Chocomania: Chocolates to give
Friday, May 8, 2009
Have you ever heard of Charles Chocolates? I had not until recently, when I saw their Nuts, Pralines & Caramels Collection at Whole Foods. They were on sale, so I bought a box. (This being-on-sale business is important, because I don’t want anyone to look at their website and think I spent that much on chocolate.) (Especially my husband.)
The collection includes an amazing mix of Fleur de Sel caramels, peanut butterflies, marzipans, and nut clusters. Every bite was an absolute delight to my tastebuds. The textures were just right and all of the flavor combinations (such as pistachio/lemon peel) were in perfect harmony. Plus look at that photo above! Are those not just gorgeous?!?!
According to the company’s website, all the chocolates are made by hand and then shipped to their customers within three days. Some (but not all) of their ingredients are organic, and all appear to be of the highest quality.
And guess what Charles Chocolates has? A chocolate club! Yes, my friends, you too could join the club and have gourmet chocolates shipped to your front door. Of course, it’s going to cost you $50/month, which I think we can all agree is a bit much.
So I think we’re going to have put Charles Chocolates in the splurge category — a wonderful thing to buy someone for her birthday, a great hostess gift, or just a nice pick-me-up if you’re having a rough week.
Are there any other brands like Charles Chocolates that y’all can recommend or that we all should stay away from?
Jen does not work for Charles Chocolates, nor was she paid (in money or chocolates for this post). But lord have mercy, can you imagine working for this company?! Charles Chocolates — call me!
Entry Filed under: chocomania. Tags: charleschocolates.
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1.
paperdiva | Friday, May 8, 2009 at 9:06 am
This is a job I could love!
2.
Skywalker | Friday, May 8, 2009 at 9:38 am
$50 a month??? Oh my goodness! Does this chocolate sing to you or give you extreme bliss? I could be a seasonal chocolate taster - that would work, I could work for free too.
3. Smalltown Mom | Friday, May 8, 2009 at 10:23 am
They are so pretty!
4. Jaina | Friday, May 8, 2009 at 10:47 am
You had me at caramels. I’m practically drooling.
5. bdaiss | Friday, May 8, 2009 at 11:22 am
Wow. $50 a month? That must be some chocolate! Never heard of them in these parts. Guess next time I’m near a Whole Foods I’ll keep my eyes open for a steal of a deal!
6. Little Miss Sunshine Stat… | Friday, May 8, 2009 at 11:28 am
I see you got the Sunshine I sent you!
I also sent you an award, via my blog.
Happy Mother’s Day
7. Clare | Friday, May 8, 2009 at 1:18 pm
There is a fab company in the UK called Hotel Chocolat (http://www.hotelchocolat.co.uk/). They have a “tasting club” as well. Every Easter I get an egg or something from there from my other half. The eggs are gorgeously thick yummy chocolate…drool…I love your chocolate posts! xx
8. Kathy | Friday, May 8, 2009 at 2:27 pm
I usually don’t go for frou, frou chocolates but those flavor combinations really do sound extremely good. You’re right, so pretty too!
Putting these on the grocery list right now.
9. Kirstin | Friday, May 8, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Yes you had me at the Fleur de Sel caramels too! The peanut butterflies sound wonderful as well…
10. Emma James | Friday, May 8, 2009 at 4:45 pm
It’s at times like this that I wish I still ate chocolate. Yum, yum, YUM!
11. melissawest | Friday, May 8, 2009 at 10:27 pm
Oh my-another reason for me to bemoan the fact that we don’t have a Whole Foods in my area!
12. might i add...? | Friday, May 8, 2009 at 10:38 pm
If you’re ever in Brooklyn, I’d recommend Jacques Torres (right at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge, unless they’ve moved in the past 8 or 9 years). They are also available online at http://mrchocolate.com/ . I’ve ordered them as gifts for special people. Definitely an indulgence. Beautiful.
13. Julie | Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 1:06 am
I hate to brag, but I’ve been to their store/factory. It’s on the border of Berkeley and Emeryville. I first bought their chocolate almonds at Whole Foods, and was hooked. If you type in charles chocolates into google, you can read/salivate over their lusciousness. I haven’t tried anything but their chocolate covered almonds in the cute little round tin, but I might just see if I can buy those fleur de sel caramels. Maybe take myself on into Berkeley for a trip/treat. Blue Bottle coffee is nearby (THE. BEST.COFFEE. IN. THE.WORLD.) and what woman out there can’t agree that coffee and chocolate are the best combo in the evah?
I’ve mentioned Fran’s (grey sea salt chocolate caramels) before. This brand is still my favorite. First found at Whole Foods, but they are not always in stock. VERY expensive chocolate, but quality isn’t cheap.
Love, Julie
14. Julie | Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 11:54 am
my comment, above, where I typed “evah” . . . even I can’t figure out what I meant to say this morning. Sorry, there’s no delete/edit button on these comment sections, so sorry. It was late/early, and I probably shoulda been in bed, not posting comments!
15. auntiemwrites | Sunday, May 10, 2009 at 12:04 am
Never heard of CC but will definitely look for them now. As well as the other types you guys recommend. Research, truly dedicated research, continues. You rock, Jen.