Picture this: you get a huge box of chocolates from your special someone for Valentine’s Day, the kids are in bed, you’ve changed into pajama pants and are ready for a major sugar sesh on the couch. But your night is suddenly spoiled when your first bite chips a tooth on an unsuspecting nut you just didn’t see coming.
Well those nights are about to be over thanks to a Chocolate Box Guide from Real Simple, which takes the guesswork out of finding your favorite hidden amongst the nuts and cremes so you can sink your teeth properly into the chocolate of your choosing. So how do you find your beloved flavor? Keep reading to learn how to decode your own box of chocolate.
Foil-Wrapped Chocolate
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The foil on chocolates isn't just to make it look pretty, it's to keep any liquids from leaking. That's right: chocolate's wrapped in shiny foil indicate a soft center like a cordial cherry awaits inside.
You probably guessed that chocolates that don't boast a smooth texture usually pack nuts, and you're right. If you're a nut lover, then you likely enjoy these chocolates made up of peanuts, cashews and almonds.
These chocolates can be extra sneaky because while they can be filled with delicious ganache or vanilla cream, they also moonlight with fruit filling, too. Here's where a sniff test may weed out that raspberry or orange cream.
Square and rectangular chocolates made for toffee and caramel lovers. They are made while piping hot and spread out on a surface, then cut into squares before being dipped which gives them their signature square or rectangular shape.
And there you have it! This Valentine’s Day, make sure you’ve got this guide memorized so you can properly decode your box of chocolates––and hide your faves from the kids.
A darling of the seventies, fondue calls to mind mod vintage kitchenware in avocado and orange hues, but its revival is well underway. This DIY meal brings together the happy pairing of the utmost comfort foods: carbs and melted cheese or chocolate. It also brings the family together like no other meal, with skewers around a communal pot. Not sure you want the little ones leaning in to share from a cauldron of hot goo in your own home? There are plenty of NYC spots that can show you how it’s done.
Kashkaval Garden
The snug Kashkaval began as a cheese store so it’s no surprise it has become a premiere fondue destination. Kids are welcome here and the restaurant has just opened a second room. Kashkaval is Bulgarian and while not a tradition of the region, the cheese fondue taps into its Mediterranean feel. There are several different cheese fondue blends to choose from and staff are tight lipped about their recipes. There’s currently a seasonal cheddar and cider fondue on offer and the chef is open to testing out new cheeses to see what works. You’ll get a sliced baguette to dip or you can pick a plate of fruit and veg or meat.
Max Brenner
Your little one will feel like a candy king or queen with a trip to this chocolatey realm on Broadway. Max Brenner takes the guilt out of chocolate and offers kids the opportunity to get unapologetically messy with it. The fondue is no exception – dubbed the Fondue Tower, you will be presented with a bowl of sponge cake, marshmallows, cookies, berries and bananas to dip into stacked pots of melted dark, milk or white chocolate. You can pick a warm toffee sauce if chocolate isn’t your thing. But really? Do not expect to get out of here without evidence of indulgence all over your face.
841 Broadway
Union Square
646-467 8803
Online: maxbrenner.com
Murray’s Cheese Bar
Murray’s isn’t set up with high chairs or a kids menu but they do offer a mean fondue and are happy to share their cheese passion with the younger generations. It’s a small space next to their cheese store and it can get fairly loud and crowded so getting a table soon after they open at 11 a.m. on the weekends would work best with little ones. You won’t find fondue on the menu, but you will find fondue’s equally indulgent cousin, raclette, where melted cheese is scraped directly onto your plate to accompany your meal.
Le Fond
This small neighborhood restaurant promises affordable riffs on the french bistro experience. Cheese fondue, a customer favorite, is offered here by request with 24 hours notice. Chef and owner, Jake Eberle, says kids love the interactive experience of the fondue and adds that, when he was growing up, the forfeit for losing the food on the end of your skewer was to kiss the person on your left. The veggie option includes bread, fingerling potatoes, green apples and crispy roasted brussels sprouts. The cheese is a gruyere blend made in-house and you can add steak to the menu for an extra $6.
105 Norman Ave.
Greenpoint
718-389 6859
Online: lefondbk.com
The Melting Pot
The Melting Pot is a national chain with more than one hundred stores nationwide. Causal and cozy, staff here are fondue pros and they offer cheese, meat and chocolate options. The Wisconsin cheddar mix with beer and mustard is the most popular with young families but there are five other blends to choose from including the classic Alpine with swiss cheese, garlic, wine and nutmeg. Dip bread, veggies and slices of apple. The meat fondue can be cooked by the guest or the server. For dessert, choose between a dark, milk, or white chocolate fondue with fruit and cake to dip. They’ll also throw in pecans and marshmallows to the chocolate blend for the ultimate in indulgence.
30 Mamaroneck Ave.
White Plains, NY
914-829-4404
2377 Broadhollow Rd.
Farmingdale, NY
631-752-4242
Online: meltingpot.com
Staying Home
If the idea of fondue appeals but arming your kids with skewers in public makes you nervous, you can always try it at home.
You can buy heat-and-serve packets of cheese mix or a classic recipe would be to heat 1 2/3 cup of dry white wine in a saucepan. When it starts to boil, add 1 1/2lb of shredded Gruyere with a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour. Stir continuously for five minutes and when it’s melted pour it into a fondue pot over a gentle heat source. Cut up some bite-sized ingredients for dipping. It’s possible the kids will be so excited they won’t even notice they’re eating their veggies.
The new year is already looking sweeter. Milk’s favorite cookie is getting two new flavors that will satisfy your sweet tooth in a big way!
OREO shared the announcement today that you’ll be able to snag the new products starting Jan. 3, 2022. Hitting shelves, OREO Ultimate Chocolate and OREO Toffee Crunch cookies look to be the tastiest yet.
photo: Courtesy of OREO
Limited-edition OREO Ultimate Chocolate cookies are made with three unique of white, milk, and dark chocolate creme and are a chocolate lover’s dream come true. Meanwhile, OREO Toffee Crunch cookies join the permanent collection and boast a chewy texture with Toffee-flavored creme with sugar crystals for an added crunch.
You can find both flavors in stores nationwide for $4.29 each beginning Jan. 3.
It’s always ice cream season, even when the temperatures start to drop. Chilly temperatures are no match for DQ, thanks to a fun new fall roster of blizzards and a sweet new giveaway. Yes, there’s a sweater vest involved!
If you’ve always dreamed of owning an article of clothing that’s perfect for carrying a blizzard, you’re in luck. DQ is giving away a limited edition “Sweeter Vest” that includes a pocket for the treat and a separate smaller pocket for the accompanying spoon! Vests are first come, first served and totally free, so make sure to bookmark this page and enter starting at 9 a.m. ET on September 15.
What to carry in your new vest? A pie blizzard! You’ll no longer have to debate whether pumpkin or pecan is the best pie flavor, because you can buy both with a DQ spin. The new Pecan Pie blizzard features brown sugar pie pieces and caramel and the Pumpkin Pie blizzard has real pie pieces and is topped with whipped cream.
But if you’re not really a pie person, not to worry. Look for two more new blizzards on the seasonal menu: Reese’s Pieces Cookie Dough and Sea Salt Toffee Fudge. The first one includes chocolate chip cookie dough and Reese’s Pieces blended together and the second has real salted toffee pieces.
All of the treats are available now for a limited time. Head to your nearest DQ or place an online order to get your ice cream even faster! And with any luck, hopefully you can tote it around in your own Sweeter Vest very soon.
Ree Drummond has done it again. The Pioneer Woman is launching her first even ice cream collection!
Available exclusively at Walmart and just in time for warm weather, the Ice Cream Maker Collection has everything you need to whip up sweet treats at home. You’ll be able to snag a four quart Ice Cream Maker ($34.94), a variety of ice cream mixes ($3.68), rock salt $13.30), ice cream scoop and bowls ($14.96).
While the ice cream maker make look pretty old-timey, its actually powered by an electric motor-driven paddle so you won’t have to wait long for homemade ice cream. It features a real wood exterior, heavy-duty freezing canister, churn paddle, see-through lid and interior plastic liner.
You may recognize some of the flavors when it comes to shopping. Birthday Cake, Salted Carmel, Toffee Caramel and Mint Chip are all fan favorites of Charlie’s Sweet Shop located in Pawhuska, Oklahoma.
You can find the entire lineup of new products at Walmart.com.
The elves at 7-Eleven have been working overtime. The convenience stores are stocked up on anything and everything you need to fill those stockings to the brim this holiday season. Plus, the 7NOW delivery app offers store-to-door free contactless delivery through Jan. 3, 2021 with the code FREE4U.
Customers can easily purchase all types of gifts and goodies from tasty holiday treats, toys, electronics, gift cards, wine and more.
Here are just a few ways 7-Eleven stores can save the day or at least help shoppers check off a few things on their to-do lists:
Toys: Customers can pick up stocking stuffers for all ages: Mandalorian Funko POP, Hot Wheels, SpongeBob SquarePants Fun Plush, Monster Jam trucks and more.
Face Coverings: Prints include Santa, reindeer, gingerbread men, candy canes, lights, trees, dinosaurs!
Gift Cards: A selection of some of the most-wanted – Vanilla Visa, Amazon, Netflix, Apple App Store, Google Play, iTunes, gaming cards such as Xbox and PlayStation… and of course, 7-Eleven gift cards.
‘Batteries Not Included’ and Gadget-y Gift Solutions: Premium quality electronic accessories, sold under the 24/7 LIFE by 7-Eleven™ brand like Bluetooth headphones, wireless earbuds, charging pads and more. For those “batteries not included” toys and gadgets, 24/7 LIFE by 7-Eleven batteries are available in a variety of sizes at great values compared to national brands.
Holiday treats and sweets: Spruce up your holiday party with a wide assortment of holiday-inspired goodies, including:
Seasonal Sandwich Cookies with pomegranate crème, candy cane crème and pecan pie crème flavored varieties.
Holiday-inspired Mini Donuts in chocolate covered cherry and gingerbread flavors.
Yogurt covered pretzels in sweet sugar plum sprinkle and the classic red, white and green.
Limited edition trail mixes with flavors like butter rum toffee and sugar cookie.
Fiery cinnamon bear candy for spice-lovers and other gummy varieties
Candy Cane Cocoa, a hot, rich cocoa blended with cool peppermint flavor which can be topped with chocolate sauce
You had us at candy cane! This holiday season head over to 7-Eleven for a warm cup of Candy Cane Hot Cocoa. The rich cocoa is blended with cool peppermint flavor and can be topped with chocolate sauce and International Delight Peppermint Mocha flavored creamer.
Candy Cane Cocoa isn’t the only gift 7-Eleven is giving customers this winter. For a limited time, participating stores are offering any size hot beverages for just 79 cents every day from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. through the 7Rewards loyalty program found in the 7-Eleven app. For a contactless checkout experience, customers can pay using 7-Eleven Wallet. To use, load funds into a 7Rewards account with cash at the register, or in-app with a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or a prepaid 7-Eleven gift card, and simply scan the 7Rewards barcode upon checkout.
“People look forward to the holidays and the seasonal treats that go with them,” said 7-Eleven proprietary beverages senior product director Jacob Barnes. “Hot cocoa and candy canes, each on their own, are traditional holiday favorites that evoke special memories and feelings. Bringing these two classic flavors together in our Candy Cane flavored Cocoa allows people to enjoy a special treat—a cup of ‘comfort and joy’—during this very non-traditional holiday season.”
Stores are also stocking up on lots of other limited-edition, 7-Select private label holiday treats that can only be found at 7-Eleven stores including:
Seasonal Sandwich Cookies with pomegranate crème, candy cane crème and pecan pie crème flavored varieties.
Holiday-inspired Mini Donuts in chocolate covered cherry and gingerbread flavors.
Your choice of two festive yogurt covered pretzel flavors in sweet sugar plum sprinkle and the classic red, white and green.
Limited edition trail mixes with flavors like butter rum toffee and sugar cookie.
Fiery cinnamon bear candy for spice-lovers and holiday flurry and snowman gummies for everyone else.
These frosty favorites will get you in the holiday spirit. Baskin-Robbins has unwrapped a lineup of festive cakes and ice cream flavors that are sure to make the season happy and bright. Bring a gift to the table with the newly launched Rosette Christmas Tree Cake, topped with a decorative Christmas Tree made with swirls of sweet icing and colorful sprinkles.
Baskin-Robbins is also bringing back holiday-themed ice cream flavors to be enjoyed in cakes, scoops, shakes and more all season long:
December’s Flavor of the Month, Winter White Chocolate. Swirled with a rich cherry ribbon and bursting with bits of sweet cherry dipped in a chocolate flavored coating with a white chocolate-flavored ice cream, this scoop is sure to be on everyone’s wish list.
Guests can dig into holiday decadence with the seasonal return of Baskin-Robbins’ classic Peppermint, loaded with peppermint pieces in a pink peppermint ice cream. This seasonal flavor also makes the perfect shake!
Eggnog flavored ice cream with hints of rum and nutmeg and Butterscotch Crunch with butterscotch pieces and a toffee-flavor ribbon, are available in pre-packed quarts to-go.
“We’re excited to share a taste of the season with our collection of customizable holiday cakes and festive ice cream flavors,” said Shannon Blakely, Vice President of Marketing, Baskin-Robbins U.S. and Canada. “We also invite our guests to order a treat for themselves or send a surprise to a loved one through our delivery partners DoorDash and Uber Eats – or with an e-gift card ordered through our app.”
Along with the Rosette Christmas Tree Cake, guests can also celebrate the holidays with returning favorites like the Reindeer Cake, featuring an adorable reindeer with chocolate snout, antlers and holly garnish, the Snowman Cake, bundled up for the season in festive holiday icing or the Winter Wonderland Cake, decorated in beautiful icy blues, a white chocolate-drizzled edge, and topped with sparkling glitter. Plus, Baskin-Robbins’ new Modern Wreath Cake and Winter Forest Cake, which both feature iconic holiday designs that are sure to make the season merry. Each cake can be customized to include guests’ favorite ice cream and cake flavors.
Cake orders can be placed online at BaskinRobbins.com, through the Baskin-Robbins mobile app or by visiting or calling your local Baskin-Robbins restaurant. Gift cards are also available for purchase.
For those looking for a sweet post-holiday treat, guests who spend $10 or more on Baskin-Robbins through Uber Eats between Dec. 28, 2020 and Jan. 3, 2021 will receive a $0 delivery fee with no promo code necessary.
ALDI’s fall candle selection is giving us all the pumpkin spice vibes. If you are a fan of scented candles then you are going to want to scope out the selection available this month. Each week there will be a new offering you are going to want to add to your mantle or bedside table.
Huntington Home 3 Wick Candle
This selection will be available the week of Sept. 2. There are four varieties of pumpkin-themed candles — Coconut Pumpkin Macarons, Pumpkin Chai, #PumpkinEverything, and Sweet Pumpkin Cake. If you liked these, watch out later in the month for a second set of 3 wick candles in fall scents. Each candle retails for $3.99.
Huntington Home Ceramic Candle
These candles will also be available the week of Sept. 2. There are four scents available — Cedar Oakwood, Cranberry Clove, Harvest Skies, and Pumpkin Praline. Each candle retails for $6.99.
Huntington Home Mercury Glass Ceramic Candles
Thiese Mercury Glass Pumpkin Candles come in three scents — Pumpkin Frosting, Pumpkin Toffee, and Sippin’ Cider. Each candle retails for $4.99.
Huntington Home 3 Wick Candles
The second release of the 3-wick candles is available the week of Sept. 16 and includes four scents — Apple Cider Donuts, Pine Cones & Plaid, Fall Breeze, Crisp Leaves and Hayrides & Bonfires. Each candle retails for $3.99.
Huntington Home Ceramic Pumpkin Candles
These pumpkin candles are available Sept. 30. They come in lidded ceramic jars in white or black with gold stems. Each candle retails for $6.99.
It may be hot and humid, but many people are celebrating Christmas in July. Coffee mate just unveiled their highly anticipated seasonal offerings including a new, limited-edition holiday creamer. Coffee mate Toll House Cookies n’ Cocoa brings two of the most beloved holiday treats together – chocolate chip cookies and warm hot cocoa.
The seasonal lineup will also feature new offerings from natural bliss – dairy-based Mint Truffle and Caramel Toffee Almond Milk. Returning favorites Coffee mate and natural bliss Pumpkin Spice and Coffee mate Peppermint Mocha will be available again as well.
Coffee mate fans will find these flavors at their local grocery store starting September and throughout the holiday season.
Coffee mate Toll House Cookies ‘n Cocoa
With flavors reminiscent of Nestle Toll House chocolate chip cookies and a cup of hot cocoa, this festive creamer is sure to fill your holiday season with warm, enjoyable moments. (32 fl. oz., MSRP $3.99)
natural bliss Mint Truffle
Limited-edition natural bliss Mint Truffle creamer combines flavors of real milk chocolate and mint to bring a festive touch to your cup. (16 fl. oz., MSRP $3.29)
natural bliss Caramel Toffee Almond Milk
Made with real almond milk, this limited-edition plant-based creamer brings notes of caramelized sugar and buttery toffee to your cup. (16 fl. oz., MSRP $3.29)
Coffee mate Pumpkin Spice
This creamer is rich and smooth with spicy pumpkin notes, and also comes in a sugar-free version. (16 fl. oz., MSRP $2.69)
natural bliss Pumpkin Spice
Simple, all-natural ingredients like milk, cream and cane sugar are blended with natural pumpkin flavor to create this sweet and spiced delight. (32 fl. oz., MSRP $5.49)
Coffee mate Peppermint Mocha
Flavors of peppermint and rich, chocolatey mocha create a taste that’s the perfect addition to a cozy, winter morning. This flavor is also available in a sugar-free version. (16 fl. oz., MSRP $2.69)
