Valentines Day Goody Bag

Valentines day splits people into two groups. Those with a 'special someone', and those without. Regardless of which category you belong to, it is most likely that you will consume some chocolate, the only difference being that one group buys it for some one else, and the other buys it for themselves.

There was a bag inside this bag! Pass the parcel anyone?

So when the thoughtful people at Hotel Chocolat asked me if I would like to sample some of their chocolate, the only mature response was "YES! YES! YES! Please.". When the Valentines Goody Bag (£19) arrived, it was like Christmas had come early. Or late, depending upon how you look at it. When the goody bag arrived, I was hit by a wave sweet aroma. Delving into the large bag, only to find another bag enclosed in wrapping paper, I was reminded of playing pass-the-parcel at fifth birthday party I never had.

Love-Me-Do Raspberry Fusion

I was a little apprehensive at first. Aside from the occasional Terry's chocolate orange, I don't really do fruit-flavoured chocolate. Faced with the aptly titled Love-Me-Do Raspberry Fusion, which can best be described as a slab of chocolate, I wasn't particularly enamored. However upon my first bite of the milk chocolate, I was pleasantly surprised by the crunchy cocoa biscuits hidden within the bar, and the tangy bursts of freeze-dried raspberry goodness. Unfortunately the "red berry flavoured white chocolate" was a little too sweet, even for my sweet tooth! Thankfully, my mother couldn't get enough of it. Upon finishing MY bar, she claimed that although she doesn't like raspberry she can't get enough of this one. What I have learnt from this chocolate, is that it has something for everyone- like a boyband.

Selection of filled chocolates

Next to face the jury were the selection of filled chocolates- Raspberry Smoothie, Caramel Gianduja and Passionfruit Ganache.
The Caramel Gianduja was a pleasant surprise from the gooey caramel filling I had anticipated. The truffle filling had the texture of marzipan, whilst showcasing a praline-esque flavour. Top marks Hotel Chocolat!
The Passion Fruit Truffles were next to face my palette. The zingy passion fruit centre combined with the white chocolate casing was my favourite. It packed a punch of flavour without feeling like you'd been whacked in the mouth.
The Raspberry Smoothie chocolates were pretty decent too. Although I wouldn't agree it tasted like a framboise crush fresh out of the blender, I couldn't say that it wasn't tasty. The intense raspberry flavour contrasted well with the bitterness of the dark chocolate, leading to a symphony of flavours.

Strawberry flavoured white chocolate.

If you like the raspberry-flavoured chocolate, you'd probably adore the strawberry-flavoured lolly. Pure, indulgent goodness, I am counting this as one of my five-a-day.

Passion Fruit Truffles

 To be frank, the passion fruit truffles are the reason why people should eat truffles. The passion fruit purée ganache filling gently complemented the white chocolate, perfect for an after-dinner munch.

If you want to win someone over this Valentines Day, forget the red roses, get this! Nothing says I love you better than a selection of good-quality chocolate, and Hotel Chocolat's goody bag is the perfect answer to the Valentines Day question.

If you belong to the 'singles' category, don't fret. Not having a partner shouldn't spoil your Friday night. In fact, just think of the money you're saving from not having to buy for two, let alone eat over-priced, over-cooked steak in the West End. If your still not comforted by this, find a Ryan Gosling movie to eat you're chocolates with.





Disclaimer:this product was sent to me in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are mine.