Lovers of Paul A Young’s sea salted caramels must think Christmas has come early with the release of the rather large sea salt caramel egg. Larger than a Cadbury’s crème egg, it is also slightly larger than a traditional breakfast egg but not by much. The egg comes in an egg cup with a lovely [...]

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Under a threatening sky the London Chocolate Festival launched the weekend before Easter with what seemed to be more stalls than the previous event. With chocolate makers (a chocolatier is a very special thing and I do not feel qualified to bestow such a qualification) from all around the UK gathering together in one place, [...]

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The pink champagne truffle from Hotel Chocolat has to be one of the most alcoholic champagne truffles I have ever had.  It almost rivals the Prestat champagne truffles in alcoholness.  When I opened it, it didn’t quite have that scent of alcohol that can leap up and greet you.  I was, I must admit, a [...]

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Ever had one of those moments when you find chocolate you didn’t realise you had? Well, I found this lovely little box of chocs from Hotel Chocolat and although they were past their best before date I thought I’d try them anyway.  I mean, what’s the worst that could happen? I tried the cinnamon praline [...]

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Wow this is some incredible chocolate.  Made without milk or dairy at all, I cannot recommend it highly enough.  Sometimes I was a bit surprised at the flavour but really, this is some fantastic chocolate.  The high quality of the chocolate is evident in each bite. The fresh basil chocolate was a bit of a [...]

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I had the good fortune of getting three of Paul Wayne Gregory’s chocolates.  One mint, one sea salted caramel and one raspberry. The mint chocolate was a nice with a very green mint flavour mixed in to the chocolate ganache.  The flavour I prefer is that of a fresh green mint and this was slightly [...]

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It is rare that I like a pre-packaged brownie.  I prefer mine cut fresh at Paul A Young and thick and dense.  This beautiful brownie was a welcome surprise.  With whole raspberries in the fluffy brownie, this was a delicious treat.  It is light but there is a flavour of butter and chocolate that mixes [...]

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I had the chance to visit the Pierre Herme concession at Selfridges and tried some of their lovely macarons.  I did not realise macarons didn’t always contain coconut and these were a delight so I thought I’d trust their chocolates.  I mentioned to the gentleman helping me that I was a harsh judge of chocolate [...]

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The truffles from the Pierre Herme concession at Selfridges were somewhat different from ones I would usually try myself.  I didn’t enjoy all the macaron chocolates and so these ones were somewhat worrying.  I am not universally in love with pistachio and yet it seems in vogue with chocolate makers. Truffe au praline – praline [...]

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I discovered the new Pierre Herme concession at Selfridges in London.  The beautiful area dedicated to these lovely pastries is both attractive and practical.  Talking to one of the French assistants I learned that these macarons are not macaroons but lovely almond pastries. These are made in Northern France and shipped to the UK daily [...]

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