Forum Activity for @Clay

What are your impressions of certification programs like Fair Trade?

Posted in: Opinion

Lorna:Thanks for sharing your experience. While Fair Trade does require co-ops to be democratically organized, it does not oversee the election procedures nor certify that the co-op management is not corrupt. Unfortunately, this is an all-too-common experience.Another thing to remember about Fair Trade is that it does not set any requirements for quality or improving quality. A focus on improving quality would actually be more valuable in the long run.There are places where Fair Trade does work. One of them is in Punta Gorda, Belize at the Toledo Cacao Growers Association. One reason why it works is that their biggest customer (Green and Blacks) has a representative in the area full-time keeping an eye on things.

What are your impressions of certification programs like Fair Trade?

Posted in: Opinion

Certification programs like Fair Trade attract a lot of attention and there is a growing number of consumers interested in Fair Trade chocolate among other foods. But, what do you really think about them? Are they a good thing? Do they accomplish their mission? Are they effective? What, if anything needs/can be done to improve them?
updated by @Clay Gordon: 04/19/15 15:35:47

What are your favorite adult beverages to pair with chocolates?

Posted in: Tasting Notes

Nope, they deleted it. I will look for it, though and post it.Found it and it's now posted here.

What are your favorite adult beverages to pair with chocolates?

Posted in: Tasting Notes

Emily:If you've read my book you'll know that I don't like making blanket recommendations for pairings. There are just too many flavors in "Argentine Malbec" and too many flavors in "dark chocolate" to make a statement that in effect says, "All Argentine Malbecs go with all dark chocolates."That is not the case.So, while I am sure there are combinations that do work, I don't have any specific recommendations I can make on this type of pairing.:: Clay

What are your favorite adult beverages to pair with chocolates?

Posted in: Tasting Notes

Matusalem is GREAT Dominican rum. Very good choice.

What are your favorite adult beverages to pair with chocolates?

Posted in: Tasting Notes

One of my favorite adult mix-ins with hot chocolate is peppermint schnapps.

What are your favorite adult beverages to pair with chocolates?

Posted in: Tasting Notes

If you are interested in some interesting pairings, here's my recent article on the Top Chef/Bravo for Foodies blogs. I discuss my experiences at a recent chocolate, cheese, and beer tasting I participated in.

What are your favorite adult beverages to pair with chocolates?

Posted in: Tasting Notes

As I mention in my book, perhaps my overall favorite wine to pair with chocolate is Prosecco; it certainly is the most versatile.Prosecco is a sparkling wine from Italy. It comes from a small denominazione in the Dolomite mountains northeast of Venice. Just as Cava is Spain's version of Champagne, Prosecco fills the same role. The Bellini, which was invented at Harry's Bar in Venice, is a combination of white peach nectar and Prosecco. It is not made with Champagne because it's an Italian drink, not a French one.As a general rule, Proseccos are lighter, less acidic, and less alcoholic than many Champagnes. The bubble structure has a very creamy mouthfeel, which is one of the reasons I think it pairs so well with so many different types of chocolates.My favorite brands are Mionetto, Carpene Malvolti, and Bellenda. You want to choose dry/brut Proseccos. There are even some wonderful rose Proseccos.

What are your favorite adult beverages to pair with chocolates?

Posted in: Tasting Notes

In my book I devote a whole chapter to pairing wines and chocolates. Over the past few years I've tasted dozens of wines (some fabulous, some less so), and I will be sharing some of them here. I have also learned to appreciate chocolate paired with beers.I encourage members share some of their favorites.
updated by @Clay Gordon: 04/15/15 18:13:23