Wierd Chocolate
I stopped at the World Market and got some really wierd chocolate.
This store sells alot of strange things (African masks, bizarre furniture, etc) but one of the cool things they sell is candy from around the world and there’s a whole section for chocolate.
The first thing I went looking for was something Richard had suggested called Flake. And I found it. At first I thought they were out because the space on the shelf was empty, but there was a whole package pushed to the back. Its made by Cadbury (whom we love because they produced one of the first chocolate bars) Here’s a pic so you’ll recognize it in the store:
The “bar” isn’t really like a regular bar. Its very crumbly and it looks like layers of chocolate.
I think the idea came from seeing something in production or in thier development lab (would that be a great job or what?). The layering is very random and has that look like what you’d see from chocolate accumulating on a conveyor edge or the edge of a rotating bowl, where the chocolate had built up. I’d bet someone had tried it and thought it tasted good. The rough and delicate texture comes from the chocolate being completely out of temper, which can make it brittle and crumbly, and give the surface a matt finish. Still tastes like good ol’ Cadbury milk chocolate, but the texture is really funky, and it crumbles into bits as you bite it.
The real problem with the bar for me is that the texture is addicting. Its like you are eating something crumbly like a cracker, but then the chocolate begins to melt, but not as fast as the tempered chocolate would. It takes a minute and kinda surpises you. The way chocolate tastes has everything to do with when it melts. The cocoa is encapsulated in cocoa butter so you don’t taste much of it until it starts to melt.
Its very difficult to not continue eating them, and they come six in a package. I’m saving the last one for another day, along with the Dipped Flake bar I bought too (I know, Richard, its not as good). Oh yeah, and when I was at the cashier paying for it, the woman behind wanted to know where I got it, and then sent her husband to get her a package!
And I’ve got chocolate balls too! No really. They are made by Valrhona and come in a little tin, like Altoids. Little balls of Varhone Caraibe dark chocolate. They put some kind of glazing compound on the surface so they don’t stick together. I had to buy a tin of them.
One last one from Cadbury. This one was just a silly chocolate/wafer bar but the packaging and name were so funny I had to buy it too. I’m not sure what the heck they are talking about. It kinda reminded me of the Yorkie bar.
Next week - Authentic Mexican hot chocolate!
January 14th, 2005 09:25
Did I turn the comments back on? I have no idea why I turned them off. Stupid. Tired. Blech.
January 14th, 2005 10:49
My kid likes World Market for their candy selection, most tosses after tasting. Next time I stop there I’ll have to try the Flake. I love mexican hot chocolate.
January 14th, 2005 11:36
Have you tried the new Starbucks “drinking chocolate,” Chantico? I was curious what you think of it. I haven’t tried it but I’ve heard it’s really rich. Take care.
January 14th, 2005 13:23
grrrr baby, grrrr.
Texture is a big thing for me. I love texture, even if it is the same old ingredients!
I an getting addicted to Velvet Crumbles. Talk about texture… Mmmmm
January 14th, 2005 17:15
grrr baby. it sounds like a new running chant to stay motivated!
January 14th, 2005 17:41
I’m glad that you enjoyed it and yes, it is addicting. Its one of those odd experiences that’s nicer than it has any right to be. Great pictures, and a much better explanation than the one I gave you!
As for the chocolate balls - are they salty?
January 14th, 2005 17:52
Sounds yummy! Have you tried the oddly-named “Crunky” chocolate bar? It’s Japanese, and they have it at the local Japanese grocery store/cafe down the block.
January 14th, 2005 22:24
I didn’t know they sold Flake chocolates in America! The only place I’ve seen Flake chocolates in the States is at the Indian store in Minneapolis.
January 15th, 2005 14:27
I love your Chocolate Friday posts! Even if I can’t try any of the chocolates or recipes right now, since I’m really trying to be vigilant about buying things I could pig out on. Though, I did try the Dagoba ‘rosehips’ chocolate bar before Christmas and it was very, very good. Thanks for the reviews, Jon!
January 15th, 2005 15:05
I’m not even going to risk sampling these things. Although I’m right with the whole “texture” in food thing. I often get cravings for a texture rather than a taste - you know, I feel like something…chewy, today. That kind of thing. It’s dangerous! - Mia
January 15th, 2005 15:19
You know how hard it is to behave (not eat chocolate) and read your blog. :-)
PS: thanks for turning back on the comments, read this yesterday, like 5 minutes after you put it up and couldn’t say anything….lol.
January 17th, 2005 12:00
Oops, I howled when I read Richard’s comment. I love the last wrapper — how cool is that? What fun!
January 17th, 2005 22:03
FLAKE! I got some of that from my friend in New Zealand. Apparently Cadbury is huge down there, as I got an assortment of Cadbury candy bars that I’ve never seen in the US. I had no idea the World Market sold Flake. I wonder if they sell Tim Tams?