When it comes to Christmas, I am a big kid. I love Christmas carols, colored lights and surprises under the tree. And Christmas would not be Christmas without a traditional chocolate Santa or two. But even though I am a kid at heart, I have grown up to be a bit of a chocolate snob. Fortunately, I can still enjoy a festive chocolate Santa without “slumming it” in the drugstore candy aisle. Here are a few of my picks for quality, gourmet chocolate Santas from both the U.S. and Europe.
American Chocolates
Moonstruck Chocolate Co. (www.moonstruckchocolate.com)
This hand crafted artisan chocolate company was established in 1993 in Portland, Maine. Perhaps best known as the official chocolate of the Academy Awards gift baskets for two years in a row, Moonstruck chocolates have also been served at the White House. Moonstruck offers a traditional 3.125 oz. solid milk chocolate Old World Santa for $7.50.
See’s Famous Old Time Candies (www.sees.com)
Charles See founded this candy shop in Los Angeles in 1921 with his wife and mother, Mary See. Mary provided both the fundamental recipes and inspiration for quality. It is her picture that is still represented on many of See’s candy boxes. A 3-pack of 5.5 oz milk chocolate Santas is $13.50.
Joseph Schmidt Confections (www.artisanconfection.com)
Joseph Schmidt is a European trained baker and immigrant who opened his San Francisco chocolate shop in 1983. He is known as the “Rodin of Chocolate”. Just a few of his works of art include an Eiffel Tower, cable car, panda bear, and Christmas tree. Joseph Schmidt’s 7-inch, 7 oz. dark chocolate St. Nick is $28; the 15-inch 29.2 oz. St. Nick is $48
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Dean & Deluca (www.deandeluca.com)
Joel Dean and Giorgio DeLuca opened the first Dean & DeLuca in New York in 1977. These upscale grocery stores have a vast selection of high-quality gourmet specialties. They offer a departure from the typical Santa, the “Christmas Cabbie” Santa. The “big guy” is driving a bright yellow, chocolate taxi. 12 oz. for $58.
Lake Champlain Chocolates (www.lakechamplainchocolates.com)
This company has been producing all natural, Kosher-certified chocolates in Vermont since 1983. Choose an 8-inch milk chocolate Santa with white chocolate accents for $17.50. Better yet, indulge in the 14-inch hand-decorated milk/dark chocolate blend–2.5 pounds of velvety smooth chocolate for $80.
Jean-Philippe Patisserie at the Bellagio in Las Vegas
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the granddaddy of all chocolate Santas. In 2005, pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maurey created a 5-foot tall, 200 lb. life-sized chocolate Santa out of a blend of milk and dark chocolate. Only in Vegas!
European Chocolates
Godiva Chocolatier (www.godiva.com)
This chocolatier, named in honor of Lady Godiva, was started in 1926 in Brussels, Belgium by Joseph Draps. North American culture changed for the better when Godiva first arrived in 1966. Godiva uses fresh, high-quality ingredients. Choose either milk or dark chocolate, semi-solid, foil-wrapped Santas. 2.5 oz. for $6.50.
Riegelein Confiserie (www.riegelein.de available from www.chocolateimports.com)
Chocolate Santas most likely originated in Germany in the 1800’s, so the European list would not be complete without at least one German chocolatier. Riegelein chocolates, from the German Alps, are 60% dark chocolate. 5.25 oz. foil-wrapped Santas are $7.50.
Lindt Maitre Chocolatier (www.lindt.com)
Okay, once in awhile you can find these Swiss chocolates in your local drugstore, but I can personally vouch that they are creamy and delicious! Lindt has been producing chocolate with premium ingredients since 1845. Today, they have factories in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, and the U.S. Dark chocolate, foil-wrapped Santas of 4.4 oz. are $10. Try pairing them with a set of four milk or dark chocolate reindeer (3.5 oz. for $10).
Leonidas Fresh Belgian Chocolates (www.leonidas-chocolate.com)
I tried my first Leonidas chocolate in Paris over 20 years ago, and I have been a loyal consumer of this Belgian chocolate ever since. A Greek candy maker from the U.S., Leonidas Kestekides, opened this chocolate shop in Brussels in the early 1900’s and there are now retail shops around the world. The Leonidas Santas are round and especially cute. The 1.4 oz. mini Santa comes in a set of four for $23.00. Perhaps you’d prefer the 3.5 oz Santas, sold by the pair for $25.50.
Charbonnel et Walker (available from www.neimanmarcus.com or www.luxist.com)
This London chocolatier is the official chocolate manufacturer to the Queen of England. They have created the ultimate gourmet Santa. Their milk chocolate Santa with a white chocolate beard stands 2 feet tall and weighs a whopping 9 lbs.! Price? $335.
These gourmet Santas can be ordered from the links provided. What a great gift for the chocoholic in your life. Prices are from December 2007 web sites and are subject to change. Savor sophisticated Santas this holiday season!
