Cheers to International Coffee Day with Chocolate Discs

Many would agree together chocolate and coffee are the perfect blend. In honor of International Coffee Day on September 29, create thin, chocolate discs to top (and eventually melt into) a coffee cup or mug. Using a three-inch diameter ring mould (like this one) could help you create a consistent shape every time.

 

The average ceramic coffee mug is 3.25 inches in diameter and an eight-ounce disposable coffee cup is approximately 3.15 inches.

Of course, solid chocolate discs are delicious as is, the options are endless if you’d like to add flare with flavorings (like caramel, French vanilla, hazelnut, mint, pumpkin spice, etc.) or toppings of crushed peppermint, sprinkles, swirls of dark/milk/white chocolate or cookie crumbles. The addition of colored cocoa butter or transfer sheets add to the visual aesthetics.

Once you’ve perfected your product, connect with local coffee companies and/or restaurants in your community to sell or promote your chocolate discs. Quick tip: For best results, pair chocolate discs with milk-based coffee drinks such as a lattes and cappuccinos.

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Quick Guide to Nuts & Chocolate Pairings

Chocolate is always a nice treat, but with the addition of nuts comes key proteins and nutrients, good fats, antioxidants and more!

This week we’re sharing some easy guidelines for pairing nuts with dark, milk, white and ruby chocolate.

Dark chocolate: For nuts that have distinct flavors on their own, such as almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts and pecans, it is best to pair them with rich dark chocolate. Like dark chocolate, many nuts are considered to be superfoods. 

Milk chocolate: What doesn't go with milk chocolate? Peanuts and milk chocolate are a classic combination. Walnuts also go really well with milk chocolate, because they have a bit milder flavor.

White chocolate: You will often find macadamia nuts paired with white chocolate, due to their very mild flavors. Cashews and white chocolate are another popular pairing.

Ruby chocolate: Ruby chocolate’s intense berry flavor pairs well with a variety of nuts, including almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, peanuts, pecans, pine kernels, pistachios and walnuts.

Standing on their own nuts and chocolate are tasty indeed, but when paired together their even better!

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4 Worry-Free Chocolate Pairings

Options for good chocolate pairings are seemingly limitless, from the ever-popular wine and beer pairings to bourbon, cider, tequila and even cheese. If you are considering hosting an in-person or virtual chocolate tasting and pairing event or even just looking for fun ways to spice up your holiday offerings, RCI member Carmen Romeo of Fascia’s Chocolates shares guidelines for easy, worry-free pairings.

Wine

White and milk chocolate pairs best with sweet red or white varietals, while dark chocolate goes better with more complex red wines.

Beer
Chocolate pairs well with many craft beers, however, when attempting to pair with India pale ale (IPA), chocolates with citrus flavors are best.

Bourbon
It is recommended to match flavors when working with bourbon. Some of Fascia’s favorites include pairing a coffee bourbon with a mocha meltaway or a cinnamon bourbon with a cinnamon cream.

Cheese
Cheese can be an unexpected, yet, surprisingly well-received addition to a wine and chocolate or beer and chocolate pairing. Try Carmen’s “no-fail” pairing by finding the best, sharpest Pecorino Romano cheese, pair it with a semi-sweet chocolate wafer or cup, topped with coarse-ground black pepper and a glass of Zinfandel wine—the spicier the better.

Help shoppers get in the holiday spirit by hosting pairing events (in-person or virtual) or by simply recommending new, exciting ways to enjoy your chocolates. Cheers to a spirited holiday season!

Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.