7 December 2016
I am constantly asked what my favorite chocolate is. How long is a piece of string? It’s just not possible to have only one favourite amongst the many varieties, types, makes and brands of chocolates in the world. In my journey to pursue my passion for the “Food of the Gods”, I am devoted to appreciating each chocolate experience in its entirety, while engaging all senses, and reminded to keep an open mind to new experiences.
Hence, when a friend recently told me about a potential “life changing experience” of a special type of chocolate, one that I may encounter during my travels in Germany, I felt strongly compelled to seek and experience it!
The Weihnachtsschokolade, in German, or simply Christmas chocolate, in English, is only made and sold during the Christmas period, and in certain parts of Europe. Locating it proved to be a challenge, like finding a needle in a haystack. My search took me to many a supermarket and department store during my travels in Germany. In the end, I located a variant in the German fine food store Dallmyr, in Munich, and later on, the Lindt range of Weihnachtsschokolade at the local Rewe supermarket, in the charming little town of Tuebingen.
The Weihnachtsschokolade is generally milk chocolate that comes in a bar. Nothing special at first glance. However, as I unwrap the bars, the point of distinction becomes apparent. The initial nose is distinctly cinnamon, as is the case for both bars, plus hints of star anise in the Dallmyr bar, in a sweet, milky mixture.
I put a piece in my mouth and let it melt. The taste is sweet and spicy, and conjures up memories of gingerbread and gluhwein (spiced mulled wine) consumed over a warm open fire, in the wintery cold. The initial spicyness is punchier in the Lindt bar but fleeting, leaving a finish of sweet milk chocolate.
The Dallmyr bar is more complex in comparison, but milder. I taste the cinnamon first, along with hints of raisins. The sweetness of the milk chocolate carries through, though not as sweet as the Lindt bar. The finish is slightly spicy with a very mild peppery taste, perhaps from the star anise or maybe even ginger.
What are my thoughts on the Weihnachtsschokolade? I’ll admit that it’s not “life changing” for me. However, it’s fairly unique as far as chocolates go. It sums up the smell and taste of Christmas, and brings on the Christmas nostalgia – essentially Christmas in a chocolate!
