City Buzz: Chocolates are a dream come true at Sheffield independent shop

At Easter time, there is nothing better than smelling the sweet aroma of chocolate, followed by enjoying the dreamy decadent taste.
Deborah Crump, owner of 'I Dream of Chocolate' a Sheffield-based artisan chocolate business.Deborah Crump, owner of 'I Dream of Chocolate' a Sheffield-based artisan chocolate business.
Deborah Crump, owner of 'I Dream of Chocolate' a Sheffield-based artisan chocolate business.

This time of year is literally a chocolate lovers dream come true as it becomes acceptable to eat chocolate of all different varieties at all times of day.

But where to find the perfect chocolate of your dreams? Look no further than the aptly-named ‘I Dream of Chocolate’.

Some of the products made by Deborah Crump, owner of 'I Dream of Chocolate' a Sheffield-based artisan chocolate business.Some of the products made by Deborah Crump, owner of 'I Dream of Chocolate' a Sheffield-based artisan chocolate business.
Some of the products made by Deborah Crump, owner of 'I Dream of Chocolate' a Sheffield-based artisan chocolate business.
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The business was launched by chocolate fanatic Deborah Crump 18 months ago.

Inspired by the quaint chocolate shops of France, Deborah created ‘I Love Chocolate’ to focus on beautiful handmade chocolates, focusing on fresh ingredients and fabulous natural flavours.

She said: “I’d had too many boxes of chocolates where the flavour didn’t live up to the promise, but I realised you can’t get the best flavours when they’ve been sitting on a shelf for three months.

“Time spent living in France years ago opened my eyes to the colours and aromas of the beautiful chocolate shops and since then I’d had a dream to create something like that at home.

Some of the products made by Deborah Crump, owner of 'I Dream of Chocolate' a Sheffield-based artisan chocolate business.Some of the products made by Deborah Crump, owner of 'I Dream of Chocolate' a Sheffield-based artisan chocolate business.
Some of the products made by Deborah Crump, owner of 'I Dream of Chocolate' a Sheffield-based artisan chocolate business.
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“I now create artisan chocolates, all made in small batches to ensure freshness of flavour. They are made with local ingredients wherever possible, such as cream and honey. I don’t add any nasties to them to prolong shelf life as they are made to be enjoyed fresh within a few weeks.”

Deborah creates different flavours to reflect the seasons, and her tempting choices include gingerbread truffles in the autumn and winter to lavender truffles in the spring.

Her chocolate bars are packed with fun flavour combinations, such as a bar which is a tribute to Eton Mess with strawberries and meringue paired with creamy white chocolate.

The most popular products at the moment are, of course, Easter themed. Alongside Deborah’s traditional handmade and white and milk Easter eggs, which are decorated with strawberries and butterscotch, you could also try a blue or green marbled Easter egg which is made with white chocolate and provides a delectable treat with a difference. Alternatively, there is a box of hot cross bun chocolates. Making another Easter favourite even better by creating it in chocolate form, these are made with milk and orange chocolate with hits of cinnamon. Encouraging people to buy from her this Easter, Deborah said: “You know you’re getting something fresh and it is special to have something that you knowhas been handmade for the person you are giving to. I love making chocolates and the smiles they bring to people’s faces.”