The Best Chocolate-Covered Treats In Sacramento
Valentine's Day is just around the corner. If you have yet to buy something special for your loved one and you're looking for something sweet that blows traditional candies away, why not consider checking out unique chocolate-covered confections? From chocolate apples to one-of-a-kind gourmet cayenne pepper truffles, Sacramento chocolatiers have the scoop on the best way to sweeten things up on February 14. Check out these local shops -- the chocolate creations are sure to satiate any sweet tooth.
Hours: Mon-Tues noon-9 p.m.; Wed 3 p.m.-7 p.m.; Thurs noon-9 p.m.; Fri 1 p.m.-2 p.m. and 6 p.m.-9 p.m.; Sat-Sun 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Located in the historic area of Old Sacramento, this downtown staple has been offering some of the best sweets in the city for years. Founded in 1964, the Minow Family has been supplying Sacramento locals with homemade brittles, taffy, fudge and some of the best chocolate covered "anything you can think of" around. From Rice Krispies to Twinkies, the Sacramento Sweets Company has you covered in chocolate this Valentine's Day.
Be sure to check out the pecan pralines and honeycomb chocolates, which are honeycomb candy dipped in either milk or dark chocolate. And for those watching carbs, the Sacramento Sweets Company offers one of the best and tastiest selections of sugar-free chocolates as well.
Related: Best Candy Shops in Sacramento
Hours: Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Kobasic's has a great selection of handmade chocolates and candies. The store is most known for its innovative flavor combinations on the hand-dipped "Kruffles," Kobasic's signature take on the truffle. You will find more traditional flavors like Irish cream and amaretto, but for something a little more unique, go for the honey, cayenne pepper, cinnamon and cayenne, pomegranate or the port wine and balsamic vinegar options.
Other goodies to check out include Kobasic's chocolate-covered salted vanilla caramels, peanut butter cups, various barks and homemade taffy. Like Sacramento Sweets Co., Kobasic's also offers a nice selection of sugar-free chocolates.
Hours: Closed Sun and Mon; Tues-Thurs 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
For high-end chocolates that look like they just stepped off the shelves of the world's finest pastry shops, Ginger Elizabeth is the place to go. Ginger Elizabeth is a formally trained American chocolatier who has won over the hearts of Sacramento locals with her decadent creations. All chocolates are made from scratch, including the hazelnut praline paste and peanut butter. The centers are all infused with aromatics without the use of any extracts.
After picking out your Valentine's Day chocolates, be sure to try a macaron with a cup of hot chocolate. Choose from classic American, European sipping chocolate, or Oaxacan Mexican spice. Add freshly whipped cream and house-made vanilla bean marshmallows for the ultimate indulgence.
Related: Best Chocolatiers in Sacramento
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Snook's is another longtime family institution located in the historic Old Town Folsom area. Established in 1963, Snook's has won countless awards and praise from local media for its delicious candies and chocolates.
One of more popular items is the honeycomb candy dipped in chocolate. With a light sea foam crunchy center, you can choose from milk or dark chocolate coating. Be sure to check out the pre-packaged variety boxes that feature some of the factory's most popular chocolates.
Have some friends and family outside of Sacramento that you would love to send some chocolate to? Snook's ships to all 50 states, so be sure to go online and order in time to send Valentine's chocolates to your loved ones outside of California.
Hours: Sun-Thurs 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
A well-known name in chocolates and candies, Rocky Mountain is hard to beat when it comes to caramel apples. For something different this Valentine's, bring home some chocolates and one of these chocolate-covered caramel apples. Some of the over-the-top chocolate creations include English toffee, Snickers, M&Ms, Pecan Bear and Rocky Road. Match the Pecan Bear or Rocky Road apple with Chocolate Pecan or Rocky Road Fudge for a really unique chocolate lover's gift.
Erin De Santiago is a freelance travel and food/wine writer and photographer from Sacramento, California. She is a regional membership coordinator for the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and writes for a number of publications in addition to publishing her own blogs. She has traveled to over 40 countries on five continents in search of the best food and wine around the globe. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
