Haut Chocolat

So while on my recent trip to Chicago, I discovered Vosges Haut Chocolat. The first time I read the description  I had a mental picture of hot chocolate in a cup and a side of churros, instead of "Haut Chocolat" which I figure is their version of Haut Couture but for chocolate. So before even trying them I knew that I was in for something along the lines of super fancy chocolates dressed in Louboutin's and clad in Dior.

I may have been too literal but I guess the point of Vosges is to dress the cacao in one or more flavor combinations that actually work. And just like the churros with hot chocolate, I guess it's the combination of sweet and that unexpected saltiness in every bite that does the trick.

With Vosges variety of flavour combos like olives and champagne or sea salt and toasted coconut you almost get a full meal in every bite!

Is there anything as "Haut" as this over there? I'm curious to find out what the Oz version might be.

Secret Pleasures Not For Public Viewing

I bet you were wondering what on earth this was going to be about!

Well, that's what Mother Meg says about her biscuits - and I think I get what she means. They are oh so delicious. Last July, when Mrs. G. and Nole came to Sydney, Mrs. G and I scoured through the food hall of David Jones on Market Street. As you know, food window shopping is one of our greatest pleasures in life. So, we chanced on a pack of biscuits: Mother Meg's Pecorino Cheese and Green Olive. They were incredibly yummy bite sized biscuits with the just the right crisp, and wow, could you taste the cheese and olives in them. You can tell they don't scrimp on ingredients, these biscuits are bursting with flavor. As the package reads: when making biscuits, precise measurements are vital, after all - it's chemistry! If this is her idea of chemistry, then I'm all for it! I guess that's why I'll never be an excellent baker, I just don't have the patience for precise measurements. But Mother Meg - she's obviously precise and has mastered the ionic bonding between her green olives and pecorino cheese. And guess what, she uses all organic ingredients - from the whole wheat flour to the egg yolks and everything else in between.

Don't you just love her packaging too? The copy on it is so entertaining: Guaranteed to bring squeals of delight to those you love! So, Mrs. G, Nole, Mr. P and I are avid fans of cheese.  Though there were no squeals, (imagine Nole squealing?!) we were delighted. 

On that note, I will end with this last Mother Meg quote: Savoury treats are not wicked, nor are they sinful - they are there to be enjoyed. Sure Mother Meg, we enjoyed them, but based on the buttery goodness, I'll have to disagree with you on the sinful part. But your biscuits are well worth it.