From time to time we get customer’s calling in about their bloomed chocolate. What’s bloomed chocolate you may ask?  Blooming is the change in the color and texture of chocolate due to improper storage.  When chocolate is exposed to high fluctuations in temperature and or humidity, it can take on a white discolored appearance and its texture can become grainy and feel oily on the surface.

While the chocolate is still perfectly safe to eat, many people can tell a difference in the taste profile of the chocolate as well.

In order to prevent blooming from occurring always store your chocolate at room temperature in a cupboard or pantry.  DO NOT put your chocolate in the freezer or refrigerator and during summer months make sure that you don’t leave chocolate in a hot car or in direct sunlight (this can also cause melting).

 If you find that your chocolate was all ready bloomed when you purchase it from a store, be sure to return it so that they can make sure that the chocolate is being stored properly.

 So remember even though your bloomed chocolate is safe to eat, with a little careful storage you can make sure that it will remain in the same pristine condition it was when it left our factory.

So you forgot your best friend’s birthday and know she swoons everytime she bite’s into a grizzly bar. You want to give her the perfect chocolate gift to make up for your absentmindness. Well lucky you, the ESC Store is now open for business! Located at our 73rd Street location, the store carries all ESC chocolate lines as well as ESC apparel, gift ideas and seasonal items.

Just stop by the store between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday and not only can you pick-up a few bars for her indulgence but you can also pick-out a gift basket and t-shirt so she will have a very memorable birthday.

Now all you have to do is remember her birthday next year so you can get a headstart on all your chocolate shopping.

Summer and fall are my favorite times of year because I get to roll-out my sleeping bag and head to my favorite campsite. After a day of hiking or sightseeing, I always look forward to curling up next to the campfire and making smores.

I’ve never really put a lot of thought into the chocolate I’ve used until my most recent trip. I took a bag of Endangered Species milk and dark chocolate treats with me and realized that they are the perfect chocolate for smores. Not only does each treat fit perfectly in between the graham crackers but they both are delicious. The milk chocolate has a very engaging delicate taste and the dark chocolate is smooth and helps balance out the richness of the marshmallow.

Once winter comes, I always get a little sad because it gets too cold to camp but that doesn’t mean I can’t still enjoy my smores year round, as I can just pop one in the microwave anytime I want!