Okay, folks, I realise that this looks like I’ve already fallen off the salt-chocolate-sabbatical bandwagon, but such is not the case. The following was gobbled up weeks ago, in Charleston, and is only now seeing the blog-light of day. Which is surprising, really, because it was rather fabulous.
Knipschildt Chocolatier Chocopologie Bar with Burnt Caramel and Hawaiian Sea Salt
Poor little fella was a bit knocked around by the time I got to him - he came with me all the way from New York through Savannah and DC before being opened in Charleston.
Knipschildt Chocolatier makes only four different flavours of Chocopologie Bar, and I make no hesitation in asserting that I chanced upon the pick of the bunch (even though I have not, in all honesty, tried the others). There’s a Mocha bar, a Mint bar, and a Rosewater bar too, but honestly, look at how pretty this Burnt Caramel and Hawaiian Sea Salt 71% Ecuadorian cocoa chocolate is:
Oh my. I just realised I can see a face looking back at me in this bar... See, with the P and O for eyes? I shall call him Albert.
So, hands up who likes caramel? And who likes caramel with depth, with dark notes of molasses and muscovado sugar, with a butteriness that puts one in mind of Werther’s Original caramels, if Werther’s caramels were thick and almost fudgy in consistency, and had been taken to just-this-side of burnt and then heightened with a goodly sprinkling of sea salt crystals?
Anyone?
A moment's silence, please.
No one? Okay then, more for me. At least I appreciated how the dark woodsy and tobacco flavours of the Ecuadorian chocolate provided a counterpoint to the rich buttery caramel, and how the salt was distributed in large crystals on the underside of the bar so that every bite incorporated caramel, chocolate and salt in a sweet-savoury trifecta.
Yes, those are the salt crystals. Pardon me, the Hawaiian Sea Salt crystals
But, you know, I understand that this isn’t everyone’s pot of tea. I could live my life quite happily without ever playing another round of golf, for example, or with having the memory of the movie Hope Floats excised from my brain. Still, I’m sure other people feel differently. But are you really telling me that you wouldn’t want to try even a little square of this?
I rest my case.
*whimpers*
by which i mean GET IN MY BELLY NOW
I think your camera must have been specially modified for taking yummy pictures of chocolate!!!!
I would kill for one of these right now!
Yes, please! I would like this now. *wills it into existence*
Oh, how I love caramel, the darker the better, and with salt? Forget about it!
oh my, that looks like it’s just oozing with deliciousness
L-Izzle: Exactly.
L.Engineer: Are you implying that the photos are not all entirely reliant on my skill?
Chanel: I’m pretty sure a jury would accept wanting this as a valid excuse
S-J: Or at least *wills across the ocean*, right? Still, you have tandoori tofu…
Croque Camille: Yep, I thought you’d find this one repulsive
Simply Life: Funny, that’s what the ingredients list said: Dark Chocolate, Sugar, Deliciousness.
Holy Yum! The chocolate looks really tasty
Oooh, that gooey caramel looks fantastic!
Gelareh and Theresa: This is certainly one of those cases where looks *aren’t* deceiving. Oh, I wish I was a candy fairy godmother who could send one of these to everyone who wants one!
Wow! gotta get me some of that!
Oh my another sensation. I’ve emailed them to see if they post to Australia. Still waiting for the reply. I tried another local outlet potential the other day- Nothing. The shop had actually shut last month, and had reopened two days before my visit. Still Canberra in about three weeks should have some thing.
Louise! I’m hijacking this thread to say — PLEASE ohhhh PLEASE make it publicly known if they do, in fact, ship here. I am desperate for this chocolate in my life (and in my tummy).
Iron Chef Shellie: Americans do get some things right
Louise: This is the bar I was thinking about, all those posts back, when I said I had something I thought you’d like! Canberra will certainly house some good treats for you – search out Askinosie! And yes, let us know what they email back!
L-Izzle: First business: oatmeal cafe. Second business: chocolate imports?
HELL. YES.
and please, don’t for a second think i’m even kidding in the slightest.
I just came across this post, as Chocopologie is like dessert heaven and the Hannah is my absolute favorite. I have tried the Hannah bar, and must say that it doesn’t do the actual truffle justice. If you have the opportunity to try the Hannah as a truffle (the way it was created), it won’t let you down! I’ve seen them at Whole Foods and other gourmet markets, and the outlet itself is in Norwalk, CT. Hope you enjoy!
Courtney: Oh my lordy-pie, are you serious?! This bar is called the Hannah bar? I’m Hannah! (I’m probably more excited by this than I should be…) I wish I had the chance to try the truffle, but sadly I live in Australia
What I wouldn’t give to have a Whole Foods nearby…