Let’s set the record straight: Chocolate is not better than sex. But the two obsessions do have something in common–more of either is definitely better than less, provided it’s of excellent quality.

As someone who regularly tastes their body weight in sweets and savories in the name of journalism, I actually spit any chocolate that isn’t worthy. (No, I will not draw a sex parallel here, although I’m sure you can think of a good one.) This usually happens when I’ve bitten into anything with fruity filling (yuck!), dull flavor, or waxy texture.

But there are some chocolates that demand to be chomped, swallowed, and flat out worshiped.

Coco-Loco
Case in point is this box of new cocoa-coated goodies that arrived on my doorstep this morning for review.

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The dark chocolate-coated cinnamon-kissed toasted “Block Party” almonds by Coco-Luxe Confections had me at hello.

Charles In Charge
I was more surprised to find myself infatuated with Charles Chocolates Orange Twigs when they stumbled into my mouth last year, especially considering my aforementioned fruit-and-chocolate aversion.

Their velvety melt-in-your-mouth goodness and kiss of citrus make it impossible to resist, so don’t indulge unless you’re ready to commit.

Not Your Mother’s Milk
If you turn your nose up at milk chocolate you might think twice if you try Michael Recchiuti’s latest bad-boy: the dark milk chocolate bar.

It merges the silky elegance of milk with the unapologetic flavor of deep, rich cocoa. Yum.

Vous-Le-Vosges?
Still, the mother of all oh-my-god-is-this-good, I-can’t-help-but-eat-the-whole-thing, prey-I-don’t-have-more-stashed-in-the-cupboard-lest-I-lose-control chocolate is this beautiful standard by Vosges Haute Chocolat.

Its captivating combination of chocolate, hickory-smoked almonds, and fleur de sel (fancy salt) could incite a full-blown love affair, and perhaps, if shared with the right person, other equally tasty pursuits.

–Erika Lenkert

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