Barefoot & Chocolate

It was a premium chocolate spread. It used a recipe with nuts, organic cocoa, sugar and vanilla.

They prioritized ethical sourcing and high-quality ingredients. They sourced cocoa and sugar under fair trade terms, which means that the farmers who grow these crops receive a fair wage and work under decent conditions. This commitment helps contribute to more sustainable and equitable global trade practices.

Their products were also organic, made without artificial ingredients, and aim to provide a delicious alternative to other commercial chocolate spreads.

 

Q: What is chocolate spread? A: Chocolate spread is what happens when chocolate gets tired of being a bar and decides to become a gymnast – flexible enough to fit on bread, waffles, pancakes, or even straight into your mouth from the jar (we’ve all been there, right?).

Q: What’s inside this magical pot of chocolate spread? A: It’s a secret potion of cocoa, sugar, and often nuts, blended into a spreadable form of happiness. It’s basically a chocolate bar that’s had a yoga makeover and can stretch onto anything you like! Ha.

Q: How should I store chocolate spread? A: Store it in a cool, dry place. But, let’s be honest, the real challenge is not eating it all in one sitting! Yep.

Q: Can I use chocolate spread as a substitute for love? A: While our chocolate spread is delicious and might make your heart flutter, it’s not recommended as a complete substitute for love. But it can definitely sweeten your day!

Q: Is it okay to eat chocolate spread for breakfast? A: We’re firm believers in “choco-therapy”. If a little chocolate spread on toast helps kickstart your day, who are we to argue?

 

I recently had the pleasure of indulging in some premium chocolate, and it was an experience that I won’t soon forget. As a self-proclaimed chocoholic, I’ve tasted my fair share of chocolate over the years, but this was something truly special. From the moment I unwrapped the beautifully packaged bar, I knew that I was in for a treat.

The first thing that struck me about this chocolate was the rich, velvety texture. It melted in my mouth, releasing a complex blend of flavors that danced across my taste buds. The notes of dark fruit and roasted nuts were perfectly balanced, creating a symphony of flavors that left me wanting more. As I savored each bite, I couldn’t help but marvel at the craftsmanship that went into creating such a delicious treat.

I tried a single-origin chocolate made from beans grown in Madagascar. The chocolate had a fruity flavor with hints of citrus and a slightly acidic taste. It was unlike any chocolate I had tasted before.

 

Ah, chocolate! It’s hard to resist, isn’t it? This tasty treat has a few characteristics that make it so appealing.

  1. Sugar: One of the main ingredients in most chocolates is sugar, which is well known to have a rewarding effect on our brains. When we consume sugar, it stimulates the release of the feel-good chemical dopamine in the brain. This is part of the reason why chocolate and other sweets can feel so satisfying.
  2. Fat: Cocoa butter, a type of fat, is another primary ingredient in chocolate. Fat helps give chocolate its rich and creamy texture. Like sugar, fat is also a source of pleasure for our brains. It stimulates the production of endorphins, the brain’s natural feel-good chemicals that promote a sense of pleasure and well-being.
  3. Phenylethylamine (PEA): Chocolate contains a compound called phenylethylamine, which can act like a mood elevator and natural antidepressant. PEA encourages your brain to release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and motivation.
  4. Theobromine and Caffeine: These two stimulants are found in chocolate in small amounts. They can increase focus and decrease fatigue, providing a small mood boost.
  5. Flavonoids: Cocoa is rich in flavonoids, a type of antioxidant. They’re known for their health benefits, including heart health, but some research suggests they might also contribute to the feelings of pleasure we get from eating chocolate.
  6. Texture and Taste: Finally, the smooth texture of melted chocolate and its unique combination of sweetness and bitterness stimulate the senses and contribute to the overall pleasurable experience of eating chocolate.

 

During my recent trip to Las Vegas, I stumbled upon a hidden gem that completely changed my perception of indulgence: a boutique chocolate shop called “Ethel M Chocolates.” Tucked away in the bustling area near the famous Strip, this place was a chocolate lover’s paradise, and I had to check it out.

 

As I walked into Ethel M, I was greeted by the rich aroma of cocoa wafting through the air. The shop had a warm, inviting atmosphere, with shelves lined with beautifully packaged chocolate boxes and an entire wall dedicated to their signature pralines. I couldn’t resist the temptation and immediately started exploring. The chocolates were not only delicious but also beautifully crafted, each piece a work of art.

 

I decided to treat myself to a box of their assorted gourmet chocolates. The box was elegantly designed, measuring about 8 inches by 8 inches, and was adorned with a gold ribbon. I opted for the “Chocolate Lovers” collection, which featured a variety of flavors, including dark chocolate raspberry, milk chocolate sea salt caramel, and white chocolate macadamia nut. The box was priced at $35, but I figured it was a small price to pay for a taste of luxury.

 

As I indulged in my first piece, the dark chocolate raspberry, I was blown away. The rich chocolate melted in my mouth, perfectly complemented by the tartness of the raspberry filling. It was an explosion of flavor that made me feel like I was in chocolate heaven. I remember sitting on a nearby bench, savoring each bite, and feeling a wave of happiness wash over me. It was a moment of pure bliss amidst the chaos of the city.

 

Later that evening, I decided to share my newfound love for Ethel M with my friends. We were all staying at the Luxor, and I invited them to join me for a chocolate tasting party in my room. I brought along the box of chocolates, along with a bottle of sparkling wine I had picked up at a local store. The plan was simple: indulge in chocolate and enjoy each other’s company.

 

As we gathered around the small table in my hotel room, laughter filled the air as we sampled the different chocolates. My friend Lisa took a bite of the milk chocolate sea salt caramel and exclaimed, “This is life-changing!” The gooey caramel oozed out, perfectly balanced by the hint of saltiness. We all agreed that it was one of the best chocolates we had ever tasted.

 

The evening took an outrageous turn when my friend Mark, who had a flair for the dramatic, decided to create a chocolate-themed game. He challenged us to come up with the most outrageous chocolate concoction we could think of. “I’ll go first!” he declared, and suggested a chocolate-covered bacon sundae. We all burst into laughter, but then someone else suggested chocolate chili, and suddenly we were brainstorming all sorts of bizarre combinations.

 

In the spirit of the game, I proposed a “Chocolate Roulette,” where we would take turns spinning a wheel I had brought along, and whatever flavor it landed on, we had to try it. We ended up tasting some wild combinations, including a spicy chocolate that left us all gasping and laughing at the same time.

 

By the end of the night, we had polished off nearly the entire box of chocolates, and I was left with a profound appreciation for the artistry of chocolate-making. I realized that these premium chocolates were more than just a treat; they were a catalyst for connection and joy among friends.