Green Beans & Cake

My latest obsession

Chocolate -- It's my obsession. In many respects, understanding chocolate is as complicated and fascinating as understanding wine. I'm a little short on time right now (I should be replying to the 20 e-mails in my inbox) -- more to come later about my chocolate addiction.

In the meantime, I wanted to tell you about a eco-minded chocolate company called "Theo." I've tried their Coconut Curry Chocolate bar and Vanilla Chai bar. I know the flavors sound sort of bizarre, but trust me, both chocolate bars tasted great.

 

"Oh, that's soooo eco-chic"

There's something about the word eco-chic that I like. It just feels good to say it. I was talking to my fav local boutique shop owner the other day, and described the reusable bags at greenloop.com as "eco-chic." I was surprised that he hadn't heard the word before -- he did live in Tribeca after all. (Ahh...from NY to OK...what a trip!)

Anyway, I found a company called EcoChic Inc. Love the bags.

Choco-art

Maybe I have too much spare time on my hands. haha The wrappers of the eco-conscious chocolate bars I buy are so pretty. I decided to make a collage of my current favs.

The chocolate brands include: Dagoba, Divine, 3400 Phinney, and Green & Black's

My latest fabulous chocolate finds...

In the most recent edition of Conde Nast magazine, there was an article about a chocolatier named John Scharffenberger. He currently has a line of chocolates available at Whole Foods - but his chocolates have a unique story. Scharffenberger not only finds the best cacao beans, but his company also treats local farmers fairly. The chocolate making process at Scharffen Berger is meticulous, thoughtful, and quality-minded.

I bought a limited edition Venezuelan dark chocolate called Cuyagua. I haven't tried it yet, but it smells fantastic.

 

In addition to buying Scharffen Berger chocolate, I also bought two chocolate bars from a company called Shaman Chocolates. This company is fair trade certified. As an added ethical bonus, Shaman Chocolates uses all profits from their chocolate to support the Huichol Indians.

Stumptown - Strange name BUT

Supposedly some of the best coffee around. And it's "green." Hope to try it...

Alma = Soul

I found a chocolate store online that caught my eye. It's called Alma Chocolate. I hope to check it out in Portland!

Iced Mocha - with a conscience!

Green & Black's Chocolates has a great sounding recipe for an iced mocha. Green & Black's sells fair trade, organic chocolate. Check it out...

Pass the chocolate, please

Green and Black's Organic has fantastic products. One of the best parts of their company website, in my opinion, is their Chocolate Tasting Party Guide. Doesn't it sound like fun?

Divine chocolate....amazing!

I just bought a Divine Dark Chocolate bar two days ago and I've already eaten the whole thing! It was impossible to resist. Divine chocolate not only has an incredible story behind it, but it's some of the best chocolate I've tried.

 

Black Gold

You might have noticed that I named this blog "green beans & cake" I chose the play on words "green beans" to refer to organic, fair trade coffee beans. I chose to include cake quite simply b/c I like cake - nothing too deep there. Well, drinking coffee is truly one of my passions, but I don't think that I really know all that much about what actually goes into making it. I found a compelling movie trailer called "Black Gold" - and it's eye opening.