grourmet chocolate reviews, healthy chocolate recipes, chocolate photos, chocolate roundups, best-of lists, and more - join us on a cacao quest.. open your mind and body to infinite choco-possibilities..Tumblr (3.0; @chocotown)http://chocotown.org/<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dboz/4288765150/">Chocolove: Chilies & Cherries in Dark Chocolate</a>http://chocotown.org/post/343185318http://chocotown.org/post/343185318Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:49:13 -0600<img src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kwig2p3SVR1qza2fso1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><h2>Chocolove: Chilies & Cherries in Dark Chocolate</h2> <p>a guest review from my lovely girlfriend Tara:<br/>It’s got a perfect amount of heat from the ancho and chipotle chilies which are nicely matched by the sweetness of dried cherries. Can’t ever go wrong with cherries and chocolate! YUMMY! (Gonna try to save you some) Also, being the affectionate and romantic woman that I am, I thought the love poem inscribed on the inside wrapper was a nice touch. Teehee<br/>XoXo<br/><a href="http://www.chocolove.com/"><a href="http://www.chocolove.com">www.chocolove.com</a></a></p>http://chocotown.org/post/343066837http://chocotown.org/post/343066837Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:11:13 -0600chocolovechiliescherriesdarkchipotleancho<img src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kr6498LVX41qza2fso1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><h2>Kshocolat - Orange & Cadamom Dark Chocolate</h2> this is an interesting chocolate bar.. the cardamom is not something you taste very often and it adds a spicy, intricate essence to the familiar orange and dark chocolate flavors..the Kshocolat’s dark chocolate is always perfectly firm and smooth, with a deep yet mellow taste.. I enjoyed this bar thoroughly! <a href="http://www.kshocolat.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.kshocolat.co.uk/">www.kshocolat.co.uk/</a></a></p>http://chocotown.org/post/207065885http://chocotown.org/post/207065885Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:36:00 -0500kshocolat,orange,cardamom,dark<img src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kr639eJTMK1qza2fso1_r1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><h2>Vosges Chocolate: Mo’s Bacon Bar</h2> bacon does make everything better! if it weren’t for the pork bits, the chocolate would be a bit too miky for me.. the salt adds a nice warming touch.. this bar might be a good breakfast substitute if you’re hard up.<br/><a target="_blank" href="http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/"><a href="http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/">www.vosgeschocolate.com/</a></a></p>http://chocotown.org/post/207050427http://chocotown.org/post/207050427Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:15:00 -0500<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/u5Lzt71hPoe1ci2r3opdOqWXo1_r1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><h2>Santander Columbian Dark Chocolate</h2> single origin columbian dark chocolate - amazing.  I bought this big block of chocolate from central market.. its abut an inch thick and hard as hell to break into managable pieces.. but that doesnt stop me from gnawing on chunks like a damn fiend.. the taste is deep and complex, with a fruityness that will have you chewing on that big block like an eager beaver trying to take down a tree trunk.</p>http://chocotown.org/post/118996051http://chocotown.org/post/118996051Sat, 06 Jun 2009 10:39:00 -0500columbiansingle-originsantenderdark<img src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/u5Lzt71hPna37fvaqYAqAG0so1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><h2>Innocent Dark Chocolate:</h2> <p><i>“Organic, dairy-free, agave sweetened frozen delicacies made in Marble Falls, TX.”</i></p> <p>Sold in the ice-cream isle, i was a bit baffled when i saw the packages at Central Market. The fact that it was sweetened with agave nectar was what sold me.. I have been using agave in my coffee and teas for a while and i really enjoy its taste and the fact that is has a low glycemic index. The taste of these small chocolate ‘fingers’ is incredibly delicious. The virgin coconut oil is very present, evoking a macaroon.. perhaps the most delightful aspect of the innocent dark chocolate is its texture - soft and dense.. like a truffle and silky smooth as you take a bite and it instantly begins to melt in your mouth. highly reccommended!</p> <p><a href="http://www.innocentchocolate.com"><a href="http://www.innocentchocolate.com">www.innocentchocolate.com</a></a></p>http://chocotown.org/post/105489357http://chocotown.org/post/105489357Sat, 09 May 2009 11:40:00 -0500handmadediabetesnaturalorganicdarkagave nectarlow glycemic indexlocalnatural<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/u5Lzt71hPna37kfrV7T8UaFuo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><h2>Cocoa Puro - Kakawa Cocoa Beans</h2> <i>“Fresh Roasted Whole Cocoa Beans in Layers of the Finest White, Milk, Dark Chocolates & Cocoa Powder”</i><br/><br/>Handcrafted in Austin, TX<br/>Exquisite taste and texture. these little guys are a serious gourmet snack.. every bite is a different experience as you work through the layers of the small egg-shaped morsels. Focus on the raw, dry crunch of the cacao bean and then blend the smooth chocolates back in as you chew.  <br/><a href="http://cocoapuro.com/" target="_blank"><a href="http://cocoapuro.com/">http://cocoapuro.com/</a></a></p>http://chocotown.org/post/105489385http://chocotown.org/post/105489385Sat, 09 May 2009 11:40:00 -0500snackbeans<img src="http://27.media.tumblr.com/u5Lzt71hPmlvxf7w12OPki2go1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><h2>Newman’s Own Organics: Sweet Dark Chocolate Bar:</h2> <p>they aint kidding about it being sweet! about all i could taste was the organic cane sugar.. the dark chocolate was just there to hold it together.. kind of dissappointing, but at least it was organic, real ingredients. [score: 3/10]</p> <p><a href="http://www.newmansownorganics.com/food_chocolate.html"><a href="http://www.newmansownorganics.com/food_chocolate.html">http://www.newmansownorganics.com/food_chocolate.html</a></a></p>http://chocotown.org/post/98977478http://chocotown.org/post/98977478Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:10:00 -0500<img src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/u5Lzt71hPmcj3n6fgMUUN02Xo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><h2>Seattle Chocolates: Dark Chocolate Coconut Macaroon Bar:</h2> <p><b><i>Coconut Macaroon Dark Chocolate Truffle Bar with coconut and sea salt </i></b></p> <p><b></b>a quick glance at the nutrition facts - 34g of fat! its only a 70g bar.. so.. of course, the taste is orgasmic.. i would ask for a case of these for my last meal on death row.. ah gahd! warm hints of caramel as you nosh on the soft 53% dark chocolate with coconut and the sea salt is the final blow.. unbelievably tasty.. lord forgive me i have eaten macaroon.</p>http://chocotown.org/post/96718823http://chocotown.org/post/96718823Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:01:00 -0500seattle,sea salt,trufflecoconut50%<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/u5Lzt71hPmb5nr51t4rlFNO6o1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><h2>Divine Mint Dark Chocolate:</h2> <i>“heavenly chocolate with a heart”</i> smooth 70% dark chocolate embedded with a tease of peppermint flakes, providing just enough crunch to make it interesting. a very enjoyable chocolate experience thanks to its nice texture and subtle taste. <a href="http://www.divinechocolateusa.com">www.divinechocolateusa.com</a></p>http://chocotown.org/post/96374385http://chocotown.org/post/96374385Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:57:00 -0500<p><object height="375" width="500" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=25a9375091&photo_id=3440341233"><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="src" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=70848"><embed height="375" width="500" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=70848" allowfullscreen="true" bgcolor="#000000" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=25a9375091&photo_id=3440341233" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></p>http://chocotown.org/post/96031446http://chocotown.org/post/96031446Tue, 14 Apr 2009 02:55:25 -0500<img src="http://29.media.tumblr.com/u5Lzt71hPm60fur9gCQHp2iwo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><h2>Scharffen Berger Extra Dark 82%:</h2> <p>I place a small piece into my mouth and as it starts to melt, the complex taste emerges.. Sort of smokey, definitely earthy. Chewing releases an acidic flavor with intense tannins! This chocolate is bitter, with hardly any sweetness at all. There are distinct red wine tones..</p> <p>Here’s what Scharffen Berger tells us on the label of the bar:</p> <blockquote> <p>“Our 82% Cacao Extra Dark Chocolate suggests the flavor of dried figs with a mild peppery spiciness reminiscent of red wine.”</p> </blockquote> <p>i’d say my experience matched the label’s description with the exception of the ‘mild’ term.. it was anything but mild. As my paw used to say, “this stuff will put hair on your chest!”</p> <p>Best served with a fine beverage - i’m thinking scotch.</p> <p>[score: 7/10 nibs]</p> <p><a href="http://www.scharffenberger.com">www.scharffenberger.com</a></p>http://chocotown.org/post/95176858http://chocotown.org/post/95176858Sat, 11 Apr 2009 10:32:00 -0500<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/u5Lzt71hPm60fy98zMlwSPOjo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><h2>Vosges Woolloomooloo Bar:</h2> <blockquote> <p>Roasted and salted macadamia nuts, Indonesian coconut, hemp seeds, deep milk chocolate.</p> </blockquote> <p>this is how milk chocolate should taste! the salty macadamia nuts add texture while the hemp seed oil warms and brings all the flavors together nicely. eating a Woolloomooloo Bar is a comforting experience!</p> <p><a href="http://www.vosgeschocolate.com">www.vosgeschocolate.com</a></p>http://chocotown.org/post/95176881http://chocotown.org/post/95176881Sat, 11 Apr 2009 10:32:00 -0500<img src="http://29.media.tumblr.com/u5Lzt71hPm5z0gjgazRqSjfEo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><h2>Chocolate is Healthy!</h2> <p><b><i>Raw cocoa has the highest antioxidant value of all the natural foods in the world!</i></b></p> <p>Cocoa posesses nearly twice the antioxidants of red wine and up to three times that of green tea.</p> <p><b>So What’s the deal with Antioxidants?</b></p> <p>Whaaale… <a href="http://www.o3center.org/Articles/FreeRadicalsandOxidationbyDrGeorgeFreibott.html">oxidation</a> in the body (think: rust!) can sometimes produce reactive substances known as free radicals that can cause oxidative stress or damage to the cells and this has been closely linked with cancer. Antioxidants, as their title indicates, stablelize free radicals before they can react and cause harm to cells.</p> <p align="center"> <object height="385" width="480" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qSWKAYfzs-4&hl=en&fs=1"><embed height="385" width="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qSWKAYfzs-4&hl=en&fs=1" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object> </p> <p><b><br/>Chocolate: The Love Drug</b></p> <p>Cacao also contains the natural chemicals <a href="http://www.chocolate-chemistry.com/phenylethylamine.php">Phenylethylamine</a> (linked to sensations of Love), <a href="http://www.chocolate-chemistry.com/anandamide.php">Anandamide</a> (a cannabinoid, similar to those found in marijuana), <a href="http://www.chocolate-chemistry.com/theobromine%20.php">Theobromine</a> (a mild stimulant similar to caffein).</p> <p><b>The Lesson: </b></p> <p>Eat dark chocolate every day..I’m not talking about hershey’s, milky ways, butterfingers, bon bons, and all that processed sugar-laden crap.. I’m talking about the real stuff.  It needs to be consumed dark to get the antioxidant punch. Look for dark chocolate with a cacao content of 70% or greater, preferably 85%.  Spend your money on chocolate or cocoa that has undergone as little processing as possible. Tops on my list at the moment is <a href="http://www.scharffenberger.com">Scharffen Berger</a> chocolate - they dont use any emulsifiers or alkali to process their cocoa… its as pure as you can get.</p> <p><i><b><br/></b></i></p>http://chocotown.org/post/95168482http://chocotown.org/post/95168482Sat, 11 Apr 2009 09:52:00 -0500antioxidantbenefitscancerhealthhealthydiabetesblood sugarcaffeinetheobromineantioxidants<img src="http://27.media.tumblr.com/u5Lzt71hPm14lfb7T41eTKjeo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><h2>kshocolat Dark Chocolate Bar</h2> this is a respectable chocolate bar.. simple and understated.. its not gonna change your life or anything, but it will satiate your dark chocolate cravings.. its got a clean and simple taste.. i didnt notice much nuance or character, but was somewhat refreshed by the minimalist quality of this kshocolat dark chocolate bar.  <br/>5/10 cacao beans</p>http://chocotown.org/post/94072773http://chocotown.org/post/94072773Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:29:55 -0500<img src="http://29.media.tumblr.com/u5Lzt71hPm0wsmnni7KaonUwo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><h2>Veritas Espresso & Dark Chocolate True Flats:</h2> <p>from the package:</p> <blockquote> <p>“our all-natural Espresso & Dark Chocolate True Flats are created from a signature blend of Arabica espresso beans, which we crush and sprinkle onto a thin layer of deep, rich 54% dark chocolate. Aromatic and bold, creamy and crunchy - a unique taste senstation with a buzz”</p> </blockquote> <p>upon tasting, these words were tossed around: smoothe, rich, creamy, elegant, flavorful, bold, defined, pure</p> <p>It is uniquely apparent that this chocolate bar by Veritas Chocolatiers was engineered by true artisans.. the texture and hardness are spot-on.. the dark chocolate (54%) has a soft firmness to it, as it without getting chalky.. the espresso beans are chipped into tiny shards that provide a subtle crunch and add boldness to the flavor. I cant find any fault in the experience of eating this chocolate bar..it made me happy. highly reccommended!</p> <p>7.5/10 cacao beans</p> <p><a href="http://www.veritaschocolatier.com">www.veritaschocolatier.com</a></p>http://chocotown.org/post/94013441http://chocotown.org/post/94013441Tue, 07 Apr 2009 20:51:00 -0500<img src="http://29.media.tumblr.com/u5Lzt71hPlvigf3bmwpVNORco1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><h2>Kshocolat Lemon & Pepper White Chocolate Bar:</h2> <p>I’ve never been too keen on white chocolate.. i mean.. its kinda an oxymoron, isnt it? it tastes more to me like butter..maybe because its made with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocoa_butter">cocoa butter</a>, which is derived from the oil from cocao beans.</p> <p>i was intrigued by this lemon & pepper white chocolate bar from <a href="http://www.kshocolat.co.uk">Kshocolat</a>. lemon and pepper are snappy flavors that could possibly bite through the smooth, richness of white chocolate.</p> <p><i>the verdict:</i> this is an excellent tasting white chocolate bar. while still a little too rich for my personal taste, the flavors match nicely and interact suprisingly well with the pallete.  I think this chocolate could make an excellent compliment to other foods if used sparingly - perhaps to ice cream, brownies, or something less rich.  <br/> <a href="http://www.kshocolat.co.uk">www.kshocolat.co.uk</a></p>http://chocotown.org/post/92820870http://chocotown.org/post/92820870Sat, 04 Apr 2009 02:11:00 -0500<img src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/u5Lzt71hPlvighnc5xmn0Pqzo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><h2>Chuao Chinita Nibs</h2> <p><i>Dark Chocolate Bar with caramelized cacao nibs and nutmeg. (60% cacao)</i> <br/> from the label:</p> <blockquote>“Named in tribute to the beloved patron virgin of Maracaibo, who protected the famed regions’ cacao growers in Venezuela, the Chinita Nibs bar melds our private blend of premium dark chocolate with fresh netmug and caramelized cacao nibs.”</blockquote> <p>I was impressed by the creativity of the last Chuao bar that I tried, <a href="http://chocotown.org/post/92788039/chuao-firecracker-dark-chocolate-bar-chipotle">the Firecracker</a>, and this one is equally inventive and adventurous. Who knew you could caramelize cacao nibs?</p> <p>The flavor is complex and multi-layered. At first bite, the prodominant flavor comes from the merging of the caramel-like taste of the nibs and the nutmeg, which comes together in a sweet harmony that will instantly evoke memories of holiday egg nogg.</p> <p>As you continue to chew, the fine quality of the Chuao dark chocolate ushers you along and the crunchyness of the nibs provide a hearty, textural finish. well done Chuao! <br/> <a href="http://www.chuaochocolatier.com">www.chuaochocolatier.com</a></p>http://chocotown.org/post/92820882http://chocotown.org/post/92820882Sat, 04 Apr 2009 02:11:00 -0500<img src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/u5Lzt71hPlvfiza7AO3AkbJqo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><h2>Valor Sugar Free Dark Chocolate with Cocoa Nibs</h2> <p>i have been trying to avoid sugar as much as possible lately.. so i thought i would try some sugar free dark chocolate.. produced in Spain, this Valor 72% bar with cocoa nibs is pretty tasty. <br/><br/>the cocoa nibs give it a nice crunch and heartyness, and you’d almost think they were crushed peanuts if it weren’t for their dark brown appearance.<br/><br/>the chocolate taste was sort of neutral… not bad, but not much character either. and for a sugar free dark chocolate bar, this stuff is actually pretty sweet.<br/><br/>i was a little dissappointed when i read the ingredients and back label:</p> <blockquote>“Ingredients: Chocolate processed with alkali maltitol*, cocoa, cocoa bean pieves, cocoa butter, soy lecithin: an emulsifier, edulcorants acesulfame k* and aspartame, vanillin: artificial flavor.      *ingredient not found in regular chocolate”<br/></blockquote> <p><br/>meh. i would rather do without the aspartame and the processing..  then further down on the label was this warning:</p> <blockquote>“excess consumption may cause a laxative effect”<br/></blockquote> <p>wtf? i’m-a hold off on my usual chain eating and put this one back in the fridge.</p> <p><a href="http://www.valor.es">www.valor.es</a></p>http://chocotown.org/post/92806381http://chocotown.org/post/92806381Sat, 04 Apr 2009 00:49:00 -0500<img src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/u5Lzt71hPlvca6fjdjn81Q6go1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><h2>Chuao Firecracker Dark Chocolate Bar</h2> <p><i>chipotle, salt and popping candy..60% cacao</i><br/>talk about an explosion in your mouth! give a piece of this stuff to someone without telling them what it is and watch them get punked by chocolate! <br/><br/>when you pop a square into your mouth, the creamy dark chocolate greets your pallate at the door.. unsuspecting, you work your way to the center of the morsel and start to taste the warming tones of the salt, then the fireworks go off! its alarming for sure. just as the pop rocks begin their show, you are slapped in the tongue with a fairly intense burn from the chipotle peppers. its a 30 second party in your mouth and i like it. <br/><br/>not the kind of thing that you eat a lot of.. its probably more fun to trick your kids with..</p> <p><a href="http://www.chuaochocolatier.com">www.chuaochocolatier.com</a></p>http://chocotown.org/post/92788039http://chocotown.org/post/92788039Fri, 03 Apr 2009 23:18:00 -0500