Don't Forget the Chocolate!

Local bakers and chocolatiers have essential treats

By Virginia B. Wood, 1:15PM, Wed. Feb. 12, 2014

Local chocolatier Tom Pedersen (courtesy Sustainable Food Center)

For Cupid's sake, don't go into Friday gift-less. Valentine's Day looms, but there is still time to pick out the perfect chocolate treat for your Sweet Baboo.

You absolutely can't go wrong with chocolate, whether you want to feed the brain, promote good health, or melt the heart. The following folks will be glad to help you out in the search for the ultimate chocolate gift for you beloved.

Central Market Chocolate Festival This event is ongoing at both stores with representatives of some of the world's finest chocolatiers presenting product demos throughout the stores on Thursday, Feb. 13th.

Kakawa Cocoa Beans (Photo by Tom Pedersen)

Kakawa Whole Cocoa Bean Chocolates Tom Pedersen's roasted cocoa beans are rolled in white, milk, and dark chocolate with a dusting of cocoa powder, providing an addictive, chocolate-y crunch at the heart of the sweet covering. Look for bags of his distinctive goodies at Whole Foods Markets, Central Markets, Wheatsville Co-ops, Antonelli's Cheese (4220 Duval), and Teo Gelato (1206 W. 38th) in addition to some cocoa butter lip balm at the Downtown Farmers' Market on Saturday (for that morning-after gift).

Chocolate Maker's Studio truffles (courtesy Chocolate Maker's Studio)

Chocolate Maker's Studio Don't despair if you missed the second pop-up chocolate shop at Antonelli's Cheese on Super Bowl Sunday - Steven's Valentine's Day truffle collection, chocolate barks, and elegant chocolate hearts are still available online at Coterie Market, at Antonelli's Cheese, and in the chocolate cases at Breed & Co (718 W. 29th) Prima Dora (1912 S. Congress).

Crave Valentine's Day truffle assortment (courtesy Krystal Craig)

Crave Chocolates Krystal Craig has come up with an array of specials for Valentine's Day. Look for a signature truffle collection and her mouth-watering Toffee with Sea Salt and Spicy barks with distinctive Valentine's decor on her website, at the Flower Studio (1406 W. Sixth), Mercedes Flowers (1902 S. First) and the Blanton Museum Giftshop (200 East MLK Blvd.) Also, if you're a fan of hand-crafted chocolates paired with hand-crafted beers, you might want to check out the Beer & Chocolate Pairing at Craft Pride (#61 Rainey St.) on Friday, Feb. 14th when they'll offer a flight of five beers paired with a box of truffles. This is a first come, first served event with limited availability, so show up early.

Crave Valentine's Day bark (courtesy Krystal Craig)

courtesy Baked by Amy's

Baked by Amy's (13265 Research Blvd) Erin Fellows and her team have whipped up plenty of treats for the big love holiday. They're offering heart-shaped French macarons in Mexican vanilla, dark chocolate, and strawberry; varied flavors of his and her cupcakes for $1 off; and selections of chocolate truffles; in addition to their brownies, blondies, lemon bars, and crisp cookies.

Baked by Amy's cupcakes (courtesy Baked by Amy's)

Delysia Valentine's Day collection (courtesy Delysia Chocolatier)

Delysia Chocolatier Chocolate artist Nicole Patel has several delectable creations that are sure to delight the object of your affections: specialty truffles, barks, a loving couple molded out of white chocolate, luxurious drinking chocolates, and inspired chocolate confections

Be Mine cake balls (courtesy Austin Cake Ball)

Austin Cake Ball Whether you drop by the bake shop (5310 Burnet Rd.) or the Copper Restaurant & Dessert Lounge (3401 Esperanza Crossing, #104), these cake ball experts have the loveliest selection in town, hands down.