Valentine's Day Chocolate Fix - Forget Date Night, Just Give Us Chocolate

Valentine's Day is really a religious holiday for chocolate, let's be honest here. You can go out on a date night, but where are you getting your chocolate, and just how deep and dark are you going? Get in touch with your cravings, because you've got choices right here in Beacon...

CHOCOLATE SNACKS

Praise be, Jeni's has arrived to Beacon, NY by way of Utensil! This is a big deal, folks. I normally get it straight from Columbus, which is a long 12hr drive! As a connesour of hot fudge on ice-cream or brownie sundaes, I can tell you that this fudge it bitter, dark, and hits the spot. It also is a perfect match with Salty Caramel ice-cream, which good news for us - is here in caramel sauce form!

Ask Instagram, and you shall receive the real deal for Yodels. When we asked 5 Hens if she had her own version of the Yodel, she clucked back "Yes, at Martha's in Newburgh!" These Chichi Ding Dongs are made from Valrhona chocolate filled with whipped cream from a local dairy. Pre-order for Valentine's Day, at Martha's Friday and Saturday located at 105 Liberty Street in Newburgh. Find 5Hens in many Beacon shops, including Dennings Point Distillery. Full list here: www.fivehensbakedgoods.com

The chocolate cheesecake cupcake at Get Frosted Cupcakery may give you immediate satisfaction as you're walking to your next pedicure or to get a glass of wine at Oak Vino or Chill. www.getfrostedcupcakery.com

GIFTS FOR TEACHERS & FRIENDS

Chocolate covered strawberries are a fancy treat for anyone on your list, including a great idea for an office party or platter. Hand dipped in Belgian or dark chocolate using fresh ingredients at The Chocolate Studio. www.facebook.com/TheChocolateStudioBeacon

Chocolate covered Oreos from The Chocolate Studio, located on the very East side of Main Street are an easy treat for yourself, and a much appreciated gift for a teacher or friend. www.facebook.com/TheChocolateStudioBeacon

And your box of chocolates will be coming from Alps Sweet Shop of course! Beacon's local yet national chocolatier makes their chocolate in their Main Street factory in the copper pots you see pictured here. They can ship to wherever you like. www.alpssweetshop.com

DATE NIGHT WITH WHOEVER - JUST ORDER IT!

The espresso chocolate cake at Dogwood is a surprising spot-hitter. It's surprising because usually for a cake, icing or a fudge topping is required (or hint hint Dogwood: we'd love a scoop of vanilla ice cream!). But this chocolate is so deep and moist, that you'll want to take advantage of it while you're enjoying yourself on date-night, I suppose, with a stout of some kind. If you're enjoying this at home (yes...you have permission to order dessert to go), enjoy with this recommendation from Tim Buzinski of Artisan Wine Shop: "A glass of slightly fizzy red from Italy works great, and one we have right now: Sangue di Guida Special." www.dogwoodbar.com

There is a secret society of chocolate pastry chefs in Beacon, and the maker of this Bliss Cake is one of them. JoAnne Meyer is the Chocolatier & Pastry Chef at The Chocolate Studio, and also bakes and delivers for local eateries. This Bliss Cake has become somewhat famous, if not hard to find.  The Bliss Cake is a decadent fudge cake topped generously with a deep, rich dark chocolate mousse, covered in ganache, served with a port wine reduction. Find it at the Piano Piano Wine Bar in Fishkill, at an upcoming Ladies Night at the Chocolate Studio. You can also order it directly on-demand from the Chocolate Studio directly. (845) 765-1165