If you are an avid ingredient reader, like me, then you know that most commercially sold chocolate truffles have a long list of ingredients that usually include hydrogenated oils and other unhealthy additives. Since I am all for environmentally-friendly products, then I give Hagensborg an A-plus in this department for making their box useful even after the chocolates have been eaten. Overall, a big thumbs-up to Hagensborg Chocolates on their Truffle Pig, particularly the mint dark chocolate one. The chocolates are called TRUFFLE PIG by Hagensborg Chocolates Ltd., a company based in Burnaby, BC. The plain Dark Chocolate Truffle Pig was just as smooth as the Peppermint, but a little too sweet for me – it had that flavour of very sweet dark chocolate that many people like, which is just not my preference. When it comes to cooking, people are always trying to push the culinary boundaries of creativity. Fortunately, there are many varieties of foods that go perfectly with this underground mushroom. That may explain why there was such a good deal on these truffles (sale of only $5 for a 92 gram box of truffles!). Although I think there may have been a slight error on one side of the box because it showed a picture of the peppermint truffle packaging with a label that read “Milk Chocolate Peppermint Truffle”.

French truffle growers have declared war on cheap, “fake” Chinese imports that they say unscrupulous chefs are unfairly “doping” by spraying with synthetic aromas to make them smell like the real thing. French on the box as “arome”. There are multiple classes available every month covering everything from French desserts to cast-iron cooking techniques, but be sure to keep an eye out for its signature “date night” options, which are especially geared toward couples. The eight that are advertised are, in fact, inside the box, but there are many more kinds and no description of these. The box can actually be turned inside out, like a reversible sweater, and re-used to wrap a gift. In fact, once turned inside out, the box looks like a knitted sweater. I have visited the website and now I am truly excited to try other flavours of the Truffle Pig (like Hazelnut and Peanut Butter) and Hagensborg’s other products, including their Love Me Raspberry Truffle Frog and most of all, their single origin Wild Boar chocolates. The pig thing is a bit confusing (in addition to the images on the package, the chocolates are also shaped like pigs). The name is that it reminds me that I am a “truffle pig” for having eaten so many at once.

After having eaten about eight of these chocolates today, I am compelled to say that I am happy with the flavours that Nestle has chosen for this box of truffles. It was okay, but sort of bland compared to the other flavours in the box. The box said it was a “harmonious blend of creamy mocha and dark chocolate”. The peppermint flavour is mild and not overpowering; the dark chocolate flavour still shines through. The packaging advertised that the box contained 4 Dark Truffles and 4 Dark Peppermint Truffles. Inside, the Peppermint were, in fact, made of dark chocolate and they tasted fantastic. So that was my Valentine’s Day chocolate indulgence. For the dark chocolate lover, Valentine’s Day is not complete without some kind of dark chocolate truffles. Found in little boutique chocolate shops in metropolitan centres. For more freshness and color, you can add a few basil leaves, a little arugula and a few pine nuts. 3. Remove the garlic before it takes on color and adds the truffle julienne; stir and add the salt. That said, in reviewing the taste and flavours, I liked the “Exquise” the best, which is a smooth dark chocolate truffle that has crispy rounds bits on the top, which add a nice textural element.

I’m just not sure how pigs and chocolate are related, but hey, they taste great and are all-natural so who cares if they are shaped like pigs? The branding on the package also includes pictures of dancing pigs wearing red scarves and hats, which makes it seem so Canadian. The only problem I have with the dancing pigs. I have no issue with there being more chocolate flavours than what was promised, but most of the mystery truffles have a little too much alcohol in them. There is a scary amount of alcohol in the liqueur-filled chocolates. Another was Goldschlager, which I knew because of the strong alcohol and cinnamon that burned my tongue, making it nearly inedible. I am impressed that he thought to get the dark chocolate box – it means I have made progress in my hinting that I want only chocolate (preferably dark) for any special occasion gift – EVER. And for someone like me, minced truffles who lives very far away from any high end truffle shops, and who’s husband never remembers to order gourmet truffles online in advance of Valentine’s Day, I rely on commercial chocolate brands to provide me with a special treat on Valentine’s Day.

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