Most people develop a craving for chocolate every now and then. When this happens, some go to the neighborhood convenience store to get a bar or, they visit the supermarket where they can avail of a few more choices. A growing number of chocolate lovers, though, are beginning to go for luxury high end chocolates regardless of the difference in price. The reasoning behind this trend is that a lot of people have started to believe that if you must indulge and do something your doctor would frown on, at least pick something that really tastes good.
The reason why high end chocolates taste the way they do and why they are worth the indulgence is because they are products of a rigid and discriminating process. This process begins from the selection of the cacao beans that are transformed into chocolate. Some chocolatiers are so meticulous that they reject more than half of the stock offered them. Some chocolatiers begin their alchemy by making sure that the drying, fermentation and grinding of the beans is to their specifications. In the end, these steps make it possible for you to partake of little tidbits of pure magic.
Apart from the stringent standards imposed on the processing of expensive chocolate, producers also make sure that only the best ingredients are used in their candy. One of the pitfalls of many chocolate houses is the substitution of vegetable oil or soya lecithin for cocoa butter.
All Time Favorites
Some luxury high end chocolates have won the hearts of chocolate lovers for decades and will probably continue to do so in the years to come. Most of the fanciest creations come from exclusive chocolatiers who know how just how to put together different fillings to enhance the flavors of the chocolate.
Truffles
In the world of luxury high end chocolates, the truffle is considered royalty. Truffles are made of chocolate and cocoa butter, melted over low heat, allowed to set then rolled in cocoa or nuts. While this seems like a very simple recipe for chocolate, the resulting candy is anything but ordinary when a good chocolatier is in charge. Most exclusive companies include truffles in their gift boxes so finding your very own favorite should be no problem.
Caramel Filled Chocolates
Caramel filled chocolates are another bestseller among chocolate lovers. This stands to reason because there is just nothing is more scrumptious than rich chocolate – a bit but not quite on the dark side – filled with caramel. A five-ounce bag of these would cost less than ten dollars and would give you infinite satisfaction. A popular, high end chocolate manufacture makes available both dark chocolate as well as milk chocolate for the shells that contain creamy caramel.
Chocolate with Nuts
Various nuts covered in chocolate are a familiar delight for people who like to combine chocolate with other complementing flavors. The most commonly used nuts in chocolate creations are almonds, walnuts, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, cashews, and macadamia. These are usually in clusters, coated in either dark or milk chocolate and sold as part of assembled gift boxes.
Chocolate with Fruits
Some fruits, when dipped or covered with chocolate, are the very embodiment of luxury. Chocolatiers know this so most have come up with their own versions of chocolate, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, or cherry confections cocooned in fine chocolate. Chocolate wrapped coconut also has its share of fans. Although the price for these fruity delights can be quite high, customers continue to buy these thereby encouraging their favorite producers to keep the items in stock.
Chocolate with Liqueur and other Exciting Fillings
For discerning chocolate lovers whose tastes have matured and reached adventurous heights, there are bonbons and truffles filled with liqueurs, bourbon, brandy, and even champagne. In addition, some contain paper-thin slivers of lime or lemon that have been dipped in strong brandy then coated in layers of ganache. Those brave enough should try chocolate confections to which a little heat from chili has been added. While this concept may seem new today, as early as 1900 BC, the Aztecs and Mayans already brewed their chocolate with a little fire.
Whichever delicious morsel you may choose as your favorite, you can always tell yourself that good quality chocolate is worth a little dietary lapse now and then. Besides, you can always seek comfort in voluminous literature that tells you how health wise, chocolate is good for you.