I’m not sure where the connection between Valentine’s Day and chocolate came from (The Aztecs? Mr. Cadbury? Whoever makes heart shaped boxes?), but I’m not the least bit upset about there being one. I’m usually on the receiving end of the tradition and it’s exactly where I, and my sweet tooth, want to be. Over the years a variety of Valentine’s Day chocolates have passed by my lips, all from an entire box of milk chocolate cream centers to a 5 lb. chocolate heart with my name on it to a bag of individually-wrapped dark chocolate truffles from a national retailer. I know my chocolate.

So if you’re looking for some sweets for your sweetie this Valentine’s Day, here’s my chocolate checklist:

The Human Heart

Nothing says “Our Hearts Beat As One” like giving your Valentine an anatomically-correct 3-D heart. Nothing.
WHERE – Sweet Jenny’s, 5732 Main Street, Williamsville; (716) 631-2424
PRICE – $5 for a sucker and $15.99 for life-sized – available as dark or milk chocolate

Truffles

While a 5 lb. chocolate heart can be appealing, a decadent truffle is proof that size doesn’t always matter. Pick up a 6-pack of truffles and your sweetheart will appreciate your attention to quality over quantity. Some of Blue Table’s sweets feature the Dark Collection (Mexican Hot Chocolate, Coconut Earl Gray, Coffee-Pecan, Sacre Torte, Apricot-Almond, and Cherry Black Sesame), the Light Collection (Passion-Banana-Mango, Lemon-Pistachio, Kettle Corn, Orange Blossom Cheesecake, Peanut Butter Caramel, and Orange Walnut) as well as several vegan and nut-free options.
WHERE – Blue Table Chocolates, 799 Seneca Street, Suite D1 Buffalo; (716) 866-3725
PRICE – Starting at $15.00

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

It’s the chocolate treat that comes to everyone’s mind for Valentine’s Day. Antoinette’s dips fresh, juicy strawberries in their homemade chocolate. Antoinette’s strawberries are only available for order Feb. 12-Feb. 14 to ensure ultimate freshness. Delicious AND romantic!
WHERE – Antoinette’s Sweets, 5981 Transit Rd, Depew; (716) 684-2376
PRICE – Call ahead to order and for pricing

Chocolate Smooches

How do you measure love? How about with a little smooch? Give more than a “kiss” this Valentine’s Day with these solid chocolate smooches.
WHERE – Alethea’s Chocolates, 8301 Main Street, Clarence; (716) 633-8620
PRICE – $3.95 for an 1.5 oz. “Smooch”

Bean-to-Dark Chocolate Bars

If you or your S/O are dark chocolate lovers, these extremely pure, ultra-fresh high-quality organic cacao beans bars use only all-natural ingredients.
WHERE – Dark Forest Chocolate, 11 West Main Street, Lancaster; (716) 288-9167
PRICE – $9.50 / bar

Sponge Candy

Buffalo’s signature confection is tried and true. Its longevity in the Buffalo area should be what all of our loving relationships strive for. You give the gift of sponge candy, you give the gift of long-lasting love.
WHERE – Watson’s Chocolates, Fowler’s Chocolates, Antoinette’s Sweets, Wahl’s Candies, Parkside Candies, Bella Mia Candies, The Family Chocolate Shoppe, Ko-Ed Candies, Mike’s Homemade Candies and all shops mentioned above.
PRICE – You can’t put a price tag on love. Just buy it.