Chocolate is perhaps the best tool of all. Of course, if I was stuck on the prairie with bodies to clothe, food to procure, and a shelter to build, I may not think so. Then again, maybe I would.
I've come to the conclusion that if I'm going to splurge, then I'm going to splurge. When I want chocolate, I want the good kind, not some cheap, grainy, make-your-mouth-sore chocolate wanna-be. Good chocolate, or no chocolate at all. Same goes for ice cream, cake, butter, mayonaise, and so forth. Why bother if it isn't any good? In the end, what real pain is there in spending $2 on chocolate satisfaction over $0.50 on chocolate disappointment? This is my thinking.
My favorite, easy-grab indulgence is the Ritter Sport Butter Biscuit bar from Germany. It's creamy and dreamy. I'm sure there are plenty of other varieties that are just as delicious, but this is one of my all-time favorites AND the Target nearby has them displayed at their checkout stands -- which adds an undeniable convenience factor to the equation.
When I'm feeling extra snazzy, I may even venture to the other side of the store to grab one of Ritter Sport's other varieties. They make a surprisingly fantastic Cornflakes bar and I'm ga-ga for their Marzipan bar as well.
Good chocolate. Chocolate, good.
How about you? Who makes your favorite chocolate bar? Or, if you're not into chocolate, then how in the world do you get by? Do tell.
i'm not so much a chocolate snob, but more of a snob if i don't get my chocolate. and as much as i adore chocolate, i don't like it solo - must have nuts or crunchies or caramel. mmmmm! btw, i think ritter "sport" is a hilarious name for a chocolate company!
Posted by: lindsey - the pleated poppy | March 16, 2011 at 03:19 PM
I adore the Ritter Sport Cornflake and also the Strawberry! Oh, my YUM!
And Lindt Lindors. . . .
Posted by: Staci | March 16, 2011 at 03:20 PM
I like the Ritter Cornflake. The Ritter biscuit doesn't have enough biscuit! Have you had the Five Star Bars? Heaven!
Posted by: jennie w. | March 16, 2011 at 03:23 PM
Well, THEO Cholcolate is the best but being a native of the Pacific Northwest I favor local and not just them but they are really, really good. I like very dark chocolate but sometimes not so with a bit of sea salt (Fran's makes a really, really great one). THEO has this dark one with cacao originating from Madagascar that's like 84% that is perfection. Add good red wine and there is really nothing else you can ask for outside of world peace.
Posted by: merr | March 16, 2011 at 03:24 PM
I'm in the UK but if you can get it you MUST try green and blacks "Cherry" chocolate - Simply divine!
And I agree, if your going to do something, do it properly!
Posted by: SarahRacheal | March 16, 2011 at 03:35 PM
I just tried the ChocoLove bar- dark chocolate with seasalt and almonds. It was amazing. You can find ChocoLove bars at Cost Plus World Market and Target, though the varieties always seem to change.
Posted by: Stella | March 16, 2011 at 03:37 PM
I love chocolates lightly scented with lavander, Dagoba makes a good one. The best chocolate I've had so far is from Galler in Belgium. Holy Cow! It's worth the flight but I think you get it on the internets too. ;)
Posted by: Sharon | March 16, 2011 at 03:42 PM
Scharffenberger Bittersweet and Semisweet are my go to chocolates. Dark and barely sweet goes perfectly with my other vice--coffee.
Why is it that fabric and chocolate go so well together?
Posted by: Melissa P | March 16, 2011 at 03:48 PM
For big splurges, I will go buy a few pieces of See's candies at the See's store. But, my favorite chocolate, and I am not kidding here, is Girardelli's milk chocolate chips. If I buy a bag to, you know, bake cookies......I had better bake them fast or I am going to eat the whole bag. YUM!!
Posted by: Sivje Parish | March 16, 2011 at 03:55 PM
Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate filled with Raspberry or Caramel is my nightly indulgence. Just one little square is enough.
Posted by: Grams | March 16, 2011 at 04:05 PM
I'm with SarahRachael (and British). Green and Blacks but the one with crystallised Ginger or almond http://www.greenandblacks.com or a local to me chocolatier http://www.montezumas.co.uk/
Where my Mum lives there is a chain of chocolatier called Mama Babelutte and their stuff is pretty darned good!
Posted by: Rosanne Derrett | March 16, 2011 at 04:11 PM
Oh yeah...I love good stuff...Ritter is definitely one of my most favorites!!! Do you have a Trader Joe's nearby? They have some really good chocolate too...at an excellent price!
Posted by: Martha | March 16, 2011 at 04:14 PM
I like Ritter too....though I agree with Jennie that is needs more biscuit! I used to think my mom was crazy for being a bit of a chocolate snob, but I've totally joined her. "Regular" candy bars don't really taste good anymore.
Posted by: Kristin | March 16, 2011 at 04:25 PM
My fave from Ritter Sport is Olympia (yogurt, honey, nuts and dextrose), but I'm not sure they sell it in the US. Otherwise I prefer dark chocolate, there's a really nice Fairtrade one in my local supermarket. We have a saying: "If in heaven there's no chocolate, I wouldn't wanna go there." :)
Best!
Posted by: Nina | March 16, 2011 at 05:25 PM
B.T. McElrath Salty dog (best chocolate bar ever) Dark chocolate, sea salt and toffee bits.
Posted by: hark | March 16, 2011 at 05:27 PM
I am exactly like you! I can only eat very good chocolate.. while reading your post I felt the need of a delicious Lindor Truffle (the new Easter kind with the green wrapper!..), and that's what I'm eating right now! ;)
Posted by: Luisellabella | March 16, 2011 at 05:38 PM
Ritter Sport is my DH's favorite, raisins & hazelnut. Me, I'll wait for a Lindt (Swiss). Their Lindor truffles dark chocolate, the blue label is one I'll wait for.
oh btw, Heather, I just printed off, again, your binding recipe for a friend I am teaching to quilt. Thanks so much for developing the instructions and sharing it with us. You're the best!
Posted by: peggyann | March 16, 2011 at 05:41 PM
Ritter's dark choco with hazelnuts is nommy, so is the one with corn flakes!
I like to ask people the question if you were stranded on an island with only one food to eat, what would it be? My father said chocolate. Not because he likes it but because it is high in calories and fat and has many nutrients!
Posted by: Mary Y. | March 16, 2011 at 07:32 PM
Anything made by Valrhona. Hands down its my very favorite chocolate on the planet.
Posted by: Amy | March 16, 2011 at 09:27 PM
Lindt Excellence dark with a touch of sea salt. To die for.
Posted by: Sara | March 16, 2011 at 10:31 PM
Green And Black's all the way... The ginger and the cherry particularly. I don't know if you get it in American shops? It's on the interweb if not: http://www.greenandblacksdirect.com/
Posted by: Zoelouwhite | March 17, 2011 at 02:49 AM
Anything made by Green & Black's. They make the best chocolate. It is organic and most importantly it is made with fair trade cocoa. Jacinta
Posted by: embracingitall | March 17, 2011 at 03:28 AM
oooo...I love Ritter. Milk chocolate is my current fave. I usually allow myself one every month or so.
See's truffles are to die for!
Posted by: Maria | March 17, 2011 at 05:28 AM
We have become quite the chocolate snobs too. I'm with you as far as no longer being willing to eat icky chocolate. What's the point? I'd rather have no chocolate than bad chocolate. We've become big fans of dark chocolate but Milk Chocolate still makes me smile the most.
Posted by: Karla | March 17, 2011 at 07:24 AM
I totally agree that if you're going to have a treat, it ought to be a delicious one that's well worth the calories.
My favorite chocolate is made by AMANO. It's produced in Provo, UT and is the first US chocolate to be given awards at the world's biggest and most renowned chocolate competition! Yum, yum, yum.
Posted by: Britt | March 17, 2011 at 08:04 AM
Heather, you're a woman after my own heart. The Ritz Butter Biscuit bars are my absolute, hands-down favorite. First runner up is Cadbury's Fruit & Nut bar. :)
Posted by: Meg in CT | March 17, 2011 at 09:32 AM
chocolate covered potato chips. Yum!
Posted by: Dora Taylor | March 17, 2011 at 11:46 AM
Romolo's Chocolate made in Erie, PA!!! there is nothing better than their krispy meltaways and their chocolate covered potato chips.
Oh how I miss them.......
Posted by: Elizabeth Ward | March 17, 2011 at 11:55 AM
YES! Ritter Marzipan - I LOVE it! Dark chocolate and marzipan is a match made in heaven.
Posted by: Ann | March 17, 2011 at 12:51 PM
Mast Bros Chocolate, processed from bean to bar by hand by two brothers in Brooklyn. At $9 a bar it's certainly pricey, but delicious and a must-try for everyone
Posted by: Steph | March 17, 2011 at 01:22 PM
Have you ever tried zotter?
http://www.zotter.at/.
They make great chocs - and they use fairtrade products. I love all their dark chocs.
Posted by: Lily | March 17, 2011 at 01:35 PM
Mmm...Amano! It's delicious. But my favorite is La Maison du Chocolat from France. Chocolate heaven! Also, Valrona, and Dagoba are good. My husband brought some Rococo chocolate back from his last trip to England which we enjoyed a lot. Too bad I'm off sugar! I'm having major cravings right now!
Posted by: AmyH | March 17, 2011 at 02:05 PM
Chocolove Raspberry!
Posted by: DIana | March 17, 2011 at 02:46 PM
I'm a dork, but I like those Lila Pause bars, oh and kinder eggs. I have my sister send them to me from Europe. Otherwise I will eat local chocolate from the farmers market here in Kailua. Some of the Kona coffee bean people are getting into chocolate.
Posted by: Jessica | March 17, 2011 at 03:01 PM
I'm a fair trade chocolate girl. Cocoa Camino has the yummiest around and I looove the caramel crunch...and the coconut...and the mint...oh oh and the new raspberry.
Posted by: Hanna | March 17, 2011 at 08:49 PM
Green and Blacks milk chocolate which is actually half milk half dark.
Or the Lindt dark chocolate with sea salt.
And YEAH - quality chocolate all the way!
(And don't tell anyone but Cadbury Cream Eggs for easter!)
Posted by: Bree | March 17, 2011 at 09:59 PM
I love the Ritter Sport bars, they are my go-to chocolate bar as well (I hear ya on the "if you're gonna do it, do it right!" note).
My favourite boxed chocolates are Leonidas from Belgium. Hubby spent many many weeks over there a few years ago, and now I'm totally hooked. They're cheap in Belgium, but you pay an arm and a leg for imported ones here in Canada. Worth it, though, as a treat once or twice a year!
Posted by: Anne | March 18, 2011 at 08:51 AM
I love Sees chocolate truffles. I go on there website and constantly design the perfect box, then get off the computer and take care of my real life :) I've never tried these biscuits but beautiful is the day that my husband (or anyone) shows up with a box of sees truffles! *sigh*
Posted by: Hillary | March 18, 2011 at 10:36 AM
YUM, yum! I love Ritter Chocolate. My fav is the Marzipan, although it's a poor substitute for my mother's hand dipped version. Good Friday - end of the week post!
Posted by: Marian H | March 18, 2011 at 01:28 PM
Hello Heather, I am so glad you like the Ritter Chocolate. I could eat tons of it, I am from Germany so I am spoiled with excellent chocolate.My favorite is the Yoghurt, the one you eat, Marzipan and the one with the big hazelnuts. Oh boy, I could eat something now.
Love your blog.
Posted by: Hanni | March 18, 2011 at 04:09 PM
Cadbury Fruit and Nut or Sees are my favorites!!
However, if there's a Ritter strawberry I must
Try it!
Posted by: Lori | March 19, 2011 at 12:40 AM
Hi Heather,
I am totally agreeing with you.
I Love America, became an American last year.
But I totally luv the chocolate from Belgium or the Netherlands. Since I am born and raised in The Netherlands how could i not. I admit. I'll lift my nose to Hershey's, totally tastes like sour milk to me. Hubby says I just did not grow up with it and so are not used to it. Well, How could I possibly get used to sour milk. Dah,
Anyway, If I am in a snazzy mood. Bring me Good choc. or no choc. at al.
Posted by: Sandy B. | March 19, 2011 at 06:37 PM
I'm not a big chocolate cake, brownie, chocolate cookie person, but I do love good chocolate candy. Probably hands down the best candy ever is See's candy dark chocolate bordeaux. I can pass up most anything but not these! Thank goodness we don't have a See's candy in Oklahoma! That is why it is a real treat...........!
Posted by: jackie | March 20, 2011 at 09:28 AM
Granite State Candy in Concord, NH makes amazing chocolate. I'm allergic to chocolate but can get my "fix" just walking into the shop and taking a deep breath. I do splurge at Christmas time - my asthma is already acting up, so the splurge doesn't make a huge difference in my breathing problems. I'm just sayin'. However, I work with and quilt with chocoholics, so I should add this to my Targets list (along with the spray starch Carrie Nelson recommends!)
Posted by: SuzK | March 22, 2011 at 01:09 PM
i love cadbury chocolate from the UK. love it.
Posted by: folksmith | March 22, 2011 at 06:08 PM
We have become fond (meaning addicted) to Callebaut's 70% dark chocolate. Here is where I confess that I buy it in an 11 pound block...here is where you can imagine my glee when the UPS driver comes on that day....11 pounds of chocolate does last us a while but we do put a nice dent in it... :D
Posted by: Tracey | March 22, 2011 at 06:55 PM
huge fan of the ritter hazelnut. went to switzerland recently and i can honestly say the chocolate was divine. oh, the lindt chocolate with sea salt is yummy too!
Posted by: lisa | March 22, 2011 at 08:31 PM
I just found your blog! Beautiful!!!
I'll keep reading :)
Have a beautiful day!
Posted by: Maria | March 23, 2011 at 07:30 AM
Mmm- I got to go to the Ritter Sport factory when I lived in Germany for a summer. It was heaven! I LOVE the Ritter with hazelnuts, but anything with chocolate and caramel is also fine by me.
And by the way, this is off subject... but I'm not sure if you're aware of this potential pattern copycat.... http://retro-mama.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Amy | March 24, 2011 at 11:34 AM
My splurge, at a whopping $4.95 a bar, is the Salty Dog Bar by B.T. McElrath out of Minneapolis. THE best chocolate on earth. seriously, that good. (the Prairie Dog Bar is equally good- and may prove to be the BEST tool if you ever do in fact find yourself a prairie woman!)
if you want to try...
www.btmcelrath.com
Posted by: mauri | March 25, 2011 at 08:16 PM