One of the lovely gems from Gem
Chocolates. Photo courtesy Gem Chocolates.

We’re thrilled that Gem Chocolates lives up to its name. A delight to look at and to taste, chocolatier Glenn Knowles has also created a selection of flavors that excite.

Whether you want classic ganaches (lavender, praline, vanilla bean) or modern ones (blueberry rooibos, habanero, masala, lychee), every flavor in the ample collection is a hit.

In addition to ganaches, there are boxes of chocolate domes filled with seductive caramel. Don’t miss them.

Needless to say, we hope our admirers—known and secret—rush over to GemChocolates.ca to send us boxes for Valentine’s Day. If you’re looking for something special, go for Gem.

• Read the full review.
• Buy Gem Chocolates online.
• Don’t know ganache from gianduja? Learn your chocolate terms in our Chocolate Glossary.
• Find more of our favorite chocolates in our Gourmet Chocolate Section.

Originating in Italy, latte art first appeared in America’s coffee capital, Seattle, around 1989. The creative flourish was pioneered by Espresso Vivace coffee bar owner David Schomer.

The heart pattern became a signature at Schomer’s coffee bar. He then added the rosetta pattern, and shared his knowledge by teaching a course, “Caffe Latte Art.”

You can be a creative barista at home. Ideally, you need to create a pitcher of microfoam made with the steam wand of an espresso machine. If you have a separate foaming device, give it a try.

Barista Jessica Kelly demonstrates how to:

• Make a circle of five hearts
• Make one large heart
• Make a rosetta design
• Make a star design with chocolate syrup
• Make a daisy design with chocolate syrup

Make a foam heart for your Valentine.
Photo by Vinicio Capossela | SXC.

Call it “Foosball Chip.” Photo courtesy
RubyEtViolette.com.

The “foosball” chocolate chip cookie includes peanuts and Chex mix.

For a two-point conversion, order some of matching Friday Night Foosball ice cream to enjoy with your cookies.

Cookies can be ordered at RubyetViolette.com by noon (ET) on Wednesday for 2nd Day Air shipping, or by noon on Thursday, 2/3 for overnight delivery. Ice cream requires a phone order: 1.718.728.6250.

• Read our review of Ruby et Violette, a NIBBLE Top Pick Of The Week.

• For Valentine’s Day, order Ruby et Violette’s glamorous brownies and Seduction Cookies, also Top Picks of The Week.
• Find reviews of our favorite chocolate chip cookies, plus recipes, in our Gourmet Cookies Section.
• Love chocolate chip cookies? Check out the history—they were invented by accident!