My boyfriend Ryan bought me one of those  Newtree’s “Tranquility” Lavander Milk Chocolate bar last week from the gourmet store a block from our apartment and I was very eager to try it. I’m a big fan of using lavender in cooking–especially in desserts such as local ice creamery Mashti Malone’s lavender ice cream and a warm and tasty lavender-honey breakfast biscuit. When I got my first whiff of Newtree’s lavender chocolate, I knew we were going to be fast friends.

Some people have an adverse relationship with using floral ingredients, but I think that when used correctly, ingredients such as lavender can elevate a food to a whole new tier of sophistication. Newtree’s “Tranquility” bar does just that. Made in Belgium with the finest ingredients, Newtree is known for quality chocolates. This bar offered a very interesting flavor profile as the lavender was fragrant and very present, yet still subtle and refined. It was smooth and rich, and the lime blossom extract in the bar provided a slightly bitter tang to compliment a very creamy finish. It was by no means overly floral, which I think is fantastic for those who are still developing a taste for this often misunderstood ingredient. I would love to see this on a cheese plate next to some grassy cheeses or paired with a nice grappa or moscato at the end of a meal.