DeBrand Chocolates undoubtedly de-best

Naturally, it wouldn't be the holidays without some sinfully delicious chocolates on hand, which make terrific gifts and are wonderful to set out for unexpected company or a well-planned affair.

In a European-inspired chocolaterie in Fort Wayne, Ind., hand-crafted artisan chocolates are made at DeBrand Chocolatier. Combining fresh dairy products from the Midwest with premium spices, fruits, nuts, and cocoas from around the world has proven a successful recipe for DeBrand, whose best-selling gift is the 1 lb. Classic Box ($36, 28 pieces). The molded shapes give away the surprise of the delectable treat inside, with the Cherries & Cream designed as two-stemmed cherries and Orange Cream looking just like a wedge of the fruit. We were fooled by the piece with the peanut shape on top, not expecting the delicious dab of jelly inside. Of course, we could have just looked at the carefully photographed Chocolate Guide included with each box. It details the luscious caramels and other fruit creams in this collection.

For the more daring palate, the Connoisseur Box ($36, 16 pieces) contains unique combinations of spices and rare ingredients from around the world. Included are a white chocolate-passion fruit ganache; dark chocolate ganache, and lemon fresh creme with anise and curry; milk chocolate ganache infused with jasmine tea; and sesame and poppy seed brittle with tahini and crushed peppercorns.

If truffles are your passion--and who doesn't love truffles?--for a limited time this holiday season, DeBrand offers a Chocolate Wreath Box ($97.50), made with your choice of milk or dark chocolate and filled with 19 assorted truffles. The truffles come in flavors such as almond, mocha, and caramel, and are very generously sized. As we said, this makes a great gift or is perfect for a party. It definitely is meant to be shared!

DeBrand chocolates are available online at www.debrand.com and in the company's retail stores in Indiana.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

COPYRIGHT 2006 Society for the Advancement of Education
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning