I'm a big fan of sweets, and chocolates rank pretty high on my candy list. When I heard about Masala Chocolates, a line of fine Belgian chocolates infused with exotic spices, I was intrigued. Unsure of how the sultry sweet darkness that is chocolate would blend with herbs and spices, such as curry and basil, I explored Masala's Festival collection with an open, yet cautious mind.

The collection offers five pieces of three types of chocolate: a dark chocolate heart with basil-honey ganache; a milk chocolate rectangle with curry-raisin ganache; and a white chocolate flower with a pomegranate-orange blossom ganache. Each piece is decorated lavishly with its own intricate colored designs.

Since dark chocolate is my favorite, the first piece I decided to try was the dark chocolate heart with basil-honey ganache. While the chocolate itself was good, creamy and dark without being too melty, I didn't care for the herb taste the basil ganache left in my palate. I'm not really a fan of basil, so I think that contributed to my dislike of the ganache filling.

With the pomegranate-orange blossom ganache blossom, I was again hopeful, as I thoroughly enjoy white chocolate. While the outside was beautifully designed and tasted wonderfully smooth, the filling disappointed me. This was my introduction to pomegranate, and I fear it is an acquired taste, as it did not sit right on my tongue. The citrusy taste of the orange blossom clashed with the earthy tang of the pomegranate ganache, making both flavors overpower the chocolate.

After two disappointing experiences, I suspiciously eyed the milk chocolate piece. To my surprise, the blending of top-quality chocolate, the sweet flavor of raisins, and the spicy tinge of curry worked really well for this piece. My wife, who doesn't care for the flavor of curry, disagreed, so I think this variety is best suited for fans of the spice.

Overall, this box wasn't really up my alley, but I would encourage those who like the flavors in each variety to check it out for themselves. Additionally, the line of Masala Chocolates chocolates include:

Peanut Butter & Jelly Hearts Of Gold - Milk chocolate hearts filled with creamy peanut butter and strawberry jelly.

Coffee-Walnut Pyramids - Dark chocolate mixed with coffee, chopped walnuts, and other spices, topped with edible 24-karat gold.

The Royal Jewels - An edible, milk chocolate jewelry box, filled with six, spiced chocolate gem-stones as well as edible pearls and fancy beads.

Rubies & Sapphires - A five-piece selection of dark chocolate, cherry and rose petal rubies and milk chocolate, blueberry and tea sapphires.

Mint Medallions - This 12-piece set combines three different types of chocolate with a creamy, mint ganache center.

Visit Masala Chocolates to purchase these products, and note that because the products are handmade — no additives, no stabilizers, and no eggs — the chocolate should be eaten within two weeks. If the rest of the line is as tasty as the milk chocolate with curry-raisin ganache, that shouldn't be a problem.