Chocolate. A magical substance in my opinion. Sometimes, I swear I can feel it working its way through my system, elevating my mood and making everything around me seem just a little bit brighter. Some would call this unhealthy, but I'm a firm believer in the 'all things in moderation' approach.
If you too crave the occasional chocolate indulgence, here are some of my favorite chocolately treats I've learned to have on hand.
1. Trader Joe's Sea Salt & Turbinado Sugar Chocolate Almonds
If you're a fan of sweet and salty, your life's about to get so much better. This is my absolute favorite product from Trader Joe's. Just 3 or 4 of these crunchy little guys and you'll be whistling a happier tune.
2. Cadbury Mini Eggs
These crunchy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside, chocolate treats are only available around Easter. My advice- stock up NOW. They're unique from their candy-coated competitors due their vanilla-scented, matte candy shell. The supremely creamy Cadbury chocolate inside is like an added bonus.
If you too crave the occasional chocolate indulgence, here are some of my favorite chocolately treats I've learned to have on hand.
1. Trader Joe's Sea Salt & Turbinado Sugar Chocolate Almonds
If you're a fan of sweet and salty, your life's about to get so much better. This is my absolute favorite product from Trader Joe's. Just 3 or 4 of these crunchy little guys and you'll be whistling a happier tune.
2. Cadbury Mini Eggs
These crunchy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside, chocolate treats are only available around Easter. My advice- stock up NOW. They're unique from their candy-coated competitors due their vanilla-scented, matte candy shell. The supremely creamy Cadbury chocolate inside is like an added bonus.
I'll always choose dark chocolate over milk or white given the option. While I enjoy the deepest, darkest varieties running at 75-90% cacao, these individually wrapped 60% squares satisfy a sweet craving quickly and easily.
When a true chocolate craving strikes, (you know the kind I'm talking about) pre-packaged treats simply won't suffice. In these instances, I have two words for you: Chocolate Caliente. You may have translated this to mean Hot Chocolate and you'd be partially right. The beverage I'm referring to is both hot and chocolately, but to place it on the same playing field as Ovaltine would be remiss.
Since traveling to Spain, it is my sincere opinion that Americans are complete amateurs when it comes to hot chocolate. Chocolate Caliente is a Spanish beverage, which can only be described as a pure, molten, chocolate experience. Difference numero uno: it's incredibly thick. It also emphasizes the chocolate flavor, while (I've always thought) American cocoa tends to emphasize the cream. If you're going for a truly authentic experience, serve it alongside freshly fried churros. This is one treat you absolutely have to try. Max Brenner does a nice version at limited locations in the U.S., but if anyone knows where I can find a good cup in Chicago, please let me know!
