Sweets for Your Sweet

Brigid Day - Nashville
February 7, 2012

To many, Valentine's Day means roses and a box of heart-shaped store-bought chocolates. This year, why not step it up a little and surprise your loved ones with some locally made artisan chocolate? Nashville has got you covered. Make it dark chocolate, and you're satisfying your sweet tooth while doing something good for your heart.

Olive & Sinclair Chocolate Co. proudly claims to be Nashville's only bean-to-bar chocolate maker. Scott Witherow created Southern Artisan Chocolate which grew into Olive & Sinclair. Working with other Nashvillians, they slow roast their chocolates in small batches using single source beans to make such flavors as Sea Salt, Coffee, 67% cacao, 75% cacao, and others. Another specialty is Mexican Style Cinn-Chili which can be found during February in the shape of a Valentine's heart. Olive & Sinclair products are available online and can be purchased at many local retailers including Bongo Java, Whole Foods Market, and Fresh Market.

Miley and Brent Barcus opened Nashville Chocolate Kitchen while looking to plant roots after giving up the traveling life of the music business. Miley began making sweet gifts for friends who then wanted to order more of her chocolate creations. The NCK, artisan confections with a southern flair, specializes in Nashville Little Cakes with the frosting on the inside, also available at Whole Foods Market. In addition to Little Cakes, another distinct treat, Drizzle Chips combines potato chips and chocolate. Their Mackies are a combination of French macaroons and the American sandwich cookie. In addition to their ready-to-eat delicacies, Nashville Chocolate Kitchen has offered Chocolate University for the true chocolate lovers among us.

The Cocoa Tree, located at 1200 5th Ave North in the Germantown district, specializes in truffles. In fact, they have a truffle for everyone—sweet potato, chai, Irish cream, chili pepper, bacon and maple, pumpkin spice and raspberry wine, and more. In addition to their famous truffles, The Cocoa Tree cafe also offers peanut butter pie, Mexican chocolate chip cookies, hot chocolate, and other treats. Owner Bethany Thouin appeared on Food Network Challenge building a four-foot tall Statue of Liberty, as well as making custom chocolate boots for Barbara Mandrell at a Nashville Walk of Fame event.

Nashville Toffee Company, owned by Christina and George Cohn, crafts its almond toffee by hand in small batches. They hand weigh, hand pack, and hand wrap "just like grandma used to make." Their products are sold at many local shops as well as major grocery stores. You can also order online.

Michael and Mandy Jones, owners of Ridiculous Chocolate, say their chocolate is so good it's ridiculous. Containing only three ingredients—raw organic cacao powder, raw organic agave nectar, and organic coconut oil—Ridiculous Chocolate doesn't contain any preservatives or artificial ingredients. Their unique product, designed to eat right out of the freezer, comes in original, peppermint, peanut butter, raspberry, and coffee in addition to others. Ridiculous Chocolate is currently available at Just Love Coffee in Murfreesboro and will be coming to more stores soon. Until then, feel free to email them with your order.

Schakolad Chocolate Factory, located at 443 Cool Springs Blvd in Franklin, has Valentine's Day items such as a single chocolate rose, a half dozen roses, chocolate covered strawberries, or a box of chocolates in an edible chocolate box. They make their chocolate fresh on the premises and can provide a truly custom product. In addition to treats for your children or spouse, Schakolad has many gifts priced just right for teacher gifts.