It’s not surprising when they boast one of the most well-known and revered chocolate factories in all of Europe. But from the 200 products that Laima creates, one in particular stands out, not only with its taste but the story of how it came to be.
In 1937 (75-years-ago) a young and talented chocolatier apprentice was in love. He wanted to show his sweetheart how much she meant to him so he created a bonbon in her honour. He named it Serenāde [se-re-nah-duh], a love song for the palate.
The sad thing is no one knows or remembers the name of this maker. Another one of those times when Latvia’s history is exposed and company takeovers during Soviet occupation and resulting wars caused records to be destroyed…common place. The amazing thing is how the Serenāde brand has continued to increase in popularity and is Laima’s best-selling product. So much so they make 13,000 tonnes per month to keep up with demand. And what does it taste like?
The two main ingredients in the centre filling are apricot pulp and crushed hazelnuts. Coated in chocolate, you’ve got a blend of tartness with a sticky-sweet toffee-type texture, all enfolded in a royal blue wrapper.
It is unlike anything I’ve tasted back home or elsewhere on my travels. And since it contains fruit it’s healthy. Or that’s what I tell myself...
In 1937 (75-years-ago) a young and talented chocolatier apprentice was in love. He wanted to show his sweetheart how much she meant to him so he created a bonbon in her honour. He named it Serenāde [se-re-nah-duh], a love song for the palate.
The sad thing is no one knows or remembers the name of this maker. Another one of those times when Latvia’s history is exposed and company takeovers during Soviet occupation and resulting wars caused records to be destroyed…common place. The amazing thing is how the Serenāde brand has continued to increase in popularity and is Laima’s best-selling product. So much so they make 13,000 tonnes per month to keep up with demand. And what does it taste like?
The two main ingredients in the centre filling are apricot pulp and crushed hazelnuts. Coated in chocolate, you’ve got a blend of tartness with a sticky-sweet toffee-type texture, all enfolded in a royal blue wrapper.
It is unlike anything I’ve tasted back home or elsewhere on my travels. And since it contains fruit it’s healthy. Or that’s what I tell myself...
