| Ludicrous as it may seem, here’s some truly | | | | then it must be chilled so that it’s easier to work |
| fascinating facts for you to savor as you reward | | | | with. It's a long and painstaking process, and for all its |
| yourself with your next bar of chocolate… | | | | intensive labor…undoubtedly a labor of love…is |
| World’s most expensive chocolates | | | | revealed a flavor that is so ultimately tantalizing, each |
| Chocolate may be an aprodisiac, but it is also a | | | | savory moment upon the palate, is worthy of every |
| $$$moneymaker! | | | | dime. |
| (according to Forbes Magazine) | | | | Each delicate truffle is ultimately packaged as if it |
| You might enjoy knowing what Forbes Magazine | | | | were a jewel, placed within a silver jewelry box. |
| considers to be the world’s most expensive | | | | Before which, the truffle is placed inside of a pouch |
| and most likely, least affordable chocolates. Forbes | | | | similar to the ones diamonds are transported in. This |
| featured a fascinating article on the poshest | | | | pouch is, set inside its silver home, nestled comfortably |
| brands...ones that likely sprinkle gold dust into their | | | | within red satin, tied in edible sugar pearls, and adorned |
| cocoa…well, lots of it! So before you think of | | | | with a ribbon. |
| purchasing you might better find your gold so that you | | | | Added to each exquisite gift: a personal note from |
| can afford to pursue a pound, or merely a | | | | Fritz himself, that includes a number to let the buyer |
| trifle…(or should I say truffle)! | | | | know that he is the proud owner of a limited edition |
| To find out more about truly decadent chocolate bling | | | | jewel of a chocolate truffle. |
| for your sweetheart click here: | | | | Madeleine truffles are very, very special and cannot |
| Knipschilt Chocolates certainly leads the bunch, when it | | | | be ordered over the counter. To order one of these |
| comes to price. Featured top of the list by Forbes | | | | extravagant confections they must be special ordered |
| Magazine, it’s the CROWN JEWEL | | | | about 2 weeks ahead of time. |
| CONFECTION of the world: a striking $2600 per | | | | Moving right along… |
| pound! | | | | For a much less decadent, but still mightily expensive |
| Obviously, this is the one special Truffle truly fit for | | | | option (and also on Forbes most expensive list), the |
| Royalty... | | | | very upscale cacao beans used by fine chocolate |
| Fritz Knipschildt, from Denmark, and Maitre Chocolatier, | | | | artisan Chuao Chocolatier would still take a hefty bank |
| of Knipschildt Chocolatier (founded in 1999 and | | | | roll to purchase. |
| awarded top honors as one of 3 best chocolatiers in | | | | The Cost: $79.00 per pound |
| the world by Gourmet Magazine) created the 42-gram | | | | Chuao Chocolatier, named after the cacao-producing |
| (1.5 ounce) gem of a confection. This ultra sweet | | | | region of Chuao, Venezuela, uses European |
| indulgence is handcrafted using a dark, classic | | | | techniques to make their Venezuelan chocolate. Only |
| ganache. | | | | fresh ingredients are used, and absolutely no |
| The ganache is made using French Valrhona | | | | preservatives are allowed in these handmade |
| Chocolate blended with fresh cream that has been | | | | chocolates. These chocolates are single origin in nature, |
| infused for 24 hours with the flavor of vanilla pods and | | | | in that they reflect the specific and very delicate |
| pure Italian truffle oil. | | | | nuances of the region where the bean is grown. This |
| The ganache is then shaped around a French Perigord | | | | is because no beans from any other region are |
| Truffle, known also as French black truffle (this truffle | | | | blended in to homogenize the flavor. |
| alone costs up to $1,000 per pound-454 grams). Next it | | | | Despite the over-the-top prices for these specialty |
| is dipped in a 70% cocao-rich French Valrhona dark | | | | (special order) truffles within the Forbes featured lines, |
| chocolate, and is finally dusted in cocoa powder. | | | | any of these high quality brands also feature |
| What really makes the "Madeleine" Truffle | | | | unbelievable collections of tasteful, sophisticated and |
| so exquisite is the time and energy that goes into it. | | | | mighty succulent chocolates to give the one you care |
| The ganache, for example, must be whipped | | | | for… affordably. |
| repeatedly to make it as soft and silky as possible, and | | | | |