Last Minute Sweets For Your Sweet Treat At Katherine Anne Confections
By Lisa White in Food on Feb 14, 2015 5:00PM
(A selection of handmade marshmallows at Katherine Anne Confections./Photo: Lisa White)
The dreaded (or delightful to some) holiday of all things love is right on top of us and if you haven’t bought your sweet something sweet just yet, you're likely in the danger zone. We of course did our research in advance and are off the hook, which included stopping by Katherine Anne Confections (2745 W. Armitage Ave) late last month during their February preview party. If you aren’t familiar with the preview parties at Katherine Anne, you’re missing out on one of the sweetest deals and perfect date nights around. Katherine Anne keeps their truffle, caramel and marshmallow menu full of creative and seasonal favorites. To celebrate their newest additions, they host a party before the confections make their store debut. It's an ideal event for the sweet tooth in your life and, dare we say, reservations to the next event with perhaps a box of truffles from Katherine Anne would make the perfect last minute gift for that special someone in your life.
(Tastings of pomegranate citrus and strawberry mint truffles./Photo: Lisa White)
The preview parties are hosted in the kitchen of Katherine Anne, trays of truffles cut into bite size pieces, urns of wax paper wrapped caramels and slices of marshmallows are spread out for the taking. Wine is served as well as savory bites from FIG catering. When you check-in you receive a tasting note menu, so you can provide feedback to the chocolatiers. Food is plentiful, this past preview had trays piled high with spring rolls, deviled eggs, sandwiches and other handheld bites, they don't skimp on the wine and have a nice selection and variety, and the candy of course never runs out.
(On the left a classic chocolate raspberry truffle and on the right a passionfruit and black tea truffle./Photo: Lisa White)
Although we've never met a truffle we didn't like, we of course had a few favorites. Despite not being a huge fan of white chocolate, the passionfruit and black tea truffle was able to tame the typical overtly sweet ingredient. The tang of passionfruit and earthiness from the tea dialed back the sugar and a small dusting of salt added a nice savory touch. If you like something a bit darker with more of a kick, the Mayan cherry truffle would be our pick to try. A mix of bittersweet and semisweet chocolate mixed with tart cherry juice, cinnamon, cayenne and habanero spice is topped with a dried cherry. The heat isn't overpowering but leaves a bit of burn on your tongue and the balance of the two types of chocolate keeps it sweet with just the right amount of bitter.
(Handmade seasonal caramels./Photo: Lisa White)
A few of the caramel options stood out ahead of the pack as well. Our favorite of the group was the banana bourbon caramel. Pureed bananas and honey caramel infused with FEW Spirits bourbon is blended into a bite that almost had a crème brûlée aftertaste and reminded us of a bananas foster. The cherry earl grey Fleur de Sel that was dipped in bittersweet chocolate and topped with dried cherries and smoked sea salt was another fine example of the balance offered at Katherine Anne, a menu where no treat verges into the too sweet category. Balance is key when you work with assertive ingredients and it's nice to enjoy candy that finds that sweet spot.
It's no surprise given the quality and taste that Katherine Anne earned a top spot on our favorite chocolate shops list, but for a truly unique and behind-the-scenes experience, stop in during one of their preview parties. Preview party dates are listed already through May and you can purchase tickets on their site (then print them out and put them in a delightful Valentine's Day card). Trust us, a thoughtful and creative promise of a night of wine and truffles sure beats whatever last minute gift you'll find at Walgreens today.