Hello, my name is Deanna, and I’m a chocoholic. I have learned to accept the things I cannot change, and muster the courage to change the things I can (like an order for milk chocolate when dark is not available), while continuing to seek the wisdom to know the difference.
I should feel guilty, perhaps. Or exercise more self control. But I don’t because, really, it’s my only vice. Except for a short glass of wine or a sticky-sweet White Russian here and there, I don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t light up at 4:20, don’t drive down the shore at 1am crammed into a friend’s Mustang singing Springsteen at the top of our lungs … anymore. A girl’s gotta have some fun, and I choose to have mine covered in smooth, rich, sometimes slightly extravagant happiness.
I have enablers in this, of course. My co-dependents may sometimes look on with apprehension as I self-medicate with a few tablets of non-pareil or just-one-more square of burnt caramel sea salt bar. But they continue to supply my needs. Birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, even a thoughtful just-because occasion bring a parade of foil-wrapped bars, ribbon-tied cellophane sacks, petite golden or pristine white treasure boxes filled with gems nestled in tiny fluted paper cups.
A gorgeous, mini double-chocolate cheesecake was my post-dinner surprise at a recent celebration. Crazy-good chocolate-covered cornflakes were procured just for me from the Brooklyn shop of one of the Grand Poobahs of Chocolate, Jacques Torres. Diner menus are carefully scanned for chocolate pudding or mile-high layered cake dessert options before a meal is ordered. As the song goes, that’s what friends are for!
But despite my steady at-home supply, I still seek. Wherever I roam, my radar is tuned to the chocolate frequency. Boardwalk fudge shoppes, big city artisan chocolatiers, small town bakeries, and specialty grocery stores always grab my attention like a cat distracted by a shiny object. I browse, I sample, I buy, I savor, I share (a little). A chance encounter at a gallery in Lambertville once sent me quick-stepping over to a little café called Baker’s Treat where a hunk of chocolate mousse cake nearly ended my quest for perfection, but one can never give up.
I write today to beseech you, my virtual friends, to share your secrets with me. Not just your tales of gourmet bars or plastic bins of Trader Joe’s nuggets hidden from the children (and husbands) in high cabinets and low drawers, although those stories are welcome. What I want to know is where oh where, in our great Garden State, should I go in search of the chocolate joy?
My current fave is Holsten’s in Bloomfield, made famous by that closing scene in The Sopranos, that has the creamiest dark chocolate I’ve tasted; the non-pareils are heaven! My sister-in-law, and fellow addict, swears by Thomas Sweet in Princeton. I’ve also sampled truffles from Aunt Charlotte’s in Merchantville that a book club buddy insists is the best chocolate in NJ; they were devastatingly delish. The aforementioned Baker’s Treat has two locations (Lambertville and Flemington) and a return trip is definitely on my things-to-do-before-I-die list. (They also have a pretty awesome mission, striving to donate 100% of its profits to programs for women in early recovery from alcohol and substance abuse. Very cool.)
So bring it on, Jersey girls & guys. I know you have an opinion … it’s our way of life, isn’t it?? Tell me about your faves – candy, cake, brownies, fudge, cupcakes, cookies, pie, you name it! – and help me in my quest to keep living la vida cocoa.
This is an original JerseyMomsBlog post.
MUST MUST go to LUCILES chocolate on 72 in Manahawkin. It’s a pink bldg on left on your way to LBI Yexit 69) This gave me a good laugh and helped to justify my cravings
Thank you!! Will DEFINITELY check this place out!
I thought my husband was the only person on earth who thought like this. He raids the international aisle of our local Stop N Shop for imported English chocolate bars that he grew up on. And, everywhere we go…he must stop into the chocolate shop, and he DEFINITELY scans the dessert menu for something chocolate before he even picks out his main meal. So funny!!
Thanks, Veronica! Glad you enjoyed. Please give your husband a chocolate-handprint high five for me! : )
The only place that I will ever purchase chocolate from, (aside from when I need a quick Baby Ruth fix), is Jean Louise in Spring Lake (look for the yellow and white stripe awning). Imagine, caramel and marshmallows drenched in chocolate (both milk and dark), super silky smooth peanut butter filled chocolate squares, the most mouth-watering non-pareils, amazingly decadent caramel pecan and almond clusters…..
I could go on, but I am heading out the door right now for my chocolate fix! Hope to see you there!
This place sounds amazing, Shannon! Thanks for the tip. I was just planning an early Sept beach weekend and I think that settles it — Spring Lake, here I come!!
I drive past Holsten’s twice a day . . . looks like I’ll be stopping in tomorrow!
Try the dark-chocolate caramels … yummmmmmm!!
Definitely Berkeley Sweet Shop on the boardwalk in Seaside. Of course, I am a bit biased because I worked there for 14 summers. Their fudge is the best in all of NJ, I promise, because I think I have sampled fudge from every candy store in NJ. The fudge is made from a recipe that no one else has; it is so thick and creamy, real butter and cream, none of that fluff based fudge. Also, their marshmallow bars come in either dark or milk chocolate and it is homemade marshmallow. OMG. Plus, they have the best Easter chocolates. I miss working there!
Now that’s what I call a Dream Job!! I must make a pilgrimage. I’ve sort of lost my faith in fudge after too many dry, bland varieties. Sounds like a revelation awaits in Seaside …
Thanks!!
Love this topic of “Chocolate Joy”. I try to supress my chocolate urges, but it holds me hostage. Once/week I allow myself a little fix. While I love a broad variety, I must confess that my favorite is not “what kind”, but “how”. My chocolate is always kept chilled in the freezer and washed down with a glass of cold milk. Must…fight…the urge…
If you like spicy chocolate you should try Jersey Devil Chocolates – Dark Chocolate, Chili and Cranberries. You can find it at The Chocolate Rose Shoppe in Madison NJ or at http://www.JerseyDevilChocolates.com One bite satisfies all of the chocolate, sweet and spicy senses.
Wow, that is seriously freaky … I literally just tried to this exact bar YESTERDAY, same day you posted this comment. The chocolate mind meld is strong in the state of NJ!!! Thanks for the tip. We picked it up at C’est Cheese in Morristown, and it is awesome. The spice comes on so slowly after the first bite — a terrific sensation. Love the chewy cranberry bits. Definitely recommend to my choco buddies out there! Thanks, Susan.
Everyone: Hi my name is Janet. I am a chocoholic. For high quality, artisnal chocolate (sourced from a small French supplier) no preservatives, hand made every day, try the Chocolate Bar in Westfield NJ. The turtles are my favorite.
Highly regarded gelato as well.