Purdy’s unveils Valentine delights

January 12, 2012, Vancouver – Valentine's Day is going to be a little more decadent this year with the introduction of the red velvet cake truffle at Purdy's.

The inspiration behind this latest creation came from an emerging trend in the chocolate industry.

"Dessert chocolates – chocolate flavours that are similar to desserts at a bakery – are the newest trend. Our red velvet cake truffle will have your taste buds fooled into thinking you're having a piece of red velvet cake," said Gary Mitchell, Purdy's head chocolatier and creator of the truffle.

The new chocolate features a crimson centre made with real cream cheese and fresh whipping cream. The rich truffle centre of Purdy's signature 70 per cent dark chocolate is combined with the warm flavour of French vanilla for a sensational chocolate experience.

Purdy's lemontine caramel is also making a comeback. This recipe dates back to 1908 and was in stores until 2004. Purdy's signature soft vanilla caramel is infused with a twist of oil of lemon and warm golden sugar, enveloped in a creamy milk chocolate shell.

"The lemontine caramel was retired from our chocolate case to make room for new introductions. However, it's such a delicious piece and we've received a lot of customer feedback that it's going to make a limited time return in our stores," said Kriston Dean, director of chocolate merchandising and marketing.

Both the red velvet cake truffle and the lemontine caramel will be available at all Purdy's chocolate shops on Jan. 16 and will remain in stores until Valentine's Day.

The complete line of Purdy's Valentine's Day collection, including heart shaped milk and dark chocolate assortments, marshmallow hearts and chocolate heart novelties, will be available in store and online on Jan. 16.