Truly Irresistible - Ghanaian Dark

Today, there are just two things that concern me. No, it is not that a two year old from North Korea is about to start a global thermonuclear war. This is but a mere trifle when compared to the spectacular cost of Margaret Thatchers funeral and Hazel Irvine's hairstyle which appeared on TV a few hours ago. I have a feeling Hazel has taken Margaret's Spitting Image wig for keeps. If you don't believe me tune into The Masters tonight.  

Every country in the Euro is facing economic ruin and we're spending £8 million and possibly more on the Iron Lady's funeral. Nobody in government has an idea of how much it is costing but that comes as no surprise. Somebody must have been tasked with obtaining quotes?! 

Don't get me wrong she deserves some pomp and ceremony and in the eyes of the world, a ceremonial state funeral, is a must.  But surely, there are better ways to remember her. I can think of many good causes that would benefit from a few extra quid and I'm sure you can. Oh, Hazel, avoid the Poodle Parlours in future.


Ok, lets talk about chocolate. The co-operative Fairtrade Ghanaian dark chocolate with spices and orange oil contains 93% Fairtrade ingredients and is suitable for vegetarians. As the years go by there is more and more information being squeezed onto our labels. It seems we can't cope without this information. Take this label for instance: Advice to Parents - Frequent eating of sweets and sugary snacks may lead to tooth decay and poor nutrition. Remember it is important to brush teeth regularly. Yikes, I must remember to clean my teeth tonight and not feed the kids chocolate on toast....thank god I read this label! Utter tosh!

40g Fairtrade Ghanaian Dark Chocolate Orange

Ok, a nicely presented bar of chocolate with a strong orange aroma. The cocoa content is not particularly strong, 51% cocoa, but then it doesn't want to be too strong as it is fighting a losing battle with the orange and spices which include Cardamom, Ginger and Cinnamon. Like a Master Chef contestant I'm having trouble picking out the individual spices even though I know they're in there somewhere.

Overall a very tasty bar of dark chocolate and orange loveliness with spicy undertones, 6/10. Well done to the CO-OP and read about their ethics here. Oh, I must remember to clean my teeth!

Posted by Richard....

Mint

The co-operative, good with food. What do you know about the co-op? Well, I for one know absolutely nothing apart from the fact that the co-op is made up of a number of businesses, found on a street corner, has a 'green' shop front and didn't they start something called the 'divi'? That's about my limit! Ok, I know a little bit more than that and have always used them on holiday and I occasionally pop down to the local shop in Writtle.


Company Snap Shot: The co-op started as a small shop in Lancashire and is now a worldwide movement. In 1844 the Rochdale Pioneers Society started the co-op based on 8 Rochdale Rules which included a share of the profits according to purchases, later to be known as the 'divi'. 1863 Co-Operative Wholesale Society established. Jumping forwards a few decades, as some of you are not paying attention at the back! 1965 dividend stamps introduced. 1985 the Co-op announces that no own-brand toiletries will be tested on animals. 1992 the Co-op bank introduces a customer-led Ethical policy. 1998 it stocks Fairtrade products in every food store. In 2002 they switched their entire own brand chocolate bar range to Fairtrade. 2003 it switches all own-brand coffee to Fairtrade. Truly an innovative company! Ok, if you need to find out more about the co-operative click here.

Minted!

The Chocolate: As some of you may know mint is not my favourite ingredient in chocolate. However, I will soldier on....Described as truly irresistible Fairtrade dark chocolate with peppermint oil. It actually contains 93% Fairtrade ingredients. Very well packaged even the foil is fairly thick and has a luxury feel about it. Did you know that all their chocolate bars are produced by Divine Chocolate, using high quality cocoa beans from Kuapa Kokoo, a co-operative of 45,000 farmers in Ghana. To find out more about their food ethics click here. 

Open the silver foil and leave the bar untouched for a while before you start munching. Immediately, you are hit with the familiar aroma of 'after eight' mints. You either love it or hate it! The bar is well made unfortunately I've let it go a bit soft so the snap is missing. The great fact about this bar is that the cool mint flavour is not too strong and doesn't over shadow the cocoa completely. You don't feel that you've just washed your teeth in chocolate toothpaste which is a relief. If I wasn't on a diet I'd probably eat the lot!


Overall I enjoyed this bar as did my friends who've kindly eaten every square. 6/10 is a reasonable score. Unfortunately, I do not have the price for this 100g bar but I will update the blog when I find the receipt!