On a recent chilly Friday afternoon, the chocolatiers at Fazio’s Chocolate are busier than Santa’s elves as they meticulously create batches of some of the shop’s most beloved seasonal candies.
Nestled in a cozy storefront in the Elm Grove Park & Shop center at 13425 Watertown Plank Road, the family-owned business – now in its 10th year of operation – has become known for its one-of-a-kind holiday truffles.
Always a foodie, Cindy Karrels started the business with her husband, Mark, after spending years as a flight attendant. Fazio is Cindy’s maiden name and a nod to her Italian heritage.
In addition to seasonal sweets, like the Christmas collection’s “Snow Crunch” truffle, featuring hand-painted iridescent swirls and crunchy vanilla bean ganache filling, the shop’s year-round product line includes a variety of truffles and vegan chocolates.
“There’s all different ways to work with chocolate. It’s a lot of trial and error to figure out what works best,” said Karrels.
-
- Karrels holds up a nearly completed tray of truffle shells, which must solidify at room temperature before being cooled.
-
- Chocolatier Claire Burkard carefully fills chocolate shells with vanilla bean ganache.
-
- A tray of completed Snow Crunch truffles wait to be placed into boxes for special orders or into a display case.
-
- ”Fallen Snow” candies are adorned with a hand-stamped white chocolate snow flake.
