In honour of this weekend’s Oscars®, we thought we’d bring you our own awards ceremony. We take a look back at the last year on Chocablog, and pick some of our favourites… and one of our least favourites!
We plan to make this an annual event, but knowing us, we’ll have completely forgotten by this time next year.
So, without further ado, the winners of this year’s Chocster Awards are:
Unfortunately, none of our winners can be here to receive their awards in person. Because we ate them. Sorry
When I think of Topic I always think of the line “a hazelnut in every bite.” Admittedly, my mind then connects to the playground joke that followed this advertising line, Q: “What has a hazelnut in every bite?” A: “Squirrel poo.” Strangely this never put me off Topics as a kid, and doesn’t now, although I think maybe it should.
With the promise of a hazelnut actually being in every bite I put it to the test when I daintily devoured my Topic. First bite: no hazelnut. Second bite: hmm maybe there was tiny piece in that one. Third Fourth and Fifth: definitely tiny pieces in these bites. Rather disappointing that I hadn’t so far actually munched on a whole hazelnut but to be fair, by now the hazelnut flavour was so clearly present, and, mixed with the tastes of milk chocolate, soft nougat and smooth caramel this was now a bar to savour. What a shame there was only one bite-ful remaining. The last bite: at last, at least 2 decent sized hazelnut pieces!
This made me think of the other advert from many years ago that ended with the lines “Topic! A hazelnut in every bite ! I remembered !!!” “Yes. Funny how you always remember right at the end”. Well, Mister Topic maker (Masterfoods), we only remember right at the end because that’s the only bit where there is a significant hazelnut content. Now, if I had had started eating this bar from the other end, I’d have remembered nothing and would have been in a real state of confusion. Wait, I’m like that anyway.
I’ve just discovered on Wikipediea that in 2002 there were a series of advertisements for Topic with the strap-line “A joy to eat, but a bitch to make”. I wish I’d heard these adverts. Worryingly I’m not aware of any advertising campaign since.
Is Topic ‘doing quite well on its own thank you’ or is it being ignored until it sulks away completely?
I’d hate to see the end of the Topic, but I’d like to see a bigger version. It’s just too tiny.
You could be forgiven for thinking Chocablog is slowly morphing into some kind of ‘Ritter Blog’, given that we (er… I…) have already reviewed five varieties of these 100g squares.
The fact is, we simply can’t resist good quality, every day chocolate with interesting fillings. But for those of you who do think we’re a little Ritter mad, I’ll try and keep this one short!
Suffice to say, we have yet another winner here. I’ve always been a fan of Rum & Raisin, but this is done really well. The aroma is almost overpowering (in a good way!) when you open the packet – but that’s not surprising, given this contains real rum!
The raisins are plump and juicy and taste like they’ve been soaked in the rum for a month, they have so much flavour. The hazelnuts add a little crunch and texture, and the chocolate – as you’d expect – is delicious.
So there you have it. Ritter Sport Rum Raisins Hazelnuts. The perfect gift for that special chocaholic/alchohic person in your life. Yum.
It was with some trepidation I opened this small box from Chocolate Heaven just seconds after the postman had handed it to me, because I knew what was inside. Hot Chilli Lips.
You see, me and chilli don’t generally mix well. I don’t mind spicy food, but I do kind of object to my mouth being in pain for three days after eating it.
But upon opening the box, temptation got the better of me. Inside were 5 large, sumptuous, hand-made dark chocolates. Shaped like lips, each with a red marbled effect… a warning, perhaps.
I looked at them for a minute. Should I? No. I should photograph them first. I must resist.
Thirty seconds later, the chocolates were photographed and I nervously bit into one. Oooooh.. very nice chocolate – very smooth and tasty without being overly bitter… and a soft, fruity filling. Tasty. But I can’t taste any chilli!
So I popped the rest of the chocolate into my mouth and let it melt.
Three seconds later…
“Owww!! Oh….! Oooooooooooh! Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!”
Ok. They definitely contain chili… and it’s…. wonderful! Not hot hot, but definitely warm enough to make you sit up and take notice.
These chocolates are sneaky. They lure you in with a delicious dark belgian chocolate and fruity filling, but cunningly wait a few seconds before hitting you with the chilli.
But then, almost as quickly as it appears, the hotness starts to fade and just leaves you with that rich dark chocolate flavour in your mouth.
As I finished eating, I found myself giggling. You see, Chilli Lips are not only sophisticated and delicious, but they’re also fun. From the shape down to the short, sharp chilli hit, they’re gently playing with your mind. They leave you wanting more, despite the fact you know they’re going to get you again.
Now these aren’t ‘every day’ chocolates – at £4.99 for 10 chocolates (120g), they’re a little expensive for that. But you have to remember, these are high quality, hand made chocolates – and if you ask me, they’re worth every penny.
So if you know someone special who loves chocolate as well as something a little spicy, these are the perfect gift. Particularly if you happen to have forgotten Chocablog Day and need to say sorry.
