Twitter tells me that today is National Chocolate Day. Since I have recently talked about some excellent chocolate beers, I will talk about some excellent chocolatiers and chocolate makers. I am a huge fan of chocolate and fortunate that Missouri is home to several excellent chocolatiers and chocolate makers. Here are a few of my favorites.
1) Askinosie Chocolate: Former lawyer Sean Askinosie left the field of law in 2005 to start creating chocolate in Springfield, Missouri. I am glad he did! His chocolate is excellent and I am not the only one who knows it. It has been featured in Oprah Magazine, Southern Living and many other publications. It is also used in Dogfish Head’s Theobroma. Perhaps the best thing about Askinosie Chocolate is the emphasis on terroir and more importantly the actual farmers Sean Askinosie contracts with. Askinosie gives the farmers better than fair trade prices and a cut of 10% of the net profits for chocolate made with beans grown on their farms. Sean Askinosie is also very active in the local community and eager to educate the public about chocolate. Did I mention Askinosie Chocolate is delicious? http://www.askinosie.com/default.aspx.
2) Christopher Elbow Chocolates: The Kansas City chocolatier Christopher Elbow is much more than a simple chocolatier, Christopher Elbow is an artist. His passion is apparent in both the unique ingredients he chooses to incorporate into his chocolate but also the designs themselves. Each piece is a work of art and a cannot miss for chocolate fans. His chocolate is featured in the extremely popular Boulevard Chocolate Ale. http://www.elbowchocolates.com/
3) Candy House: This Southwest Missouri chocolatier has extensive and elegant offerings ranging from fudge to snack mixes. http://www.candyhouse.net/index.html
4) Russel Stover Candies: This Kansas City based candy manufacturer is one of the oldest, largest and most respected names in the business. This iconic manufacturer has been making fine chocolates since 1923. http://www.russellstover.com/jump.jsp?itemID=4&itemType=CATEGORY
5) Panache Chocolatier: This Kansas City gift shop is another must stop for Midwest chocolate. Try the Choco Poppo popcorn. http://www.chocolatekc.com/
6) Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company: If you find yourself near St. Louis, check out this award winning chocolate company. Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate also includes the legendary Mavrakos brand. http://www.chocolatechocolate.com/
7) André’s Confiserie Suisse: Another unique chocolatier from Kansas City, André’s makes gourmet chocolate in the Swiss tradition. http://www.andreschocolates.com/index.php
8 ) Lake Forest Confections: This St. Louis Chocolatier has a unique portfolio including old world recipes and new creations. It has also been featured on the Today Show. http://lakeforestchocolates.com/index.php
Related posts:
I had to add Patric Chocolate of Columbia, MO to your list. It is sold online at http://www.patric-chocolate.com and in a few of our local grocery stores. Alan, the owner, takes great pride in the process, much like a home brewer. He lead a chocolate and beer pairing event with our group, Columbia Beer Enthusiasts. I recommend the PB&J OMG bar!
jadeelwess recently posted..Craft Beer Events
Thank you for that information, I have never tried it, but am glad it is there and will check it out!
Pingback: A Few Valentine’s Day Beverage Ideas | | Worst Beer Blog EverWorst Beer Blog Ever