Skulls. I love them. Not only because it’s October, but because I dig their shape. Their mystery. The whole philosophy of existence thing. Yorick? Yeah, I didn’t know him, but I sure did peek at his skull a time or two. But sometimes I just want something to sink my teeth into, and Portland, Maine’s Chocolats Passion has got me covered. Two treats in one – skulls and dark chocolate? Yes please.
These individual pieces are perfectly rendered, and painted with tinted white chocolate. The attention to detail is staggering; I can barely draw a straight line, yet these beauties have red in their sockets, golden teeth, and a splash of gold on the “parietal” that could be the sun glinting on them…or the reason for their demise. Six of one, half dozen of the other, I say.
The chocolate itself is delicious. Smooth and creamy, belying the 75% cacao the covering is made of. The chocolate is substantial, but not so thick it’s impossible to bite into. And in biting, I was rewarded with a soft, almost-but-not-quite liquid caramel that’s full of buttery, creamy goodness. Like many high-quality molded chocolates, these pieces are made of two parts, bisected into the anterior/front with the teeth & eyes, and postirior/back with the “bulb” of the skull. (Who knew I’d be dipping into my ancient Anatomy & Phys knowledge for a candy review?) The Front Part is filled with that soft caramel, and the Back Part has a hint of caramel and lots of crispy, organic, rice puffs. These puffs are tiny, but lend a fun chew. Want brains? Well, in candy form they’re puffed. You’re welcome.
The box I received had four dark chocolate skulls, but a milk chocolate version was available for those more prone to milky goodness. The presentation is lovely, with the small USPS box filled with black crepe paper scattered with iridescent glitter, the small black box – and Nordic Ice block to keep things cold – nestled inside. I especially love the ribbon used to tie the chocolates box; stripes of purple, orange, black, and silver. I’ll be trying to figure out how to make that into a bracelet so I can enjoy it after the chocolates have gone. (I’ll try my best to keep the last two bites for later…but I make no promises. They’re here, they’ll have to understand my willpower is nonexistent. Their lives are forfeit.)
Unfortunately, these Skulls – in fact their entire Halloween collection – are sold out. But Chocolats ability to deliciously craft these tiny pieces of heaven are worth taking a look around the site to see what strikes your fancy. And believe me, there’s plenty to drool over, and with the New Year gaining on us? Hey, Valentine’s Day. For you or yourself. I’m just saying.
