Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Baylee’s best in chocolate
Larry Bly
Larry Bly runs an ad agency and does freelance writing in the Roanoke area.
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The fortunate few who have tasted Baylee’s Chocolates will definitely be back for more. The rest of you are in for a sweet surprise. I first experienced Baylee’s Chocolates at the most recent "Affair In The Square."
My job was to judge the desserts (heaven forbid!). I can tell you that Baylee's left quite an impression. Then I discovered that you can readily buy their chocolates right off the shelf -- but only at such select places as Tinnell's Finer Foods, Sumdat Farm Market downtown, and Back Creek Sweets & Treats, which sits 221 South toward Bent Mountain.
The product mix changes from time to time, at the whim of owner/chocolatier, Bayla Sussman. Whatever she's creating at the moment is what you're likely to see on the shelf at the aforementioned stores.
Mostly Baylee’s offers decadent truffles, toffees, S'mores, caramels, munchy mix (sort of an upscale trail mix), pretzel pops and special candies for the holidays. These include candies featuring cherries for Valentine’s Day and peppermints for Christmas. I’d say whatever Bayla decides to create is just fine with Baylee’s fans.
Bayla has been making these delightful confections for more than two years. Apparently it just comes naturally to her. She seems at ONE with chocolate, so much so that after creating some of her divine truffles (with various yummy creams inside), a friend told her, "Bayla, you're just going to have to make more of these so I can sell them."
The retail portion of her candy business is just part of what she does. Bayla also prepares specialty candies for weddings and other catering jobs, and can whip up a batch for anyone hosting that next fancy affair with a simple phone call. Her handmade chocolates definitely add a classy touch. No Whitman's Sampler, these.
I'm sitting here with a big lump of dark chocolate that surrounds a caramel, marshmallow and graham cracker inside. It’s a s'more, just like the Boy Scouts used to make, only better with dark chocolate. Best of all, there’s no campfire needed.
Baylee’s chocolates are attractively packaged in snazzy little bags, so they look as good as they taste. With Valentine's Day coming up, it just might be THE unique gift for your sweetie pie.
Baylee’s Best Chocolates
P.O. Box 20381
Roanoke, Va. 24018
1(800) 706-8016
