Seasonal square from the sweet folks at Ghiradelli.
This post marks the "official unofficial" start to the most active time of the year in terms of limited edition/seasonal product launches: the holidays. Hurrah!
I usually make it a policy not to blog about Halloween foods until after October 1st as to curb vulgar premature consumption. However, I am suspending this ban in the case of Ghiradelli's new Pumpkin Spice Caramel squares because they are not explicitly for All Hallow's Eve (though, of course, their early fall release makes them conveniently available for trick-or-treat shopping) past mid-September.
I encountered the seasonal chocolate while I was visiting the Ghiradelli shop in Downtown Disney in Orlando, Florida. An appropriately cheery young salesclerk was handing out free samples of the Spiced Caramel Square and I am happy to report I was able to restrain myself from asking for more than one. (That's more than I can say for the fannypack-adorned mater behind me.)
The square survived a rather bumpy and overheated flight back to Houston, where I sampled it with some cold milk. Nothing radical in terms of flavor: Ghiradelli has basically infused their milk chocolate caramel square with some cinnamon and nutmeg. A festive chocolate, nonetheless, and probably best paired with a spicy beverage such as chai or ginger tea.
Although I wouldn't buy an entire pack to serve as is, I am curious about the baking possibilities. Incorporating the square into a dough or batter seasoned with allspice and more cinnamon and ginger might make for a more stimulating sweet.