So, some chocolates come with detailed instructions. Check out the instructions that come with my “Red Fire” chocolate from my chocolate library valentines day gift!

“First breath…engage your senses. Take 3 deep breaths, quiet the chattering mind and be in the present moment.

“See..Notice the color of the chocolate. There should be a dark glossy shine to the bar,indicating a good temper Do you see red flecks of chili embedded in the chocolate?

“Smell… Rub your thumb on the bar to help warm the chocolate and release the aromas. Inhale earthly and spicy notes rising from the bar’s surface.

“Snap… break the bar into two pieces.

“Bite…take a bite, break the chocolate into small pieces that spread across your tongue, pause. Press the chocolate to the roof of your mouth and let it begin to melt. Breathe; it is through the nose that you begin to dect the subtle flavors. Based on your sensory history, you may experience nuances of…leather, diary…..” (long list follows)

“Sense…the texture of the chocolate on the palate, the evolution of flavors in the mouth. In what order do they reveal themselves to you? Sweet cacao, fruity and acidic with spice rounding out the finish. What how the chli warms you after you have swallowed.”

wow, I’ve never been so perplexed by a box of chocolates before!

Well, enough talking about it. Let’s try it. Now is the time of truth- is this chocolate actually as good as the price tag suggests?

okay. I have now gotten a drink prepared- just in case…

…Opening the wrapper…

I looked at the bar and smelled it, but I’m probably not “sensitive” enough to appreciate the look and smell…

Moment of truth….

…and…

Not bad! Very nice chocolate actually. The expected dark chocolate flavor at first, but then it actually has that cinnamon and spicy aftertaste! Probably one of the nifty-est chocolates I have ever had (not that that’s saying much growing up under the Hershey chocolate bar era)!

Interesting. 🙂 I’ve never had spicy chocolate before.

It kind of reminds me of chocolate covered gummy cinnamon bears, but definitely better chocolate. Not nearly as scary as I thought!

I’ll let you know what I think when I try the “Black Pearl Bar” with ginger, wasabi, and black sesame seeds mixed in with dark chocolate!