Food411’s Chocolate Picks are here!

What else could get your heart all a flutter besides chocolate – only love — and this is the month for both. Chocolate gives you a mild feeling of euphoria, similar to when you fall in love, because it contains PEA (aka the molecule of love) a substance which releases endorphins in your brain. In Food411’s February 2007 email we explained the mystery of cacao and explained the percentages on chocolate labels – this year we are selecting a few from the Food411 directory of the very best chocolate to highlight for you. We admit it we are addicted to chocolate. In moderation, this is one addiction that needs no cure! After eating these chocolates you will certainly “feel the love”.

Love those fillings
Chokola'J - Artisan craftsman’s Susan & Daniel Kennedy (Hamptons, N.Y.) are using organic, single origins cacao & local ingredients (such as Hampton's wild flower honey, wines & herbs) to make an ultra smooth taste sensation. The flavor pairings are ingenious. We applaud their passion, "Being surrounded by great vineyards, farm stands & organic herb farms, we had to share, it was a calling". The lavender flower is exceptional.

Wiseman House - Amazing handmade truffles and over the top toffee. Tasting their creations was pure delight. We recommend their “Wild Woman” truffle collection.

Charles Chocolates - For a very unique gift it is hard to beat their signature edible chocolate box filled with a selection of their best chocolates. The concept is “after you enjoy the chocolates inside you can then savor the box". The lid of the box is beautifully “painted”.

 

Just do me a "solid"
Poco Dolce – Kathy’s Wiley’s bittersweet chocolate tiles are topped with gray sea salt, they will satisfy both your sweet & salty cravings. Nicely accented with bits of almonds, crystallized ginger, burnt caramel toffee, & Aztec chile. They are simple, sophisticated & very delicious.

Amano Artisan Chocolate - They start with the bean (not many chocolate makers do) & their bars are individual varietals, single-bean origin chocolate. These bars should be broken into small pieces & enjoyed by melting in your mouth. This is not a "candy" bar to be bitten into! A real treat for the true dark chocolate lover.

Chocolove - Made in CO from fine Belgian chocolate these bars have a smooth creamy finish. 11 different bars are made with the Chocolove wrapper each gives the appearance of a love note. Try the Chili Cherry in Dark Chocolate – great flavor combination.

 

Something a bit different
Brown Paper Chocolates - Beautifully designed solid blocks of very high quality chocolate artfully mixed with delicious flavors - a multi-layered tasting treat. So beautiful to just gaze at - Richard Kaplan is an artist. Add a cube to your cheese board, serve slices or grate over desserts. Our favorites - the dark chocolate/cointreali/cherries & orange peel - & while normally not fans of white chocolate, Richard actually uses cocoa butter in it - the block with pistachios/coffee/caramel/citrus peel made us a believer! See our blog entry.

John Kelly Chocolates - John & Kelly have created a special treat. They call it truffle fudge, don't let the "fudge" part fool you. This creation is more of a chocolate covered truffle bar. It comes in a few size "bars" - one being a 2 oz. portion control! They are deeply satisfying but not "sweet". Wrapped like pieces of gold, they are in sophisticated packaging.

 

Throughout 2008, we will continue to bring you new picks in our “Chocolate Cravings” feature on the left side of the Food411 directory.