For some, the most perfect taste bud-tingling indulgence on the planet is tucked away inside a chocolate box, offering a transcendental pat-on-the-back/stress-relieving experience that is practically impossible to rival. Those in the know recognize that the promise of a rich silky taste sensation melting slowly upon the tongue is enough to get the party started -- holidays need not apply. Such anticipation and pure delight...all for a dark brown edible square composed of ground cocoa mass blended with sugar and a hearty dose of fat. Go figure. Imagine what happens when dark chocolate solids collide with luscious fillings, all organically sourced - talk about a chocoholic's deepest darkest dreams coming true. Fortunately for aficionados of the cacao bean, the offerings of Seth Ellis Chocolatier deliver a silky reality that will make them think twice before ever daring to purchase mainstream versions again.
The Boulder, Colorado-based purveyor of "high integrity," hand-crafted, artisan boxed chocolates is committed to offering one of life's greatest pleasures in its purest organic form. This goal is clearly reflected in their multi-piece assortment featuring the distinctively robust flavor of organic Ecuadoran chocolate accented with truffle and fresh fruit enhanced ganache fillings. Every chocolate in Seth Ellis' line lacks artificial colorings, flavorings or preservatives and when you peruse their ingredients list, you can't help but be reminded just how refreshing it is to understand every single word that you're reading. From candied Australian ginger and Guatemalan/Ethiopian coffee to Ugandan vanilla and orange peel, it is immediately clear that diving into their collection is going to be a very delightful culinary adventure accented by nature's most distinctively appealing flavors.
Their 18 piece assortment, which retails for $24.99, contains 9 different flavors and can be ordered online or via Colorado based Whole Foods Markets, Ozo Coffee, Brewing Market, Glacier Ice Cream or REI stores. If you are intrigued but would prefer a smaller out-of-pocket expense, then consider buying their 9 piece assortment for a more modest $14.99. All of Seth Ellis' offerings taste very fresh - in fact, dare I say "clean" and authentic in flavor -- and are head and shoulders above mainstream truffle selections that are traditionally waxy. Without further ado, here's a blow-by-blow account of what you can expect when you dive in:
Candied Lemon: One quarter of a preserved lemon slice dipped in a liberal coating of dark chocolate with a milk chocolate drizzle accent. Excellent pick-me-up...not too chewy...perfectly toothsome and tangy with the right balance of dark chocolate oomph.
Caramel Snobinette: Absolute melt-in-your-mouth whipped caramel center surrounded by a thick milk chocolate shell - the subdued sweetness of the mild, light caramel is heavenly and addictive.
Blueberry Truffle: A dark and white chocolate shell gives way to a delicious berry truffle center that is reminiscent of yogurt - well worth the calories.
Ginger Truffle: The chocolate pudding interior stands out thanks to its very mild ginger kick made even more exciting with the addition of soft, chewy candied ginger accents.
Mint Truffle: Refreshingly clean mint flavor complements the milk chocolate truffle interior - melds together beautifully and would serve as an excellent after dinner palate cleanser that lingers long after the treat has fully dissolved on your tongue.
Coffee Truffle: Firm outer chocolate shell redolent of a dipped ice cream cone with a smooth coffee-flavored center that is prominent but not overpowering.
Milk Chocolate Truffle: Thick outer shell with a rich creamy pudding like interior - both melt together harmoniously and would be pleasing to all palates.
Raspberry Truffle: Very firm chocolate truffle interior infused with authentic berry flavor studded with actual seeds. Flavor deepens as you allow the truffle to melt in your mouth.
Lemon Truffle: Immediate hit of lemon essence - tiny candied lemon surprise awaits within...quite nice! Interior melts very fast, leaving a thick shell of firm dark chocolate behind.
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