Local Chocolate?
I’m in a bit of a quandary; I’m hoping y’all can help!
Long story short, I need to send a gift to a friend overseas. My go-to gift is baked goods — her normal present was gluten-free banana bread. But my friend recently developed a fructose intolerance along with both lactose and gluten intolerances (oh, the horror, right?) That means the bananas in the banana bread are right out.
That leaves me with very limited options. What I’d really like to find is some locally made chocolate, the darker the better. Does anyone know a local store (within MN and WI, anyway) that makes delicious dark chocolate that would survive being shipped to Germany? Or, does anyone have any better ideas on things to send?
I’d appreciate any help I can get!
My first recommendation would be to contact Heidi Ash at 185Chocolat.
Agreed – her chocolate is AMAZING!
I know that Hepzibah’s at Dewitt-Seitz ships, and they carry dark chocolate ships and other delicious dark chocolate, but I don’t know for sure whether it’s locally made.
There is a gentleman at the Farmer’s Market who, in years past, has a booth with locally made chocolates that are yummy, but I don’t know if he ships, or if he is set up yet at the FM.
Great Lakes Candy Company up in Knife River is worth checking out.
Yikes, I’d worry about sending chocolate that it might melt. Great Lakes up in Knife River would be my first choice, I love their caramels … Artists own the place too, so you get that added benefit of supporting local artists.
Claire is right. Chocolate may be more trouble than it’s worth and it’s not something this area is really known for. I’d see what Eric has in terms of smoked fish/meat gift packages at Northern Waters Smokehouse, or forgo the hassles and unknowns of sending food altogether and use my standard go-to gift: a primo Lake Superior agate from one of the local rock shops.
You could easily ship chocolate packed with some dry ice it would likely arrive cold, crisp and hard.
I second Paul’s recommendation of Hedi Ash. Not only is her chocolate creations to-die-for, but she’s a marvelous and miraculous lady. Funny enough, I really didn’t get to know her until I worked for a boutique shop in Rochester for which she made chocolate creations. She can work with dietary restrictions.
Send the chocolate. don’t worry about it
Peace!love!chocolate (the Farmer’s Market chocolate guy) has Hung up his apron, much to my chagrin.
Thank you for the support everyone.
A number of people let me know this post was on PDD.
Please feel free to contact me and I will be happy to work with you Happy Hippo.
Heidi
185Chocolat, LLC
218-393-5928