Chocolate is one of those rare delights that is so wonderful, you often deprive yourself of enjoying the experience at it's full potential. Many chocolate lovers find a piece in their hands and immediately pop it in their mouth and melt into a state of culinary bliss (guilty over here as well). However, on your next adventure into the wonderful world of chocolate, try and take a few extra moments to enjoy your chocolate or truffle the way they deserve.
Chocolate tasting time!
First, take a beat and look closely at your chocolate. Enjoy the shine, color, and smooth texture of properly tempered chocolate. Do you seen any colors you were not expecting to find in your truffle? Colors can range from soft ivories to ruddy browns to deep dark oaks. If you have any experience handling cocoa beans then you may be able to take a guess at the type of bean used in your truffle.
Now, we have all seen wine fans burry their noses into the glass to be immersed into the aroma of their wine as much as possible. Whether you smile at how silly this looks or you are someone who takes your wine seriously, (again, guilty), this same concept holds true for chocolate. Take the time to enjoy the rich, full-bodied scent of your chocolate. If you’re creative enough, you can even try and picture tropical region that the cocoa beans were harvested before being hand crafted into a Dorinda’s Chocolates truffle.
When you go to taste your chocolate, snap a piece off the whole. Properly tempered chocolate will have a sharp snap when it breaks. Chew slowly and enjoy the wide variety of flavors as they melt in your mouth. To enjoy both the subtle and robust flavors, it is best to let the chocolate melt on your tongue. On your next bite, try and find the scents that the chocolate releases while in your mouth. Hopefully you will find the same flavors as your previous bite, but intensified now that your nose and taste buds are working together.
Don't forget to savor your next chocolate experience and remember to keep indulging!