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What In The World Is Happening?
Some Sweet Stuff And December Holiday Happenings!
Table of Contents
Something Sweet Part 1 - Chocolates & More
If you’re looking for a local sweet treat as a gift for a friend, family member or work colleague. We have the place for you! Chocolena!
Chocolena, a Connecticut-based artisanal chocolate company, is captivating sweet enthusiasts with its handcrafted bonbons, macarons, and specialty sweets. Founded by father-daughter duo Jim Weiss and Hadley Rosen, the company aims to infuse joy into life's special moments through their confections.
Jim Weiss, after selling his financial services business, pursued his passion for chocolate by studying at Ecole Chocolat in Vancouver and Valrhona in France. He began his venture with Pomfret Chocolates, hosting pop-up shops and tastings. In 2022, he partnered with his daughter, Hadley Rosen, a marketing and communications professional and fellow Ecole Chocolat graduate, to reimagine the business as Chocolena. Their focus is on providing customer-centric services, including special occasion favors and corporate gifts.
Chocolena offers a variety of products, such as bonbons with flavors like Raspberry Milk Ganache and Vanilla Bean Crunch, and macarons in options like Blueberry Cheesecake and Red Velvet. They also provide chocolate bark and bars, all crafted with high-quality, sustainably sourced cacao.
Beyond their delectable treats, Chocolena engages with the community through pop-up locations, tastings, and workshops. These events offer participants insights into the history of cacao and the nuances of fine chocolate, along with hands-on experiences in truffle-making.
photo credit Chocolena
For those seeking unique gifts, Chocolena specializes in custom wedding favors and corporate gifts, tailoring flavors and packaging to suit each event. Their products are available for purchase online, with nationwide shipping, and at select retailers in Connecticut, including Green Valley Floral Design in Pomfret Center and Little River Bread Company in Danielson.
Chocolena continues to bring smiles to customers worldwide, celebrating life one bite at a time.
Something Sweet Part 2 - Fudge & More
The Nutmeg Fudge Company, nestled in Torrington, Connecticut, has become a beloved destination for handcrafted, small-batch fudge and a variety of sweet treats. Founded by Kristy Barto, a hospitality industry veteran with a passion for baking, the company has expanded its offerings and community presence since its inception.
A Sweet Beginning
Kristy Barto transitioned from a 20-year career in hospitality to fudge-making during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her love for creating confections led her to establish The Nutmeg Fudge Company, where she crafts over 26 flavors of fudge, including unique varieties like Butterbeer and Mexican Extra Dark Spicy.
Expanding Horizons
Building on the success of the Torrington location, Barto opened The Nutmeg Sweet Shoppe at The Shops at Farmington Valley in Canton on November 22, 2024. This new store serves as a satellite location, offering signature fudge, artisanal chocolates, smoothies, boba tea, and a selection of retro candies.
Community Engagement
The Nutmeg Fudge Company is more than a sweet shop; it's a community hub. The store hosts workshops for children and adults, including hands-on candy cane-making events during the holiday season. Additionally, the company offers event space rentals for birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate gatherings, providing packages that include food, games, and activities.
Visit and Indulge
Patrons can visit The Nutmeg Fudge Company at 20 East Main Street, Torrington, CT, to enjoy a variety of confections, including Canton Creamery ice cream, milkshakes, and smoothies. For those unable to visit in person, the company offers online ordering, ensuring their delectable fudge can be enjoyed nationwide.
Whether you're seeking a sweet treat, a unique gift, or a venue for your next event, The Nutmeg Fudge Company provides a delightful experience that celebrates the joy of handcrafted confections.
This is also where The Farmington Valley comes in, because The Nutmeg Sweet Shop is one of the newest editions to The Shops At Farmington Valley and is a sister store to The Nutmeg Fudge Company. So swing in and check them out.
Coming Up For Your Calendar
Bringing holiday cheer & more with some local events in the Farmington Valley!