Grocer's Daughter: BTS returns to chocolatier extraordinaire in Empire, Michigan!

BTS meets up with Grocer's Daughter's store manager, Lori S. 

Some might describe an afternoon filed with chocolate and tea as incredibly scrumptious. 

At Barb's Tea Service, we call it being on assignment - but, to be sure, when at the Grocer's Daughter, it's also incredibly scrumptious.

This week, I, along with BTS podcast co-host/husband, Chris, returned to one of our favorite Michigan chocolatiers, to sip, sample and survey products for upcoming "BTS' Chocolate and Tea" programs in the new year. Tough job? Well, let's just say, while there's little danger in it being spotlighted by Mike Rowe in his brand of specialty employment focus, it's still a serious business. Seriously delicious, that is.

Sipping, sampling and surveying.

Pairing chocolate with teas for best taste experience.

We've got a bit of history with Grocer's Daughter, having met both the new and original owners just over a decade ago at a food festival in Traverse City. (Happy National Chocolate Day, BTS blog Oct.28.13) We learned not only how they sourced and prepared their chocolate, but also their passion for - and the commitment to - the journey from raw cocoa beans to quality confections.

BTS podcast co-host/"arm candy", Chris enjoying Grocer's Daughter's chocolate.

We've been consumers of their chocolate since that first meeting, but it wasn't until 2023, that we actually visited their "home" in Empire, Michigan, located on the northwest side of Michigan's lower peninsula. (Grocer's Daughter Chocolate, Feb.7.23) We indulged in hot chocolate and truffles on a cold February afternoon and came away with a bag full of bars and baking chocolate - some for friends and family, but, a good deal for us.

Grocer's Daughter chocolate store in Empire, MI

This visit, we met up with store manager, Lori S., and she guided us to through their variety of solid dark and milk chocolates and those blended with fruits and spices. We paired these up with black, green and chai teas. 

   

Now, with "BTS Chocolate and Tea" programs on the horizon for the new year (our first is already scheduled for February), we're excited to share samples from some of our favorite chocolatiers, including, most assuredly, Grocer's Daughter.