The Fro Fro Blog

First on the Block: Vosges Bacon Toffee

I've become a regular customer of the Vosges Haut-Chocolat online store in order to conveniently satisfy my cravings for their interesting flavor combinations -- like the hickory smoked almonds and fleur de sel of the Barcelona Bar, the caramelized hazelnut heaven of the Gianduja Bar, and most often, the Mo's Bacon Bar.  Some may scoff at the thought of bacon and chocolate treat, but we're not on speaking terms with those people.

So of course I squealed with delight when their most recent email newsletter invited me to be among the first to sample of a new treat Vosges owner Katrina has just dreamed up:  Bacon Toffee.  

Image courtesy of Vosges Haut-Chocolat

Only the first 100 buyers qualified -- so with a PLUNK of my credit card and an OINK in the promo code box, my sneak preview sample was on its way.

When it arrived, I went down to Stacey D's office to pig out on Experimental Round 1 of Vosges Bacon Toffee.  The recipe, as printed on the packet:  bacon toffee + smoked almonds + pecans + deep milk chocolate.

All of the ingredients listed were present, accounted for, and well balanced.  Buttery toffee, crunchy nuts, and of course, the sweet chocolate and smoky bacon.  But Stacey voiced what we were both thinking.  "There's not enough bacon," she cried.  "There's never enough bacon."  True, if we both had our way, this Vosges' toffee (and their Mo's Bacon Bar too) would have chunks of bacon as big as the ones you see in their marketing imagery (like the photo taunting you from this page).  Truth in advertising, I say!  Bottom line, Katrina -- you're on to something with this Bacon Toffee, but don't go skinny on the bacon.  

In order to qualify for the free Bacon Toffee sample, I had to make a full-price purchase.  So I tried the Organic Enchanted Mushroom Bar, which contains Reishi mushrooms, walnuts and 66% cacao dark chocolate.  I know it sounds beyond strange -- mushrooms in chocolate? -- but they were so deftly incorporated that you didn't distinctly taste them.  They just give the bar a really nice depth of flavor.  The finely ground walnuts give it a nice subtle crunch, too.  

I recommend you give both a try.  Bacon and mushrooms aren't just for breakfast anymore!

     

Race Report: DSE Conservatory 5K (San Francisco)

Today's race marks my 28th consecutive month of doing a race every month -- typically half marathons or sprint triathlons.  Last year's December race was the Las Vegas Half Marathon, but this year that race conflicted with the Jets' visit to San Francisco.  My priorities firmly in order, I chose the Stick over the Strip.  Unfortunately the Jets didn't reward me.

So with 2008 quickly expiring, I made my way over to Golden Gate Park this morning for the DSE Conservatory 5K.  When we started at 9:00 am it was chilly, but the sun was peeking through the ominous clouds.  Unfortunately, we'd only run a few hundred yards before those clouds started dumping torrential rains.  It was in that moment I realized why many of my friends think I'm a little bit nuts for doing this race-a-month thing.  But I stick to it, because when you love the sweets, you gotta move your feets.  I'm here all week, folks!

The course ran past some of the major Golden Gate Park landmarks, including the Conservatory of Flowers, the Rose Garden, and the de Young Museum.  As we made our way past the Japanese Tea Garden, I was thinking a cup of tea would actually be quite lovely right about then.  No?  OK.  Keep going.

Around Stow Lake.  Kept telling myself that I wasn't that cold.  Volunteers commended us for coming out in the rain, and one even complimented me on how stylish I looked in my pink Atalanta running skirt.  Of course Billy Crystal's Fernando Lamas springs to mind:  "Eets not how you feel, dahling, eets how you looook....and yooou looook maaahvelous!"

So I persevered, and while my time wasn't stellar, I shaved my usual 10-minute mile by a few hairs.

The Dolphin South End-ers stuck around to chat and snack, but I had to keep running.  My Jets were at it again at 10, thankfully this time with a better result.   I'm back home now, in from the cold and rain --and it's finally time for that tea.  

 

New York Postscript

I've been back from my wonderful week in New York for a week now, and realized I neglected to report on my last day there.  Before heading out to JFK, I paid a visit to my old stomping grounds on 92nd and Madison.  A stone's throw from Spence, one of the cornerstones of my education, which is next door to the Cooper-Hewitt Museum, a must-see for design devotees and, if I'm not mistaken, the setting of Lily and Bart's Gossip Girl wedding.  Not that I watch that show religiously or anything.

Anyhoo, 92nd and Madison for Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Fresh Berries at Sarabeth's Kitchen with Cousin Emma.  We did the full debrief on her round-the-world travels and my dating travails.  The pancakes and the catch-up were both such treats.

 

Before heading back to San Francisco I made a couple of quick stops to pick up items so difficult to find there: really good rare roast beef from Milano Gourmet and a bagel from NY Hot Bagels (both on 89th and Third).  I savored every bite on my flight home.  

'til next time, Upper East Siders...xoxo