A Chocolate Lover's Dream

What is better after a long day of classes than a leisurely walk into town to get some chocolate? Probably nothing if you were looking for a definitive answer. The weather may not be ideal, a little chilly and gloomy but, like many other things, chocolate can quickly fix the mood.

If you don’t know where the best place to get chocolate in New Paltz is then I am here, coming to your rescue. Krause’s Chocolates on Church Street in New Paltz across from Suruchi Indian Restaurant is a chocolate lover’s wet dream. 

Krause's Chocolates: Church Street, New Paltz

My boyfriend and I traipsed into town on a Monday afternoon, knowing that the shop was closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays oddly enough. I know that the chilly walk into town was going to be worth the potent flavors that awaited my taste buds inside the quaint brick building.

            Upon entering the shop my senses were overwhelmed, in a good way. The place is relatively new so the smell of carpentry, pungent scents of wood and art supplies crept into my nose, but on top of that the luscious smell of gooey, melty chocolate took center stage. The décor was simple and the people were friendly, very fitting in the town of New Paltz.

            I knew I was going into the store to buy my father a birthday present because, like me, he is a chocoholic. But could I really leave without something for myself? Hardly. So Greg (the aforementioned boyfriend) and I chose about 11 chocolates to fill up the half pound box (about $7.25 depending on weight) which was much harder than expected, considering there were a myriad of choices.

Inside of Krause's Chocolates; a myriad of choices

Of course we were somehow able to make the necessary choices and move on to the more exciting part of the experience, taste testing! The first thing that we noticed was that all of the chocolates looked so homey and rustic, they obviously didn’t contain any kind of preservatives or the traditional chemicals that are found in your typical Mars bar. Even the pickiest of eaters (Greg) would have been excited to delve into this cornucopia of treats.

We devised a system to go about testing each of these treats and because we couldn’t remember what each one contained it was a little bit mysterious and slightly daunting. It was decided that we would cut each in half and each take a taste of each.

And now I will do you the favor and save you the time of doing this taste test yourself (although I know I would want to take the challenge on for myself, the chocolate is just that good)!

A Tour For Your Taste Buds

The chocolate covered graham cracker: This was one of the most simple chocolates of the bunch, the layer of chocolate was a little on the thicker side but had a very smooth and milky texture.

The coconut cream: Definitely Greg’s second favorite; this chocolate is reminiscent of a classic Mounds bar, only homemade and a much more pungent coconut flavor.

The chocolate cream: To me, this chocolate was a little odd. I bit into it not remembering what exactly the flavor was supposed to be. Greg told me it was in fact chocolate cream but I could have sworn there was some other flavor in there, maybe almond? But regardless the chocolate was still delicious, just a bit confusing to my amateur taste. 

The chocolate raspberry: This chocolate was very flavorful and contained much more raspberry flavor than I was expecting (but lots of pretty pink dust), and too much for Greg’s liking. Continually the strong flavors amazed me because apparently I am not well versed in gourmet chocolates.

The orange cream: This was another super flavorful chocolate and quite messy having radioactive orange color oozing out of the dark chocolate coating, but still quite delicious (not that I really found one particularly gross).

The chocolate mocha: This chocolate tasted like I had been given a cup of coffee straight from Starbucks, I really enjoyed how strong the coffee flavor was and any avid coffee drinker or even barista would definitely agree.

The chocolate and peanut butter: This is simple and relatable, just think classy Reeses.

The chocolate marshmallow: I bet if you combined this chocolate with the graham cracker chocolate and sit in front of a fire you’ve got yourself the making of some delectable s’mores, bringing it back to our childhood.

The buttercream chocolate: This is one chocolate that confused me personally. I’m not entirely sure what buttercream flavor is supposed to be and I’m still not. It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy the taste; I just couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was. If you try it and figure it out, let me know!

The caramel: Another chocolate Greg won’t touch but for anyone who enjoys the simple things then this is it, classic chocolate and caramel.

The cookie dough: Greg’s all-time favorite of the night. Eating the cookie dough is everyone’s favorite part of making cookies and now here’s the opportunity to eat it covered in chocolate, there is nothing better than that.

If you like chocolates and are looking for either a gift or just something to satiate that sweet tooth and the child within Krause’s is the place to go. From gummies to truffles to chocolate covered potato chips they offer it all. Along with a pleasant and helpful staff this quaint, local stop should be on every foodies list.