Confections with Convictions
Confections with Convictions is the newest addition to the gourmet food scene in Kalamazoo Michigan. We specialize in truffles hand crafted with fair trade organic chocolate from original recipes by chocolatier Dale Anderson. We also stock organic, gourmet and fair trade chocolates from around the world. Confections with Convictions is located next to the Victorian Bakery.
Our Story
Dale Anderson, chocolatier and founder of Confections with Convictions, has worked as a counselor with young people in the court system for several years. Through this work it became clear that talk therapy-while helpful-was often not enough to overcome the many barriers they face. Dale wanted to develop a more powerful way to help them become successful members of society.
As a licensed residential builder, Dale first thought of starting a construction business to employ and train these youth on the job. This project turned out to be impossible, due to child labor laws. While he pondered next steps, he made a joke which was to become a reality.
After buying a box of artisanal chocolates, he joked that maybe he should open a chocolate shop instead-and call it Confections with Convictions. The joke reflected the fact that he intended to hire youth with criminal records, as well as his desire to incorporate socially responsible principles into his business.
The idea stuck with him, and a few months later he became convinced that it had potential. Many of the youth are kinesthetic learners-ones who learn by doing. "The work would help them learn work and life skills on a job they are paid to do. We'd use only wholesome ingredients and sustainable business practices."
Dale spent three years studying and practicing the art of making fine chocolates, and then put his construction skills to work renovating a building for his shop on Crosstown Parkway in Kalamazoo. Confections with Convictions is now open, sharing the building with another artisanal shop, The Victorian Bakery. Stop by to see Dale's inspiration put into action producing fine artisanal chocolates and fine young citizens.
Our Chocolate
All our truffles are handmade in the shop from fair trade and organic chocolate. Availability changes day by day, but there will always be a selection of interesting truffles to choose from.
Here's a partial listing of some of our favorite recipes, all developed right here in our kitchens by chocolatier Dale Anderson.
- Dark Chocolate Truffles
Mexican Hot Chocolate, Orange Cardamom, Raspberry, Honeycomb, Bittersweet, Ginger, Jasmine Green Tea, Mint, Vegan Coconut Milk, 70% Ecuadorean with Cocoa Nibs - Milk Chocolate Truffles
Hazelnut, Curry, Peanut Butter & Honey, Damson Plum, Baileys Irish Cream, Pumpkin Spice - White Chocolate
Michigan Tart Cherry, Lemon, Honey Lavender, Walnut Maple Cranberry
Our Convictions
- Making wholesome, delicious, high quality confections;
- Utilizing organically grown, Fair Trade, & locally sourced, ingredients whenever possible;
- Treating our customers, employees, and suppliers in an honest, friendly, and professional manner;
- Supporting environmental stewardship through our choices of ingredients, processes and packaging;
- Providing fair compensation for our employees, and for those whose labors provide our ingredients and supplies;
- Hiring people who have barriers to regular employment; and
- Working to make our business, community, and world more peaceful, just, joyful, and environmentally sustainable.
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