Taste TV's Boston Luxury Chocolate Salon

I must admit that being a food and lifestyle blogger has definitely introduced me to some new experiences and opportunities.  For example, a few months ago, I received an email from Taste TV about being a judge for Boston's Luxury Chocolate Salon.  The instructions weren't very clear but I was told that I would receive a package of chocolates, which I would taste, review and judge (based on several different categories).  This didn't sound like too tough of a job and I certainly didn't have to ask Bret twice if he wanted to test the chocolates with me!  When the package of chocolates arrived, I realized that this would be a serious endeavor.  So, over a course of three days, we sampled a giant package of chocolates.  Although I haven't received the results yet, I wanted to share a few of my favorite chocolates.

When it comes to chocolate, my favorite flavor combination combines chocolate and salt.  I was excited to discover that Dean's Sweets offered a Maine Sea Salt Caramel truffle and it was absolutely divine.  Better yet, Dean's Sweets is located in Portland, Maine so I know that I will definitely be stopping by their shop the next time I head to Portland!

My favorite chocolate was definitely the William Dean Chocolate's Peanut Butter and Jelly Bar.  I loved the texture of the crunchy peanuts, smooth peanut butter and the sweet raspberry jam.

You can see all of the amazing layers when you cut into this bar!

I also thought that William Dean had some of the prettiest truffles - some that seemed almost too pretty to eat.

I also loved the packaging on these Dolce Bella chocolates.  It seemed so innocent and sweet.

And the truffles were equally adorable.  My favorite was the Just-Picked Raspberry Dark Chocolate Truffle.

There were also some great chocolate bars, especially this tasty Amano Ocumare Milk Chocolate bar.  This was my favorite chocolate bar, which is surprising since I tend to favor dark chocolate over milk chocolate.

Bret's favorite was the Alter Eco Dark Chocolate Velvet bar.

Not only is it fair trade certified, it also comes in great ecological packaging.

Overall, we had a great time tasting and judging these chocolates from the packaging to their flavor combinations.  Some, like the peanut butter and jelly, were great.  Others, like goat cheese and chocolate, were not.  I know a few of the other Boston food bloggers participating in the Boston Luxury Chocolate Salon and I can't wait to hear what they thought about the chocolate!

Thanks to Taste TV for giving me this yummy opportunity to try some great chocolate products!