As you know, chocolate is commonly thought of as a dessert. But, it doesn’t need to be eaten exclusively after dinner. In fact, chocolate is a fantastic food pairing for any meal. Below is a list of the top five foods chocolate pairs great with. So, prep your dishes, grab some chocolate, and get ready for the following partners in crime:
One: Fruits
Chocolate-covered fruits, as you’ve probably guessed, are among the best chocolate collaborators. Chocolate-covered strawberries, bananas, dried apricots, and more pair incredibly well together. Don’t want to dip the fruit? Simply serve up some dark chocolate on a platter with a selection of fresh fruits. (Typically, higher cacao intensities pair better with fruit, as the fruit itself is sweet and the lower intensities of cacao contain more sugar).
Two: Peanut Butter
Peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in heaven. You don’t even need to encase the peanut butter. Simply eat some chocolate alongside a peanut butter sandwich—or some other peanut-heavy food. Dip a piece of chocolate bark into a bowl of peanut butter as a treat. You won’t be disappointed.
Three: Coffee
Chocolate and coffee are both fermented fruits, and go together surprisingly well, which is why so many cafés put chocolate in their coffee. Even if you’re not into having the mixture of the two in your beverage, a piece of chocolate or a baked chocolate treat alongside your morning cup is a great combination.
Four: Pretzels
Chocolate and pretzels are a fan favorite of snack lovers everywhere. Both soft pretzels and hard offer that sweet and salty combination that is incomparable. Simply melt some chocolate over your warm or cool pretzels. Try it as a slightly sweet alternative to using mustard.
Five: Popcorn
Chocolate and popcorn are a moviegoer’s delight. Chocolate goes well with popcorn due to the combination of the crunchy texture and the sweet and salty flavor profile. If you’re watching a movie at the theatre, simply purchase a solid chocolate bar to enjoy alongside your popcorn. Staying in for the night? Make your own gourmet treat by carefully melting, then drizzling your favorite dark, milk, or white chocolate over some salted popped corn. Add some extra flavor with a little spice, such as cinnamon, chili powder – or both.
Six: Angel Food Cake
This extraordinary chocolate partner is popular, and for a good reason. It’s a light and fluffy, protein-rich dessert that is dairy-free. Try melting some chocolate and drizzling it over your store-bought cake. If you’re making your own from scratch, opt for a recipe that uses cocoa powder or melted chocolate in the batter. Both varieties can also be topped with fresh sliced strawberries or raspberries.
Don’t be afraid to get creative. Whether your flavor profile is sweet or salty, we have cacao intensities at Legacy Chocolates to enhance your breakfast, lunch, dinner, or late-night snack. Stop by our Saint Paul store or visit us online for products that can inspire undiscovered creations in your own kitchen!
