Chocoholics Rejoice!!!

Sweetriot – The holiday pack comes in flavors 50, 65 and 70 (in varying intensities pertaining to the percentile of chocolate used). An entire TIN (read: ENTIRE TIN) filled to the brim with these delicious crunchy chocolate morsels comes in at only 140 calories (translation: roughly 15-20 minutes on the treadmill, rowing machine or elliptical trainer). The company’s mission is to create a more just and celebrated multicultural world for our next generation. So let's get this straight folks: a low calorie, enviro-friendly way to eat chocolate and a nifty tin supporting emerging artists to boot? Sweet this product is, indeed. You can find the nibs online, or grab 'em up at Whole Foods.

Scharffen Berger - This is some of the good stuff. As artisan, Berkely-based chocolate makers, they select, blend and roast only the finest beans and make the chocolate on vintage machinery in small batches to ensure its quality. Flavors include bittersweet, semisweet, mocha and mint. Can also be found at DiBruno Brothers.

Joseph Schmidt – In 1983, in a small shop in San Fran, a star was born. Joseph is a European-trained baker and his partner is a confectioner. What Europe lost, we gained in the form of his shop, which sells decadent signature truffles (filled with Grand Marnier, almond and raspberry brandy ganache to name a few) and hand-decorated pieces that resemble mosaic tiles, but taste like orange, caramel, nougat or nuts. By the way, Joseph Schmidt has been known to make people cry (in a good way). Also available at Walnut Bridge Coffee House.

Payard – A Frenchman who brought his wonderful talents to NY roughly 15 or so years ago, Francois Payard is noted as one of the most fantastic confectionery wizards of his time. His Fragonard (chocolate-dipped orange peel) is simply to die (or kill) for and Mounds bars his ‘Bounty Bars’ are not. Payard also makes kosher chocolates as well as tarts and pastries (as if).

Lastly, for those creative cooks who like their chocolate in the do-it-yourself, hot, frozen or cookie form, try these online stores:

Williams-Sonoma.com - Ciao Bella encases gelato in Callebaut chocolate ($69.00) and molten cake batter is sure to get raves ($39).

PetesGourmet.com - Enrobes fluffy, larger than life homemade marshmallows with different flavored chocolate ($28 per box of 15) and sells s’mores kits ($23).

JoanneHudson.com - Sells luscious peppermint hot chocolate alone, or bundles it with two cute mugs as a holiday gift. To take it one step further, they sell do-it-yourself mixes of decadent brownies, blondies and chocolate chunky cookies.