Whatever you do, avoid that box of chocolates in the drugstore this Valentine’s Day. Why be traditional when you can be creative and score extra points? Buy local, order online, or make these winners yourself:
For the bacon lover – Say it with a bouquet of ‘bacon flowers.’ The bloggers at Our Best Bites serve up this easy way to make your own, which they promise will make grown men swoon. We can always dream these grow in the ground, right?
For the high-end chocolate connoisseur – Renowned local chocolatier Christopher Curtin is offering limited edition Peruvian chocolate truffles that will make even the most refined chocoholic’s eyes widen. Exclusive and made from Peruvian Nacional cacao beans harvested in Peru’s jungles, buy these beauties for $50 at Eclat Chocolate.
For the sugar rusher – Put down the gummy bears and give your sweetie something more refined. Nancy’s Candy Corner in the Lancaster County Farmer’s Market in Strafford, offers colorful little bites of marzipan, fashioned into colorful fruit shapes. Typically made of sugar or honey and almond meal, this is one sugar rush almost too beautiful to eat.
For the adventurous eater – Jose Garces never fails to challenge Philadelphians’ palates in a very good way, both in and out of his restaurants. Savory meets sweet in his chocolate bars like the Mole Amarillo (milk chocolate with a blend of peppers and roasted sesame seeds) and Porcini & Thyme (white chocolate with earthy porcini powder and organic thyme. $8 each.
For the traditionalist – Growing up my mom made lebkuchenherzen for Valentine’s Day—oversized heart-shaped gingerbread cookies personalized with a name or message in icing. These cookies are still popular in Germany during Oktoberfest and the winter season. Here in the U.S., make your own or purchase one on Etsy. Or, seek out one of the many other gorgeous cookie creations available.
For the beer lover – Skip the chilled champagne and go right for the finest vintage beer. Iron Hill Brewery offers dozens of reserved bottles of beer for purchase. Visit their website for a full list available at each location. Arrive with a bottle of Smokin’ Blonde Ale in one hand and a bottle of Afternoon Delight in the other, and this will be one V-day to remember.
