Here at James Chocolates we are passionate about food, and summer is a great time to try new things with loads of lovely fresh ingredients just waiting to jump onto the barbie.
We just love to try new combinations and ingredients and these often inspire our chocolate creations.
Whilst some people don't think summer is a time for chocolate, we believe its more about choosing the right combinations and occasions. So here is our pick of summer chocolates, what inspired them and when to enjoy them:
Moroccan chilli sardines- these little fellows are dark chocolate marinated in Moroccan spices. Inspired by spicy North African cuisine and spurred on by the success of chilli chocolate over the past few years we tried this unusual combination and found it to be a winner. The infusion of cinnamon, cumin, rose, sesame, orange and chilli makes them a warming spicy treat ideal to enjoy sat around a campfire gazing up at a starry sky.
Raspberry truffles - these fruity chocolate truffles are made with real pureed raspberry and a splash of balsamic vinegar. The combination of dark, syrupy Balsamic vinegar with deep red fruits such as strawberries and raspberries works well as a summery dessert and we couldn't resist trying it with chocolate. In these truffles the Balsamic vinegar stays very much in the background but brings out the fruit flavour of the raspberries. A fruity, indulgent treat at any time! Award winning - 2 gold Stars Great Taste 2010
Strawberry & black pepper bar - Strawberries and pepper is a classic combination in which the pepper lifts and deepens the strawberry flavour. White chocolate works perfectly we think as it allows the flavour of both the strawberry and the pepper to shine through. This little bar is ideal to enjoy on a sunny afternoon (maybe even chopped up and scattered on an icecream sundae). Award winning - 1 gold star Great Taste 2010
Moroccan mint discs - Mint and chocolate is hardly a new combination but this one was inspired by sweet Moroccan Mint tea and we think stands out (and so do the judges of the Great Taste awards as they have just given it a gold star). We take a cocoa rich Venezuelan single origin chocolate and add some sweet Demerara sugar and mint oil to create these gourmet minty masterpieces. They are ideal enjoyed as a little after dinner digestif (or pre bed-time treat!).
Lemon & Pepper discs - Fragrant pink peppercorns are often partnered with zesty lemon and we felt this combination would be great with creamy white chocolate. The tart lemon helps counteract the sweetness of the white chocolate and the pepper adds a little twist. A refreshing combination delicious enjoyed after a sunny picnic. Award winning - 2 gold stars Great Taste 2011
To get your hands on a free taster pack (worth £10) of all these lovely chocolates just spend £15 in our online store. Offer expires at the end of August 2011. Gift pack will be sent with the order.