TRADER JOE'S CHOCOLATE STOCKING STUFFERS: Chocolate Passport & Taste Test of Caramels

I'm a huge fan for everything Trader Joe's from the plants to the music to the cheese to the chocolate! The holidays are the perfect time to experience, buy, and gift some great chocolate stocking stuffers.

I've posted before about Trader Joe's Chocolate Passport in past years, and I'm so pleased to see The Chocolate Passport back at Trader Joe's this season. The Chocolate Passport makes a great stocking stuffer or hostess gift or even the basis of your own "chocolate tasting" during the holidays. Trader Joe's Chocolate Passport is beautifully packaged, as well as containing terrific chocolate from beans sourced from all over the world. Different amounts of cacao, too.

Each chocolate is sourced from eight original locations each with its own terroir. The Chocolate Passport takes you on a journey through the cacao-growing world: Peru, Ecuador, Venazuela, The Dominican Republic, Ghana, Papua New Guinea, Sao Tome, and Tanzania. The cacao ranges form 60-73%. Take a trip around the chocolate world!

At $9.99, this is a great bargain! This is also available on several internet sites, but at double the price! Go direct to the store...and dance in the aisles!

Another wonderful seasonal chocolate product at Trader Joe's is the Taste Test of Caramels: Chocolate Covered Caramel Taste Testing Kit featuring 12 distinct Flavor Profiles: Toffee Apple, Ginger, Vanilla, Maple, Double Espresso, Butterscotch, Hot Chili, Coconut, Himalayan Salted, Fig & Honey that makes for a great blind taste test party guessing game. And, it's not just about flavor. Each caramel has a unique design, so you can eat with your eyes as well taste buds! They're well made with hick chocolate at the bottom and thinner on the top. I love this Classic Holiday Treat!  $5.99. How can you go wrong?

TRADER JOE'S CHOCOLATE STOCKING STUFFERS: Chocolate Passport & Taste Test of Caramels

I'm a huge fan for everything Trader Joe's--from the plants to the music to the cheese to the chocolate! The holidays are the perfect time to experience, buy, and gift some great chocolate stocking stuffers.

I've posted before about Trader Joe's Chocolate Passport, and I'm so pleased to see The Chocolate Passport back at Trader Joe's this season. The Chocolate Passport makes a great stocking stuffer or hostess gift or even the basis of your own "chocolate tasting" during the holidays. Trader Joe's Chocolate Passport is beautifully packaged, as well as containing terrific chocolate from beans sourced from all over the world. Different amounts of cacao, too.

Each chocolate is sourced from eight original locations each with its own terroir. Trader Joe's Chocolate Passport takes you on a journey through the cacao-growing world: Peru, Ecuador, Venazuela, The Dominican Republic, Ghana, Papua New Guinea, Sao Tome, and Tanzania. The cacao ranges form 60-73%. Take a trip around the chocolate world!

At $9.99, this is a great bargain! This is also available on several internet sites, but at double the price! Go direct to the store...and dance in the aisles!

Another wonderful seasonal chocolate product at Trader Joe's is the Taste Test of Caramels: Chocolate Covered Caramel Taste Testing Kit featuring 12 distinct Flavor Profiles: Toffee Apple, Ginger, Vanilla, Maple, Double Espresso, Butterscotch, Hot Chili, Coconut, Himalayan Salted, Fig & Honey that makes for a great blind taste test party guessing game. And, it's not just about flavor. Each caramel has a unique design, so you can eat with your eyes as well taste buds! They're well made with hick chocolate at the bottom and thinner on the top. I love this Classic Holiday Treat!  $5.99. How can you go wrong?

International Chocolate Salon 2019 Caramel Awards

I was a judge recently at the International Chocolate Salon Caramel Awards. Such a tough job, but someone has to do it. The caramels that were submitted were incredibly diverse and delicious. Some were traditional, some were chocolate enrobed, others a combination of different flavors within the caramel. The caramels were judged on taste, artistry, unique combinations, and and so much more. We had a diverse tasting panel as well. When it comes down to it, taste is up to the individual, but the chocolatiers really created some fabulous caramels.

2019 CARAMEL AWARDS Competition. The International Chocolate Salon Awards for the 2019 CARAMEL AWARDS are based on the combined total number of votes received by each entrant from the Judging Panel. The Judging Panel consists of National and Regional Magazines, Newspaper and Blog Editors, plus Topic Experts, Local Chefs and Food Gurus. Here are the results.

 

Best Caramel Exterior Design

GOLD

• St. Croix Chocolate Company Emperor's Garden (yuzu caramel and jasmine tea)

SILVER

• Banyan Tree Chocolate Hibiscus Liquid Caramel
• Tandem Chocolates Caramels

BRONZE

• Delysia Chocolatier Banoffee pie chocolate truffle
• The Chocolate Fetish African Queen
• The Secret Chocolatier Bananas Foster

HONORABLE MENTION

• Delysia Chocolatier Salty dog chocolate truffle
• Theo Chocolate Honey Saffron Caramel
• Zocalisa Fine Chocolates Pecan Caramel

Best Ingredient Combinations

GOLD

• Zocalisa Fine Chocolates Pecan Caramel

SILVER

• Tandem Chocolates Caramels
• Delysia Chocolatier Banoffee pie chocolate truffle
• The Chocolate Fetish African Queen
• The Chocolate Fetish Dark Pistachio Frog

BRONZE

• Hot Tempered Chocolates Browned Butter Salted Caramel
• Sweet Jules Gifts Dark Chocolate Pecan Caramels
• Dallas Caramel Company Mocha Caramel
• The Oakland Chocolate Company Jamaican Jerk Caramels
• Theo Chocolate Ghost Chili Caramels

HONORABLE MENTION

• St. Croix Chocolate Company Emperor's Garden (yuzu caramel and jasmine tea)
• The Secret Chocolatier Bananas Foster
• Theo Chocolate Honey Saffron Caramel
• Dallas Caramel Company Jalapeno Bacon Armadillo TxTurtle
• echo chocolate Signature Sea-Salt Caramel
• Wildflower Caramel Co. Smoked Jalapeno Caramel

Best Taste

GOLD

• Zocalisa Fine Chocolates Pecan Caramel
• The Chocolate Fetish Dark Pistachio Frog

SILVER

• Delysia Chocolatier Banoffee pie chocolate truffle
• Sweet Jules Gifts Dark Chocolate Pecan Caramels
• Dallas Caramel Company Mocha Caramel
• Theo Chocolate Ghost Chili Caramels
• St. Croix Chocolate Company Emperor's Garden (yuzu caramel and jasmine tea)

BRONZE

• Tandem Chocolates Caramels
• The Chocolate Fetish African Queen

HONORABLE MENTION

• The Oakland Chocolate Company Jamaican Jerk Caramels
• Theo Chocolate Honey Saffron Caramel
• echo chocolate Signature Sea-Salt Caramel
• Wildflower Caramel Co. Smoked Jalapeno Caramel
• Mouth Party Caramel Maple Caramels
• The Oakland Chocolate Company Strawberry Cardamom Caramels

Best Packaging (External)

GOLD

• Sweet Jules Gifts Dark Chocolate Pecan Caramels

SILVER

• echo chocolate Signature Sea-Salt Caramel

BRONZE

• Banyan Tree Chocolate Hibiscus Liquid Caramel
• Sweet Jules Gifts Scotch Ale and Pretzel Caramels

HONORABLE MENTION

• St. Croix Chocolate Company Emperor's Garden (yuzu caramel and jasmine tea)

Most Unique

GOLD

• Banyan Tree Chocolate Hibiscus Liquid Caramel

SILVER

• Delysia Chocolatier Banoffee pie chocolate truffle

BRONZE

• Wildflower Caramel Co. Smoked Jalapeno Caramel
• Dallas Caramel Company Jalapeno Bacon Armadillo TxTurtle

HONORABLE MENTION

• Sweet Jules Gifts Dark Chocolate Pecan Caramels
• St. Croix Chocolate Company Emperor's Garden (yuzu caramel and jasmine tea)
• Tandem Chocolates Caramels
• The Oakland Chocolate Company Jamaican Jerk Caramels
• Hot Tempered Chocolates Browned Butter Salted Caramel
• Theo Chocolate Ghost Chili Caramels
• Mouth Party Caramel Maple Caramels

Top Caramels

GOLD

• Sweet Jules Gifts Dark Chocolate Pecan Caramels
• St. Croix Chocolate Company Emperor's Garden (yuzu caramel and jasmine tea)
• Tandem Chocolates Caramels
• Theo Chocolate Ghost Chili Caramels
• Dallas Caramel Company Mocha Caramel

SILVER

• The Chocolate Fetish Dark Pistachio Frog
• The Chocolate Fetish African Queen

BRONZE

• Delysia Chocolatier Banoffee pie chocolate truffle
• Wildflower Caramel Co. Smoked Jalapeno Caramel
• The Oakland Chocolate Company Jamaican Jerk Caramels
• Mouth Party Caramel Maple Caramels
• Zocalisa Fine Chocolates Pecan Caramel
• Vande Walle's Candies Milk Sea Salt Caramel
• echo chocolate Signature Sea-Salt Caramel
• Coco Gusto Caramel Bar
• Vande Walle's Candies Wrapped Vanilla Caramel
• Delysia Chocolatier Butterscotch mocha chocolate truffle

STAR RATINGS

4.5 STARS

• Sweet Jules Gifts Dark Chocolate Pecan Caramel

4 STARS

• The Chocolate Fetish Dark Pistachio Frog
• Tandem Chocolates Caramels
• The Chocolate Fetish African Queen
• Dallas Caramel Company Mocha Caramel
• echo chocolate Signature Sea-Salt Caramel
• Theo Chocolate Ghost Chili Caramels
• Vande Walle's Candies Milk Sea Salt Caramel

3.5 STARS

• Hot Tempered Chocolates Browned Butter Salted Caramel
• St. Croix Chocolate Company Classic Sea Salt Caramel
• St. Croix Chocolate Company Emperor's Garden (yuzu caramel and jasmine tea)
• Zocalisa Fine Chocolates Pecan Caramel
• Banyan Tree Chocolate Hibiscus Liquid Caramel
• Wildflower Caramel Co. Smoked Jalapeno Caramel

3 STARS

• The Oakland Chocolate Company Strawberry Cardamom Caramels
• Vande Walle's Candies Wrapped Vanilla Caramel
• Delysia Chocolatier Banoffee pie chocolate truffle
• Mouth Party Caramel Maple Caramels
• Theo Chocolate Honey Saffron Caramel
• Delysia Chocolatier Butterscotch mocha chocolate truffle
• The Oakland Chocolate Company Jamaican Jerk Caramels
• The Secret Chocolatier Bananas Foster
• Dallas Caramel Company Jalapeno Bacon Armadillo TxTurtle
• Delysia Chocolatier Salty dog chocolate truffle
• Sweet Jules Gifts Scotch Ale and Pretzel Caramels
• Coco Gusto Caramel Bar

---

JUDGES' FAVORITES

• Dallas Caramel Company's Mocha Caramel
• Tandem
• The Delysia Banoffee Pie Chocolate Truffle won my heart. The rich banana flavor was mouth watering and delicious. It brought back memories of some pies I had when I was a child.
• St. Croix Emperor's Garden
• Theo Ghost Chile
• Sweet Jules Dark Chocolate Pecan Caramel
• AFRICAN QUEEN

---

JUDGES' COMMENTS

• The Oakland Chocolate Company's Jamaican Jerk Caramel not only had a great caramel texture, but its combination of jerk spices (allspice, thyme and hot pepper) was surprising. It had a savoriness that lingered. I thought it was unique and quite enjoyable. Sweet Jules Dark Chocolate Pecan Caramel was wonderful. It was not overly sweet, and the pecan really came through -- freshly nutty, and even meaty. Loved it. Delysia Chocolatier's Banoffee Pie Chocolate Truffle had a wonderfully creamy banana filling. Delicious!
• Vande Walle's Vanilla Caramel was smooth, classic, traditional. Yum! Wildflower Smoked Jalapeno..rich caramel with a Kick; Dallas Mocha Caramel: good coffee combo; Delysia Banoffee Pie..multi-layered
• I was worried about the heat level of the Theo Ghost Pepper, but it was quite delicious. the level of heat was just right for me. The Vande Walle Wrapped Vanilla caramel was both attractively striped and a delightful pleasure for the palate. The Zocaliza Pecan Caramel was rich in flavor with a good crunch

SEA SALT CARAMEL BROWNIES: National Chocolate Caramel Day

Today is National Chocolate Caramel Day! My favorite truffles are sea salt caramel, and the same goes for brownies! So for Chocolate Caramel Day, here are two recipes for Sea Salt Caramel Brownies -- one uses a fudge brownie mix and the other is for brownies from scratch.You can make or buy the caramel sauce. Both recipes are easy, and it just depends on what you have on hand and how much time you have!

1. SEA SALT CARAMEL BROWNIES FROM SCRATCH

Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter
5 ounces good quality dark (60-75% cacao) chocolate
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp instant espresso powder (optional)
2 ounces chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
1/4 cup good quality caramel sauce
1 tsp good quality sea salt

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 F
Grease 9 x13 inch baking pan.
In saucepan over another saucepan with simmering water, melt butter and chocolate, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar. Cool slightly.
In large bowl, beat eggs one at time. Stir in vanilla.
Fold in chocolate mixture.
Combine flour, 1/2 tsp salt and espresso powder (if using). Add to chocolate mixture.
Fold in chocolate chips or chopped chocolate pieces
Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
Drizzle caramel on top of batter
Using knife, swirl over surface.
Sprinkle sea salt over caramel.
Bake 30-40 minutes.
Cool in pan on wire rack.

Want to make your own Caramel Sauce, too?  

HOMEMADE CARAMEL SAUCE

Ingredients
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tbsp heavy cream
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Directions
In small saucepan over medium heat, bring sugar and 2 Tbsp water to boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium-high and cook without stirring, occasionally swirling pan and brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush, until sugar is deep amber color (5-8 minutes). Remove caramel from heat. Add cream and butter and whisk to combine. Let cool slightly in pan.

2. Sea Salt Caramel Brownies using a Brownie Mix
This recipe is from Morton Salt. I always say check product sites for recipes. Did you know that Morton Salt has an excellent Sea Salt? Found this recipe on their site. Of course, you can always use your own sea salt. I'm partial to Duncan Hines Brownie Mixes, but whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients
1 package fudge brownie mix
Eggs
Vegetable oil
Water
20 individually wrapped caramels
2 Tbsp milk
1 teaspoon Morton® Coarse Sea Salt

Directions 
Heat oven and prepare brownie mix as instructed on box.
After placing brownie mix in 8 x 8 baking pan, set aside.
Make caramel sauce as instructed below (or use a prepared caramel sauce), then drizzle sauce on top of brownie batter.
Bake brownie batter as instructed on package.
Remove brownies from oven.
Sprinkle with Morton Coarse Sea Salt.
Cool brownies before cutting. Caramel Sauce:

Caramel Sauce:
Place unwrapped caramels and milk in microwave safe bowl.
Microwave on high for 1 minute and then in 10 second intervals, until caramels are easily whisked. Whisk until caramel mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined.

CHOCOLATE CARAMEL COOKIE BARS: National Chocolate Caramel Day

Photo: Martha Stewart Living

Today is National Chocolate Caramel Day. My favorite Chocolate Caramels are from Recchiuti Confections and EHChocolatier. But in case you want to make something to celebrate the day, here's and easy delicious recipe from Martha Stewart for Chocolate Caramel Cookie Bars. And, since I've posted several chocolate caramel recipes, I thought I'd do a Mini-Round-Up of a few other Chocolate Caramel recipes! Be sure to scroll down.

If you don't want to bake, pick up a Chocolate Caramel at your local chocolate shop... or in a pinch have some Milk Duds.

Chocolate Caramel Cookie Bars
adapted from Martha Stewart Living, November 2009

Ingredients
For the Crust
4 1/2 ounces (9 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for parchment
1/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon table salt

For the Chocolate Caramel
10 1/2 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
3 ounces (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1 tablespoon sea salt, preferably fleur de sel

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Make crust: Line 9-inch square baking pan with parchment, leaving an overhang on all sides; butter parchment, excluding overhang. Beat butter and brown sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add flour and table salt, and beat until just combined.
Press dough evenly into pan, and bake until lightly browned, about 30 minutes.
Make chocolate caramel: Place chocolate in medium bowl. Heat granulated sugar and water in small saucepan over medium-high heat, washing sides of pan with a wet pastry brush to prevent sugar crystals from forming, until amber, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat. Add butter, cream, and table salt. Bring to boil, stirring until smooth. Pour over chocolate. Let stand for 2 minutes. Stir to combine, and let stand until cool, about 10 minutes.
Pour mixture over crust. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, or overnight. Run knife around edges; lift parchment to remove whole bar from pan. Sprinkle with sea salt. Trim edges, and cut into 16 bars. Bars can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Chocolate Caramel Recipe Round-Up

Chocolate Caramel Popcorn Balls
Sea Salt Caramel Brownies
Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Chocolate Caramel Trifle with Raspberries
Hazelnut Caramel Toffee Bon Bon
Warm Chocolate Caramel Cakes
Caramel Filled Chocolate Cookies
Chocolate Caramel Apples
Nutty Chocolate Chip Caramel Squares 
Salted Caramel Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake in a Jar 
 

2015 International Chocolate Salon Luxury Caramel Awards

Luxe Chocolat Bees Knees

I was a judge at the International Chocolate Salon Luxury Caramel Tasting a few weeks ago. I know, it's a hard job, but someone has to do it.

The choices were outstanding. So many varieties--in taste, shape, packaging and design! So hard to choose. I was glad there was a panel of judges with different tastes and qualifications. Here are the winners! You'll want to taste all these caramels yourself. Set up your own tasting!

Chocolate Caramel Cookie Bars: National Chocolate Caramel Day

Photo: Martha Stewart Living

Today is National Chocolate Caramel Day. My favorite Chocolate Caramels are from Recchiuti Confections and EHChocolatier. But in case you want to make something to celebrate the day, here's and easy delicious recipe from Martha Stewart for Chocolate Caramel Cookie Bars. And, since I've posted several chocolate caramel recipes, I thought I'd do a Round-Up of a few other recipes! Be sure to scroll down.

If you don't want to bake, pick up a Chocolate Caramel at your local chocolate shop... or in a pinch have some Milk Duds.

Chocolate Caramel Cookie Bars
adapted from Martha Stewart Living, November 2009

Ingredients
For the Crust
4 1/2 ounces (9 tablespoons) sweet butter, room temperature, plus more for parchment
1/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon table salt

For the Chocolate Caramel
10 1/2 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
3 ounces (6 tablespoons) sweet butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1 tablespoon sea salt, preferably fleur de sel

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Make crust: Line 9-inch square baking pan with parchment, leaving an overhang on all sides; butter parchment, excluding overhang. Beat butter and brown sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add flour and table salt, and beat until just combined.
2. Press dough evenly into pan, and bake until lightly browned, about 30 minutes.
3. Make chocolate caramel: Place chocolate in medium bowl. Heat granulated sugar and water in small saucepan over medium-high heat, washing sides of pan with a wet pastry brush to prevent sugar crystals from forming, until amber, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat. Add butter, cream, and table salt. Bring to boil, stirring until smooth. Pour over chocolate. Let stand for 2 minutes. Stir to combine, and let stand until cool, about 10 minutes.
4. Pour mixture over crust. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, or overnight. Run knife around edges; lift parchment to remove whole bar from pan. Sprinkle with sea salt. Trim edges, and cut into 16 bars. Bars can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Chocolate Caramel Round-Up

Chocolate Caramel Trifle with Raspberries
Hazelnut Caramel Toffee Bon Bon for National Chocolate Covered Nut Day
Warm Chocolate Caramel Cakes for National Chocolate Caramel Day
Caramel Filled Chocolate Cookies for National Caramel Day last year  (and some sorted caramel chocolate reviews)
Chocolate Caramel Apples
Nutty Chocolate Chip Caramel Squares