July Fireworks!
That’s what this month’s flavors remind us of; an explosion of colors and big tastes! Ever notice how just about any summer event seems like a good excuse for fireworks? The same goes for a box of Intrigue truffles; great for any event.
Balsamic-Strawberry Truffle
New! Balsamic-Strawberry Truffle – Shocked at this combo? Well, it’s actually an old standard; dipping fresh strawberries into a good balsamic vinegar is a mouth-freshening treat! Once again, we have translated a something gourmet into chocolate-language. In a confounding way this vinegar made from un-fermented grapes (it’s not a wine vinegar!), brings out the sweetness of the fresh fruit perfectly. Only fresh, organic strawberries are used along with quality balsamic vinegar.
Lavender Lemonade Truffle
New! Lavender Lemonade Truffle – Summer and lemonade (evoked by fresh lemon zest); synonymous, or what? Memories of lemonade stands, whether on long, dusty country roads, or in the thick of suburbia, occupy a place in most of our childhoods. Lavender (Washington-grown!) goes the extra mile to soothe and refresh in the summer heat. Put the two together (and mix it into a truffle, of course) and you have the poster-truffle for a summer day.
Coconut-Cardamom Truffle
Coconut-Cardamom Truffle – You don’t have to be a vegan to appreciate this truffle (though some of our best friends are vegans, and they tell us this is great). Using coconut milk to create non-dairy creaminess makes for a delightful taste. Used around the world in cooking, baking and medicinally, you might recognize cardamom in Scandinavian breads or in curries.
Mojito Truffle
Mojito Truffle – (That’s moe-hee-toe, gringos!). “Mi mojito en la Bodeguita” is written on the wall of the Cuban bar (the Bodeguita) in Hemingway’s handwriting. Quite an endorsement for this tropical-heat defying highball concocted of white rum, fresh lime zest and fresh organic mint. Check it out if you ever get there, the writing is still on the wall! (Intrigue’s favorite Hemingway pick; “The Old Man and the Sea”, of course! Also set in Cuba.)
St. Basil Truffle
Saint Basil Truffle – Fresh herbs are one of the rewards for being alive on this planet, and Basil may be our top pick. Sweet and aromatic, Basil lets you know that it is good to be alive (and eating chocolate, too! Extra goodness).
Jamaican HOT Chocolate Truffle
Jamaican HOT Chocolate Truffle – Sometimes it’s nice to know what to expect. And with this truffle, you can always expect the unexpected. It will be hot (not too hot) and spicy (not too spicy) and their will be rum involved (dark, but not too dark). We think that our Jamaican HOT is the perfect blend of familiarity and complexity that keeps you coming back for more.
Happy Birthday, Canada! (Canada Day, July 1st). And Happy Fourth of July, you ol’ USA! Party safe, Everyone. Keep your drinking off the road, keep your limbs attached and enjoy this month’s Intrigue Truffles responsibly.
NEW! Basmati Truffle – This one ROCKS! An epiphany to our chocolatier, inspired as he sipped from his muse (a glass of fine Viognier), this combination of dry-roasted brown basmati rice and fresh lime zest is unforgettable.
NEW! Irish Coffee Truffle – Face it, there is still a chill in the air…best battled with a little Jameson Irish Whiskey and a dollop of honey in your coffee!
NEW! Stout Truffle – What did you call me? Nah, this kind of stout is a good, dark beer, a beautiful pairing with a good, dark chocolate.
Honey-Ginger Truffle – Emblematic of the liquid-gold sun of Spring and our faith in warmer days right around the corner. A large dose of sweet honey mellows the mouth-warming ginger perfectly.
Pear-Lavender Truffle – Fruit brandies are called “eau-de-vie” or “water of life” by the French. This truffle with it’s pear brandy, lavender (Washington-grown), and honey additions blend to give you a hard to describe, yet choreographed taste experience. Sweet and dark, earthy and floral, musky and citrusy, all together.
Damiana Truffle – Aptly presented in the Month of Love, damiana (Turnera aphrodisiaca) has been used as an aphrodisiac in Mexico, Central and South America for centuries. An aromatic herb, damiana adds pleasant bright notes and a soft pepperiness to the chocolate.
R. Valentino – The idea of eating flowers is the ultimate in romantic food. Since ancient times rose petals have been present at feasting tables, both as decoration and part of the menu. The R. Valentino Truffle uses culinary-quality dried rose petals that lend a delicately rosy aroma, with the impression of vanilla and cool sunlight.
Framboise Truffle – One of our more aromatic truffles, the raspberry brandy blended into our deep chocolate base couldn’t be a better combination. A touch of honey brings out the fruit flavor to savor the experience.
Pomegranate Truffle – Tart, fruity, and intense, this truffle flavored with pomegranate juice will wake up your taste buds with a bright burst of flavor.
Ruby Port Truffle – Fortified red wine delivers a sweet finish as you savor this truffle. We find it “fortifying” on a long winter day.
Clove Truffle – A spice with so many layers, cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) are warming with a richness that lingers on the tongue.
Tannenbaum Truffle – Douglas-fir bud brandy? Yup, that’s right. We have such fun bringing you flavors that you wouldn’t imagine! This truffle will bring to mind a spring day in the Pacific Northwest. This Douglas-fir bud (Pseudotsuga spp.) brandy is distilled in Oregon.