Chocolate says, "I love you" to the children in your life. It exclaims, "I appreciate you" to dear friends. And, to your sweetheart, the indulgence can be the beginning of seduction. Research shows that chocolate stimulates endorphins, arousing pleasurable feelings. But purely (and truly, best of all), chocolate tastes great. So what better way to express your devotion this Valentine’s Day? Here is Cupid's guide to the best chocolates in Edina.
Master chocolatiers stir small batches in copper pots to create Bissenger's European-style artisan chocolates, which are rushed to the Edina location for some of the freshest treats in town. Delight the fashionista in your life with a chic handbag box containing a red stiletto filled with chocolate favorites, including molasses chips, classic caramels, and French truffles.
For a more traditional look, Bissinger’s keepsake, heart-shaped, velvet and satin Valentine gift box wrapped with a beautiful bow comes filled with rich truffles, tasty bear claws, smooth crèmes and silky caramels ($22–$38. Or, individually select elegant petit fours (20-piece box $32), layers of white cake and raspberry jam topped with chocolate icing and a red heart. Or maybe the just-right delicacy is Bissinger’s light, fluffy marshmallows covered in milk or dark chocolate and decorated with red flower buds ($14 for 6 oz.). 3495 Galleria; 952.922.6762
Valentine’s Day is the busiest day of the year at this Southdale classic. Drop by for chocolate-dipped strawberries ($5–$7). Pick a heart-shaped box in red fabric, paper or tin filled with truffles, or bring in a Valentine box from a past year to refill with your true love’s favorites ($40–$95). Maybe milk chocolate hearts crowned with romantic messages like “Love” and “Hug” ($25–$50), or perhaps indulge your sweetheart with Ultimate Dessert Truffles in flavors based on favorite desserts, such as red velvet cake, chocolate lava cake, chocolate éclair or tiramisu (four for $10). Charm the special kids in your life with solid milk chocolate heart lollipops and sweet Message Mini Hearts filled with individually wrapped heart chocolates ($6 each). 6601 France Ave. S.; 952.920.8442
To romance your sweetie, pour Groveland Confections' rich milk chocolate vanilla bean sauce ($7.99) into a pretty bowl accompanied by a plate of bright red, fresh strawberries for dipping, fondue-style. Or, for pleasing your gourmet Valentine, drizzle Groveland’s hazel nut cream ($7.99), a scrumptious sauce made from hazelnut paste with chocolate, over brie or goat cheese for an out-of-the-ordinary treat combining savory and sweet.
Come to Jerry's for these and other Minneapolis-made Groveland Confections, including sea salt caramel bars, moo pies, coconut haystacks, or s'mores with caramel. All are $5.99 and handmade, many with local ingredients. 5125 Vernon Ave. S.; 952.929.2685
Attention Casanovas. Alix in Candyland will host a special men's event on February 14 to help you effortlessly express your undying love with the perfect chocolates. In one stop, choose fresh flowers or sparkling, red foil-wrapped chocolate roses ($4.95 each). Fill a Queen of Hearts basket ($50) with your choice of seductive sweets—maybe a candy garter or an enticing aphrodeisa candy bar. Bring sizzle to you lover’s day with Sweet Bliss Poppin’ Lips ($16.95) filled with pop rocks or incite passion with an edible, sexy red-glazed chocolate bustier that is truly a work of art ($24.95). 5400 France Ave. S.; 952.915.1100
Visit charming Pandolfi to satisfy your honey's sweet tooth. This shop is the exclusive local retailer for Eden Prairie's Prairie Chocolatier, known for delectable, creamy fudge. Buy individually or choose a wooden crate sampler box containing five or nine pieces of rich flavors such as dark chocolate with caramel and sea salt, chocolate cheesecake, dark chocolate raspberry truffle or amaretto chocolate swirl ($10–$40). 3904 W. 50th St.; 952.928.3000
Local chocolatier B.T. McElrath stocks the shelves at Cooks with out-of-the-ordinary chocolate bars to surprise your sweetie. Say “be mine” with a B.T. McElrath Super Red Chocolate Bar ($5.50) combing heart-healthy dark chocolate with sweet dried cherries, strawberries and raspberries. Or spice it up with a Vosges Red Fire Dark Chocolate Bar that turns up the heat with Mexican ancho chipotle chilies and sensual Ceylon cinnamon ($7.75). 3925 W. 50th St.; 952.285.1903
--Read more of Paulette Mitchell's work at her website.
