Death by Chocolate in South Haven

Sometimes there are images and tastes and smells and textures of a certain decadent food group that linger forever in your memory.  Such is the case for the Death by Chocolate cake in South Haven which is offered in gigantic servings by the Chocolate Café.  Their overstuffed sofas and chairs invite one to spend some time to savor the flavors. Ice cream, coffee, baked goods and candies are also available for discriminating palates.

Sander's Hot Fudge

In metro Detroit, Sander's hot fudge cream puff sundaes reign supreme and are big all year round when you consider their logo, "Always time for ice cream". They are located also on Mackinac Island, seasonally, but if you want one today, go to one of their stores in Clinton Township, Birmingham, Eastpointe, Grosse Pointe, Livonia, Novi or Rochester.

Kilwins Chocolates

Did you know that Kilwins with its chocolates, fudge and ice cream began in Michigan?  In 1947, Don and Katy Kilwin opened their first store in Petoskey. Now there are over 80 stores nationwide. The one above is in Holland with a very cool outdoor fireplace. We succumbed to the delicious mocha ice cream on a hot summer day.

Sanders Chocolates say Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day from Sanders Chocolates, a Detroit institution since 1875. Their candy shops are all over the Detroit metro area.  We went to the one on 9 Mile in Eastpointe this weekend to load up on sweets for our loved ones. We saw their traditional bumpy cakes and they even have bumpy cake ice cream and lots of hot fudge for the toppings. Their original factory was on Woodward at Gratiot.  They were bought out by Morley's Candy in 2002 and they retain the name Sanders that we all know.

Morley Candy Company in Clinton Township

The Morley Candy Company uses over a millions pounds of chocolate each year.  Hasn't everyone enjoyed their caramel pecan torties? Tours of the candy factory are given daily on Hall Road in Clinton Township. It started in 1919 as a small shop and restaurant by Ervin and Julia Morley.  They merged with another Detroit icon about 6 years ago: Sanders Chocolates!

Frankenmuth Funships Chocolates and More

Funships Chocolates and More has a a twelve passenger boat on the Cass River in downtown Frankenmuth that pairs wines with chocolate tastings. The cruises typically last about an hour. During inclement weather, the tastings are held inside the chocolate wine shop. Andrea shared some great stories with us as well as some interesting wines from Michigan. How interesting to choose a wine to go with a chocolate. We enjoyed!

Valentine Spirits

There's a new distillery in our state called Valentine Vodka and it's the talk of the town. Owner Rifino Valentine unabashedly supports Detroit and Michigan and has created an exquisite hand-crafted vodka made from local grains-- barley, wheat and corn. The red-clad winged female creature on the bottle commands attention. The taste is smooth and refined. It is made in small batches the old-fashioned way, in copper pot stills in Webberville using Michigan State University's equipment. Plans are underway, though, to move to Detroit. The bottle is currently sold with an enticing artisan-wrapped chocolate, ribbon-tied around the neck. It's Michigan made, of course, by Mimi Wheeler of Grocer's Daughter in Empire. Sipping is believing.

Chocolate and Wine tasting!

Michigan wines and chocolates are paired together for an inexpensive tasting at the Funships Chocolates and More in Frankenmuth. Our knowledgeable sommelier, Andrea, told us that during the warmer months the tastings are done on an intimate cruise ship on the Cass River. Can't wait to return this summer. When you go, ask Andrea for her Pear-Honey wine dessert recipe --fantastic!

Michigan has a Chocolate Garden

Even in the winter, the Chocolate Garden is open and they make their little treats right on the premises. It has some very attractive décor and some irresistible smells! Their truffles are handmade and everyone should try their Trufflelatté! Elle Magazine says they are the most tantalizing on-line chocolatier. It is located just outside of Coloma, west of the Benton Harbor/St Joseph area. They have received accolades from tv shows and magazines, but Suzie was enamoured with their shrink wrapped truck! Doreen recommends the hot chocolate drink made without milk...fantastic!