During Christmas, I like to give the gift of chocolate. For years, I've supported the somewhat mundane tradition of gifting boxed chocolates. Initially, I started with the classic Hershey's "Pot of Gold" in the original long black rectangular boxes. They have been and will continue to be a tradition in my family. We open a box on Christmas morning when we unwrap our gifts. I have fond memories of opening presents while enjoying a sweet morsel of chocolate. Later, I moved to Laura Secord chocolates. I even dabbled in Godiva and Stubbe.

Stubbe is a family-run company that has been making premium Chocolates since 1845 in Germany. The first Canadian store opened in 1989. Today, there are two locations, one in Ottawa (375 Dalhousie Street) and one in Toronto. This Christmas, to my delight, my manager gave out boxes of Stubbe chocolates to his employees.

Stubbe Chocolates

Hand-made Chocolates at their best
Please note that Stubbe is very highly regarded by the online community at the Ottawa Foodies website.

During the past two Christmases, I have given up gifting boxed chocolates in favor of hand crafting gift baskets. I do this for three reasons: 1) boxed chocolates can be purchased at almost any department store these days, 2) each basket can be personalized for its recipient, and 3) nothing breaks my heart more than seeing anemic Christmas baskets that are propped up with paper instead of sweets.

Take for instance the following baskets that I found from Dollarama.

Sad Christmas Baskets

Barely alive, we can rebuild them. We have the technology. We have the capability to build a better basket. These will be they. Better than they were before. Better, fuller, more satisfying.

Firstly, I dismantled the original baskets and binned the candies. The were nothing more than poor facsimiles of Werther's Originals anyways.

Binned with Prejudice

Secondly, I rebuilt them with proper Christmas chocolates: Ferrero Rocher, Liquor Chocolate Bottles, Lindor Lindts, Moritz Icy Squares, and individual boxes of Russel Stover chocolates.

LIndor Lindts

and other proper Christmas chocolates

Rebuilt Baskets
And yes, I usually raid the local Giant Tiger for provisions.

Thirdly, I re-wrapped them in cellophane.

Re-Wrapped

Observe! Christmas baskets with substance :)

Santa Basket

Bear Basket

Each basket found a grateful home!

Particulars:
Giant Tiger
1085 Wellington Street

Stubbe Chocolates, Ottawa
375 Dalhousie Street
(613)241-1040



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