A Better Box

A box of chocolates may be the most cliché Valentine’s Day gift, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a wonderful one. The key is to select a box that’s unique. How about a box of chocolates where the box is made of chocolate?

That’s precisely what you’ll find in Charles Chocolates’ edible chocolate boxes, created by East Bay chocolatier Chuck Siegel.

“The concept is enjoy the chocolates inside, then savor the box,” says Siegel, a small, enthusiastic man whose Emeryville factory is open to the public.
It won’t be hard to appreciate any aspect of the heart collection, the edible box Charles Chocolates makes for Valentine’s Day. The dark chocolate hearts that fill the box have creamy ganache at their center infused with the flavor of raspberries, passion fruit, or a Mojito. Siegel uses fresh butter and cream, so his chocolates don’t have much shelf life. You’ll just have to instruct your sweetheart to polish off the hearts right away, then get to work demolishing and devouring the box itself. Who knows? You might even get invited to help.

Charles Chocolates are for sale at the factory at 6529 Hollis St., Emeryville, (510) 652-4412, or online at www.charleschocolates.com.