chocolates, chocolates, chocolates

One last chocolate post for 2006....On a recent trip to the gourmet supermarket, I found Charlemagne chocolates. These Belgian chocolates are naturally flavored with no GMO (genetically modified organisms, I think that's what it stands for) or extra oil added. Since I had never tried this chocolate before, I bought the assorted neapolitans (squares).

There were 6 flavors: amer (75% cacao) a dark, rich chocolate, gingembre (54% cacao) with a light ginger taste, cafe d'orient (60% cacao) an assortment of spices, cannelle (60% cacao) a light cinnamon flavor, menthe fraiche (54% cacao) a light mint taste and jasmin (54% cacao) a flowery jasmine flavor. There was one flavor that wasn't included in the assortment, but I wouldn't mind trying some time, earl grey. Guess it will have to wait until the next trip to the gourmet supermarket.

Also at the gourmet supermarket was Venchi, an Italian chocolatier. I had tried them before and was interested in their dark chocolate with almonds. The almonds are caramelized then made into a bark covered with dark chocolate. These mini bars are just the right size.

For Christmas, I recently received these tiramisu flavored almonds by Ekchuah, a chocolatier in Osaka. The almonds are covered with caramel to give it a crunch, then covered with a tiramisu flavored chocolate and rolled in cocoa powder. Delicious!

Lastly, I bought this chai bar by Dagoba awhile back. It is a 37% cacao with chai spices and bits of crystallized ginger in it. This one is flavorful and really nice.

Can't wait for more chocolatey adventures in 2007!