Montclair’s “ihearttruffles” Owner Loves Chocolate Treat!

“I have a passion for chocolate, and I wanted to turn that passion into a successful business,” said Judith Antelman of Montclair, creator and owner of “ihearttruffles”.

Antelman, who recently returned to Montclair after living for awhile in New York City, makes every delicious treat by hand, using only the purest organic ingredients.

“I never use preservatives or flavored oils; I use real fruit, herbs, and fresh coffee beans that I grind myself,” she explained.

The history of truffles, she explained, is based on a fortunate mistake.

Apparently, one day in the 1920s, the French culinary giant Auguste Escoffier was working in his kitchen when his apprentice attempted to make pastry cream. The apprentice accidentally poured hot cream into a bowl of chococolate chunks rather than the bowl of sugared egg he was supposed to add it to. As the chocolate and cream mixture hardened, he found he could mold it into a bumpy ball. After rolling it in cocoa powder, a delicious treat was born.

“The assistant to the famous French chef Escoffier accidently mixed pure chocolate with cream," she said. "That was the beginning of the truffle, which is shaped like the mushroom for which it is named."

Antelman prefers dark chocolate truffles herself, but she will make milk chocolate truffles, as well as exotic flavors with liqueurs and even organic pumpkin. The latter was a special version she created for Thanksgiving, she noted.

“I always loved truffles, but I couldn’t find any made with real ingredients, so I started experimenting 15 years ago in my own kitchen, making truffles for myself and as gifts for friends," Antelman said. “People love truffles for important occasions, like birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and especially for Valentine’s Day."

Antelman expects to be busy with orders large and small for the romantic holiday coming up on February 14.

“My truffles are a good product, wholesome and organic. Chocolate makes us happy ... especially women!” she said with a smile.

For more information about flavor selection and prices, and to order truffles, go here.

Or you can call 917-647-3270.