Monday, May 9, 2011

Compartes: Salt and Lavender Truffles

Since the standard-sized box I selected during my visit to Compartes in Los Angeles had room for five chocolates, I picked a couple of wild cards to go with my plain and fruit truffles. And how could I not include the sea salt truffle, which continues my quest to find the perfect salted chocolate? I couldn’t. Especially not when sharks adorn the top of the truffle. I’m an aquatic creature, just like sharks

Doubt me? Check out my 50k in May Challenge page, which is tracking my swimming distance for this month. But first, check out what this truffle is like.

The truffle has a faint aroma of coffee, and the couverture tastes a bit acidic and is actually a bit dry. The inside, on the other hand, is buttery. And salty. Very, very salty. In a way, it’s similar to eating salted butter straight (yes, I have done this. Don’t judge me). The chocolate is not very sweet, but does feature a bit of an earthy flavor to hint at the chocolate that’s there. Unfortunately, I found the same issue with this piece as with the others – the couverture and interior simply aren’t well-matched in terms of texture. You basically have to eat this all at once, or you’ll get chocolate on your light-colored skirt.

It’s worth it. The salt may be a bit heavy, but it works out with the texture.

The last piece I selected was a lavender truffle, which I selected because I love lavender in chocolate creations, as you will note from this custard recipe. Also, because purple is my favorite color. I even own a set of purple measuring cups (really). And this truffle was purple. It spoke to me.

Chocolates seem to talk to me a lot. I think I will start calling myself “The Chocolate Whisperer.” But first, I will review this truffle, which offers a faint but pleasing aroma of lavender. The ganache is fairly firm and actually holds up to the couverture, which made it much easier to enjoy slowly. The lavender is also well-matched to the chocolate, and compliments rather than overwhelming it.

Some folks say you can’t judge truffles by beautiful art on the couverture. But in this case, the lovely lavender exterior gave way to a lovely lavender chocolate. Perfect.

Do you enjoy artistically-decorated truffles?

13 comments:

  1. I simply adore lavender chocolate. Which is funny, because I detest lavender as an aroma. I think it smells like old ladies. Luckily, it doesn't taste like old ladies. The end.

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  2. @Hannah When was the last time you tasted an old lady? I'm intrigued

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  3. Eew old lady tasting. Australia is weird!

    I love lavender chocolate too. And those sharks are really cute (as cute as sharks can get). I at first thought this was going to be a salt/lavender combo truffle, which I'm not sure about. Actually, I am. I think it would be delicious.

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  4. What a fun review. I love the sharks, such a nice touch of whimsy & humor. I haven't yet decided how I feel about lavender. I have a bunch of dried lavender in the fridge and use it in baking but for some reason I have a hard time escaping the fact it tastes a bit like eating potpurri. Yes, I'm weird.

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  5. Cool review!!!! Both truffles look gorgeous, and sound like they taste even better!!! :D

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  6. Yes. I love artistic chocolates. My mouth is melting just staring at them.

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  7. wow who doesn't enjoy those!? even just to look at is enjoyment ;) almost too good to sink your teeth into

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  8. Nice review! Every time you describe a flavor I like I suddenly find myself craving that kind of chocolate...how weird :)
    I love the salty and sweet combination that you first tried, but I have never had anything with lavender! To me lavender is an aroma that doesn't really belong in food, I know I'm wrong though ha. I will have to trying something like this!

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  9. Those truffles are so pretty! You should definitely call yourself the chocolate whisperer haha. Never tried lavender but I think when I do it should be mixed with chocolate. :)

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  10. Your posts always make me want chocolate...no matter what time of day it is:). Thanks for the recommendation for using greek yogurt in the mashed cauliflower! Great suggestion, I will definitely try that next time!:)

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  11. oh my gosh those look beautiful! :)

    I have to say I have never had such an artistic piece of chocolate, they almost seem to pretty to eat. Almost... ;)

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  12. Okay, so I am totally a sucker for how they decorate their truffles. Sharks! Purple plaid! Plus, they all sound like winners flavor-wise.

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  13. I love artistically decorated truffles. Love the sharks (I am a mad scuba diver/water creature too). the lavender truffle looks just lovely!

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