GO LOCAL LOVERS >>>

Sure Valentine's Day has become a "Hallmark Holiday," but it's also a time of year when the imagination is the limit to the range of seductive attire, playthings and, of course, food available to woo your loved one. No, I'm not talking about the intimate kind; I'm talking sweets. This year, skip the checkout line at the grocery store and grab sweet treats from local businesses that put a little extra love in their recipes. Not to say that prepackaged goodies can't be sweet and yummy, but it certainly indicates that the big day may have slipped your mind. Here are five local ideas that will win over your lovva:

Celebrity Cake Studio

Voted "Best Cakes in Western Washington" by Evening Magazine, Celebrity Cake Studio is home to decadent delights. Be on the lookout for a delightful, heart-shaped New York cheesecake covered with a layer of chocolate ganache for Valentine's Day. Rich, chocolate and heart shaped, could you ask for more? 314 E. 26th St., Tacoma

Affairs Chocolates and Desserts

This one is a no-brainer. Affairs Chocolates and Desserts serves splendid baked goods of all shapes and sizes. If you're looking to surprise the kids, or have a Valentine-themed shindig, a heart-shaped cake will feed the masses in such flavors as red velvet, coconut cream and chocolate raspberry. Don't want to go big, but want big flavor? Owner Gay Landry makes decadent, sweet truffle balls of goodness packaged in a lovely little box. Chocolate ignites the brain to release endorphins that improve your mood. 2811 Bridgeport Way W., University Place

Black Door Wine Company

I am a firm believer that wine speaks the language of love. The Black Door Wine Company down the street from Tacoma's Proctor District is home (literally in a home) to a variety of vinos sure to elevate the romantic ambiance. Since I'm focusing on the sweet treats, I'd recommend their dessert wines. Champagnes and ports are also excellent ways to initiate or finalize your candlelit dinner. 3906 N. 34th St., Tacoma

Almond Roca

Made in Tacoma since 1923, Brown & Haley'smouth-watering ButterCrunch Almond Roca elegantly wrapped in gold foil is a favorite around the world. These little logs of goodness may not be heart shaped, but you outline a heart with the candy on your bed. Rather than searching local grocery store aisles, go to the source. Brown and Haley offers two outlets loaded with tins of the classic Almond Roca or its sister sweets Cashew Roca and Mocha Roca. 110 E. 26th St., Tacoma or 2105 Frank Albert Road, Fife

Sugar

Sugar, a wee little candy shop in the Proctor District, is overflowing with Valentine's Day sweets. Cheeky, kiddie Valentine candy will ignite visions of elementary school puppy love, not to mention its boxed truffles, heart shaped lollipops, Blow Pops and variety of candies in pinks, reds and whites. 3901 N. 27th St., Tacoma

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