At one point I was rolling the two around my mouth at the same time, coffee and chocolate, chocolate and coffee…  Then I experienced a new flavor emerge as I swallowed. 

This got me thinking about chocolate and coffee pairings!

I grabbed the first chocolate I could find in my drawer (we all have a secret stash of chocolate nearby, right?) and pulled out a mostly Ecuadorian blend of 73% cacao dark chocolate.  I let my coffee cool down just a bit so that I could better taste its subtle flavors. 

First, I enjoyed the aroma of the chocolate, identified some familiar flavors and then took a bite.  I allowed the chocolate to coat my mouth and took in the smooth texture. 

As the chocolate melted, the flavors really exploded.  Ecuadorian chocolate has one of my favorite flavor profiles.  It is fruity, with a hint of nut, and the finish is intensely chocolate and astringent on the tongue. 

Next, I smelled the coffee and identified as many flavors as I could just before taking a sip.  Seattle Reign is a gem of a coffee with rich flavors of roasted chocolate, mixed with mild earthy and nutty notes.

The chocolate and coffee blended very well and introduced me to a new level of flavor complexity.  I really enjoyed this pairing.

Since I am not as familiar with the flavor profiles of coffees as I am with chocolates, I will need to do some more research and some more pairings.  That means spending more mornings drinking coffee and eating chocolate.

Oh darn.

People who have a strong love for chocolate often enjoy other fine foods and beverages as well.  Perhaps you like drinks such as coffee, wine, or scotch.  

Are you picky about your morning cup of coffee?  Do you want a gourmet blend with exquisite flavor?  Or will any dark-brown sludge do as long as its got caffeine? 

Do you like a fine French Bordeaux wine or do you pick up the $2.95 bottle of “Red?” 

How about a Single Malt Scotch from Islay or do you say, “scotch, whiskey, vodka, what’s the difference?”

You might also enjoy fine flavorful foods like cheese.  Or you might enjoy certain combinations.  Of course cheeses and wines often pair well.  Chocolate and wine pair well.  Chocolate and coffee pair well.  Perhaps chocolate and scotch pair well too.  (Hmm, I might have to try this.)

Anyway, this brings me back to the question… As a lover of chocolate what other fine food or drink interests you?  Whether it’s one I mentioned above, or something I forgot about, please give me your thoughts.