Author Archive: Bryn Kirk
BarkThins Dark Chocolate Coconut with Almonds
May 22, 2020
I have to be honest. Staying at home during the corona virus pandemic is leading to weight gain! Seems that “snacking” has become a new hobby of mine. I try to snack in the best way possible, if that’s possible.
I’ve been creating my own snacks by making healthier substitutions in the traditional recipes. I counter balance with exercise (I love getting out for a bicycle ride) and I eat nutritious, healthy meals. Yet, there’s something so attractive about reaching for a ready-made, crunchy, sweet and salty something that takes over my rational mind.
Endangered Species Cacao Nibs + Dark Chocolate Review
May 15, 2020
Greetings from my “safer-at-home” office! I’m still here, quickly eating through my stash of chocolates. My previous bar, Mr. Dot Bar, did not satisfy me in the least so I made sure I grabbed a familiar, never fails to please, chocolate bar brand – Endangered Species.
Mr. Dot Bar Review
May 7, 2020
Still staying safely at home during the Covid-19 pandemic. As part of my everyday regimen, I exercise, keep connected on Zoom or Facetime, and of course, eat chocolate. I’ve dabbled in yardwork and organizing junk drawers, but for some reason those activities just don’t have the same appeal as chatting with friends and blogging about chocolate!
Raaka First Nibs
April 30, 2020
Last week I started talking about the chocolates I’ve been eating during my time of “safer at home.” I hope you were able to find or make stuffed dates covered in chocolate. Or, if not, had something equally fruity and delicious (chocolate covered strawberries or apricots comes to mind!).
So, what am I eating today? Right now I’m enjoying the last of my First Nibs selection from Raaka.
Chocolate Covered Stuffed Medjool Dates
April 22, 2020
Like most Americans right now, I’m following the guidelines of my state and federal governments’ orders for battling the global Covid-19 pandemic.
As I understand it, we all need to stay home and eat chocolate! (Didn’t I read that somewhere – especially the part about eating chocolate!?) Chocolate is comfort food in times of stress. And if eaten moderately with a 70% or higher cacao content, it’s good for the body as well as the soul.
Cacao de El Salvador – Part 4 (Xocolatísimo)
December 15, 2019
Continuing the El Salvador chocolate experience, the first thing I noticed as I walked into Xocolatísimo chocolate shop was an impressive looking arrangement of colorfully packaged chocolate bars covering almost the entire back wall.
Cacao de El Salvador – Part 3 (JEZ Chocolate)
November 27, 2019
Typically, cacao is grown in one part of the world while chocolate is manufactured and consumed in another. If you live in the United States, chances are the chocolate you’re eating is made from cacao gown in Africa or South America even though it was made in Switzerland or Pennsylvania.
Although it is rare, there are exceptions to this situation. In El Salvador, for example, chocolate shops are crafting chocolate bars, truffles, and hot cocoa drinks from the cacao grown in El Salvador. Sometimes, the business owner grows the cacao too.
Cacao de El Salvador – Part 2
October 23, 2019
A couple months ago I traveled to El Salvador to learn more about how reviving a traditional and ancient agricultural practice can generate income through sustainable environmental and economical development. What on earth am I talking about? Something near and dear to my heart. The Food of the Gods – el Cacao!
I begin at the beginning, following a community of farmers through the process of growing, harvesting, and preparing cacao beans for market...
Cacao de El Salvador – Part 1
September 30, 2019
I have so much good news to share about what’s going on in El Salvador! I spent a little over a week traveling in the eastern part of the country learning first hand from farmers and processors about the benefits and challenges of growing cacao in their region.
My head is bursting with all that I heard, saw and yes, tasted. As a result, I’m going to publish a series of blog posts about it all. My hope is to take everything currently trapped in my brain and write it down. And share some interesting stories and photos with you all.
CocoVaa – Again and Again!
September 21, 2019
Earlier this year I posted a blog about chocolatier extraordinaire, Syovata Edari, and her award-winning fine chocolates. I had received a large gift box at Christmas, and my tasting experience left quite an impression on me. The “Ohhhh yeah, this is incredible!” kind of impression. I knew there was going to be a visit to CocoVaa in my future.