FOOD EDITION
TOP OF THE CHOCS Cambridge’s chocolatiers are gearing up for Valentine’s Day, designing ever- more sophisticated treats for the city’s chocoholics. Grand Arcade’s Hotel Chocolat offers a mix of new confections and old favourites, many of them made at its Huntingdon premises, which has a factory outlet. “This year, we’re bringing back some well-loved recipes that are sure to make a romantic statement,” says spokesperson Courtney Rogers. “We’ve got The Nice Slice, Valentine’s Edition, which is the luxury version of a fridge cake, decorated with solid caramel milk chocolate love hearts. There’s also the Straight from the Heart box and Hotel Chocolat’s barista-grade drinking chocolate system, the Velvetiser.” Other gift ideas include the With Love Sleekster box (right). Knoops on Green Street specialises in luxurious drinking chocolates paired with different flavour notes: spicy, herby, fruity or floral. Choose from a menu of dark, white or milk chocolate buttons to melt down, then add your own choice of flavourings, such as cardamom, chilli or ginger root – and marshmallows or whipped cream. At Hill St on All Saints Passage, Paris- trained chocolatier Chris Smith and his brother Greg have come up with some exciting flavour options. “Our creations allow the flavour of the chocolate to come through without interference,” says Chris. “For example, the vibrancy of fresh lime juice invigorates a cushion of ganache, while masterful orange complements Earl Grey tea and ginger-and-lime marzipan pairs well with a green-tea ganache.” Chocolat Chocolat, based in Hatley St George, south-west Cambridge, is another option for bespoke chocolate gift ideas. We love its colourful chocolate bouquets (right), made from four or five handmade chocolate sheets in dark, milk, white or caramel with natural extracts, sprinkled with nuts, fruits and spices – they’re a charming idea that’s delicious too.
February favourites
Luxury chocolate box, from £17.50/160g hill.st
Smeg hot chocolate maker with ten tubes bundle, £259 knoops.co.uk
Small handmade chocolate bouquet, £11.95/150g chocolatchocolat.co.uk
With Love Sleekster box, £29.95 hotelchocolat.com
Chunky stuffed cookies, £2.80 each norfolkstbakery.co.uk
FULL OF BEANS The Hotel Chocolat cacao manifesto makes nature-positive cacao a priority
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