1 February- Final Taste Test!

Today was the last day of class and the final taste testing. We did two taste test on our final day. The first one was the repeat of the intial mystery test that we did the first day of class. We tasted three chocolates. Chocolate #1 was identified as Dove the cheapest of the three. Chocolate #2 was identified as Godiva, which is owned by the Campbell's soup company. While chocolate #3 was Schaffenberger. The three samples we tasted were tempered chocolate in order to conceal the identity until the end. I enjoyed the taste of the tempered chocolate compared to the regular chocolate bars. The tempered chocolate had more of a thin, creamy texture. My favorite of the three mystery chocolates was chocolate #2, the Godiva. Here are the results from day one and today's popularity vote of the class:
                                              Jan 6th                             Feb 1st
#1 Dove                                    17                                      4
#2 Godiva                                   3                                      8
#3 Schaffernberger                     0                                      5
              
I thought the change in opinion of the class was telling of how everyone's perception of what 'good' chocolate has changed in the past month. I know I chose the sweeter Dove chocolate the first time, but when we did the taste test today the nutty rich flavor of the Godiva was much more pleasant than the overly sweet Dove. The Schaffernberger was a close second, but it was still a little to bitter for my tasting. However, maybe if I continued tasting the different chocolates, as we have done the past few weeks, I could develop my tastes to like the more bitter Schaffenberger dark chocolate

Looking back at how my tasting palate was before I began this interim class, I understand how tasting chocolate and cheese everyday can help develop one's culinary palate. I am not only more apt to try new variations or types of food, but I also have a wider vocabulary to describe the flavor of a food I taste. I believe Dr. Sloan describes it best when he said this class is a "loss of innocence." I don't believe I will personally be as happy eating a $1 Hershey's bar now that I know how much better chocolate can actually taste if you are willing to spend a little more. Quality, not quantity. This class actually has made me re-evaluate my relationship with food. I am so thankful I took this class. It has taught me so much about food and my individual taste preferences. I can't wait to try new foods and cook some new dishes for my and my husband. Thanks Dr. Sloan and Dr. Nowatka for the amazing, tasty interim!!