Blog Chocolate

Amy Kuney Made Me Smile

It's been a bad couple of weeks at casa BlogChocolate.  Baaaaaaaad.  Lots of tears and rotten news and some craptastic black clouds. It's been so bad that I haven't even felt like chocolate. Gasp. I. Know.

And then late last night I got an email...

"My name is Amy Kuney and I'm a "missionary kid" from Honduras. I moved there when I was thirteen, and my parents are still living and working there. I've always wanted to be a rockstar, but times are tough for performing artists! Luckily, I met a woman named Lynn Lasher who invested in my dream and made it possible for me to release my own full-length album. Lynn owns a chocolate company called "Somebody's Mother's Chocolate Sauce", and so I wrote this song in honor of her. It's called "Chocolate".  Hope you enjoy! :)

Amy"

I'll admit, at first I thought it was spam and expected to click through her link to some kind of Honduran porn or to find out I'd just won $10,000,000,000,000 in the lottery if only I can give all my banking info for the wire transfer of funds.  But for some reason I clicked over and she was legit.  Not only that, the girl is freaking adorable.  She has a brilliant voice and her song absolutely made me smile.  Which is a big deal 'cause it's been a few weeks since anything has been able to make me smile.  

Thanks Amy for your deliciously sweet song and to Lynn and Somebody's Mother's Chocolate Sauce for being in your corner.  Chocolate people - they are good people :) 

Enjoy.

Lyrics:
In the morning, Goodbye kisses
And all the misters kiss the misses
Before leaving for the office 
But we're not grieving 
We've got chocolate 
And I'd choose it over you Any day... 

I say Diamonds You can't afford um
So I say mansions 
You say mortgage 
We start to argue 
I say "You win" 
You have your victory 
I have my chocolate 
And I'd chose it over you 
Any day... 

I'm leaving traces 
Dirty Spoons 
I'm getting careless 
And pretty soon 
You're gonna catch me in the act 
and We'll try couples therapy 
I know that won't help 
Cuz if she's a woman 
She'll agree with me 

It's been a hard day 
at the office 
So I'll surprise you 
In my lace pajamas 
But before things 
Get hot and heavy 
I hear you snoring 
You're fast asleep 
So in the darkness 
I sneak to the kitchen 
Where my chocolate 
Has been hiding 
And I'd choose it over you 
Any day....

Winter's Silver Lining

Despite being a Canadian, I loathe winter.  Hate everything about it.  The cold, the snow, the freezing rain, the nerve-wracking driving, the practical boots, the layers, the slush ... I could go on and on.

Not being a lover of winter sports or anything else about the season, I am hard pressed to get through the deep freeze with a smile.

But I will concede that there is one silver lining.  A fabulous, chocolaty silver lining:  Hot Chocolate.

We already know I like my hot chocolate with a kick because nothing beats warm Bailey's. And I started thinking I've not yet shared with you my very favourite hot chocolate picks for this chilly time of year.

I can assert this with a great degree of confidence as I've tried every hot chocolate out there.  Every. Single. One. It's a mighty tough job but someone has to do it.

If you are snowed in and can't get thee to your nearest barista to satisfy winter cravings, then your best bet for an at home mug of sweet, smooth warmth comes compliments of Williams Sonoma Hot Chocolate or Peppermint Hot Chocolate.

It's pure chocolate shavings that you can whisk with warm milk into one of the most delicious hot chocolates you'll ever taste.  But, then again, it should be because it comes with a price tag that is anything but modest.  It's the old adage "you get what you pay for" and it's a fair indulgence because those powdery imitations don't begin to compare.

However, the hot chocolate I now drink 99.9% of the time is not one you can make on your stove top.  I first discovered Starbucks Salted Caramel Signature Hot Chocolate  while visiting a dear friend in the US this fall.  I was hooked at the first sip.  So hooked that I couldn't get it out of my head until we landed back in TO and I promptly went straight to a nearby Starbucks to see if was just an American phenomenon.  I squealed, actually squealed, to learn that it was readily available here.

The salty name puts some folks off at first blush but once you try it, there is no turning back. I defy you to find a comparable, quality, savoury, hot chocolate anywhere.  There just isn't one.  And they haven't given me a single free cup encouraging me to say that to you.  Although they really, really, really should since I've spent all my spare cash there weathering the winter storm.

So bottom's up my friends.  Wrap both hands tightly around your mug and enjoy.

Kohler Chocolates, Marry Me

Dear Kohler Chocolates,

Marry Me.

Love, Sandra

I am a chocolate Enthusiast (with a capital E) and I've been known to gush and rave unapologetically about the world's most perfect food. 

But it is not often that you'll hear me use this collection of words:  "These chocolates are one of the best chocolates I've ever seen or tasted."

  

 

Best.  It's a pretty big word that shouldn't be thrown about lightly - and, believe me, I am not.  Because Kohler Chocolates deserves to wear that crown.

I was recently sent a box of their Garden Ganache that is presently featured on Oprah's February 2009 O-List.  Mrs. Winfrey absolutely knew what she was talking about this month ... they are nothing short of spectacular and now sit atop the "S-list" for sure. 

To begin with, they are stunning to look at.  Really, they are beautiful perfect round domes each artfully hand-painted with a burst of lovely colour like they were a canvas.  I almost didn't want to bite into them because they were so pretty. Almost.

These original-recipe, hand-made chocolates were brilliant.  Not too sweet, not too rich, and you could taste the artistry with each bite. The mouth feel was smooth and the flavours distinct, bold and elegant.  I am beyond smitten with Kohler's delicious gems.

 

In the Garden Ganache box there were a host of lovely and creative flavours each with special hand-painted colours: Coconut, Pear, Asian Spice, Hazelnut Coffee, Macadamia, Chai Tea, Raspberry ... plus my favourites: Passion Fruit, Creme Fraiche and Earl Grey.

And in case you are wondering about the company behind these delectable creations, yes, it is that "KOHLER".  The one that makes covetous sinks as well as a host of other seemingly unrelated international businesses.  I was prepared not to like them just because of their strange brand heritage that didn't seem to fit.

But the truth is it fits perfectly with their reputation of bringing superior products to market.  Kohler Original Recipe Handmade Chocolates were first developed at their five diamond resort in Wisconsin after their incredible chefs were charged by Mr. Kohler with trying to create the best chocolates in the world.

And as far as I can tell, they have succeeded.

Gorgeous to look at and with flavours that satisfy your palette and leave you craving more.  I'm having daydreams of buying one of everything they create to savour ... especially the Terrapins (in a word: heavenly).

The only complaint I have (and it is a big one) ... they currently only retail and ship to the US. When they are available internationally I've asked that they let me know so I can share with my readers who live beyond the red, white and blue border.  

Thanks Kohler for making chocolate so perfectly.