Mystery Solved

You know that popular saying, “Which came first, the chocolate coating or creamy center?” Well, maybe it’s not as popular as, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” But it’s a mystery that YOU can solve!

Go beyond Van Otis’ enticing display cases and step into a world where handmade confections are made. You can watch chocolates leave the enrobing line, as they’re coated with chocolate and individually marked by hand.

Learn about stringing, a method of marking the chocolates to indicate what’s inside, and drizzling, a method of decorating the chocolates with opposite chocolate types(white on dark, dark on milk, etc.).

Drizzling is done by dipping a dowel in melted chocolate and, well, drizzling it over another confection. Drizzling techniques are used to decorate chocolate dipped pretzels, Temptation Twinkies, Temptation Oreos,etc.

At other companies, where the chocolates are mass produced, equipment is used to drag a chain across the chocolates to create a particular design. At Van Otis, this process is still done by hand.

Join a VanOtis tour by calling 1.800.826.6847. Reservations are required, and groups ranging from 12-25 people can be accommodated.

Tours are appropriate for ages 8 and over, and the cost is just $5 per person. Enjoy an environment free of Oompa Loompas, a fun candy making activity, and of course, delicious samples!

Less Than Three

I’ve embraced texting as a mode of communication. I appreciate that it’s a really quick way to convey information without a lengthy conversation. But what I struggle with is text language – abbreviations, codes, and total disregard for grammar, punctuation, and capitalization. I’m a product of my English teachers. I fear the red pen.

Maybe I’d be more apt to embrace text abbreviations if I’d learn them. I’m certainly capable of learning. After all, I used to communicate across the classroom with my calculator turned upside down and a friendly 07734.

I do understand when I’ve made people laugh out loud or when their butts fell off while they were laughing. But for the longest time, I was concerned with all the people who thought they were less than three. I mean, I’m no ten, but I have enough self-confidence to put myself at a six on a good day.

Once I became aware that <3 is actually a disconnected heart turned sideways – of course it is - I was able to appreciate the love from these former low self-esteemed folk.

The month of February is a great time to less than three those you love with specialty items from Van Otis Chocolates. Chocolate-covered strawberries, heart-shaped boxes full of assorted chocolates, and heart truffle boxes are the perfect expression of love. Post-holiday sales offer an extended opportunity to make up for stinky carnations and cards written by someone else that didn’t truly reflect what’s in your <3.