Tuesday, February 10, 2009

bonnat & mazet

Mazet's prasilines are almonds that are roasted then coated with caramel to give them a brittle like crunch.

This tiny tin only had 6 of them in there, but that was just enough to get a taste. I really liked the combination of the sweet crunch with the deep roasted flavor.

Bonnat's bon-bons were an assortment.

Reve (green wrapper)--was a cubed hazelnut center with dark chocolate on the top and bottom.

Noix Apparente--was an almond praline topped with a walnut halve.

Chardon lait--was a coffee flavored almond praline coated with milk chocolate.

This year, I noticed that a lot of chocolatiers were doing the milk and hazelnut combination for their bon-bons and many had heart shaped white chocolate with cherry or raspberry flavored centers.

My French teacher, who has the ins with the French chocolate world because she translates for many chocolatiers, explained that the prices of this year's imported chocolates were high because they need to "book seats" for the chocolates to be shipped over one year in advance. So even if the yen is good for us against other currencies now, we wouldn't see the benefits. Now, does that mean that next year's chocolates will be cheap? I doubt it.

As I said before, I went and bought more chocolates at a Valentine's event..stay tuned (if you aren't sick of chocolates and/or my reviews).

13 comments:

sheri said...

I am not sick of the chocolates and your reviews! I enjoy them. I am not supposed to have chocolate, so I enjoy reading about someone who gets to eat amazing chocolate!

The tea cafe here by my house started selling the most beautifully hand-painted chocolates. I want to start giving them as gifts..i figure it doesn't get any better that that!!!

So review away, I love the pictures as well!
Sheri

Lynne said...

A whole year in advance? That alone makes me appreciate chocolate even more, lol! Keep writing, very interesting!

Phoebe said...

well hazelnut and chocolate works best!!! Just like nutella! haha yum! hmm...chocolate prices depends on the economy as well because wholesalers are also struggling to survive so no doubt will the shipping price increase but the product itself to compensate for that high "seat" price. Pretty sure that the economy won't significantly improve until the end of next year.

KirkK said...

Hi Kat - You sure have weekness for chocolates, don't you?

K and S said...

Sorry to hear you can't have chocolates Sheri, but I'm sure if you give those hand-painted chocolates away they will make someone's day :)

Thanks Lynne :)

I think the economy will actually take several years, Phoebe!

As much as the Missus has a weakness for chicken feet, Kirkk :)

Take care everyone.
Kat

Anonymous said...

Hi Kat, I had those prasilines some years ago at a gourmet shop, I bought it bc the can was so lovely. It cool to see it again on your post. you have one awesome sweet tooth :)

K and S said...

6 was just perfect, Shar, anymore and it would have been too sweet :)

Take care.
Kat

Pandabonium said...

Yum. What was that new year's resolution I made about diet? :p

K and S said...

Which is probably why I don't make resolutions PB :)

Take care.
Kat

Deb in Hawaii said...

I love living vicariously through your chocolate reviews! Keep them up. I am only slightly green with envy! The prasilines look wonderful too.

K and S said...

Thanks Deb, I am eagerly awaiting to see what you find in Portland :)

Take care.
Kat

2kamuela47 said...

Now what a minute Kat you know we don't get sick over your review. I love your write ups and enjoy the pictures too! I love all sorts of carmel coated nuts. I sure wish I could eat chocolate but that's one of my other items off my not to eat list.

But I do love what you find. Happy chocolate hunting!

K and S said...

Thanks Laura :)

Take care.
Kat