Finding local sweets for your sweetie
It’s hard to resist the power of chocolate. Its potency has inspired authors of fiction. Songs and films, such as, “Like Water for Chocolate,” and, “Chocolat,” showcase its transformative power for love and positive change.
Its history dates back to the Aztecs, who considered xocoatl a gift of the Gods. The rich cacao bean was used as a form of currency and was regularly consumed, drunk bitter with a chili kick.
Considered an aphrodisiac by most, the come hither aroma of the dark stuff is purported to increase theta brain waves triggering relaxation, and a magical mouthful is said to be good for your brain, circulation and the heart. That makes it the right choice to celebrate Valentine’s Day, when we show our heartfelt affection to that special someone. Here are a few wicked choices for a sweet seduction.
Eva and Les Poloskey of Accent Chocolates on Main Street bring 18 years of imaginative chocolate solidarity to their exquisite line of wicked pleasures, and Valentine’s Day is no exception.
The couple craft over 100 original styles of truffles from salted caramel to Armagnac to black walnut to my favourite, the royal Dutch, dark and dense, begging to be relished with Champagne.
The truffles can be packaged in eight-inch chocolate hearts creatively decorated to order by Eva – the gorgeous cherry blossom design is so fitting to the Okanagan and the return of spring.
To further fan the flame, consider their rather “naughty” Kama Sutra series. Depicting gymnastic bed moves from ancient Hindu texts, the incredibly detailed moulded chocolate reliefs are lightly bussed with edible gold or silver. Sold in a set of six with two larger reliefs, in dark or milk chocolate, they’re discreetly packaged, and potent enough to make Aphrodite blush! Order in advance.
Ginger of Ginger XO, also on Main Street, curates romantic notions for the goddesses among us. Find an exclusive selection of decadent truffles from Chocola Tas, and the luxury chocolate bars from Calgary’s Choklat.
But it’s the artisanal candy company Sugarfina, born out of a love of the sweet stuff that has my heart. Dubbed “candy for grown-ups,” the playful allnatural treats play cupid with champagne gummy bears, infused with Dom Pérignon, plus a version coated in dark chocolate.
The latest, blush pink Sugar Lips, in delicate flavours of watermelon, berry and bubblegum, herald back to my childhood enjoying ruby red wax lips! Packaged in chic see-through square boxes with blue banding, they’re the perfect love potion, a divine treat ready to indulge in.
Connie Oickle of Gratify, provides a recipe for romance with her luscious dark chocolate cashew “cheezecakes.” Using Rodelle organic Dutch cocoa and cashews, the raw, gluten-free vegan indulgence has a natural sweetness provided by dates and maple syrup. With fresh berries swirled throughout providing pops of brightness and tartness, the shareable four-inch or nine-inch cakes make a perfect love tryst. Order through her website at gratifyhealth.ca
Further afield in Kelowna, the gifted pastry chef and chocolatier Julian Helman of Karat Chocolate has been busy handcrafting an exquisitely wild and sexy ensemble of heart-shaped chocolate truffles hand decorated with leopard and zebra prints!
Indulge in swoon-worthy flavours of strawberry tonka, dark guanaja, crème caramel, passion fruit and purr-fect lava raspberry, gorgeously presented in a heart-shaped dark chocolate box. (Tonka is a highly touted aromatic bean and guanaja is a high percentage cocoa of extraordinary quality).
At Sandrine French Pastry and Chocolate, Sandrine Rauffault provides a tour d’amour of exquisite cakes, dazzling tarts and a wicked selection of chocolates and truffles. The real catch comes with the limited edition “pink” series celebrating Valentine’s Day – and the imminent arrival of spring – with elegant heart-shaped or round truffles filled with either dark and dreamy ganache or caramel, all sporting a pink blush exterior beautifully accented with signature flourishes for sparkle and shine.
For true love, add in the cutest and very lady-like macaron cake for two, layered with raspberry and luscious dark chocolate, or any of the miniature indulgences made for sharing.
No matter what you’re sugary pleasures this Valentines, do it with a skip in your step and love in your heart.