Can you resist Champlain Chocolates?

While the world can sometimes be harsh and unwelcoming, there is a place where life is always sweet: 750 Pine Street in Burlington, Vt.

Founded in 1983, Lake Champlain Chocolates makes chocolates from simple Vermont ingredients. The butter, cream and maple syrup come from local farms, yet the factory imports all chocolate from Belgium.

To make Champlain Chocolates’ sweet treats, the chocolate is first melted, then cooled and finally heated again, which creates a smoothly textured and shiny looking desert. Next, the chocolate is molded into different shapes to complement the season or upcoming holiday. This tempered chocolate is also sent to the factory’s own chocolate waterfall, known as the enrober. This is a constant stream of melted chocolate that is poured over the truffles before the treats enter the cooling tunnel.

All Champlain Chocolates’ chocolates are made without additives or preservatives, guaranteeing an intense and fresh taste.

As customers enter the store, they are offered free samples of the seasonal treats. Since autumn is the season between the “sweet summer” and the “fresh winter” chocolates available include both Honey Caramel Milk and Dark Evergreen Mint. Employee Logan Bouchard said chocolates are sold in different packages to appeal to a wide audience. Some are in little bags, which offer more chocolates, and others are in boxes.

Bouchard does say the boxed chocolates are nice to give as a present, as the packaging is designed for the season by a local artist.

There is an enormous range of specialty chocolates at the shop.  Dark, milk and white truffles of unique flavors and ganaches are made with sweet Vermont butter. Organic chocolate truffles are also a favorite. Handcrafted specialties include chocolate-covered ginger and orange peels, butter crunch and coconut laced chocolate. Nut lovers will also find much in the Clusters and Barks section, as pecans, cashews, almonds and macadamia nuts sit drenched in caramel, dark and milk chocolate.

Bouchard’s fellow employee, Emily Jones, said she has been working for Champlain Chocolates for eight years. After graduating with an Art degree, she followed her passion for chocolate to the company.

“It is a really nice company to work for,” she said.

The atmosphere in the store is serene and employees stay calm, even during busy business hours.

Jones ensures there is “no secret” to the company.

Yet, she encourages all to take a tour of the factory. She remembers one time during a tour, the machines broke down and chocolate began spilling all over the floor.
“You are the first person to ask me for one of every kind of chocolate in the store,” Jones said.

Most customers have their favorite treat that they choose each time they visit the store. Open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Lake Champlain Chocolates will please all taste buds.