FOR VALENTINE’S DAY... OR ALL YEAR LONG!

Hilliards Chocolates history is as sweet as their candy

It’s a chocolate business built on generations of tradition; Hilliards Chocolates—a leading maker of fine chocolates and specialty candies— is a family-owned business in its fourth generation.

During the early 1900s, Perley and Jessie Hilliard (husband and wife) were introduced to the business of candy through Jessie’s father, Marcellus Parker. The latter owned a candy store in the Boston suburb of Haverhill. Yet it wouldn’t be until 1919 when Perley Hilliard took a job making candy in the Priscilla Sears factory in the Boston neighborhood of Hyde Park, would he begin to learn first-hand (and hands-on) the craft of making fine chocolate and other sweets.

Perley got the candy bug—and he was not content to work and make candy for someone other than himself; the Hilliards needed to make and sell their own sweets, which they started doing in 1924 when they and a business partner opened a candy store in the Wollaston section of Quincy.

For generations and through the ups and downs of history, Hilliards Chocolates have been time-tested and considered one of the best confectioners in New England.

If you are looking for an impressive gift, or wish to steal a heart, then either call or email them today.

For generations and through the ups and downs of history, Hilliards Chocolates have been time-tested and considered one of the best confectioners in New England.

VALENTINE’S TRUFFLE COLLECTION, $49.95 (12 TRUFFLES)

An intoxicating assortment of truffles flavored with some of your favorite liqueurs! Two gifts in one, this decadent assortment of handcrafted dessertsized truffles are beautifully featured in a wooden keepsake box perfect for jewelry or knick-knacks of your choosing. Assorted Truffle flavors include Strawberry Champagne, Kahlua, Grand Marnier, Irish Cream, Amaretto, and classic Chocolate.

BOUQUET OF A DOZEN CHOCOLATE ROSES, $45.95/DOZEN

The perfect marriage of two beloved Valentine’s Day favorites, a dozen decadent, creamy, solid milk or dark chocolate roses come attractively packaged as if coming from the florist! A welcomed surprise for the chocolate lover in your life who has an affinity for roses as well. (Pick from different quantities.)

CRAFT BEER LOVERS COLLECTION, $32.00

For the ultimate craft beer lover with a sweet tooth, Hilliards Chocolates has packaged together with its famous Craft Beer Brittle and its award-winning Craft Beer Caramels for a salty, sweet, and hoppy Valentine’s Day treat for the beer enthusiasts. Infused with Shovel Town Double IPA beer, this adorable selection of caramels and brittle is a winning gift for the beer lover.

CRAFT BEER CARAMELS

Hilliards Chocolates introduces a unique and inventive take on its signature caramel recipe with new Craft Beer Caramels. Hilliards Chocolates buttery small-batch caramel is infused with local Shovel Town Brewery Double IPA beer and then dipped in smooth dark chocolate topped with Langwater Farm hops and crushed pretzel sea salt. Salty and sweet with a touch of hops, these caramels are perfect for the beer lover with a sweet tooth! Winner of the 2019 “Best New Piece” at the Retail Confectioners International Conference.

CRAFT BEER BRITTLE

Cooked in copper kettles, Hilliards Chocolates Craft Beer Brittle combines their traditional peanut brittle’s local flavors with fresh-brewed craft beer from Shovel Town Brewery in Easton, MA. This Craft Beer Brittle delights the palate with a buttery sweet crunch followed by a nutty flavor from Spanish peanuts chased by a beer finish. H

To order, contact: HilliardsCandy.com or reach out to them at Hilliards Chocolates, 316 Main Street, North Easton, Massachusetts 02356 or call 508-238-6231 / 800-286-8533

PAIRINGS for VALENTINE’S DAY

Need something to enhance your chocolate gifts? Then do not shut down your device until you’ve read our review of exciting wines and Champagnes.

From The Wine Traveler, we find a melody of selections befitting the holiday of love.

TRY TUSSOCK JUMPER WINES

For those who cannot escape to their favorite European vineyard this Valentine’s Day, sip globally with Tussock Jumper Wines.

With 24 different varieties, from 11 wine-producing regions, Tussock Jumper Wines allows one to virtually ‘travel’ the world of wine from the comfort of their home.

Sourced from small farms found in regions like Argentina, Spain, Italy, South Africa, and New Zealand, these sustainably made and award-winning wines are bottled at the source to ensure freshness from grape to glass, with the added benefit of support for local communities.

OMG!—TUSSOCK JUMPER’S GRENACHE ROSÉ 2019, FRANCE, $12.99

Refreshing, crisp flavors of juicy strawberries, red currants, and a hint of spice will transport you and your love to the south of France this Valentine’s Day. With a dry, berry forward finish, soft and fruity, pale salmon color, try this sustainably made wine with fresh fruits, cheeses, a gourmet charcuterie board, or a tray of favorite chocolate sweets.

SPECTACULAR!—TUSSOCK JUMPER 2019 MOSCATO ROSÉ, SPAIN, $11.99

With aromas and flavors of candied orange peel, white citrus flower, and a bright, carnation pink color, this is the ideal wine when you both want to ‘Netflix and chill.’

Soft and fruity with tiny bubbles, pair it with soft cheeses, crackers, and jams, as well as fruit desserts like warm berry pie à la mode or chocolate.

You can find these exquisite wines at DRIZLY.com or by contacting your local retailer.

CHAMPAGNE EXPRESS—AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

B. Stuyvesant Champagne is romance in a bottle, and in the spirit of supporting small businesses and black-owned wine brands, share a Valentine’s Day toast with B. Stuyvestant Champagne.

Founded by vintner Marvina S. Robinson, B. Stuyvesant Champagne was born from a lifelong love affair with Champagne, starting in her college days. After forming partnerships with multiple vineyards in France, the B. Stuyvesant label—a nod to the historically black neighborhood of BedfordStuyvesant where she grew up—finally came to fruition.

STUYVESANT CHAMPAGNE CUVÉE: GRANDE RÉSERVE, $59.00

With a crisp note of apple and gingerbread, it pairs well with sweets and fruit for a satisfying finish over and over again. The traditional blend of three Champagne grape varieties from multiple harvest, give it a pale golden color with sea-green highlights. Its bouquet serves memories of freshly cut flowers.

STUYVESANT CHAMPAGNE CUVÉE: BRUT ROSÉ, $68.00

The finished product composition is approximately 58 percent Pinot Noir, 22 percent Pinot Meunier and 20 percent Chardonnay for the white coloring and a Pinot-Meunier-based red for hue. The overall salmon color enhances the sparkling foam when pouring, leaving a raspberry, red currant, and cherry bouquet. Its finish is reminiscent of cherries on the palate.

Begin your journey with these incredible selections by visiting stuyvesantchampagne.com.