It’s probably obvious from my posts on the chocolate caramel and the classic caramels from Oh! Chocolates in Mercer Island, WA that I’m not really a fan of their work. Sadly, there are still two caramels. I was kind of happy to see this box empty out, but kept an open mind with what sounded like some intriguing flavors: strawberry balsamic and coffee. I started out with the strawberry balsamic, as it sounded more unusual.
The milk chocolate is creamy and soft, and is by far the best part.
It’s the best part because even though this caramel boasts the addition of a strawberry layer for added interest, the whole interior is exceptionally tough, strawberry layer included. The strawberry flavor is so dominant that there’s no balsamic flavor evident, and the only other thing that comes through is the overwhelming sugar. Against a super-tough texture. Complete disaster.
May I suggest that if you are interested in something strawberry-balsamic flavored with chocolate included, you make ice cream using Jessica’s recipe and give this caramel a pass? It must be better. Way better.
One more chocolate to go. Could I stomach it? I was unsure, but ventured on to sample the coffee caramel.
The dark chocolate covering this caramel had little flavor other than some very slight earthiness.
That earthiness was nearly impossible to pick up against the piercing artificial coffee flavor in the tough, chewy caramel. The overall effect is the taste of old, bad coffee – but on a good note, it’s not sickeningly sweet like most of the other caramels in the box.
Little comfort. Here’s some real comfort: if you haven’t had these caramels, you are missing nothing good. Believe me.
What’s the worst box of caramels you’ve ever had?
I don't think I've ever had a whole box of caramels (I've never been so fortunate!). In fact, I think I've had more homemade caramels than those made by others, so I guess I've been spoiled with soft subtley flavored delights.
ReplyDeleteBut. I know the suckiness that is overly chewy and overly flavored caramels, and I think we should PROTEST! America, are you listening? Mercer Island, WA, how about you? Someone?
How lame! Boo! Hiss!
ReplyDeleteOr, you know, we could just macerate beautiful ripe strawberries in balsamic and top them with chocolate coated cocoa nibs :)
That's awful how bad these caramels are!!!!!
ReplyDeleteUgh, those pink pepto bismal caramels...I dont even think they qualify as "real" candies!!! LOL
ReplyDeletehmm, bummer that this box was a dud, but thanks for the shout out! I still have some of that ice cream in the freezer...think I'm savoring it.
ReplyDeleteOh goodness, I am so sorry most of these have been pretty gross! I am really not a fan of chocolates + fruit in anyway, shape or form! So those strawberry ones would be an absolute no for me. I accidentally ate a caramel once with a banana filling....*shudder*
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