Adding chunks to a bar, to give it a little crunch, has become a classic among Ecuadorian producers. Mashpi also follows this suggestion. As usual with Mashpi’s dazzling base, this chocolate is excellent. The cocoa nibs integrated into the bar give it the expected crunchiness.
Underneath this bar of Mindo chocolate (yes, you know, that extraordinary base), we add small slivers of caramelized macadamia nuts. The result is a crunchy, sweet confection that’s more gourmand than gourmet.
The Mindo 77% plain chocolate is a concentrate of roundness, honey and almond notes. Adding cardamom seems obvious: Mindo offers a small journey towards Indian and Middle Eastern desserts.
Note to self: 100% chocolates should be rated in a special category. When you buy a bar of them, you’re not expecting a gourmet, comfortable bar. You know you won’t have to discipline yourself not to finish it in a few minutes. Instead, you want a pure, honest experience of the finesse of cocoa and the expertise of the chocolatier. Not hidden behind fruit or spice, not disguised by sugar, cocoa butter or milk, cocoa expresses itself completely.
The box is pretty, but it looks more like an 80s American candy store than a fine chocolate. And yet. And yet!