> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://thechocolatelife.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Holiday 2024 Tasting & Gifting Guide | #PodSaveChocolate Ep86 - URL: https://thechocolatelife.com/holiday-2024-tasting-gifting-guide-podsavechocolate-ep86/ - Published: 2024-12-08T16:55:07.000Z - Updated: 2024-12-13T17:38:03.000Z - Description: Episode 86 of #PodSaveChocolate is my holiday gifting guide for the chocolate fans in your life ... and yourself ... featuring bars from exhibitors at the recent Midwest Craft Chocolate Festival. - Author: Clay Gordon - Tags: PodSaveChocolate, Live Stream **When and Where to Watch** 🗓️ The stream airs at 11:00 ****MST** (10:00 PST, 12:00 CST, 13:00 EST), on Tuesday, December 10th, 2024. **🔗 🔗 below to watch – or to view the archived episode.* Click on this (shareable) link to watch on YouTube. Please subscribe (free!) to the [@PodSaveChocolate YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@podsavechocolate/featured?ref=thechocolatelife.com), like this video, comment, and ****share** this episode to help grow the #PSC community. [Clay Gordon on LinkedIn: #podsavechocolate #lavidacocoa #thechocolatelife #cacao #cocoa #cacau…Episode Overview Episode 86 of #PodSaveChocolate is my holiday gifting guide for the chocolate fans in your life ... and yourself ... featuring bars from…![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/al2o9zrvru7aqj8e1x2rzsrca)LinkedInClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/c45fy346jw096z9pbphyyhdz7)](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/claygordon%5Fpodsavechocolate-lavidacocoa-thechocolatelife-activity-7271567066434813952-1pXt?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop) This ****LINKEDIN** link is shareable. [Holiday 2024 Tasting & Gifting Guide | #PodSaveChocolate Ep86Other event by TheChocolateLife on Tuesday, December 10 2024![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/aGT3gskzWBf.ico)#PodSaveChocolate Ep86![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/media)](https://fb.me/e/2CNZtO6AH?ref=thechocolatelife.com) This ****FACEBOOK** link is shareable. --- ## **Episode 86 Overview** Every year I do a gifting guide and this year I am mixing the format up a bit by: - doing it as an episode of PodSaveChocolate, and - showcasing exhibitors at the recent Midwest Craft Chocolate Festival ![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2024/12/Ep86Setup.jpeg) The view of my desktop taken just prior to the start of the episode. Two lights, one computer, a second monitor, and lots and **lots* of chocolate for tasting. --- ### **More Midwest Craft Chocolate Festival Bars** 💡 I did not get to the following bars in Ep84\. To see the list of bars I **did* taste, visit the post for Ep84 and watch the episode. Links below. [Midwest Craft Chocolate Festival Roundup & 2025 Craft Chocolat Challenge | #PodSaveChocolate Ep84Episode 84 of #PodSaveChocolate features 1) a roundup of the recent inaugural Midwest Craft Chocolate Festival in Rushville, IN; 2) tastings of chocolate from exhibitors; and 3) announcing that entries are being accepted for the 2025 Craft Chocolat Challenge – 4th edition. \[ Updated on 12/4\. \]![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/Ep-084-MwCCF-2025-CCC---Featured1920x1080.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/midwest-craft-chocolate-festival-roundup-2025-craft-chocolat-challenge-podsavechocolate-ep84/) [Direct link to the bars NOT tasted ](https://thechocolatelife.com/midwest-craft-chocolate-festival-roundup-2025-craft-chocolat-challenge-podsavechocolate-ep84#Ep84Bars)in the episode. [2i Cacao Bars2i Cacao Bars 2i stands for two ingredients and therefore we called ‘Cacao Bars’. You can experience all the healthy benefits of cacao and the different delicate flavors notes in each one of them. A minimum of 73% content of whole cacao and Biodynamic sugarcane juice dehydrated. Arauca Balanced flavors of tropical fru![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/FAVICON-cacaitos-png_32x32.png)Cacaitos![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/DE1DFB11-9AFE-43C7-A74C-8849E1B30C2F_1_105_c_1200x1200.jpg)](https://cacaitos.ca/products/cacaitos-chocolate-bar?variant=43739134394534&ref=thechocolatelife.com) Cacaitos (Canada) Chigorodó (Colombia) 73% two-ingredient [80% Tanzania Dark Chocolate2021 Good Food Award Winner2019 Gold Medal at Chocolate Salon Awards We have made a few 80% bars over the years but our favorite has been working with the folks at Kokoa Kamili in Tanzania. Kokoa Kamili works with 3000 smallholder farms and pays a premium directly to the farmers for their fresh cacao. Good for the farm![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/M-monogram_copy_180x180.jpg)MaverickChocolateMaverickChocolate![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/80TanzaniaDarkChocolateMaverickKokoaKamili_600x.jpg)](https://maverickchocolate.com/collections/chocolate-bars/products/80-dark-chocolate-2?ref=thechocolatelife.com) Maverick (Ohio) 80% Dark (Kokoa Kamili) [Les Chocolateries Askanya (Made at Origin, Haiti) | Peace on FifthAskanya is “on a mission to help our local farmers while making high-quality Haitian chocolate. From our humble start, we have grown into Haiti’s first bean-to-bar chocolate company. You made all this possible with your trust in us.”![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/icon_180x180_ios.png)Peace on Fifth![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/s378055810576945798_p68_i2_w1000.jpeg)](https://peaceonfifth.square.site/product/les-chocolateries-askanya-made-at-origin-haiti-/68?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false&ref=thechocolatelife.com) Askanya (Haiti) from Peace on Fifth (Ohio) 50% Dark [Home | Chocolat Inn & CaféBean to Bar Craft Chocolate, Small Batch Handcrafted Fine Chocolate![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/icon_180x180_ios_NzA1MD.png)Chocolat Inn & Café](https://chocolat-inn.square.site/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) Chocolate Café (Rushville) 75% Dark w/ Bourbon. 🍫 Not an exhibitor, but a winner in previous editions of the Craft Chocolat Challenge ... ****Sweets Escalier**’s (Japan) 60% (Chuao, Venezuela) Milk. Dustin has a **very* limited number of these bars – ***and other CCC winners** – available for sale in his shop. [Contact Dustin via email ](mailto:info@chocolat-inn.com)if interested in any of those. --- ### **Two More Tastings** 🍫 ****Alter Eco** ****Foods** Alter Eco is on my radar this year because I was approached by their PR company and was sent samples to taste. I met the founder, Mathieu Sendard, years ago and have been following them because they are on the Chocolate Scorecard. Alter Eco products are widely available at retail (they are in my local Sprouts) and easy to find. [Sustainability & Regeneration ReportAt Alter Eco, our mission is simple: to create food that restores the planet rather than depleting it. From soil to shelf, our snacks are crafted with the cleanest and greenest practices on Earth. We believe in transparency, which is why we publish an annual report detailing our sustainability efforts and progress.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/Favicon_d5dbdb98-ec8d-420c-8705-048356714575_32x32.png)Alter Eco Foods![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/alter-eco-header-logo_600x.png)](https://www.alterecofoods.com/pages/sustainability-report?ref=thechocolatelife.com) Alter Eco products will appeal to people generally interested in certified products, and much of their packaging is home compostable. Alter Eco truffles are a solid alternative to Lindt’s Lindor balls. 🍫 ****Amore de Mona** I first met the founder, Mona, in 2016 and am working with her to help navigate these trying business times. Mona has been a pioneer of flavor-***full** vegan, gluten- and allergen-free chocolate and confections for two decades. They make their couverture from cocoa mass, cocoa butter, and natural liquid sweeteners, giving them a very soft texture. [Fine Vegan and Gluten-free Chocolate | Amore di MonaWe make fine couverture chocolate that is free of all common allergens, gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegan. Each batch is crafted by hand in Louisville, KY.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/f20486_8c26b448daa04d48bd4296dfc46e595e.png)Amore di Mona![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/f20486_45c7e78317694eaebe60aa7ad0b42f9f~mv2.jpg)](https://www.amoredimona.com/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) I had the chance to sample AdM chocolates and confections at Thanksgiving without letting anyone know they were vegan and allergen-free. Everything I put out was eaten with praise – and surprise (positive) when I told them about their ingredients. If you want something with texture, try the **Sel Mignardise* (a best-seller). The Cointreau and Grand Marnier options are creamy ganaches. --- ### ***More* Gifting Suggestions** 🍫 ****For Hot Chocolate / Mocha Lovers** I have known one of the founders of Sip!, En Min Hsu, for close to 20 years – we met at a World Pastry Forum. If you’re looking for *a truly gourmet* hot chocolate mix, consider Sip! Extraordinary ... available in Dark, Milk, and Peppermint. [Luxury Hot Chocolate | Sip! Extraordinary Drinking ChocolateIndulge in rich, velvety drinking chocolate by World Champion Pastry Chef En-Ming Hsu. Experience hot chocolate redefined with this decadent treat.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/cropped-Sip-Logo-icon-round-2-270x270.png)Sip! Extraordinary Drinking ChocolateSip! Extraordinary Drinking Chocolate![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/sip-drinking-chocolate-kitchen.jpg)](https://sipextraordinary.com/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) ![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2024/12/frotherEdited.jpg) #### Milk Frother - Hot Chocolate Maker One of the exhibitors at the Midwest Craft Chocolate Festival was using a milk frother to prep and serve hot chocolate samples during the festival. When I returned I bought this one to see how it worked out, and after a week of daily use, I am quite happy with it. On these chilly pre-dawn winter days, my first cup of coffee in the morning is now a mocha. I add a tablespoon (or two) of Sip! mix to cold milk and use the **stirrer* paddle to mix and heat the chocolate to 160F – taking less time to make than the coffee does. (I use an Aeropress.) The non-stick interior makes it quick and easy to clean. Pro tip: fill the frother with warm water and a drop of dish soap and run a cycle to clean the bowl. A quick rinse and wipe and it’s clean and dry for the ext use. This particular model might **not* be the one for you ([the much more expensive one from Breville](https://amzn.to/4gs046r?ref=thechocolatelife.com) is **very* highly rated), but this is an inexpensive way to get more chocolate into your morning. [Buy Now (affiliate link)](https://amzn.to/4f3bfRS?ref=thechocolatelife.com) ![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2024/12/aeropress.jpg) #### Aeropress A manual maker that makes great coffee – from Espresso to Americano and everything in between. Takes less time and gear than a pour-over and is **a lot* easier to clean than a French press. This has been my everyday coffee maker since 2019\. If you don’t want to use the paper filters, [reusable stainless steel filters](https://amzn.to/3Zq0J15?ref=thechocolatelife.com) are available, as are [attachments](https://amzn.to/4f3cr7O?ref=thechocolatelife.com) to make more espresso-y beverages. [Buy now (affiliate link)](https://amzn.to/3Ztw9nu?ref=thechocolatelife.com) ![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2024/10/WildChocolateCover-Medium.jpeg) #### Wild Chocolate: Across the Americas in Search of Cacao’s Soul Just released! The publication date was October 8th. [Buy on Amazon (affiliate link)](https://amzn.to/3U1C4Ow?ref=thechocolatelife.com) ![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2024/10/1491_CharlesMann-Cover-Medium.jpeg) #### 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus Rowan and I discussed this book in the livestream. If you are interested in knowing more about the Beni region of Bolivia, the chocolatales, and other facts about the landscape of the Americas before the arrival of Colombus – natural and man-mediated – this is the book for you. I can also recommend [****1493**](https://amzn.to/3zS46p5?ref=thechocolatelife.com) by the same author. [Buy on Amazon (affiliate link)](https://amzn.to/4f7LkbU?ref=thechocolatelife.com) --- ### **Questions?** If you have questions or want to comment, you can do so during the episode or, if you are a ChocolateLife member, you can add them in the Comments below at ***any*** time. --- ### **More Episode Hashtags (and Related Accounts to Follow)** #cocoa #cacao #cacau #chocolate #chocolat #craftchocolate #PodSaveChoc #PSC #LaVidaCocoa #TheChocolateLife --- ### **Future Episodes** 🗓️ ****Tuesday, December 10th** The Holiday Gifting episode featuring a tasting of offerings from Alter Eco and other makers along with a hardware recommendation for hot chocolate lovers ... **and more.* --- ### **#PodSaveChocolate and #TheChocolateLifeLIVE Archives** **To read an archived post** and find the links to watch archived episodes, click on one of the bookmark cards, below. [Pod Save Chocolate Calendar and ArchiveNews, views, and conversations on topics in cocoa and chocolate streamed live to YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook. #PodSaveChocolate!![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2020/12/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2023/11/TagImageBanner-PodSaveChocTagFinal_1920x1080-5.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/pod-save-chocolate-calendar-and-archive/) [#TheChocolateLifeLIVE ArchiveNews, views, and conversations on topics in cocoa and chocolate streamed live to YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2020/12/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2023/03/solen-feyissa-WG7v_wYZW4Q-unsplash-CalendarFeatured1920x1080.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/thechocolatelife-live-calendar/) [PodSaveChocolateHosted by Clay Gordon, the creator and moderator of TheChocolateLife.com, #PodSaveChocolate covers a wide variety of topics in the worlds of cocoa and chocolate. The video versions of this podcast are hosted and archived on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Click on the PodSaveChocolate link in the top nav on TheChocolateLife for the links to the post accompanying each episode.![](https://pnc.st/static/img/256x256.png)Pinecast![](https://social.pinecast.net/preview_card/podcasts/covers/d3730dca-0711-4720-9ef3-3b18918c1f0d/TagImageBanner-PodSaveChocTagFinal_1920x1080.jpg?title=PodSaveChocolate)](https://pnc.st/s/podsavechocolate?ref=thechocolatelife.com) Audio-only podcasts --- ## Not a Member? Live The Chocolate Life – Live La Vida Cocoa! Sign up for Free to comment and receive members-only content. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. 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