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Do you speak chocolate?

By JAY CRIDLIN
Published February 10, 2007

Emily's Milk Chocolate Covered Fortune Cookies
	[Times photos: Bob Croslin]

ADVERTISEMENT Schakolad Chocolate Factory Lindt Lindor Truffles Godiva Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares Whitman's Candies Choxie Artisan Truffle Tiles Palmer's NASCAR Tony Stewart Double Crisp

Chocolate on Valentine's Day: It's so simple, so traditional, so delectable. In fact, as a gift, it seems almost too easy. How can a well-meaning man know if he has picked the right heart-shaped box for that special woman in his life? What does the chocolate you buy say about you, the amorous gift-giver? We spent an afternoon shopping for Valentine's Day chocolate. After much (*burp*) deliberation, here are our findings.

Emily's Milk Chocolate Covered Fortune Cookies

What it is: A Chinese takeout-style carton of chocolate-dipped fortune cookies, each containing a romantic message. A box of six costs $4.99. www.emilys chocolates.com

Ideal recipient: That girl you've been flirting with at work

What it says: "Please notice me! I'm quirky and funny and sweet! Let's open them together!"

Would go great with: A mix CD of indie-rock love songs by artists like Rosie Thomas and the Magnetic Fields. Just go easy on the Coldplay, okay, Mr. Braff?

Palmer's NASCAR Tony Stewart Double Crisp

What it is: A small box of foil-wrapped chocolates shaped like Stewart's No. 20 Home Depot car. A box of five is 99 cents at Target. Palmer's also makes a heart-shaped "You Might Be a Redneck" tin. www.rmpalmer.com

Ideal recipient: No one, except possibly Tony Stewart himself

What it says: "Clearly, I regard Valentine's Day as some sort of joke."

Would go great with: A pack of Camels.

Choxie Artisan Truffle Tiles

What it is: Target's premium chocolate label offers a Valentine-themed mix of its elaborately painted square truffles, including flavors like strawberry balsamic and raspberry pomegranate. A box of eight costs $7. www.target.com

Ideal recipient: Your girlfriend

What it says: "I bought your gift at Target."

Would go great with: Something that obviously didn't come from Target, so she'll know you made more than one stop while shopping for her. Try giant vase of fresh calla lilies.

Whitman's Candies

What it is: Your basic all-American heart-shaped box of nougats, nut clusters and chews. Whitman's also makes Russell Stover candies. Available, um, everywhere. www.whitmans.com

Ideal recipient: Your grandmother

What it says: "You like chocolate, right? Here's some chocolate. Enjoy."

Would go great with: A Hallmark card and a frame with your picture in it.

Lindt Lindor Truffles

What it is: Individually wrapped Swiss chocolate balls in flavors including hazelnut, peanut butter and amaretto. Available at many retailers, including Borders and Target, and Lindt shops at WestShore Plaza and Westfield Brandon. www.lindt.com

Ideal recipient: Your roommate - or anyone else within arm's reach

What it says: "You gonna eat all of those?"

Would go great with: A DVD of The Office, so you can both veg out on the couch and eat truffles together.

Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares

What it is: Creamy chocolate squares filled with thin layers of mint, raspberry or caramel. A Valentine's tin costs $8.99 at Target. www.ghirardelli.com

Ideal recipient: Your mom

What it says: "Hey, at least you didn't get the Whitman's mix."

Would go great with: The new Rod Stewart CD, assuming she didn't camp out for it the day it was released.

Godiva

What it is: The gold standard for chocolate that's pricey, yet smooth as silk and not hard to find. Locations in several malls, as well as many department stores and Barnes & Noble. A box of 14 foil-wrapped hearts is $12.50, but a large box may cost 10 times that. www.godiva.com

Ideal recipient: Your fiancee

What it says: "I love you this many dollars' worth. Also, I drive a Lexus."

Would go great with: Something that sparkles. (Actually, that would go well with any chocolate.) on this list.)

Schakolad Chocolate Factory

What it is: Whimsical works of gourmet chocolate art made on location in Tampa (408 S Howard Ave.) and downtown St. Petersburg (401 Central Ave.). About $15 for a box of 15. www.schakolad.com

Ideal recipient: Your wife

What it says: "I went out of my way to find you the sweetest, funkiest chocolates in the city."

Would go great with: A romantic weekend getaway - and maybe, if you're lucky, a set of Schakolad's chocolate handcuffs ($8).

In Taste Wednesday: Whip up a Valentine's Day surprise.

[Last modified February 9, 2007, 11:22:32]