Kytons Hot Cross Buns with Menz FruChocs - Adelaide, South Australia

I first fell in love with Kytons Bakery for their fresh, fluffy lamingtons dipped in rich chocolate and coated with plenty of coconut. These lamingtons are so good that they won 1st Prize in the 2008 National Baking Awards in Sydney. Kytons products are mostly sold as fundraisers for community groups and sporting clubs across South Australia and Victoria.You can also find them in most FoodLand and IGA stores as well as a selection of other retailers. We purchased this pack from our local FoodLand for Australia Day and loved every bite.



In addition to their amazing lamingtons, Kytons also sells hot cross buns in the lead up to Easter. This year, they've partnered with Menz to produce the new hot cross buns with FruChocs!



This might sound like a strange combination to some, but it totally works! First, slice open the bun to reveal the awesome FruChocs inside. FruChocs are a South Australian icon, now sold nationwide. Note that due to pronunciation problems interstate they're called Choc Apricot Balls outside of SA. FruChocs are so awesome they even have their own Appreciation Society.



I like to slice the hot cross bun in half and spread some butter or margarine inside. Next I recommend lightly toasting them before serving with a cuppa tea.



The chocolate melts, the apricot stays chewy, and the edges get toasted and crunchy. They taste like a mix between fruit-filled and chocolate buns so they're a hybrid hot cross bun that is the perfect celebration of South Australia.



I hope everyone buys the new Kytons hot cross buns with FruChocs this year to ensure they keep making them every year. Check the list of Stockists (alphabetical by suburb) to see where you can get yours.

Cocolat - Adelaide, South Australia

If you haven't been to Cocolat on Rundle Street before, you must try their award winning gelato. If you love Ferrero Rocher, go for the Cocolat Rocher gelato, which was named Champion in the 2011 Australia Grand Dairy Awards and claimed Gold in the 2010 South Australia Dairy Awards. The full list of flavours is available on their website. The shop has an adequate number of tables, but it usually gets quite busy after 7pm so it's best to arrive early if you want to avoid the crowds.



When it comes to blocks of chocolate, one of my favourites would have to be Cadbury's Top Deck - milk chocolate with creamy white chocolate on top. I had never experienced a block of Top Deck chocolate before coming to Australia and I fell in love with the stuff at first square. At Cocolat, you can order your Top Deck in liquid form as a hot chocolate. The Cocolat hot chocolates are generally quite milky, but I enjoy the combination of the white chocolate and milk chocolate flavours in the Top Deck so it's my pick from the drinks menu.



In terms of desserts, you have an entire display case to choose from full of cakes, muffins, cupcakes, and handmade chocolate truffles. If you can't decide, I strongly recommend the Peanut Butter Brownie for only $5.50. It's a dense peanut buttery base with a fluffy chocolate top. If you love Reese's and/or peanut butter with chocolate, you're going to love this one. It comes with some melted swirled chocolate and whipped cream on the plate, but a cup of creamy French Vanilla gelato (winner of Gold in the 2010 South Australia Dairy Awards) compliments the brownie perfectly!

Steven ter Horst Chocolatier - Adelaide, South Australia

Steven ter Horst Chocolatier can be found nestled among the shops on Unley Road, Unley. It's open 6 days a week, closed Mondays.



Steven ter Horst clearly has a great deal of love and respect for chocolate and his shop is filled with proof that he has done his chocolate homework. The small and beautifully decorative chocolates in the glass case are perfect for boxing up as a gift or to take home for later.



Chocolate also comes in liquid form at Steven ter Horst and I love this stuff. It's very concentrated and full flavoured. It's like a dark chocolate, but without the bitterness. I don't know how he does it. For those who don't want to drink their chocolate, there are plenty of coffee and tea options as well as house made sparkling lemonade, orange or ginger drinks. Definitely something for everyone.



The desserts are all spectacular and most of them contain that ridiculously good chocolate. The options do change, but it's hard to go wrong here.



Try the Chocolate Cloud ($8.50) to ensure that you experience Steven's chocolate in its full glory.



The Chocolate Cloud is chocolate mousse, vanilla cream and crunchy cocoa nib disc over a flourless chocolate sponge. It's beautifully light and deliciously rich at the same time.



The Salted Caramel Truffle Tart ($6.50) is another winner as it achieves that delicate balance between salty and sweet. Underneath the decadent chocolate is the perfect compliment of gooey salted caramel.



Not to be forgotten is the Chocolate Truffle Tart ($8.50). This one is luscious dark chocolate truffle ganache over a base of crunchy hazelnut praline, served with berry coulis. This one also comes in a round 20cm tart ($30) for those of you with guests or a large chocolate loving family.



There's even an option for citrus lovers called Lemon Lust ($8.50). It's made of a lemon mousse dome with a praline cream centre and cocoa sponge. The lemon is the star here, with the chocolate playing a supporting role.



It's difficult to leave Steven ter Horst Chocolatier without a smile on your face, a bounce in your step, and of course some more of that chocolate to take home for later. Chocolate aficionados, this place is definitely worth your visits.

Update 20 November 2013:
The Unley location is now closed and Steven ter Horst Chocolatier can be found at 256 Rundle Street in the Adelaide CBD! They're open 7 days 10am-late.