Blackberry Crème, Strawberry Crème and Raspberry Crème.<br /><br />
And if you think that's it how about the Coconut Macaroon, Espresso and Sea Salt for the more adventurous?<br /><br />
I used to think if I was left on a deserted island and I could bring one thing it would be Mascara, that or Ryan Gosling. But now I think I would be perfectly happy with a bag of assorted Seattle Chocolate Truffles.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.chocolategrail.com/gourmet.htm#Seattle_Chocolates" style="border-color: rgb(152, 119, 46); border-style: solid; clear: left; color: #98772e; float: left; padding: 10px; text-decoration: none;"><b>seattle chocolates contact information</b></a>Lynn Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794075862036633312noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2935081107176816925.post-9117234204699281072014-10-14T16:03:00.002-07:002014-10-14T18:02:39.455-07:00jcoco chocolates<div id="photo" style="float: left; height: 340px; width: 308px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvXfSPR61dINL2V3ENWR81EjvFTGDTSPZec-Qqf4O2sJvssmPINAhLZzr6_WxqMHkcRKE7jNI_xnw6FxTqo2En5PciwonswyOTPKmgqr4ZmH6nuaJXSn5wGoJU0zVZ5ASEXvMqhgb55A/s1600/JCOCO_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvXfSPR61dINL2V3ENWR81EjvFTGDTSPZec-Qqf4O2sJvssmPINAhLZzr6_WxqMHkcRKE7jNI_xnw6FxTqo2En5PciwonswyOTPKmgqr4ZmH6nuaJXSn5wGoJU0zVZ5ASEXvMqhgb55A/s320/JCOCO_1.jpg" /></a>all photographs ©<br />
<a href="http://www.ronalddunlapphotography.com/#p=-1&a=0&at=0/">Ron Dunlap Photography</a></div>
Jcoco knows, presentation isn't everything but when you have the whole nine yards going, from joyous, brightly colored packaging and velvety, dazzling flavors you have three 3 oz of pure joy in your hands.<br/><br/>
Jcoco doesn't skimp on your pleasure. To start, their vivid packaging in bright greens, purples and fanciful designs brings to mind the same anticipation you have when unwrapping a package from you favorite luxury retailer. Jcoco, is the Tiffany of chocolates. The packaging is made from gorgeous thick board that just screams class - except when does class every have to scream? Inside each box is another surprise. Three mini-bars await you, delightfully wrapped with happy inspiring black and white photos. This makes these exquisite chocolate bars the perfect gift for your favorite chocoholics this upcoming gift-giving season. And if giving chocolate weren't enough - every purchase of jcoco gives back in the form of a fresh, healthy serving of food to someone who would otherwise go without. Affiliated with <a href="http://www.gbfb.org/">The Greater Boston Food Bank</a>, <a href="www.northwestharvest.org/">Northwest Harvest</a>,<a href="http://www.sfmfoodbank.org/">SF Marin Food Bank</a> and <a href="www.foodbanknyc.org">Food Bank for New York City</a> this is one chocolate that goes beyond delivering sensational couture flavors. <br/><br/>
<div id="photo" style="float: left; height: 310px; width: 308px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37r3AzJkSkEdCVXs_qeHUePB_itCLYSEhuHR_hyphenhyphenPrVj7ZPmj72zSQkmUTxvka-XpQZNISyeR9prgDAILU5fKQy-QKbi_eCdigQMPXu95nGIMuYxgtiVv4UVAxc73i11oN0DbHpMh_pU8/s1600/JCOCO_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37r3AzJkSkEdCVXs_qeHUePB_itCLYSEhuHR_hyphenhyphenPrVj7ZPmj72zSQkmUTxvka-XpQZNISyeR9prgDAILU5fKQy-QKbi_eCdigQMPXu95nGIMuYxgtiVv4UVAxc73i11oN0DbHpMh_pU8/s320/JCOCO_3.jpg" /></a></div>We might also add, many of these chocolate offerings are all-natural, non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, and Kosher so you can reduce your sweet tooth guilt factor too!<br/><br/>
After being smitten with the presentation, my Argentine Tango classmates eagerly began our tasting. We started of course with Peanut Strawberry Baobab as it came in the brightest packaging, and we're all for shiny objects. If you still crave for PB&J in your lunchbox this chocolate has your name written all over it. Immersed in a rich, dark chocolate, you pick up nice crunch bits of peanuts and a surprisingly, satisfying rich, chewy strawberry pâté.<br/><br/>
Our instructor demanded the Agave Quinoa Sesame next. This bar boasts little puffed pieces of quinoa that crunch delicately under your teeth, followed by a sexy honey (actually agave) flavor and then ending in that unique taste of toasted sesame. We were all silenced momentarily until she declared this was her favorite chocolate ever and promptly claimed the remaining bar and went to teach the Viennese Waltz.<br/><br/>
<div id="photo" style="float: left; height: 310px; width: 308px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMs8qAxQmAl7PZy_6-3hBaLCMZdEELidG28VKTzdFgM2wBpuYue9EJWO4TtB53t_7t7RBI9OVZTo5q6OODfSrHHaC7RO1oGzH-5DZnd09_iPTWX-LXJ6Iln0Nmq_nfIlyoF16MeTVky8/s1600/jcoco_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMs8qAxQmAl7PZy_6-3hBaLCMZdEELidG28VKTzdFgM2wBpuYue9EJWO4TtB53t_7t7RBI9OVZTo5q6OODfSrHHaC7RO1oGzH-5DZnd09_iPTWX-LXJ6Iln0Nmq_nfIlyoF16MeTVky8/s320/jcoco_4.jpg" /></a></div>One bar short but still rich with experience we tackled the Black Fig Pistachio next. Figs have a special place in my heart. We have a Black Mission Fig tree in our yard. This tree has become the watering hole for animals of every persuasion - red foxes, skunks, possoms, Red Cheeked Bulbuls, Mockingbirds, Western Jays and a squirrel named Oliver to name a few who get sloshed with fermented figs. But I digress. I have a soft spot for figs, pun intended. In this confection, the figs pair with a toasted, fresh pistachios so you have the complex, chewy chorus of figs paired with tasty, crispy nuts. <br/><br/>
Our last bar was the Edamame Sea Salt. This had to be especially most excellent because it knocked the Black Fig Pistachio off my list for my favorite chocolate bar. The edamames are toasted, making them quite different that how you might usually enjoy them. As such they acquire a habit inducing nutty taste and with the touch of salt gives this a unique sophisticated flavor. A flavor, that creeps into your mind and soul and permanently into your dreams.<br/><br/>
<a href="http://www.chocolategrail.com/gourmet.htm#Jcoco_Chocolates" style="border-color: rgb(152, 119, 46); border-style: solid; clear: left; color: #98772e; float: left; padding: 10px; text-decoration: none;"><b>jcoco chocolates contact information</b></a>
Lynn Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794075862036633312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2935081107176816925.post-72413668703210616412014-05-07T09:33:00.000-07:002014-05-07T09:47:38.437-07:00An Indulgent Guide to ChocolateA beautiful visual history of chocolate for you to enjoy created by <a href="http://www.mychocolate.co.uk">MyChocolate</a>, a specialist provider of chocolate making workshops in London, Manchester and Brighton. <br/><br/>
Whether you're trying to sweeten an upcoming corporate event, celebrate a birthday or milestone or just looking for something to spice up your love life by learning to make irresistible chocolates yourself - MyChocolate is your cocoa partner! Doesn't chocolate just makes everything?<br/><br/>
MyChocolate has served over 109,097 satistfied chocolate connoisseurs with their organic chocolate treats as of this post - will you be the lucky 109,098th? <br /><br/>
<img alt="A Guide to Chocolate Infographic" src="http://www.mychocolate.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/choc-infographic-1500px.png" width="100%" />Provided by <a href="http://www.mychocolate.co.uk">MyChocolate</a>Lynn Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794075862036633312noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2935081107176816925.post-87857753756651048092014-04-07T15:45:00.002-07:002014-04-08T11:50:02.352-07:00Hedonist Chocolates 2014 Spring Truffle Collection<div id="photo" style="float: left; height: 340px; width: 308px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbaohP0b_aDTXy7rrNTIy_AXucMtnr9bT0Dh2IztekGYxz4imX_4a_bxCt2x0z72aR0GjlMLQ0hyphenhyphencxmsLbHen120dlVaTTeOnCQrfh6KWVynvMVM0yougZxeK5JjBcE9kcl8RqCqWTSuE/s1600/candyCloseUp02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbaohP0b_aDTXy7rrNTIy_AXucMtnr9bT0Dh2IztekGYxz4imX_4a_bxCt2x0z72aR0GjlMLQ0hyphenhyphencxmsLbHen120dlVaTTeOnCQrfh6KWVynvMVM0yougZxeK5JjBcE9kcl8RqCqWTSuE/s1600/candyCloseUp02.jpg" height="288" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 288px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 288px;" width="288" /></a>all photographs ©<br />
<a href="http://www.ronalddunlapphotography.com/#p=-1&a=0&at=0/">Ron Dunlap Photography</a></div>
Girls and boys, if it's your waistline you're worried about come this Easter debauchery, you would be well advised to stay clear of Hedonist Chocolates latest truffle creations. These truffles are so sinfully addictive it's not the one truffle you need be worried about, it is the entire box. And how you will be tested. Each truffle is a careful balance of unusual flavors and creamy, velvety, rich textures that will require you to reach into your most deepest, darkest reserves to prevent yourself from taking the box, and turning into <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gollumhttp://">Gollum</a>.<br />
<br />
<div id="photo" style="float: left; height: 310px; width: 308px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL21mtUhyphenhyphenp2_0et6sjUhlydIIT5gKZJ-zTWPNDlk2xtNzWQCiQv7ClCXzjlgdYzEiDsR2sGV4JRPrbuCd0QRoYhA1RpMfNmHUCqffhqUQP_ApIpQOUFeSMWGzpgs08q8vjUBvwPhA6qcc/s1600/card+one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL21mtUhyphenhyphenp2_0et6sjUhlydIIT5gKZJ-zTWPNDlk2xtNzWQCiQv7ClCXzjlgdYzEiDsR2sGV4JRPrbuCd0QRoYhA1RpMfNmHUCqffhqUQP_ApIpQOUFeSMWGzpgs08q8vjUBvwPhA6qcc/s1600/card+one.jpg" height="288" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 288px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 288px;" width="288" /></a></div>
The beginning in this case starts with Hedonist's beautiful packaging, perfect as a gift for you, a friend, a lover - and did we mention for you? <br />
<br />
<div id="photo" style="float: left; height: 310px; width: 308px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AtBHNs552Tf1zO5PLvuF3FbhCnFjoWPL-g-MEn5rVdq3xqJe9qDB_WwwJ1KeFf4dHYQ27swsL6PuscmXqgN_obrayeneB1R5yEldzJHbwhkA_-gAWCy3HbBi-4ekG9RdvVN0eOBCO8U/s1600/inside+box+one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AtBHNs552Tf1zO5PLvuF3FbhCnFjoWPL-g-MEn5rVdq3xqJe9qDB_WwwJ1KeFf4dHYQ27swsL6PuscmXqgN_obrayeneB1R5yEldzJHbwhkA_-gAWCy3HbBi-4ekG9RdvVN0eOBCO8U/s1600/inside+box+one.jpg" height="288" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 288px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 288px;" width="288" /></a></div>
Inside we found this devastating, array of truffles: Tarragon Carrot, Cardamom Rosewater, Hibiscus Cordial, Strawberry Rhubarb, Earl Grey Caramel and Strawberry Rhubarb.
<br />
<div id="photo" style="float: left; height: 310px; width: 308px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5d8CpNG4pwgjD0cXzd6uoZfCGEZtOILNZBpk1o1Murghf9IKJV_JNcGB9NmBCcGF33Mxj0F9PYJhhbFjyqHCdznTa_qp88aPQbkoWfmbDTi0gwjHzpkKQW7W2u5fh7Xn0VtJHYhx9BLc/s1600/full+candy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5d8CpNG4pwgjD0cXzd6uoZfCGEZtOILNZBpk1o1Murghf9IKJV_JNcGB9NmBCcGF33Mxj0F9PYJhhbFjyqHCdznTa_qp88aPQbkoWfmbDTi0gwjHzpkKQW7W2u5fh7Xn0VtJHYhx9BLc/s1600/full+candy.jpg" height="288" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 288px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 288px;" width="288" /></a></div>
<br />
We started out chocolate bender with Tarragon Carrot because it sounded so unusual. The truffle itself is a work of art with a beautiful little candied piece of carrot on it. Still, we did wonder - would we like it? Who knew chocolate, carrot and tarragon was a match made in heaven? This is so good you feel like you want to get an entire vat of the filling and just crawl into it. The earthy sweet carrot flavor blends perfectly with the chocolate and the Tarragon leaves just a perfect - almost minty after taste. And so for all of you who love to try something different we highly recommend this jewel. This truffle was my personal favorite.
<br />
<br />
Next, we forced ourselves to sample the Cardamom Rosewater. I am a sucker for the spice Cardamom and this chocolate did not disappoint. Wonderful and rich with the gingery, cinnamony taste of Cardomom with a light ribbon of Rosewater to dance on your tastebuds after the chocolate has melted deliciously away. We made short order of this Truffle and we think a box of these chocolates would be de rigueur if you're hoping to get lucky or needing to get out of the doghouse.
<br /><br />
<div id="photo" style="float: left; height: 310px; width: 308px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40HJNmoB6K7APh8n0Cwpd1g3qDph7w6Zzzt2yS-dcRrStC9rcc0smYj9E7MRNuj9B7WbHlYOPMh_ZhBbXdJbLwaj3-uQyLEWfpP1jC7T0KbYquMtLOJ8MHRMYIr9_6AAynGC5FZqMvzQ/s1600/three+CloseUp01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40HJNmoB6K7APh8n0Cwpd1g3qDph7w6Zzzt2yS-dcRrStC9rcc0smYj9E7MRNuj9B7WbHlYOPMh_ZhBbXdJbLwaj3-uQyLEWfpP1jC7T0KbYquMtLOJ8MHRMYIr9_6AAynGC5FZqMvzQ/s1600/three+CloseUp01.jpg" height="288" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 288px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 288px;" width="288" /></a></div>
The Hibiscus Cordial attracted us next. This is the truffle with the elegant hibiscus petal perched on top. A word to the wise - do not cut or attempt to share this chocolate. Instructions: pop into your bouche, bite down and as the cordial bursts, close your eyes and enjoy the burst of flowery flavor. Delicious and if you are a Chocolate covered cherry fanatic - this most certainly needs to be added to your chocolate bucket list.
<br />
<br />
For tea and salted caramel lovers, Hedonist Chocolates presents the Earl Grey Caramel. And just like every confection in this collection - it is just enough unique - not unique for unique's sake mind you, but unique in that it's a sensation of taste, flavor and texture. So good.
<br />
<br />
The last chocolate we tried was the Strawberry Rhubarb. This one was my husband's favorite. When sliced open, the truffle revealed a tiny layer of strawberry and rhubarb jelly and underneath rich velvety truffle. Simply divine and the most perfect way to end our Hedonist chocolate tasting.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.chocolategrail.com/gourmet.htm#Hedonist%20Chocolates" style="border-color: rgb(152, 119, 46); border-style: solid; clear: left; color: #98772e; float: left; padding: 10px; text-decoration: none;"><b>hedonist chocolates contact information</b></a>
Lynn Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794075862036633312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2935081107176816925.post-13416718831618456192012-04-16T13:04:00.005-07:002012-04-17T12:18:06.459-07:00Sweetly Demented<div id="photo" style="width: 308px; height: 340px; float: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdDYP3rJorjKmmAX0qdp50p_PyWmSgpIuevbUZ0vMWxNvF5kXYDyR5iq4Yfog1Zgtf2Wsrw8t2q1MVTjuxlxj9RCqRnsp1UmlS9iTJXSQcAGucyq-w-gyWVCuSpHU-QM3LyCcuSxj-es/s1600/Human_skull.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdDYP3rJorjKmmAX0qdp50p_PyWmSgpIuevbUZ0vMWxNvF5kXYDyR5iq4Yfog1Zgtf2Wsrw8t2q1MVTjuxlxj9RCqRnsp1UmlS9iTJXSQcAGucyq-w-gyWVCuSpHU-QM3LyCcuSxj-es/s400/Human_skull.jpg" border="0" alt="Sweetly Demented White Chocolate Skull"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732111040271460610" /></a>all photographs ©<br /><a href="http://www.ronalddunlapphotography.com/#p=-1&a=0&at=0/">Ron Dunlap Photography</a></div>If the recent holidays, Valentines and Easter has taken you overboard with saccharine sweetness in the form of hearts with velvet ribbons and cute bunnies then a visit to Sweetly Demented is clearly in order.<br /><br />Sivonne Imnotelling's vision is a slightly maleovolent, more sinister twist of the dark side of chocolate (although she uses white and milk chocolate too). Inspired by <a href="http://timburton.com/">Tim Burton</a> who Sivonne claims to have "watched too much of..." (as if you could ever watch too much of Tim Burton), Sweetly Demented seems to be the lovechild of Tim Burton, Edward Gorey with a sprinkle of some Victorian malfeasance mixed in.<br /><br />The chocolate is all cleverly designed: Bird Skulls, your strange relatives wooden souvenir, a dissident candy rose in a ornate chocolate frame - all perfect for the a slightly twisted, gothic love - or better, an unrequited love. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunger_Games">Hunger Games</a> anyone?<br /><br /><div id="photo" style="width: 308px; height: 310px; float: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0av2Evaz7MF73Ys5oPpqtext7ItyVaLRF5ryhAtTbhnzHucSJRkep5D1xtHofcJCYqmyYvqZl3b8oqp6ynuq7CunE00pW2scInJGl7tuGfezPZEHkmdicoeWiffG8OUMcteFRqzjv54/s1600/skulls.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0av2Evaz7MF73Ys5oPpqtext7ItyVaLRF5ryhAtTbhnzHucSJRkep5D1xtHofcJCYqmyYvqZl3b8oqp6ynuq7CunE00pW2scInJGl7tuGfezPZEHkmdicoeWiffG8OUMcteFRqzjv54/s400/skulls.jpg" border="0" alt="Bird Skulls"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732111052957297490" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.chocolategrail.com/gourmet.htm#Sweetly_Demented" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(152, 119, 46); padding: 10px; color: rgb(152, 119, 46); text-decoration: none; float: left; clear: left;"><strong>sweetly demented contact information</strong></a>Lynn Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794075862036633312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2935081107176816925.post-90673007022895505382012-02-19T18:48:00.001-08:002012-02-19T23:04:50.701-08:00Amore Chocolates<div id="photo" style="width: 308px; height: 340px; float: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJ92YjhsXJjqF7mgZkHCZfW-YOdPXiORcuNcmtxIWZYIsgsvnL5zPCzg-Pm54tcsFxMRyfpCf3X9Z3SM9rFNfYXqAVYsd9lD52asoV_oUX8MmdA8Y4R6s4Rx8aAMy-0FiAGY3IwYh_yo/s1600/brownies+one.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXlIfZRFWaW6dO6c2lWVL0H9MTL7QB4oBNhDuNb3wRm0SgfEnrgbMTupmLhNHoh9rJxgf03GewSPV5xoMgKkEIvdaatVhIf1PtOHhRyux0H0RBl1yiSI3BrByK_Yn_hmutD4yPdkvaOQ/s400/amore_assorted_2.jpg" alt="Assorted Amore Chocolate Truffles" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711045925486478946" border="0" /></a>All photographs ©<br /><a href="http://www.ronalddunlapphotography.com/#p=-1&a=0&at=0/">Ron Dunlap Photography</a></div>Like love, Amore Chocolates has something for everyone. Decadent. opulent truffles? Check. Filled with made from scratch buttercream fillings, ganache and homemade caramel? Check. The classics just as you remember them in your best dreams? Check. Adventurous fillings made with ingredients that would please even a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portlandia_%28TV_series%29">Portlandia</a> foodie? Check. <br /><br />The only thing is, if you don't like rich, silky, decadent chocolates, then Amore Chocolates is not for you. Thankfully, that's not me.<br /><br />Amore chocolates arrived on my doorstep in a unassuming box. But when the lid was removed, it revealed a center chock full of tempting truffles and a rapturous chocolate aroma filled the room. Amore Chocolates sells by the pound and they don't skimp when they are packing. The box was literally packed to it's gills. And so when they say a 1, 2 or 3lb box they really mean it. <br /><br /><div id="photo" style="width: 308px; height: 310px; float: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLF-j8yKVvf79JzYTQuXE9BmPtO24wfG9PU7zO1titlCMPtr7HI5Owg6XUWHXn9_Oiq9L-sLA8XDiJoBpgWK3U1zjhh8nAm7LDC1p6rivJEC0Yze28kMDjFtd6QwUpr9wISjgW8mvtd84/s1600/amore_in_box.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLF-j8yKVvf79JzYTQuXE9BmPtO24wfG9PU7zO1titlCMPtr7HI5Owg6XUWHXn9_Oiq9L-sLA8XDiJoBpgWK3U1zjhh8nAm7LDC1p6rivJEC0Yze28kMDjFtd6QwUpr9wISjgW8mvtd84/s400/amore_in_box.jpg" border="0" alt="Amore Chocolate Box"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711092030377321330" /></a></div> As an homage to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremy_Lin">Jeremy Lin</a> we devoured the Chinese 5 <br />Spice first. Chinese 5 Spice is a combination of star anise, fennel, cinnamon, Szechuan Peppercorns, and Cloves. It is used in many dishes including interestingly <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/7102740/China-sets-standard-for-Chairman-Maos-favourite-dish.html">Mao Tse Tung's favorite pork dish</a> (which incidentally is also my husband's favorite pork dish). But for those who might worry this spice may be more compatable with savory than sweet - fear not. It is works perfectly with chocolate. And, for any of you chocolate lovers who were early adapters to gourmet Chocolate with Chili - this is the Chocolate with Chili, Chocolate and you would must try it!<br /><br />I fell off the wagon with Amore Chocolates'truffles filled with beer, wine and spirit ganaches. The Balsamic Cabernet, Bourbon and German Wheat Beer were simply divine. The dark, velvety and complex ganache mingled with the snappy chocolate exterior perfectly. After they were all imbibed, I felt like belting out <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikxLNaAYu5k">"Baby Please Don't Go"</a> but everyone was glad when I didn't.<br /><br /><div id="photo" style="width: 308px; height: 310px; float: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzvlJFleUtH_rAlBo2rE7fGL_MBKSCp0MPcz98BwEX5OkH_oy3azq0Rv8PSQG2EzEIwp6bHHBUYjURcl6PvtS1NqAlr77P0hkP8H_uil4kHtoECE6SpxEtzlnhoYWYCCtIuBvnA6WtCU/s1600/amore_pumpkin_spice_chiffon.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzvlJFleUtH_rAlBo2rE7fGL_MBKSCp0MPcz98BwEX5OkH_oy3azq0Rv8PSQG2EzEIwp6bHHBUYjURcl6PvtS1NqAlr77P0hkP8H_uil4kHtoECE6SpxEtzlnhoYWYCCtIuBvnA6WtCU/s400/amore_pumpkin_spice_chiffon.jpg" alt="Amore Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Chiffon" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711046416092054258" border="0" /></a></div><br />After slipping into a chocolate coma for a few hours, we decided to tackle the white chocolates next: Eggnog and Pumpkin Spice. Each center was especially creamy and sinfully rich - probably because their secret ingredient is butter. The Pumpkin Spice was absolutely, irrevocably delicious. It's the kind of truffle you can eat all day and all night until you need to invest in some "I've been eating too much chocolate" jeans - not that anyone is suggesting you can ever eat too much chocolate.<br /><br /><div id="photo" style="width: 308px; height: 310px; float: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHhHcnaJel4Px3FCjVXmfoe2YtGic1kOBA-jgw1AnFFYnGoQCqiCQB3jlqss65zqYuxUUHxZ_ijF-NNUNFSetJE7bkFJWecxGDpR8tnp_4qj1pxT1E9LedVstedjr0j3RwCIX57oxZ6o/s1600/amore_coconut.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHhHcnaJel4Px3FCjVXmfoe2YtGic1kOBA-jgw1AnFFYnGoQCqiCQB3jlqss65zqYuxUUHxZ_ijF-NNUNFSetJE7bkFJWecxGDpR8tnp_4qj1pxT1E9LedVstedjr0j3RwCIX57oxZ6o/s400/amore_coconut.jpg" alt="Amore Chocolate Coconut" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711045310533711650" border="0" /></a></div>For purists, there is a wonderful selection as well. Dark chocolate lovers, make sure you include at least one Seriously Dark, Amore Chocolates' most popular truffle and a Mudslide in Dark in your box. And for those who have a sweeter tooth, Mudslide comes in Mud (milk chocolate as well) and be sure to ask for a Coconut Chiffon.<br /><br />I would be remiss not mentioning the Cinnamon Espresso. This chocolate was developed by a reknowned surgeon and very, very serious chocoholic, known to horrify his dinner companions by downing four pot de crème in one sitting, Dr. Alan Rothblatt. It is a perfectly balanced little treasure of a chocolate and a superb example on how Amore Chocolates collaborates with their customers. So if you have a special diet; require a gluten free, vegan or kosher chocolate, Amore Chocolates can work with you to create gems of your own.<br /><br /><div id="photo" style="width: 308px; height: 310px; float: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDszJc277Viw_WUa3PcvByHLpIpE8sLFVfXI3OAaFQ89WL3r7w5CTQgXHia9oWEpPE3JjHTqPYzZeXFuI7n8bqZp8RCqQImRVUZcPKG_C_x5UEUgz-NcduNjCcN5NzxO2b_kb2c17XAQw/s1600/amore_box.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDszJc277Viw_WUa3PcvByHLpIpE8sLFVfXI3OAaFQ89WL3r7w5CTQgXHia9oWEpPE3JjHTqPYzZeXFuI7n8bqZp8RCqQImRVUZcPKG_C_x5UEUgz-NcduNjCcN5NzxO2b_kb2c17XAQw/s400/amore_box.jpg" alt="Amore Chocolate Box" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711045290682846146" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.chocolategrail.com/gourmet.htm#Amore_Chocolates" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(152, 119, 46); padding: 10px; color: rgb(152, 119, 46); text-decoration: none; float: left; clear: left;"><strong>amore chocolates contact information</strong></a>Lynn Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794075862036633312noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2935081107176816925.post-20984427571672463812011-12-17T16:40:00.001-08:002012-02-20T14:37:32.512-08:00Enstrom's Milk Chocolate Almond Toffee<div id="photo" style="width: 308px; height: 340px; float: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwy04XqrkRQoeqQLaFm9ZNCF4SiX5JLUH5vXB8ZMzS0-QaZsOJCXlrXGd7P_UfXGcUef8BTA6W6Jct12NKm6dFqHs1TqAjneYuG-lb5cYkAkyf_iBwGy32Vzc4jiXOy4gEsVbcZXX4K8/s1600/entsroms_chocolate_covered_toffee_blog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwy04XqrkRQoeqQLaFm9ZNCF4SiX5JLUH5vXB8ZMzS0-QaZsOJCXlrXGd7P_UfXGcUef8BTA6W6Jct12NKm6dFqHs1TqAjneYuG-lb5cYkAkyf_iBwGy32Vzc4jiXOy4gEsVbcZXX4K8/s400/entsroms_chocolate_covered_toffee_blog.jpg" border="0" alt="Enstroms Milk Chocolate Covered Toffee"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711349293799552386" /></a>Photograph ©<br /><a href="http://www.ronalddunlapphotography.com/">Ron Dunlap</a>/Doglight Studios</div>On the eve of Thursday, December 1, I had one of those days. It started off with one of those nights where you knew you had to go to be early on account the next day was a big day, with lots of important things to do. Where you knew that from the minute you got up your heart would be racing in order to finish these important things which of course in retrospect aren’t that important but that’s another entirely different story.<br /><br />In this particular case, I had to organize my <a href="http://www.lynnchangblog.com/2009/08/knocked-up-doves.html">menagerie of doves</a>, finches and one grey cat with white feet so I go see <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Taylor">Elizabeth Taylor’s</a> auction preview at Christie’s in New York, and be on a marketing panel that I had agreed to months ago. Problem was, that night was the night of the <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/12/monrovia-christmas-tree-blown-over.html">Santa Ana winds</a>. For those of you in states that have “weather” let me tell you – in California, we’re not prepared for it – especially Southern California. These said winds started around 11pm and lasted to about 4am. The winds rocked our houses, uprooted full-grown trees, blew out windows, eliminated any hope for sleep and horrors shut off our electricity. No electricity meant – my cell phone started running out of juice halfway through the day, I couldn’t get to my car in the garage to drive to Home Depot to get some wood to nail down a blown out window or run a my thousand other errands and worst – I couldn’t get on my desk top computer to email my presentation for my talk onto my portable computer.<br /><br /><div id="photo" style="width: 308px; height: 310px; float: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGyxHzEb1zfP3GjkI1FVCkd-8B4pXQfhQ2ZFocX1fP-n_lNdj9gOGvIDc6uwAWglBamUM3jqCyFGPMJj1mr9mE7uIDYN0Y0derYEWaHE2brm9aba_mRylIsMHNjUnL3aRe64-WcoVMZU/s1600/ENSTROMS_main_blog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGyxHzEb1zfP3GjkI1FVCkd-8B4pXQfhQ2ZFocX1fP-n_lNdj9gOGvIDc6uwAWglBamUM3jqCyFGPMJj1mr9mE7uIDYN0Y0derYEWaHE2brm9aba_mRylIsMHNjUnL3aRe64-WcoVMZU/s400/ENSTROMS_main_blog.jpg" alt="Enstroms Almond Toffee" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687261996744442834" border="0" /></a></div>What we did without electricity? While pondering this great thought, I heard the postman (rain or shine as you know) leave a nondescript cardboard shipping box at my doorstep. Upon opening it, I found an elegant luminescent gift box labeled World Famous Enstrom’s Milk Chocolate Almond Toffee – the kind of gift box that you would be perfectly at home on a table decked out with tea, cakes and white gloves. Each layer is carefully crafted from the pearly exterior to the carefully tissued interior that opens to reveal a heaping, generous layer of delectable, chocolate covered toffee.<br /><br /><div id="photo" style="width: 308px; height: 340px; float: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUZjZdo20KeNC3MoM0mTZXzrKnyCzIOsUQPmmC8RESQDk9naJzH6qz3_-RsAvvKhRfRqQF-Rc-jKP7hk8Mg23_spfj-w24Wnx_9kqKoDUXMAETdexi1JxPVw5Q1y4d1Uv5w5mTrmp0yA/s1600/enstroms_box_blog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUZjZdo20KeNC3MoM0mTZXzrKnyCzIOsUQPmmC8RESQDk9naJzH6qz3_-RsAvvKhRfRqQF-Rc-jKP7hk8Mg23_spfj-w24Wnx_9kqKoDUXMAETdexi1JxPVw5Q1y4d1Uv5w5mTrmp0yA/s400/enstroms_box_blog.jpg" alt="Enstrom's Toffee Box" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687280493835733122" border="0" /></a></div>For toffee aficionados, toffee is the combination of all the things that are destined to prevent you from ever achieving that enviable six-pack - sorry <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Horton_%28exercise_instructor%29">Tony Horton</a>. We’re talking about sweet cream butter, sugar, salt and of course chocolate and crushed almonds and honestly if that’s what we’re talking about – who cares about that six pack – right? But what makes this toffee extra special is that their recipe which was perfected by Chet Enstrom three generations ago. The result is a rich, crispy, buttery, silky and salty toffee that is coated with milky chocolate creamy goodness and liberally dotted and sprinkled with toasted, crushed almonds. Each bite feel joyous and the joy doesn't have to end there my friends. Enstrom also carries a Dark Chocolate Almond Toffee, Gourmet Chocolates, Turtles and Truffles as well - so you can satisfy your sweet tooth in a myriad of ways.<br /><br />After savoring a luxurious piece – OK more than one piece - like a proverbial rainbow - Enstrom's made my day turn around. My neighbors who could get into their garage, came by boarded up my broken window, friends brought over dove food and took me and my computer to a power source - and throughout we broke toffee together. And, the day turned around - such is the power of Enstrom’s World Famous Milk Chocolate Almond Toffee and the power of friends.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chocolategrail.com/fudge.htm#Enstrom" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(152, 119, 46); padding: 10px; color: rgb(152, 119, 46); text-decoration: none; float: left; clear: left;"><strong>enstrom contact information</strong></a>Lynn Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794075862036633312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2935081107176816925.post-43249360342391582222011-09-25T22:53:00.000-07:002011-09-26T00:07:01.931-07:00Sweet Moments Bite Sized Brownies by Pillsbury<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrchJoQfB-lm0JLljR0AE4HhgKK8Xkvc2u7Uuox-_ECdzvmjBbE7Dsb60nj4CvlQJtA74dRS5mikUed_y7gf7pFpwXKFNt0hEelUw3KSnrwHCupkT-dLdvVcn5codL0CymuF1g8hgt3Y/s1600/Sweet_Moments_singlebite+copy.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrchJoQfB-lm0JLljR0AE4HhgKK8Xkvc2u7Uuox-_ECdzvmjBbE7Dsb60nj4CvlQJtA74dRS5mikUed_y7gf7pFpwXKFNt0hEelUw3KSnrwHCupkT-dLdvVcn5codL0CymuF1g8hgt3Y/s400/Sweet_Moments_singlebite+copy.jpg" border="0" alt="Sweet Moments Pillsbury"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656542726293973298" /></a>I normally don't write reviews for anything other than artisan chocolatiers but, I had to make an exception for Pillsbury as I have happened to love the Pillsbury Doughboy since I was a little girl. I could never get enough of watching him get the poked in the belly and then giggling afterwards a much awaited event that occurred at the end of every commercial. My obsession with him was such that my mom saved the box tops and got me my very own stuffed Pillsbury Doughboy. When he first arrived, I was horribly disappointed as honestly, he looked nothing like the Pillsbury Doughboy I saw on TV - but my mom told me he had dried out a bit in the mail and that was good enough explanation for me. He was my favorite toy - gracing my bed up until I went to college. I still have him. So when I was contacted by Pillsbury, I couldn't say no - and I was glad I didn't.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRs1sf4xLAyJLcMEu4piFqs5DcCJI_tFXQ6Km_aZ0GxXEF1c6E5yjmFwoHsu9FX4hfkVL2ap3svjv0KNwI0t6MvwHBI_38vNDcQ4lCI0lmV_dyMrmuwrLEIw3Gy8IK_WpjxwjxuxspmXM/s1600/Sweet_Moments_package+copy.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRs1sf4xLAyJLcMEu4piFqs5DcCJI_tFXQ6Km_aZ0GxXEF1c6E5yjmFwoHsu9FX4hfkVL2ap3svjv0KNwI0t6MvwHBI_38vNDcQ4lCI0lmV_dyMrmuwrLEIw3Gy8IK_WpjxwjxuxspmXM/s400/Sweet_Moments_package+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656560108510986130" /></a>Besides some other non-chocolaty goodies like Grands, Crescents and Pillsbury Turnovers (why doesn't Ralphs carry these?), Pillsbury has just introduced SweetMoments Bite Sized Brownies. This is not a completely apt description because they are so much more than just brownies. True, they are bite sized and have a brownie in them, but there is no mention of the silky cheesecake, the layer of caramel or raspberry and the fact they are frozen. Somehow you just know if you take some brownie, raspberry, cheesecake and coat it with chocolate and then freeze it - you know how all the ingredients together are just better - and they are.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWFAjQZGCPaYHBnrBbWQ15uTi3CjDzZ5YSq6FzpAuoaEakclkikWyzGr9W81gwlgW4oBsjhEmdT4qcecSsUExhgBAbCm1xY_iMx7EzzKZ7MKo0nSJR241u18r7TmE1zG9KtpLz7Ag-hE/s1600/doughboy.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWFAjQZGCPaYHBnrBbWQ15uTi3CjDzZ5YSq6FzpAuoaEakclkikWyzGr9W81gwlgW4oBsjhEmdT4qcecSsUExhgBAbCm1xY_iMx7EzzKZ7MKo0nSJR241u18r7TmE1zG9KtpLz7Ag-hE/s400/doughboy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656560255987731234" /></a>Each bite packs a big flavorful and decadent punch - perfect for after a meal when you're craving something sweet. The cheesecake is silky, the brownie has a nice chew to it and the caramel or raspberry filling is satisfying but not overpowering. After you bite into these little morsels, you can enjoy seeing the layers of goodness which somehow always makes it more pleasurable in much the same way there is a big difference between a slice of cake and a heap of icing versus the cake being nicely layered. But the best part of the deal is it's only 190 calories for three. The only problem is - how to limit yourself to three? Thankfully there are 12 in a bag - and a steal at about $3.00/bag.<br /><br />Found in the refrigerated section of discerning grocery stores.Lynn Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794075862036633312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2935081107176816925.post-57994179094734364832011-01-26T23:33:00.000-08:002011-01-27T01:01:06.248-08:00embrace sweets<div id="photo" style="width: 308px; height: 340px; float: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJ92YjhsXJjqF7mgZkHCZfW-YOdPXiORcuNcmtxIWZYIsgsvnL5zPCzg-Pm54tcsFxMRyfpCf3X9Z3SM9rFNfYXqAVYsd9lD52asoV_oUX8MmdA8Y4R6s4Rx8aAMy-0FiAGY3IwYh_yo/s1600/brownies+one.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJ92YjhsXJjqF7mgZkHCZfW-YOdPXiORcuNcmtxIWZYIsgsvnL5zPCzg-Pm54tcsFxMRyfpCf3X9Z3SM9rFNfYXqAVYsd9lD52asoV_oUX8MmdA8Y4R6s4Rx8aAMy-0FiAGY3IwYh_yo/s400/brownies+one.jpg" alt="Embrace Sweets Artisan Brownies" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566771210330641346" border="0" /></a>All photographs ©<br /><a href="http://www.ronalddunlapphotography.com/#p=-1&a=0&at=0/">Ron Dunlap Photography</a></div>If someone, who has never had a brownie before and then says – “This was the best brownie I have ever had,” you know that, that’s a pretty good brownie. But when someone, who is 75 years young, considers himself a connoisseur of all things chocolate, with brownies on top his list, and is your friends, well known curmudgeonly father, there is nothing that you can really do but stand up and take notice.<br /><br />Like any good artisan baked good worth it’s salt, pardon the pun, the minute you lift the lid, you are immediately knocked over with rich wafts of chocolate. You can just tell by looking at them, that they are going to be gooood which is always the ultimate in good (you know, when you are compelled to put more o’s in the word good).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNaPTa5sdRh6Mh8Nk943kX2RFewlvEMtJKBNutwOcpQ6J78Kg5NK2zEGXyXnYYcDozcu6atSSVavoSXyXBjp5FebjQD3rhBGvg7lI383tPMFbpjBF-1GDyTJ3eNSoiZL7nGl2nh6PEk4/s1600/full+box.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNaPTa5sdRh6Mh8Nk943kX2RFewlvEMtJKBNutwOcpQ6J78Kg5NK2zEGXyXnYYcDozcu6atSSVavoSXyXBjp5FebjQD3rhBGvg7lI383tPMFbpjBF-1GDyTJ3eNSoiZL7nGl2nh6PEk4/s400/full+box.jpg" alt="Embrace Sweets Artisan Brownies" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566783301309090162" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Each perfectly, rich, chewy and gooey brownie is carefully crafted to prevent you from getting into the skinny jeans you haven’t been able to get into since 2007. But no matter – there is always next year and honestly bikini season will be over before you know it.<br /><br />We tried several flavors, but apparently, just to make us a little crazy, the flavors rotate based on the seasonality of the ingredients. So don’t hesitate, leave your New Year’s Resolutions by the side of the road, forget about the fact dinner is in a few minutes and just indulge. Really, it’s “so” worth it.<br /><br />For the chocoholic it doesn’t get better than the Tres Chocolate. Basically this is a brownie that can’t stop getting enough of a good thing. The Chunky Walnut is chock full of the most wonderful toasted buttery, crunchy and meaty walnuts and the PB Royale, which is laced with chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter cup is divine. For those who love raspberry and chocolate, the Chocolate Raspberry has your name all over it. Like all Embrace Sweets brownies, they are generous with their ingredients and you get a rewarding mouthful of raspberry sauce with each mouthful. We also enjoyed the Hot Chocolate which has just the right amount of kick. Our favorites were the Smoked Sea Salt Caramel which had indulgent rivers of caramel and just the right pinch of salt and the Blanc Chocolate Mac, a white chocolate brownie that was so perfectly buttery and creamy you just couldn’t stand it.<br /><br />All of Embrace Sweets chocolates comes in their adorable signature packaging which makes them perfect as gifts – only if you can control yourself.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-2LL_L0HPCOtQKLX0IFrjdyL6RsR0pFChmd2IvxX5nJiJuJbKBogsSVfO8jJiQd5CwnVM6vpNJT8RacKgZY9u7b-OSBDeFfa6U2MUPYEjOjfelpFN0Y5_0haxTdB8Dfvf15GPIWJ8GQ/s1600/arrangement.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 393px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-2LL_L0HPCOtQKLX0IFrjdyL6RsR0pFChmd2IvxX5nJiJuJbKBogsSVfO8jJiQd5CwnVM6vpNJT8RacKgZY9u7b-OSBDeFfa6U2MUPYEjOjfelpFN0Y5_0haxTdB8Dfvf15GPIWJ8GQ/s400/arrangement.jpg" alt="Embrace Sweets Artisan Brownies" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566783308041385778" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.chocolategrail.com/pastries.htm#Embrace" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(152, 119, 46); padding: 10px; color: rgb(152, 119, 46); text-decoration: none; float: left; clear: left;"><strong>embrace sweets contact information</strong></a>Chocolate Grailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14302190678949336313noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2935081107176816925.post-84852272928739818672010-07-21T06:00:00.000-07:002010-07-22T13:28:15.484-07:00Au Coeur des Chocolates Part II - Truffles<div id="photo" style="width: 308px; height: 340px; float: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaRdHeQST-a1gi0Ey44xMpqsz-vOOr7x0wRIAxZJhnKc9ngkaWsDF3jkdojBPLc5vFAHeJQ9Xc2MMhb2W6UrG9G_gvL0ssMFt4KxWQyo9zo3xfPSDxMr7SCVYW5NM_SQ_8IrikclMN0w/s1600/01CLOSEUP_01.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaRdHeQST-a1gi0Ey44xMpqsz-vOOr7x0wRIAxZJhnKc9ngkaWsDF3jkdojBPLc5vFAHeJQ9Xc2MMhb2W6UrG9G_gvL0ssMFt4KxWQyo9zo3xfPSDxMr7SCVYW5NM_SQ_8IrikclMN0w/s400/01CLOSEUP_01.jpg" alt="au coeur des chocolates truffles" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496616304090021746" border="0" /></a>All photographs ©<br /><a href="http://rgd-travels.blogspot.com/">Ron Dunlap</a>/Doglight Studios<br /></div>For those who haven’t had the benefit of a classical education (a favorite saying of a friend’s father) Au Coeur des Chocolates translates to Heart of Chocolates. And, Master chefs Shawn Williams and Doug Basegio’s explore this concept with extravagant results.<br /><br />Be prepared that the first thing you will do after opening a box of Au Coeur des Chocolates, is pick yourself off the floor. Because if you’re not knocked out by the incredible, smell of rich, wafting chocolate - so rich you could wear it, you will certainly be knocked out by the sheer beauty of the chocolates each as exquisite as a Sultan’s treasure.<br /><br />Savoring each chocolate made me feel like as if I were the star in my own movie conjuring up images, feelings and moods. The first group of chocolates I savored <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEzt7g2xrmVYqne7ZN_anZTrha1WBdJ_7uCmK5BMi3h2Qt1vxKtp8_F6rZPWfv-6BRcrjLk4lxSwRuz0vaFKZCKT_yleOTthneeUcD0BxKrPjxMcwScMy6J-0rmGiuB1HsXhC41yV4sM/s1600/02BOX_02_Interior.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEzt7g2xrmVYqne7ZN_anZTrha1WBdJ_7uCmK5BMi3h2Qt1vxKtp8_F6rZPWfv-6BRcrjLk4lxSwRuz0vaFKZCKT_yleOTthneeUcD0BxKrPjxMcwScMy6J-0rmGiuB1HsXhC41yV4sM/s400/02BOX_02_Interior.jpg" alt="au coeur des chocolates beautiful open box of chocolates" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496616305793869362" border="0" /></a>were fruity and took me to some unnamed exotic locale, wearing something loose, possibly organic (but still immensely flattering) apparel and with a perfect, seamless tan. This is the kind of movie where one goes on vacation, leaves their deranged world behind, finds true love and more importantly discovers their true self. My selection for this particular fare, included the Passion Fruit, the Yuzu (if you had the benefit of a classical education, you would know <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuzu">Yuzu</a> is a Japanese citrus fruit) and the aptly named Candied Orange Hazelnut Crunch. Each chocolate is bursts in your mouth with sensational, vivid, sparkling flavor. The Yuzu, was especially outstanding: light, refreshing and tart.<br /><br />Palet d’Or, Tahitian Dark Truffle and the Salted Caramel, take you to someplace entirely different, more of a film noir where the mood suggests some intrigue and mood lighting. Each truffle in this series explores the range and depth of chocolate. The Palet d’Or is made with Chefs Williams and Basegio’s favorite dark chocolate and is the perfect match for the exacting chocolate connoisseur, the aristocrat with the secret past if you will. And, while you might not consider the Tahitian Dark Truffle as a player a final feathery note of vanilla tells you not to underestimate this chocolate. My favorite though was the Salted Caramel. This is not an ordinary salted caramel that involves a basic caramel and salt. No. This is a smoky, buttery, silky caramel with a pinch of savory Maldon sea salt – the kind of chocolate that lurks in the shadows and is the key to your puzzle.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyjzv3xVag00vMEC82JWAje0O74H9DtoNi5e-DIXc6n6opMVhmnMVOBG828o9i715W9A3zIgmj_o-2fLOp8lblgXIkzSBj_236XqShdX8VSisbPi8aiqBogUgSwvIZby7kZw5Ja40K7M/s1600/05BOX_01.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyjzv3xVag00vMEC82JWAje0O74H9DtoNi5e-DIXc6n6opMVhmnMVOBG828o9i715W9A3zIgmj_o-2fLOp8lblgXIkzSBj_236XqShdX8VSisbPi8aiqBogUgSwvIZby7kZw5Ja40K7M/s400/05BOX_01.jpg" alt="au coeur des chocolates beautiful chocolate box packaging" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496616312629044034" border="0" /></a>While I have a great love for all cinema, my favorite types of movies are the ones that make you laugh – whether they are silly capers or targeted to 7 year old boys and girls. To me, there is nothing more meaningful to bringing a smile to someone’s face and the Caribbean Coconut, Crunchy Peanut Butter, Banana Caramel and Ginger deliver on the smile. The Caribbean Coconut is a sophisticated take with light coconut flakes, and the Crunchy Peanut Butter nutty and delightful. I was most taken with the Banana Caramel which is every bit as good as it sounds. This story line involves a banana cooked until it’s own sugars begins to caramelize, then has some additional caramel is twirled in and, if that were not enough, mixed with a rich, sinful chocolate ganache. The Ginger is one of the most beautiful chocolates I have ever seen. It is faceted like a jewel and then decorated with a sprinkling of tiny white and yellow dots. When I first saw it, my immediate reaction was to make some sort of excuse so I could hoard it somewhere forever and for my own, personal, selfish enjoyment. However, greed took over. Biting into the dark molded chocolate reveals a center ganache that is smooth and sensuous with a delicate taste of ginger and wild honey.<br /><br />It's always sad when the lights come on and the curtain closes but with Au Coeur des Chocolates, you can at least console yourself that you will always have the perfect ending. Enjoy the Vanilla Latte, a light coffee flavored chocolate or the Peppermint Dark Chocolate as your last bite, while you ponder where your chocolate experience will take you.<br /><br /><a href=""http://www.chocolategrail.com/gourmet.htm#Heart%20of%20Chocolate" " style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(152, 119, 46); padding: 10px; color: rgb(152, 119, 46); text-decoration: none; float: left; clear: left;"><strong>au coeur des chocolates contact information</strong></a>Lynn Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794075862036633312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2935081107176816925.post-79400395327356598892010-07-15T06:00:00.000-07:002010-07-15T06:00:00.321-07:00Au Coeur des Chocolates - Part I - Nuts<div id="photo" style="width: 308px; height: 350px; float: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxytLDvwAsYloPeY2gurp3MI8sbVzdezL-1fjwq_IpRlMsRs2HKkJl_1pAyjDjdwBGSSdimz0dBphOhLM_Dat7Osspc8CNFMEJPgNS52XDLTuO2m8mmMFU8R87hYyJFVlSNGK89SY-w40/s1600/03NUTS_01.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxytLDvwAsYloPeY2gurp3MI8sbVzdezL-1fjwq_IpRlMsRs2HKkJl_1pAyjDjdwBGSSdimz0dBphOhLM_Dat7Osspc8CNFMEJPgNS52XDLTuO2m8mmMFU8R87hYyJFVlSNGK89SY-w40/s400/03NUTS_01.jpg" alt="Au Coeur des Chocolates Caramelized Nuts" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493821290577053362" border="0" /></a>All photographs ©<br /><a href="http://rgd-travels.blogspot.com/">Ron Dunlap</a>/Doglight Studios<br /></div>It’s ironic that you start life knowing exactly what you want and then end it in a frantic search for What It All Means. And that is exactly what is so brilliant about Au Coeur Des Chocolates. They’ve spent the time to figure out what lies at the heart of the most important thing in life – that thing being chocolate. So you can leave all your concerns aside and focus instead on finding somewhere you can lounge comfortably and enjoy some pretty amazing chocolates.<br /><br />I have always been a finicky eater and I cannot tell you how many times someone has told me “you’d really like that (lamb, celery, tongue) if it were cooked right.” And then somehow, I would always get finagled into having to sample their expert rendition of lamb, celery or tongue, only to reinforce the fact that I don’t like it. So, my philosophy has always been, trust your gut. But I have found the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YLBmFWtREtermCrvFhyphenhyphenQtKLH70qKfG4_at65iQ0Apr6a_ZL0wqEYCRDc20VX9OAtoQP_TKufE7yGu6xdxFOF2EzTe5gi2_ua1U4YMK5YthzNgsqahnG0dRh5LNSM74lHlLlwkoog5Vw/s1600/nuts-package_new.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YLBmFWtREtermCrvFhyphenhyphenQtKLH70qKfG4_at65iQ0Apr6a_ZL0wqEYCRDc20VX9OAtoQP_TKufE7yGu6xdxFOF2EzTe5gi2_ua1U4YMK5YthzNgsqahnG0dRh5LNSM74lHlLlwkoog5Vw/s400/nuts-package_new.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493917865289453618" border="0" /></a>exception to my rule. You may be wondering what I am getting to and it’s this: If you really believe you are not a chocolate-covered nut person, trust me, the only reason is that you haven’t had Au Coeur Des Chocolates Caramelized Nuts. The process in which Au Coeur Des Chocolates Caramelized Nuts are created is painstaking, but oh, so worth it. First, each tiny nut is toasted. Then when the nuts are at the peak of toasty-ness, they are cooked in sugar until the sugar caramelizes and each nut is covered in a light crunchy skin of caramel. Then they throw in a dash of salt to accentuate the flavors and the pièce de résistance is a generous, velvety coating of sumptuous, dark chocolate. To ensure quality and perfection, Au Coeur Des Chocolates employs tiny elves to oversee each exacting step. OK, this last part may or may not be <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3VFsXzsrPBra5J1HF05UOQk7-AdR6IpL08FpzTwtjCeJ9T3cDmJ2AaWj6fE_sVreu0zZS8x350P0zVS3iA2jIM71tOtqwx8XNPCHB6B0wHajaCgm60nkWVu2bmcWEc42EAibaoVw8J0/s1600/04NUTS_02BOX.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3VFsXzsrPBra5J1HF05UOQk7-AdR6IpL08FpzTwtjCeJ9T3cDmJ2AaWj6fE_sVreu0zZS8x350P0zVS3iA2jIM71tOtqwx8XNPCHB6B0wHajaCgm60nkWVu2bmcWEc42EAibaoVw8J0/s400/04NUTS_02BOX.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493821396711866770" border="0" /></a>true, but it sure tastes like it. Each bite takes you through the pleasurable taste sensations of the crunch of the nut, the crispiness of the caramelized coating, and then the feeling of smooth, silky, rich chocolate – all blended together in a way that will make you crazy in the same way catnip makes my cat William crazy. You will most certainly find yourself reaching in for “just one more” until the whole bag is empty – even if you are on a diet and your reunion, where you want to show your ex what they missed out on, is less than a week away.<br /><br />Au Coeur Des Chocolates offers Caramelized Almonds and Caramelized Hazelnuts. You may be tempted to purchase Caramelized Almonds if you are on Team Almond or Caramelized Hazelnuts if you are on Team Hazelnut. But we highly recommend purchasing both, and, instead of troubling yourself about this seeming extravagance, muse on the dilemma of choosing between them and call it a day – a really good day.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chocolategrail.com/gourmet.htm#Heart%20of%20Chocolate" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(152, 119, 46); padding: 10px; color: rgb(152, 119, 46); text-decoration: none; float: left; clear: left;"><strong>au coeur des chocolates contact information</strong></a>Lynn Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794075862036633312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2935081107176816925.post-42311899772731215252010-06-17T06:00:00.000-07:002010-06-17T17:54:38.862-07:00alegio chocolates<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpujNvRisBt_Oz7-e6AN4JCqyfZpNSTfeaB_Xz2rravcOoNz-l4wWv21q8_2ST1FxcUBQ7XnIGZP1bzv1YiONibRiDiZmtaZqHgHTiIr99ELDlocvnUW_PdrdQh-PkAyUheUEoAvUrFg/s1600/hearts.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpujNvRisBt_Oz7-e6AN4JCqyfZpNSTfeaB_Xz2rravcOoNz-l4wWv21q8_2ST1FxcUBQ7XnIGZP1bzv1YiONibRiDiZmtaZqHgHTiIr99ELDlocvnUW_PdrdQh-PkAyUheUEoAvUrFg/s400/hearts.jpg" alt="Alegio Chocolates Special Edition Joan Coukos Chocolates for Valentine's Day" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483618036960022114" border="0"></a>If your motto with chocolate is the debauchery should never end, then you must make a trip to Alegio Chocolates. Alegio Chocolates is a hidden gem in the heart of the Gourmet Ghetto in Kensington, California (that’s near Berkeley University for those not familiar with the geography of the San Francisco East Bay). Designed under the keen eye of proprietors Panos a former film producer, and Robbin, it transforms the small space into a jewel-like box that exhibits the finest chocolates from around the world. Walking into the store always reminds me of the scene in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moscow_on_the_Hudson">Moscow on the Hudson</a>, where <a href="http://www.robinwilliams.com/">Robin Williams</a>, a Russian defector enters an American grocery store for the first time. In Moscow, he had to stand forever in line for some likely, miserable government, issue coffee – but in America he becomes so completely overwhelmed by an grocery aisle dedicated to serving up a depraved offering of a zillion coffee brands, he collapses.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3hyaXOISWL9eEMQUXTYAqSE9MuzSWkeDmZLrLCz5gO8ZNBAWlvfLOpu8HSM7Pxtghr6HzphwQBTWvP7bX0lS7W7UDTtSkE0LrDkFeo8V3t2xOE-J5UzFdHDMZGKQVvtyFpdw10GYB3Q/s1600/Claudio_Corallo_site.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3hyaXOISWL9eEMQUXTYAqSE9MuzSWkeDmZLrLCz5gO8ZNBAWlvfLOpu8HSM7Pxtghr6HzphwQBTWvP7bX0lS7W7UDTtSkE0LrDkFeo8V3t2xOE-J5UzFdHDMZGKQVvtyFpdw10GYB3Q/s400/Claudio_Corallo_site.jpg" alt="Claudio Corallo Chocolate Bars" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483618269532697586" border="0"></a>Much like the supermarket scene, Alegio Chocolates serves up a cornucopia of treasure for the chocolate connoisseur. But unlike the random selection at a grocery store, each chocolate that graces an Alegio Chocolate's shelf has been meticulously selected. Both Panos and Robbin are charming and knowledgeable hosts that are happy to take the time to explain the details on how chocolate is made to exactly which Enric Rovira Bombola chocolate to enjoy with your favorite vintage wine. And, if you’re lucky and put on your most winning smile, you might be introduced to the secret drawer where Panos will pull out his latest, extraordinary chocolate find and offer you a tantalizing taste.<br /><br />In our recent trip, we were able to sample some divine Claudio Corallo, considered some of the best and most complex chocolate in the world. The cacao beans, of this single source, ground breaking chocolate, are grown on a tiny African island of Principe. The beans are then transported to Sao Tome where Corallo has spent 10 years perfecting techniques to convert his them to chocolate that is absolutely unforgettable. We left with two bars that barely made it into our car before being ravenously devoured.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsjhvc5TS4FwkOzoDNtfxdiTYIoab7BZdR5IVai1prDNa2B83W_fMWLk4TTlt1QWm8H9L84sFF610DOwwklizEerYUTbFLsBb4blyDQ-WDGBNGEoaiIb65EKHWYZNEyY1PSiqaQ2yyxU/s1600/chocolate_pieces_site.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsjhvc5TS4FwkOzoDNtfxdiTYIoab7BZdR5IVai1prDNa2B83W_fMWLk4TTlt1QWm8H9L84sFF610DOwwklizEerYUTbFLsBb4blyDQ-WDGBNGEoaiIb65EKHWYZNEyY1PSiqaQ2yyxU/s400/chocolate_pieces_site.jpg" alt="Enric Rovira Bombolas" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483618278468015058" border="0"></a>Among the many chocolates you can sample, Alegio also offers an exclusive collection of Joan Coukus truffles. Each of these divine little truffles are intensely flavored, perfectly balanced and hopelessly addictive. My favorites include The Orange and Ginger, The Habanero; Madagascan chocolate with a hint of chili, The Honey; a delicate fusion of Tasmania Honey from Australia and chocolate ganache, The Grapefruit; an award winning combination of tart, fresh grapefruit puree and the lushness of silky caramel and The Cinnamon; because who doesn’t love cinnamon and chocolate? For those who are bold – or maybe just a lush, try The Scotch for something unusual; a Venezuelan chocolate mixed with a smokey, peaty Scotch.<br /><br />Whether you enjoy a truffle or an exotic chocolate bar, you will be guaranteed to find satisfaction at Alegio Chocolates. Just remember, if you get dizzy, it’s best to sit down and put your head between your knees.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chocolategrail.com/gourmet.htm/#ALEGIO" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(152, 119, 46); padding: 10px; color: rgb(152, 119, 46); text-decoration: none; float: left; clear: left;"><strong>alegio chocolates contact information</strong></a>Lynn Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794075862036633312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2935081107176816925.post-60215540789977755092010-06-10T06:00:00.000-07:002010-07-14T17:04:22.635-07:00elsylee galetes artesanals<div id="photo" style="width: 308px; height: 340px; float: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISqxXGvkDpEMvK3jqz94-rc4L9zGTJbsHRAZgw9Gg473BvSVk4CmeuQh09sy1Uczt1MwGx3L1wROo1v_8v2z4S1J9DdqN1wT7e4thgtv84lo9cjpzRiQcWVR5Czt3JQ7JTHcPHP-ss8E/s1600/ELSYLEE_COOKIEGROUP_large.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISqxXGvkDpEMvK3jqz94-rc4L9zGTJbsHRAZgw9Gg473BvSVk4CmeuQh09sy1Uczt1MwGx3L1wROo1v_8v2z4S1J9DdqN1wT7e4thgtv84lo9cjpzRiQcWVR5Czt3JQ7JTHcPHP-ss8E/s400/ELSYLEE_COOKIEGROUP_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480924021867812786" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://rgd-travels.blogspot.com/">All photographs ©Ron Dunlap</a>/Doglight Studios<br /></div>When our box of Elsylee Galetes showed up at our door, I couldn't help but bursting into one of my favorite songs "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BovQyphS8kA">C is for Cookie</a>" by the celebrated cookie junkie, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cookie_Monster">Cookie Monster</a>. I admit there is something a bit incongruous about thinking of Cookie Monster together with and these delicate, artisanal cookies. But once you it's easy to turn into Cookie Monster, with his singular quest to ingest as many cookies as he can in an eye-rolling, frenzied manner that the neighbors are still talking about. No matter, it's worth becoming a social outcast for Elsylee's fine, artisan cookies.<br /><br />These are simply the most amazing cookies. Each cookie is crafted by a masterful hand with all-natural and organic ingredients and in small batches. If you are a cook, you know a cookie really relies on butter for maximum decadence - and Elsylee delivers a rich buttery taste with each sinful bite. Each cookie is politely dainty, perfect for an elegant tea party and allows the well-mannered adult to have more than one cookie without looking piggy. Mind you, these cookies are adult cookies, for adult palates, and not to be shared with children or Muppets under any circumstance.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BovQyphS8kA&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BovQyphS8kA&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdNBHFnnu6NyogYnvXwQjbBvsLLS_5cWHMJAjCfQOMecifeintMynWcAG6zEPmTg8Zo8zRR_iVcwW6BQ6deFJJEZdAWHYUEtrrmv6drzZe5aU-VUSkvBi098KgeFar8oAZB9wlmztdhQ/s1600/EDINBURGH.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdNBHFnnu6NyogYnvXwQjbBvsLLS_5cWHMJAjCfQOMecifeintMynWcAG6zEPmTg8Zo8zRR_iVcwW6BQ6deFJJEZdAWHYUEtrrmv6drzZe5aU-VUSkvBi098KgeFar8oAZB9wlmztdhQ/s400/EDINBURGH.jpg" alt="Elsylee Edinburgh Artisanal Cookie" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480923450632611906" border="0" /></a><br />Each cookie was so divinely wonderful it is hard to choose a favorite but there are so many selections you are bound to have one that hits the precise note for your particular sweet tooth.<br /><br />The Elsylee Edinburgh was my particulate favorite. A crisp square of shortbread, lightly dusted with powdered sugar with a rich, dark chocolate taste, that with just the right amount of thickness so each bite crumbles in an enjoyable way. After my first bite, I claimed these as my own although I allowed the other tasters to divide up a single cookie for tasting propriety.<br /><br />The Elsylee Vienna is an almond-cherry shortbread <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSsjTyGDqGEn5remzVid6lpydNeG9PAl_EmlztlMTWpLrc_u1C2Yi0JzAIzgiw4LbchbdwPPAqQqh4v-KhOBFTg_5KGz8HxWi8R-1FCSQYdnGiMOkGThYcZB7TPWtCamuXvHYerNXfX8/s1600/VIENNA.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSsjTyGDqGEn5remzVid6lpydNeG9PAl_EmlztlMTWpLrc_u1C2Yi0JzAIzgiw4LbchbdwPPAqQqh4v-KhOBFTg_5KGz8HxWi8R-1FCSQYdnGiMOkGThYcZB7TPWtCamuXvHYerNXfX8/s400/VIENNA.jpg" alt="Elsylee Vienna Artisanal Cookie" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480923471381899666" border="0" /></a>with a handmade blackberry conserve center with white chocolate artistically drizzled over the top. This cookie combines the slight salty taste in the short bread, the tangy fruit center, crunchy almonds and, last but not least, finishes with a taste of white chocolate. Oh, and if that is not enough for you, the cookie has that sensation of "melting in your mouth" which, as anyone knows, makes the cookie not count in terms of calories.<br /><br />Another cookie with many of the same characteristics as the Vienna is the Elsylee Paris. This too is almond shortbread, but topped with semi-sweet chocolate and perfectly toasted, roasted almonds. I attempted to claim these for my own as well but almost lost my hand.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWdJSX_eAHAOpOjbWLvCIfXUI06JxmYH2CKf2oX48T-jK_BvTnhMuGVVckn8eDUq9i0JS-TPks_Uiz9UAnPapiFcJ01Z2lRk9Rum9n3BvPx7vbkmTshcFIHV9QWdsBFr4pW2AeHHCagE/s1600/LOS_ANGELES.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWdJSX_eAHAOpOjbWLvCIfXUI06JxmYH2CKf2oX48T-jK_BvTnhMuGVVckn8eDUq9i0JS-TPks_Uiz9UAnPapiFcJ01Z2lRk9Rum9n3BvPx7vbkmTshcFIHV9QWdsBFr4pW2AeHHCagE/s400/LOS_ANGELES.jpg" alt="Elsylee Los Angeles Artisnal cookie" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480923454588909026" border="0" /></a>For the serious chocolate lover, may I cordially suggest the Elsylee Los Angeles which is just like our debauched City of Angels except chocolate: a Dutch chocolate, slightly chewy cookie with both dark and milk chocolate chips, with a dash of espresso (which enhances any chocolate taste) and roasted walnuts and pecans. The only issue with this cookie is that if you are not careful you get that telltale, I-just-ate-a- chocolate-cookie residue around your mouth or, worse, a chocolate covered tooth. We recommend a quick look in the mirror after enjoying one of these, especially if you plan to speak in public or there are paparazzi in the vicinity.<br /><br />The Elsylee Aspen has your name stamped all over it if you are one of those people who is completely seduced by the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Peanuty and <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxQ_FN7iCV1TJDiFD3V1CqQdWWk38JOsP9TyPr-mSVGVb5H7xvnMGuNXJlA8RGQXGNxSIbE5ywHfREaohC10tnvEB4FaB3hk-HtithD7XhqvBbTqoHaDsPOMcNayUMJe0UXyP1-68a24/s1600/ELSYKEE_packages.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxQ_FN7iCV1TJDiFD3V1CqQdWWk38JOsP9TyPr-mSVGVb5H7xvnMGuNXJlA8RGQXGNxSIbE5ywHfREaohC10tnvEB4FaB3hk-HtithD7XhqvBbTqoHaDsPOMcNayUMJe0UXyP1-68a24/s400/ELSYKEE_packages.jpg" alt="Elsylee Artisanal Cookie packages" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480923438848618546" border="0" /></a>chocolatey, this was unanimously voted as the "best chocolate peanut butter cookie ever." You need to take that vote seriously as it is based on a collective 150 years of peanut butter cookie taste testing experience.<br /><br />Sadly all good things must end, and we ended this gastronomic chocolate cookie orgy with the Elsylee New York. For the sake of brevity this is basically a home-made Oreo. "This is what an Oreo is supposed to taste like" said one enraptured taste-tester. Sorry Nabisco, but it's true.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.chocolategrail.com/pastries.htm#Elsylee" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(152, 119, 46); padding: 10px; color: rgb(152, 119, 46); text-decoration: none; float: left; clear: left;"><strong>elsylee galetes artesanals contact information</strong></a>Lynn Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794075862036633312noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2935081107176816925.post-38090861160156805572010-06-03T06:00:00.000-07:002010-06-05T15:54:54.519-07:00morning glory confections<div id="photo" style="width: 308px; height: 340px; float: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUksWCXcD5qAdGSR7Rqr-9v3H2SflRer6CQyqLGEm1ZyAEpKS_2GPfNT5Xx3IxgP7qJA1rNjLh4Y-xx6IsqL8-iRrcqd4FBieRRZ05JiLtHEGbgBPCSiKxJTkzmhOb4BdkNKmvn4eI00/s1600/MORNING_00.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUksWCXcD5qAdGSR7Rqr-9v3H2SflRer6CQyqLGEm1ZyAEpKS_2GPfNT5Xx3IxgP7qJA1rNjLh4Y-xx6IsqL8-iRrcqd4FBieRRZ05JiLtHEGbgBPCSiKxJTkzmhOb4BdkNKmvn4eI00/s400/MORNING_00.jpg" alt="Morning Glory Confection Chocolate Enrobed Brittle" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478442233418308306" border="0" /></a>All photographs ©<br /><a href="http://rgd-travels.blogspot.com/">Ron Dunlap</a>/Doglight Studios<br /></div>Fortunately for us, Max Lesser didn't follow another career path as a fine artist. While there is no doubt he would have (and has) provided the world with beautiful prints, photography and painting, I'm selfishly glad that instead he is now devoted to providing us with his small batch, exquisite brittles, at Morning Glory Confections.<br /><br />Morning Glory Confections chocolate enrobed brittles are divine in every aspect. They combine the the heavenly elements of silky chocolate and crunchy, buttery toffee. They are sometimes savory and sometimes sweet but always exceptional. The brittles are all dipped decadently and sensually in Valrhona chocolate and each flavor boasts a flourish from Max's artistic eye; a sprinkle of salt or perhaps a carefully placed cocoa nib or nut, making each of these treats a mini-masterpiece.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBXC7jCxbRTGjL5HFICfb2X1wCVhEpWu6f3v-6AgTpFHsxCqELWrScBCrRjQ__XlXqEaP48NjIgqkCNU7sqACb63eHraU-iD2wHVWK9akxLfkMX4hfL8X-sm4EL3qNYj1jJiIMyKsejY/s1600/MORNING_04.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBXC7jCxbRTGjL5HFICfb2X1wCVhEpWu6f3v-6AgTpFHsxCqELWrScBCrRjQ__XlXqEaP48NjIgqkCNU7sqACb63eHraU-iD2wHVWK9akxLfkMX4hfL8X-sm4EL3qNYj1jJiIMyKsejY/s400/MORNING_04.jpg" alt="Morning Glory Confection Chocolate Enrobed Brittle" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478442220367978546" border="0" /></a>There are six divine flavors and you need to taste them all "for your own goodness sake," as my Chinese mother would say.<br /><br />Our first bite was of the Fleur de Sel and Peanut. We were rewarded with a brittle that was crunchy, salty and buttery with fresh toasted peanuts.<br /><br />The next to be devoured was the Chai Tea and Cashew. Here, the all natural ingredients and spices are showcased to perfection. The chai is rich, spicy and exotic the way it is supposed to be - a flavorful blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom and pepper. The spices combined with cashew, priceless.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFTqApY8X9rQkGU0MA80R8B5aPqjurz5nYkQ0-Ujl9JIEFumciEO8wL05bTul_RGKaTaQoEU2eNgG3nPeCWX6kHU30IrKRRqclngcHUBevR72LUgZ_rZPNhjqRXybnUGu781CmNRthYc/s1600/MORNING_02.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFTqApY8X9rQkGU0MA80R8B5aPqjurz5nYkQ0-Ujl9JIEFumciEO8wL05bTul_RGKaTaQoEU2eNgG3nPeCWX6kHU30IrKRRqclngcHUBevR72LUgZ_rZPNhjqRXybnUGu781CmNRthYc/s400/MORNING_02.jpg" alt="Morning Glory Confection Chocolate Enrobed Brittle" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478442215324376018" border="0" /></a>After a bite of the Morning Glory Confection called Cocoa Nib, Coffee Bean and Pecan we decided this is the perfect chocolate to start off your morning. There is enough caffeine to attach you to the ceiling, protein (in the pecan) and of course, chocolate clearly providing you with all the essentials for facing your day.<br /><br />The Indian Curry and Pistachio chocolate enrobed brittle offers another complex, flavored, taste with traditional Indian spices combined with fresh toasted pistachios. We enjoyed this brittle with Bel Paese, a mild, creamy cheese and think this combination would make an elegant and sophisticated after dinner treat and more importantly impress all your guests.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpvs5nEWY4msfl9afKtrB8BhRRppWJzqgYqW7S-8cEO5k7kak_7sg2s9gfWFb_UjIyu_3rFKcdVykqSXRD3dF9-t1d1CR8nOWB-W6bFeHvuxtkzg5gc520WjL5bMV-zsWou8dfTLpdu4/s1600/MORNING_03.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpvs5nEWY4msfl9afKtrB8BhRRppWJzqgYqW7S-8cEO5k7kak_7sg2s9gfWFb_UjIyu_3rFKcdVykqSXRD3dF9-t1d1CR8nOWB-W6bFeHvuxtkzg5gc520WjL5bMV-zsWou8dfTLpdu4/s400/MORNING_03.jpg" alt="Morning Glory Confection Chocolate Enrobed Brittle" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478442811657043650" border="0" /></a>My favorite Morning Glory Confection brittles were the New Mexico Chili and Pumpkin Seed and the Thai Curry and Peanut. Both of these brittles left a taste that wandered and danced on your taste buds long after the brittle was sadly, heartbreakingly gone. The New Mexico Chili and Pumpkin Seed takes you by surprise. It's so spicy it stops you in your tracks with unusual flavors like Mexican oregano woven in. Lemongrass and kaffir lime make the Thai Curry and Peanut chocolate enrobed brittle outstanding. It's delicately infused with chili, coconut and ginger, and you can't help taking bite after bite as you try to unravel the source of your pleasure.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvI1sw0Y0utalX18RrQe0CCNjhg-NBCblaBC7UXZg8t6fHAepK8PJvHEargtagIiaK6jagUYQxpNVB5LUykPWKppl3fmfFiO_3PHx9wrNVC6UfPf3pi73WaGtectbXELKHJ8l8ikbawc/s1600/MORNING_BOX.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvI1sw0Y0utalX18RrQe0CCNjhg-NBCblaBC7UXZg8t6fHAepK8PJvHEargtagIiaK6jagUYQxpNVB5LUykPWKppl3fmfFiO_3PHx9wrNVC6UfPf3pi73WaGtectbXELKHJ8l8ikbawc/s400/MORNING_BOX.jpg" alt="Morning Glory Confection 12 pc Gift Box" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478442209307346290" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpvs5nEWY4msfl9afKtrB8BhRRppWJzqgYqW7S-8cEO5k7kak_7sg2s9gfWFb_UjIyu_3rFKcdVykqSXRD3dF9-t1d1CR8nOWB-W6bFeHvuxtkzg5gc520WjL5bMV-zsWou8dfTLpdu4/s1600/MORNING_03.jpg"><br /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.chocolategrail.com/fudge.htm#Morning%20Glory%20Confections" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(152, 119, 46); padding: 10px; color: rgb(152, 119, 46); text-decoration: none; float: left; clear: left;"><strong>morning glory confections contact information</strong></a>Lynn Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794075862036633312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2935081107176816925.post-72785635463998988082010-05-27T06:00:00.000-07:002010-05-27T06:00:08.005-07:00socola chocolatier<div id="photo" style="width: 308px; height: 340px; float: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sL0ol4Yo45W-G2JYKZy-zLLrGbO1P_vKhR7SuNkO2VtQXJ5o_SsNH7IMh-VJtYtO_HhEDhJv1hwvDHRCOpxbYfsrhVvV_jJ7CV9FXw7TgA7C9WaqUKhJlq_rNZ0PO3Z11Mks26UQj68/s1600/socola_chocolate_closeup.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sL0ol4Yo45W-G2JYKZy-zLLrGbO1P_vKhR7SuNkO2VtQXJ5o_SsNH7IMh-VJtYtO_HhEDhJv1hwvDHRCOpxbYfsrhVvV_jJ7CV9FXw7TgA7C9WaqUKhJlq_rNZ0PO3Z11Mks26UQj68/s400/socola_chocolate_closeup.jpg" alt="Socola Chocolate Truffle" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475334801097505218" border="0" /></a>All photographs ©<br /><a href="http://rgd-travels.blogspot.com/">Ron Dunlap</a>/Doglight Studios<br /></div>There are some things you experience that invariably make you smile: a child's giggle, a beautiful sunset or playing with your best furry friend. Socola Chocolatier's truffles have this very same infectious quality from the moment you see their cheery packaging (which is almost too cute to open) to when you savor the last exquisite Socola truffle. Every detail has been carefully thought through all the way down to Harriet, their whimsical winged <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpaca">Alpaca</a> mascot.<br /><br />Socola Chocolatier offers a carefully curated selection of chocolates made with local and organic ingredients, including the award winning <a href="http://www.strausfamilycreamery.com/">Straus </a><a href="http://www.strausfamilycreamery.com/">Creamery</a>, butter and cream. Their core offerings are downright ethereal and if you're lucky, you may be able to sample some of their tempting seasonal offerings that include Calmyrna Fig, Earl Grey Tea, <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBiVp6zG9KgQywGO3UFDDHckVRhtfFxJH4LddvWr5NzA6Nxg3nzgfNHAQtvx5O25NuDCBS6-qH9DIiyu35qp24uPDvXUVYaJ8LzLaUO6lr1Z8zNtle6LViidxtGzDDw6Emx3XgqAVXeU/s1600/socola_openbox.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBiVp6zG9KgQywGO3UFDDHckVRhtfFxJH4LddvWr5NzA6Nxg3nzgfNHAQtvx5O25NuDCBS6-qH9DIiyu35qp24uPDvXUVYaJ8LzLaUO6lr1Z8zNtle6LViidxtGzDDw6Emx3XgqAVXeU/s400/socola_openbox.jpg" alt="Socola Chocolatier Truffle Box" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475334786882696818" border="0" /></a>Sour Cherry and Pumpkin Caramel - that last one almost makes me drool just thinking about it.<br /><br />The partners themselves, sisters Susan and Wendy, who are daughters of Vietnamese origin (Socola is chocolate in Vietnamese) are are as delightful as their chocolates. Their success story carries through each chocolate, in which flavors and textures are woven together in a masterful fashion.<br /><br />Our delightful sampling included Burnt Baby Burnt, Give it to me Guava, Guinness, and Vietnamese Espresso.<br /><br />Burnt Baby Burnt is Socola Chocolatier's version of burnt and salted caramel. Creamy and decadent, the burnt, smoky caramel flavor lingers on your tongue <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9eMN3E0V6uRE_3wQP3o5xvAvS3GtN9x309j-ZBs5SMr6CnP-DUH6_quxeVWK8Lwb6zryErFLEk0IIRMCdzPmcqWHbjGsuom6cscMOv8GQOXdUOCelrYFQj2I1Q1NOu2eZ0_wn50dgHg/s1600/socola_box.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9eMN3E0V6uRE_3wQP3o5xvAvS3GtN9x309j-ZBs5SMr6CnP-DUH6_quxeVWK8Lwb6zryErFLEk0IIRMCdzPmcqWHbjGsuom6cscMOv8GQOXdUOCelrYFQj2I1Q1NOu2eZ0_wn50dgHg/s400/socola_box.jpg" alt="Socola Chocolatier Box" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475334768740291122" border="0" /></a>long after you've finished off the truffle.<br /><br />For anyone who favors fruity truffles, Give it to Me Guava is a must. The ganache has a jelly like texture, which, combined with the chocolate couverture, makes you want to do cartwheels after each bite.<br /><br />Unusual taste combinations can be hit-or-miss. Sometimes they are surprisingly good and sometimes you realize there is a reason why those flavors aren't more mainstream. The Guinness though is a hit. I loved the malty hops flavor combined with the silky chocolate ganache. My idea of heaven would be to take a six-pack of Socola Chocolatier's Guinness truffles, sitting under a shady tree on a sunny day and readiing a good book. OK. Well maybe a twelve-pack would be more in <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLffmyNZ_-h4-qagZD3mPd_OXn9f9GGmacEZTKoW9aQt46ruC4zHKq8q4EoFXAvqCZOVqGMgHV9Zac_qHjzI22HpDMln6V7PmkFY-8RAbnp2fpa3BE6-1vChy-AgWuTbsdvqpecwn2o8/s1600/socola_box2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLffmyNZ_-h4-qagZD3mPd_OXn9f9GGmacEZTKoW9aQt46ruC4zHKq8q4EoFXAvqCZOVqGMgHV9Zac_qHjzI22HpDMln6V7PmkFY-8RAbnp2fpa3BE6-1vChy-AgWuTbsdvqpecwn2o8/s400/socola_box2.jpg" alt="Socola Chocolatier Gift Box" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475334755299193426" border="0" /></a>order.<br /><br />If you have never had a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnamese_iced_coffee">Vietnamese Coffee </a>or Tea you must stop whatever you are doing, this very instant, and run to your nearest Vietnamese restaurant and try one. This beverage is basically a decadent combination of two vices: coffee and cream, the cream in the form of thick, condensed milk. On a hot day, cold day, or any day for that matter, nothing hits the spot like a Vietnamese Coffee or Tea. This is unfortunate as the beverage has enough calories to take you to next Tuesday. So, if you want to continue fitting into your skinny jeans, Socola Chocolatier offers a superior alternative in what amounts to just a sip of whole drink, and then they add chocolate to the mix. Packed into the Socola little Vietnamese Espresso truffle is a shot of fresh roasted Vietnamese coffee swirled in with rich, organic condensed milk. Of all the Socola chocolates, this particular truffle was hands down the favorite and vanished in milliseconds. Savor one and we guarantee you won't be able to suppress a smile.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chocolategrail.com/gourmet.htm#Socola%20Chocolatier" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(152, 119, 46); padding: 10px; color: rgb(152, 119, 46); text-decoration: none; float: left; clear: left;"><strong>socola chocolatier contact information</strong></a>Lynn Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794075862036633312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2935081107176816925.post-77445238798988597122010-05-20T06:00:00.000-07:002010-05-20T06:00:03.256-07:00gail ambrosius<div id="photo" style="width: 308px; height: 340px; float: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODjCJL11TL4oOl1k53IcRYxw7S3EaCgt_3sh5fq1oCmELWTB818Ga3Sq1NGKJc3PJgq1TSwcHFeKa5WMbmp_mW4NB_E4JQdPvZC5nWiCpWfprl5C2P8YlW-pA3Dsf0bdxdM2WSJHz2GA/s1600/gail_box_close_up.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODjCJL11TL4oOl1k53IcRYxw7S3EaCgt_3sh5fq1oCmELWTB818Ga3Sq1NGKJc3PJgq1TSwcHFeKa5WMbmp_mW4NB_E4JQdPvZC5nWiCpWfprl5C2P8YlW-pA3Dsf0bdxdM2WSJHz2GA/s400/gail_box_close_up.jpg" alt="Gail Ambrosius Truffles" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473105241913169266" border="0" /></a>All photographs ©<br /><a href="http://rgd-travels.blogspot.com/">Ron Dunlap</a>/Doglight Studios<br /></div>If you look at a Gail Ambrosius box of chocolates and exclaim prior to devouring them, "What an exquisite, dazzling box of chocolates! I wonder if they taste as good as they look?", the answer is a resounding yes. Each truffle is enrobed in a silky, rich and sinful chocolate that melts away in your mouth in a silky puddle of bliss and leaves you in Chocolate Nirvana - no matter how bad your day has been. And let's face it, with the economy, there are more days than not for the most of us where we need a pick-me-up. And I ask you, is there any pick-me-up that is better than one covered in artisanal chocolate?<br /><br />Have you ever asked yourself on one-of-those-days "Am I crazy? Well, sadly the very fact you're asking that question means you probably are but, don't feel too bad because <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zbQ1crYY_7vvBVEccBaFx5BN28uuNBMOTBFtxJZ1F_2HTvSm_II7WTU9hIXfLnSIKOEYbWVPQOBVsq4-TN7Hy6iRNVAv28EjtrcRLjPlDdaOqHug1zy2xP3Se31_3NZRN283dSEbM1o/s1600/gail_close_up.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zbQ1crYY_7vvBVEccBaFx5BN28uuNBMOTBFtxJZ1F_2HTvSm_II7WTU9hIXfLnSIKOEYbWVPQOBVsq4-TN7Hy6iRNVAv28EjtrcRLjPlDdaOqHug1zy2xP3Se31_3NZRN283dSEbM1o/s400/gail_close_up.jpg" alt="Gail Ambrosius Truffles" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473105257771905362" border="0" /></a>everyone else is crazy too. Before you get too philosophical with that thought, there is an easy way to take your mind off the lunatic asylum that is probably is your life. One bite of Lucille's Vanilla, for example, a seemingly unassuming chocolate with a chocolate pudding inspired ganache will make you feel like you are floating on a fluffy white cloud. If congested traffic is bringing you down, a Gail Ambrosius Raspberry truffle that just bursts with berry goodness will transport you to an open, grassy field, warm and golden from the sun. Or surround yourself with sophisticates instead of the inmates that are around you, by sampling an extraordinary Earl Grey that combines orange blossom, bergamot, black tea and a touch of lavender with nothing short of magic.<br /><br />If it's yachts, diamonds and satin sheets in your <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgETKVltLamBPZNwQSDbf9NP0cUH3T_hSWOWI8M9Veb3RUlZOX32Pi9M9mF7ViCPyi4j02bCq3gF2KW2Z1Gvx9wH2NZ2vjwRjCVPS7iJ3VxMi1o6YBa4GmGVlnzG3wgPE_XhDHtJPOtw/s1600/gail_group.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgETKVltLamBPZNwQSDbf9NP0cUH3T_hSWOWI8M9Veb3RUlZOX32Pi9M9mF7ViCPyi4j02bCq3gF2KW2Z1Gvx9wH2NZ2vjwRjCVPS7iJ3VxMi1o6YBa4GmGVlnzG3wgPE_XhDHtJPOtw/s400/gail_group.jpg" alt="Gail Ambrosius Caramel Sprinkled with Grey Salt Truffle" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473105250195795618" border="0" /></a>dreams, try the luxurious Gail Ambrosius Caramel with Grey Salt which is an elegant blend of Madagascar Vanilla with a pinch fleur de sel. Sweet and savory at it's very best.<br /><br />If the exotic appeals to you, Gail Ambrosius offers an alluring selection that will tantalize and bewitch your taste buds. Cinnamon/Cayenne mixes the sweetness of cinnamon with the fire of roasted chilies and Sweet Curry with Saffron is a symphony of fragrant spices: coriander, tumeric, cumin, cardamom and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saffron">saffron</a>- the most expensive spice in the world. The Coconut, a special edition truffle offered in the spring has a rich, coconut center with crunchy coconut flakes that made me feel as though I were on a tropical island beach <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphengqoduqTLAZLJ4lyTJgvXa63fhPzZKfQGgm99czIkAqjts0fWWaCLflN-qgJ5RPeMDn966wJne4nu07FimzWpwIZUkeb_q4_wxUx934TRas_I0eXkJveH0wCjc9iVK7rVc76FrhoxrY/s1600/Gail_box.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphengqoduqTLAZLJ4lyTJgvXa63fhPzZKfQGgm99czIkAqjts0fWWaCLflN-qgJ5RPeMDn966wJne4nu07FimzWpwIZUkeb_q4_wxUx934TRas_I0eXkJveH0wCjc9iVK7rVc76FrhoxrY/s400/Gail_box.jpg" alt="Gail Ambrosius Box" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473105259508060034" border="0" /></a>with a clear blue ocean lapping at my feet. My favorites were flavored with ginger. The Cognac, a blend of cognac and candied ginger and the Lemongrass with Ginger, a fusion of lemon grass, coconut pureed ginger pulp and topped with candied lemon peel are guaranteed to take you far, far away from your troubles .<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chocolategrail.com/gourmet.htm#Gail%20Ambrosius" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(152, 119, 46); padding: 10px; color: rgb(152, 119, 46); text-decoration: none; float: left; clear: left;"><strong>gail ambrosius contact information</strong></a>Lynn Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794075862036633312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2935081107176816925.post-6674317990017341432010-05-13T06:00:00.000-07:002010-05-13T06:00:05.721-07:00mo's fudge factor<div id="photo" style="width: 308px; height: 340px; float: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-s7xIHfQCwiUJl72qiGWdu0S29Y_ZDFj27sF5eOPbhaBTgtkRQAAA8xEs_Azs3GAiig-qUngwMHZNHWmg_KoX2z3_gtHpmebaaMFK1kJ9VP1upmabMP-sb2r3udBlnyc__aXmv2q5L4/s1600/MOS_fudge_01.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-s7xIHfQCwiUJl72qiGWdu0S29Y_ZDFj27sF5eOPbhaBTgtkRQAAA8xEs_Azs3GAiig-qUngwMHZNHWmg_KoX2z3_gtHpmebaaMFK1kJ9VP1upmabMP-sb2r3udBlnyc__aXmv2q5L4/s400/MOS_fudge_01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469712180198156466" border="0" /></a>All photographs ©<br /><a href="http://rgd-travels.blogspot.com/">Ron Dunlap</a>/Doglight Studios<br /></div>If I were King, if there would be such a thing in the United States and if I technically didn't have to be a Queen because I am a girl (because I would prefer to be King) I would make sure everyone had some fudge every morning and that would guarantee the world would be a much better place. And if that fudge were Mo's Fudge Factor fudge, the world would be a much, much better place.<br /><br />Have you ever noticed nothing ever goes wrong when you're eating fudge? For example, you lose your keys in the morning, you are late for your appointment, you step in a puddle, it causes the toe strap on your new, designer, very cute strappy sandals break off (and if you know anything about strappy sandals, you can no longer walk with them once the toe strap snaps off. They just dangle foolishly from your ankle.) You feel <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievIlyhj2VLEPnA4lJEaL0x9KzA_uubDXjMvTpn-60aVIBRKSynhg6WmjpPQ6JQJ6ogf65ATDEtC9O3k7qBHKIBU055EuG5aNCMW3TQq3q-2tog4bCwonnrPFQNRqsuiLbRuXnf0TFlhM/s1600/MOS_fudge_03.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievIlyhj2VLEPnA4lJEaL0x9KzA_uubDXjMvTpn-60aVIBRKSynhg6WmjpPQ6JQJ6ogf65ATDEtC9O3k7qBHKIBU055EuG5aNCMW3TQq3q-2tog4bCwonnrPFQNRqsuiLbRuXnf0TFlhM/s400/MOS_fudge_03.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469712289062310370" border="0" /></a>frustrated, not to mention not as cute as you were hoping to look when you put your outfit together in the morning, and if you were <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Brown">Charlie Brown</a>, you would have a black cloud drawn over your head. But then you sit down and cut yourself a nice thick slice of fudge because you truly deserve it for your terrible day and then the clouds part revealing a sunny, bright blue sky, fluffy, billowy clouds and there are flowers blooming everywhere. That what is was like to bite into a slice Mo's Fudge Factor fudge.<br /><br />Mo's Fudge Factor fudge will bring you back to your childhood, you know, when you whined and manipulated your parents until they broke down and bought you some fudge on the boardwalk, not that you needed any more sugar in your system because you were already driving them crazy and making them wonder why they even had children in the first place. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbOzoMXnzLtcvL6XeMvkpcQdk-BonzvUnjk2UZRpTKLOCRVHvzKWpsI4HfPw3YuLvNMr_n_swqPmKW2YlScO2G1CiPdeeN7wH7IHNvJHZ29qxSog2loImP6y2izr0hyphenhyphenrA23MTXoN4_QQ/s1600/MOS_fudge_02.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbOzoMXnzLtcvL6XeMvkpcQdk-BonzvUnjk2UZRpTKLOCRVHvzKWpsI4HfPw3YuLvNMr_n_swqPmKW2YlScO2G1CiPdeeN7wH7IHNvJHZ29qxSog2loImP6y2izr0hyphenhyphenrA23MTXoN4_QQ/s400/MOS_fudge_02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469712278269250802" border="0" /></a>The only thing is that Mo's Fudge Factor is even better than seashore fudge, even without the ocean in the background because it's made with the finest cocoa, fresh, all-natural ingredients and flavorings and no preservatives. Plus all the fudge is made in small artisanal, mouth-watering batches.<br /><br />Each flavor of Mo's Fudge Factor fudge is rich, dense with a perfect fudgy texture and a tiny amount of sugar crunch between your teeth. The Chocolate is wonderfully creamy and if you like walnuts, you must try the Chocolate Walnut, which has plump, flavorful, Walnuts sprinkled on top. For some creative mix and matching try the Maple Walnut: a genius blend of real maple syrup with buttery fudge; Peanut Butter: smooth and creamy with an exceptional peanut butter taste or the extraordinary Cappuccino fudge which will stop you in your tracks, in-between your Mo's Fudge Factor Chocolate Fudge bites - just to make sure you get your cocoa fix of course. Whatever you do though, we guarantee you'll end up with a smile on your face.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chocolategrail.com/fudge.htm#Mos%20Fudge%20Factor" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(152, 119, 46); padding: 10px; color: rgb(152, 119, 46); text-decoration: none; float: left; clear: left;"><strong>mo's fudge factor contact information</strong></a>Lynn Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794075862036633312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2935081107176816925.post-31836404265315702642010-05-06T06:00:00.000-07:002010-05-06T06:00:01.696-07:00emergency chocolate at whole foods<div id="photo" style="width: 308px; height: 340px; float: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-l1feX9RbMFua6jlT2GfEsjEjYsv7fTeA0zJTesrP8udOatIAiTq5R89IGFififOGI7mLqBR-8OoApDITcCqQjTm_pKKia1lzzK3ly98nZ30pUyp0vUAPXhmAhxSukczZiQLo57lxbB0/s1600/wholefoods_bread.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-l1feX9RbMFua6jlT2GfEsjEjYsv7fTeA0zJTesrP8udOatIAiTq5R89IGFififOGI7mLqBR-8OoApDITcCqQjTm_pKKia1lzzK3ly98nZ30pUyp0vUAPXhmAhxSukczZiQLo57lxbB0/s400/wholefoods_bread.jpg" alt="whole foods theo chocolate" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468040879604240946" border="0" /></a>All photographs ©<br /><a href="http://rgd-travels.blogspot.com/"> Ron Dunlap</a>/Doglight Studios<br /></div>Gourmet chocolate, the really good stuff is often hard to find, or requires a trip and sometimes even a special order where waiting for your treat to arrive requires the patience of a saint. Yet sometimes, if you are like me, you find yourself having a gourmet chocolate emergency. This is the time, when you absolutely need to cram your mouth full of rich, creamy, high quality chocolate or something undesirable like a chocolate homicide may occur in your immediate vicinity.<br /><br />Fear not. There is a solution: your friendly, neighborhood Whole Foods grocery store. Each Whole Foods offers a different gourmet chocolate selection depending on where you live as their buying is “decentralized.” This basically means, each buyer purchases the best chocolates available in their region for their customers.<br /><br />Our recent sampling included these luscious Whole Foods offerings:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fn6DSreMpIQlhQAU0smnCQfhvnvQhV8_bMtZJ2JlwFUP_jXqgpbQV7zc8_e1NVVIOriY_QbbjvXxlnoMBX0X2YJISbYu7HgzyRFlbPdy84W6JlTHE_UWipaNSCvTQVKUu700wWWDeFw/s1600/wholefoods_bissingers.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fn6DSreMpIQlhQAU0smnCQfhvnvQhV8_bMtZJ2JlwFUP_jXqgpbQV7zc8_e1NVVIOriY_QbbjvXxlnoMBX0X2YJISbYu7HgzyRFlbPdy84W6JlTHE_UWipaNSCvTQVKUu700wWWDeFw/s400/wholefoods_bissingers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468057046249282034" border="0" /></a>The 365 Whole Foods, Organic Dark Chocolate with Almonds is simply nosh worthy. The chocolate is smooth, dark, and each bite delivers a satisfying amount of toasted crushed almonds. This is the kind of chocolate bar where you can savor each bite or mindlessly devour.<br /><br />For a nuanced and elegant chocolate, look no further than the Kallari 70% single source, organic chocolate. This chocolate bar delivers on everything you might imagine with an artisanal chocolate. The chocolate is rich, silky, robust and followed by a surprisingly subtle vanilla aftertaste.<br /><br />Delicately and glamorously swirled with a creamy ribbon of cherry, cherry and chocolate fans are sure to <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMm3aTKhCuKpJ9qX0Epf5Tio2KpofqhYLU-60aSA8SayxqCSH7LdiOPIhn9KGatibDoeo-L70Po6zW8zOXj6koyztelClcNLb3j36_9UOFO00GzvRPQQqdA4LmBezEWeaVz22a5m31TsQ/s1600/wholefoods_multi.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMm3aTKhCuKpJ9qX0Epf5Tio2KpofqhYLU-60aSA8SayxqCSH7LdiOPIhn9KGatibDoeo-L70Po6zW8zOXj6koyztelClcNLb3j36_9UOFO00GzvRPQQqdA4LmBezEWeaVz22a5m31TsQ/s400/wholefoods_multi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468057187029682162" border="0" /></a>fall head over heels in love with the Bissingers All Natural Cherry Chocolate Bar. Our bar was inhaled by such a fan in a matter of seconds while our tester kept exclaiming “what a wonderful cherry taste” or at least that’s what we think he was saying because his mouth was full of chocolate.<br /><br />What’s also wonderful about the Whole Foods selection is that they offer a broad range of smaller artisanal chocolate bars so you can afford to be adventurous and try something you might normally not try as evidenced in the Dolphin Dark Pink Peppercorns from Brazil. While you don’t usually think of peppercorns and chocolate, this is an thoroughly addictive and creative combination. The dark chocolate melts on your tongue and then the pink peppercorns bloom like a flower in your mouth - a highly unusual but desirous sensation.<br /><br />My favorite of the chocolates was the Theo Bread and Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Bar. When we opened the bar we were disappointed as we were hoping to see large chunks of bread. Then we took our first bite and our disappointment vanished as quickly as the bar did. We were rewarded with crunchy sourdough bread crumbs mixed with an extraordinary smooth dark chocolate. A divine experience that that clearly affirmed Whole Foods as a dependable emergency chocolate destination.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(152, 119, 46); padding: 10px; color: rgb(152, 119, 46); text-decoration: none; float: left; clear: left;"><strong>whole foods store locations</strong></a>Lynn Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794075862036633312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2935081107176816925.post-81180416840276898522010-04-29T07:00:00.000-07:002010-05-02T12:14:14.772-07:00hedonist chocolates<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIV-A0x6uiLZ09CMy0-w7bZSyC1EhccopgX-5wqFlTiFIO6cJ8ePhQomw_f7qmwEc4keJDpvF0WgsPMXf-k4Eq3DgPxYV2Cr8XEclTIY4PdSY0jB7vf-YJZN9B-qYiSLM_vGObFcZvPTc/s1600/close-up_Truffles_blog.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIV-A0x6uiLZ09CMy0-w7bZSyC1EhccopgX-5wqFlTiFIO6cJ8ePhQomw_f7qmwEc4keJDpvF0WgsPMXf-k4Eq3DgPxYV2Cr8XEclTIY4PdSY0jB7vf-YJZN9B-qYiSLM_vGObFcZvPTc/s400/close-up_Truffles_blog.jpg" alt="Hedonist Chocolates" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465261139026510434" border="0" /></a>For some reason, I have always thought of chocolate dipped fruits and nuts and chocolate barks as the poor chocolate relations to the tonier truffle and bon-bon families. However, Hedonist Chocolates has set me straight.<br /><br />We started our debauchery with the Fruit and Nut Collection. This comes in beautiful gift box - the kind of gift box you get where you know you're going to get something gooood. It's the kind of gift that you give where "it looks like far more than what you paid for," not that anyone would ever evaluate a gift like that.<br /><br />The box opens to reveal not just what you normally think of with a dipped fruit or nut, but a jewel-like array of exquisite chocolates that take your breath away. So beautiful, you almost don't want to eat them...not.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ju5IPIRMuKexcD7DYlsZxdFSrQN9oMugsJLA9IvfkmA0Dwb3a6lmEHltbLEBt_LyTSkT4MtaB79hdKvEYdHKKWT7qGFYMpbEBwRVgyOAEZotJHUex-fer8X_FBvvOxIZyiIsWw3Y8-c/s1600/box_photo_blog.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ju5IPIRMuKexcD7DYlsZxdFSrQN9oMugsJLA9IvfkmA0Dwb3a6lmEHltbLEBt_LyTSkT4MtaB79hdKvEYdHKKWT7qGFYMpbEBwRVgyOAEZotJHUex-fer8X_FBvvOxIZyiIsWw3Y8-c/s400/box_photo_blog.jpg" alt="Hedonist Chocolate Fruit and Nut Collection" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465261141166583202" border="0" /></a><br />All the Hedonist Fruit and Nuts were dipped or covered in this insanely, rich chocolate that just melts away like silk on your tongue. The Apricot was nice and tangy and the Pistachio Cluster had an abundance of perfectly toasted, crunchy pistachios. The standouts included the Cranberry-Pecan: dried slightly sour and chewy cranberries elegantly combined with the texture of toasted pecans, and the Candied Orange Peel: a gourmet version of that enchanting taste combination of orange and chocolate. My favorite Hedonist Fruit & Nut, one that I could easily spend the rest of my life gorging myself on, is the Candied Ginger. The candied ginger has a slight sugary crust that reveals a soft chewy gingery center that with the sumptuous chocolate covering really makes you <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijq3-BFB1W8P54HdxVWOXkyeV8IQ4uFXYBbZJYtNhYWK7N5fEE6MV1hHbhHnhd8BPQwmmaYdTBbRiHVs2fD6JsYgVaZ2_XOV4Yg3zid5ROwMjtox5MxrabrMn7cmNAbPvTVOMU28aj6uM/s1600/box_open_blog.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijq3-BFB1W8P54HdxVWOXkyeV8IQ4uFXYBbZJYtNhYWK7N5fEE6MV1hHbhHnhd8BPQwmmaYdTBbRiHVs2fD6JsYgVaZ2_XOV4Yg3zid5ROwMjtox5MxrabrMn7cmNAbPvTVOMU28aj6uM/s400/box_open_blog.jpg" alt="Hedonist Chocolate Fruit and Nut Collection" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465261150393479138" border="0" /></a>believe a higher power must exist.<br /><br />Hedonist Chocolates barks are also of note and the packaging showcases them to their alluring best. The Ginger Pistachio is studded with toasted buttery nuts and the same excellent candied ginger used in the Fruit and Nut collection. All of this is in a thick, luxurious, dark chocolate bark. My favorite bark was the Milk Chocolate Sesame Bark. I have never had chocolate with sesame before and after taking a bite I wondered why I have been deprived for so long. The salty, sweet, combination is thoroughly addictive and everyone went rapidly back for seconds, thirds and fourths until there were only a few sad, abandoned sesame seeds left. These remnants, still too good to waste, were then picked up by a resourceful chocoholic with a sticky finger and poof, they vanished leaving behind only a satisfying memory of extraordinary chocolate.<br /><br /><div id="float" style="float: left; clear: both;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWXhgCXk-e_pZim2cHoIe1dYIKWfThNQ9lTPgkKJ7ibDxzoLepNvTNtOb8F1MJO4JfY0T4TL_aNrbJmwqAPBoJwlC9hvxThGcO2rLYx9asYM8w4j9nLcU1T8nbk5hABRY0AEng20MIqw/s1600/bark_bags_blog.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWXhgCXk-e_pZim2cHoIe1dYIKWfThNQ9lTPgkKJ7ibDxzoLepNvTNtOb8F1MJO4JfY0T4TL_aNrbJmwqAPBoJwlC9hvxThGcO2rLYx9asYM8w4j9nLcU1T8nbk5hABRY0AEng20MIqw/s400/bark_bags_blog.jpg" alt="Hedonist Chocolate Bark" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465261156137996754" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.chocolategrail.com/gourmet.htm#Hedonist%20Chocolates" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(152, 119, 46); padding: 10px; color: rgb(152, 119, 46); text-decoration: none; float: left; clear: left;"><strong>hedonist chocolates contact information</strong></a>Lynn Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794075862036633312noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2935081107176816925.post-72676110132741501422010-04-22T06:00:00.000-07:002010-04-22T06:00:02.290-07:00vice chocolates<div id="photo" style="width: 308px; height: 340px; float: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwE_3vvMn8yg43TUPLpQslvrfRCffON4s34uBY_5d1D4OTY2NEgTRl9mfDtzYL9nbLx1TOzAEEdhrDFVztb2s8-ZfHUe9h6jNkVOq_GZneC3oVn6mf_3OYRuZpJCgoC-If3ZjZgu_zF4w/s1600/bonbon-box_vice.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwE_3vvMn8yg43TUPLpQslvrfRCffON4s34uBY_5d1D4OTY2NEgTRl9mfDtzYL9nbLx1TOzAEEdhrDFVztb2s8-ZfHUe9h6jNkVOq_GZneC3oVn6mf_3OYRuZpJCgoC-If3ZjZgu_zF4w/s400/bonbon-box_vice.jpg" alt="Vice Chocolates" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462301788633055042" border="0" /></a>All photographs<br /><a href="http://rgd-travels.blogspot.com/">Ron Dunlap</a>/Doglight Studios<br /></div>I started off my career in the toy industry then moved into online gaming. I always figured my next step in entertainment would likely be in porn - and when I had my first Vice Chocolate, I realized my prediction had come true.<br /><br />Vice Chocolates live up to their name. They are silky, luxurious, rich and above all else, decadent. When you bite into a Vice Chocolate it seems as though the humdrum world drops away and what remains becomes a very sexy place. A world where dramatic mood lighting, long meaningful looks, double entendres and maybe some silk and leather thrown in is de rigueur.<br /><br />We selected the Domina, an exquisite, golden, shimmery truffle to begin. Looks did not deceive. This chocolate lived up to its wicked promise. If a truffle could hold a whip and wear leather, this chocolate <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdnvLvNfILWOQ74ISxjr2Gyj_1uIj-p97C09yCF-kQpad8k2tbB-1gbcjM5qe3RnIuGz2xTNMpnL3p3oKHXYEUjLIV1oVkprNIgO-NLI5kv6BA2sZAkwqckootSAe_MEQTOCVrepTJCQ/s1600/goldbonbon_vice.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdnvLvNfILWOQ74ISxjr2Gyj_1uIj-p97C09yCF-kQpad8k2tbB-1gbcjM5qe3RnIuGz2xTNMpnL3p3oKHXYEUjLIV1oVkprNIgO-NLI5kv6BA2sZAkwqckootSAe_MEQTOCVrepTJCQ/s400/goldbonbon_vice.jpg" alt="Vice Chocolate Domina" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462316902111323042" border="0" /></a>was packing a whip and dressed head to toe in black: rich dark chocolate ganache with a sensuous blend of Earl Grey tea, luscious crème fraiche with a hint of tangy orange.<br /><br />We thought Vixen would only be appropriate after Domina. This experience starts with something sweet: a dark chocolate ganache with passion fruit. Then when you're about to walk away, you get hit with spicy Thai chili. Sweet and with a fiery aftertaste, exactly how a chocolate named Vixen should taste!<br /><br />For those of you who perhaps enjoy a chocolate that is a little less edgy, don't despair. Vice Chocolates understands subtle knock out punches too. The Cherry Bomb is a very sophisticated take that combines espresso and a sliver of crunchy almond <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPSYHsvEvS-K_dwI1oXqw7_W8IsYNNuGL57vbs6v-PXeo6YJUFuSrCuc0MScr3hJZbWn_yLSqxm3yytnFQi5Jn_UDCRAgZfP9BczDcY2sOuCeoTm3SUYWjKzgMmLYz8BiwNx94TNlOYY/s1600/bar_wrapper.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPSYHsvEvS-K_dwI1oXqw7_W8IsYNNuGL57vbs6v-PXeo6YJUFuSrCuc0MScr3hJZbWn_yLSqxm3yytnFQi5Jn_UDCRAgZfP9BczDcY2sOuCeoTm3SUYWjKzgMmLYz8BiwNx94TNlOYY/s400/bar_wrapper.jpg" alt="Vice Chocolate Fig & Anise Bar" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462322429272035538" border="0" /></a>with a vivid cherry taste. The Lady Lavender, is all sheer, cool elegance; a smooth dark chocolate ganache scented delicately with lavender and vanilla.<br /><br />We were also lucky to enjoy some custom and special edition Vice Chocolate truffles. La Fleur Blanc, was created for a <a href="http://www.shoplaprairie.com/default.aspx">La Prairie Cosmetics</a>' product launch. This white chocolate enrobed truffle with jasmine, white tea and chardonnay was creamy, dreamy and just melted away in a sexy puddle on your tongue. My favorites though were the CocoBrat and the Lucky. CocoBrat is a truffle made with <a href="http://www.prospect772.com/">Prospect 772</a>'s wine (not surprisingly called "Brat") and was my personal favorite: smoky, sweet and lingering. And Lucky is an eclectic but masterful blend of black lager <a href="http://www.luckyhandbeer.com/">Lucky Hand Beer</a>, fleur de sel and organic brown rice puffs. Lucky just might make the regular menu...if we're lucky (pun intended).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5atiJvnsLRe-vZu-1mH4z9PI7iMqWe9pJNH7vj0nwUBU90vqJr4Bu781RFST4Pd7SSgjORJGfPp35E_ox2qhEKhfi9k3hWCIAyOcoZiE2LAIE3NoxF8AHxk7mG2cNuJk7kPXhtlhg7LI/s1600/bar_closeup_vice.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5atiJvnsLRe-vZu-1mH4z9PI7iMqWe9pJNH7vj0nwUBU90vqJr4Bu781RFST4Pd7SSgjORJGfPp35E_ox2qhEKhfi9k3hWCIAyOcoZiE2LAIE3NoxF8AHxk7mG2cNuJk7kPXhtlhg7LI/s400/bar_closeup_vice.jpg" alt="Vice Chocolate Fig & Anise Bar" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462322440678303170" border="0" /></a>Happily, our decadence did not end with the Vice Chocolate truffles. We just moved onto the Fig and Anise bar. Like all Vice Chocolates, the bar visually is a work of art - and the flavor is right in the mode of naughty and nice. Dried fig adds a sweetness and anise adds an edge. We've never tasted this combination before, but this bar was devoured in seconds - you simply can't stop after one taste. So we wholeheartedly embrace Vice Chocolate's motto - Just Give In.<br /><div id="float" style="float: left; clear: both;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStUSW3OvT1I6oIfGimq1B3ae2_dI8yJiV3qEQGqrQHd8Vvr7xWAEsFrReyhyYD0xA0231f1eHDPFFanVg75izWDO0bn5KUq1vKrc0H_AYGVTzZp4tMaXv69Hph03xflTz_pV_CnZ29OA/s1600/box_vice.jpg"><br /></a></div><br /><div id="float" style="float: left; clear: both;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStUSW3OvT1I6oIfGimq1B3ae2_dI8yJiV3qEQGqrQHd8Vvr7xWAEsFrReyhyYD0xA0231f1eHDPFFanVg75izWDO0bn5KUq1vKrc0H_AYGVTzZp4tMaXv69Hph03xflTz_pV_CnZ29OA/s1600/box_vice.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStUSW3OvT1I6oIfGimq1B3ae2_dI8yJiV3qEQGqrQHd8Vvr7xWAEsFrReyhyYD0xA0231f1eHDPFFanVg75izWDO0bn5KUq1vKrc0H_AYGVTzZp4tMaXv69Hph03xflTz_pV_CnZ29OA/s400/box_vice.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462322444922375650" border="0" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.chocolategrail.com/gourmet.htm#Vice%20Chocolates" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(152, 119, 46); padding: 10px; color: rgb(152, 119, 46); text-decoration: none; float: left; clear: left;"><strong>vice chocolates contact information</strong></a>Lynn Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794075862036633312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2935081107176816925.post-84896246742396234632010-04-15T07:00:00.000-07:002010-04-15T07:00:00.381-07:00coco-zen<div id="photo" style="width: 308px; height: 340px; float: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClbT-D4R2iS-XBIabnGC0P9seKEczo1b4TvzCBq08iqbxdgnLQ_klqTu0NVbpU_mlJmYZsDs_WJzipVJ_Hi0Cxw4zWCL4yb2CuF8LbVf8YmDTHb8_zbrkUP3xUFL-6y9m_B0y_OloG10/s1600/COCO_ZEN_allvarieties.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClbT-D4R2iS-XBIabnGC0P9seKEczo1b4TvzCBq08iqbxdgnLQ_klqTu0NVbpU_mlJmYZsDs_WJzipVJ_Hi0Cxw4zWCL4yb2CuF8LbVf8YmDTHb8_zbrkUP3xUFL-6y9m_B0y_OloG10/s400/COCO_ZEN_allvarieties.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460068279576084770" border="0" /></a>All photographs<a href="http://rgd-travels.blogspot.com/">Ron Dunlap</a>/Doglight Studios<br /></div>Sometimes it's hard to do the right thing whether it's eating your vegetables as a kid or staying away from fried foods as an adult. But, Coco-Zen makes it easy for you to do the right thing: their chocolates areFair Trade Certified and use only organic ingredients. And as a reward for your virtue, these chocolates are also rich, luscious, flavorful and creamy.<br /><br />I think it's important to mention (even though this is a chocolate review) that most of the cocoa we consume comes from mass candy businesses that have a devastating impact on the environment and the communities around them. They require heavy forestation, chemical fertilizers and pesticides. And these companies exploit the local communities, adopting unsafe working conditions, poor wages and sometimes even forced child labor. This is why, in a time where resources are rapidly depleting, that we need to remember that our actions affect the world <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCnzBB3PwRqdzb9siWBBnmTK2BAULMl9pDojB6eWulVqfaNDJcNLcnr1Hg3bG_-Zb8s7en43ikmg_kWTP8_mmDkZntGBKJ5jljZ_g0jk5oM7L8YKOwaNki9m0324jxJM9kPtke3ZWXdk/s1600/COCO_ZEN_Mint.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCnzBB3PwRqdzb9siWBBnmTK2BAULMl9pDojB6eWulVqfaNDJcNLcnr1Hg3bG_-Zb8s7en43ikmg_kWTP8_mmDkZntGBKJ5jljZ_g0jk5oM7L8YKOwaNki9m0324jxJM9kPtke3ZWXdk/s400/COCO_ZEN_Mint.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460123074681520930" border="0" /></a>around us. This is mantra of Coco-Zen - to Experience Oneness with Chocolate.<br /><br />Coco-Zen's Truffles-To-Give arrive in an Indian Tin. This is a stack of tins is actually an Indian lunch box. (In fact, all Asians - Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, etc. - use themYou put rice in the bottom tin and the goodies to add in the top tins. Yum!) When you take the lid off, you become aware of two things. The first is that these truffles are enormous. Bigger than a golf ball although smaller than a baseball. The second is the aroma of chocolaty goodness just wafting out.<br /><br />Each Coco-Zen tin reveals a new insanely tempting flavor: Chai Spice, Mint Bliss, Orange Blossom (with <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wma3ZYVcbzTby_ukNqc6YJV_vHvOuCnXT-Ov7ck5vj-8C7XaDjhQpolWiDJ8fAcLTbBkI2iUPQkH5lW_O4WUkgFIAePTkUoaLB-oIBcyiqQ55PUH-5-AxGbimVXBzWPgxkOFMxU6QEM/s1600/Coco_Zen_3trays.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wma3ZYVcbzTby_ukNqc6YJV_vHvOuCnXT-Ov7ck5vj-8C7XaDjhQpolWiDJ8fAcLTbBkI2iUPQkH5lW_O4WUkgFIAePTkUoaLB-oIBcyiqQ55PUH-5-AxGbimVXBzWPgxkOFMxU6QEM/s400/Coco_Zen_3trays.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460124601315444098" border="0" /></a>the nuts) and Dark Chocolates. Our selections were vegan, yet there was no discernable difference between them and any chocolate made with butter and cream. Each truffle had a rich and meaty ganache nicely balanced with the harder texture of the chocolate couverture.<br /><br />We started our journey with the Coco-Zen Orange Blossom as the nuts on top appealed to everyone. This chocolate had a nice but not overpowering orange flavor and the crushed almonds added to the a wonderful texture.<br /><br />We decided to follow with the simple Dark Chocolate - to cleanse our palette - as it were. For chocolate purists, this chocolate has your name on it. Rich, earthy and flavorful. You can enjoy all the nuances of chocolateness (if there was such a word).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9Wt0kFBJQSMz_LH6masxid7YyCq0l57di41yQOmaqbJn5hcqZ5dZKRavJedP7VLNeLDwQxwMiOOPYNrKYBtVVq4MhkSLzHBEBPyA0LPw_n1JfoG-2Xms9dr_P5_FoBP03kEOtFWPRtI/s1600/COCO_ZEN_BOX.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9Wt0kFBJQSMz_LH6masxid7YyCq0l57di41yQOmaqbJn5hcqZ5dZKRavJedP7VLNeLDwQxwMiOOPYNrKYBtVVq4MhkSLzHBEBPyA0LPw_n1JfoG-2Xms9dr_P5_FoBP03kEOtFWPRtI/s400/COCO_ZEN_BOX.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460127521735773650" border="0" /></a><br />For mint lovers, the Coco-Zen Mint Bliss is nothing short of chocolate mastery. I think it is hard to get the right balance of mint to chocolate I think because each flavor is quite strong. But Coco-Zen, gets it perfectly. This chocolate would not only serve as a wonderful finish to a meal, one of them could be the entire dessert.<br /><br />My personal favorite was the Chai Spice (except for the Orange Blossom, Dark Chocolate and Mint Bliss). I love chai and have ever since I was small. It brings back memories of my childhood neighborhood, which was home to immigrants, trying to make their way into the American life--or their version of it. We had Italians, North Indians, Dutch, Germans and of course our Chinese family. What this really boiled down to was we had really good food pretty much all the time, including the chai tea one of the mother's made on the stove for us when we showed up on her porch with hungry faces. The delicately spiced but still rich flavor of the Chai Spice's ganache had the best elements of the chai I remember, wonderfully enrobed in dark chocolate that melts away perfectly.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chocolategrail.com/gourmet.htm#Coco%20Zen" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(152, 119, 46); padding: 10px; color: rgb(152, 119, 46); text-decoration: none; float: left; clear: left;"><strong>coco-zen contact information</strong></a>Lynn Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794075862036633312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2935081107176816925.post-67836165392785547052010-04-08T07:00:00.000-07:002010-04-08T07:00:07.196-07:00aroa fine chocolates<div id="photo" style="width: 308px; height: 340px; float: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklodLQA5J1UQ5bVO97wJuwON70Nn7IDyHgzMSlTuD2MGs4N5SvJEBRLqZr_B_oOatH4fxdjwZc-NILvORcs-HUNmDqos04petVOU0ynvS-_B2c2_rBFlPrWa1-V3WSVEsPG5HW2opj9c/s1600/AROA_1.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklodLQA5J1UQ5bVO97wJuwON70Nn7IDyHgzMSlTuD2MGs4N5SvJEBRLqZr_B_oOatH4fxdjwZc-NILvORcs-HUNmDqos04petVOU0ynvS-_B2c2_rBFlPrWa1-V3WSVEsPG5HW2opj9c/s400/AROA_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457476504787172242" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Once in a while, and generally not often enough, you deserve a day of pampering. Once that meant getting your hair and nails done, a facial, a massage and perhaps buying some newfangled lotions that you know will absolutely change your life. But, in these economic times, you have to be more resourceful. You can create that same wonderful spa experience in the comfort of your own home. This involves locking yourself, and everyone else in your life out of the bathroom (except maybe your cat), running a hot bath with some salts, oils and bubble bath, or whatever combination of those elixirs appeals to you, lighting some scented candles and stepping in and relaxing. But to complete the effect, I believe bon-bons are in order. That is where the luxurious Aroa Fine Chocolates come in.<br /><br />Since this is all about experience, I must describe the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihe8qaZCZ6QIOHt4BkDtvvCZz2ieIgkbQhQd567C-Dud8iLdd-9gJDPak2AJmK1m8dnurTFkXJ5lzjPJExnIvcetNzAR3XeeEKC-aEymZ0vjNlXIK-GpXaIv8QfWQxE7kW0TEk6VGudmg/s1600/AROA_2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihe8qaZCZ6QIOHt4BkDtvvCZz2ieIgkbQhQd567C-Dud8iLdd-9gJDPak2AJmK1m8dnurTFkXJ5lzjPJExnIvcetNzAR3XeeEKC-aEymZ0vjNlXIK-GpXaIv8QfWQxE7kW0TEk6VGudmg/s400/AROA_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457476984105906034" border="0" /></a>Aroa Fine Chocolates packaging. This is not a thin, flimsy, cardboard box but a box with heft and quality. The kind of box that could just as easily hold velvet and something that is measured in carats. When you peel back the tissue paper you reveal a treasure just as gratifying as one that might sparkle from your ear: extraordinary chocolate.<br /><br />For our sampling we enjoyed four Aroa Chocolates. These chocolates are as sumptuous as they look so if you plan to take the time to enjoy more than four chocolates, you might end up with the unwanted side effect of looking like a raisin after your home spa.<br /><br />The first chocolate we tried was the Earl Grey. I love tea flavors and this elegant chocolate was a wonderful <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKZCAvQUNWeXxTe3Jkj03OaYD3JhiYl5kgfkQyZgtRameowZPBOUFoEZVHYpMKPOReFiY2yv9sY0zIaGL6dE8PBrGuIVRM6JNAcHwFTY0i4fU6WZupj68faPFMQh5HwJGduFxIEMc2wM/s1600/AROA_3box.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKZCAvQUNWeXxTe3Jkj03OaYD3JhiYl5kgfkQyZgtRameowZPBOUFoEZVHYpMKPOReFiY2yv9sY0zIaGL6dE8PBrGuIVRM6JNAcHwFTY0i4fU6WZupj68faPFMQh5HwJGduFxIEMc2wM/s400/AROA_3box.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457477150059940338" border="0" /></a>blend of sensuous ganache with a distinct but not overpowering Earl Grey flavor.<br /><br />Our next chocolate was the Lavender, a creamy, buttery, sinful ganache enrobed in white chocolate and sprinkled with pink sugar. One word: decadent. It is the same feeling you have when you've indulged in something you shouldn't have (maybe that designer bag?)<br /><br />The last two chocolates we enjoyed were among the most beautiful chocolates we have ever seen. Each had a lavish gold design. These photos do not do them justice because in the photograph, you cannot see how they shimmy and shimmer before they are devoured. I happen to love chocolates with cinnamon but the addition of cardamom in the Chai bon-bon made this Aroa Fine Chocolate extra special. We finished with the Passionfruit. What made this chocolate stand out was the tartness of the fruit balanced with something minty while the ganache retained its buttery goodness and consistency.<br /><br />All in all, after our tasting we felt pampered from head to toe.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chocolategrail.com/gourmet.htm#Aroa%20Fine%20Chocolate" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(152, 119, 46); padding: 10px; color: rgb(152, 119, 46); text-decoration: none; float: left; clear: left;"><strong>aroa fine chocolates contact information</strong></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKZCAvQUNWeXxTe3Jkj03OaYD3JhiYl5kgfkQyZgtRameowZPBOUFoEZVHYpMKPOReFiY2yv9sY0zIaGL6dE8PBrGuIVRM6JNAcHwFTY0i4fU6WZupj68faPFMQh5HwJGduFxIEMc2wM/s1600/AROA_3box.jpg"><br /></a>Lynn Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794075862036633312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2935081107176816925.post-74237462604071144222010-04-01T07:00:00.000-07:002010-04-01T14:14:31.553-07:00terrasource chocolates<div id="photo" style="width: 308px; height: 340px; float: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQXlpK29Nl3Qc89YGIwmNWjI268EIcFH547mmVPKUmC1Pk5USl6DzJiR-GHQQGshChVEtbpTdOqUNoiTYKo5NOxtFvbirFdzCjloiWpmTMJu0exMPzggdhRNtEuxj3tUOW33i9jtH-38/s1600/terra_box_5truffles.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQXlpK29Nl3Qc89YGIwmNWjI268EIcFH547mmVPKUmC1Pk5USl6DzJiR-GHQQGshChVEtbpTdOqUNoiTYKo5NOxtFvbirFdzCjloiWpmTMJu0exMPzggdhRNtEuxj3tUOW33i9jtH-38/s400/terra_box_5truffles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454900752336466706" border="0" /></a><br />All photographs<br /><a href="http://rgd-travels.blogspot.com/">Ron Dunlap</a>/Doglight Studios<br /></div>Once in a while you get something unexpected. A photo enforcement ticket comes in the mail, even though you were praying ever since you saw the light flashed that it was for someone else's car. Then not only do you have to pay the ticket, you have to see a snapshot and ask yourself, do I really look like that? Do I really have my mouth open when I'm turning left? Why doesn't my photo look more like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gisele_B%C3%BCndchen">Gisele,</a> whom I'd prefer to look like? Why is life so unfair? Other times the unexpected is much better. For example, when you go shopping and the shirt you have been eyeing has been discounted to a price that you can actually afford. You feel the gods have shined on you. And that feeling is the precise feeling you get when you have a TerraSource chocolate.<br /><br />It would be safe to say that if it's chocolate I'll like it. But generally, vegan chocolates are a different <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxlSxDQunYLMvxFwfNIqx0WAKpPnaW0CE9g0PVw8LfyM35dRUTx20dJSrlKH0MKHk4qx8dUAwtduQDczLhCpxpDo4R2Jf2Nj7uVFKgcElq9JAVccRiZqwaJVTagFgESsrvqeFMkjF_jI/s1600/terra_source_bonbon_1.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxlSxDQunYLMvxFwfNIqx0WAKpPnaW0CE9g0PVw8LfyM35dRUTx20dJSrlKH0MKHk4qx8dUAwtduQDczLhCpxpDo4R2Jf2Nj7uVFKgcElq9JAVccRiZqwaJVTagFgESsrvqeFMkjF_jI/s400/terra_source_bonbon_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454903758807283234" border="0" /></a>experience from traditional chocolates that can use cream, butter and sugar with reckless abandon. So, vegan chocolates ,while still delicious, are generally less creamy and the flavors are different from what we are accustomed to. Well, TerraSource chocolates turns all that upside down. TerraSource chocolates are creamy and richly flavorful and in a blind taste test, it would be impossible to know these are vegan chocolates.<br /><br />The rich and creamy chocolate taste is coupled with Josie Pradella's unique ability to pair flavors. Her chocolates are so thoughtfully created that each one will stop you in your tracks.<br /><br />As I happen to love coconut, we started with Coconut Dream. The chocolate has a wonderful chocolate shell <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHJfAMQ6sZvYCusX5gQz-o7d8rlLvsrNLri24M3B2mZiVaAb8JOFqMOXk7Akhkj3ubDfqoCoPO1bOpyt4tyIG-PKjtrDwDtAnzu-NIJ8SK1UxYFEIYSGAGla8FZbzx-r8QYHr3Bg5d5Q/s1600/terra_bonbon_1.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHJfAMQ6sZvYCusX5gQz-o7d8rlLvsrNLri24M3B2mZiVaAb8JOFqMOXk7Akhkj3ubDfqoCoPO1bOpyt4tyIG-PKjtrDwDtAnzu-NIJ8SK1UxYFEIYSGAGla8FZbzx-r8QYHr3Bg5d5Q/s400/terra_bonbon_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454906097679391954" border="0" /></a>and the creamy filling has just the right amount coconut shreds for some crunch. When you are finished you wonder, what is that other taste that makes this so heavenly? Then you realize, Josie Pradella has added a touch of rum.<br /><br />For a tangy, fruity chocolate, you must try the Pomegranate White Tea. What's special about this chocolate is that after you get the tangy, fruity taste of pomegranate, it is followed with a lingering, dare I say meditative taste of white tea.<br /><br />The Rooibos Tea was a huge favorite in this taste test and a great chocolate to convert anyone who is skeptical of vegan chocolates. Rich and chocolatey <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzZ591ezsAYvQxR9AQZi_uc0XGMY4Mn_fV8mTcA7SYv55zxU3X10_NrR9OGH3gjVb8luWvJ9Nvh7lZV_lMJS7BABMgIoMNZl16Vgma-nAYJmDJoBtTyCwOVl5W8bhzDmOkVFxOAsWCNA/s1600/terra_box.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzZ591ezsAYvQxR9AQZi_uc0XGMY4Mn_fV8mTcA7SYv55zxU3X10_NrR9OGH3gjVb8luWvJ9Nvh7lZV_lMJS7BABMgIoMNZl16Vgma-nAYJmDJoBtTyCwOVl5W8bhzDmOkVFxOAsWCNA/s400/terra_box.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454958595325496178" border="0" /></a>with an undeniable luscious caramel taste.<br /><br />Of all the chocolates, the Orange Ginger was the most subtle. A hint of orange, a hint of ginger and then the sensation of chocolate melting on your tongue. To me, this is a connoisseur's chocolate. A connoisseur who perhaps wears glasses at the the end of his or her nose, wears tweed and perhaps smells a little like spaniels.<br /><br />My favorite TerraSource chocolate was the Balsamic Strawberry. The chocolate shell was hard and almost crunchy but the filling once you bit into it was dreamy. It just melted in your mouth. It starts with a burst of fresh, just-picked strawberry but before it gets too cute you have the taste of balsamic vinegar. Even though it is unusual, I highly recommend that even the less adventurous take a walk on the wild side with this distinctive TerraSource chocolate!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chocolategrail.com/gourmet.htm#Terra%20Source%20Gourmet%20Chocolates" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(152, 119, 46); padding: 10px; color: rgb(152, 119, 46); text-decoration: none; float: left; clear: left;"><strong>terrasource gourmet chocolates contact information</strong></a>Lynn Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794075862036633312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2935081107176816925.post-22975180903125669142010-03-24T07:00:00.000-07:002010-03-24T20:17:06.573-07:00coco-luxe<div id="photo" style="width: 308px; height: 340px; float: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53ZZQlCVjC1PtNe7nfmHuwiaAqRlTuVopc5f7fiI2pYBxFcyISFillXQuD8nluIe65TQPF3wxTXBPCar8JZFhJ7KPfNKkOYCry2vHaoG4397RA-rcith7hxPfZi4UuzZHYy5UjHVoMeA/s1600/5candies.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53ZZQlCVjC1PtNe7nfmHuwiaAqRlTuVopc5f7fiI2pYBxFcyISFillXQuD8nluIe65TQPF3wxTXBPCar8JZFhJ7KPfNKkOYCry2vHaoG4397RA-rcith7hxPfZi4UuzZHYy5UjHVoMeA/s400/5candies.jpg" alt="Coco-Luxe Truffles" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452085331390512082" border="0" /></a>All photographs<a href="http://rgd-travels.blogspot.com/">Ron Dunlap</a>/Doglight Studios<br /></div>My journey with Coco-Luxe began with a small tragedy that reminds me of a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Murray">Bill Murray</a> skit on Saturday Night Live. In the skit, Bill Murray plays an recently fired and disgruntled grocery bagger who thinks that bags should be packed "hard things on top, soft things on bottom." Sadly, my postman has similar logic. For example, if a package is marked This Side Up, it appears on our porch upside down. If it is marked Fragile, it is crushed, perhaps with a tire tread on it. He also likes to give me the mail of another household with the same number but a different street and them mine. When questioned about any of this, he becomes very defensive. While I do hold on to my belief that there is a large purple ape in the Monrovia post office that helps crush packages, in general I think this postman's decisions just feel right to him. So when he delivered my precious box of Coco-Luxe, despite my having asked him in <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Tei6r3CMuReIRg5dpMcxRFhJ0ca6HWc0mcPNAXc_7yTyx-yzsIPRDApa7Rw94tUk1gMbl1WK3__56Mim0qqNggXbSfcdvjvBzter-UjnbwpzyP5ykRCnOvIJtIdAjsU8WJSk6lV02iM/s1600/milkshake.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Tei6r3CMuReIRg5dpMcxRFhJ0ca6HWc0mcPNAXc_7yTyx-yzsIPRDApa7Rw94tUk1gMbl1WK3__56Mim0qqNggXbSfcdvjvBzter-UjnbwpzyP5ykRCnOvIJtIdAjsU8WJSk6lV02iM/s400/milkshake.jpg" alt="Coco-Luxe Truffles" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452087768004623442" border="0" /></a>advance to leave packages in the shad, he left it in the full sun. Thus some of the Coco-Luxe chocolates were a little melted--not that it affected the taste!<br /><br />Whereas I am not so sure about my postman's concepts, I am a big supporter of Coco-Luxe's concept that if you put two great things together -- chocolate and classic sweets--the winning combination becomes even greater than the sum of its parts.<br /><br />Because we're the kind of people who like to bite the head off the bunny first, we decided to start with the truffle with the Gingerbread Man on it. I happen to be a sucker for anything gingerbread, so this truffle had my name all over it. Rich and creamy with a nice gingerbready (this new adjective is my contribution to the American vernacular) taste.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVP93xm_rBqt_NJLCOWctwU482P3VbvcZspayjGHeNLQ41DJ1bdrhCmWLAdCD3xkcvSc_MP0PcjHazFoCfkPYR31YnBJP5JN1aZ9y3grrFxVhh4VvBNOsVimeJg7BcICsK3HozL-zXIM/s1600/cocoluxebox.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVP93xm_rBqt_NJLCOWctwU482P3VbvcZspayjGHeNLQ41DJ1bdrhCmWLAdCD3xkcvSc_MP0PcjHazFoCfkPYR31YnBJP5JN1aZ9y3grrFxVhh4VvBNOsVimeJg7BcICsK3HozL-zXIM/s400/cocoluxebox.jpg" alt="Coco-Luxe Truffles" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452094892706649138" border="0" /></a>After some debate, we decided to try the Devil's Food next. We were curious. Would it taste just like a chocolate? Or would it really taste like a chocolate cake? Well, we were delighted to find it was definitely cake-like in taste and texture.<br /><br />The next set of chocolates were devoured in quick succession and with less philosophical discussion: the Double Cherry was surprisingly piquant, sweet and a little tart just like a cherry should be, only better because it had chocolate and the German Chocolate truffle was a perfect blend of chocolate and coconut, with just the right amount of toasted pecans thrown in for a little texture. If you've ever dreamed of a Malted Shake that is in the form of a truffle, you must have a Malted Milk. And, if you are an Angel Food cake fan, Coco-luxe offers a chocolate ganache <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEELzXsyXI1w21pd3Fp7DiQCR6k6DZyCLGiTKd_rtk_xNoeoEgU5lQdPEs75Q3pr9sdgg78X1TIJvtQCplNT93NSLJqgVAXTqqQuQrIo22n4wZTcvZlQ_CwxfNCHUcfr6A2e0KZSn5G8/s1600/caramels.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEELzXsyXI1w21pd3Fp7DiQCR6k6DZyCLGiTKd_rtk_xNoeoEgU5lQdPEs75Q3pr9sdgg78X1TIJvtQCplNT93NSLJqgVAXTqqQuQrIo22n4wZTcvZlQ_CwxfNCHUcfr6A2e0KZSn5G8/s400/caramels.jpg" alt="Coco-Luxe Caramels" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452095153325913282" border="0" /></a>infused with a heavenly amount of vanilla bean. We also loved the After Dinner Mint too. We felt that if the After Dinner Mint truffle were a person, he/she would be serious (after all it's dark chocolate) but when you got to know them better you'd would find them to have a light, minty and refreshing personality.<br /><br />Our favorites were the Banana Split and Dreamy Orange. The Banana split had a banana ganache with tiny bits of dried cherries, which for some reason, made it really taste like a Banana Split. After you taste the truffle you think, why isn't Banana Split a more popular flavor? It almost feels un-American not to like it if you ask me. When I bit into the Dreamy Orange, I felt it was aptly named. It flooded me with memories of those hot summer days when by some miracle you found yourself with a Creamsicle in your hand, that you didn't have to share, and it didn't matter that it would drip all over you. Imagine the feeling, make it taste better, add chocolate and you have the Dreamy Orange.<br /><br />Coco-Luxe also has sensational chocolate covered caramels, chocolate bars, chocolate covered nuts, hot cocoa and seasonal confections.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chocolategrail.com/gourmet.htm#Coco%20Luxe" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(152, 119, 46); padding: 10px; color: rgb(152, 119, 46); text-decoration: none; float: left; clear: left;"><strong>coco-luxe contact information</strong></a>Lynn Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04794075862036633312noreply@blogger.com0