In the second instalment of Annalisa's new adventures in chocolate, we explore the irresistible combination of sweet, chewy dates and rich chocolate. The allure of the "chew" first captivated her at age 14, when she discovered a guest's Gummy Bears while working as a chambermaid. Today, that need is satisfied by dates, which serve as a healthy caramel in chocolate confections. Dates offer nutritional benefits over sugar, including fibre, minerals, and antioxidants, making them an excellent pre-workout boost.
The Best Date and Chocolate Combinations
Annalisa's journey began with Solkiki's date bonbons: almond ganache inside a date, enrobed in 66% Bolivian chocolate. The high cocoa content balances the intense sweetness of dates, creating a perfect harmony. Another standout is Sam Joseph's 70% dark chocolate-covered peanut butter medjool dates.
Family-Friendly Options
Young testers adore Forest Feast's chocolate-covered fruit, making their date offerings a natural choice. The peanut butter and milk chocolate variety is a standout, combining dates, chocolate, and peanut butter in a heavenly trio. For the largest, most pillowy dates, Birley Bakery's selection boxes are unbeatable. Their caramelised white chocolate with pecan is exceptionally sweet, but the marshmallow-like texture of the dates makes them irresistible.
London's Best Date Treats
If you're in London, visit Makers in Chelsea for date-stuffed chocolates. The gingerbread almond praline is a favourite, though peanut butter is also available. For those using dates as a sweetener, Cosmic Dealer is a current obsession. Their 75% chocolate-covered low-sugar squares are stuffed with nut butters and extras, such as peanut butter with smoked salt and salty fig. Annalisa buys them in bulk.
