With the chaos of Valentine’s Day behind us and the storm before the calm passing, it is important to remember to share the love all year mentally , physically and sometimes financially. As I see massively discounted massively produced chocolates dwindle from shelves alongside soft cheap socks and crappy candles, I wonder how one day of gifting candy and flowers can really show anyone how much you care for them? Wouldn’t it be more impactful if you randomly surprised your friends and loved ones with a sweet sentiment on a random Thursday?

Belle Chocolates, who has been vending with us almost a year, rarely misses a market. Owner and chocolatier Brendan had to miss once due to opening up his new Northshore retail shop with High Grounds Coffee and Farm To Med. Needless to say, he is dedicated to offering sweet treats on the other days of the year surrounding Cupid’s birthday.

Partnering with other vendors, he has made chocolate covered strawberries and blueberries and has collaborated to offer delectable dishes all over town like Pizza Cortile’s Tiramisu and Three River’s Farm Cacao Sourdough Loaves.

For a relaxing, put-your-feet-up kind of day, treat yourself with a straight bar, bon bon or bag of brittle. To share the love, bake sumptuous cookies or try this robust Rosemary Chocolate Bread. Any which way you to decide to savor it, just make sure you slow down to bask in the richness and quality of its creation— same could be said for a good relationship too.