Monday, January 30, 2012

Valentine's Day Gift Giving Guide -- Gifts for Chocolate Lovers -- Max Brenner Sweets and Treats (Review)


If you followed my recent Holiday Gift Giving Guide in December, then you probably saw my review about Max Brenner and the wonderful and tasty samples that were sent my way to try and write about, including their boxed chocolates and tins of hot chocolate.  If you missed my post, click here to read it now.  I am excited because Max Brenner has graciously sent me some of his products from his Valentine's Day gift offerings, so that I can share them with you.

Based on my previous post, I am a fan of the Max Brenner restaurant chains, and have been to the one in NY and Boston, MA.  And, when I can't get to the restaurant to get my chocolate fix, I can order online year round, and enjoy the Bald Man's famous hot chocolates and chocolate treat selections.  In addition to food, you can also buy bath and body products, a cookbook, and drinkware.  So, you are bound to find the perfect gift for that special someone at the Max Brenner online store.

As for the samples I was sent, they included the following:

 

Small Truffle Candle ($9.50)

A premium natural Egyptian wax candle containing a high concentration of vanilla-coconut fragrant essences.

  

Chocolate: A Love Story ($25.99)

With gigantic vats of churning chocolate, desserts like our famous chocolate pizza, and 12 varieties of hot chocolate served in custom mugs, Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Man has turned our line of hip, colorful themed restaurants into an international sensation. Chocolate: A Love Story is a vibrant cookbook that includes 65 original recipes narrated in the quirky, captivating voice of Max Brenner, our visionary founder and "bald man." Bold original illustrations inspired by Art Deco poster graphics, full-color photographs, easy-to-follow, delicious recipes, and a serving of Max's unique vision for spreading "chocolate culture" around the world make this book a must for every chocolate lover.

 

 

Love Hug Mug ($9.90)

Max Brenner's Hug Mug is designed to bring our ceremony of chocolate into your home. Hug the mug with both hands to experience the warmth of the chocolate, bring it up towards you to inhale the rich aroma, and feel the romance of your chocolate experience as you take a sip. Set includes one mug and one saucer. Chocolate not included. 

 

 

Bonbon - Loves Me Loves Me Not ($11.50)

Eat the chocolate and find the destiny of your love. The Love Me Love Me Not box comes with an assortment of five bonbons. 

 

My Thoughts:

Is your mouth watering yet?  Mine was as soon as I opened the box of samples, and just now when I was adding in the photos to my post.  If you have never sampled Max Brenner chocolates before, then you are missing out.    Each and every product that I have tried from the online gift shop, or at the restaurant's gift shop is truly spectacular.  The chocolate is so rich and creamy, and the flavor lingers in your mouth, long after you are done enjoying each piece.  And, special attention is paid to the packaging of each of the Max Brenner sweet treats available.  Just look at the Loves Me Loves Me Not box.  Even though there were only 5 bonbons to enjoy, enjoying each piece was made into a game, to see if the person of your affections truly loves you! I enjoyed sharing this box of bon bons with my husband.  We each had two bon bons and split the fifth in half, feeding the halves to each other.  

And, while I was tidying up the house over the weekend, I burned the truffle candle.  If only I could offer smellavision here :-)  My house smelled amazing, with aromas of vanilla and coconut.  Even though it was cold outside, these rich scents reminded me of the summer and warmer temperatures.  If you are a candle lover, you will love this truffle candle from Max Brenner.

Like I said in my previous post and earlier, I just love Max Brenner's hot chocolate.  You can either serve it hot or as a frozen treat.  When I enjoy it hot, I love drinking it out of the love hug mug I was sent.  You really have to see and hold this cute little mug to truly appreciate it.  I feel like I am enjoying a special treat when I use this mug with Max Brenner's European Chocolat mix.

As for the cookbook, I have been trying out a few recipes since receiving the book over a week ago.  This past weekend, I surprised by family with a chocolate lover's breakfast, which included the American Dream Pancake, the Belgian street waffle and (my favorite) dependable banana cupcakes.  Yum!!!  Everyone was licking their fingers after the meal.  It felt like we had just sat down to a holiday feast that took hours to prepare, but only minutes to devour. With over 65 chocolate dessert recipes from Max Brenner's own private collection, any chocolate lover or foodie will enjoy recreating each and every sweet treat.  And, you don't have to be a pro in the kitchen to whip together a special meal or dessert.  The recipes are straight forward and easy to follow.  As for the ingredients, you can find these in your pantry or at your local grocery store.

So, with Valentine's Day right around the corner, why not surprise the chocolate lover in your life, or TREAT YOURSELF to some delectable treats from Max Brenner.  Don't forget to pick up a fondue kit or hug mug to make your romantic evening of savoring your Max Brenner treats, so much more special.  I can't wait to sit by the fire and sip hot chocolate out of our matching hug mugs, with my husband, this Valentine's Day! 



---BUY NOW---


Click here to order directly from the Max Brenner Online Gift Shop.  And, for a limited time, take advantage of FREE SHIPPING on select gourmet gift sets (expires 2/10).

Disclosure: I was sent samples from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.

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