After writing about those truly awful caramels from Oh! Chocolates in Washington state, I feel that I need to reassure you that there is still good caramel in the world. Such as caramel from Vosges. But is there other good caramel out there? I found it necessary to investigate with some caramels from another Seattle chocolatier, Theo.
Though I picked these up at Biagio here in DC, and not in Seattle, my hope was that this box would restore my faith in the ability of chocolatiers in Washington state to make caramels that don’t have the texture of old tar. I was encouraged by subtle aromas of peppermint and coffee. Could it be?
The chocolate shell indicated that this might be a very nice treat, as it is thin and soft. This makes it easy to bite into the caramel for examination, which I was eager to do so that I could discern whether or not this was truly a worthy caramel creation.
It turns out that the caramel is fairly nice. It is just a bit chewy for my tastes, but not to the point that it could be described as tough. The peppermint flavor is mild at first, and intensifies during consumption, such that the last few bits are like chewing on a soft candy cane. As it is a bit overpowering at the end, I’d prefer a more even flavor release, but in the middle of the experience, there is a perfect blend of deep caramel, peppermint, and a hint of chocolate that is just right. That one moment alone is worth it.
Have you had peppermint caramel before?
I've never had peppermint caramel before...in fact, that's never a flavor combination I've ever considered. Not sure how I feel about it. O.o
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that these caramels were much better than the last ones you tasted. Caramel is probably my 2nd favorite sweet flavor behind chocolate, and I was disappointed that the previous caramels you'd tried were so sub-par. ;_;
Ooh I am so not a peppermint fan. I've had Theo's mint bar, which I could hardly choke my way through.
ReplyDeleteBut that's just me, and with that said, these caramels do look quite professional; much better than the crummy ones from the days of yore. I too like the looks of the thin chocolate shell.
I don't know if I would care for a peperment caramel. I'm not a big peppermint person to begin with. I enjoy chewy chocolate though-but maybe that is just me. :)
ReplyDeleteI have not, and while I do enjoy Theo chocolate, I think I'd try their other flavours first. Not quite my cuppa tea, I don't think!
ReplyDeleteI'm from Seattle, but living in DC, so was so excited to see this post! I love Theo AND Biaggio! Chocolate sample day tomorrow from 3-6pm...
ReplyDeleteI love peppermint and caramel...but peppermint caramel? Definitely have never had that combo.
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