Chocolatiers in America: Knipschildt

If I had to choose three words to describe Fritz Knipschildt, I think “innovative, innovative, and innovative” sum him up best. If Fritz ever stops thinking about new creations, and new ways for people to enjoy them, I’m certainly not aware of it. I greatly admire the fact that this classically-trained chef came to the US from Denmark and started his own business from the ground up.

Ten years later, Knipschildt Chocolatier is still thriving, and so it deserves to be. Fritz has worked very hard, but, equally importantly, his products merit your attention. And the eye he has for design, pattern, and color assures that they’ll attract your notice.

Chocolatier Fritz Knipschildt.

Knipschildt truffles come packaged in deliciously red boxes.

At this point, there are enough goodies emerging from Fritz’s kitchen that I have a little trouble keeping track. Among his chocolates, I favor his Classic Truffles. Fritz uses Valrhona 71% Grand Cru as the base for these deeply chocolate, creamy confections that literally melt in your mouth. For those who prefer more cutting-edge flavors, you’ll find plenty of them. Knipschildt Chocolatier also makes syrups (try the Noix Au Bordeaux — Walnuts in Bordeaux — over vanilla ice cream or a good bleu cheese), dessert sauces (I especially like the Butterscotch with Key Lime), Chocolate-Dipped Pear Slices, Hot Chocolate and Coffee Sticks (with a flavored chocolate “pyramid” on the end of each), and some rather risqué “Eve Kitten” Chocolate Bars, to give you a partial line-up.

Hot Chocolate & Coffee Sticks: Dark Chocolate with Mocha, White Chocolate with Butterscotch & Whiskey and Milk Chocolate with Chai.

Eve Kitten chocolate bars – Dark Chocolate & Rose and Milk Chocolate & Coffee.

For those of you concerned with ingredients (that should be everyone!), note that Fritz proudly describes his confections, sauces, syrups, bars, etc., as all natural. That means real heavy cream, butter, sugar, herbs, fruit, and the like.

Rose Truffle Box.

Sweetheart Collection.

Ever wonder what it’s like to be a chocolatier? Knipschildt’s “Me, a Chocolatier” kits give you the chance to be one, at least for a day.

But there’s more. While you can find Fritz’s products in some retail stores and online, you can also visit his kitchen, which is half workshop and half café/chocolate lounge. There are several large windows through which you can see staff making all manner of chocolate creations, and a good-sized menu featuring savory (as well as sweet) items. The café section of this establishment, called Chocopologie, is small, and it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends. But it’s also a fun place to meet friends or just see what’s new on the always-changing menu. Chocopologie is located at 12 South Main Street in Norwalk, CT, and it’s open Wednesday through Sunday. For complete information, see the websites for Knipschildt Chocolatier, or the Chocopologie café.

Top photo by: Roboppy, Creative Commons.