Dark Chocolate Twigs with Yuzu and Ginger - Mademoiselle de Margaux

125 gram box - France

ingredients: cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, natural flavoring, whole milk powder, anhydrous milk fat, natural vanilla extract

I love it when I open a box of twigs from Mademoiselle de Margaux! Or, more correctly, when you remove the cellophane wrapper that encases the twigs inside, a waft of wonderfully aromatic, perfumed sweet chocolate joy arises into your olfactory system, and you become lightheaded with a sense that nirvana is close to your being.

Well, maybe not that far, but it certainly is fun.

This particular box of chocolate twigs has a new flavor of yuzu and ginger magically paired, not so that the resulting taste pronounces either flavor. Instead, when bitten and chewed, it is a warm dark chocolate with a twist of slight tang. As the chocolate melts, you get hints of yuzu citrus and the unidentified spice of ginger.

On the other hand, if you gently allow the twig to melt in your mouth, this is when the chocolate shines! Break a small piece off and place it in your mouth, and let it melt away.

This is when you get the yuzu citrus to divulge itself, and the distinct ginger flavor comes through from the bottom of your tongue. It may be best to experience this with your eyes closed.

Don’t get too comfortable with this twig. Take a break between melting with a cup of jasmine tea to get the full effect. Just one or two twigs, and life is pretty good as you look out over the snow-covered lawn to the lake…