 Affordable Gourmet: Chocolate Edition!
by acherub
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Dear Neopians, are we all excited to be part of what was once a very exclusive Gourmet Club? In the past, only the richest Neopians with the fanciest Pets and the most refined palates could savour the finest gourmet chocolates Neopia had to offer. But do not fret! Thanks to the continuous updates and changes in Neopia via Questlog (perhaps something to do with a more efficient supply chain), gourmet chocolates have become much more affordable. Now, most Pets can enjoy velvety squares of Neopia’s best chocolates melting luxuriously on their tongues, and all for 50,000 Neopoints or less! It may sound wild to call these gourmet treats “cheap,” but the care, creativity, and craftsmanship behind them remain nothing short of meticulous art, so the price is definitely worth it! To help you and your Pets get started, here are four general categories of affordable gourmet chocolates, each with a list of tempting options to try. Confectionery Maybe your Pet is a traditional chocolate lover, whose very first taste came from a simple lolly bag bought at a corner shop near home or school.  Chocolate Grarrl Petit Fours Tiny treasures that look almost too adorable to eat. These dainty confections come shaped like Grarrl feet and hide a glossy, fudgy centre that bursts with flavour once bitten into. Careful… your pet might not be able to stop at just one!  Chocolate Covered Toffee A classic delight that pairs the golden chew of caramelised toffee with a smooth coating of chocolate. Each bite is buttery and nostalgic, the caramel melting into the crisp chocolate shell for the perfect balance. Pair it with a cup of coffee for the ultimate afternoon pick-me-up!  Lemon Sherbert Jelly Beans A whimsical schoolyard favourite. Their zesty coating fizzes on the tongue with citrus sparkle before giving way to a chewy, cocoa-dusted core. A pocket-sized joy for the gourmand on the go. Blocks of Chocolate Chocolate blocks are timeless classics. They come in all the favourites: milk, dark, or white, or infused with flavours like mint, orange, or strawberry. The possibilities are endless! A block of chocolate is the go-to for a solid, satisfying treat that can turn your pet’s day around.  Peophin Chocolate Medallion The body of this medallion is crafted from milk chocolate, offering a smooth, mellow sweetness that makes it the classic favourite of most Pets. Its jewel centre holds a thin sheet of strawberry fruit leather, adding a chewy contrast that lingers on the tongue. The tart strawberry balances the chocolate perfectly for a fuller, layered taste. Just thinking about it makes you want one of these goodies right now!  Dark Chocolate Poogle For Pets with a more mature palate, dark chocolate is the way to go. This block carries bold, bittersweet notes with earthy undertones and a smooth finish. Luxurious yet sophisticated, it’s best enjoyed with a steaming Cup of Green Tea while reading the latest edition of the Neopian Times.  Mint Chocolate Lupe A refreshing twist on a classic. The coolness of mint cuts through the chocolate layers, creating a treat that feels crisp, comforting, and completely satisfying, all in the shape of a Lupe. This one is marketed to the Chias of Neopia so if your gourmet pet is a Chia, they will certainly enjoy biting into a Lupe shaped chocolate treat. Chocolate Cakes and Pastries One of the wonders of chocolate is its versatility in baking. From airy sponges to dense mousses, it can transform into cakes and pastries for any occasion. The rich, inviting aroma that fills the kitchen as you and your pet bake brings joy beyond taste also, making every batch a treat to create and share.  Triple Choco-Strawberry Cake Not one, not two, but three luscious tiers of cocoa sponge, layered with strawberry-infused cream. The airy cake contrasts with the velvety filling, while the smooth frosting adds a fruity finish. An extravagant centrepiece for any occasion, from picnics to birthdays!  Chocolate Shoyru Muffin A hearty pastry that hides surprises within. The soft crumb is topped with milk and dark chocolate in the form of the Shoyru, and once you bite through, you’ll discover a molten white chocolate centre that oozes decadence. A satisfying, portable treat, perfect for the kitchen counter. Impossible challenge: do not pick one up when walking past the kitchen counter!  Vegan Grenanna Mousse Cake A delicate option for lactose-intolerant gourmands. This airy Grenanna mousse is whipped from substitute milk and finished with a white-chocolate. The exotic Grenanna fruit adds a tangy, tropical lift to the silky sweetness, which makes it a light and refreshing way to end any heavy meal. Savoury For generations, Neopians asked: sweet or savoury? Until one clever chef (rumoured to be the yellow Chia of the Main Neopian Foods Shop) said, “Why not both?” Thus began the tradition of pairing chocolate with unexpected savoury partners. These dishes may be for the more adventurous gourmand, but don’t be afraid to try them. Exploring new combinations is how wonderful discoveries are made!  Chocolate Coated Tangy Cheese A daring creation with a bold flavour profile. The dense, salty cheese contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate drizzle, producing a complex layering of tastes that unfold gradually—first sharp, then mellow, then sweet. Rinse and repeat as you continuously chew!  Chocolate Murex Shell Straight from Kiko Lake, this briny-sweet speciality uses sea salt harvested at the shore. The interplay between the crisp chocolate shell and the mineral tang creates a wave of flavour that lingers long after the last bite. Salt has long been paired with sweets and chocolates, but here the larger crystals add an extra crunch your pet is sure to appreciate.  Chocolate Shoyru Meatball An eccentric yet playful dish. The Shoyru-shaped meatball is smothered in savoury chocolate sauce and sprinkled with hundreds-and-thousands for an unexpected crunch. Inside contains finely chopped fiery chilli peppers that add contrast to the flavour profile, which brings an unconventional combination of heat against the silky chocolate. Lost Desert first discovered this pairing, where spice cuts through cocoa’s richness and cocoa softens the spice’s edge. Now it’s a favourite for adventurous gourmet eaters across Neopia. Now that you’ve seen the many delicious options available, it’s time to treat your pet by browsing the Neopian shops, or more conveniently, picking them up from user shops through the Shop Wizard (yes, they can all be found via the Shop Wizard!). Your gourmand Pets have been working hard all year just by being cute, so they deserve to indulge in these luxurious, creative creations suited for all situations. Let them explore the many sides of Neopia’s finest gourmet chocolates. And the best part? These treats won’t even break the bank!
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