Last Saturday, Kerstin's Chocolate extended an invitation out to the public to join them for a tasting of chocolate flights! Seeing as I love my hot chocolate, well, I love anything chocolate really. Now you know how to bribe me.

I hadn't personally ventured to this little chocolate shop before, so this was a perfect excuse to peruse their offerings.

The shop itself isn't very big, but they definitely have enough room to showcase all their offerings. Various types of chocolate bars and drinking chocolate tins grace the walls, while other chocolates look beautiful by themselves, siting in cases to be admired. There are also various chocolate samples to indulge in. Get to know the chocolate.. I totally mixed up everything I tried out.



On this particular day, they were offering a flight of three different drinking chocolates:

Amedei’s “For You” Classic – Straight from Tuscany, 63% percent chocolate with finely ground hazelnuts, almonds and a little vanilla bean.

Vosge’s Bianca Couture Cocoa – The lightest of the three. White chocolate, lemon myrtle and lavender.

Chocophilia Spiced Drinking Chocolate – House version of theMayan classic, with a hint of cayenne to warm up cold fingers and toes.



Trying out the chocolates was definitely a unique experience. The most "wild" hot chocolate I've ever had was probably candy cane.. I'm pretty boring. But when given the opportunity, why not try out something new? Although I didn't end up taking anything home with me, I think the spiced chocolate was my favourite. It was warm when sipped, but I definitely felt the spiciness and heat of the cayenne as I drank it down. It's just so different! I think I'll stick with my white hot chocolate for now :)

One of the places I sought out this past weekend was a particular chocolate shop in the Kensington area of Calgary. Sweetly speaking is an independently owned boutique, specializing in chocolates to meet any needs, from the corporate sector, to weddings, special events and just everyday retail.

Sweetly Speaking - #150 301 14 Street NW - Calgary AB

Using only Callebaut Belgian chocolate, I was so excited the moment I stepped into the store. The fragrant smell of cocoa beans filled my nose and I couldn't wait to see what they had in store.

I was a little too busy checking everything out to snap pictures of the shop interior, but I'm sure pictures of the treats I picked up are satisfactory. Everything they have in stock is handcrafted in the store (with exception to the jellybeans & espresso beans), and made with care & patience. The chocolates I picked out look so delicious!

chocolate covered rice krispie - wonky marshmallows


chocolate dipped pretzels - caramel pretzel stick - chocolate espresso beans


chocolate pizza slices



In addition to what I picked, they have smores, chocolate covered nut clusters, different types of chocolate bark.. so much variety! Everything is packaged so professionally, I almost don't want to eat anything! The store owner was so lovely and kind, it really made a lasting impression on me. I can't wait til I get the chance to visit her again!

My parents came home with a bounty of goodies. Five large suitcases stuffed to the brim with goodies for themselves, and of course for me & my sister.

I am a huge fan of chocolate and desserts - I don't know what life would be like without them. Probably really sad, and I mean that. One of the things my parents brought home were these beautifully wrapped chocolates. They're so beautifully decorated on the outside, that I don't even want to eat them!

These run at about $5 CAD per piece. Too nice to eat if you ask me! But if the craving is strong enough... I might just have to pry the wrappers open, just a little :).

Last week, one of my coworkers was over in the UK and brought back some goodies to share with us. She said went to the Cadbury outlet, which was filled with numerous delectable sweets and treats, sure to delight anyones sugar cravings. Many of the items they sell in there are the ones that didn't pass the quality test to be sold on the shelves of stores. Not to say that they are gross or anything, they're still the same chocolate, except they may be snapped in half or a couple pieces, which is unacceptable for their standards.

She brought back a type of chocolate I had never seen before - the Cadbury Flake, whcih is described as "the crumbliest, flakiest milk chocolate". I don't think I've ever had a chocolate like this before, it's really unique! When you open it up, it's a long piece of chocolate that was formed by pouring layers and layers upon each other, giving it a unique look. Some of the layers seem to have a little air inbetween them, which aids in the crumbling effect when you bite into it.

Personally, I found the chocolate to be a little weird, because I'm more used to smooth, solid chocolate. The chocolate falling apart in my mouth felt funny, but upon melting, it became smooth and yummy. I wasn't sure that it was available here in Canada, but just a couple days ago, I spotted it when I made a trip to Walmart. Definitely check it out, it's so interesting! It shouldn't be hard to find, given it's bright yellow packaging!