Ode to Valrhona Gianduja

 


This is my absolute favorite chocolate because of its unique texture, taste, and quality.

I used to find it easily at the Whole Foods location in Bedford, MA. Individual bars are about 9''x2"x0.5" and wrapped in cling wrap. Around $10 each. Note that this is the milk chocolate version, not the dark chocolate version, which also exists. 

Lately, they've been hard to find at the Nashua location. It's usually in the baking section along with other baking chocolates. But since it is considered a specialty item it is placed at the discretion of the specialty foods department that manages the specialty cheeses near the deli in the back. On one occasion, the Nashua location had the bars in the wicker basket in the back near the deli. They said they didn’t have any shelf space for it. Probably because of all the Easter-related displays. On another occasion, I found them placed near the cash registers at the front of the store.

Have to be careful not to get the Jivera chocolate, which is also a Valrhona milk chocolate baking bar and looks identical to Gianduja, but Gianduja (pictured above) is slightly darker and more malleable. You can easily dent it like modeling clay by pressing on it. And you can break off a small piece with your hand with minimal effort.

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