Saturday, June 7, 2008

Oh my Stars!

Or shall I say, "Oh my Starbucks!" Those of you who've been hanging with me here for more than a few months know about my affinity for Starbucks. Those people know how to make a seriously good cup of coffee. You probably also know about my affection for dark chocolate if you've read my bio page. It turns out those Starbucks people make some seriously good chocolate too - it's coffee-licious chocolate!

I am a bit of a chocolate aficionado. Not a chocolate snob, mind you, I'll still eat the average stuff ... in a pinch. But I stock my cocoa stash with the likes of Dagoba Dark, Green & Black, and Ghirardelli. Hey, I drive a mini-van and shop at Target - a girl's gotta have a few nice things in life.

Here is the new kid on the chocolate block, and I've got a serious crush:



Called Mocha Dark, this chocolate is big time in a small wrapper. And one bar lasts me a long time - for me, about a week - because with really good dark chocolate I take small bites and savor the flavor. The flavor here is smooth dark chocolate, followed by top notch coffee with hints of citrus. It also has a surprising texture: melt-in-your-mouth chocolate with tiny, slightly crunchy granules of Guatemala Casi Cielo coffee spread throughout. UMMMMM!

The wrapper says, "When coffee dreams, it dreams of chocolate." What else can I say, these Starbucks people really get me. I just had to let you know ... leave a rant or a rave if you try it.

37 comments:

  1. Rachel, as I sit here reading about your love for chocolate I think about what a delight it would be to have some cookie dough or some chocolate chip cookies. Oh CHOCOLATE.....I have some trials going on and as you know sometimes when we get stressed we reach for the Ben and Jerry's or whatever soothes us. But you know that God is the only thing that will fill in those places where we feel stess, frustration and sheer powerlessness. He always finds us a way out when we think there is no way out. I hope all of you are having an ideal weekend and be blessed! Jo Ann/Denver

    ReplyDelete
  2. Rachel, when I lived in Calif. I loved Pete's Coffee...well it has finally arrived here in N.Y. on the supermarket shelf...so now I can splurge and enjoy a cup of Pete's...
    I don't have to mail order it anymore...
    Have a great week-end.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Rachel, when I lived in Calif. I loved Pete's Coffee...well it has finally arrived here in N.Y. on the supermarket shelf...so now I can splurge and enjoy a cup of Pete's...
    I don't have to mail order it anymore...
    Have a great week-end.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Rachel, when I lived in Calif. I loved Pete's Coffee...well it has finally arrived here in N.Y. on the supermarket shelf...so now I can splurge and enjoy a cup of Pete's...
    I don't have to mail order it anymore...
    Have a great week-end.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Rachel, when I lived in Calif. I loved Pete's Coffee...well it has finally arrived here in N.Y. on the supermarket shelf...so now I can splurge and enjoy a cup of Pete's...
    I don't have to mail order it anymore...
    Have a great week-end.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I believe Deborah love's Pete's coffee. Me, I'm hooked on Cafe' Francis by General International or something like that. I put sweet-n-low, a spoon of cool whip (a small chocolate mint if I have them) or cinnamon in it, put it in my Magic Bullet and have my own cup of coffee with froth on top.
    AliceE.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I couldn't agree more! Starbucks ROCKS!! :) I'm not so much a dark chocolate girl though...it's the white chocolate mocha that calls my name! :)

    I'm new to your blog and am incredibly excited to be coming to She Speaks this year (first time).

    I will be in your session "Finding Topics that fit." Look forward to meeting you!

    Jami

    ReplyDelete
  8. I think Starbucks oughta be paying you for the free plug! I'm a Milk Chocolate kinda gal but you've made this stuff sound so good, I just might have to give it a try. I'm glad to hear you are taking time to give yourself a treat!

    Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I apologize I don't know why my post repeated and I misspelled Peets

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousJune 07, 2008

    Starbucks and chocolate...dreamy... It's my favorite coffee place too. My husband and I often stop in when we're in the city. He loves his capp., I love my green tea latte, and we usually share one of their delicous squares. It feels like we're on a date every time we stop in (even when we have the kids with us!). You hit the spot Rachel!

    As much as I like my chocolate brownie, my favorite dessert is a bowl of homemade hot chocolate pudding served with a generous scoop of vanilla ice-cream right in the middle. The ice-cream starts to melt a bit and mixes with the pudding, also dreamy!
    This is also a lower fat dessert because I make it with 1% milk. But eating it in smaller portions is kinda hard, but I'm trying!
    Connie, Canada

    ReplyDelete
  11. oh man! coffee and dark chocolate! my two most favorite things! and now combined all in one! i must have one!

    do you have to buy it at starbucks or can you get it in your local grocery store?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Rachel, I too love dark chocolate! I have to admit though that star.... coffee is a little bitter and there are other brands that I prefer, I'm stuck on their Chai Tea with soy and the vanilla scones. That is a treat I allow myself too often. But back to the chocolate, I will try it -- Ghiradelli, Dove, Godiva dark dipped apricots [yummy]....these are just a FEW of my favs. Have a blessed day...

    Grace and peace....Linda/Columbus OH

    ReplyDelete
  13. ChosenOne - I LOVE Starbucks Chai Tea Frappachinos, have you tried one?

    Christi - no, you don't have to buy the chocolate at a Starbucks. I bought my bar at a grocercy and I've seen it at CVS too.

    Debrah - I've never had Pete's coffee. I'm speaking in California in a couple months so maybe I can find some to try.

    Jo Ann - your comment reminded me of an article I wrote last year for the P31 Woman magazine called The Soul Whisperer. I'll have to pull that out and see if I can post it on the Rachel Writes page.

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousJune 08, 2008

    Happy Sunday morning everyone! Rachel you are the greatest! When I read about Starbucks, the first thought that came to mind was how much I love their Dulce de Leche. But unfortunately the one that I really enjoy--they have discontinued for a little bit so I have to wait until they come back out with it. I consider it God's little lesson on patience and hopefully they won't keep me waiting for too long. :) Anyway, I also love chocolate and it wasn't until recently that I started to really enjoy dark chocolate. I will have to try this one out and I'm already looking forward to it. Rachel, you have peaked my curiosity about Soul Whisperer so if you are able to post it on your blog--I would truly appreciate it. I hope you all have a great Sunday.

    Laura in New Hampshire

    ReplyDelete
  15. OK, Laura, the Soul Whisperer article is now up on my Rachel Writes page. Just click on Rachel Writes (top of my home page) and scroll down.

    Blogger is being tempermental today - it took me forever to get that posted correctly. Now I'm off to church.

    Have a good one, everybody!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Rachel,
    YESSSSS it is so gooood! My boss and I shared some Thursday. Wow awesome, her and I both Love dark Chocolate, and i Love ther Coffee.

    The best news we just got was they are putting a starbucks in 2 BLOCKS from our office, next door to a mcdonalds her and I are both CHEERING!!!

    Have a Blessed Day
    Sharon/florida

    ReplyDelete
  17. Have you tried their new Mint Chocolate Mocha Frappachino with CHOCOLATE whipped cream???? Oh my gosh! Seriously good. I tried there chocolates too and yummy. But I have to say as far as chocolate goes, Mr. Hershey got it right. One of his bars, with almonds, oh my. I don't need godiva, just Hershey is fine.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Rachel,
    I loved you posting on Starbucks. I too love going to Starbucks. My husband and I go to Startbucks every friday morning to celebrate the end of the work week. My favorite is Rasberry Mocha Fappachino but I have to agree with Chatty Kelly that I have tried the Mint Chocolate Mocha Fappachino and they are really good.

    I agree with you JoAnn that God is the only One who can really relieve our stress, frustration, powerlessness, bitterness, angry, loneliness, OVER WORKED and what ever else we maybe going through at the time but it is still nice to be sipping on a cold fappachino on a friday morning.
    Love you ladies and I love your posting I do not usually post because after I read all your posting I usually agree with all your thoughts. Thanks to you Rachel for all you research you do.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I get a Starbuck's coffee frappuccino EVERY week! I mean EVERY week! And sometimes I weaken and get two in a week. I have been doing this for several years. I don't know why I love them so.

    I am also what I call myself,a chocoholic. But I gave up chocolate for life over 30 years ago and since that day I have never knowingly ate chocolate. But after this many years it doesn't faze me any more.

    Now I do eat almond bar and white chocolate sometimes because I was told and read that white chocolate doesn't have "real" chocolate in it.

    Could I give up frappuccino's??
    Oh, my, it would have to be with God's power. I don't think I could in my own strength!

    mary

    ReplyDelete
  20. AnonymousJune 09, 2008

    I read this blog this morning and then in the afternoon met with a friend at Starbucks. As soon as I walked in I asked about the chocolate bar. They said, they don't know why, but they don't even have it to sell there, but they'd seen it at Walgreen's. How funny is that?! So later I stopped at Walmart to pick up some stuff ... just *happened* past the candy section and guess what? There was the Starbucks choc bar. Yippee! Will wait to taste tomorrow so I can sleep tonight.
    (Am I easily influenced or what?)
    JoBeth

    ReplyDelete
  21. AnonymousJune 09, 2008

    Hi Rachel and Ladies,

    I wanted to say I've been following along with this bible reading from the beginning and have been so grateful. Just days before it started, I was telling my mom I never had any clue what or where to read in the bible. It came at a perfect time in my life, when I was really needing comfort and guidance.

    I know this is totally off the subject of the chocolate (which by the way I ABSOLUTELY LOVE!!!), but I am in desparate need of prayer! I am a single mom (with another one on the way soon), and have just moved to North Carolina from Colorado (literally, we just got here on Friday). Our funds have almost completely dried up and we are desparately seeking an affordable place to rent. We went by an apartment complex today that was REALLY scary (not to mention someone was being arrested in the parking lot as we drove through). Definitely a NO.

    Anyway, if everyone could lift my precious family up today in prayer, I would be wonderfully grateful. God's hand has been behind this entire trip and but I am starting to get worried and discouraged. We really can't afford another week in a motel.

    With Love,

    Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  22. Sarah,
    Welcome to the Bible Study and to North Carolina. I live in NC also, but I have an uncle who lives in Colorada Springs.

    You have joined a great group of ladies. I am putting you on my prayer list. This has been an awesome experience for me.

    Please visit my blog anytime. All you have to do is click on fromtheheart which is in blue.
    AliceE.

    ReplyDelete
  23. AnonymousJune 10, 2008

    Rave. Yes, it was soooo good. Melt in your mouth goodness that lingered for a good long while. This was fun.
    JoBeth

    ReplyDelete
  24. AnonymousJune 10, 2008

    oops. sorry.
    Sara ~ praying for you. May you be strong and walk in peace as you go thru this very difficult time.
    JoBeth

    ReplyDelete
  25. Sarah,

    Please know that my husband and I are praying for you and your family. I will contact our women ministers to pray for you all as well.
    I ask that the Lord bless you and your family, to fulfill all your needs in your comings and goings, where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through his grace. We ask that the Holy Spirit minister to your spirit at this very moment. May the peace of God conquer all your fears. I know all your prayers will be answered if you trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and cry out to him. We pray by faith that you will have your new place to call home now!
    Sarah if you'll believe by faith that God shall supply all of your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus that which you are seeking you shall find.

    In Jesus name
    God Bless you all
    Love Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hello everyone,

    I want to thank you all for praying and ask you to continue to pray for my marriage.

    My husband and I have reconciled and are now going to begin figuring out how to work as a team. There are some things he needs to do, and there are some things I need to do.

    For the time being, my daughter will stay with her Dad. We believe that if she is truly happier there, and that to bring her home would cause more harm than good; she is better with her father. Besides, he has never had the opportunity to parent her full time and I think this might be an excellent time for him to do do.

    Again, thank you for all your prayers...keep praying that God will continue to do a work in our marriage and in our hearts.

    Now...bring on the CHOCOLATE!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi Rachel,
    I know that things are getting much closer to She Speaks and you probably are in the midst of preparations. I just wanted you to know that I am praying for you. May God use you in a mighty way next week.

    Blessings,
    Pearls

    ReplyDelete
  28. I just wanted to let you know I'm praying for you s you prepare for she speaks! I can't wait to see what the Lord does through this time!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Wow,
    You've convinced me, I'm going to have to buy some to have at the upcoming She Speaks Conf!

    I am praying for you today as you are preparing for this conference.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi everyone-
    I've been away for a week and my computer died for one also so I'm back and I need prayer. I would like as many of you that can go onto my blog,donnamcguinness.blog
    spot.com and read what is happening in my life. I remember how many of you read things that were related to each of you and it also helped me too. I am in between a rock and a hard place in my spiritual ministry. Satan is pulling me in so many directions and I'm sick of it. I know the Lord has me going in one direction and sometimes I just don't know where I need to go?!

    Rachel I know that service is the pathway to real significance. It is through ministry that we discover the meaning of our lives..I just don't know what He wants me to do. So Ladies I need your encouragement..If some of you don't know me then please read a lot of my posts it will help you understand my background.

    God has a plan for me..I need to be patient.
    Ephesians 2:10 "We are Gods workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do"

    Love Donna

    ReplyDelete
  31. Well Rachel, it's probably a good job you don't live in my house...for 2 reasons. 1. You and I would constantly be fighting over the dark chocolate...and 2. My house practically backs onto a Starbucks!...seriously! I haven't discovered this chocolate yet so I feel a quick walk coming on!

    I will be attending "She Speaks" next weekend and I just wanted you to know of my prayers. I am praying and claiming Psalm 91 over you - that God will guard, guide and protect you and that you will find your refuge, strength and hope in Him.

    Blessings,
    Joy

    ReplyDelete
  32. Just lifting you and your team up for the upcoming She Speaks Conference...all will go well!!
    Alyce

    ReplyDelete
  33. You and the P31 team remain in my prayers as you prepare for She Speaks next week. I look forward to meeting you.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Rachel,

    Dropped by to let you know your are prayed for today,
    GOd Bless,
    Diane

    ReplyDelete
  35. I am just letting you know that you and the whole P31 team are being prayed for as we lead up to next weekend. I can hardly wait! I so appreciate your willingness to be His servant - so He can work through you and change me!

    ReplyDelete
  36. AnonymousJune 13, 2008

    I love my chocolate, too, but on my recent trip which included a visit to a Starbucks I realized that I still prefer our town's vida-e latte. [No Starbucks in this country, but you can buy a t-shirt!]
    As for the chocolate, I love the dark stuff, but also cannot resist some others. Next time I'll look for the one you're recommending!

    ReplyDelete

Chime in.