Laurie & Sons

Last summer I was wandering around the Fancy Food Show in NYC at the Jacob Javits Center, which, let me tell you, is not for the faint of heart. There are hundreds and hundreds of food purveyors and each one can have a single to dozens to hundreds of offerings – and everything is out for you to taste. It’s the classic my-eyes-are-bigger-than-my-stomach situation. You want to try everything, but your palate goes dead real fast.

I came upon a booth with some innocent looking candies, but the sign grabbed me. It said, “Dangerously Delicious Black Licorice Chocolate Toffee“.

Image by Laurie & Sons

What, I thought, is that? I had to try it. It looked like a typical chocolate covered toffee…but once in my mouth, the buttery, toffee flavor and crisp texture blossomed along with a distinct black licorice flavor. Wow. This was new. I had never had this combo before. My palate got very excited! The chocolate had apparently garnered the attention of the industry as well and before the show was over had been named 2015 Gold Sofi Winner for Outstanding Chocolate. Food & Wine also named them one of the Best New Candies for 2015. And it turns out that Laurie and I had been at Hampshire College around the same time. It’s always nice to give a fellow alum some love, but – sorry Laurie – this is all about the chocolate! I love this stuff! This would make the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for the the chocolate lover on your list who is always looking for something new and unusual.

The 4-pack retails for $24 and you get four, 1.375 ounce packages of chocolate, each one filled with handmade toffee squares made with real black licorice & fresh ground star anise, lightly enhanced with Pernod liqueur, dipped in dark chocolate and topped with tiny crystals of Black Hawaiian Lava Salt for extra crunch.

Image from Laurie & Sons

Her Harlem-based company offers other items as well, such as this Moroccan Spiced Chocolate Toffee (below), which features cinnamon and cayenne, or if you are a milk chocolate lover how about her Milk Chocolate Toffees with Maine Sea Salt (the dark version is in our top image).

Order now to have in hand for your special sweetie for Valentine’s Day. You will not be disappointed. And while you are at it, get some for yourself. I want you all to experience this new taste sensation.