No matter what holiday you celebrate, candy and sweets are always in demand during this time of year. If you're looking for something new or unique, we've got you covered. From hot cocoa bombs to marbled chocolate sourdough and peppermint bark cheesecake, here are a few ways to taste the season.
Photo contributed by The Hot Chocolatier / Trendy hot chocolate bombs and smash balls are on the list of offerings from The Hot Chocolatier this season.Hot chocolate bombs and smash balls
Where to get it: Hot Chocolatier, 1437 Market St.
For Hot Chocolatier owner Wendy Buckner, the holidays ring in with tasty, indulgent goodies - such as its popular hot chocolate bombs and smash balls.
Hot chocolate bombs are hollow balls of chocolate filled with hot cocoa and marshmallows, made to be put in a mug and covered with hot water or milk. The heat causes the balls to explode, and the marshmallows to float to the top.
The store began selling the bombs last year and had a great success with them. Available in multiple flavors, including white chocolate, dark chocolate, spicy and s'mores flavor, they've become a trendy treat.
As for the smash balls, says Buckner, those are sold with a real hammer, used to crack open the ball. Inside is filled with Christmas candy. Noting how interactive the smash balls are, she says those are a great option for kids and adults alike.
Other options from the business include their popular sipping chocolate, gelato and hot cocoa to-go boxes.
Photo contributed by Niedlov's Cafe & Bakery / Niedlov's stollen bread, says owner Erik Zilen, "can last for weeks because of how it's prepared."Marbled chocolate sourdough, stollen and bread pudding
Where to get it: Niedlov's Cafe & Bakery, 215 E Main St.
Niedlov's Christmastime stollen is a yeasted bread made with dried fruits, citrus, nuts and spices, which owner Erik Zilen describes as flaky, moist and with a good balance of all the spices. It's a popular holiday treat, but this season the bakery plans to bring some new items to the table: marbled chocolate sourdough and bread pudding.
The sourdough will be "naturally leavened," according to Zilen, "and have dutch cocoa." It looks slightly like a marbled rye bread, except sourdough replaces the rye. The bread pudding, on the other hand, will be made with Niedlov's croissant dough, says Zilen, for a "flaky, buttery texture that really just melts in your mouth." This treat will feature a caramel buttermilk syup to be poured over it. The idea is to be able to take this dessert home with you, warm it up, and then drizzle it with the syrup.
Photo contributed by Sugar B's Cheesecake Cafe / Various cheesecake flavors will be offered on a rotating basis at Sugar B's Cheesecake Cafe, along with other delicious seasonal flavors, including peppermint bark and hot cocoa, this winterPeppermint bark and hot cocoa cheesecake
Where to get it: Sugar B's Cheesecake Cafe, 6401 Hixson Pike, Hixson
Sugar B's Cheesecake Cafe in Hixson has only been open since March, but even in the brief period of time, owner Robin Lankford has well-established herself and her cafe, which is offering two delicious flavors this holiday season: peppermint bark and hot cocoa cheesecake.
"The peppermint bark [cheesecake] will have a vanilla crust with peppermint flakes in it," Lankford says. "It will be a classic cheesecake topped with whip, white chocolate drizzle and actual peppermint bark." All of the cafe's whip toppings are homemade.
The hot cocoa cheesecake, on the other hand, will feature a chocolate crust with a chocolate cheesecake, topped with mini marshmallows, milk chocolate drizzle, chocolate whip and a peppermint stick in the center - both wonderful, decadent options for the holidays.
If these don't entice you, you can choose from a list of Sugar B's specialty cheesecakes or build your own. Lankford also offers free samples, so you can try your cheesecake before you order it.
Whether it's hot cocoa cheesecake or marbled chocolate sourdough, enjoy something new this holiday season.