A Chocolate-Covered Valentine’s Day
By Genevieve Allen Hearn
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With Valentine’s Day coming up I have one thing on my mind…. chocolate of course! There are fantastic local chocolate options in the Valley, and they all offer something unique. Since I’ve been known to indulge in chocolate from time to time (always), I’ve curated four chocolate-covered Valentine’s Day experiences for your enjoyment!
To the Market! with Chocolate By Gabriëlle
Gabriëlle started her chocolate business last year, and carries her product at The Noodle Guy and the Wolfville Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays. And guess what? Valentine’s Day happens to fall on a Wednesday this year! Attend Wednesday’s Market Supper, saving room for dessert at Chocolate By Gabriëlle. This chocolatier’s signature is the Honey Cloud, based on a 200 year old recipe from Denmark. Popular in Northern Europe, the Honey Cloud is a gluten free cookie topped with Italian meringue and dipped into chocolate. Yes please!
Practice Mindfulness with Petit Patrie Fine Chocolate
You’ll learn in our Featurepreneur that Petit Patrie Chocolate is the only chocolate maker east of Quebec. While chocolatiers make creations using chocolate that has already been made, Petit Patrie Chocolate does it all from bean-to-bar! If you go to their website (petitepatriechocolate.com) you will find tips on how to properly taste chocolate. There is a tremendous amount of mindfulness involved in this practice so pick some bars, unplug, and let yourself fully savour the experience in a cozy setting.
Spice it Up at Grand Pré Just Us! Coffeehouse
Pack your snowshoes and go for a walk through the Grand Pré National Park. Then head over to the Grand Pré Just Us! Coffeehouse where you can grab a cup of their famous Spicy Mexican hot chocolate and stroll through their fair trade museum. You can purchase one of their fair trade chocolate bars for the drive home.
Indulge with Gourmandises Avenue Chocolaterie
This chocolate company is based in Halifax, but you can find them at the Saturday morning Wolfville Farmers’ Market every week. It is run by two Master Chocolatiers from France, producing high quality and imaginative truffles, ganaches, and chocolate bars in the traditional French style. Pick up a few of these decadent beauties on Saturday, as well as a bottle of local wine. Put on your favorite tunes and indulge (roaring fire optional). Try the Acadie Dulse, Gaspereau Maple Wine, or the Grand Pré Ice Wine truffle.
