So did you get any of those cheap pre-packaged heart boxes of chocolates for Valentine’s Day?  You know, the ones where all of the chocolates taste like candle wax?  Feeling a little “downhearted” about that? Then maybe it’s time to treat yourself to some REAL chocolate.

Brummer’s Homemade Chocolates, at 125 East broad Street in Westfield, is just the ticket.   This delectable shop carries a large selection of outstanding homemade chocolate and fudge in wide variety of flavors such as butter crunch, vanilla cream, milk chocolate fudge, and much more. They also sell candies, cards, gifts and gift items. The smell of the store as you walk in must be very similar to what heaven smells like.

Fredrick Brummer came to the United States from the Saxton region of Germany back in the early 1900’s. He and his wife, Catherine, actually opened their first confectionary store, selling candy and ice cream, in Jersey City in 1904.  Jersey City was a perfect location to attract patrons from the busy traffic of trolleys and carriages heading from NJ into Manhattan. So many travelers made Brummer’s a frequent stop that a luncheonette was eventually added.

Fredrick and Catherine wife had two children, Fred Jr. and Charles Brummer, who eventually took over as the second generation of confectioners. Fred then had four children, two of whom have continued on to be the third generation of the business.  Brothers Bob and George now continue the tradition in Westfield, New Jersey,  and another shop in Vermilion, Ohio.  Both still use the same family recipes for the chocolates, the confections, and for the business itself.  While the luncheonette and ice cream counters are now gone, the candy remains a well-known staple of local residents.

George (the Westfield brother) has created the most amazing three dimensional chocolate pieces of art, including a baby grand piano, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge, and can also make chocolate bars with corporate logos in sizes up to a half pound.

Check out the website at BrummersHomemadeChocolates.com , or, better yet, stop into the local store at 125 East Broad Street in Westfield.  I defy you to walk out empty handed.