Remember when I tried all those See’s candies?

(See’s Chocolate Adventure: A First-Round Report,
See’s Chocolate Report Continued: The Weird Intriguing Ones, and
See’s Chocolate Report Concluded: The More Ordinary Flavors.)

That was fun, wasn’t it? Normally the price per pound would have inhibited me from much experimenting, but it was different when I knew I’d be writing about them so it became an excuse to place the order to begin with I knew even a flavor I didn’t like would be fun to write about. And then I found there were a several I wouldn’t have expected to like (pineapple truffle, for example) that I liked VERY MUCH INDEED, which left me wishing I’d tried ALL the flavors.

So I tried to be bold again this time. I ordered enough pieces I knew I liked so that I’d be happy no matter what, and then I used a “Let’s try one of everything!” approach to anything that looked appealing. The boxes were once again heavier than I paid for: almost exactly one and a quarter pounds per pound box (including the box itself, but still).

I wouldn’t have bothered with Cashew Brittle two boxes ago: I like brittles but I wouldn’t normally think of them as a FAVORITE, and I don’t like white chocolate anywhere near as much as milk/dark. But I loved California Brittle and wished I’d ordered more, and I liked their Polar Bear Paws (also white chocolate-based), so I tried Cashew Brittle. It was fine, and definitely appealing in the box and interesting to try. But I’m not sure the combination of white chocolate and brittle was my thing. I don’t think I’d order it again, but if I were getting a mixed box for someone else I’d want to put a piece in for variety and coolness and fun.

The Almond Square reminded me of the Walnut Square from last time, but it had a saltier and more roasted flavor that I liked, along with the caramel and chocolate. I think I’d prefer it with more chocolate, though. Probably wouldn’t order again, but I’d want a single piece in an assorted box.

Apple Pie Truffle is another one I never would have tried pre-last-experiment. White chocolate is not usually my favorite, nor is apple flavoring, nor are truffles. But remember the Pineapple Truffle? MMMMmm. So I tried the Apple Pie one, and it’s uncanny how much it tastes like apple pie—and how much the TEXTURE reminds me of it. It’s like…little bits of apple peel! and little bits of crust! The spice flavor is pretty strong, and I liked it. The white chocolate didn’t seem like a dominant flavor—more for sweetness and to hold the filling. I would only want one per box, but if I were ordering in the fall I would definitely include one, and I can imagine really looking forward to it. Middle tier for the piece as it falls in my particular preferences, but upper tier for an unexpected/fun idea and an excellent execution of it.

Anne recommended the Dark Nougat to me, and since she and I are Rum Nougat twins, I trusted her advice. DELICIOUS. It’s described as having honey, roasted almond, vanilla, and coconut flavors, and it’s all chewy and delicious and coated in dark chocolate. Upper tier for me; I’d definitely order a few next time. I didn’t taste any coconut, but I may have just been overwhelmed by the almonds and dark chocolate and chewiness. Plus, I LIKE coconut, so if you don’t like coconut you might notice it way more than I did.

I also tried the Peanut Nougat. It was good, like a gourmet Snickers bar. I think at this price level, though, I would just get the Snickers and have about ten times as many of them.

I wouldn’t have been interested in the Key Lime Truffle last time: white chocolate, fruit flavoring, truffle—meh. This time I tried one, because I am reformed and adventurous! As with the Apple Pie Truffle, the coating was mostly to hold in the filling and wasn’t a strong influence on the taste. The inside was dense as you’d expect with a truffle, and the texture made me think of fillings/frostings made with powdered sugar (like the filling in a buckeye, if you’ve had those). Nice intense key lime flavor. I’d definitely order this in a mixed box for someone else because it was so cool and different. For myself, I’d probably want one in a box but it wouldn’t be a top priority.

More later, when I’ve made more progress through the box!