Nibs are roasted and shelled cacao beans. They are unsweetened, pleasantly bitter, and as intensely chocolate as any substance. Their flavor is marvelously deep and powerful. They resemble nuts or coffee beans with fruitiness, tannins and spicy hints of cinnamon and clove. Because they have no sugar, their flavors are easier to discern on the palate than chocolate. They make a wonderful gluten-free and sugar-free snack and are useful in all sorts of sweet or savory dishes as an ingredient or garnish.

For an unusual and delicious appetizer, crush some SCHRAFFEN BERGER Cacao Nibs with a rolling pin – not into a powder, but just a little less coarse than they are in the packet. Find a good, flavorful soft goat cheese, and for every ounce of cheese, mix in 1 tsp. of nibs and ¼ tsp. of honey.

The flavors will combine and become enhanced over time, so refrigerate the prepared mixed, covered, for at least an hour, or overnight.

Serve on gluten-free crackers or bread and add even more flavor with a very light dusting of SCHARFFEN BERGER Cocoa Powder.