Decadent Sweets
Rich and creamy! In a blind taste test, our staff compared four N.H. gourmet chocolate truffles from around the state. Here’s what they thought. Ava Marie Handmade Chocolates
The truffles from Ava Marie look good and are large but the chocolate quality of the shell was not a staff favorite. With their unique bell shape and colorful drizzles, opening a box of these truffles is definitely a delight. Some of the filling flavors included dark chocolate, coffee, hazelnut and Bailey’s Irish Crème.
43 Grove St.
Peterborough
(603) 924-5993
avamariechocolates.com
Swan Chocolates
The only downside to these truffles is that they’re bite-size, meaning you could eat your way through a whole box in no time flat. Swan’s truffles aren’t too sweet, either, also adding to the possibility of eating several too many. With a crisp shell and just right creamy center they’re almost irresistible.
436 Daniel Webster Hwy.
Merrimack
(603) 423-5950
www.swanchocolates.com
Van Otis Chocolates
Like the truffles from Swan, the Van Otis version are also little (but not too little), round, bite-sized treats. The classic dark and milk chocolate varieties were two of the staff’s favorites. These truffles also have a nicely tempered outer shell with creamy fillings, and don’t overdo the sweetness.
341 Elm St.
Manchester
(603) 627-1611
www.vanotischocolates.com
WinnerUnbridled Chocolates
We recommend you try the charming Hunt Cap Truffles — shaped, as the name suggests, in the form of equestrian helmets. The truffles are just a portion of Unbridled Chocolates’ horse-theme collection of sweets. They have a crisp outer shell that’s not too thick or too thin, and a soft center — particularly the creamy caramel dark chocolate version.
135 Main St.
Marlborough
(603) 876-4700
www.unbridledchocolates.com
More New Hampshire ChocolatiersA Little Confection
124 1/2 N. Main St.
Concord
(603) 219-0120
www.ALittleConfection.com
Byrne and Carlson
121 State St.
Portsmouth
(888) 559-9778
www.byrneandcarlson.com
Granite State Candy Shoppe and Ice Cream
13 Warren St.
Concord
(603) 225-2591
www.nhchocolates.com
Hutchinson’s Candy Inc., Elements of Taste
893 Lafayette Rd., Rte. 1
Hampton
(603) 926-3033
www.hutchinsonscandy.com
Kellerhaus
259 Endicott Street North
Weirs Beach
(603) 366-4466
www.kellerhaus.com
L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates
47 Main St.
Walpole
(800) 229-2419
www.burdickchocolate.com
Mainely Gourmet Chocolate Factory
55 Hanover St.
Portsmouth
(603) 433-3210
www.mainelygourmet.com
The Chocolate Bean
125 Old Nottingham Rd.
Epping
(603) 679-8721
www.thechocobean.com
The Chocolatier
27 Water St.
Exeter
(603) 772-5253
www.the-chocolatier.com
Winnipesaukee Chocolates
53 A North Main St.
Wolfeboro
(603) 569-4831
www.winnipesaukeechocolates.com
