Friday, April 16, 2010
Madelaine DuetsMadelaine Chocolate makes chocolate morsels. They make a wide array of chocolate pieces wrapped in novelty foils, but what they do that’s different from RM Palmer or even Russell Stover is they use really good chocolate. Their array of foil wrapped treats is dazzling. Butterflies, poker chips, stars, hearts, balls, flowers and coins. They also make panned chocolates like a rainbow of Malted Milk Balls in both classic and specialty flavors. They’re a bit expensive but my real complain has been how hard they are to find. It looks like they’re making a new push into retail outlets instead of bulk bins and wholesale quantities for party planners they packaging for the shelf. In addition to their new treats (some reviewed by Sugar Pressure) they have a new line of bonbons called Duets which are double filled chocolate spheres in four varieties. Madelaine sent me a press kit with a sample of three of each of the new chocolates for review. The chocolates come in stand up bags made of paperboard, ten chocolates to a package and retail for about $6.25 according to their own direct-sell website (but probably less on store shelves). That makes each chocolate about 63 cents, not bad when compared to a Lindt Lindor Truffle which is about where I think they’re aiming in the marketplace. Milk Chocolate & White Chocolate Duets The pieces are nicely formed and again, I’m using Lindor truffles for comparison. They’re individually twist wrapped and not only clearly marked, they’re color coded if you should dump them into a bowl with other flavors. They’re about the same size as Lindor, though lacking the little divot that allows it to sit up on its own. Instead of a coconut and palm kernel oil in the center, Madelaine uses a combination of real chocolate, milk products and canola oil for the ganache core. This is a classic confectionery pairing: milk chocolate and white chocolate. The ganache centers are satisfyingly soft, so much so that they melt readily. The blend of the flavors is quite milky with a bit of a cream cheese tang to them. For the most part it was like eating a version of a chocolate cheesecake. It’s rich and sticky, a bit cloying but not as sickly sweet as I would have expected for a white and milk pairing like this. The chocolate shell is also good quality though it was the sweetest part of the confection. The flavors are well rounded and wholly authentic, not watered down or thinned out by excess oils. Caramel & Peanut Butter Duets I thought, How good could a caramel and peanut butter bonbon be from a commercial company? After all, I was consistently disappointed by gooey caramel from mass manufacturers. It usually had a great texture but little more flavor than Karo. The sphere smelled like peanut butter and chocolate. So far so good. Biting into it, the peanut butter side wasn’t quite a meltaway, but not quite the crumbly peanut butter of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. A good roasted taste, a little salty and pretty smooth. The caramel side was a revelation. The texture was ultrasmooth and thick though not chewy. The flavor profile was actually like burnt sugar, like a true caramel. The combination of the two along with the milky chocolate shell was decadent and homey. Raspberry & White Truffle Duets This one smells quite milky without a hint of the berry jam inside. After biting into it I recognized the yogurty white ganache side. The great part of this one was the raspberry filling. No seeds but lots and lots of jammy raspberry flavors - boiled sugar, floral berry notes and a gooey sticky jam texture. Raspberry & Peanut Butter Duets I saved the best for last. A few weeks ago I posted my favorite piece from an assortment of chocolates from William Dean Chocolatier that my sister gave me for Christmas. It was a peanut butter & jelly bon bon. Yeah, it sounds simple and homey. But what’s wrong with that? This Duet has a layer of creamy peanut butter and that wonderfully flavorful raspberry filling. I could eat a whole bag of these without any problem. They are expensive, but if I could buy them individually like Lindor Truffles I’d guarantee I’d pick up one or two of the PB&J on a regular basis. As a box, I’d hesitate a bit but probably go for it anyway - especially if I could snag a bag for about $5. They’re rich but not too decadent, a little more homey and have fresh flavors that fill a hole where I don’t think there are other commercially made products. They will be released the week of April 19, 2010 and will be available at retailers such as WalMart and Kohl’s. (Check their website for current locations.) Related Candies
POSTED BY Cybele AT 9:55 am Candy • Review • Madelaine • Caramel • Chocolate • Jelly Candy • Kosher • Peanuts • White Chocolate • 7-Worth It • 8-Tasty • 9-Yummy • United States • |
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Meticulously photographed and documented reviews of candy from around the world. And the occasional other sweet adventures. Open your mouth, expand your mind.
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Raspberry is THE best flavor of jelly for a PB & J.
I approve of your favorite. haha
My favorite is the caramel & peanut butter. They are addictive. The chocolate is awesome. I am so glad you reviewed them. I think they will be under $4 at Walmart. I am looking for them on the shelf now. Its sooo exciting to have something new. Double filled is awesome. And a New Exciting Candy in retail is well good for all of us that are tired of the same ole stuff.
Mmmmm, I’ve gotta get me some of these!
Your pictures are fantastic. I love the cross-sections and the ones that are split apart. I can’t wait to try these. I agree with you, I wish these were easier to find!
Hi Kay - did you manage to locate them in Walmart? Which one?
I think I may just but them online - they look delicious!!!
Love the photography
Mark
they are in selected Walmarts around the country. I am not sure where you are but if you let me know your zip code: I will find out!
They are going on shelves this week
Hi,
Last week I was sent a box of the milk and white ones.
I like how they feel and the taste is good.
Maybe they could benefit from a bit less sugar and a bit more cocoa, but then again I guess that’s usual because of having the white chocolate.
Although not among my favourites, I do think that it deserves a positive note and I would buy them if I saw them here in Portugal.
Since I don’t like peanut butter - yes I know it healthy - I try the other flavours; well, maybe I would try just one
Take care,
José
Madelaine Chocolate company and their products should be avoided. From the top down, they don’t care about their customers. DON’T BUY THEIR CHOCOLATES. I read that warning before I dealt with them and wish I listened. Don’t make my mistake.
Elaine, you didn’t give any specifics about why they are bad products or a a bad company.
I recently tried these Madelaine Duet truffles which I found at the counter of a local Plaid Pantry (or is it a 7-11, I can’t remember!). I was tempted by the price of only 33cents a piece and I was absolutely delighted with how good they taste! For the inexpensive price, they are surprisingly good!
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