I’ve accepted the fact that since the end of August, people seem to think I’m a bird. I mean, if I weren’t a bird, why would people keep calling me an “empty nester”?

The thing is, I don’t feel like a bird—and I wasn’t even sure what birds actually do once their babies leave the nest. So, I asked ChatGPT.

I learned that parent birds continue to feed their fledglings (✅ yup, paying for oodles of foodles), remain nearby as the little ones improve their flying skills and avoid predators (✅ trying my darndest), and may find a new mate for another breeding cycle (😳 whaaaa???). It also mentioned that mama and dada birds eventually return to their typical activities, such as foraging and maintaining their territory. As a side note, while doing this deep avian dive, I discovered that actual birds are never referred to as “empty nesters.”

I will say, the foraging part rings true! Oh, what a joy it has been to seek (and find!) some wonderful new goodies for Barometer Chocolate while restocking many of the old favorites.

This past August, in between ordering twin XL sheets and Command hooks for my younger baby bird’s dorm room, I came across what has become my latest favorite dark chocolate bar: Fruition’s limited edition Jean-Marie Puerto Rico 70%. Rich, creamy, deeply chocolatey, and full-bodied, this little masterpiece unfolds into luscious flavor notes of cherry and raspberry with perhaps a hint of coffee. Customers are already messaging me to say, “WOW!! You were right—I love it!” If you were a fan of the Fruition Wild Bolivia (probably one of my best-selling bars to date), I think you’ll love this just as much, if not more.

Then there’s the stunning beauty called Fallingwater by Éclat, inspired by the southwestern Pennsylvania Frank Lloyd Wright home. This 65% dark chocolate is soft, elegant, and sophisticated—yet approachable, just like the house for which it’s named. The bar’s sculptural design and interlocking packaging are truly next-level. Treat yourself to 2.1 oz of unforgettable, unregrettable, delicious self-care. Stay tuned: its milk chocolate sister bar will join my collection next month!

Speaking of milk chocolate lovers—just in time for Halloween, I’ve added a playful bar, also from Éclat: the G. Love Kitchen Sink Bar, which combines peanut butter, caramel, Dutch pretzels, and fleur de sel sea salt in a unique blend of milk and dark chocolate.

Do you like to drink chocolate? If so, I’ve got something new for you! It’s Soma Chocolate Maker’s “Dark Side of The Mug,” a rich, indulgent, velvety treat for those moments when your palate craves something warm and a little sinful. The flavor is as gorgeous as its fudgy aroma, and those geniuses at Soma have achieved the perfect level of sweetness. Drink it, pour it over your Sunday pancakes, or stir it into your coffee for a decadent mocha.

I’ve also just received a fresh batch of old favorites—Soma’s Old School Milk Chocolate Bar (addictive, with a total cult following that sells out in a hot second!), Friis Holm 70% Chuno Bars, Dick Taylor Vanilla Milk Chocolate Bars, and many more. I’ll be restocking even more beloved classics in the coming weeks, along with brand-new treasures, so keep checking the Barometer Chocolate website. And as always, feel free to reply to this newsletter with any questions!

In other news, I’m hosting two open-enrollment chocolate tastings in November, where chocolate-loving birds of a feather can flock together!

🍫 In-Person: Chatham Madison Adult School
📍 Madison Community Arts Center
🗓️ Monday, November 10
(Additional spaces just opened since the original slots filled up so quickly!)
🔗 Details here

🍫 Virtual: Princeton Adult School
🗓️ Wednesday, November 19
🔗 Learn more here

Every chocolate tasting guest receives a custom kit tailored to their preferences.I’ll reach out to registered tasters beforehand to learn whether they’d like dark and dairy-free chocolates, a mix of milks and dark milks, bars with infusions and inclusions, or a combination of everything. It would be my pleasure to prepare a custom tasting kit just for you.

Even if you’ve joined me before, each tasting features new chocolates and fresh insights—I’m always learning about chocolate!

Now, before I return to foraging and maintaining my territory, I invite you to take a peek at some of the new bars and treats in stock. And please share my tasting events with your friends. If they ask how you found out about them, just say a little birdie told you.

XOXO,
Nadine