The end of the year already?! This year has really flown past. I am so excited to share a whole new year of wonderful flavors with you all. Enjoy these festive chocolates, and happy holidays!
This Month's Flavors
Holly
Raspberry and Lime Gel with Coffee Ganache
This wonderful combination is very surprising, but it works! The ganache is so smooth and gives a bitter backbone to the tangy and vibrant gel. While citrus and fruit don’t seem like they should combine well with coffee, this little chocolate is sue to start your holidays off on a tasty adventure!
Cheer
Orange Compote, Pecan Praline, and Whiskey Ganache
Happy holidays indeed! This chocolate is a fun sort of take on the Christmas tradition of a spiced orange. The whiskey takes the place of the cloves and the pecan praline adds a lovely caramel nuttiness. Absolutely delicious!
Celebrate
Clove and Nutmeg Chocolate Ganache
Clove and nutmeg is a natural combination for this time of year. Warming and comforting, these are used in baking and drinks from October through December – hard to say what spice combination is better suited for these chocolates!
Bells
Mulled Wine Caramel
Mulled wine is something I look forward to as the weather starts to change. I love how the complexities of the spices brings out different flavors in the wine. This caramel does a great job showing off all my favorite parts of this holiday treat: warming, spiced, citrusy, and boozy.
Frost
Mint Dark Chocolate Ganache
Mint and chocolate continues to be a favorite combination of mine. This ganache is reminiscent of After Eights, a childhood favorite. The dark chocolate is a lovely bitterness to the herbal mint, and I personally find this combination very comforting.
Together
Pumpkin Seed Gianduja with Vanilla Salted Caramel
Pumpkin seeds are an often over looked nut. Okay, so they aren’t technically a nut but you get the idea! As a praline, these seeds bring an almost peanut butter flavor while keeping a lovely herbal and vegetal note. The caramel is luscious and rich without being overly sweet with a touch of bitterness.
#1 Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
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These are basically a wintery hug in a cookie. Chocolatey and brimming with melted marshmallow, the dough is imbued with cinnamon and a touch of ground cayenne for a combination often found in Mexican hot chocolate mixes. YUM!
#2 Pfeffernusse Cookies
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I really love German baked goods around the holidays – stollen, lebkuchen, and these wonderfully peppery cookies! These are also known as pepper nuts for obvious reasons – the cracked pepper is a distinctive flavor. Enjoy these with a glass of mulled wine on a chilly evening!