Category Archives: Specialty Chocolate

Hershey’s Raspberries ‘N’ Creme

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You know the name. You have come to depend on its power. On its ability to make you weak in the knees. It has dominated the chocolate confection world for decades. It’s the raw power that can move mountains and stop wars. To make the angels in heaven stop in their tracks. It was the gift from the divine powers above to the little creatures that inhabit this planet. This could only be one thing. It is, Hershey! Hershey has been around longer than any other candy manufacturing name in the world. It has outlasted every other competitor and struck them down with a mighty blow! It has given you the milk chocolate collaborations that take everything the past had to offer and thrown it in the idea machine and come out with some of the most amazing candy bars we as miniscule consumers have used in our every holiday from new years to Christmas. It is in every store in every shop in every home in the world. This is the magnitude of the name Hershey. It has stamped it’s name in the history books and refuses to stop giving us new ideas and creations.

For example here is the  Hershey’s Raspberries ‘N’ Crème. Not only do you have the rich milk chocolate perfected over the decades of practice, but you’ve have got their white chocolate (which is perfection to say the least. I am more of a white chocolate person anyway so this is two times the treat) and they have mixed it with raspberries. Now these are not artificial raspberries, this contains “real raspberry fruit bits??? and they are not joking when they say this. I have had to pick out a couple of raspberries out of my teeth, only to put it back in my mouth. I know it’s gross, but I love it. I love every creation Hershey has to offer to us. They are my favorite, hands down, the best chocolate candy bar manufacturing company in the world. All hail the greatness of Hershey! I am not worthy of your awesome power. I have already consumed the entire Hershey’s Raspberries ‘N’ Crème bar that I opened before writing this blog about it. I couldn’t help it, and the bad part is I WANT MORE! I could eat more. But I don’t know if it’s smart. You see what it does to me, I’m going crazy!

 

 

Chocolate Foil Sports Balls

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Foil. The perfect choice for wrapping chocolate. Whatever shape the chocolate (heart, star or bunny), foil has the ability to perfectly cover and address the chocolate’s entire surface. And it is inevitable that every object will be created in chocolate at some point in time. Chocolate people, chocolate roses, chocolate shopping carts. And then there are the more elaborate chocolate creations: Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty and Golden Gate Bridge.

A bit less complicated but no less endearing are chocolate foil-wrapped sports balls. These ¾-inch diameter chocolate orbs are solid milk chocolate and are indistinguishable from one another if not for their foil wrappers. They come in six varieties: footballs, soccer balls, tennis balls, baseballs, golf balls and basketballs. If there is a more perfect gift for athletes, coaches or sports fans around the holidays (other than tickets to the big match), I fail to know what that might be. No matter how small the gesture, giving milk chocolate sports balls are, nevertheless, a thoughtful way to tell someone “go get ‘em??? before the big game. Not being an athlete myself, I know that I’d still love to receive tiny chocolates that were molded and foil-covered to appeal to my interests. A foil laptop, for instance, would be a joy to consume. I’m sure I’d also get some kicks from eating a chocolate foil-covered Space Needle (being that Seattle is my favorite city) or a chocolate-covered Reality TV show…not that I know how that could happen. The nature of this candy is such that you’d most likely buy it for a gift, and not for yourself. Imagine the joyful look on the face of your beloved sports fan, coach or athlete to receive such a personalized gift that’s not only fashionable, but succulent as well. Whatever the occasion, you’ll “hit a home run???* with these chocolate sports balls.

*Insert triumphant sports term of your choice here.

Hershey’s Cacao Reserve Extra Dark Chocolate w/ Cacao Nibs

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A true chocolate lover knows no bounds. A true chocolate connoisseur knows the history and origin of their beloved confection. A true chocolate fiend will try chocolate of any variety – milk, dark, rich, light, white, bitter, sweet, bittersweet. From the usual, to the unusual, the known and the unknown. A true choco-holic will listen very closely to what I have to say.

Chocolate, any chocolate originates from the cacao bean – pronounced “ka-kow” not “co-co”. The scientific name for the cacao tree is “Theobrama cacao” which, when translated, means “food of the gods”. Many years ago, these precious, fragrant beans were so highly prized they were used as currency by the Aztecs – a rabbit sold for 10 cacao beans and a mule for 50 cacao beans. Back then, the beans were dried and left to ferment in the sun for several days. The fermented beans were then ground into a powder, water or milk was added along with cinnamon and chili peppers and the concoction was drunk. It was said to have great medicinal value and it was a rare and delicious treat.

Today, chocolate is a lost art form. Many people only appreciate the milk variety of chocolate, but we chocolate connoisseurs know that the beauty, grace and true delectable nature lies in that of dark chocolate. Hershey’s now makes a line of products known as “Cacao Reserve”. Delicious to the last bite, this tempting delicacy feature a 65% cacao strength. The higher the percentage, the more intense and flavorful the chocolate is. 65% is wonderful by any standard and this chocolate is no exception. It is bold, intense and fragrant. The chocolate stays on your tongue long after it has melted and is reminiscent of coffee. This particular bar features cacao “nibs” which are small coarse pieces of the actual cacao bean. They add a delightful crunch to the bar and make for an even more flavorful chocolate treat. This is not a bar you just “chomp”; rather it is a bar to savor. Very dark chocolate goes well with a fine dessert wine, or even a glass of milk. This chocolate can be used for baking or just as a way to treat yourself. This is truly one of the most delicious confections I have tasted in years.

Hershey’s Kissables – Dark Chocolate

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Hershey’s Kisses are known the world over, and so it stands to reason that Kissables are “mini-kisses”. I love things in miniature and I adore these Kissables – something about them is just so cute you could just, just.well, just kiss them. And by “kiss them” I of course mean “gobble them up”. I tried the milk chocolate variety last year and even bought a package for the Good Doctor for Valentines Day. Both these little candies and the Good Doctor are extremely kissable in my book – but I digress, I am here to talk about candy! Back to the Kissables.

It seems as if American chocolatiers have finally seen the light. They are making more and more candies of a dark chocolate variety. They’re about twenty years late in the game, if you ask me, but I suppose it’s better to be late than never. European chocolatiers have been gracing us with dark chocolate creations for decades and that is where we dark chocolate fans manage to get our “fix”. Suffice to say, the more American candy makers that produce the luscious dark confection, the better – so bring it on Hershey! These little Kissables are not only cute and fun to eat, but oh-so-tasty. They have a crisp sugar shell, much like an M&M, although this one is a little softer. Once you break through that, you are faced with a chocolate chip sized drop of dark chocolaty goodness. The chocolate is just what you would expect from Hershey. It is smooth, rich, dark and delicious. There is a reason why Hershey’s has been in business so long – they just keep cranking out classics. Kissables are great to eat on the go – you can grab one of their mini bags, or buy a larger one to keep in bowls in your home or on your desk at work. Kissables would also make a great addition to your favorite cookie or brownie recipe or as an ice cream topper. However you decide to eat them, you won’t be sorry!

Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Truffle Kisses

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Oh gosh, I really love blogging about new candy. There is something just so, I don’t know, special about reviewing a candy that no one else has tasted. I feel like a V.I.P candy connoisseur. A person in “the know”.  A privileged individual.  As we all know, I am a bona fide chocoholic. Milk, dark, sweet, bitter…bring it on! I’ll try ’em all! From dark chocolate spiced with chili powder like the Aztecs used to drink, to milk chocolate with a caramel ribbon, I’ve bitten, chewed, savored and swallowed dozens of variations of the cacao bean, and this my friends, this sweet little nugget of chocolate perfection, is rapidly becoming one of my very favorites. This little KISS may soon be a top competitor for my palate.

Hershey’s is one of my favorite confectionery creators. I love, love, love their candies – with their chocolate selection ranking number one for American chocolates, in my humble opinion. I have tried it all.from Hershey Bars with almonds, to Reese’s peanut butter cups, to the beloved Hershey Kiss, I have secured each and every candy avenue Hershey has to offer until now. Until I was presented with a package of…are you ready for it? Da-da-da-daaaaaaa! Hershey’s Dark Chocolate TRUFFLE kisses! Yes, candy kids! TRUFFLE KISSES! Just the mere mention of the name makes my mouth water and my lips tingle in anticipation. And the taste! Oh my goodness, it’s so good, it’s positively sinful! The geniuses at Hershey’s have managed to place a scrumptious chocolate truffle smack dab in the middle of a dark chocolate Hershey Kiss. It is smooth, it is rich, it is dark it is GONE! I have eaten almost a whole bag of these little silver-wrapped babies and let me tell you, they will be worth every single minute I have to spend at the gym. They are so delicious and so delectable that I predict they will go down in history as one of Hershey’s all-time-great-chocolates. It looks like a normal Hershey kiss, but it is so much more. So, so much more! Once you bite through that dark, almost bitter-sweet chocolate shell, you encounter a world of truffle-y goodness. Smooth, creamy and chocolaty. It makes your taste buds stand up and cry, “more, more, give me more!” I’m telling you.once these hit the market, you will see what all the fuss is about.until then candy kids, sweet dreams!

Hopjes Coffee Candies

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So I have decided to step away from my usual forte – my realm of chocolate and sour flavored candies. That’s right, I’m thinking out side of the box, so to speak and these next few weeks, I’ll be reviewing candies from other countries, as well as candies of various flavors and tastes. So for today, “Goodbye America, and Hello Holland!???

This little coffee candy is so simple, it’s ridiculous. And maybe that’s what makes it so darn good. It’s a little square candy with rounded edges and is about the size of a nickel. The main ingredients are sugar, then glucose syrup, rounding out with…you guessed it…coffee! And boy, you can really taste the coffee. It’s not too strong, that is, it does not taste like a cup of black coffee, this is maybe coffee with a hint of milk and sugar, but it is most definitely coffee. The good folks at Hopjes got it right. Simple, timeless ingredients make for a tasty candy and by the look of it, these have been around for quite some time. Now this candy is certainly buzzworthy and a little goes a long way. I would say a few of these would equal the same “pick me up??? that you’d get out of a small cup of regular coffee, without all the mess. These are great to pop in your purse or pocket, or even keep in a small bowl at work to share with your friends. At least four people have stopped by my desk so far to steal some – they are a hit! The flavor of this hard candy is great and the candy itself is smooth and rich – it’s not rock hard, so you can happily crunch away if that is what you prefer to do – don’t worry, you won’t chip any teeth!

Sweet’s Orange Sticks

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I love candy that has stood the test of time and Sweet’s Orange Sticks are no exception. In 1892 Leon Sweet started the Sweet Candy Company in Portland, Oregon. In the beginning, Sweet’s manufactured just a few varieties of candy. However, the candy that Leon offered for sale had two distinguishing characteristics: the candy was mostly made by hand, and folks loved it. They loved it because of the quality. And the quality of the candy has never gone down – just another reason their candy is timeless.

In 1900 Leon moved the operation from Portland to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he merged several small specialty stores into one general line manufacturing company. Over the years, Sweet’s has become more innovative and more automated. The company has increased the number of products it makes and has expanded its total marketing area. Today, there are more than 250 Sweet’s Quality Candy items distributed internationally in bulk, bags and boxes. Sweet’s is perhaps still best known for its classic favorites: Chocolate Orange Sticks, Salt Water Taffy and Cinnamon Bears.

Orange Sticks are a tasty treat. They are a more sophisticated candy that combines the tastes of rich dark chocolate and tart, refreshing orange. Served as little “sticks??? these little treats are one that you won’t soon forget. Each orange candy has a chewy, almost gummy texture and it is enrobed in creamy, delectable dark chocolate, making for an interesting and delicious flavor and texture combination. For over 100 years, people have enjoyed this classic candy and I have a feeling it will even outlive me. As long as people continue to have a sweet tooth, classic candy companies like Sweet’s will continue to make confectionary treats.

Hershey Peanut Butter Kisses

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Hershey’s Kisses were introduced in 1907. A common myth is that the name comes from the “kissing” sound created by the machines used to make the candy. However, it is more likely an appropriation of a common industry term for a dab of chocolate. The candies were originally wrapped by hand. Automated wrapping began in 1921. The same automatic wrapping process allowed for the insertion of the distinctive paper “plume,” that the company used to guarantee that consumers were getting the genuine Hershey product, rather than an imitation. This thin paper strip was registered as a company trademark in 1924. Hershey’s Kisses have been produced continuously since 1907, except for the period of time between 1942 and 1949. Rationing of raw materials during World War II made the aluminum foil for the wrappers a scarce commodity.

Hershey’s kisses are such a cute and well known candy. With so many new flavors popping up every few years, it’s hard to keep up with them. But of course, I have to try the Peanut Butter Kisses – because the Sheriff loves her peanut butter and chocolate combination! These little kisses are wrapped in the signature Hershey foil but this time it’s a beautiful, gleaming gold. The words “peanut butter??? emblazon the foil in red lettering. I am so excited to try this product, I can hardly contain myself. Ok, a few deep breaths…I am ready to go. The well known and beloved Hershey’s chocolate is present in all of its “kiss shaped??? glory. My teeth break through that and for a second or two, I savor the flavor of the rich, sweet milk chocolate. But what has my tongue and palate detected? Why, it’s the taste of sweet and slightly salty, smooth, creamy and oh-so-delicious peanut butter. Yes! It’s fantastic! The combination is, as always a glorious one, and Hershey’s has done it with such class, such finesse, such wonderful candy making ways! This is a dream come true! Cute little kisses filled with wonderful, glorious peanut butter! Can life get any better? I, think not.

Chocolate Traveler Milk Chocolate Wedges

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Travel the world in a pocket-sized tin full of exquisite, European-style chocolate.  With flavors like Crème Brulee, Tiramisu, and Dulce de Leche, in addition to the classic milk, dark, and white, there’s bound to be something to please everyone on your Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa list.  The flavor of choice: the classic milk chocolate.  BO-RING!  I know.  That was my initial impression as well.  Though I must admit that I wasn’t the one who chose the flavor, whoever did deserves my unending gratitude.  I would never have imagined such fine chocolates could come in such a simple, chic tin.

This has to be by far the best milk chocolate I have ever tasted.  Coming from a chocolate connoisseur, please don’t take this lightly; this is no understatement.  With only six ingredients on the label, you can rest assured that there are no strange chemicals or preservatives in this mouth-watering tin of chocolate.  These American-made delicacies will satisfy even the pickiest taste buds with their creamy goodness and all-natural charm.  Thought their build-up is slightly different than your typical Hershey’s milk chocolate, these half-inch-thick wedges of solid milk chocolate are not your typical candies.  I prefer to savor each wedge slowly, taking in the smell, taste, and feel of the sweet, creamy slice.  Don’t be fooled!  This rich, luxurious milk chocolate is anything but ordinary!