Chocolate is a delicious treat that millions around the world enjoy on a regular basis. Some chocolates are sold without any extra flavours or fillings, while others are full of nuts, raisins, cereal, caramel, and even liqueur. If you are planning on enjoying chocolate with other snacks, however, it’s important to understand how to pair your chocolate with the right flavours in order to enjoy the most delicious combinations.
White chocolate is known for its delicate flavour and lack of actual cocoa. While it does contain cocoa butter, the quantity is considerably lower than that found in milk or dark chocolate. White chocolate pairs well with flavours like sea salt caramel, maple syrup, cardamom, wasabi, lemon or lime, cranberry, orange, and strawberries. You could also opt for a more nutty flavour with cashews, macadamia nuts, or hazelnuts. If you enjoy coffee or tea, you will love white chocolate alongside a cup of Matcha Tea, Colombian or Costa Rican coffee. In terms of alcoholic beverages, try orange moscat, vintage port, or even chocolate stout.
Milk chocolate is probably the most popular of all types of chocolate because of its creamy and sweet chocolate flavour. It’s not quite as sweet as white chocolate but not bitter like certain types of dark chocolate. Milk chocolate tastes great with caramel, honey, coconut, orange, strawberries, and raspberries. You can even enjoy yours with peanuts, walnuts or, if you’re feeling adventurous, crispy bacon! When selecting your beverage, consider smoked black tea, Colombian coffee, Chai Tea, or even a raspberry beer!
Some might say that dark chocolate is an acquired taste. This is mostly because we tend to become accustomed to the sweeter varieties and this makes the darker, cocoa rich chocolate taste bitter. If enjoyed in moderation, however, dark chocolate offers many health benefits. You can also enhance its flavour by pairing it with sea salt caramel, mint, cardamom, wasabi, cinnamon, lime, berries, grapes, currants, pine nuts, hazelnuts, and even salmon or shrimp! Enjoy yours with Earl Grey tea, Dark-roast coffee, or even some Pinot Noir.
No matter what kind of chocolate you prefer, pairing it with the proper flavours will make it that much more appealing to your pallet. Keep an open mind when it comes to certain combinations and don’t be scared to try something that sounds a little bit strange! Remember – sweet and salty flavours create just the right amount of contrast that they compliment one another!