Bon Bon for BonBonBars!

Since blogging friend Caroline on Crack got to talking about BonBonBar's bourbon candy bars, I figured the time's ripe for me to get off my procrastinating blogging butt to talk about its across-the-Atlantic cousin, the Scotch Bar infused with Talisker Distiller's Edition Single-Malt Island Scotch aged in oak and sherry casks.

Now, these are NOTHING like those horrific of saccharine, liquor-cordial-filled chocolates of gag gifts (literally!) past. Nor is this a bar that you'd wolf down to get your everyday cocoa fix fulfilled (though I think the $5 per bar price tag already suggests that.)
It's a bar meant to be savored slowly so you can enjoy its complexity of flavors and textures -- smooth, rich dark chocolate with flecks of sea salt, melting away into butter caramel and the Scotch-infused ganache. The whiskey's presence is definitely noticeable, but it's warm and comforting; a little fruity, a splash of vanilla, the slightest hint of roasted maltiness. It's the edible equivalent of sipping, and savoring, a little sherry-aged Scotch at the end of the day (w a little chocolate truffle to nibble on the side!)

And even though BonBonBar's owner/candymaker Nina Wanat has moved from LA to SF, I'm just thankful that BonBonBar resurrected (my last order was one of her last batches before her then-indefinite hiatus while she moved.)

Won't be long till I place my next order of Scotch, Bourbon and even peanut butter bars (no ordinary Reese's here, these dark chocolate beauties are filled with not only PB but also organic strawberry jam and wildflower honey!) Or just save yourself the hassle of choosing JUST ONE KIND and get an assortment to enjoy!

Just be thankful I'm highlighting them after Valentine's Day; delicious as they are, you would probably be fighting with your significant other over getting the last piece, if not the whole order! And kudos to ShopEatSleep for telling me about these lovely edibles.

BonBonBar
sold online and at a few select (lucky!) stores nationwide

Scotch bar photo courtesy of BonBonBar

Back down (with goodies) from Northern California . . .

Ah, it's good to be back in the LA/OC after a blissful four days up in Northern California, which was as near-perfect as a mini-vacay can get; yes, even the hours-long drive up and down the 5; it was pure pleasure soaking up the scenery in the day, clearly gazing the stars and constellations at night, and catching up on all my public radio & music podcasts. And of course, all the eating, drinking and exploring in the city of San Francisco, the countryside of Sonoma County and the sleepy-suburby-college town of Davis (my undergrad alma mater, and we have our own wiki!) I'll definitely have many happy memories to hang on to as I trim my way back down to pre-vacay weight (and to look good for BloggerProm!)

While it'll take me a little while to gather my notes and sort out all my pics (including the gorgeous Venus' belt photos in this post -- taken en route back home at Lost Hills, CA); here's a little tasty teaser -- some of the foodie souvenirs I've brought back from the North.

Assorted Paté de Fruits (pear-lime, morello cherry, passion fruit and blueberry-cassis flavors) and the Green Box of tea-Inspired sweets from Recchiuti Confections

1/2 Pound of Giant Steps blend from Blue Bottle Coffee Co.

Two Valrhona brownies from Tartine Bakery & Cafe, plus an individual bittersweet chocolate-toasted hazelnut tart

Two dark, organic Dagoba bars (lemon ginger and beaucoup berries) that I have yet to encounter in L.A.

Tea Infused Chocolate Collection from Charles Chocolates / Teance

And, an homage to my alma mater, a mug commemorating our most infamous and made-fun-of "recreational activity"

What can I say? If you can't fight it, embrace it (with a good cup 'o joe.) Keep an eye out for my NorCal food- and drinkventures soon! But in the meantime . . .