Monday, March 22, 2010

vacation continues

Just had fabulous dinner with the family at The Parlor Pizzeria...3 amazing pizzas: The Funghi; The Spicy Barbecue Chicken and Yukon Gold Potato! YUM! Spinach salad and gorgonzola and bacon burger, too. Finished with a really good tiramisu that could possibly rival my own!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Pink Peony Chocolates in NW Source!

We were so lucky to be featured in a lovely article written by Alison Brownrigg in the Daily Finds of NWsource. Read her awesome article below!

Powerful flavors make Pink Peony handmade truffles a treat with bite

By Alison Brownrigg
November 19, 2009
NWsource shopping columnist

"Pink Peony Chocolates' Mary Kay Johncock has a knack for making truffles. Before launching her Bainbridge Island-based chocolate company in 2005 with best friend and partner Linda Darley, this former nurse tinkered for months on her recipes before settling on premium European dark, milk and semisweet chocolates, which temper well and have a nice, glossy finish.

Pink Peony chocolates contain no butter, oils or preservatives and are made completely by hand by both Johncock and Darley, a former human relations manager. Their dense and decadent ganache is an excellent base for the dramatic flavors the duo create, including Maple Bacon Goodness, Coconut Carmelicious and Tequila.

No demure little nibble, these truffles are big and gutsy, with a thick chocolate coating and powerful flavors. When asked what inspires their creativity, Darley says, "Our truffles have to taste better and be more beautiful than anything else we've tasted."

Other standout flavors from the 22-piece Pink Peony menu are Dark Chocolate Caramel with French Sea Salt -- the thick swath of sea salt that tops the confection sets off the bittersweet ganache and homemade caramel; Marzipan, their take on the classic European almond treat; and Lemon, which explodes in your mouth like a burst of sunshine.

The aforementioned Maple Bacon Goodness and Coconut Caramelicious deserve more description, as they are truly unique flavor experiences. Maple Bacon Goodness is like breakfast chocolate, constructed of bittersweet ganache, maple syrup and substantial bits of bacon all topped with a sprinkling of fresh cracked pepper. Coconut Caramelicious, one of Pink Peony's newest additions, has a luscious caramel flavor that is perfectly balanced against the nuttiness of the toasted coconut.

When I asked Johncock and Darley which truffle was their favorite, Johncock exclaimed, "Well, that's just as hard as picking your favorite child!"

Pink Peony chocolates retail for between $2.75 and $3 and are available at Chocolate Box in downtown Seattle and at Bon Bon Confections on Bainbridge Island. For a listing of all their truffle flavors, visit http://www.pinkpeonychocolates.com.

If you have a shop, sale, event or great product tip you'd like to share, e-mail seattleshopping@nwsource.com.

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