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Home » Uncategorized » Foodie Freebie Friday: Vosges Chocolate

Foodie Freebie Friday: Vosges Chocolate

August 3, 2009 · WCC Administr@tr · 70 Comments

fff21-6496256Happy Monday to you! I hope your weekend was a fun one in your corner of the world. I’ve been enjoying my “staycation” in the kitchen and today’s my last day to savor some free time. This week, I’m giving readers an opportunity to savor something too!

Who loves chocolate? Well for this week’s Foodie Freebie Friday, I’m giving away some very special chocolates… Vosges! Vosges is a chocolate boutique here in Chicago that I frequent often since it’s within walking distance from me. It’s hard to resist their delicious and exotic chocolate bars because the unique flavors are so intriguing. If you’ve heard of Chocolate Covered Bacon, Vosges is a company that was one of the firsts to offer this sweet and salty confection. Read on to learn more about Vosges and Katrina Markoff who started this amazing chocolate boutique…



About Vosges Haut-Chocolat
Katrina Markoff utilizes the original methods of French confectionery artistry which she learned during her training at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. Having graduated with the Grand Diplùme from Le Cordon Bleu and having worked extensively in France, Spain, Italy, Southeast Asia and Australia her collections of haut-chocolats have great, worldly inspirations. Inspired by her global apprenticeships, Vosges truffles have exotic influences of an “East meets West” theme.

An Indiana native with Macedonian roots, Markoff has that rare combination of artist and entrepreneur who’s able to take unlikely ingredients and turn them into gold. Owner and creative force behind Vosges Haut-Chocolat, is a 1995 graduate of Vanderbilt University with degrees in Psychology and Chemistry. Three days following graduation Markoff left to pursue her dream of culinary arts in Paris. She studied for one year at Le Cordon Bleu and graduated with Le Grand Diplome in Cuisine and Pastry as well as degrees in Basic and Advanced Oenology.

From Paris, Markoff embarked on an 8 month tour around the world studying food. She worked from place to place, studying the indigenous cuisines of France, Spain, Italy, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, China, Australia and Hawaii.

She apprenticed at restaurants including the Hotel Crillon in Paris, France, El Bulli in Rosas, Spain, as well as Arzak, and Martin Berasategui both located in San Sebastian, Spain. She graduated from The Thai Cooking School at the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, and Chiva Som School in Hua Hin, Thailand. During her travels through Asia she was inspired by the local spice and food markets.

Based on these international experiences, she developed the concept of ‘exotic truffles.’ Fusing a gamut of indigenous spices, flowers, roots, herbs and liqueurs with premium chocolate, she created a unique tasting experience with each truffle. Beckoning consumers to step into the now, she crafted her culinary experience to embrace each sense of smell, taste, hear, touch and sight with every bite.

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So this week, a lucky reader will receive a Mini Exotic Candy Bar Vosges Chocolate gift set! This gift set is a library of Mini Exotic Candy Bars that includes nine .5 oz. mini bars:

Exotic Chocolate Bars - Black Pearl Exotic Candy BarBlack Pearl
ginger + wasabi + black sesame seeds + dark chocolate

Exotic Chocolate Bars - Red Fire Exotic Candy BarRed Fire
Mexican ancho & chipotle chillies + Ceylon cinnamon + dark chocolate

Exotic Chocolate Bars - Gianduja Exotic Candy BarGianduja
almonds + caramelized hazelnut paste + deep milk chocolate

Exotic Chocolate Bars - Naga Exotic Candy BarNaga
sweet Indian curry + coconut + deep milk chocolate

Exotic Chocolate Bars - Creole Exotic Candy BarCreole
New Orleans chicory coffee + cocoa nibs + Sao Thome bittersweet chocolate

Exotic Chocolate Bars - Barcelona Exotic Candy BarBarcelona
hickory smoked almonds + Fleur de Sel grey sea salt + deep milk chocolate

Exotic Chocolate Bars - Oaxaca Exotic Candy BarOaxaca
Oaxacan guajillo & pasilla chillies + Tanzanian bittersweet chocolate

Exotic Chocolate Bars - Woolloomooloo Exotic Candy BarWoolloomooloo
Roasted & salted macadamia nuts + Indonesian coconut

Exotic Chocolate Bars - Matcha Exotic Candy BarMatcha
Japanese matcha green tea + deep milk chocolate

Read on for your chance to get this amazing set of deliciously unique chocolates!

Some guidelines:
– Giveaway is only for those who live in the United States – my apologies to my international readers!
– You must have a valid email address (within your comment or blog link) so that you can be contacted if you win.

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment answering:

– What flavors do you like with chocolate? Caramel? Nougat? Bacon? Peanut Butter? Nuts? Chile? I’d love to hear what sweet or savory chocolate combos you like!


Deadline:
Thursday, August 6, 2009 at 12 midnight CST.

ONE WINNER will be randomly chosen by Random. Org’s Interger Generator based on the number of your comment and will be announced on Friday, August 7, 2009. Good luck!

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Comments

  1. Chris says

    August 3, 2009 at 4:05 pm

    I love chocolate and chile pepper. Also chocolate and sea salt. Ok, maybe add in chocolate and curry or chocolate and five-spice powder. Those are my favs!!

    Reply
  2. Anonymous says

    August 3, 2009 at 4:38 pm

    I love how the fresh floral scent of lavender pairs with chocolate! My 2nd favorite combo would have to be chiles with chocolate…

    Reply
  3. ErinsFoodFiles says

    August 3, 2009 at 4:38 pm

    Of course chocolate and peanut butter! Or chocolate and caramel. Ooooh, and chocolate and BANANA!

    Reply
  4. Lindsey says

    August 3, 2009 at 4:38 pm

    I love the taste of chocolate combined with anything that is salty (bacon, nuts, etc…)

    Reply
  5. Amy says

    August 3, 2009 at 4:38 pm

    I love caramel and chocolate together! 🙂

    Reply
  6. Janet says

    August 3, 2009 at 4:38 pm

    Some of my favorite chocolate combos are:
    chocolate and peanut butter
    chocolate and banana
    chocolate and caramel
    chocolate and hazelnuts

    ALL of those chocolate bars look AMAZING!

    Reply
  7. Eva says

    August 3, 2009 at 4:38 pm

    OMG – I am such a chocoholic and would love to win this! I love chocolate with mint or raspberry.

    evitawylie at hotmail dot com

    Reply
  8. Rachel says

    August 3, 2009 at 4:38 pm

    I'm not proud I'll admit that last year at the MN state fair one of the biggest food attractions was Chocolate covered bacon-and it was delicous!! Their line was longer than anybody elses and I am hoping they will return this year also. I don't try this at home-It could get dangerous lol!

    Reply
  9. The Maiden Metallurgist says

    August 3, 2009 at 4:50 pm

    I love chilies, coconut and orange with chocolate. Yum!

    Reply
  10. Jen says

    August 3, 2009 at 4:50 pm

    I love sweet and salty things together. So peanut butter is one of my fav combos. Caramel would be a close second.

    Reply
  11. Working Mom - Jenn Nadeau says

    August 3, 2009 at 4:58 pm

    I love dark chocolate with orange flavoring – it's so refreshing! My second favorite combo would probably be chocolate with caramel and nuts.

    Reply
  12. michelle says

    August 3, 2009 at 5:09 pm

    chocolate and peanut butter!

    Reply
  13. Sierra says

    August 3, 2009 at 5:23 pm

    I love the salty-sweet combination, so I adore Chocolate-Covered Pretzels! The crunch-factor from the pretzels is great too.

    Reply
  14. Mindy says

    August 3, 2009 at 5:23 pm

    I'm a dark chocolate and hot chile fan myself, although I love a non-nut crunch in it too.

    Reply
  15. Anonymous says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    i love love love love peanut butter and chocolate…mmmmm

    Reply
  16. Jennifer says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    Trader Joe's has these dark chocolate salted caramels that I just LOVE!

    Reply
  17. Melissa says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    I love chocolate and mint (especially in ice cream form) and I always add cocoa to my chili. I also had a love for the Chicago Chocolate Factory's Mexican hot chocolate where they added a bit of cinnamon and chili.

    Reply
  18. Mrs. G says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    If I just have to have chocolate I like it with caramel or peanut butter.

    Reply
  19. RandRAdventures says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    I really like the chile & chocolate flavor in mole sauces, the sweet & spicy sensation can't be beat! From a pure sweet perspective, I do enjoy caramel & chocolate, too.

    Reply
  20. Melissa says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    Usually I like the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, but when given the chance, my ultimate favorite is dark chocolate with chilies!

    Reply
  21. Meghan says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    I love chocolate with bananas, strawberry, carmel, pretzels, potato chips, mint, nuts, peanut butter, coconut….. I could go on and on!

    Reply
  22. Kerstin says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    What a cool giveaway, the flavor combos are all inspiring. I have to go with the classic favorite though, peanut butter!

    Reply
  23. Unknown says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    I love dark chocolate and almonds.

    Reply
  24. Margaret says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    You are having me drool profusely over this giveaway. I love chocolate with anything! I think the best combination in the world is dark chocolate and raspberry. Mmm!

    shen[dot]margaret[at]gmail[dot]com

    Reply
  25. Mrs. McGillis says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    I absolutely love the combo of chocolate and peanut butter, as well as chocolate with a hint of salt – like the sea salt brownies from Trader Joe's.

    Reply
  26. Paula A says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    My fave would be a good hazelnut or a real rich creamy milk chocolate.

    Reply
  27. ShoeFanatic614 says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    My fav snack ever is Raisinets (chocolate covered raisins) and popcorn. I just love salty-sweet combo.

    Reply
  28. Nikki says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    Salt! I love the sweet-salty thing – a really good piece of chocolate with some sea salt on top is the perfect combo.

    Reply
  29. alauna says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    mmm, great giveaway! i like chocolate and caramel best, with chocolate and mint running a very close second.

    Reply
  30. citygirlcooks says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    Chocolate covered almonds or peanuts (salted of course!).

    Reply
  31. Mushi says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    I've had Vosges truffles- and their combinations are truly inspiring! I love a good salty sweet combo- pretzels = 🙂

    Reply
  32. Frances says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    Mmmm, I LOVE Vosges bacon chocolate bar. I've also had the green tea one. They may still offer this… if you buy something in their shop and don't use one of their bags to carry your items, they will give you a free truffle! Nice!

    Reply
  33. Jen M says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    I love chocolate. Growing up dessert always revolved around chocolate.

    I love a sweet & salty combination and chocolate & nuts

    So in no particular order
    1) Chocolate & Bacon
    2) Chocalate, Carmel & Sea Salt
    3) Chocolate & Almonds
    4) Chocolate & Hazel nuts
    5) Chocolate & wasabi
    6) Chcocolate & Curry
    7) Chocolate & red pepper mixes

    Reply
  34. Andrew C says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    I like chocolate with peanut butter, orange, raspberry, and just about any other sweet flavor. I don't really like chocolate with savory things – never liked peanut M&Ms.

    Reply
  35. Larry + Brenda says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    Chocolate covered caramel (and I'm talking really good caramel, here). There is just nothing like it.

    Reply
  36. Unknown says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    I love chocolate with anything! But if I had to choose a favorite combo, it would be chocolate with peanut butter.

    Reply
  37. Ginny says

    August 3, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    The Black Pearl is my favorite! I also love chili with chocolate… a huge fan of the spice! 🙂

    ginnygetsfloury [at] gmail [dot] com

    Reply
  38. Jason says

    August 3, 2009 at 10:58 pm

    I have a hard time picking one, maybe caramel. Coffee, almond, strawberries, cherries and vanilla are all good choices too.

    Reply
  39. nicole says

    August 3, 2009 at 10:58 pm

    chocolate and peanut butter!

    Reply
  40. Lena says

    August 3, 2009 at 10:58 pm

    I've never tried crazy chocolate combinations. I prefer chocolate and peanut butter or chocolate and caramel. Chocolate covered fruit is pretty good too!

    Reply
  41. Ms. Aliza says

    August 4, 2009 at 12:29 am

    Chocolate and coffee is my favorite! Like a true New Orleans girl I also love it with chicory.

    Reply
  42. Mary says

    August 4, 2009 at 12:29 am

    My favorite combination is chocolate and salt…weird, I know, but true :).

    Reply
  43. Anonymous says

    August 4, 2009 at 12:29 am

    I love chocolate with the usual caramel and even hazelnuts, but put it in a mole…heaven!

    Reply
  44. Diet Diva says

    August 4, 2009 at 12:29 am

    I love the combo of dark chocolate and sea salt. Vosges' Barcelona bar (which also has smoked almonds) is fantastic!

    Reply
  45. Ania says

    August 4, 2009 at 12:29 am

    Chocolate and coconut!

    ania dot taylor@gmail.com

    Reply
  46. Leslie M. says

    August 4, 2009 at 12:29 am

    For me.. it's Chocolate Raspberry!! OH My gosh.. Now I am gonna Crave it! ahah
    Thanks for a GREAT Giveaway!!!
    Leslie
    LeslieVeg@msn.com
    http://leslielovesveggies.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  47. Janet Debret Maineri says

    August 4, 2009 at 1:49 am

    The Black Pearl and the Barcelona are the most tantalizing of all to me….hope I get to confirm that :<) Personally, I love Dark Chocolate / fruit combos like mango & raspberry, in particular. And chocolate / salt combos.

    Reply
  48. sweet delight says

    August 4, 2009 at 1:49 am

    I love Vosges Chocolate! I especially like chocolate paired with sea salt or their bar with the bacon! Yum – thanks for the contest!

    Reply
  49. Shauna says

    August 4, 2009 at 1:49 am

    I have come to LOVE chili pepper and chocolate. I practically always have a bar in my house now to nibble on. I love hazelnut, caramel as well as peanut butter with chocolate too.

    Reply
  50. Deborah says

    August 4, 2009 at 1:49 am

    I don't think there's anything I DON'T like with my chocolate!! 😉

    Reply
  51. Melly says

    August 4, 2009 at 1:49 am

    I like chocolate, nuts, salt and carmel.
    mellisa.willis@sbcglobal.net

    Reply
  52. Megan says

    August 4, 2009 at 1:49 am

    I was just at the Vosges boutique here in Vegas – it's so pretty.

    My favorite combo is definitely pb and chocolate. No question.

    Reply
  53. Emily says

    August 4, 2009 at 4:51 am

    I'm pretty much a fan of anything chocolate! I definitely enjoy anything chocolate and peanut butter—my favorite combo.

    Reply
  54. Lisa says

    August 4, 2009 at 4:51 am

    I absolutely LOVE Vosges chocolate!! My favorite chocolate combos are with grey salt, peanut butter or caramel.

    Reply
  55. Nina says

    August 4, 2009 at 4:51 am

    I love chocolate with pretzels, peanut butter, and caramel. That's probably why Take 5 is my favorite candy bar.

    Reply
  56. Unknown says

    August 4, 2009 at 1:30 pm

    I'm a confirmed chocoholic, so I'll eat nearly anything with chocolate in/on it. But some of my favorite combinations are chocolate with caramel & sea salt, dark chocolate with cherries and chocolate with orange.

    Reply
  57. Miss M.J. Ma'am says

    August 4, 2009 at 2:36 pm

    chocolate and coconut…..can''t get enough.

    Reply
  58. Carly says

    August 4, 2009 at 3:34 pm

    orange, banana, marzipan and salt are definitely my favorite chocolate pairings.

    Reply
  59. Kate says

    August 4, 2009 at 5:32 pm

    I love chocolate and salty…mmm!

    Reply
  60. kokocooks says

    August 4, 2009 at 5:32 pm

    I'm pretty dull when it comes to pairing chocolate – I love it combined with hazelnut, peanut butter, and any kind of chile pepper (although not all at once).

    Reply
  61. Amy L says

    August 4, 2009 at 8:31 pm

    My favorite flavors to pair with chocolate are caramel, peanut butter, toffee, and coffee, but I like trying new combinations. I've tried this brand of chocolate before, and it was very good. Thank you for the great giveaway!

    Reply
  62. Kira says

    August 5, 2009 at 12:59 pm

    I've had some of the Vosges chocolates! I really like a bit of heat with my chocolate, a pinch of cayenne or, even better, chipotle.

    Reply
  63. Brooke says

    August 5, 2009 at 2:01 pm

    My favorite is chocolate with almonds, but coconut and mint aren't too far behind!

    Reply
  64. Cara says

    August 5, 2009 at 5:28 pm

    I will most likely eat chocolate in any way, shape or form – from the traditional combinations with strawberries, peanut butter or mint, to more slightly whacky pairs like lime, pumpkin, or goat cheese 🙂

    Reply
  65. Kelsey says

    August 5, 2009 at 10:06 pm

    Hm, choices. I like chocolate with peanut butter, of course. Toffee is another favorie. MMM, Heath. As well as nuts.

    The Naga and Barcelona bars sound heavenly!

    Reply
  66. CoCo says

    August 6, 2009 at 1:34 pm

    I love the sound of some of those combinations. I love caramel with my chocolate.

    Reply
  67. Jessica - The Novice Chef says

    August 6, 2009 at 10:25 pm

    I do not think its possible to choose a favorite Chocolate combination! Although I do love Chocolate and Peanut Butter!

    Reply
  68. kimbly says

    August 7, 2009 at 6:21 am

    I love chocolate with salted nuts and salted caramel – excellent taste experience, especially homemade.

    Reply
  69. Lewis says

    August 10, 2009 at 12:15 am

    I'm helping the folks at Matcha Source Green Tea (www.matchasource.com) introduce their products to bloggers. I really enjoyed your post, which is why I contacted you. If you send us an email at lewis@matchasource.com or info@matchasource.com, we can consider sending some complimentary products. A blog post about us would really be much appreciated. Thanks again for all your help

    –Lewis

    Reply
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