Trappisti Made by Monks:p

Baratti & Milano Torino 1858

Baci by Perugina

Puro Cioccolato Primitivo chocolates with pepperoncino, finocchio, cinnamon

Those monks, they make the best stuff.

Beer, chocolate, songs.... :p

Not only is the chocolate GOOOD because it's not so sickly sweet, but I advise every traveler to Italy to please try hot chocolate, would be; cioccolata calda. There is nothing that can substitute it. It is made with the hot froth from the espresso maker, sugar and cocoa. But is as thick as icing....:p

Attached are 2 images of the Trappisti chocolate

I add my reccomendation, definitely try 'hot chocolate' in Italy. It's thick, and rich, and melty, and wonderful.

At home I often drink mochas - coffee with chocolate - and I once asked for a bit of chocolate in my espresso in Italy. The waiter didn't talk to me again... didn't bring my espresso/mocha, either, now that I think about it. Some things are simply unforgivable. :p

Teresa

I also like the hot chocolate, Teresa. I can also recommend the divine Baci which originated in Perugia.

'Dammi tanti baci' is Italian for 'give me many kisses.’ Baci chocolates are delicious. Made of whipped cream and hazelnut, they are wrapped in beautiful blue and silver packaging. These chocolates are not called 'Italian kisses' for nothing because there is quite a romantic story behind them!

The Perugian confectioner, Luisa Spagnoli, invented the recipe for these chocolates which she made in her factory in the early twentieth century. She had a secret lover, her employer, Giovanni Buitoni, who was the heir to Perugina. Legend has it that the young Luisa sent him tiny love letters with her candies.

Unfortunately Luisa was married and never left her husband but Buitoni decided to continue the practice of the notes as a tribute to her after she died and included quotations about love with the Baci.

These lovely little Italian ‘kisses’ are an ideal present for birthdays, Christmas or Valentine’s Day. This romantic gift would be very enjoyable with a bottle of champagne and strawberries and cream!

Lisa
www.webwritereditor.com
www.bookaddiction.blogspot.com

I have had Baci chocolates, but did not know the beautiful story behind them. Thanks, Lisa, for sharing the lovely piece of history behind these chocolates:)

We have a funny article about chocolate ( cioccolata italiana ) and chocoholics here
http://www.lifeinitaly.com/food/chocolate.asp
It includes a test

Lisa,
I agree, the Baci Perugina chocolates are the best. You can now get them in America at:
http://doma-italian-market.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=9&zenid=b82d177da57c8d445c0d5436391cc586

Now that isnt fair, why tease me with chocolates that i cant buy here in the states!

Maybe you can find Gianduiotti chocolates by NOVI :p
They are made with ground hazelnuts!! They come in red bags.318319

For me the best are made by Roberto Catinari of Agliana (Pistoia)....L'arte del Cioccolato. Looks like he has opemed a shop in Milan.

http://www.robertocatinari.it/

Non e Perugia, Umbria la capitale di ciocolati di Italia?

I'm probably going to upset you all, but as a bit of a chocoholic I have yet to find a decent Italian chocolate.
The best is Belgian!

I'm probably going to upset you all, but as a bit of a chocoholic I have yet to find a decent Italian chocolate.
The best is Belgian!

Roberto Catinari worked overses as head of production for a choc manufacturer for many years before returning to Italy to start up on his own. He is legendary and his chocs as just as good, if not better than Belgian...

Roberto Catinari worked overses as head of production for a choc manufacturer for many years before returning to Italy to start up on his own. He is legendary and his chocs as just as good, if not better than Belgian...

Where can I get his chocolates? I'd like to try them.

Where can I get his chocolates? I'd like to try them.

See site on above reply and give them a call.

See site on above reply and give them a call.
Doh! I'll do that just as soon as I get some glasses and learn how to read properly!:D
Thanks for the info

Perugia has fine ciocolate. In California it's See's chocolate that is the best.

Doh! I'll do that just as soon as I get some glasses and learn how to read properly!:D
Thanks for the info

There's also Slitti who make fine chocolates

http://www.slitti.it/

Perugia has fine ciocolate. In California it's See's chocolate that is the best.

The most famous is Perugina, which is now a division of the Nestle' corporation, but Amadei from Pontedera, Tuscany has been ranked one of the worlds best. In fact, there's a part of Tuscany now called the Chocolate Valley because of the concentration of master chocolatiers located there.