We're getting mighty close to the Past Presidents Night Gala. Soon we will have no more opportunities to acquire excellent goodies in our travels. My targets for this expedition were some interesting soft drinks, and a dozen very fine truffles to decorate the Chocolate Truffle Torte.

The Chocolate Truffle Torte is a great crowd-pleaser, and as the only chocolate dessert on the menu, it has to be special. It is a 4-layer chocolate cake, covered with a bitter chocolate glaze, and then adorned with fine chocolate truffles.

I know of some gorgeous chocolates at Stage Stop Candy on Cape Cod, but there's no way I will get there before the party. We were headed to Portsmouth, to Carl's Meats and Golden Harvest, and to Byrne and Carlson Chocolatiers.

I found some beautiful jellies at Byrne and Carlson, but no chocolates that would suit that cake, or at least none better than what I can get at Fedele's in Pembroke on my way to work.   

I decided to opt for Fedele's unless we could find something appropriate along the coast in Kittery, York, or Ogunquit. It was not a doomed proposition; they are all nice seaside towns, and despite the winter weather, any chocolatier was likely to be open for the Valentine's Day trade.

We got lucky and found Harbor Candy in Ogunquit, right on Route 1 downtown. The shop was busy, and with good reason. They have a fine selection of very attractive candies, lots of hand-made and local fare, local favorites, and finely-made traditional favorites. I selected a dozen pretty hearts, six each vanilla-filled with a violet pattern on top and raspberry cream filled with a red pattern on the top. I am not at all certain that I can fit all twelve ont he cake, but it won't be a serious hardship if a couple of those truffles are left over...

I'll post a photo of the cake when it is done.