German chocolate has unobtrusively taken over the world without too much trouble. Brands such as Lindt, Haig, Ritter Sport, Sarotti (Stollwerck), Koppers, Hachez, Knusper, and the ever popular Kinder Bueno among a host of other delicious varieties all come to you, wherever you are, from the finest chocolateers of Germany.
The varieties are mind-boggling not only in their flavors but also in the imagination that goes into the presentation and innovations. From plain milk chocolate to the bitter dark variety and infused with anything from nuts, fruits, herbs, liqueur, and alcohol, you’re simply spoilt for choice.
German chocolates have kept a low profile outside the country mainly due to the unabashed publicity of the neighboring Swiss chocolates which claim most of the fame when it comes to chocolates. But once you’ve been introduced to the chocolates of Germany it opens doors you never knew existed. You’re welcomed with open arms into a world of taste and pleasures of the palate that will have you addicted in no time.
Our chocolate is not confined to the shelves of confectioneries and airport duty-free shops. It is a culture unto itself and has taken an active role in the world of entertainment.
In Berlin you’ll find the fascinating Chocolate House of Fassbender and Rausch that is certainly not something you would come across everywhere. A world literally made of chocolate with including sculptures and art work that epitomize the best of chocolate art greet you and hold you in thrall. A chocolate restaurant serving you the best of German chocolates, pralines, marzipans, truffles and a whole lot of other chocolate delicacies, not to mention delectable hot chocolate, will certainly make your day.
At Sarotti (Stollwerck) in Cologne you can stay at the old chocolate factory which is now a hotel. In addition, there’s a sort of chocolate museum at the Rhine river in Altstadt (Old Town).
German chocolates are obviously not just about a simple treat when you’re feeling down. It’s the whole experience of living the chocolate dream.
Surely you’re familiar with the square shaped Ritter Sport chocolates. But have you ever wondered about the Sport label? It really is not meant exclusively for sportspersons as most folks tend to assume. It’s just good old chocolate, but comes in convenient square blocks that fit easily into the pockets of sports jackets. Talk of German innovation! They have a museum near Stuttgart that no chocolate aficionado can afford to miss.
When it comes to German chocolate, it is but natural to think of Lindt and all that it stands for — perfect taste, fantastic shapes, scrumptious flavors, and stylish packaging. Lindt is easily the first thing you think of when you want to gift someone a box of chocolates. They have the perfect gift for any occasion from Valentine’s Day to Anniversaries. And the cute bunnies of the Easter season are a worldwide favorite.
Not many people know that Hachez Chocolates has a history of a hundred years. The next time you enjoy their gummy bears, just remember that the recipe goes all the way back to 1890 when the company first came into being. They have one of the finest of dark chocolates and have exhibitions that tell you all about the art of making chocolate.
Let’s head back to German cuisine and learn more about the other delicacies we have. :-)
