Today we examine the extra-special Xocoatl (“cioccolato al peperoncine”) from “Bonajuto Old Pastry.” For those of you who have seen the movie “Chocolat,” (2000, starring Juliette Binoche & Johnny Depp), you know that the chocolate featured in the movie had ancient Aztec or similar origins and contained, of all things, chili pepper. Sounds weird, yes? Well, this stuff is not just in movies. And when I first happened upon it, I had to have some. I paid the price though, and let me tell you - it is not cheap!!! 3.5 ounces for $17.00. Yeah, you got that right. Most 50-cent candy bars are 2.2 ounces or somewhere around there. This stuff amounts to 3.5 ounces, and runs around $17.00. I know I am being redundant, but I guess I am still having a hard time believing I spent that money.

Well, let’s start with a picture, shall we? Here is the box itself. I have included a dime in the picture to help you get some sense of scale. 

Basically, the box opens to a clear plastic tray with a top and bottom, sandwiched in between are 20 of these: 

As you can see, they are not very large. However, what they lack in size is made up in the taste – it is big! Similar to the other chocolate made by this company, it is a little grainy. However, it quickly fills your mouth with a strong chocolate flavor and although there is a subtle heat to it, you don’t really feel it kick in until you swallow it (just like good hot sauce). The combination may seem foreign, but once you have tasted it, you will be hooked. I went through the entire box in less than 2 days. I had to force myself to eat it slowly, simply because I kept telling myself “This stuff is expensive, savor every morsel!”  

So, if you get a chance to try this stuff - go for it! I mean, what else would you spend $20.00 on?!?! Of interest to those wanting to take the Aztec experience further, you may also want to check out this stuff from MarieBelle, maker of fine (read: expensive) chocolates. Don’t bother with the tins, get the refills – you get the same amount, but save $4.00! (We don’t need no stinkin’ tins!)

I have not tried the above-referenced hot chocolate, but I have heard wondrous things about it. If you have tried it, let me know. I am going to get some, just need to get up the gumption to spend that kind of cash on hot chocolate!  

I hope this review is useful to someone out there on the internet. I am not a professional chocolate taster, but I have an opinion. I love Valrhona chocolate and will write reviews of that stuff in the future. If, for some strange reason, you would like to send chocolate to me for review, I would love to oblige. Let me know. Hersheys reps need not contact me; I don’t want to eat that stuff unless I am desperate!