rootofnewt: (cooking)
krasota ([personal profile] rootofnewt) wrote2003-11-11 02:56 am

(no subject)

Everytime I see someone insinuate that Valrhona is in any way "good" chocolate, I roll my eyes. If it's got soy lecithin, they're cutting corners. If they cut corners, it falls well below good in *my* unashamedly biased opinion.

I had another square of Valor Milk Chocolate tonight... 38%... with cocoa nibs. Oh, so yummy.

and the Hachez Cocoa d'Arriba with strawberry and green pepper. 77%... incredibly earthy with a very subtle tang.

Now those... THOSE are good chocolate, perhaps even superior chocolate. Now that it's chilly out, perhaps I can order some Cluizel, which I'm told is quite possibly the best chocolate available for purchase in the US.

[identity profile] quasigeostrophy.livejournal.com 2003-11-11 04:51 am (UTC)(link)
*runs off to check ingredients on Scharffen Berger chocolate label*

...Damn! It lists "lecithin", not specifically "soy lecithin", but I might presume it. :-(

[identity profile] lady-lion.livejournal.com 2003-11-11 05:37 am (UTC)(link)
Is it because soy lecithin is some sort of a filler or because you're allergic to it?

[identity profile] krasota.livejournal.com 2003-11-11 09:45 am (UTC)(link)
Well, obviously part of my bias is the allergy... ;) However, soy lecithin is used to help smooth out the texture of the chocolate and to help it temper. It's cheaper to use soy lecithin than cocoa butter, which would have the same effect, if used properly. This is why I consider soy to be an unnecessary shortcut and I believe it's completely out of place in "good" chocolate.

[identity profile] blackradish.livejournal.com 2003-11-11 11:29 am (UTC)(link)
I love Valor chocolates! I used to buy some at For Love of Chocolate in Richmond about once a month. Where do you find it here?

[identity profile] krasota.livejournal.com 2003-11-11 11:31 am (UTC)(link)
At Valleymont grocery in Nellysford.

[identity profile] blackradish.livejournal.com 2003-11-11 11:39 am (UTC)(link)
Hrm...not familliar with that store.

[identity profile] krasota.livejournal.com 2003-11-11 11:47 am (UTC)(link)
I doubt you've been over there. ;) It's over by Wintergreen.

Damn@!

[identity profile] agentleman.livejournal.com 2003-11-12 06:23 pm (UTC)(link)
Damn! I miss Galaxy.
It's like being Vegan again. Bloody Chocolate cravings!
Hersheys just don't cut it.
Agent L.
Did I read right 'green pepper'?