Sugar Plum Chocolate's Strawberry Cheesecake Chocolate Bar

Disclosure: Complimentary product was sent for review purposes.

Whether you plan to celebrate Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day, or just want a sweet treat for yourself or someone special, Sugar Plum Chocolates has a fantastic assortment of confections to choose from.

I was sent the recently-launched Strawberry Cheesecake Chocolate Bars, which combines creamy, indulgent, organic white chocolate with natural strawberry and graham crackers to create a delightful chocolate bar reminiscent of a strawberry cheesecake!

Each bite of chocolate was filled with smooth chocolate and bits of graham crackers to create a lovely textural contrast.

The flavors reminded me of world class chocolate bars I've tasted in other countries, but these bars are made right here in the United States!

All of Sugar Plum's products are hand-crafted in Pennsylvania, so you know a lot of love was poured into each and every decadent, gourmet treat.  

The Strawberry Cheesecake Chocolate Bars are sold in a 4-pack for $30.  Click here to purchase.

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Aloha Confectionery

There have been a handful of soft-serve ice cream establishments popping up on Oahu, mostly concentrated in the Ala Moana and Waikiki areas. Today I visited Aloha Confectionery, which is located in the Ala Moana Center, 3rd level near Target. 

I instantly fell in love with this place when I first entered, as did my sons.

They made a bee-line to the wall that had small boxes of assorted candies. They love anything gummy! 

I, on the other-hand, was initially drawn to the displays of fish-shaped shortbread cookies. 

The individually wrapped cookies come in an assortment of flavors, and are tastefully pre-packed in hard boxes that are perfect for transporting to the mainland to give as omiyage. During my visit, they offered samples of several of the shortbread cookies, and they were delicious.  

 Aloha Confectionery also sells cupcakes, which may look familiar to many of you who live on Oahu, because the owners of Aloha Confectionery used to own/operate a bakery specializing in cupcakes in Aiea called Sugarlina.

But what I really came here to try is the soft serve ice cream. They offer two flavors (fresh milk and milk tea).

If you want it in a cone (which is great for Instagramming), you'll pay an extra $2 for it. 

I skipped the cone and ordered the "Aloha Cookie" with a swirl of milk and milk tea ice cream.  It came with some toppings (marshmallows, pieces of chocolate, and shortbread cookie). 

I liked the creaminess of the ice cream - it was nice and thick and didn't melt quickly. However, it was a little bland for my taste buds. It did taste better when I added chunks of the brownie that my friend bought from the shop. :)

I wouldn't come back for the ice cream, but I would definitely return for the cookies and cupcakes!

ALOHA CONFECTIONERY

1450 ALA MOANA BLVD. (LEVEL 3 NEAR TARGET)

(808) 943-8550

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Manoa Chocolate Hawaii

While waiting for our table at Cinnamon's, I decided to browse the Manoa Chocolate Hawaii store just upstairs.

The employees were very friendly and knowledgable, and when one asked if we'd like to sample chocolate, of course I said "Yes!"

Manoa Chocolate Hawaii offers high quality chocolate using both Hawaii-grown cacao, as well as from other regions in the world.

We were able to sample several different flavors, including Hawaiian Sea Salt (very good), Ghost Pepper (it had a spicy kick, but not too strong), and Ali`i Kula Lavender (very pleasant).

However, the Breakfast Bar, which is layered with roasted cacao nibs and roasted Kona espresso beans, was my favorite.  I decided to buy a bar to share with the boys.

Each bar is a little pricey ($9; you do get a slight discount the more you buy), but ultimately I didn't mind paying that much, since they use premium ingredients in each bar, and with each bite I knew I was indulging in quality, delicious chocolate!

Manoa Chocolate Hawaii
Suite 203, 315 Uluniu St
Kailua, HI 96734
(808) 262-6789

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