November 15, 2010

Ghirardelli Review, Recipes and $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway!



This is a sponsored review by BlogHer and Ghirardelli.


It was an average, everyday Wednesday. Not too hot. Not too cold. Work went fine. Nothing too exciting, when a knock came at my door.

I opened the door and saw a huge box that was covered in some cool, outer space looking silver wrap. I picked up the heavy box when it struck me what this box might contain. I remembered that I had been selected to do a review for Ghirardelli and that I would be receiving some samples! Oh boy!

So I ripped open the box and was thrilled with what I found inside:

*10 bags of All Natural Chocolate Chips (two each): white, milk, semi-sweet, mini semi-sweet and 60% cocoa
*12 All Natural Baking Bars (2 each): white, milk, semi-sweet, 60% cocoa, 70% cocoa and unsweetened
*2 canisters of Cocoa Powder: Natural Unsweetened and Sweet Ground Chocolate
*1 large bag of Peppermint Bark Squares
*1 large bag of Chocolate Caramel Squares
*1 WONDERFUL Ghirardelli Chocolate Cookbook

Talk about a baker's ultimate dream come true! Now there is just one problem.....what do I make first??

I decided to try a recipe from the Ghirardelli Chocolate Cookbook. WOW! What a beautiful book. It gave the history of the company, the different types of chocolate, how to melt them and a whole bunch of interesting facts about chocolate.

I decided that I wanted to try the Buttery Breakfast Scones with Chocolate Chunks. How could you go wrong with that? What a wonderful way to start out the day. These were like warm, buttery and cakey chocolate chip cookies that would be wonderful with coffee or hot chocolate.

Look at those wonderful chocolate chunks!

And I wouldn't be "me" if I didn't drizzle a little bit of extra melted chocolate on top. I'm not too proud to admit that I have a drizzling problem. :)

Next, I decided to make my own recipe of Chocolate Covered Caramel and Coconut Pretzel Rods. I used the 60% cocoa to cover the pretzels and it gave it such a distinct and exotic taste. This ain't your everyday chocolate! I thought these would make great gifts to give away during the holidays.

Here is how I made them:

Chocolate Covered Caramel and Coconut Pretzel Rods


Things to get:
Pretzel rods
Sweetened coconut
Ghirardelli Chocolate Chips (whatever kind you like. I used 60% cocoa.)
Ghirardelli White Chocolate Chips (optional)
Caramel ingredients (You can make your own using the recipe below or melt pre-wrapped caramels for convenience.)

1. Make a batch of caramel or melt your pre-wrapped caramels over low heat.

Homemade Caramel
1c. Karo syrup
1c. Brown sugar
1c. White sugar
1 stick of butter
1 can sweetened condensed milk


Put first 5 ingredients in a large sauce pan over medium heat and stir until melted and combined. Bring to a boil and stir for five minutes. Be careful to keep stirring so that it doesn't start to burn on the bottom of the pan. Take caramel off the burner after 5 minutes.

2. Put the hot caramel in a deep container. I used my Pyrex 4 cup measuring cup.

3. Prepare a couple cookie sheets lined with buttered wax paper.

4. Dip pretzel rod in caramel, about 3/4 of the way and let it drip off any excess caramel. Then lay the rod on the cookie sheet.

5. Repeat with remaining pretzels.

6. Put cookie sheets in the fridge to help set up caramel.

7. Once caramel is set, lift up each pretzel rod off the wax paper and mold caramel around the rod since it will puddle on the sides as it cools.

8. Roll caramel covered pretzel roll in shredded coconut and gently press coconut into the caramel.
9. Prepare the cookie sheets again with new pieces of wax paper. No butter required for this step.

10. Melt chocolate in the microwave or double boiler and place melted chocolate in a deep container like a tall cup. Dip caramel and coconut covered pretzel rods in melted chocolate. At this point, you can also roll the rods in chopped and toasted almonds or pecans.

11. Place chocolate covered pretzel rods on cookie sheets and place in fridge to set up for at least 15 minutes.

12. In a zip lock baggie, melt the Ghirardelli white chocolate chips in the microwave 20 seconds at a time. When completely melted, cut a tiny hole in the corner and drizzle the chocolate on the rods.

13. Place back into the fridge to set up.


Aren't they pretty?
I had so much fun baking and trying to come up with all the different ways I could use my Ghirardelli chocolate jackpot. I just love to work with quality chocolate that melts perfectly and Ghirardelli did not disappoint. I would without hesitation, recommend that you use Ghirardelli chocolate for all your holiday baking. Be sure to check out their website for information about Ghirardelli chocolate and browse the amazing recipes!

What would you make if a big box of Ghirardelli chocolate landed on your doorstep? Let me know in a comment and you will be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card from BlogHer!

For more recipes and more chances to win go to the Ghirardelli and BlogHer round-up page.

For official rules click here.


345 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   201 – 345 of 345
ohstac said...

I would definitely make some homemade brownies and those pretzels look divine!
nrdunningATgmailDOTcom

Subscription Box Girl said...

i would make a chocolate cheesecake.
flyergal82 at (yahoo) dot com

Kerry said...

Well, now I want to make those delicious looking pretzels of yours!
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

Kerry said...

tweeted: http://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/11613659583225856
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

Becca said...

I might cut up the chocolate to put into ice cream...yum! Thanks! sbcashortie at hotmail dot com

sodahoney said...

My Mom made chocolate covered chocolate not quite as fancy but they were sure good. I'd make them again

sodahoney said...

http://twitter.com/sodahoney/status/11734604151005184

Ellie said...

I would make a double chocolate cheesecake!

ravenspirit51@yahoo.com said...

O MY CUPCAKES!!! Is this a fab chance to win the best chocolate ever. I use to visit the delicious store in San Francisco frequently.
What would I make. I know; Hot fudge peanut butter pudding cake in the crockpot. But I would cut the peanut butter in half, and put in more of those bits of love, chocolate chips.
I also would make flourless chocolate cookies. The sheen on these delights is a work of art. blessings

Cathy W said...

Tweet: http://twitter.com/cjwallace43/status/11875749942267904
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com

Jessica Labrum said...

I would make the most delicious brownies ever!!!

S said...

I'd definitely make those scones you pictured!!!!! Oh my word! This whole post is magically delicious!

Robyn said...

I would make some yummy yummy brownies!!!

Robyn said...

Oh and my email is dylansmamama @ Gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I'd make the dark chocolate truffles...yum!!

SeeMJTeach@gmail.com

Sarah said...

I would make my recipe for chocolate almond biscotti! I make them every year for christmas but my friends beg for them all year round :)

Maria said...

I would bake brownies - maybe dressed up with some yummy caramel.

Thank you!

Unknown said...

I would make Christmas cookies! Those pretzels look pretty darn good too though - maybe cookies & pretzels!

Cynthia said...

I would make some chocolate truffles first. This is my favorite chocolate. I usually buy large bags of the bittersweet.

idahomom said...

Chocolate chip cookies.

Erin said...

If a big box of Ghirardelli chocolate suddenly appeared at my doorstep (with my postman ranting about his back, as he hobbled out of sight), I would probably nibble on everything like a little rat.

glycinemax (at) gmail (dot) com

Maria said...

Chocolate covered marshmallows

Maria said...

Chocolate covered marshmallows

Hula Hooping Mom said...

maybe some of Grandmas fudge! :)

AubreyLaine said...

I would make chocolate chip cookies and mint brownies!

aubreyfick@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

The chocolate pretzels look very appealing!

Rosie said...

I'm definitely making the caramel chocholate dipped pretzels, minus the coconut for my husband. He's going to fall in love all over again. LOL!

Unknown said...

i would make chocolate chip cookies
annashoshina at yahoo dot com

Michelle said...

Oh, where to begin, Dark Chocolate Lava Cake, Fudge brownies with a ganache on top, Chocolate Chunk and Pecan Cookies, Blondies with chocolate chips. For gifts I would love to make chocolate covered pretzles, Chocolate stirring spoons, dipped candies and bunches of cookies...A basket of Ghirardelli would be just so much fun.

Nancy said...

Wow, starting out the day with chocolate....that scone recipe looks delicious! I would make chocolate covered pretzels and brownies.

Nancy said...

My tweet: http://twitter.com/njhhb/statuses/12669613665943552

Angel Bobbie said...

I would make the pretzells...they looks sooooo good
bobbieandmike1@yahoo.com

dmndfc said...

I'd bake killer chocolate chip cookies with what was left after I ate most of it.

Anonymous said...

I would make some yummy rich hot chocolate with whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top!

Anonymous said...

I would make some yummy rich hot chocolate with whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top!I would make some yummy rich hot chocolate with whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top!

Ingrid_3Bs said...

Holy smokes that's a lot of chocolate.

I think I'd start with your chocolate caramel pretzel rods. As a matter of fat I don't think I'm going to wait to win either. They'd be great for my daughter's class parties.
~ingrid

Naturally Alise said...

i would definitely incorporate them into some sort of decadent cookie!

(naturallyalise@gmail.com)

Eliza said...

If I got a ghiradelli chocolate box I would probably try making homemade brownies (I can't believe I've never made them before!).

KN said...

I would make the Chocolate and Apricot-Filled Triangles!

ndjns05 said...

I would have to make brownies and chocolate dipped strawberries.

Anonymous said...

I'd have to say Chocolate Walnut Brownies but those Chocolate Covered Pretzels look mighty good.
Dove056 at aol dot com

Christy said...

I would bake my husband's favorite chocolate brownies... or cookies... or hot chocolate. The possibilities are endless...

Cindy said...

I'd love to get a box like that, I'd make hot cocoa, bake chocolate cake, brownies, dip whatever clever things I could come up with, especially potato chips! It would be so much fun. I'd love to take photos of it all to post on my blog.

Anonymous said...

I love smiple things like...

1 bag shelled plain almonds
1 bag dark chocolate chips
Mix and enjoy

Serveral guests = Easy friendship

bdiane34 said...

Oh wow this is wonderful. I would make brownies or fudge!!
sweokgrl@gmail.com

bdiane34 said...

my tweet
sweokgrl@gmail.com
http://twitter.com/bdiane34/status/13523847319916544

Melissa O. said...

I'd make anything with "double chocolate" in the name...especially cookies and brownies!

wolverina401 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I love to treat my family to chocolate deserts (#1 love in our home is good ol' chocolate chip cookies!)when I see they are in need of a little extra TLC! Ghirardelli chocolate chunks make the BEST cookies!! When my husband returns each time from Iraq I usually have a container full waiting for him. :) No better way to say Welcome Home!

Deanna

D_L1977@YAHOO.COM

Chip said...

Well I probably won't make anything. My husband is the desserts man and I would give it to him. Ymmm
chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

mickeyfan said...

How about a double chocolate cheesecake (with choc chips) and a brownie crust? Oh man.

Alice said...

hot chocolate for the cold morning sounds good :0)


agraupel at yahoo dot com

Debbie said...

I have a great recipe for a very rich chocolate cake with ganache frosting that is calling out for Ghirardelli!
fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com

DarcyO said...

I would make Chocolate Checkerboard Cookies.

dlodden at frontiernet dot net

Bonnie P said...

I would make chocolate chocolate chip muffins
bepoia(at)hotmail(dot)com

PJ said...

Gonna make those Chocolate Covered Caramel and Coconut Pretzel Rods. They look really good and a gread goodie to give.

Pam K

Melody said...

I would make Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars and Brownies.

melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com

tattwo said...

I would definitely try your recipe for Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods. I think my kids would love them. thanks

Unknown said...

I would make some pretzel rods, I wouldnt have thought to put caramel on first! Anything with caramel coconut and chocolate is tops on my list

souldolphindream said...

I would make a some brownies with caramel poured on them.

souldolphindream@aol.com

ms-texas said...

yummy - i'm a chocoholic - i'd make some hot chocolate


debbiebellows[at]gmail[dot]com

ms-texas said...

tweeted!

http://twitter.com/bellows22/statuses/14179285338165248

debbiebellows[at]gmail[dot]com

Holly said...

I'd probly make my quadruple chocolate cupcakes:)

Debbie C said...

I would make hot chocolate, homemade fudge and chocolate drizzled popcorn with the Ghirardelli chocolate.

dchrisg3[at]gmail[dot]com

Alvin Singer said...

I would use different chocolate tomake several types of your chocolate covered pretzel rods.

alvin.singer@yahoo.com

Alvin Singer said...

I would use different chocolate tomake several types of your chocolate covered pretzel rods.

alvin.singer@yahoo.com

Mandy said...

I would try making those Chocolate Butter Scones you posted and Lots and Lots of Brownies! :-) Maybe I'd try making some homemade ice cream too! Oooh, the possibilities are endless!

Mandy

www.learn-laugh-cook.blogspot.com

angie lilly said...

If I woke up and found what you found on my porch, I would do a happy chocolate dance and then eat until I was sick. LOL
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

angie lilly said...

I tweeted here: http://twitter.com/#!/FotoMacro/status/14320846554267648
Angie
one 4 earth at aol dot com

Scott said...

I would make my fav cookie of all time...chocolate chip/chunk!!! Simple I know...but oh so good!
Scott
nynekats at aol dot com

Scott said...

my tweet http://twitter.com/#!/RePurrPussed/status/14331341881479168
Scott
nynekats at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

I would make my gluten free almond flour chocolate muffins with vanilla & choc chips, drizzled with dark chocolate. More delicious than anything made with white flour!

Anonymous said...

I love to bake and I love chocolate, so I'd go crazy in the kitchen. Truffles would definitely be on my list.

katfam95 at aim dot com

Shawnalee said...

I would love to make some chocolate covered strawberries, and some cake balls. I love making cake balls, and I bet with this chocolate it would be to die for!!

Re said...

i'd make chocolate chip cookies and dip bananas in chocolate!

K. Rock said...

I would try some homemede hot chocolate.

Suburban prep said...

My husband and I would have a great day with a bunch of chocolate on our doorstep.
Most everything I bake has chocolate in it. In fact I just finished making a cookie with chocolate chips and also chocolate covered coffee beans.
I also make a toffee at Christmas that is coated in chocolate.
msgb245 at gmail dot com

Ellie Wright said...

I would make brownies for sure. I might try my hand at making some chocolate covered nut candy also.
Thanks for the giveaway!
eswright18 at gmail dot com

Wellington Artist said...

For me that's an easy one. It seems that once a week I bake a batch of Peanut Butter Caramel Swirl Brownie. The recipe was created by Bobby Flay for a Throwdown that he ended up not winning. I can't even imagine any brownies being better than these! I make them with a total of 12 ounces of Ghirardelli chocolate, half unsweetened and half bittersweet. These are truly amazing brownies and the chocolate has just the right sweetness and creaminess. Thus creating the perfect fudgy brownie!

nape said...

If a big box of Ghirardelli arrived on my doorstep, I would naturally assume that George Clooney sent them.

karentp said...

I've just begin baking so I'm new. But if i had a a big box of chocolate arrived at my doorstep I would make chocolate cookies and cupcakes. and maybe add some peanut butter and coconut to them since they go well together.

rebecca b. said...

i think i'd have to make your pretzels... they look sooooo good!! merritt_1976 (at) hotmail (dot) com

Tamara said...

I would have to make some chocolate chip cookies,(of course)and I would love to make a Chocolate Lava cake.

jessica a said...

I LOVE Chocolate Covered pretzels! Would make those for that time of the month lol.
imjessica(at)mail(dot)com

Joseph said...

I would make the "Ice Cream Meringue Torte with Berries and Cream" recipe with some of that delicious Ghirardelli chocolate.

Anonymous said...

Awesome blog and thanks for the giveaway!
Would love, love, LOVE to win this!
Happy holidays!
=]

Erin said...

I'm not gonna lie... I'd have good intentions, but I'd end up just eating all of the chocolate straight up.

Claire said...

I would make Chocolate Chunk brownies!

kaleidoscopequeen at gmail dot com

Kristina said...

I'd make a chocolate, flourless torte., with ganache

VickieB said...

I'd make some turtles

Jenn S. said...

I would make Haystacks, Hot Chocolate and Turtle Brownies.

jas8929 at gmail dot com

Rickey W Rudy said...

Double chocolate cake with peppermint bark frosting. Num Num!

Pixel Berry Pie Designs said...

I love the recipes on the Ghirardelli website. The "Chocolate Cherry Bundt Cake" sounds wonderful!

Anonymous said...

I would make chocolate covered strawberries and pretzels.
shawnac68@hotmail.com

Trisha D said...

chocolate chunk cookies!!

Valeen said...

I would make my famous chocolate dipped oreos, and then some delicious chocolate chip cookes!

sweepyhead at gmail dot com

Jennifer Pellicone said...

I would make my grandmothers chocolate cake.
cspmom at gmail dot com

pattycake said...

would make brownies topped with vanilla ice cream

Barbara Bee said...

The first thing I'd make with my bounty is White Chocolate Fudge with Coconut and Macadamias.

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh! I would make brownies, fudge, mousse balls, and my grandpa's chocolate cherry bars!

Pamela S said...

I would make double chocolate chunk cookies.

pamelaschmidt at tds dot net

denyse said...

Chocolate covered pretzles would be excellent!

denyse_g @ hotmail.com

denyse said...

Tweet:
http://twitter.com/denyse_g/status/14834462210662400

denyse_g @ hotmail.com

Margie said...

I've really been wanting to make some fudge lately, and that is what I'd make.

Unknown said...

I would make a candy called Church Windows. They are simple but delicious.
hafner611{AT}gmail{DOT}com

Julieh said...

I'd make molten chocolate lava cake! honeypie411 at yahoo dot com

guettel78 said...

Truth be told, I'd probably dig in and eat some at first, but then I'd use the rest to make some milk chocolate/dark chocolate truffles to give to my family and friends over the holidays!

gkaufmanss@yahoo.com

Anne said...

I'd make hot chocolate and chocolate covered strawberries.
ajolly1456 at gmail dot com

Anne said...

I tweeted
http://twitter.com/lunaj1456/status/14877931759210496

ajolly1456 at gmail dot com

marcia goss said...

I would make brownies.
marcia.goss@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I'd make homemade brownies with chocolate chunks and added pecans!

Yum! Yum! Yummy!

Thanks for the chance to WIN!

Good Luck and Happy Holidays to All!

leandrew_taylor@yahoo.com

Denise Donaldson (MistySunrise) said...

I would make chocolate covered marshmallows rolled in graham cracker crumbs.

itsjustme62613 at gmail.com

Suz said...

I would melt it into hot chocolate.


txhottie_86 at yahoo dot com

Aisling said...

I never thought about making my own chocolate covered pretzels and I would definitely do that. I'd also like to make some Double Chocolate Chip Muffins and Mocha Pots de Creme if I should receive a box of luscious Girardelli chocolate.

Saoder said...

I would gain some weight that's for sure!

pauline15 said...

I'd have to make some awesome brownies (yes, this is the only snack I know how to make!)
pauline15_01 at hotmail dot com

HSUper Parents said...

I would make a chocolate carrot cake!
hsuperparents[at]gmail[dot]com

slehan said...

I'd make chocolate mousse. Thanks for the contest.

April said...

I'd make Chocolate Sambuca cookies, double chocolate mousse, Christmas window cookies...oh I would have lots of fun!
april dot vrugtman at g mail dot com

AmyLynn said...

I'd love to put the chocolate in cookies or a cake. I know that sounds very simple but that is what I love. Thanks for the chance.

Becky said...

MMM...providing the chocolate made it past the children...(soo not kidding there), I would make some blondies.

Jeanette H. said...

I have lots of Christmas chocolate molds to make chocolate suckers...I would use it to make the most amazing suckers!!

Thank you for the great giveaway!!

Anonymous said...

I would make a chocolate dip bath for me and my husband.

shelley said...

I would make the chocolate covered pretzels for sure. My family loves them and my daughter loves helping me make them!

shelleymikey at gmail dot com

esldiane@gmail.com said...

I would make an amazing neighborhood chocolate party and invite my neighbors over for a night of fun , delicious chocolate and no calories!!! We would make hot chocolate, cookies, pretzle sticks..-nibbles welcome, but with the idea of donating it to somewhere.
diane Baum
esldiane@gmail.com

carolpie said...

Our homemade Jean's Chocolate Cake with cooked chocolate icing!


spencer1953 at gmail dot com

dawns41 said...

I love the Chocolate Covered Pretzels and I would make Nut Clusters too.
dawns_horizen@yahoo.com

kygirl said...

Chocolate coverd pretzels and cookies is what I would make.
stanleybilly(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Jolene said...

chocolate fudge, chocolate chip cookies.

ShesAnAngel said...

Wow, those turned out awesome! I would make some chocolate chip cookies of course and some fudge and some home made almond roca type candy :D

justine417@comcast.net

latishajean said...

I would make homemade chocolate chip cookie my favorite!
tishajean@ charter.net

EmmaPeel said...

whoa that would be Fabulous I do say with a capital "F" if a box of Ghiradelli landed on my step! I'd rip it open and we'd all dig right into it and I'd probably tell my friends what happened

Lisa Garner said...

I would love to make your chocolate covered pretzels. They look amazing! I would also make a big batch of chocolate covered strawberries.
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

mail4rosey said...

Normally I would say cookies, or Amaretto Chocolate Cheesecake, but after reading the pretzel review, I think I'm going to have to get the kids together (my helpers!) and try them. My teen and I both love them when we're out, so why not make them at home? Thank you for the giveaway and the recipe.

msurosey@yahoo.com

07violet said...

oh that would be lots of fun for me, for starters I'd make chocolate chip cookies with the 60% cocoa chips

alterna7 at hotmail dot com

Jayfr said...

I would make my mother-in-law's chocolate cake from scratch.

Anonymous said...

I would make several bowls of chocolate pudding

ardy22 at earthlink dot net

Anonymous said...

I would make several bowls of chocolate pudding

ardy22 at earthlink dot net

Anonymous said...

tweet

http://twitter.com/Ardy22/status/15188267850797056

Betty C said...

I would make brownies and chocolate chip cookies.

Jinxy and Me said...

I would make lots of different cookies. I love cookies!

nesta 67 {at} live dot com

Anonymous said...

I would like to make the Chocolate Pecan Pie

mineola said...

I would definitely go for dark chocolate dipped coconut macaroons!

Wander said...

After I stopped jumping up and down...I'd make brownies and cookies.
This is THE BEST chocolate in the world!

Melinda said...

chocolate covered pretzels

Anonymous said...

There are too many possibilities to name, but a few come to mind: cakes, cookies, candies, dipped fruit,pies in all sorts of chocolate glory. What fun using Ghirardelli products, of course.

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