Finding Your Chocolate Bliss in Austin

As Valentine's Day fast approaches, anxious paramours turn their attention to how best to express their affection. And of course, the preferred language for this expression is chocolate. Locating the perfect chocolate in Austin, Texas isn't actually as arduous as you might imagine. And if the city can't provide you with your vision of chocolate bliss, perhaps you can make a bit of your own at home.

Austin is home to several chocolatiers. Cocoa Puro boasts its unique Kakawa cocoa beans, fresh-roasted whole cocoa beans that are covered in layers of white, milk and dark chocolate. These specialty beans, ideal for the chocolate connoisseur, can be purchased on their website, at Central Market, Whole Foods, and at the downtown farmer's market, where you can even sample one before buying.

Flora and Faunas, located downtown on west 12th, is a cafe that also boasts fine chocolates, imported beers, estate wines, and flowers. Several tables are available, where you can taste the wares before purchasing. Carissa has no small following for her creative flower arrangements, so it could truly represent your one stop Valentine's shopping venue.

One of the chocolates one offer at Flora and Fauna come from the Fat Turkey Chocolate Company. This Austin-based company produces hand made chocolate truffles, chocolate cherries, sauces, and other gourmet goodies. Of particular note are the habanero chocolate truffles, which combine dark Belgian chocolate, fresh habaneros, heavy cream, and Anejo Tequila to create a truffle with a bit of a punch. Fat Turkey products can also be purchased on-line.

Viva Chocolato is a European style cafe and chocolate shop in the Domain shopping center, carrying a selection of oil-free chocolates from around the world as well as locally made chocolates. Their choices are exotic, including the blue cheese chocolate truffle. If a mere box of chocolates will not do for your Valentine, book your seat to experience the "Love Menu," which includes specialty wines, chicken parmesan, and of course chocolate marquis for dessert.

If your timing is right, you can swing into Amy's Ice Cream on February 13, 14, or 15 to pick up some of their once yearly chocolate dipped strawberries. These beauties are completely dipped in dark chocolate and are covered with a lattice of white chocolate. You can pre-order until the 12th to ensure you get your berries, as they generally sell-out. You can get a dozen dipped strawberries for $16.

However, if budget constraints put the purchase of homemade chocolates out of reach, you can still impress your Valentine with home-crafted chocolate treats of your own. Create a rich chocolate sauce simply and cheaply using cocoa in the cupboard. Store in a jar, and this sauce keeps in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. To make the chocolate sauce you'll need:

3/4 cup sifted unsweetened cocoa powder (dutch processed will give a better result)
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup cold water
2 TBs unsalted butter
A pinch of salt

Combine the cocoa, sugar, and salt together in a saucepan. Add the water and stir until smooth. Place over medium heat and keep stirring until the mixture comes to a low boil. Simmer for 3 minutes, add the butter, and stir until melted. Simmer 3 minutes more. For the truly lazy, put the whole works in a large glass bowl and make the sauce in your microwave. For an extra punch, replace 1/4 cup of the water with the liquerur of your choice, such as Grand Marnier. For a Mexican flair, add a pinch of cinnamon during the final 3 minutes. To make it uniquely Texan, add a pinch of cayenne in the final 3 minutes.

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