Frugal Floozie Friday -- Schakolad Chocolate Factory

On a recent afternoon, I had a very stressful appointment. I had dreaded it.

Matters weren't ultimately quite as horrific as I'd anticipated, though I can assure you that I didn't have much fun. But then it was over ... sigh.

And how did I reward myself for my success in getting through it?

I bought myself chocolate, of course!

I'd anticipated that, too, so I'd have something to look forward to. I'd debated what sort of treat was warranted, but it was abundantly clear that this was an occasion for chocolate. Not just an Almond Joy or a bag of M&Ms, though ... oh, no. I deserved far, far better.

And so I meandered on over to Schakolad, our Frugal Floozie Friday feature today, for handmade chocolates.

I peered into the display cases at a gorgeous and tempting assortment as a most patient gentleman waited for me to somehow settle on only a few selections despite an array of utter temptation.

What to choose? What to choose???

There were champagne truffles ... chocolates filled with cheesecake ganache ... pieces of candied ginger coated in chocolate ... Key lime truffles ... mocha and cappuccino truffles ... pretzels coated in chocolate ... chocolates filled with Amaretto or Grand Marnier ganache ... dark or milk chocolate coated marzipan ... oh, so many luscious things!

With the help of recommendations, which were very much appreciated, I selected the following (clockwise from top):

- Milk Chocolate Michigan Cherry
- Jamaican Rum Ganache
- Raspberry Ganache
- Milk Chocolate Peanut

I brought my treats right out to one of the cafe tables outside, and placed my treasures in front of me. And then I savored one, saving the rest for later.

And which came first? Why, the rum one, of course! It'd been that kind of day ....

There was a distinct flavor of the spirit in a sublimely smooth and rich chocolate filling, which was perfectly complemented by a thin coating of dark chocolate. There was no inclination to pounce upon the next treat, as one perfect chocolate candy is all one needs for satisfaction and serenity.

I was generous and gave away the peanut candy, which I'm told was a solid chocolate with tidbits of peanuts throughout. It, too, was enjoyed thoroughly, though admittedly by someone who confesses: "It was very good! But you know me -- I'm happy even with a Hershey bar."

Later in the evening, I went back to my prize to finish rewarding myself.

The cherry candy was very solid and firm to bite into on top, with a sweet jam at the bottom and a dried tart cherry -- cherries being just one of Michigan's great sources of pride! -- placed decoratively into the chocolate.

And upon biting through the crisp dark chocolate casing, the raspberry candy had an incredibly smooth and creamy filling with a surprisingly and enticingly bright, vibrant flavor.

My total for this purchase, which could vary slightly for others since the chocolates are sold by the pound rather than at individual set prices, was $4.07. Sure, I could have gone down the street to a diner and ordered a cheeseburger for likely the same amount; so one might perhaps argue that this wasn't necessarily a frugal expenditure.

However, in terms of a) staying within the required budget of $5 per person, and b) the value of a luxury that provided such a balm to my frazzled soul on a stressful day ... well, as far as I'm concerned this was a tremendous deal!

After all, Frugal Floozie Friday isn't necessarily about getting the greatest quantity of food for the expenditure. Rather, it's about enjoying oneself within a limited budget, and offering a variety of options -- from light meals to sweet treats -- to meet the needs of every appetite.

So the next time you deserve a special perk, for any and every reason, remember that chocolate is always there for you, a priceless and beloved friend ... :)


Schakolad
110 East Washington
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-213-1700


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Frugal Floozie Friday: Food and Fun for Five Dollars or Less ... Really!!!