Sweets Galore: Chocolate, Shortbread, and Pear Concoctions
We’ve done our fair share of tastings recently- chips, cucumber soda, peanut butter. But when you’re in the mood for something a little sweeter, we’ve got some great items to tell you about- two from Northern California, and one from Minnesota.
B.T. McElrath may not sound like a chocolate company. But since 1996, this Minneapolis chocolatier has been refining their range of candies, and their line of toffees and truffles is definitely worth a try. We’ve been eating them slowly, trying to enjoy them as long as possible- their Lemon Blossoms and Peanut Butter Pavé were particular favorites, with excellent balance between the chocolate and filling. These are truly bite-size truffles, and they are fairly expensive for their weight/size as well (around $10 for a set of 5), but well-made and attractive. The Salted Butter Caramels and Cherry Snappers come only 4 to a package, and neither was of particular note. And if it is a less fancy, more chocolate craving that you have, they also make decadent chocolate bars, in 70% dark, 40% milk, and even a Chile Limón variety that we continue to crave (and would love even more if it was dark chocolate instead of milk). The bars don’t seem to be available on their site yet, but we’re asking them- anything so we can get on hands on some more of their chilies and lime chocolate.
Imagine a world where calories didn’t matter. We’re pretty sure that Claire inhabits that world, and has brought us Clairesquares from it. We watched fully-grown men tremble (literally) under the sheer caloric density of a single Clairesquare during our tastings. ‘Traditional Irish recipe,’ she says. ‘Buttery shortbread base, with a thick layer of rich caramel, top[ped] off with a smooth coating of Belgian chocolate,’ she says. We say- wow. One more vice the Bay Area can claim. You can choose from dark or milk chocolate, and get either a 5-pack for $13 or a mixed 6-piece gift tin for $20, available online or in some Bay Area grocery stores (and at the Ferry Market Farmer’s Market). But don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Finally, all the way from Napa Valley, we’ve been trying out A Perfect Pear. Many of the items are backordered on their site, but you should have luck in Bay Area-retailers, some of whom carry a wide line. It’s hard to imagine doing more (or better) with pears, frankly- they offer everything from dressings, vinegars, and sauces, to aprons and platters. They don’t, however, offer any actual pears- sorry! But if you like pear, at all, or know anyone who does- there is definitely something here that will please! The Cinnamon Pear Maple Syrup ($13) is definitely the real thing- and comes with a large cinnamon stick sitting in the middle of the bottle. Perfect for pancakes, waffles, and crepes, it also goes well with ice cream. Or you could use the White Chocolate Pear Chardonnay Sauce ($9), which needs a bit of time in the microwave for best results, and works wonders on chocolate cakes, muffins, and brownies. The pear flavor doesn’t always stand out, but adds a nice, fruity, fresh taste to an otherwise just-pretty-good sauce.
