Life just gets sweeter all the time

Looking for e sweet, elegant gift for the holidays? Look no further than Joseph Schmidt Confections, San Francisco, Calif., for an incredible selection of delectable chocolates. Known for its innovative creations and chocolate sculptures, JSC uses only the finest imported Belgian chocolate in its unique handcrafted treats.

Their newest collection, Mosaic, consists of beautifully hand-decorated pieces resembling mosaic tiles. Tiny windows on the cover of the gift box give a sneak peak at the colorful candies that contain layers of biscotti crunch, caramel, nuts, nougat, and, of course, Belgian chocolate. A 12-piece box retails for $32.50; eight-piece, $25.

Others in the collection come in attractive ribbon-wrapped luxury fabric boxes. The Japanese Bowl ($30) and the nine-piece Slicks ($25) are two unique and delicious choices. Joseph Schmidt Confections are sold at retail stores and online at www.jsc.com.

Another longtime favorite purveyor of this decadent treat is Godiva Chocolatier, founded almost 80 years ago in Brussels, Belgium. Their holiday collection, available through Feb. 14, 2005, is called G Chocolate, and features 15 different pieces created by pastry chef Norman Love of the Ritz Carlton Hotels.

This ultra-premium, couture-style line of chocolates includes such new pieces as P.B. & Jam, crunchy-smooth peanut butter and home-made strawberry jam; Apple Pie, rich apples and warm scented spices; Vanilla Mascarpone topped with cocoa nibs; and Palet d'Or, a dark ganache made from Criollo cocoa beans from Ecuador.

The 15-piece box retails for $40; 39 pieces, $75. The G Chocolate Collection is available at upscale department stores, Godiva boutiques, and online at www.godiva.com/G.

Another fantastic chocolatier is Neuhaus, Plainview, N.Y. Since 1857, Neuhaus has believed that chocolate is meant to bring sheer delight and they invite you to look, smell, listen, feel, and taste their confections to experience a moment of utter bliss. We wholeheartedly agree.

This season, Neuhaus presents its finest Belgian chocolates in the form of an Advent Calendar ($32). With windows on the box to open each of the 25 days leading up to Christmas to reveal one irresistible piece, you can be assured of having at least one moment of bliss everyday during this hectic month.

This product is exclusive to 800Flowers and Neuhaus boutiques and is available only until early December. For more information, visit www.neuhausinc.com.

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