Indulging in Chocolate Bliss and Movie Magic Amidst Changing Weather

As I sit down to write, the weather has taken a turn, and the heat has given way to a chilly atmosphere, prompting me to search for my socks again. One thing that I’ve often admired in US romcoms set in certain climates is the luxury of leaving outdoor furniture cushions outside without worrying about rain ruining them. It’s a delightful thought to plan outdoor gatherings without having to consider contingency measures for unexpected showers.

During this time, I decided to treat myself to a scrumptious chocolate cake made from ground almonds, dates, and Willie’s 70% Chef’s Drops, priced at £29.50 for a 1kg package, with its delightful notes of ‘raisins and plums.’ This delightful cake paired wonderfully with cream and strawberries, making it a perfect accompaniment to my afternoon movie-watching sessions. On one such occasion, I rewatched “The Silence of the Lambs” with my eldest and got so engrossed that I ended up shouting myself hoarse, imploring Clarice not to venture down to the dark cellar without backup.

This week also led me to the discovery of a brand I had been meaning to explore for a long time: Green Door from Bath in Somerset. While they indeed produce chocolates, just a few bars are made behind a green door, although it’s purely coincidental. Their packaging is not only stunning but also eco-friendly. I had the pleasure of trying two of their bars: a 72% chocolate from Madagascar and a 55% dark milk from Colombia, priced at £6.50 for 70g. I can only describe these chocolates as ‘lively’ and not the type you’d mindlessly shovel into your mouth (not that any of you would do that). It’s evident that each bar has been carefully crafted with great thought and attention to detail, resulting in a labor of love (as their stocks come and go). The dark milk chocolate, in particular, had an invigorating initial bite that mellowed into a delightful milk powder finish. Additionally, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the 68% Salted Pistachio, priced at £6 for 55g, a zesty little treat to savor while watching the rain fall and give my laundry a final rinse.