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Why wait for Peter Cottontail to hop along the bunny trail in order to indulge in a box of delicious chocolates? Especially when Metro Detroit is home to several local chocolatiers, there’s no need to wait for such treats to be hand delivered in a basket.
Gayle’s Chocolates of Royal Oak has been crafting chocolates for over 30 years, using only the best chocolate with premium high cocoa content and all-natural ingredients. At Gayle’s, indulge your sweet tooth with handmade truffles in flavors like Café Cinnamon, Hazelnut, Raspberry Mousse, Rum and more. Classic chocolates come in flavors including Ginger Caramel, Mocha and Pistachio Pear.
Gayle’s is the perfect place to find a boxed assortment or tin of goodies for your significant other. The store even offers specialty gifts for him and her to take the stress out of your gift giving.
Now here’s my favorite part. Prepare yourself for what you are about to read. Gayle’s combines my two favorite things… chocolate and shoes! At Gayle’s, you can order chocolate high heeled shoes in a variety of flavors and designs, including a replica of Kate Middleton’s shoe from the Royal Wedding. Is that not the best idea ever?
Other chocolate novelties at Gayle’s include chocolate animals, cars and trucks, sporting goods, flowers and more. The store’s seasonal chocolate selection will provide you with the perfect gift for a loved one (or yourself) for each upcoming holiday, including Halloween and Thanksgiving. Jack-o-lantern shaped chocolates and tombstone shaped Rice Krispies Treats? Yes, please.
If truffles are more your style, Pete’s Chocolate Co. of Detroit specializes in handcrafted chocolate truffles made with Belgian bittersweet chocolate and various fruits, nuts, spices and liqueur extracts. Please excuse me for a moment while I wipe the drool off of my keyboard. Pete’s even supports the local economy, as cream from Michigan’s Southeast Calder Dairy is used in the delightful treats.
Pete’s serves up unique truffles like Cinnamon Cayenne, Candied Ginger, Grand Marnier, Orange Cranberry and Rosemary Sea Salt. I love unique culinary combinations, so that last flavor is one I am dying to try. The best part about the flavor list is that Pete is open to creative suggestion, so if you don’t see something on the menu and would like to try it, he might just make it for you!
The downside is that there’s currently not a retail store for Pete’s, so you can’t rush out for truffles at any time of day. The good thing is, Pete’s Chocolate Co. products are sold every Saturday and Sunday at The Rust Belt Market, located at 22801 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. I myself might just head down there this weekend and stock up with a week’s supply!
Chocolates by Renee, located in Northville, creates handmade chocolates and truffles and sells popular name-brand candy. The chocolatier’s butter almond toffee, chocolate Oreos, and fudge are a few of the store’s more unique menu items. You had me at Oreos, Renee!
Truffles include flavors like Amaretto, Black Forest, Cherry Cheesecake, Chocolate Decadence, Tiramisu and Some Like It Hot, a ganache with chili and spices covered in a milk chocolate shell. Tiramisu is my absolute favorite dessert ever, so I might just buy out the Renee’s supply.
The store’s new wedding cake truffles are adorable and make the perfect favor for your special day! And speaking of special days, Chocolates by Renee will cater to any of your important celebrations and milestones. The store offers Sweets Tables at events ranging from weddings to showers to corporate functions and retirement parties. Perhaps they’ll set up a Sweets Table at my house just because it’s a Monday?
Now that you’ve been imparted with this chocolaty-good knowledge, there’s no need to grab a Hershey bar the next time you’re checking out at the grocery store. Take a detour on your way home and grab some decadent, locally made treats from a Metro Detroit chocolatier!
