Sandy Charbonneau of the Candy Shoppe in downtown Port Orchard.

Fine chocolate is a gift that touches the senses. Its mere fragrance is enough to tempt most people. Combine that with the elegance of delicate truffles or the whimsical appeal of a hand painted chocolate tie, and you have a gift fit for any business acquaintance. It’s a gift that fits any age group and never goes out of style. What’s more, the recipient doesn’t have to go any farther than his mouth to find a place to put it.

According to Jackie Souza, owner of Goodies in Bremerton, “Chocolate isn’t just for women. Men come in with cravings too.” Sandy Charbonneau, co-owner of The Candy Shoppe in Port Orchard, agrees. Medical research shows the pleasure inducing chemicals in chocolate affect men and women the same way.

Kitsap County has much to offer those in search of fine chocolate.

Port Orchard can claim The Candy Shoppe, right downtown. The Charbonneau family produces their own fudge from over 100 recipes. Custom orders are welcome, whether they be for dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or sugar free varieties. Fudge can be poured in 1/4 pound blocks and put in boxes that hold your business card on the top. In addition to their fudge, the family carries an incredible variety of chocolates from around the world, from chocolate Christmas tree ornaments to chocolate ties, sugar free to lactose free. Any of their treats can be custom packaged and wrapped at your request. If you don’t see it, ask.

Bremerton is the home of Goodies, on Burwell. Jackie Souza prides herself on providing chocolates with the best appearance, taste and texture she can find. She carries gourmet truffles big enough to share, and festively wrapped little jewels that beat the socks off Frangos. Having found many in the community who travel,

Karen Suther of Boehm’s Chocolates in Poulsbo

Silverdale’s Kitsap Mall boasts See’s Candies, Seattle Fudge, and Candy Tyme. See’s Candies is a west coast favorite. Their kiosk at the north end of the mall has a variety of pre-packaged chocolates in a variety of sizes. Seattle Fudge, near the food court, makes a variety of fudge flavors on a daily basis. Try mixing and matching flavors to provide several different tastes in the box. Candy Tyme, also near the food court, sells a variety of treats in bulk. They have quite a collection of unique containers you can purchase and fill with chocolates and other goodies.

Poulsbo’s Boehm’s Chocolates, on Front Street, is a local tradition. Their handmade chocolates and truffles bring people back year after year. Their pre-filled containers range in size from a “truffle suitcase,” containing two truffles, up to three-pound boxes. Beautiful holiday tins come pre-filled or can be custom filled with any combination of chocolates, truffles, sugar-free chocolates, and other delicacies. Due to the shop’s popularity, you may want to call in large custom orders.

When purchasing chocolate for your business acquaintances, there are a few things to remember. First, even a little something can make someone feel special. Almost every store mentioned can provide beautifully wrapped individual truffles and other chocolates. Second, purchase a few extra for those last minute gifts, or the person you didn’t know two weeks ago. You never know when that little bit of thoughtfulness will tip the scales. Finally, with chocolate, there are no leftovers.

(Editor’s Note: Lora-Jean Piper is a freelance journalist and English teacher from Port Orchard. She can be reached by email at journalist@lora-jean.com.).