Although this is another big ticket chocolate alternative, I think you will be satisfied nonetheless—and you'll never be able to look at Whitman's Samplers the same way again. For a less costly Belgian praline, I recommend Guylian's. I must acknowledge that their chocolate isn't as fine and melt-in-your-mouth prefect as Del Rey's, but it is still an admirable company to run a few "praline experiments" with—just to perceive which ones are the best. I highly advise anything from Guylian's that contains their hazelnuts, which feel like they've been baked in cinnamon or cloves, but I can't be sure. Their traditional hazelnut pralines come in a light chocolate mousse-like veneer and are a sure bet for those who have "a thing" for hazelnuts (which aren't quite so common in the U.S.). Aside from Belgium, Austria is home to some amazing chocolate makers as well. My preferred Austrian company, Demel, is what I can only term as the "Tiffany's" of chocolate. This is some of the most elegantly packaged and marketed chocolate in Europe, and also, the richest, most delightful substance I have ever relished. Demel Chocolate has a gorgeous website where you look at the place's beautiful ornate storefronts as well as view some of the past information about the company (which got its start in the late 1700's). Even if you're not out to spend a load of money on chocolate (and it doesn't take long to do that at Demel), I do recommend a look at their webpage. Whenever I do, I feel the way I do when I gaze into the window of a luxury jewelry shop. If you are looking to buy a gift from Demel, I would recommend the "Baton Bambous" which come in a collectible art nouveau styled box. They are a hazelnut sticks that are dipped in their exquisite chocolate—again, a hazelnut-lover's dream. I'm not sure which I like best, the box or the chocolate, but this is one of their offerings that you'll be able to afford ($24.00—a rough conversion from 19.50 Euro).
No comments:
Post a Comment