THE CHOCOLATE DETECTIVES 'ALPINE BIRD EGGS' - Exclusive to La Fromagerie

We are delighted to launch a collaboration with Chocolate Detective, a special edition of ‘bird eggs’ filled with Chocolate & Hazelnut Praline or Salted Caramel. The label on the back of the box tells you which eggs have which filling.

We have created a series of Alpine birds that are familiar sights in the areas we source our farmhouse cheeses. Nature has a vital role to play with the pasture, especially birds in the health and growth of these wild mountain grazing areas. They control pests, distribute seeds that in turn create sustainable nutrient cycles. We have filled the boxes with white and green eggs encasing a hazelnut praline, and the white, brown and blue eggs are salted caramel.

With the help of Chocolate Detective we are delighted to present these special edition chocolate eggs knowing that they have curated the cocoa and ingredients from impeccable provenance and are certified by the Rainforest Alliance. The cocoa may not be certified 'Fair Trade' but they are not part of the commodity trading market and use the Direct Trade model which is even better as they produce their own collate from the beans and it's 100% traceable.

Chantal Coady OBE is the Chocolate Detective. A Chocolate expert, founder of Rococo Chocolates and lifelong chocolate activist. Illustration by Madeleine Floyd.

We feature 3 Alpine Birds for Spring, Summer and Winter.

Spring: Alpine Accentor

The adult markings have a streaked brown back with all-grey head and red-brown spotting on the under-belly parts. Its fine pointed bill is used to great effect seeking out insects and their larvae & other small invertebrates in south-facing rocky slopes & crevices at altitudes up to 1500m, & on high plateaux in open grassy areas.

Summer: Alpine Wallcreeper

Its name is from ancient Greek meaning 'which runs up walls', and the Wallcreeper uses its powerful legs to climb from the bottom up, seeking prey in the crevices of rock walls, with its long, thin beak. When it reaches the top, it can descend by itself by letting itself fall into the void to start a new ascent. Their broad wings have flashes of bright red, and in summer they can be seen spreading themselves on rocks as they sunbathe.

Winter: Snowfinch

A distinctive orange/yellow bill is a beacon against the white winged plumage. You will see them in deepest winter when they visited a few selected high altitude ski resorts to take advantage of the seeds provided in special bird feeders. They rarely descend below 1000m so keep an eye out for the bright beak when you are skiing down a slope.

The chocolates are the same in all three boxes. If you'd like a particular design, please specify it in the Gift Message field when checking out.

Festive Dolci

Fig Cantucci, Dogliani

Almond Cantucci, Dogliani

Madeleines

Boeri Cherry Liqueur Praline Chocolates from Barbero

LA FROMAGERIE ALPINE BIRD EGGS