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“Oh Gosh I LOVE that stuff”, I just found myself saying outloud, jumping up from the computer and grabbing another big hunk of V Chocolate’s Almond Toffee. It’s addicting stuff, that’s for sure, I even have to hide it from myself.

I recently visited V Chocolates newest retail location in the former Norwalk furniture store just south of the Fashion Place Mall in Murray, UT (East of the Macaroni Grill). It’s such a great location - tons of visibility and a quick on and off of State Street or I-215 to get there for a quick fix. They haven’t filled the whole former place with chocolate goodies, but it is a large location, and it could be temporary - I’m not sure. But what I do know, is their toffee is to die for.

I purchased a large box at the Utah Chocolate Show earlier this year, and had a nice chat with a couple people in their booth. I think they thought it rather funny I was such a huge fan. The 1lb box didn’t last long. I just keep chipping away and chipping away until it was gone and I wanted more. Perhaps it’s that bitter sweet crunchy combination. Hmmm.

So if you’re in the area, swing by and pick up some chocolates. You’ll be glad you did. Are there any other V Chocolate fans out there?

Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe
526 NW 23rd Avenue
Portland, OR 97210
http://www.moonstruckchocolate.com (Corporate Website)

My Ratings:

Review Summary:
While in Portland, Oregon recently I stumbled across the Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe on NW 23rd Ave. 23rd has all sorts of trendy/fun shops and restaurants and is a great place to find gifts for friends or for yourself. I must say first off that I am amazed at how beautiful their chocolates are. Wow. When they say “Minature Works of Art” on their “Meet the Truffles” page, they are not kidding. But not only do they look fantastic, they are even tastier. Very unique mixes of flavors. My only critique would be that they seemed very heavy on the dark chocolates as far as range of selection. Since I’m a huge milk chocolate fan, I guess this was one thing that stood out to me.

Here’s a recent tidbit I found on the Scharffenberger FAQ page that asks that very question:

Q: Does your chocolate spoil?

A: Eventually every food product will go past its prime. Dark chocolate, however, is one of the longest lasting and most stable foods you can buy. Our dark chocolate has a shelf life of approximately 18 months. If held properly, chocolate can last for years. That being said, many people wrongly identify the phenomenon of fat or sugar “bloom” as “spoiled” chocolate.

The best way to store a chocolate bar is in a cool, dry environment where it will not come in contact with heat or moisture. There is usually no need to refrigerate dark chocolate that you will use within 8 months to a year of purchase. If you live in a very hot or humid area and must refrigerate your chocolate, we suggest wrapping it tightly in an extra layer of plastic wrap to help protect the aroma and flavor. Always allow the refrigerated chocolate to warm to room temperature before eating. We suggest that you never freeze chocolate.

So what about that stuff that looks like mold? That white or grayish tint on it when it’s old?

Q: Why does chocolate sometimes get a white or gray sheen on it?

A: There are two possibilities for this: 1) the cocoa butter has “bloomed” because the chocolate got warm enough for the cocoa butter’s crystalline bonds to break and re-form in a “sloppy” pattern (”fat bloom”); or 2) condensation of water on the chocolate’s surface has caused “sugar bloom”. Neither type of bloom damages the chocolate for cooking purposes, but both make the chocolate grainy for eating out-of-hand.