Samantha Stephenson krost
Bio
Samantha, a Florida-based chocolatier and Mindy’s Munchies franchisee, blends creativity & craft in every piece. With years of chocolate-making experience, she shares expert tips, flavor insights, & gift ideas through her seasonal writing.
Stories (8)
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Top 10 Chocolate Covered Fruits That Make the Perfect Treat
Something lovely happens when fruit meets chocolate. It’s almost like they were meant to find each other. The chocolate melts just enough to hug the fruit, and together they make something that feels both fancy and fun.
By Samantha Stephenson krost2 months ago in Feast
10 Creative Ways to Gift an Assorted Chocolate Platter for Any Occasion
Gifting an assorted chocolate platter has become one of the most delightful ways to celebrate just about anything. From birthdays to thank-yous, there’s something magical about opening a box full of colorful, delicious treats. In the USA, chocolate gifting is only getting bigger and better, with premium flavors, fancy packaging, and creative presentation adding extra excitement. Here’s a guide to making your chocolate gifts as fun and unique as the occasions themselves.
By Samantha Stephenson krost3 months ago in Feast
How to Store Your Chocolate to Keep It Fresh & Delicious
Chocolate is more than just a treat; it’s a tiny treasure that makes ordinary days brighter. A bite of chocolate can turn a bad day into a good one, a boring afternoon into a fun moment, and celebrations into memorable events. But chocolate isn’t like chips or cookies that you can toss around without care. It’s sensitive and needs attention if you want it to stay shiny, smooth, and delicious. A little care now means every bite feels like magic later.
By Samantha Stephenson krost4 months ago in Humans
7 Creative Ways to Present Chocolate Gifts for Holidays and Events
Once relegated to the sidelines—birthdays, Valentine’s Day, the odd anniversary—chocolate has been creeping into the center stage of gift-giving, unnoticed but unstoppable. Not with fireworks or grand gestures, but more like a slow, steady seep, the kind that sneaks in while you’re not looking. The numbers back it up: by 2025, the U.S. chocolate market is expected to near $25 billion, a good chunk of that dedicated to chocolates meant not just to eat but to wrap, present, and cherish.
By Samantha Stephenson krost5 months ago in Feast
From Bitter to Better How Dark Chocolate Boosts Health Naturally
There's something almost magical about breaking off a square of rich, velvety dark chocolate and letting it slowly melt on your tongue. That moment of pure bliss isn't just delicious—it might actually be good for you! Dark chocolate has journeyed from ancient Mesoamerican ceremonial drink to modern superfood, captivating both our taste buds and our wellness routines. Let's unwrap the delightful world of dark chocolate together and discover how this incredible treat can transform from bitter to better for your health.
By Samantha Stephenson krost6 months ago in Feast
6 New Realities of Chocolate Consumption You Should Know
Chocolate continues to be America’s favorite confection. Recent figures from Euromonitor and the National Confectioners Association place 2024 retail sales near 22 billion, representing more than one−third of total U.S. candy spending. Dollar growth has averaged just over 3 percent annually since 2018 and is forecast to accelerate to roughly 3.5–4 percent each year through 2028, when sales may touch the 30 billion mark. Premium bars, artisanal truffles, and “better-for-you” formats—reduced-sugar, plant-based, or high-cacao—are expanding almost twice as fast as standard offerings, while online chocolate revenue now exceeds $1 billion a year.
By Samantha Stephenson krost7 months ago in Feast
10 Best Chocolate Flavor Trends for 2025: New Innovations & Consumer Demand
The global appetite for chocolate keeps expanding, but the conversation has shifted from simple “dark vs. milk” debates to complex questions about origin, processing, health benefits, and sustainability. The Chocolate Confectionery market is set for steady growth, with 24 billion in revenue projected for 2025 and a CAGR of 3.59%, with average consumption at 3.7kg per person. The market is expected to reach 1.37 billion kg by 2030, with a 1.4% volume growth anticipated in 2026. Growing interest in plant-based diets, ethical sourcing, and experiential snacking is steering producers toward bolder ingredient pairings and novel textures.
By Samantha Stephenson krost7 months ago in Feast
Why Handmade Chocolates Make the Best Corporate Gifts
Networking and maintaining professional connections are critical in today’s corporate world. Showing appreciation to loyal clients, greeting newcomers, and celebrating employee milestones are important aspects in improving organizational relations. A thoughtfully selected gift can build stronger connections and greatly show appreciation and gratitude in any business setting.
By Samantha Stephenson krost7 months ago in Feast
