Kakao Chocolate By: Amy De La Hunt Photog raphy: Car men Troesser To d e s c r i b e B r i a n P e l l e t i e r ’s c o m p a n y a s a n artisan chocolate maker would be to overlook all the other deliciousness it offers. Confections like bacon-pecan brittle, pates de fruits and flavored marshmallows. Sauces for pizza and curry and enchiladas. Hot chocolate mix. Grill rubs. B u t P e l l e t i e r ’s p a s s i o n i s c h o c o l a t e , a n d K a k a o i s beloved first and foremost for its sweet treats made from cacao beans. Sea salt caramels are the most p o p u l a r — j u s t i f i a b l y, i n o u r h u m b l e o p i n i o n — b u t i t ’s i m p o s s i b l e t o g o w r o n g w i t h a b o x o f m i x e d t r u f f l e s . S o m e a r e a v a i l a b l e y e a r- r o u n d ; o t h e r s u s e s e a s o n a l o r s p e c i a l t y i n g re d i e n t s . T h e s e c h o c o l a t i e r s will adapt anything to fit inside a rectangle of chocolate, even absinthe or beets or tomatoes and basil. Its products are made from all-natural i n g re d i e n t s ( c re a m , b u t t e r, v a n i l l a b e a n s e e d , s p i c e s , nuts, liqueurs) and hand-dipped in small batches. Kakao is a tireless supporter of local markets and events, no matter how sultry or chilly the w e a t h e r, a n d c u s t o m e r s r e c i p r o c a t e b y f l o c k i n g to the Maplewood shop for tastings, pairings and chocolate-making classes. Online orders are possible too, but half the fun of a visit to this shop i s g i v i n g i n t o t e m p t a t i o n a n d t r y i n g s o m e t h i n g n e w.
7272 MANCHESTER ROAD
+ 18
314.645.4446
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