Chocolate by Cacao

Never one to pass up free chocolate, I was the first person to snatch up some truffles donated by a coworker from Cacao, a ritzy European chocolate company based in Maryland.

The truffles were beautifully decorated and showcased Chocolatier Jacques Poulain’s artistic talents. My first sample, Armagnac Thyme Ganache (not shown), had an incredibly delicate, decadent filling encased in rich bittersweet chocolate.

I allowed a day to pass before my next taste (such restraint!) but made up for it with a White Chocolate Raspberry heart (pictured top left), which surprised me with a dark chocolate filling…

…and Dark Chocolate Ganache with Fresh Pear Puree (middle right), a rich, satisfying bite enrobed with milk chocolate. I much prefer this to the real fruit.

Although by now it’s too late to order for the holidays, these cold months make chocolate perfect for shipping. A four-piece box is only $5.50, and you can choose the pieces yourself or have the chocolatier choose for you. Either way, it’s a steal.