Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate

We keep a stash of 'fancy' chocolate in the fridge, tucked away in the back of the crisper drawer behind everything else. Once a night after dinner, the dishes, chores, and collapsing from a long day of work I sneak into that drawer and pull out one single piece of dark chocolate. Yeah, that makes it all go away....

Ghirardelli recently asked DailyBuzz members to taste test some of their Intense Dark Chocolate Flavors and pair them with other food and beverages to create an escape. Here's where the carnivore in me comes out and I am going to freak some of you out, but often when I indulge in a little dark chocolate, I crave cheese right afterwards. I have no idea why. I wish I could explain it, but for the longest time I have considered writing a chocolate and cheese fondue post. I know, some of you are totally freakin' right now. It's ok, you don't have to dip your dark chocolate in cheese.

But for those of you who didn't just close the window and move on, I suggest you try it. Slice off a little piece of sharp cheese, a little piece of cured meat and top it with some chocolate. It's delicious.

I chose to pair my sample of Cabernet Matinee with a cheese platter. I chose a semi-hard rustic rosemary cheese and a meatier pepperoni cheese for two different flavor choices and sliced some fresh cured chorizo and a nice Calabrese salami. The subtle hint of dark red wine infused into the chocolate melted perfectly with the saltiness of the meat and cheese. I topped off my small appetizer with a deep port like wine for a local vineyard that I really happen to enjoy.

When serving this for more than just the two of us, I would also include some dried fruits to balance out the heaviness of the meat and cheese.

With other intreuging flavors such as Toffee Interlude, Midnight Reverie, and Evening Dream, Handsome and I had a little fun coming up with other 'escapes' that would be great for a piece of chocoalte, such as

When nothing else is working, Sea Salt Soiree.... When the Ambien Walrus and I are talking a walk, Midnight Reverie... For when the heals come off and the lace comes out, Toffee Interlude...